Issuu

...towards a better life for the people

VOL. 25: NO. 62631

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

Buhari sends supplementary budget to Senate, seeks to borrow N2.1 trn

Pro-Biafra protesters tear Nigerian flag

See story on Page 15

•As thousands demonstrate in Aba •Court orders DSS to produce Nnamdi Kanu Nov 23 •MASSOB is selfish — The Igbo Conscience

NJC sacks P-Harcourt judge for misconduct 13

Oil marketers vow to end scarcity 4 soon Dangote loses N1 trn net worth in one year 8

Mr & Mrs

RECOVERED—Commander of Operation Pulo Shield, Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola(R); showing a cache of arms and ammunition recovered during a raid on pirates' hide-out in Ekeremor, Bayelsa on Tuesday. Photo: NAN.

COLUMNISTS: Raymond Dokpesi's s**t and PDP's ceiling fan •P.17

Buhari and the Biafra protests •P.19

Committees of all Chiefs, no Indians •P.19

Trials, travails of society’s martial arm Nigerians 30 years old or less may never know that the country once had a police force that citizens feared and respected. See our special report on Monday.

2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015— —3

C M Y K

4—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

PDP, presidency in war of words over killer squad By Henry Umoru & Levinus Nwabughiogu

BUJA—THE P e o p l e s Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, raised alarm over the recruitment of a killer squad purportedly arranged by the Presidency to eliminate the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, its highest man in government. Also alleged to be in the firing line of the alleged killer squad by the PDP are the Acting National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus; Board of Trustees, BoT Acting Chairman, Bello Haliru Mohammed; National Secretary, Prof. Adewale Oladipo, members of the National Working Committee, NWC; Senate Minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio; House of Representatives Minority leader, Honourable Leo Ogor and other stakeholders, Leaders and elders of PDP. The accusation was immediately dismissed by the presidency which accused the opposition party of ridiculing itself with fathom allegations. The Presidency, therefore, asked the PDP to stop embarrassing itself before the Nigerian populace which it said knows the truth. Addressing journalists, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, however, drew the attention of President Buhari to what he described as a disturbing development, stressing that the onus was on him to come out clear and moderate the political temperature of the country by “calling his overbearing party members and security officials to order.” Metuh said: “There was brazen attempt at the life of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu on his way to work bringing to the fore, fears that the era of political assassination may have returned to our dear country. The PDP does not mince words in holding the APC responsible for the Tuesday attempt on the life of the Deputy Senate President. As you are well aware, APC leaders have not hidden their bitterness and resentment towards Senator Ekweremadu, whose offence is the privilege of being elected as Deputy Senate President, in line with the Standing Rules of the Senate and provisions of C M Y K

the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Is it not shocking that Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in furtherance of their plan to take over the office of the Deputy Senate President, went ahead at plenary today to occupy his seat and attempted to assume the duties associated with that office?'' “Intelligence information available to us, however, indicates that Senator Ekweremadu is not an isolated target, as notable PDP leaders, including our Acting BOT Chairman, Bello Haliru Mohammed, Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus National Secretary, Prof. Adewale Oladipo and members of the National Working Committee, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, House Minority leader, Hon. Leo Ogoh among others have also been penciled down for assassination.''

L-R: Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; and Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, during a courtesy visit to the Governor’s Office by the police boss, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

Oil marketers vow to end fuel scarcity •NNPC deploys 38 million litres of fuel nationwide By Michael Eboh

IL marketers, yesterday, promised to support measures put in place by the Federal Government to end the fuel crisis currently witnessed across the country in the next couple of days. This was even as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, stated that 37.97 million litres of fuel, comprising about 557 truckloads of the products were distributed to petrol stations across the country, Tuesday, November 17, 2015. A statement by the NNPC in Abuja, said the marketers, at the end of a strategy session convened by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu to address the fuel situation, pledged in unison to end the fuel queues as soon as possible. The oil marketers in attendance at the meeting included members of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association, DAPPMA and the Jetty and Petroleum Tank Farm Owners of Nigeria, JEPTFON. Kachikwu urged the marketers to pick up the gauntlet and activate all necessary machinery and mechanism to guarantee unimpeded distribution of petroleum products across the country. While pledging to eliminate all bottlenecks to fast track the process, Kachikwu urged the oil marketers to see the initiative as a national call to action. “We have gotten DPR, PEF and PPPRA to be a bit more

flexible with the rules to allow for more movement of trucks and products massively,” he said. Speaking on behalf of MOMAN, Femi Olawore, Secretary General of the Association was emphatic that the majors are willing and ready to work with the Petroleum Ministry and the NNPC to restore normalcy to the fuel situation. “For us there is only one thing that we know how to do and that is to sell petroleum products in accordance with the law. For us it is just a matter of few days before we get to normalcy,” Olawore intoned. He noted that MOMAN will never do anything that is against prevailing regulations on the supply and distribution of petroleum products.

Commitment of members Dapo Abiodun, leader of the DAPPMA delegation pledged the commitment of his members to work towards the achievement of Federal Government’s objective in ensuring free flow of petroleum products across the country. Chief Ifeanyi Uba, Chairman of JEPTFON while pledging the readiness of the petroleum tank farm owners to support the initiative, called for government assistance in clearing the perennial traffic carnage at the Apapa loading gantries. In the area of fuel supply across Nigeria, the amount of fuel dispatched across the country represented a 0.8 per cent decline

or 0.308 million litres less than the 38.278 million litres distributed to oil marketers across the country on Monday. Giving a breakdown of supply in its ‘Fuel Dispatch Report to Filling Stations,’ the NNPC stated that 5.74 million litres of fuel was dispatched to petrol stations from the Suleja depot; 1.514 million was dispatched from the Kaduna depot, Kano depot gave out 3.87 million litres while Gusau depot sent out 1.589 million litres. Mosimi, Satellite and Ilorin depots dispatched 4.33 million litres, 2.55 million litres and 0.585 million litres respectively, to oil marketers; Ore depot sent out 0.427 million litres; while Ibadan and Gombe depots dispatched 1.107 million litres and 2.395 million litres respectively. Others are: Enugu depot - 2.933 million; Makurdi depot - 1.58 million; Port

Harcourt depot - 0.033 million litres among others. In other words, the report stated that 154 trucks were dispersed to petrol stations in Abuja and environs from the Suleja depot; 38 trucks, 84 trucks and 39 trucks were dispatched from the Kaduna, Kano and Gusau depots respectively. Others are: Mosimi depot - 125 trucks; Ilorin depot - 74 trucks; Ore depot - 11 trucks and Ibadan depot - 32 trucks. Meanwhile, the fuel crisis situation continued yesterday, with long queues still visible in most petrol stations in Abuja. However, almost all the petrol stations were dispensing the product, obviously, for fear of sanctions, following the warning of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu.

FG bans importation of gen sets

HE Federal government has banned the importation of a very common brand of generators locally called “I better pass my neighbour”. The Controller, Federation Operations Unit Zone A, Lagos of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Madugu Sanni Jubrin, who disclosed this, yesterday, said, “the smaller generators have been banned by the Federal Government because it is causing air pollution and destruction of our lungs and breathing system. “That is why they have banned

it but people are still interested in smuggling them in, that is why we intercepted them. If you go to the market, you still see them because people have imported them before the ban. So it is the leftover they had before the ban that they are selling because the law did not backdate the ban and it is not an absolute prohibition. It is prohibition by trade which means you cannot bring it in large quantity and sell to the public. That is the type of prohibition we have on this but if you buy one piece, Customs will not seize it”.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

EBONYI LEGAL YEAR: From left, Wife of the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rachel Umahi, Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Justice Aloy Nwankwo, Governor David Umahi, and wife of the Chief Judge, Mrs. Lilian Nwankwo, during the opening of the 2015/2016 Legal Year of the Ebonyi State Judiciary at Abakaliki on Monday.

$2.9bn arms deal: My story, by Dasuki By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor & Kingsley Omonobi

B U J A —

F O R M E R National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, retd, whose arrest was ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday over allegations of fictitious award of arms supply contracts, yesterday, countered the Federal Government. He alleged a deliberate campaign to rubbish him by the present administration. President Buhari ordered Dasuki’s arrest after receiving an interim report of the panel set up on August 31 to probe arms procurement between 2007 and 2015, which allegedly indicted him and others. Asserting that he is

neither a thief nor treasury looter, Dasuki alleged that a number of prominent actors of the present administration were key participants in the purchase of arms, even as he stated his readiness for trial to prove his innocence. The response from Dasuki was his second in as many days and followed the first rebuttal late Tuesday to the presidency’s statement ordering his arrest. Meanwhile, to enforce the presidential directive, operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, have stepped up their presence in the residence of the embattled former National Security Adviser.

My story, by Dasuki

Dasuki in his statement denying the allegations

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO PPORTUNITY hardly walks past an expectant heart. Expectation opens your eyes to see what others don’t and encourages you to prepare adequately for your harvest. Be Expectant! It’s up to you.

TAKE HEART BY ELLA RANDLE

Happiness is largely a matter of choice — Marlena Bielecka

HAT makes you happy? If you’ve asked yourself how to become a happier person, this is already a good sign. Happiness is not something that happens to us by chance? Being happy is an achievable and learnable skill,which requires constant work on your attitude and it depends on how you interpret your life situation.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE Anything born by a snake must be long.

against him said: “In a th eatrical manner, the

Presidency fed the public with many allegations against my person and yet-to-be-named former public officers. "To draw sympathy, the presidency quoted some absurd findings including extra-budgetary interventions; award of fictitious contracts; 53 failed contracts; payment for jobs without contractual agreements; nonexecution of contracts for the purchase of four (4) Alpha jets, bombs and ammunition. "For undiscerning Nigerians, they may tend to assume that the allegations were true and pronounce the former National Security Adviser guilty as charged. “The statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity (to the President), Mr. Femi Adesina, who should know better as a former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and a witness to history, was nothing short of propaganda to cast aspersions on Dasuki. “To set the records straight, Nigerians should appreciate that the AVM John Ode-led panel did not invite the ex-NSA under any guise before arriving at its ambiguous findings. At least, fairness demands that the panel ought to hear from Dasuki instead of its recourse to hasty conclusions. If the panel had been more patient and painstaking, it would have been availed of all relevant documents on some of the jaundiced findings. “As if acting a script, the Presidency alleged that the panel accused Dasuki of awarding fictitious contracts between March 2012 and March 2015. Contrary to this claim, Dasuki was not the NSA in March 2012 and he could not have awarded any contract in whatever

name. The ex-NSA was appointed by exPresident Goodluck Jonathan on June 22, 2012. “All contracts and accruing payments were with the approval of the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces. Once the ex-President approved, the former NSA paid. So, there was due process for every purchase in line with regulations guiding arms procurement for the Armed Forces. "And Nigerians should note that all the services generated the types of equipment needed, sourced for suppliers most times and after consideration by the Office of the NSA, the President will approve application for payment. For sensitive sectors (military/security), there was no room for awarding fictitious contracts. The conclusions of the panel were presumptive, baseless and lacked diligence. "There were no fictitious contracts; contract sums were not diverted and the relevant services in writing acknowledged delivery of equipment. For all procurements, the Nigerian Army, the Air Force and the Nigerian Navy have their contractors. “While awaiting judicial process on these allegations, it is proper to make some references to show that the presidency was just desperate to hang some former public and

military officers who served this nation at the risk of their lives.

Delivery of purchased aircraft, arms, ammunition

“It is laughable for the panel to assume that 4 Alpha jets and 12 helicopters were undelivered. In a memo to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), referenced NAF/ 905/D/CAS of November 28, 2014, the immediate past Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Adesola Amosu acknowledged the receipt of the 4x Alpha jets attack aircraft and the helicopters. "On October 21, 2014, the Chief of Air Staff also confirmed the receipt of F7 N1 aircraft combination of 250kg bombs and accessories at $2,894,000 with the cost of freight at $1,200,000. The same Air Force confirmed getting 2xTri Shield 36DG Tactical radars. “In another letter of December 1, 2014 signed by L.S. Alao (on behalf of the Chief of Air Staff), the Air Force said it received five containerized fuel storage and dispensing units with equipment. "The Nigerian Army wrote the ONSA to

acknowledge the delivery of 14 armoured tanks. In a December 13, 2014 memo, the Brigade of Guards thanked ONSA for releasing N30m for

RCA, Operation allowance for Troops on Op Urban Sweep II for third and fourth quarters of 2014. This is apart from the installation of CCT Cameras at the Brigade Headquarters, 2 backscatter bomb detection vans and other equipment. “On November 26, 2014, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh sought for approval of the award of one pair of uniform(in the interim) for the Armed Forces at N165, 375 to El-Jahab Mubarak Nigeria and N330,750,000 for two pairs. “These are some of the acknowledgement letters submitted to me by the end-users (the services). It is not for me to go and find out whether the equipment were delivered or not. I am not the one keeping the inventories. “To show that I have nothing to hide, I submitted a comprehensive list of all requests for procurements by the services, the items bought and those equipment being awaited to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari long before I left office. If there were issues, I should have been questioned. I was just the clearing house; I did not award contracts to my company or proxies. There was no contract awarded or equipment bought without approval from the then President and Commander-InChief. I am not a thief or treasury looter as being portrayed. “In order not to endanger the nation’s security, there are many salient issues and contracts which I cannot put in public domain. I am

ready for trial on all these allegations in order to prove to Nigerians that I did nothing untoward in office. We will certainly meet in court. “I have a lot to tell Nigerians but in the interim, they should not believe some of the allegations as the gospel

truths. The good thing is that some of the key actors in the present administration were parts of the past process being viciously challenged. “As for my tenure as the nation’s NSA, I acted in the interest of the nation and with utmost fear of God. I did not use the office for any self-serving agenda. I occupied the Office of the National Security Adviser at a difficult moment in Nigerian history when terrorism was at its peak and I am leaving posterity to judge me accordingly”.

DSS closes in on Dasuki, increases presence in his home

Meanwhile, a visit to the ex-NSA’s house on 13 John Khadiya Street in the high scale Abuja neighbourhood last night, showed that the DSS had reinforced its presence since Tuesday evening. Vanguard correspondent found out that no fewer than six DSS men had taken various positions around the neighborhood. But only an operational truck of the service was left by the side of the entrance to the massive compound while two service men sat there discussing. A few metres away, another service truck with armed operatives parked by, observing movements in and around the area but they did not speak to anyone. Three other vehicles with unknown persons inside, were also parked nearby but the occupants merely discussed among themselves. It was not clear if Dasuki was in the expansive compound, sandwiched between the Akwa Ibom Governor’s Lodge and the home of late ex-Bayelsa governor, DSP Alamieyeseigha. Dasuki’s neighbours have been subjected to the sustained presence of the DSS officials in the past four weeks following the attempt by the service to arrest and prevent him from traveling abroad for medical attention.

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 , 2015

Why our group killed several persons —Suspected cultist E

By Esther Onyegbula

KPOMA—OPERATIVES of the Federal Special AntiRobbery Squad, FEDSARS, have arrested four notorious cultists terrorizing Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Delta State University Abraka and its environs. Vanguard gathered that the suspects, identified as Enahoro Benedict Lucky, 21; a.k.a Freshboy, Ekinedo Odion, 29, aka overdose, Emmanuel Iluore, 24; aka Gayo, 24; and Dennis Isehomen, 28, were arrested, following the directives of the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, over the restiveness in the state and cultism related activities which led to the murder of two students on September 18, 2015, by rival cult gang at Supreme hotel, Ekpoma. Consequently, a team of detectives, led by Inspector Bamijoko Oluwemimo, swung into action after they received intelligence reports about the nefarious activities of the gang in the state, which has claimed the lives of innocent persons. The discrete investigation led to the arrest of a 400 level engineering student of Ambrose Alli University, identified as Enahoro Benedict, a.k.a fresh boy, at the cultist hideout, while others, including the cult kingpin, escaped. His arrest led to the arrest of three others, including Odion Ekinedo and Emmanuel Iluore.

Suspects speak

21-year-old Benedict, who was found smoking weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, said: “I am from Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State. I am a 400 level electrical/electronic engineering student of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma. I was actually forced to join a secret cult named Vikings, a.k.a Arobarja, when I was in 200 level. I was initiated by a friend, Sammy Salami near Faith Baptist Church, Uleme. Last year, a member of our cult group called Brutus was killed by Aiye confraternity at Ukpenu, later our group retaliated by killing a member of Aiye. I was with two of my friends when I was arrested at Lovereal Gardens in Ekpoma. I was arrested, while others escaped.

Ekinedo

On his part, Ekinedo, 29, said: I am from Uromi in Esan NorthEast Local Government Area in Edo State. I was arrested in Good Shepherd Hotel, Ekpoma. I became a member of Jures cult while I was in Rivers state. Later, I was initiated into Black Axe in 2013 after I gained admission into Ambrose Alli University in 2013. Members of my cult group

have killed several persons from a rival cult gang; they killed three Aiye cult members within Ekpoma and its environs.

Iluore

Iluore Emmanuel, 24, from Agenebode in Edo State, said: "I am a final year student of Ambrose Alli University, AAU. I was initiated into Vikings cult group in 2006 by a friend called Endurance, a.k.a Wizard. In 2013, the former leader of the gang, named Bobo, handed over the leadership of the cult to me

after I paid N35, 000 to him. In November 2014, I became the gang’s number one man; I led the gang for about a year before I handed the mantle of leadership to one Kalif. The cut-to-size single barrel gun belonging to the cult used for operations was recovered by the police in Ben’s house in June 2015. It was Wisdom, the number one man of Black axe that killed Brutus sometime in 2014." On his part, Denis Iseghohimen, 29 from Edo State, said: "I attended Ambrose Alli Primary School. I was arrested at Rainbow Hotel at Ileh, along Idialu Bennington. I was initiated

on September 26, 2013 in Delta State University Abraka. Vincent is our gang number and he is in possession of our operational weapon which includes a locally made gun and battle axe and regalia. I was among the people who killed a member of Aiye confraternity cult called Tilo, while Manfight killed Idohu in retaliation. Vanguard gathered that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the gang’s armourer, Sammy Salami, who is currently at large, while the four suspects have been charged to court.

The suspected cultists.

Police nab suspected serial killer in Lagos By Esther Onyegbula & Ufuoma Tiveruahor

AGOS—THE Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspected serial killer who had been on its wanted list over the crisis that led to the death of several persons before, during and after the last general elections. The suspect, identified simply as Tayo, was arrested after he came out of his hideout to cause trouble at Apasa area of Ajegunle. It was learned that Tayo, alleged to be on the payroll of some politicians, is the leader of the dreaded Apasa boys in the the area. Vanguard gathered that several attempts to arrest Tayo, also suspected to be a member of Eiye confraternity had been unsuccessful, as he went into hiding after committing crime in the area. Whennewsofhisarrestfiltered in, most of the residents reportedly hailed the Police. One of them, Kayode Isiaka, told Vanguard: “Tayo was arrested at Apasa junction, unknown to him that the police were out for him . But his arrest did not come easy. The first team of policemen that attempted to arrest him could not because he used charms to glue himselftoaspot.Areinforcement team succeeded in moving him from the spot."

Final year Poly student murdered in Imo O

By Chidi Nkwopara

WERRI—IMO State Police Command has arrested a three-man gang that gruesomely murdered 24-year-old final year civil engineering student of Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State, Innocent Ndukwe. Speaking after parading the suspects before journalists yesterday in Owerri, the Commissioner of Police, CP, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, disclosed that soon after slaughtering their hapless victim, the hoodlums stole his Pathfinder Sports Utility Vehicle with registration number, Lagos KRD 109 BP, two plasma television sets, one home theatre and assorted personal effects. “Soon after getting credible information about the heinous act, the police control room quickly alerted operations of the command and they immediately searched the entire state. ‘’As a result, the assailants, who tried to escape the eagle-eyed operatives, were subsequently apprehended along West EndOld Nekede Road, Owerri, ”the

CP said. According to Mr. Lakanu, the late Ndukwe was found in a pool of his own blood in a toilet in his residence at 18 Enuwa Street, Egbu, in the Owerri North Local

Government Area. He gave the names of the allmale suspects who later confessed to the crime as David Kwaguru, 30, from Sirwo in Langtang North Local

ABTU student electrocuted in Bauchi

By Suzan Edeh

AUCHI—TRAGEDY struck yesterday at Gwallameji area of Bauchi State, following the electrocution of a 25-year-old student of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Michael Loya. Vanguard gathered that the student was electrocuted while trying to spread wet clothes on a naked wire in his compound at Gentle Villa, Gwallameji. But Police Public Relation Officer of Bauchi State command, DSP Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the incident, said Loya was electrocuted while trying to reconnect electricity illegally in his

compound. He said the Police patrol team attached to Yelwa Division visited the scene and rushed the victim to Federal Polytechnic Medical Centre, Bauchi, for treatment but was certified dead on arrival by a medical doctor. He stated further that preliminary inquiry revealed that the victim might have been electrocuted while trying to reconnect electricity illegally to his compound. According to Mohammed, the corpse has been deposited at ATBU Teaching Hospital, mortuary for post-mortem examination.

Government Area of Plateau State; Friday Ayuba, 28, a native of Keyelda in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State and Francis Amos, 23, a native of Pingali in Langtang South Local Government Area also in Plateau State. The Imo police boss recalled that his initiative of directing Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, and Heads of Departments, HODs, and other high ranking officers in the state to disseminate their phone numbers to members of the public for effective communication and intelligence gathering, had continued to yield fruits and assisted the Police in clamping down on the suspects. Lakanu appealed to members of the public to be careful and circumspect in choosing the people they employed as security guards. “Events have since proved that most security guards often turn against their masters by collaborating with criminals to deal with them,” the CP said.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 , 2015—7

Gunmen kill driver, kidnap professor By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT — Gunmen, yesterday, abducted the Director of Sports of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Ken Anukweje. His driver was reportedly shot dead before the gunmen disappeared with the professor, who was on his way to Port Harcourt international airport. No group had claimed responsibility for the development and a text message to the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Muhammad, for comment on the issue was not responded to at press time. Spokesman of the university, Dr William Wordi, said the university heard the story but was waiting for Police to confirm if he was abducted. He said: “We heard it but we are waiting for the Police to finally confirm if he was kidnapped. His official car was involved in an incident like that but we have not confirmed. "His driver was killed in the incident. We have not completely confirmed if it was a kidnap case.” Vanguard gathered that the incident happened on Aluu-Airport link road and the driver who was shot dead, was assigned to him about two weeks ago.

9 killed in Sango auto crashes S

By Evelyn Usman & Daud Olatunji

ANGO-OTA — NINE persons perished in a multiple auto crash that occurred in the early hours of yesterday at Sango-Ota, Old Toll Gate end of the LagosAbeokuta expressway. Several others sustained varying degree of injuries. However, the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, said only five persons died in the incident. The first, it was gathered, occurred at about 12.10 am, at Toll Gate, Ota after a truck fully loaded with cement, apparently had a brake failure. Efforts by the truck driver to control it failed as it reportedly veered off its lane and rammed into some vehicles. Eyewitnesses alleged that the the accident was caused by a team of policemen on illegal duty. They alleged that the policemen stopped several commercial buses, extorting money from them. It was further alleged that one of the commercial bus drivers who was stopped, did not have N100 notes with him. Sources said: "The driver came out of the bus to look for N200 change, his bus was not properly parked. Almost immediately, a truck belonging to Lafarge company that was coming from Sango, inward Lagos, on top speed rammed into the vehicles stopped by the police." The truck, which was on its way from Dalemo bus-stop uphill area reportedly dragged eight vehicles from the slope at the toll gate, before it came to a halt in front of a filling station. In the process, two of the vehicles fell into a stream. Five passengers in the vehicles were said to have been crushed while four said to have

Scene of the accidents. Photos: Kehinde gbadamosi & Evelyn Usman

been pulled out of the wreckage in an unconscious state, were rushed to the hospital. A pedestrian, identified simply as Kazeem, said to have been waiting to board a bus, was also killed. Vehicles involved were three Ford buses with number plates BDJ413XA, FST 75 XA and AAA 688 XA; two Volkwagen buses with number plates APP827XF and EKY488XM; a Toyota Hilux patrol van

Detectives arrest nurse over death of mother of twins By Dayo Johnson

KURE — DETECTIVES in Ondo State have arrested a quack nurse over the death of a mother of twins after delivery at Ile-Oluji area of the state. The suspect, whose name the police declined to give, is being quizzed by operatives of the Criminal Investigations Department of the state police command. Vanguard gathered that the deceased, identified as Ayo, approached the nurse who works in a private clinic when she was about to put to bed. Instead of referring the pregnant woman to qualified nurses, the suspect decided to

take the delivery in a private hospital identified as Miracle Centre Medical Clinic at Bamikemo village in Ile Oluji/ Oke Igbo Local Government Area of the state. It was learned that the nurse actually delivered the woman of a set of twins, only for complications to set in which she could not manage. The deceased, after the delivery, reportedly became unconscious and efforts to revive her proved abortive. She later died, leaving behind her set of twins. The family of the deceased reportedly raised alarm and this led to invitation of the Police who later whisked away the suspect to the police

station. She was said to have confessed that she decided to help the woman during labour as there was no qualified nurse to help. The corpse of the deceased was said to have been deposited at the state General Hospital, Ile Oluji. Police spokesman, Femi Joseph, confirmed that the deceased died as a result of complications after delivery. “When the woman was about putting to bed, the nurse offered to take the delivery, knowing fully well that she does not have the professional qualification to do that and in the process, complications arose which led to her death."

belonging to the Rapid Response Squad; a Mazda car with number plates SMK892CB and a Sinotruk truck.

Another crash

Six hours later, another auto crash occurred at the same location, involving eight vehicles, in which four persons were feared dead. Its cause was also suspected to be break failure. Vehicles involved included a Mitsubishi station wagon with number plate KTU 824 DS, a Toyota Corolla with number plate AK D221 BQ, an Iveco truck with number plate KRD 215 XB, two Volkwagen buses with number plates AAA 955 and BDG886 XE, a Honda Accord with number plate LND 525 BF, two Toyota SUVs with number plates LSD 989 CQ and EKY45CV. An eye witness, who simply gave his name as Dele, said “three persons were brought out of some of the vehicles dead before the arrival of policemen and FRSC officials.” Three persons said to have sustained injuries were also rushed to an undisclosed hospital. Identities of some of the deceased were given as Mr Oloyede Tunde, Mr. Richard and Mr. Kazeem

Commercial bus drivers protest

Pained by the death of their colleagues, commercial bus drivers took to the LagosAbeokuta expressway, protesting. The situation, which was hijacked by hoodlums, took a violent dimension as they attacked drivers of articulated vehicles plying the ever busy express-way, smashing their windscreens. This forced motorists to hurriedly make u-turns. The rampaging protesters also prevented officials of the FRSC, who visited the scene, from clearing the wreckage of the affected vehicles to allow free flow of traffic. It, however, took the intervention of policemen comprising the Mobile Police Squad and conventional policemen from the Sango Area Command, to contain the situation. FRSC Unit Commander, Leye Adegboyega, said: ”The rescue operation was, therefore, carried out under my watch and those of the Divisional Police Officers of Sango, Ija Alagbado and the Zonal Commander. "Four injured men were conveyed to the General Hospital, Ota with the police patrol vehicle out of which one later died. The remaining four dead bodies, two males and two females, were evacuated from the scene and deposited at the morgue of the same hospital by men of the FRSC, bringing the number of deaths to five: three males and two females. "In the second accident which occurred at 0640hrs at the same location, eight persons—six males and two females — were involved. The three injured, two males and a female, opted to seek treatment elsewhere." "Efforts were made to remove some of the damaged vehicles from the road to avoid further crash. The team returned to the base after the road had been cleared of obstructions.”

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

Ecobank Nigeria’s MD, Aku, steps down in December

11 killed, 57 injured in Kano suicide lose hope, Buhari pleads with Nigerians bomb attack Don’t Assures Boko Haram's defeat soon

AGOS — The Board of Ecobank Nigeria Limited said, yesterday, that the Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Jibril Aku, will step down on December 31, 2015. A statement from the bank said by the bank’s internal policy, Mr. Jibril Aku, the current Managing Director, having concluded his fiveyear tenure as managing director, will step down from his current role. The statement further said that Mr Aku will take on another senior role in the parent company of the bank, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) in the first quarter of 2016. According to Ecobank board, Mr Aku, a distinguished banker, started his banking career with Citibank, Nigeria International Bank, before joining former Afribank Nigeria Plc as Executive Director, Operations & Technology from 2003 to 2005. Thereafter, he joined Ecobank Nigeria in 2006 as Executive Director responsible for the bank’s Treasury & Financial Institutions business, following which he was subsequently elevated to the position of Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria in 2010. The chairman of the Ecobank Nigeria Board, Mr John Aboh, congratulated Mr Aku for a job well done and said he looked forward to the bank improving on the good work that the team had accomplished. He said the board will immediately activate the process of selecting a successor. The successful candidate will be announced before the end of December 2015. In his reaction, the Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), the parent company of Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Mr Ade Ayeyemi, said: “Jibril has been instrumental in leading the Ecobank franchise to its position in the Nigeria banking industry. With the Oceanic Bank acquisition, Jibril positioned the bank from number 13 to its current position of number six in the industry.” In his comment, Mr Aku said: “I am proud of what the Ecobank Nigeria team and I have achieved together, and I thank them for the good work and their unwavering commitment to Ecobank."

By Abdulsalam Muhammad & Levinus Nwabughiogu ANO—THE Police in Kano have confirmed the death of 11 persons, including two female suicide bombers, while 57 were injured in an explosion which occurred at the GSM market located at Farm Centre in Kano metropolis, yesterday. The blast came barely 24 hours after about 30 persons were killed in similar circumstances in Yola, Adamawa State. Following the blasts, President Muhammadu Buhari told Nigerians not to despair, assuring that his administration would soon defeat Boko Haram insurgents. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Muhammad Katsina, confirmed the death while briefing newsmen in Kano. Katsina also said eight other persons sustained injuries during the incident which happened around 4.30 p.m. According to him, the incident happened when a Sharon Space Wagon vehicle arrived at the market with six passengers and dropped two females at the market. He said soon after the suspects alighted from the vehicle, the suspects entered the GSM market through different gates and detonated the bombs. The commissioner said five persons, including the bombers, lost their lives, while eight others were injured, adding that the injured had since been taken to hospital for treatment. He called on residents to be extra careful and report any suspected character or movement to security agents for prompt response.

Don’t lose hope, Buhari pleads with Nigerians

Meanwhile, President Buhari has told Nigerians not to despair, assuring that his administration would soon defeat Boko Haram insurgents. Buhari also called on the people to have confidence in the ability of Nigeria’s reinvigorated, well-equipped and well-motivated Armed Forces and security agencies to overcome Boko Haram very soon. The President, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, in a statement, in the aftermath of the dastardly terror attacks in the two northern states, requested an increased vigilance among the civilian population to help ward off suicide terror attacks on soft targets around the country.

He condoled the families of the victims of the bomb blasts, promising to fish out and bring to justice the perpetrators of the crimes. The statement read: “The President condemned in strongest terms the barbaric suicide terrorist attacks which took place in Yola on the evening of Tuesday, November 17 and in Kano today, causing numerous

deaths and injuries among civilians. “The President extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the Government and people of Adamawa and Kano States respectively. “President Buhari reassures Nigerians that his administration is very much determined to wipe out Boko

Haram in Nigeria and bring all perpetrators of these heinous crime against humanity to justice. “The President urges all Nigerians not to despair in the face of cowardly terrorist attacks but to have confidence in the ability of Nigeria’s reinvigorated, wellequipped and well-motivated Armed Forces and security agencies to overcome Boko Haram very soon."

DECORATION: Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki (right) being decorated with 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem by the National Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Col. Micah Gayya (retd) at the National Assembly, Abuja, yesterday.

Dangote loses N1trn net worth in one year Still richest man in Africa Folorunsho Alakija richest Nigerian woman By Favour Nnabugwu with agency reports

BUJA — NIGERIA’S Alhaji Aliko Dangote lost N1 trillion ($5 billion) in one year as a result of drop in prices of shares at the stock market in Dangote cement even as he retains his position as Africa’s richest man. According to Forbes’ Africa 50 richest 2015 released, yesterday, Dangote is still the number one richest African for the fifth year in a row, but his $16.7 billion net worth is nearly $5 billion lower than a year ago, a result of a drop in the stock price at his Dangote Cement and a weaker Nigerian currency. The report said: “After several years of steady growth in Africa, some sectors of the economy hit a wall. Lower prices for oil and other commodities led to a smaller number of African billionaires than a year ago on Forbes new list of Africa’s 50 Richest – 23 billionaires this year, down from 28.” “South Africans made the best showing on the Africa’s richest list this year, occupying 16 spots,

up from 11 last year. Nigerians had a smaller representation, with 10 members on the list, down from 13. Eight members hail from Morocco, seven from Egypt, three from Tanzania and three from Kenya. There was one each from Algeria, Angola and Uganda.” Forbes said that the continent’s wealthiest 50 are worth $95.6 billion, a decline of $15 billion from a year ago. The second richest African on the list is Nicky Oppenheimer, whose estimated $6.6 billion fortune stems from the stake he inherited in diamond miner and marketer, DeBeers. In 2012, Oppenheimer sold the DeBeers stake to mining giant Anglo American for $5.1 billion in cash. He moves up the ranks from the number three spot in 2014. Forbes said that seven members of the 2014 list dropped off, including mining mogul, Desmond Sacco of South Africa and telecom tycoon, Strive Masiyiwa of Zimbabwe. Six previous list members returned to the list after dropping off, including South Africans Michiel Le

Roux, CEO of Capitec Bank, and Raymond Ackerman, founder of retailer Pick N Pay Holdings. The minimum net worth required to make the list this year was $330 million, down from $510 million a year ago. Forbes said that the one newcomer on the list this year is Kenya’s Narendra Raval, with a net worth estimated at $400 million. A former assistant priest at a Swaminarayan temple - a Hindu sect -Raval was expelled from the sect when he married a Kenyan. He then got a job in the steelmaking business and later started Devki Group, which makes cement, reinforcement bars, and barbed wire. There are once again two women list members: Isabel dos Santos of Angola and Folorunsho Alakija of Nigeria. Dos Santos, the eldest daughter of Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, sparked four members of the European Parliament to request an investigation in October into her investments in Portugal following a purchase in Dos Santos made in May 2015 of a roughly $200 million stake in Portuguese equipment supplier Efacec Power Solutions.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015—9

International Development Association, IDA, would be to support the Lagos State in building systems and infrastructure and strengthen investment climate while maintaining fiscal sustainability. In the report, the committee said the facility which had totalled $600 million was being released in tranches to control the application of funds by the beneficiary government and ensure accountability and judicious utilization of funds, adding that the terms of the loan are 25 years tenor; grace period of five years; interest of 1.5 per cent per annum payable on un-disbursed balance and service charge of 0.75 per cent payable on disbursed amount.

Lekki-Ikoyi link Cable bridge CONFERENCE: From left, Mr. John Maonga, Secretary, African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA); Mr. Bola Onadele, MD/CEO, FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange; Mr. Oscar Onyema, CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange and President, ASEA and Mr. Patrick Ajunwoko, Corporate Services, FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, at the 2015 ASEA Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Monday.

Buhari sends supplementary budget to Senate Seeks to borrow N2.1trn for 2015 budget Zero-based budgeting'll block financial leakages— Udoma Senate okays World Bank loan of $200m for Lagos By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

BUJA — THE Federal Government has submitted a supplementary appropriation bill of N465.64 billion along with a request to borrow N2.103 trillion for the financial year, 2015, ending in six weeks time. The expected deficit arising from the above would be financed by additional borrowing of N1.601trillion through the debt management office. In a letter to Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, President Muhammadu Buhari said the supplementary budget would be predicated on oil production of 2.2003 million barrels per day, with benchmark price of $48 per barrel and an exchange rate of N190 to $1. The breakdown of the supplementary budget shows that N413.36 billion would be for fuel subsidy payment while N10.62 billion was earmarked for the payment of outstanding severance gratuity and allowances of outgone and incoming legislators and legislative aides. Also, the fight against Boko Haram in the North-East code named “Operation Zaman Lafiya” has been billed for N29.96 billion for the third and fourth quarters of 2015. President Buhari, in the letter, recalled that the 2015 budget was predicated on oil production of 2.2782million barrels per day, benchmark oil price of $53 per

barrel and an exchange rate of 190 to $1. Based on these key assumptions, the following fiscal budget was projected: FGN budget revenue N3.452 trillion, made up of share of oil and minerals revenueN1.645trillion; share of non oil revenue, N1.215 trillion; FGN Independent revenue, N489.3 billion. Federal Government's aggregate expenditure was estimated at N4.485 trillion, comprising statutory transfers,N354.34 billion; debt service, N953.6 billion; recurrent non-debt (personnel costs), N1.828 trillion; recurrent non debt overhead, N791.2 billion; capital expenditure, N536.6 billion. In the letter, President Buhari noted that “the implementation of the FGN2015 budget has been fraught with significant revenue shortfalls due to continuous decline in oil price, oil production shortfall and non full non oil revenue. “You may wish to further note that owing to the need to sustain the current progress in addressing the security challenges and other important obligations of government, emergency expenditure items required urgent funding is projected at N465.64 billion “Given this new level of expenditure and revenue constraint, the 2015 budget, which has a projected fiscal

deficit of N1.041 trillion or 1.09 per cent in GDP, with the deficit largely financed by the domestic borrowing of N502.1 billion and foreign borrowing of N380 billion, making a total borrowing amounting to N882.12 billion." According to President Buhari, the expected deficit arising from the above is projected at N2.103 trillion or 2.19 per cent of GDP would be financed by additional borrowing of N1.601 trillion through the Debt Management Office.

Zero-based budgeting'll block financial leakages —Udoma Meanwhile, the Minister of Budget and Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, said, yesterday, that the Federal Government’s plan for zerobased budgeting from 2016 would block all financial leakages and bring accountability into government spending. Udoma said this at an event to commemorate the 2015 evaluation year declared by the UN as well as the inauguration of the Association of Evaluators, Nigerian chapter. He said when adopted, the zero-based budgeting would help government to adopt a management framework on how to manage funds. He said: “Steps are being taken to review and update our long term strategic framework so

that Nigeria can key into the 2015 sustainable development goals. We are embarking on the reformed budgeting/planning process by adopting the zero base budgeting policies driven approach for appropriating 2016 budget. "Efforts are being made to block financial leakages through measures that include the operation of single treasury accounts to grow the size of government revenues especially from the non oil sources."

Senate okays World Bank loan of $200m for Lagos In a related development, the Senate, yesterday, approved a loan of $200 million for Lagos State Development Policy Operation II (DPO II) for the construction of a bridge to link Lekki and Ikoyi, Cardiac and Renal Centres at Gbagada General Hospital, among other projects. The approval that came under the Federal Government External Borrowing Plan (20152017) was sequel to the report of the Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya-led Senate ad-hoc Committee on Local and Foreign Debts. President Buhari had on Tuesday, September 29 sent a letter to the Senate through the Senate President, Dr Saraki, requesting a special approval of Lagos DPO III, for the third tranche of $200 million of the Development Policy Operation (DPO) from the World Bank. According to the Senate Committee report, the key objective of the DPO facility from the World Bank’s

According to the report, the Lekki-Ikoyi link Cable bridge was constructed at the cost of N29 billion; just as the loan would be applied to the completion of the 27 kilometre Light Rail Mass Transit (LRMT), among others. The report read: “The Lagos State Development Policy Operation DPO (Budget Support) for $600 million, was approved by World Bank in 2010 to be disbursed in three tranches of $200 million each. “The first tranche of $200 million was approved by the National Assembly in the 2010 Borrowing Plan. And the projects were implemented in 2011. “The second tranche of $200 million was approved by the National Assembly in 2012-2014 Borrowing Plan. Lagos State has justified the borrowing and has acceptable debt sustainability level, and therefore is eligible to borrow. “The loan would be used to finance light rail project, education, roads and bridges, water and health sector development among others.”

Saraki commends colleagues In his remarks, Senator Saraki, while commending his colleagues on their efforts in the report emphasized the importance of such development loans, said: “It is our responsibility that we do our work in our respective committees so we can do the proper oversight that is required. “Loans must be considered on case by case basis. Loans for infrastructural development should be commended and approved provided the loans are used effectively for infrastructure.” Senator Danjuma Goje, APC, Gombe, who seconded the motion to approve the loan, stressed the need for proper monitoring and evaluation, especially on how the loan would be spent, adding that all the governors will not mind loans like this if given the opportunity. Senator George Sekibo, PDP, Rivers East senatorial district, who noted that it was important for the loan to be followed up, said: “It is one thing to borrow, it is another to ensure that they are well utilised.”

10—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 , 2015

COUNCIL CARETAKERS:

LFTZ TRIBUNAL: Witnesses blame lingering

Court to hear Lagos' motion

crisis on faulty MoU

AGOS—A Lagos State High Court sitting in Igbosere yesterday, fixed January 18, 2016 for hearing of a motion for stay of execution of a judgment of the court declaring the appointment of Caretaker Committees to manage the affairs of Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in the state as illegal. The Court will on the next adjourned date also entertain arguments on a similar application filed by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC, seeking stay of execution of the judgment pending appeal. The court, had in a judgment delivered on October 23, 2015, granted an order of mandamus directing LASIEC to publish electoral guidelines and time table within 30 days for election to be conducted in line with the provisions of the LASIEC Law.

Lagos moves against hate preachers, plans interfaith confab

By Josephine Agbonkhese

AGOS—FROM next year, Lagos State government will begin a quarterly interfaith conference that will provide religious bodies and stakeholders in the state a platform to deliberate on issues bordering on tolerance and peaceful coexistence, the state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, has said. This, according to him, would, among other things, nip in the bud hate preaching which is currently fuelling further divisiveness in the country. The commissioner, who spoke at a conference organised by the ministry to mark this year ’s International Day of Tolerance, said the state was poised to ensure Christian and Muslim clerics in the habit of propagating hate by preaching falsehood about other people’s religion, were checked. The inter-faith conference will beorganisedincollaborationwith Lagos State Chapter of Nigerian Inter-ReligiousCouncil,NIREC.

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

AGOS—WITNESSES at the ongoing tribunal of inquiry into the October 12, 2015 civil disturbances that led to the death of Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investment Nigeria Limited, Mr. Tajudeen Disu, yesterday, blamed the lingering crisis in the area on the alleged faulty Memorandum of Understanding, MoU signed between the Lagos State government and the communities. The MoU was signed nine years ago for the acquisition of 16,500 hectares of land for the construction of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, LFTZ. The witnesses representing the communities argued that the residents were not duly consulted before drafting the MoU and were allegedly forced to sign it, noting “the drafting of the MoU was not free and fair.” Speaking at the third day of the public hearing, Mr. Mukandasi Ogidan, a lawyer in the community, lamented that the crisis that led to the death of Disu could have been averted if the state government and the investors had at least adhered to content of the faulty MoU.

He said; “They did not adhere to this. For instance, the MoU stated that the residents must be awarded 40 percent of the contract work. Rather than award it to the land owners, the contract was awarded to non-indigenes. The residents complained over it. But nothing was done.” Ogidan noted that the nonadherence to the MoU led to late Disu rejecting the incentives from

the investors. The deceased argued that the MoU must be adhered to.

Demand for fresh MoU

On the solution to the lingering crisis, Ogidan said; “The Lagos state government, investors and the residents must sign a fresh MoU, and that the MoU should not be combined but it should be community-by-community. With this, there will be peace

in the communities. “The joint MoU did not allow each community to present their demands. The government used the challenges confronting one community for others,” he added. Counsel representing Idaso and other 12 villages, Mr. Bamidele Ogundele also warned that there must be transparency in the fresh MoU, saying that the process leading to the first MoU signed nine years ago was not transparent.

MEETING: From left: Otunba Ayo Olumoko, Second Deputy President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN; Hon. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture; Prince Femi Oluwasina, Deputy President, Nigerian Association of Tour Operators, NATOP, and Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, Southwest Zonal VP, FTAN, during the commissioner's meeting with tourism stakeholders in Lagos.

INSECURITY: Lagos plans CCTV for public places By Olasunkanmi Akoni

AGOS—LAGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has said that the state needs Close Circuit Cameras, CCTV, in all public places and data of all suspected criminals. Ambode added that it was important for police stations to have the technology to access data from all over the world towards easy tracking of criminal elements. The governor also stressed the need for the private sector to scale up their support in complementing government’s efforts against insecurity. Reiterating his commitment to protect the lives and property of the people of the state, he assured that security remains an important area of focus for his administration. Ambode, made the remarks at a dinner organised in honour of outgoing and incoming board members of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, held in Lagos. According to the governor there was a serious need for the private sector to scale up their support towards government’s effort to tackle insecurity. He said that it became necessary for the private sector to collaborate with government with the reality that there are not enough security operatives to secure the state, “the next level is to invest in the right technology

which will help in the fight against crime.” The governor, who said that to Police a state with over 21 million people requires a lot more than just additional policemen, urged both members of the Trust Fund and the private sector to help in the area of investing more on technology, which he admitted is not cheap, hence the need for massive support for government. Commending the outgoing members of the Board for a job well done, Ambode recalled that since November 2007 when the Board was inaugurated after the passage

of the law establishing the Fund, a strong partnership has been forged between the government and the private sector to address the security challenges facing the state. He said: “This fund has generated over N4 billion as well as donations of patrol vehicles and other security equipment by individuals and corporate organisations. This fund has contributed significantly to improve operational capacity of our security agencies particularly the Nigerian Police, thereby increasing the safety of

....To renovate, build more libraries He said: “Before the end of By Amaka Abayomi

AGOS—THE Lagos State government has reiterated its plans to improve the quality of education and literacy levels in the state by building new and renovating the existing 12 public libraries. Speaking to journalists, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela BankOlemoh, who acknowledged that the some of the libraries were in a bad state, said the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administration is more focused on the education sector and would make these libraries more readerfriendly.

the year, we will renovate the public library at Ipaja in the Alimosho Local Government Area. I have visited some of the public libraries in the state and I am not too comfortable with the state of facilities there. I must admit that they are bad but work shall soon commence on these libraries to make them more conducive for people to read in. “This administration is passionate about education and over the next three and half years, we would witness more focus on the education sector." Though 87 per cent of Lagosians are literate, we will work harder to make sure that we record 100 per cent literacy in the state.”

our state and residents. “I commend the outgoing Board, led by Mr. Remi Makanjuola and the indefatigable, Fola Arthur-Worrey, for the strong foundation they have laid and the establishment of the Fund as a credible institution worthy of support by the private sector. Due to your diligence, commitment and dedication, the Security Trust Fund has become a template of private sector participation in security funding for other States of the Federation to emulate. “You have made the task of the present Board easy as they will be inheriting a well-established structure and their objective will be to build on what you have done,” the Governor said. Ambode also expressed confidence in the ability of the new Board to build on the achievements on ground with a view to keeping Lagos safe and secure. The governor, while reminding the in-coming board members of the enormous task before them, assured the members of the support of the government. The new Board include: Mr. Oye Hassan Odukale (Chairman), Dr. Abdulrazal Balogun (Executive Secretary), while members are Mr. Herbert Wigwe, Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje, Mr. Yemi Idowu, Mr. Philip Oduoza, DeputyInspectorGeneralofPolice,DIG, IsraelAjao,Mr.GbolahonLawalandProf. Ademola Abass.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015—11

Impeachment: Ex-Speaker accuses Fayose, Assembly of blackmail By Rotimi Ojomoyela

DO EKITI—EXSPEAKER of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adewale Omirin, has said that the public show made of the rejection of his letter to the House seeking the reversal of his impeachment was an attempt to blackmail him. He said that governor Ayodele Fayose, the Speaker, Hon Kola Oluwawole, and the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Tola Esan, had fore-knowledge of the letter he wrote requesting reversal of his impeachment, wondering why they had to make a public show of a legitimate request. Omirin had, in a letter dated October 15, 2015 and addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, prayed the House to revert his November 20, 2014 impeachment by seven members of the immediate past House of Assembly and restore all his rights and privileges. The ex-speaker also urged the Assembly to obliterate the records of the factional speaker, Hon Dele Olugbemi, describing his emergence as a constitutional infraction that should not be contemplated under a democratic setting. Speaking in Ado-Ekiti during a visit to the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Omirin said he had earlier been advised by top members of the party to go to court on the issue, following which he instructed

his lawyer to contact the Clerk of the Assembly to request for the extract of November 20, 2014, sitting when the impeachment was carried out. Omirin alleged that the House, which saw the coming litigation as diversionary to the current Assembly agreed to begin a process of reversing the impeachment through legislative procedure, which

compelled him to write the letter as an instrument for the house to work with. The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Gboyega Aribisogan, who responded to Omirin’s allegation said : “As far as this House is concerned, no discussion took place between Omirin and Governor Fayose, the Speaker and the Clerk

before the letter was brought to the Assembly. “What the House did was to react to the letter we deliberated upon and which we published and this should not be mistaken for blackmail. “We don’t want the matter to be subjected to rumour. The letter is a document of the House and we can do whatever we like with it."

PUBLIC PRESENTATION: From left: Amb. Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and Rev Dr (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran, at the presentation of the Book, In the Radiance of the sage; the Life and Time of HID Awolowo, in honour of late Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, at Ikenne, yesterday. Photo: Shola Oyelese.

Atiku donates N10m at HID Awolowo’s book launch

By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—FORMER Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, caused a stir at the book launch on Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, when he ordered that N10 million cash be brought from his car for the launch. Contrary to the expectation that every donor would issue cheques, Atiku, who was the Chief Presenter of the biography of HID Awolowo, In the Radiance of the Sage: The Life and Times of HID Awolowo, ordered that the money be brought and handed it over to the representative of the family. The launch of the biography of the late matriarch written by Prof. Wale Adebanwi, was held at the Ikenne, Ogun State, country home of the Awolowos. Apart from Abubakar, other prominent Nigerians who included the former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, who was represented by the Managing Director of New Telegraph Newspaers, Mrs. Funke Egbemode; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji

Bankole; Hon. Ladi Adebutu, Senator Anthony Adefuye, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Prince Ademola AdenijiAdele; Juju music maestro, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi attended and

donated various amounts to support the publishing of the book. Meanwhile, Abubakar described the late Mrs. Awolowo as the best First Lady Nigeria never had.

According to him, the late sage and premier of the old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, owed his successes in life largely to the contributions of the late matriarch.

Kogi: Fayose disowns statement on Audu's eligibility By Rotimi Ojomoyela

DO-EKITI—EKITI State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has refuted a statement credited to him on the eligibility of Alhaji Abubakar Audu, the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate for the Kogi State governorship election. Fayose, who declared that Audu had the right to contest the governorship election, disowned the statement credited to him that Audu was not qualified to contest based on alleged corruption cases he had in court. Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, Fayose said the statement he made at Lokoja during the grand finale of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,

governorship campaign rally centred strictly advocating for a free and fair election like that of Ekiti State. The governor said that his

comment had nothing to do with Audu, stressing that in law, every man is adjudged innocent until proved otherwise by a law court.

Ondo, Korean firm seal IPP agreement By Dayo Johnson

KURE—ONDO State Government and a Korean company ,Kingline Development Company, have signed a partnership agreement to deliver a 1100 MW Independent Power Project, IPP. The first phase of the multiphased project involves the construction of a gas-fired power plant that will generate 550 MW of power that will be sold into the national grid. This was contained in a statement issued in Akure, Ondo

State, by Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Eni Akinsola. He said: “This will be followed by a second phase designed to deliver another 550 MW." He pointed out that the government has a tangible equity stake in the power generation project. The planned project achieved a crucial milestone recently with the signing of the Engineering, Procurement and Construction, EPC, contract with the international engineering and construction company.

Osun to name new school after Soyinka

HE governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday said his administration will leave no stone unturned in giving Osun a legacy of an enhanced environment of learning obtainable in any advanced country of the world. This was even as the Association of Primary Schools Headteachers of Nigeria, AOPSHON, lauded the educational policies and programmes initiated by the Osun State Government under the leadership of Governor Aregbesola. The governor stated this while receiving an Award of Excellence from the Association of Primary school Headteachers in Osogbo. Aregbesola noted that his government has come to the realisation that school environment largely determines the quality and character of students they produce. He stressed that as part of his administration’s commitment to the development of education in the state, government will be putting forward for use a high school facilty with the capacity of 3,000 students named after Prof. Wole Soyinka in Ejigbo on Monday.

Osun monarchs protest power outage By Gbenga Olarinoye

S O G B O — TRADITIONAL rulers from four local government areas of Osun State have protested to power providers in the state to restore power to over 25 towns in the areas that had been without electricity for over two months. The traditional rulers, representing Ife North, Irewole, Ayedaade and Isokan local government areas are Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba James Adedokun Adegoke, Akire of Ikire, Oba Olatunde Falabi, Olufi of Gbongan, Oba (Dr) Adetoyese Oyeniyi, Onikoyi of Ikoyi, Oba Yisau Bantele Otunla, Olumoro of Moro, Oba (Dr) Ezekiel Abidoye Oyeniyi, Salu of Edunabon, Oba Elijah Omoloye Oyelade, Alayegun of Odeomu, Oba Lamidi Oke, among others. The monarchs stormed the central power transmission and distribution stations in Osogbo to protest the growing economic difficulty which the areas are suffering.

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

Rivers Govt, APC bicker over alleged fresh N10bn loan By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State Government and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on the one hand, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, on the other, have been engaged in war of words over allegations that the government was set to approach banks for a fresh N10 billion loan. Though the government has continued to dismiss the allegation as untrue, the APC, yesterday, came up with a fresh allegation that the governor secured approval from the state House of Assembly at 6 a.m., yesterday to go ahead with the borrowing. The APC, in a statement by its state Publicity Secretary, Mr Chris Finebone, alleged that the lawmakers gave the approval after a meeting with the governor at Government House, yesterday. The APC in its statement credited its allegations to an unnamed source it alleged was part of the deal. “According to the source who was also involved in the arrangement, Governor Nyesom Wike met with members of the House at dawn at Government House, Port Harcourt, where he briefed them on the need to shield the loan from the prying eyes of Rivers people, after which they moved to the Rivers State House of Assembly, Complex to meet with the state Assembly men. By

6 a.m., the House members, who were previously notified of the unusual meeting, privately passed a resolution authorising the governor to borrow the sum of N10 billion from a commercial bank (name withheld). A second resolution authorizing another N22 billion was also considered,” the party said. But PDP flayed the APC for allegedly living in lies, saying that opposition politics was not about dishing out falsehood. Chairman of the party, Mr Felix Obua, in a statement,

reaffirmed that the governor didn’t make any move for a fresh loan, dismissing the allegations by APC that the government abandoned Rivers State students on overseas scholarships. The party recalled that the government cleared fees owed the students which the former government failed to pay before it left the scene on May 29. He said: “Turning around to allege that Wike was the cause of the students’ predicament is not only passing the buck to save the shameful act of its failed

leader, but also a wicked conception that can only come from an evil and unappreciative mind. There is no iota of truth in the allegation that the Wike administration is discriminating against non-student indigenes studying in tertiary institutions in the state. “On the allegation of planning to obtain another N10 billion, Wike has never applied for any loan other than the ones approved by the state House of Assembly which were necessitated by the wrecking of the state's treasury by the previous government.”

VISIT: Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State (middle); his deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo (2nd left), with executive members of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, South-South, during a courtesy call on the governor at Government House, Uyo.

NLC crisis: Delta factional chairman berates Ofoyeno By Anozie Egole

ARRI—DELTA State factional chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Williams Akporeha, has faulted recent comments by another factional chairman, David Ofoyeno, who claimed that there was no faction in the state NLC, saying the latter was blinded by his desperation for power at the expense of the unity of labour movement in the country. Akporeha, while reacting to Ofoyeno’s claims that he leads the only NLC in the state, contended that in all the 36 states of the federation there are factions arising from the state elections held by both Ayuba Wabba and Joe Ajaeroled faction of NLC at the national level. According to him, arrogating congress leadership in Delta State to only Ofoyeno and allegation of non-existence of factions in the NLC as published in the media, was just Ofoyeno ignoring the reality on ground. He said: “Ofoyeno’s claims are not even close to the truth of the present reconciliation

process in the NLC but he is only exhibiting his desperation for leadership to deceive workers in the state. We wonder why Ofoyeno chose to resort to peddlling

misleading information to undermine the ongoing work of a seven-man peace committee headed by the pioneer NLC president, Hassan Sumonu. Sometimes

you wonder why those who are desperate for leadership have to descend to a level where they have to tell lies and exhibit their ignorance in public."

A-Ibom moves to explore gold, coal deposits By Chioma Onuegbu

YO—IN its bid to expand the economic base of Akwa Ibom State, the state government has commenced plans to explore the reported gold and coal deposits in parts of the state. Chairman of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, AKICORP, Dr. Elijah Akpan, who disclosed this in Uyo, explained that geologists would soon be contracted to determine the locations and viability of the two solid minerals in the state. Akpan said that the current administration was committed to exploring other avenues that would generate revenue for the state and create employment opportunities instead of relying on the dwindling crude oil revenue. He said: “Chinese and Canadians are coming with their superior technology that will be

based on using satellite technology to locate the exact locations of these minerals and how viable they are.” He added that the state government was also partnering China in other areas such as manufacturing, agriculture,

transportation, oil and gas, automobile, mining, tourism, energy and railway, stressing that the growing partnership was traceable to China’s renewed and favourable interest in Nigeria in particular and Africa in general.

Oshiomhole sacks Petroleum C’ttee chairman suspended. They will, however, By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN—FOLLOWING the persistent scarcity of fuel and the sale of petroleum products at exorbitant prices in the state, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has terminated the appointment of Chairman of the state Petroleum Monitoring Committee, Mr Soni Idahagbon, for negligence and dereliction of duty. Also, other members of the committee have been

undergo screening before being reconsidered for reengagement. Mr. Idahagbon is requested to hand over all government property in his possession to the Permanent Secretary, (Administration) Government House within 24 hours. Meanwhile, the governor has warned petroleum dealers in the state that they risk their land being revoked if they do not return to the official price of petroleum products.

Izeze lauds Okowa’s peace efforts

AJORITY Whip of Delta State House of Assembly and member representing Ughelli South Constituency, Mr. Reuben Izeze, has lauded the efforts of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in ensuring peace and security of lives and property in the state. Izeze made the commendation shortly after the inauguration of Delta State Waterways and Land Security Committee, yesterday, at Government House, Asaba. He said: “Security of lives and property is everybody’s business and should not be left in the hands of government or security agencies alone. “It is important for the people to know that without peace and security, no meaningful development can take place in any land. It is, therefore, my appeal to Deltans to ensure that they maintain peace and security in all parts of the state so that government can channel the resources at its disposal for the development of the state. “Governor Okowa has scored yet another goal with the inauguration of the Waterways and Land Security Committee. I must commend him for making the committee all encompassing.”

Delta approves N5bn for road construction, dumps Warri BRT project By Festus Ahon

SABA—THE Delta State Executive Council has approved more than N5 billion for the construction of roads in the state. It also cancelled the Bus Rapid Transport, BRT, project in the twin cities of Warri and Effurun embarked upon by the government of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. Briefing reporters on the outcome of the executive council meeting chaired by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the Commissioner for Works, Chief John Augoye, said the dismantling of the BRT lane was in accordance with the yearnings of the people. He said it would ease congestion on the road in line with the yearnings of the people in Warri, Effurun and environs, adding that the council also approved expansion of the road. Chief Augoye said among the newly approved projects were the dualization of Sapele Road from Amukpe roundabout, which will gulp the sum of N2.056 billion and dualization of Nnebisi Road to Cable Point, Asaba, estimated at N1.076 billion.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015—13

Bayelsa poll: PDP alleges plot by APC to sponsor protest against Dickson By Samuel Oyadongha

ENAGOA—THE Restoration Campaign Organisation of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson, has raised alarm over an alleged plot by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to import women groups from neighbouring states to protest against the re-election bid of the governor. Director, Media and Publicity of RCO, Jonathan Obuebite, in a statement in Yenagoa, noted that intelligence report at his disposal indicates that “The women are expected to display anti-Dickson placards to deceive unsuspecting Bayelsans with the intention of painting the performing and gender-friendly governor as antiwomen in the eyes of women.” The statement added: “The Bayelsa State chapter of APC, and its governorship candidate in the December 5 poll have perfected plans to import women groups from neighbouring states to protest in Yenagoa against Dickson's re-election bid. “According to the intelligence we gathered through our network, the women will pose as if they were Bayelsans and go nude on the streets to demonstrate their dislike for the PDP and Governor Dickson. “The Restoration Campaign Organisation of Governor

Dickson wishes to draw the attention of Bayelsans, the Ijaw nation, the entire country and the international community to this sham and the desperation of the APC to capture Bayelsa by hook or crook. “RCO is, however, confident that the APC candidate is a bad product that cannot win election in the state because he has already been rejected by majority of Bayelsans and the

gods of the land. RCO, therefore, calls on all wellmeaning women, Bayelsans and the international community to disregard any protest against the governor. “Dickson has since assumption of office on February 14, 2012 empowered women politically and economically. Through the intervention of Governor Dickson, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly has for the

first time in the history of the state produced four women lawmakers and one House of Reps member. “Many women have also held sensitive positions in the restoration government of Dickson, including the post of Head of Service and juicy commissioner positions; the crowning glory of which is the position of state Chief Judge which is occupied by a woman."

PROTEST: Women protesting over Governor Adams Oshiomhole's comment against Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, in Benin City, Edo State on Tuesday.

NJC sacks Judge over misconduct By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

BUJA—PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, approved the sack of Justice Lambo Akanbi of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after the National Judicial Council, NJC, found him guilty of judicial misconduct. The NJC, in a statement it Abuja, said it had already directed Justice Akanbi to, with immediate effect, proceed on compulsory retirement. President Buhari’s approval followed a recommendation that was sent to him by the NJC after its 74th meeting on November 4 and 5. The NJC said it had at the meeting, considered various allegations that were levelled against Justice Akanbi by Shell Petroleum Company Nigeria Limited. According to the Council, the allegation against the judge was that he “unilaterally appointed Mr. C M Y K

Emeka Nkwo of CYN-JAC (NIG) Ltd., who was not proposed by any of the parties as referee or valuer in Suit Nos FHC/PH/CS/ 434/2012 and FHC/PH/CS/ 435/2012. “He also appointed the same referee or valuer in Suit FHC/PH/CS/25/2003, which is another matter involving one of the parties in the first suit. “He heard and concluded the case without dealing with the notice of preliminary objection on the jurisdiction of his court. “He sat on the case in the Federal High Court, Yenegoa in Suit FHC/YNG/ CS/30/2013 after a new Judge had been transferred

to the state without a fiat from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. “The judge also delivered the ruling in suit No FHC/ PH/CS/07/2009, four months after final addresses were taken without any cogent reason contrary to the constitutional provisions that judgment should be delivered within a period of 90 days. “Justice Akanbi also dismissed the application to set aside the report prepared by the valuer, CYN – JAC (NIG) Ltd and later changed the ruling to judgement which prevented the respondent from pursuing the

application for stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal. “Justice Akanbi also failed to give a copy of his ruling delivered on June 12, 2013 to the complainant until June 28, 2013. “In the exercise of its constitutional powers, at the same meetings of November 4 and 5, 2015, council had suspended Justice Akanbi from office before the approval for his compulsory retirement by President Muhammadu Buhari,” read the statement that was signed by the acting Director of Information at the NJC, Mr. Soji Oye.

Oshiomhole’s aides carpet protest by women in Benin By Gabriel Enogholase

ENIN—FORUM of Senior Special Assistants to Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has described as shameful, the protest in red by some Benin women on Tuesday in support of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom. In a statement in Benin, yesterday, by Mr. Afuda Theophilus and Mr. John Mayaki, the group said that the act was a sacrilege and wondered why mothers who are vessels of honour would act in that disdainful manner that would echo the sentiments of their paymaster. He said: “The question that would bother a sane mind concerning the protest and the women is, what grievances do they (protesters) want to address that would amount to nude protest? We have not seen anybody who has been able to tell us the exact word the governor used to abuse the Esama of Benin. For women to come to a public square half nude is the most bizarre way to denigrate womanhood and motherhood."

14—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 , 2015

BOOK PRESENTATION IN HONOUR OF LATE HID AWOLOWO PHOTOS: SHOLA OYELESE

From left: Mr Edward Dickson, MD, Nigerian Tribune, Hon. Dimeji Bankole, and Dr Gbolahan Dosumu. From left: Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and Rev. (Mrs) Tola Oyediran, at the presentation of the Book In the Radiance of the sage; the Life and Time of HID Awolowo, at Ikenne, Ogun State, yesterday.

Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, GM/Editor-in-Chief Vanguard Newspapers (left), Sir Olanihun Ajayi (right), and Mr Yanju Adegbite at the event.

From left: Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, Hon. Nosiru Isiaka, and Hon. Bisi Adesina.

Mrs Funke Egbemode, MD, New Telegraph Newspaper (left) and Mrs Tayo Lewis, National Sales Manager, Nigerian Tribune on the occasion.

Special forces kill 40 terrorists, destroy fabricated rockets

BOKO HARAM: By Kingsley Omonobi

BUJA—SPECIAL Forces of the Nigerian Army supported by Nigeria Airforce aircraft, have killed about 40 Boko Haram terrorists and destroyed their rocket fabrication factory after carrying out several raids and attacks on Boko Haram camps, rocket making factory and foiling attempts to attack troops’ location. Army Headquarters in a statement detailing the operations which occurred at the North East epicenter, said, “as part of series of successes being recorded by the Nigerian Army in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists, advancing troops of 154 Task Force Battalion of 29 Task Force Brigade, yesterday cleared Boko Haram terrorists camp at Matali, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. “During the operation quite a number of terrorists were killed and some weapons and Improvised Explosive making Devices, IEDs were recovered." C M Y K

The statement signed by Acting Director, Army Public Relations, recalled that “In the early hours of Monday morning, the Boko

Haram terrorists made spirited attempt to attack troop’s location using 3 VB IED’S at Mada which was successfully repelled.

“During the attack which was meant to thwart the troop’s advancement, 26 terrorists were killed while 3 soldiers sustained

injuries. “In addition, the troops recovered 1 VB IED loaded with IED material, 2 AK-47, 111 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) and 2 RPG bombs."

Osinbajo, Tinubu, others urge Kogi to reject Wada

By Kingsley Fanwo & Boluwaji Obahopo

OKOJA—THE grand finale of the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship campaign in Kogi State, lived up to expectations as thousands of party supporters in the state stormed the Confluence Stadium to express support for the party of change. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday led a high level delegation to the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress, APC governorship campaign rallies in Lokoja yesterday. Also present yesterday were APC leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, others were the national chairman of the party, Chief John OdigieOyegun, Governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) and Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano).

The APC chieftains one after another at the rally told the huge crowd at the Lokoja stadium to

reject Governor Idris Wada, the desired change in infrastructure Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s and governance. candidate for the state to get the

S-Court ruling on Saraki appropriate, lawyer Supreme Court of Nigeria in tells Falana, Sagay respect of daring to do the

By Etop Ekanem

BUJA—ONE of the counsel to the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, Prince Ajibola Oluyede, has faulted the condemnation that trailed ruling of the Supreme Court over the trial of the senate president at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, stating that notions are clearly misconceived. In a statement entitled, “The Supreme Court and the mob hysteria”, Oluyede, who made particular reference to comments credited to Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, and Prof. Itse Sagay, SAN, noted

that the perception of the eminent lawyers on the ruling were wrong. Falana was quoted to have said, “It is unfathomable that the Supreme Court decided to return the country to the status quo ante in a rather brazen and bizarre manner”, while Sagay in his opinion noted that, “what the Supreme Court has done is illegal and it is shocking that the Supreme Court would indulge in illegalities”. According to Oluyede, “the orchestrated tirade against the

unthinkable by scuttling the politically motivated stampede to remove Bukola Saraki from his position as Senate President through a wholly unconstitutional trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal is understandable. “Both eminent lawyers are intolerably wrong and thus give the impression that their per incuriam opinions could only have been motivated by prejudice and not by their well known life long struggle for the public good.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015—15

BIAFRA: Protesters chant ‘Biafra or death' at Aba

separatist rally •Protester tears Nigerian flag •Court orders DSS to produce Nnamdi Kanu, Nov 23 •Fr. Mbaka urged to apologise •MASSOB is selfish —TIC By Soni Daniel, Ikechukwu Nnochiri, Gbenga Oke & Nwabueze Okonkwo

HOUSANDS OF protesters took to the streets in Aba, the Abia State capital, yesterday, to demand the release of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, who operated a radio station calling for a separate state of Biafra. In Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, some 2,000 people carried placards with slogans such as “Biafra or death” and waved the Biafran flag — a golden rising sun on red, black and green. Others wore T-shirts and caps with the image of Nnamdi Kanu, the director of Radio Biafra and founder of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, pressure group. Some sang freedom songs and carried the outlawed Biafran pound currency. A protester reportedly tore a Nigerian flag. “Getting our leader out of detention is our immediate concern, but ultimately we want to be free from Nigeria,” IPOB’s Abia coordinator, Ikechukwu Ugwuoha, told the crowds. DSS ordered to produce Nnamdi Kanu Meantime, an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court sitting at Wuse Zone 2, yesterday, ordered the Department of State Services, DSS, to produce the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, before it, on November 23. Chief Magistrate Shauibu Usman, who gave the order, said he was disappointed that despite a subsisting order, the court made on October 23, the DSS still refused to produce Kanu yesterday. Kanu who is the Director of Radio Biafra and Biafra Television, was on October 17, picked up in Lagos by security operatives, shortly after he arrived Nigeria from his base in the United Kingdom. At the resumed sitting yesterday, the prosecution, failed to comply with the court order. The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Moses Idakwo, told the court that Kanu was not brought before it yesterday due to the fact that there was a pending application, challenging the jurisdiction of the Abuja C M Y K

CONFERENCE: From left, Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ministry of National Planning, Dr. Zakari Lawal; Administrator, Digital Bridge Institute, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde; former Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shansuddeen Usman, and Chairman, House of Reps’ Committee on National Planning, Mr. Jephtah Fonga, at the First National Evaluation Conference, in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN Magistrate Court to proceed with the trial. He said the defendant would only be produced after the motion querying the jurisdiction of the court has been determined. Tussle over defence Also yesterday, two lawyers, engaged in war of words before the open court over who should be allowed to defend the IPOB leader. The two legal practitioners, Mr. Gabriel Egbule and Vincent Ezechukwu Obete, claimed that they were duly briefed to handle the case. Egbule, who was the first to announce appearance, told the court that he represented the accused person on October 19, the day he was arraigned. He produced a letter which he said was written to him by next of kin to the defendant, which appointed him to act as the defence attorney in the matter. On his part, Obete, produced an authorization letter from the IPOB, signed by its Deputy Director, Mr. Alphonsus Mefor. UN, EU, ECOWAS intervention sought Irked by the scenario playing out over Kanu's continued detention , a coalition of human rights groups based in South East geo-political zone of the country has written the United Nations, UN, European Union, EU, Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, United States of America, USA, United Kingdom, UK,

Germany, Canada, France, Brazil, Japan, Australia and India, asking them to prevail on the Nigerian government to release Nnamdi Kanu from extra-judicial detention. Unlawful detention The coalition’s statement copied to the Chairman of the Board of the National Human Rights Commission, Abuja, Nigeria; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Supreme Court Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria; National Security Adviser to the President, NSA Office, Abuja, Nigeria and the Attorney General of the Federation & Minister for Justice, AGF Office, Abuja, Nigeria, declared that: “ Saddening is the reckless flouting and rapacious disobedience by the DSS of four court orders (production (twice), bail and transfer orders) made by the trial Magistrate between October 23 and 28, 2015. “In the past seven days, mass protests involving millions of citizens of Nigeria including school children, women and the elderly have gripped major cities of Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Owerri, Umuahia, Okigwe, Enugu, Asaba, Uyo, Yenogoa, Port Harcourt, Benin and Calabar in South-East and SouthSouth Nigeria as well as dozens of foreign capital cities over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu and in all these, President Muhammadu Buhari and his DSS have kept unholy sealed lips; in reminiscence of state of terror during his military days of 1984 and 1985”, among others.

Threat to democracy The statement further stated that “arresting and detaining citizens outside judicial processes and pronouncements are the greatest threat to democracy and rule of law in Nigeria and a clear return of state terrorism in the country. "This trend, if unchecked, will not only lead to lawlessness, but will also compound the country’s fragile contraption and further undermine and threaten its concocted and fragile statehood. "The inability and unwillingness of the Buhari administration to frontally address these landmines may most likely possess the capacity to undermine the legitimacy of governmental powers and authority; which can be a recipe for civil disobedience and collapse of traditional state power and legitimacy.” MASSOB is selfish —TIC However, another pressure group, The Igbo Conscience, TIC, has deviated from the stance of MASSOB, stating instead that those behind the MASSOB protest across the South-East are not fighting the Igbo cause, but rather fighting for their selfish and personal interest. The group said it is unfortunate that most of the characters involved in the protest had been brainwashed to believe that Biafra will be the solution to all their problems. Addressing a press conference, yesterday, in

Lagos, leader of the group, Monday Ubani said that the late Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu once described the Biafra struggle as no longer a physical fight, but a struggle of the mind. Ubani stressed further that the protesters had no first hand experience of what it means to go to war which is why they had developed penchant for beating drums of war. He stated, “It is not sheer coincidence that none of the prominent supporters of the Indigenous people of Biafra was in Biafra during the 30month civil war whose consequences are still there to see.” Mbaka urged to apologise Miffed by what it perceived as unguarded utterances by a Roman Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka against his fellow Igbo kinsmen in the current agitation against continued detention of the leader of IPOB, and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, the Campaign for Democracy, CD, has given Fr. Mbaka a seven-day ultimatum within which to apologize to Igbo agitators or be sanctioned, adding that for now, apart from boycotting his prayer ministry in Enugu, Ndigbo should stop buying his products like yoghurt, candles, pure water, among other essential commodities being sold by him. . In a press statement issued yesterday in Onitsha, Anambra State, CD’s South East Zonal Chairman, Uzor A. Uzor said it was unpardonable for Mbaka to have described Igbo youths as evil and demonic, just because they were agitating and protesting for immediate and unconditional release of Kanu, who was granted bail, but is still being extra-judicially detained by the Department of State Services, DSS. Northern youths react Angered by their renewed attempt to resurrect an outlawed movement, northern youths have condemned the promoters of the new agitation to revive Biafra and divide Nigeria. In a statement by its National President, Alhaji Gambo Gujungu, the AYF said it was highly disappointed by the heinous move by some selfish elements to cause avoidable crisis in the country.

16—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

'Ekwueme has no sympathy for APC' By Vincent

Anambra signs N500m MoU for malaria eradication By Vincent Ujumadu

Ujumadu

WKA—THE Anambra State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Ken Emeakayi has described as untrue a statement credited to the party’s governorship candidate in the 2013 election, Chief Tony Nwoye that former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme endorsed his group’s defection to All Progres sives Congress, APC. Emeakayi, who spoke in a telephone interview in Awka, said: “What the claim simply means is that Ekwueme now has sympathy for the APC. This is simply super namedropping."

WKA—ANAMBRA State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Christian Aid for the fight of malaria scourge in the state. Under the programme, about 50 per cent of the budget would be spent on the procurement of malaria drugs and their components. The country director of the programme, Dr. Charles Usie, who spoke at the launch of the programme in Awka, said that the agency had been working in Anambra State since 2003, adding that the scope of the current programme, which began in June, 2015, would be expanded to benefit more people. According to him, Christian Aid would implement the present National Malaria Elimination Programme on the Global Fund New Funding malaria grant in the 21 local government areas in the state. Usie added that in each of the 21 local governments, 17 health facilities, made up of 16 Primary Health Canters and one General Hospital, as well as 30 selected community- oriented resource persons known as Role Model Care Givers, RMCGs, would be engaged to ensure that services were offered to the most vulnerable and in the hard- to -reach settlements in the state. Anambra State Health Commissioner, Dr. Joe Akabuike urged donor agencies to weigh the cost of logistics against the real services rendered in the fight against malaria. Akabuike said he believed

that the cost of logistics was too high and that agencies which help the state fight the scourge of malaria should ask themselves if the money used in their projects

achieved the desired aim. He said that Anambra is a malaria ‘burden state’ with 63 per cent hospital attendance accounting for malaria disease; 80 per

FORUM: From left, Captain Nogie Meggison, President, Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON; Alhaji Muneer Bankole, MD/CEO, Med-View Airline, and Mr. Yomi Jones, former Managing Director, Nigerian Airways, at the Med-View Agency forum, in Lagos, on the Lagos-London Schedule flight, starting tomorrow. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

Ebonyi NSCDC arrests 2 pipeline vandals ...recovers motorcycles, jerry cans to be pipeline vandals in the state. Briefing newsmen at the command BAKALIKI—EBONYI State headquarters in Abakaliki, the state command of the Nigeria Security commandant of the Corps, Shuayb Jibril and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, explained that the two suspects were yesterday arrested two persons suspected arrested between 2a.m. and 6:30a.m. of the fateful day in Ivo Local Government Area. According to the Innocent the reason for a meeting Justice Umezulike, the state commandant, the suspects, in Enugu. Ifeanyi Chukwu, 29, and After the meeting, they Chief Judge. Nkem Ndika, 29 who When the matter came came up with a communiqué that HRH up recently, the counsel hailed from Amaonye Eze Cletus Ilomuanya to the South-East village in Ishiagu should stop parading Traditional Rulers Mr. community of Ivo Local himself as their Anthony Ani informed Government Area of the the court that the two state would be charged to Chairman. Reacting to this parties had decided to court as soon as the development HRH Eze settle the matter out of command concludes its Cletus Ilomuanya court, to which the investigation on the matter. He cautioned youths in instituted a matter at presiding judge agreed Enugu High Court and adjourned the the state to avoid vandalizing pipelines and presided by his Lordship matter to December. The court witnessed a other Federal Government huge crowd amongst who installations within and were Royal fathers who outside their communities had come from the South- as the command was East states in solidarity with prepared to arrest and their new chairman H.R.H. prosecute anybody found culpable. E.S. Ohiri.

By Peter Okutu

Royal fathers in solidarity with HRH Ohiri

HE RESPONSE of the South-East traditional rulers to the paid advertorial in one of the national dailies and signed by APC Chairman in Imo State Dr. Hilary Eke that His Royal Highness Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the South East Traditional Rulers Council Chairman, have been dethroned and replaced by HRH E.S. Ohiri was

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cent of child mortality from malaria and 11 per cent of maternal death arising from the disease, a situation he described as worrisome.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015— —17

N the eve of the 2011 presidential election, I received a text message from Raymond Dokpesi, urging me to vote for Goodluck Jonathan the following day. He adduced a host of reasons for endorsement of candidate Jonathan and why I should accept his choice. I sent him a very rude reply for what I felt was an impudent message! Jonathan never appealed to me as capable of being our president; and the bitter intraparty struggle within the PDP, about what to do, in the wake of Umaru Ya’Adua’s death, had polarised the party and deepened the schisms associated with Nigeria’s political life. Besides, I had unambiguously supported Muhammadu Buhari since 2003! My reply soured our relationship for a while and I didn’t see Dokpesi until April 2012, when we met at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, USA. We had been attending the annual conference of the American National Association of Broadcasters, NAB. I have given this narration, against the background of Dokpesi’s frank admission last week, that Jonathan’s emergence in 2011, which had short-changed the North, was one of the reasons for Jonathan’s and the PDP’s defeat in the 2015 elections, amongst many other reasons. Dokpesi’s apology to Nigerians was incredible, even when Olisa Metuh countermanded him the following day, stating that it was Dokpesi’s personal view and not the PDP’s; or the more gung-ho and ‘Area Boy’ intervention by Doyin Okupe! In truth, Raymond Dokpesi’s admittance was rather like s**t hitting the PDP’s ceiling fan: likely to soil too many party grandees.

Irresponsible ruling party The PDP would surely have won the grand prize, as perhaps Africa’s most irresponsible ruling party. Here is a party that used to describe itself as Africa’s largest political party, but which soon after it came to life, on the basis of the grand vision of idealistic founding fathers, was to immediately founder, against the backdrop of a combination of often, nation-destroying circumstances. For 16 years, until its defeat at the last elections, the PDP did everything that made it impossible to succeed in the nation-building process, at a time that Nigeria needed it most. The party became Africa’s most ruthless vote-rigging contraption and so brazen would it become that it turned on its head the basic logic of a democratic society. So the more scandalous its excesses, the more votes it was able to garner in badly rigged elections. It was as if the Nigerian people had entered into a covenant to regularly deepen their own sorrow through votes that they seemed resigned to

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Raymond Dokpesi's s**t and PDP's ceiling fan giving to a most irresponsible political party. Sometimes it seemed reasonable to imagine that we had become a country of lobotomised cretins quite

The tendencies within the APC and their struggle for hegemonic dominance of the party can open up the aperture for the PDP to reclaim the space of public perception

unable to determine what was good for us! In 16 years, the PDP offered the best illustrations of the worst excesses of prebendalism, as party grandees and ‘tin gods’ like Chiefs Tony Anenih and Olabode George, for example, re-defined the ethos of democratic politics, as angling for the lowest common denominator in leadership recruitment. What mattered wasn’t the overall health of the country,but the survival of a system which allowed these grand old men to continue ruling the roost. So individuals without any meaningful political and electoral value, made good, for as long as they could work their way through the manipulative,but patently undemocratic ethos which had

been carefully enthroned as the ruling mantra of the PDP. And because they could “ win” elections no matter which way the Nigerian people voted, it became clear that success lied not in working for the Nigerian people, but in how well one could work through the labyrinthine entrails of PDP politicking. That explained why until an election had been conducted and sufficiently rigged, one couldn’t even be sure of who exactly was PDP’s candidate in the election. Candidates were often swapped several times before the election was held. In the long run, the Nigerian people had to learn by experience and came to the conclusion that this behemoth could not be nudged in the right direction.

It was far too lost in its ways to find the means back to the vision of idealist founding fathers like the late Chief Sunday Awoniyi. In the hands of Olusegun Obasanjo, the PDP became a monstrosity and it must have been painful for Chief Awoniyi to see the party he laboured to midwife become eventually, in his words, “a basket of scorpions, stinging themselves to death”! Wole Soyinka described the same party as “a nest of killers”! This is the party that Dokpesi and others are desperately trying to reform. They certainly have their work cut out into the future. The PDP has so messed up the hope that it initially inspired to be of any redeemable functionality into the nearest future of Nigerian political life. Its best bet is to hope that the ruling party, the APC, would make such a mess of the mandate it has been given by the Nigerian people. Unfortunately, the tendencies within the APC and their struggle for hegemonic dominance of the party can open up the aperture for the PDP to reclaim the space of public perception. If such a calamity should befall Nigeria, then Dokpesi’s s**t wont have hit the PDP’s ceiling fan in vain!

Dangote's concrete roads formula for Nigeria

FORTNIGHT ago, I spent four days in Lagos. I had been invited by AG Dangote, the construction arm of the Dangote Group, to see the road it is constructing between Ibese and Itori in Ogun State. The 24-kilometre road project is being undertaken as a Corporate Social Responsibility intervention by AG Dangote. But it also has another purpose, which was to exhibit the relevance of roads construction in Nigeria through the use of concrete, as against the bitumen that has been central to roads construction in Nigeria over the decades. Aliko Dangote is the largest producer of cement in Nigeria and I think in Africa today; so he has a major reason to showcase the efficacy of concrete in the roads construction process in Nigeria and, in the long run, on the African continent. Two reasons have triggered my interest. The first was that every road leading to Ilorin, my hometown today, is practically spoilt. The Kaduna-Ilorin road is a nightmare; the Bida-Ilorin road is completely unusable; we cannot travel anymore from Abuja going through Kabba to Ilorin and, therefore, we are forced to travel up to Okene and then make a detour into Ekiti State before entering Kwara, either through Osi or Ayedun/ EkanMeje. Even the IbadanIlorin Expressway has stalled between Ogbomosho and Oyo, so it is also a major problem

travelling from that direction too. All these roads are bitumen based, and over the years, they have rapidly deteriorated, becoming very difficult for road users. Yet, Nigeria expends billions of naira attempting to fix these roads. I love to drive on Nigerian roads to behold the beauty of our country and to also connect with the mass of people who traverse distances by road. Today, it makes no sense to use roads because they endanger lives and easily destroy our vehicles. A few days before the last Sallah, we sent a driver with a bus to pick my children from their boarding school. A drive that would have taken not more than five hours ended as almost 11 hours of nightmare for the children!

Thinking out of the box It became clear to me, that we needed to think out of the box, because bitumen-based roads don’t have the lifespan that would make driving reasonably comfortable for the Nigerian people. Besides, in an era of dwindling resources, and a nevertheless desperate need to fix roads, we surely must think out of the box. Isn’t there another way of fixing Nigerian roads in a cost-effective manner that will also last much longer than bitumen-based roads? Then a few weeks ago, I read an interview that Aliko Dangote gave on the effort that he was

making with the introduction of concrete-based roads construction in Nigeria. This was the second reason that stirred my interest; so I placed a call to Dangote. I asked him what the comparative advantages were and he obliged me with information. Similarly, he invited me to see the road that he was constructing in Ogun State. That was the reason that I travelled to Lagos and Ogun states two weeks ago. The Ibese to Itori road is a 24kilometre road that AG Dangote is constructing as a Corporate Social Responsibility intervention. It is also a showcase of the use of concrete as an alternative to bitumen. It was very interesting that on the Monday that I visited, two weeks ago, an Abia State delegation led by their Commissioner for Works that had also come to see the way that concrete was being applied. We met the AG Dangote team on the 16th-kilometre, and the level of equipment use and the rapid manner that concrete was being brought to site from the Dangote factory at Ibese showed that it was a very good alternative to bitumen, which is imported, with consequences for very scarce foreign exchange today in Nigeria. Over 95% of what is needed for concrete-based roads is sourced locally and that has tremendous implication for job creation and retention within the Nigerian economy. I found

out that cost per kilometre for concrete-based roads in Nigeria is $675,000 - $850, 000, while bitumen-based cost per kilometre is $800, 000 - $1, 050, 000. That will bring a 23% saving on cost. I went round the AG Dangote plant at Ibese, including the laboratory, where the concrete used is scientifically tested, to ensure very high standard of work on the road. I similarly discovered that a concrete-based road has a life span of between 30-40 years, while it allows for very low maintenance cost. As part of effort to showcase the efficacy of concrete-based roads construction, AG Dangote is waiting for approval to construct the Obajana to Kabba road in Kogi state, which is projected to cost far less than bitumen-based construction, and from our point of view, will mean that we would have some respite in attempting to get to and from Ilorin. I left AG Dangote’s Ibese to Itori road, convinced that concrete-based roads construction might just be the thinking out of the box that we need to fix major roads around Nigeria. If government can fix the roads leading to Ilorin from all the directions that I enumerated earlier, with concrete, it would ease our pains considerably and that would also have become another of the multi-faceted contributions of the Dangote Group to Nigeria’s progress!

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015 AFTER months of procrastination, the Senate and the House of Representatives have finally constituted their committees. The setting up of the committees is the signal of the readiness of the National Assembly to settle down for business. This is because the committee system is the engine room of the legislature – the platform upon which the business of lawmaking and legislative oversight are accomplished. Senate President Bukola Saraki, who announced the constitution of the Senate committees penultimate Wednesday named 65 committees, nine more than the 56 committees of the preceding Senate. Speaker Yakubu Dogara had earlier announced chairmen and deputy chairmen for 96 committees with one, the Committee on Niger Delta still being awaited. The 97 committees in the House are seven above the 90 committees that were constituted in the immediate past House of Representatives. The proliferation of committees is

The shame in the National Assembly in remarkable contrast to the ongoing shrinking of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA’s) of the Federal Government. This is especially worrisome given that the executive and the legislative branches of government are controlled by the same party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). The contradiction in the style of leadership of the party in the two branches of government is indicative of a conflict of ideology, which is unhealthy for good and cohesive governance. Remarkably, the proliferation of the committee system is not new,

having become an operational tool for political survival by past leaders of the legislature. Senate Presidents and Speakers of the House adopted the culture of using committee positions to win the loyalty of lawmakers. Of particular interest are the socalled “juicy” committees, which are committees that give legislators more opportunities to squeeze illicit funds from the MDAs. To strengthen their hands, the Senate President and the Speaker have further spread the ‘juice’ by splitting the “juicy” committees. The closest example of a presidential democracy to Nigeria’s is in the

United States where the Senate and the House of Representatives each has twenty standing committees. By proliferating the committees, the legislature is not just adding to its overhead cost, it is also going to make the work of the executive branch a bit more cumbersome. Ministers and government officials are compelled to make multiple presentations and appearances before the multiple committees overseeing them. We condemn the idea of regarding committees as “juicy ” and “non-juicy”, with those who got committees in the latter category resigning or engaging in fisticuffs. If indeed the senators and representatives are interested in serving the nation rather than lining their pockets, we expect them to stop fighting, settle down and face the work for which they were elected. The National Assembly has spent six months squabbling and holidaying. That is unacceptable.

OPINION Still on the Taraba Tribunal judgement By Haruna Adamu

HE recent judgement of the Elections Petitions Tribunal in Abuja declared APC’s Aisha Jummai Alhassan as the duly elected governor of Taraba state and ordered the sitting Governor, PDP’s Architect Darius Ishaku, to vacate office on the grounds that he did not emerge the candidate of the PDP in a properly-conducted primary election. This prompted me to write this article to call attention to the worrisome reasons the Justice Mustapha Danladi Abubakar Panel adduced for its ruling, and to alert Nigerians to the threat our country’s growing democracy might face if the curious judgement is allowed to stand. To all sincere, discerning and patriotic Nigerians conversant with the governorship elections which led to the emergence of Darius Ishaku as the duly-elected Governor by the people of Taraba state, there are very glaring holes in the tribunal’s judgement. I will try to highlight some of these to clearly illustrate how the tribunal, in arriving at its decision, left substance and chose to chase shadows in a bid to achieve a pre-determined and sinister agenda. Firstly, the candidacy of the governor as flag-bearer of the PDP in the election was a pre-election matter that was clearly outside the mandate and purview of the Elections Petitions Tribunal. However, the panel decided to ignore the validity of Governor Ishaku’s nomination as the PDP candidate,

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and chose to meddle into what was not its business by assuming jurisdiction on the matter. And this was despite the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognised him as the candidate of the PDP in the elections without any issues, published his name as candidate without any reservations, and went ahead to announce him as the winner of the election while also issuing him the Certificate of Return. The tribunal’s ruling is all the more absurd more so when no one in the PDP went to court to challenge Ishaku’s emergence as the PDP flag-bearer to contest the April 11 elections or faulted his eventual election as governor. Secondly, the tribunal rejected the explanations of the PDP and its legal team that the governorship primary could not hold in Taraba as a result of security concerns in the state at the time. This was despite the fact that the tribunal itself chose to sit in Abuja because of security concerns in Taraba. Yet, it mentioned this as one of the grounds for which it based its shocking ruling. Now, if the Tribunal could not sit in Jalingo, the state capital, as a result of the same reason of security, what was wrong with the PDP’s decision to hold its governorship primary in Abuja with party chiefs and all relevant

It is Ishaku that Tarabans have duly elected as their governor

stakeholders in attendance even as the primary was open to the world and was covered by the media? Thirdly, since it was clear that the Boko Haram insurgency was still on at the period, and the tribunal was very well aware of the prevailing circumstances in the country at the time, especially in the North East and North West geo-political zones of the country, why does it expect elections to hold in all parts of the state on election day? Fourthly, and which is most baffling, is the tribunal’s express nullification of the APC’s claims that the governorship election in Taraba state was fraught with malpractices and over-voting yet it went ahead to nullify Ishaku’s election as the duly-elected Governor of Taraba state. On the basis of free and fair elections which remain the fundament bedrock of sustainable democracy, Governor Ishaku won the election fair and square. So, why would the tribunal go ahead to annual his election on grounds of his candidature? The judgement is curious and confounding, and it’s clear that there is certainly more to it than meets the eyes. With the tribunal’s ruling, it appears there is a grand conspiracy between the APC-led federal government and a section of the judiciary against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Otherwise, how does the emergence of a party’s candidate, which is clearly an internal party affair and a preelection matter, concern the APC and the election tribunal? Indeed, the judgement lends credence to the views of those who

insist that the APC government is pulling some strings behind the scene. And this position cannot just be waived aside. It just appears the APC seems so power-hungry and desperate to do just about anything to achieve its agenda of a one-party state. Nigerians need to wake up and not allow themselves be deceived by politicians who chant change with their mouths in public but do things to the contrary in their closets, away from prying eyes. Now, while having a female governor is laudable in itself, is it appropriate for it to be done through the back-door? Is it right for the tribunal to rule that a woman whom majority of the people of Taraba did not elect must govern them? The truth of the matter is that the APC candidate in the election, Alhassan, is hardly prepared for governance. A woman who prefers focussing on frivolities rather than on substance and critical issues of governance and development cannot be the best on offer among women in Taraba state. She can yet become the Governor of the state in future; but she would need to prepare herself more and earn the valid votes of the good people of Taraba state. For the next four years, it is Ishaku that Tarabans have duly elected as their governor to spearhead the task of moving the state forward. Citizens of the state believe in his vision and want him to deliver all of his campaign promises to transform Taraba. Nothing must be allowed to derail this mission. The people's wishes must prevail. *Mr. Adamu , a public affairs anlyst, wrote from Jalingo, Taraba State.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 19,, 2015— 19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Buhari and the Biafra protests

ET me say it, once again: I do not support the hysteria for Biafra. I am not sure Nnamdi Kanu fully understands the subject well enough to give us a picture of what to expect if wishes were horses and beggars could ride. But as an Igbo man I fully share the sentiments that are driving the protests. The difference between these young people and me is that while they have surrendered to the heat of emotion and are being propelled by it, those of us who are more experienced and schooled in Nigerian affairs (part of which is the Biafra sub-plot) know that when faced with tough challenges, sentiment can never produce positive results. This has been the approach of the Igbo elite since 1994, a period of our post-war history when the military had made the Igbo totally inconsequential in Nigerian politics. In the June 12, 1993 presidential election based on the military-decreed two party system, the Igbos were reduced to mere spectators in the fight between the North and the West for power.

But through strategic political plots, active involvement in the processes and patience, the Igbos had become reasonably grounded enough by 2011, that they played a leading role in the election of President Goodluck Jonathan as president of Nigeria in spite of the North’s ardent drive to grab power from him. Igbos did it by deliberately disqualifying themselves from running for president or vice in any major political party, and proceeding to dump their block votes for Jonathan. They repeated the feat in 2015, and thus were able to recover to a reasonable extent, the trust of their Minority neighbours in the South-South. The Igbos carefully built up what is now known in Nigerian politics as the South East and SouthSouth platform; a political partnership that could become a major decider in Nigerian politics if sustained. After the war, the Igbos and their Minority neighbours fought to outdo each other for second fiddle positions and crumbs, thus putting the North in the pole position of choosing

whom to pick in their power tussle with the Yorubas. They were never able to produce block votes, and were seen as people having little electoral value in spite of their large population. 2011 and 2015 changed that perception because the Igbos acted in one accord with their South-South neighbours. This political tag-team could play a decisive role in choosing which Northerner will occupy the presidency in 2019. After that, anything is possible for the Igbos. Most countries which survive civil wars take deliberate steps to heal the wounds. Looking at the United States, who would have thought that it once fought a bitter five-year civil war? The Nigerian civil war lasted for “only” 29 months. Yet, no section of America is made to feel less American than the others. America chose to heal their wounds of war to the point that you can hardly notice the scars. But here in Nigeria, we only

They wrote decrees and took large swathes of land. Some became chicken farmers while others became cow farmers. They shared the oil wealth of the country among themselves

Committees of all Chiefs, no Indians

HEN an organisation no longer knows what to do, it starts grappling with everything. That is when the loss of one genuine purpose leads to the pursuit of a dozen pseudo purposes. That is also when the organisation begins to work at cross purposes with other organisations. At a time when President Muhammadu Buhari has successfully pruned the number of Ministries down to 24, citing the need to cut down on the cost of governance; the number of standing committees in the House of Representatives has imploded in geometric progression to 96, regardless of the cost implication. Add to this, about 24 Special and Ad-hoc Committees that spring up from time to time; and you will find that every member of the House is a Committee Chairman or Vice-Chairman. That’s what we call all Chiefs, no Indians. Evidently, it would be impossible for all legislators to consider all proposals that pour into the National Assembly every session, hence the introduction of the committee system, which enables the legislature to break up its work-load into smaller and more manageable parts. Standing Committees are supposed to be permanent groups organised along policy lines. They last from one session to the other and from one assembly to the next. The importance of Committees in any parliament and more so, in a presidential dispensation cannot be overemphasised. The 28th President of the US, Woodrow Wilson, once described committees as “little legislatures”. According to him, “The House sits, not for serious discussions, but to sanction the conclusions of its committees as rapidly as possible. It legislates in the committee rooms; not by the deliberation of majorities but by the resolutions of specially commissioned minorities: so that it is not far from the truth to say that legislature in

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session is legislature on public exhibition while the legislature in its committee room is legislature at work.” Both chambers of the National Assembly have seemingly parallel committee structures, although they sometimes use different nomenclatures. For instance, the Committee on External Affairs in the House of Representatives is called the Foreign Relations Committee in the Senate. Ideally, because of its smaller size, the Senate should group committees of similar subjects. Commerce and industry, transport and aviation, appropriation and finance, provide few examples of convenient groupings. The existence of too many committees is an open invitation to catastrophe. Where a legislator is appointed to too many committees, his attention becomes divided among the committees that it is impossible to find a convenient time at which all members of a particular committee may meet. Again, the legislator’s effort becomes fragmented and distributed not only among too many problems but also among problems too varied in nature that his time and effort are frequently wasted by the duplication of committee functions. When the number of committees is too large and their jurisdictions get too narrow, it becomes impossible for the legislature and

We see in the present arrangement, an attempt to trivialise committee appointments. Committee chairmanship is not another job for the boys

covered the wound with bandages and deliberately allowed it to suppurate beneath. Some Nigerians actually feel entitled to keep the “gains” they made through the war. This mentality is very high among the surviving senior military officers who fought for the federal side. After the war, they went on a freebooting spree, seizing the political and economic future of the country. They wrote decrees and took large swathes of land. Some became chicken farmers while others became cow farmers. They shared the oil wealth of the country among themselves and their friends foreign and local. Two of them (General Olusegun Obasanjo and Major General Muhammadu Buhari) have recycled themselves as our leaders. After plotting coups and ruling as military dictators, they came back as elected leaders. This recycling of the civil war generals has not allowed the Nigerian war wounds to heal. Each time they came back, the Igbos are transported back to immediate post-war years when they had to endure terribly annoying political and economic exclusion. On the other hand, presidents who were not combatants during the war were far more willing to carry everyone along. President Shehu Shagari picked an Igbo VP barely nine years after the war. President Umaru Yar’ Adua released many oil wells seized from Abia and Imo States by Obasanjo in 1976 back to them and took firm steps that showed he was truly a national leader. President Jonathan actually brought out the Nigerian Army to

the legislator to see any issue in its fullness – to pull the pieces together and frame coherent, comprehensive policies in broad areas of public concern. Policies b e c o m e fragmented and disjointed, as policy interrelationships get lost in the process. And as the jurisdiction of committees cannot always be clearly drawn in such a situation, disputes would normally arise over which group should handle certain measures. We see in the present arrangement, an attempt to trivialise committee appointments. Committee chairmanship is not another job for the boys. It is not for public relations, either. It is a serious business. It is also a height of naivety to think that dishing out frivolous committee appointments is meant to restore broken relationships or to establish new ones. Hear Telford Taylor: “There are worse things than mere graft, and one of them is the reduction of politics to an empty process of wheeling and dealing, in which the personal fortunes of the contestants loom larger than the social issues which they evade, straddle and obfuscate in the hope of offending no one.” We hear of a case where a freshman in the current House of Representatives is a Chairman of one committee and ViceChairman of another. Where else in an existing parliament can committee chairmanship be so cheapened, except in Nigeria? And what does it do to the ranking order, which parliaments covet so much? With 96 standing committees in a chamber of just 360 members, it is not unusual to find one legislator belonging to six committees and sometimes more. The cost of running 96 Committees in a single year would ordinarily sustain the committee system, with utmost efficiency, for the four years life span of an entire parliament in an orderly structure.

give former Biafra leader Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu a presidential burial! These made the Igbo man to have a sense of belonging. The emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) sounded the red alert to the Igbos that another win-the-war general was on his way back to power, just when the Igbos had begun to find their feet in the system. The Igbos did not vote for Buhari, not because of any hatred of his person. He had a good reputation as a man of integrity, but he also had a bad reputation as an extremely provincial ex-civil war commander. He was seen as the man who torpedoed the imminent emergence of Dr. Alex Ekwueme as Nigeria’s president in 1987. Buhari went ahead to win the presidency. Rather than reassure the Igbos and other Doubting Thomases that they were wrong, he went to America and propounded his controversial “97%/5%” formula of noninclusive government, which favours Northern Muslims. In appointing ministers, he empowered those who made him president. It was the feeling of alienation stoked among the Igbos that Nnamdi Kanu’s Radio Biafra fed on to spark off the ongoing protests for “freedom”. The youth are tired of second class citizenship. Still, Biafra is not the answer. We must join hands to conclusively retire the civil war generals in 2019. No former soldier should ever lead Nigeria again. They have no sense of shame, regret, accommodation or good conscience to build a nation where no one is oppressed.

Even with just 22 standing committees in the Senate and 27 in the House of Representatives during the Second Republic, there was often considerable over-lap and duplication of functions, particularly in carrying out the oversight responsibilities. If you are creating a committee on aviation at a time when the Ministry of aviation has been abolished, such committee is simply dead on arrival. You would be better-off having a single committee on Transportation with as many members as possible so that the committee can break itself into as many sub-committees as necessary. Similarly, there is hardly any justification for creating separate committees on gas, downstream and up-stream operations, NDDC, etc, when, in fact, all these could be subsumed under sub-committees in a single Committee on Petroleum Resources. In the last dispensation, we saw how the erstwhile Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, cried out that she was virtually spending all her time shuttling between the numerous committees of the National Assembly. Elsewhere, parliaments are already experimenting on the use of joint committees of members of both chambers in many areas of common concern and it is working out well. In just the same way that too many hands spoil the soup, too many committees are counter-productive. It is not too late for the National Assembly to create value for itself by regrouping some of those unstructured committees and scrapping the positions of Committee Vice-chairmen.

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

By Daud Olatunji

ympathisers were truly moved to tears and pity as victims of child abuse-cumlabour recalled their ordeals in the hands of their various ‘bosses from hell’. More shocking revelations were made when Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, PRAWA and Stephanie Peace Building and Development Foundation, SPADEV recently took human trafficking sensitisation to the border towns of Ogun State. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters, NAPTIP, has revealed that Ogun State is one of the five states with prevalent issues of human trafficking in Nigeria. Vanguard Metro, VM, gathered that about half of those who witnessed the programme in Ilara and Iwoye Ketu in Imeko Afon Local Government area of Ogun State had either been victims or have a relative who had been abused as a child or even adult at one time or the other. The victims, majority of who are women, vowed never to allow their children be taken away by known or unknown persons. Narrating her ordeal, one of the victims of child trafficking, Mariam Bakare, said she developed kwashiokor and was bedridden for two years after leaving her aunt’s place. Bakare who is from Iwoye-Ketu, one of the border towns in the state informed thus: “I was taken away by my aunt but she turned me into an housemaid. She would not give me food, hence, I started eating sand.

Spiritual deliverance “She also barred me from going to the neighbours out of the fear I would tell them my ordeal. I would crawl up somewhere and I would discreetly throw the sand into my mouth since there was nothing else to eat. “When my acquaintances saw my condition, they alerted my parents that I would soon die if nothing was done. My mother had to lie to her that I needed spiritual deliverance in order to take me away from there.” Ruth Osunbiyi, who is in her late 40s, also said that she resorted to eating sand when she was hunger-stricken at her former boss’ place. “I spent 15 years as a maid. My mother died after giving birth to me and I was taken to my father’s elder sister place to live. She later sent me to live with her married daughter. That was where my suffering began. “My day usually began with grinding beans with a traditional C M Y K

*Some of the former victims of child trafficking, abuse

Child labour, trafficking: We ate sand to survive — Victims grinder to prepare moi-moi which I would then hawk around the village. She would only give me food at around 3pm. Whenever I was hungry, I would eat sand from walls and I would drink water to support it. I ate it because I was hungry and I did not know who to call on because we were in a village then,” she narrated. Elizabeth Ogundele, a resident of Ilara in Imeko Afon Local Government Area of the state also had a similar story to tell. “There was a woman who had been coming to my mother before I finished my primary six; she liked me a lot then, and she told my mother she wanted to take me to her place so that I could go to school. I was hesitant but the pressure was too much on my mother and she allowed her to take me away. “But on getting to her place, I was not allowed to go to school. Each time I asked her about it, she would tell me to exercise patience. I then demanded to be returned home since she could not fulfill the promise she made to my mother concerning my education. “In November, I offended her child (who I also called aunty even though I am a year older her). She wanted to cook for her boyfriend, but the fish she was cooking was burnt and she threatened to beat me up with a cane. “Out of fear I ran out of the house. I eventually met an Hausa man that night who directed me

to a park where I boarded a vehicle going to Abeokuta. It was there that I met people who knew my father and they took me home in Ilara. When I got home, people thought I was insane; I was more or less dressed in rags because I left there without any of my belongings. I had to steal two clothes spread outside by a neighbour,” she informed. Bukola’s (not real name) story is also touching. “My father’s elder sister told my parents she would send me to school before we left our town for her place. But when I got there, I became a maid; I would bathe her children

Whenever I was hungry, I would eat sand from walls and I would drink water to support it; I ate it because I was hungry and I did not know who to call on because we were in a village then

every morning before they go to school. “I hawked in the afternoon without food. But I learnt how to peel cassava without her knowledge; that was how I was able to raise money to feed myself. If we have stale foods in the house, I would be the one to eat them. I often slept in the passageway. “ When my mother visited and left I was accused of stealing money. I was beaten for the crime I didn’t commit; it was later that I got to know it was her first child stealing the money to gamble with. “At a time, her husband wanted to have sexual intercourse with me, but I resisted him. Later he had his way. He slept with me twice. This made me to leave the house. But my father asked me to return there because I didn’t tell why I left.

Assistance to victims “The woman took me back to her house and beat me mercilessly. I was forced to run back to my father and narrated everything to him,” she said. Speaking after the programme, Ifunaya Igbokwe, Associate Programmes Officer, PRAWA, Lagos, said the organisation was assisting the victims get over their trauma. “NAPTIP has found out that there are five major states where it is prevalent: Ogun, Kano, Kaduna, Anambra and Edo

states. We are in Ogun to create awareness on the effects of human trafficking. “For Ogun State, we have child trafficking and child labour unlike Edo State where we have prostitution. So, for Ogun State, we have to go into those communities where children are being taken away without the consent of their parents. “Their self esteem is eroded; some have issues with their education or are educationally disadvantaged and they find it hard to get back into the mainstream. “The next phase of the programme is empowering these people. We would empower indigenes of the states we are currently working on; we would gainfully engage those who are into entrepreneurial services and as well as skill acquisition,” Igbokwe said. Executive Director, Stephanie Peace Building Development Foundation, SPADEV, Dr. Toyin Olaifa, noted that human trafficking has negative effects on the country’s social economy. “Child trafficking is very rampant in the border areas and most times, they bring them into the interland. The worst impact of child trafficking is psychological and they don’t get out of the trauma till the end of their lives. “We have plans for places including Ilara, Iwoye-Ketu, OjaOdan, Ijoun and Igan-okoto which are the towns in the border areas,” she said.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

— 21

SMEDAN pushes for 6% interest rate for MSMEs By Favour Nnabugwu

MSME sub-sector of the Nigerian economy but it came at a high 15 per cent interest rate which was just 4 per cent short of the average lending rate by commercial banks. The apex bank however dropped the interest rate to a maximum of 9 percent while on each disbursed loan, the apex bank would receive a 3 per cent interest while approved participating financial institutions (PFIs) that help distribute the funds cannot charge more than 6 per cent. The framework confirmed that under no circumstance should PFIs charge more than 6 per cent interest. Additional interest fees- managing, processing, insurance fees et al are prohibited. Meanwhile, CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele said the apex bank remains committed to disbursing the N220 billion MSMEs facility to all economic sectors in Nigeria cutting across agriculture, the barbers, mechanics, hairdressers etc in different parts of the country. “We realise that there is need to embark more on sensitisation and awareness and the council has mandated the CBN to work with SMEDAN, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other agencies of government to spread the news about this facility so that Nigerians can benefit from it. Under the programme, each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), would be entitled to

S part of the strategy to encourage micro and small business owners, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) has pushed for the reduction in the interest rate on the N220billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Fund from 9 per cent to 6 per cent. Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr Bature Masari, said the agency is pressing for the interest rate charged by commercial banks on the MSMEs to be reduced to 6 per cent. He said: “Our interest is to protect small business owners that constitute the MSMEs sector. The reduction of interest rate to 6 per cent will go along way to reduce poverty in the country.” Musari also counselled against high interest rate by the proposed SME bank when it is eventually established which he said should not be more than 3 per cent. The SMEDAN boss said the current 9 per cent is too high to encourage SME owners to access the funds. “The interest rate should not be more than 6 per cent for the N220bn MSMEs fund and 3 per cent for Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (SME) bank when established.” On July 22, 2014, CBN reviewed the guidelines that made the N220billion MSME Development Fund unattractive. The fund was established in August last year to channel long-term low interest rate funds to the

114.00 $3,363.00 $14.35

44.23

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

-0.25 9.00

-0.43

-0.66

-0.45

CENTRAL

196 196.5 197 298. 3316 299.0927 299.8537 211. 484 212. 0235 212.563 195. 6674 196.1665 196.6657 1.5984 1.6025 1. 6066 0.3013 0.3113 0.3213 269.7934 270. 4817 271.1699 30.749 30. 8279 30.9068 52.2625 52.3958 52.5291 270.4996 271.1897 271.8797 28.3384 28.4107 28.483

CBN Exchange Rate as at 18/11 /15

The interest rate should not be more than 6 per cent for the N220bn MSMEs fund

GRADUATION: From left, Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Adeola Adetunji; beneficiary of Nigerian Bottling Company’s Technical Training Centre, Ibeh Joseph; Managing Director, NBC, Ben Langat; and Supply Chain Capability Development Manager, NBC, Michael Lutz, during the presentation of certificates to graduating students at the 23rd graduation ceremony of NBC’s Technical Training Centre’s Sets 27 and 28 at NBC’s Ikeja Plant, Agidingbi, Lagos, yesterday. access as much as N2 billion. But the funds will not be disbursed to the states directly but through banks which are expected to effect the disbursements directly to the

beneficiaries. Already, the CBN has signed an agreement with five commercial banks to disburse part of the N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium

Enterprises, MSMEs, Fund to entrepreneurs in the country. The banks include; United Bank of Africa, UBA, Skye Bank, GTBank, Zenith Bank and Fidelity Bank.

CBN seeks quality database to boost insurance penetration

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has advised insurance companies to generate quality database of operators as a step towards combating slow insurance penetration in Nigeria. Head of Data Management Office (DMO) of the CBN, Mr Olayinka Peter, gave the advice at the opening of a Micro-insurance Fair in Lagos. The Fair is organised by the Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA). The theme of the Fair is “Making Insurance Work for the Informal Sector”. He noted that a lack of trust and financial knowledge among other factors hindering insurance penetration could be eliminated if operators could provide the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) with quality database. According to him, “It is common knowledge that insurance culture is very low among the informal sector

and it will take deliberate effort like this to win the confidence of this sector. The data we received from NAICOM is not comprehensive enough to form the basis of research for the industry. The apex bank is ready to partner with NAICOM to deepen the industry’s financial penetration.” He added that quality database would provide solution to the slow insurance penetration in Nigeria. Also speaking, Mr Godwin Wiggle, the Chairman of the Nigeria Insurance Association (NIA), said that the conference was aimed at bringing stakeholders to brainstorm on microinsurance. He noted that the overall objective was to ensure that both the demand side and the supply side of microinsurance were in alliance. “This conference is meant to create awareness for our member’s microinsurance products for the

informal sector of the economy,” he said. The chairman pointed out that a diagnostic study showed that less than one per cent of the adult population in Nigeria, had access to voluntary insurance policy. “Nigeria is among the least countries in terms of insurance contribution to GDP which is about 0.72 per cent. The Nigerian insurance sector is also regarded as a grossly untapped opportunity. Insurance has not appealed to the informal sector, which constitutes over eight per cent of our population. The way forward is through closer interaction with the sector, intensive capacity building and greater expertise in micro-insurance. Other solutions include provision of unique microinsurance services, development of peoplefriendly products and an improved innovative system,” he said.

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

BUSINESS

Budgetting in both your business and your personal life is essential to becoming successful

Behaviours of successful entrepreneurs

ecoming successful in business is not an accident. It takes business owners decades to accomplish this feat. It takes work, focus and productive habits. Studying and emulating the behaviours of successful entrepreneurs can help you develop discipline and the habits that catapult entrepreneurs to the next level. Here are some of the behaviours you can learn from: Start early Do you rush into your day responding to dozens of emails and letting other people define your priorities for you? Successful entrepreneurs, such as Peter Shankman, founder of HARO and The Geek Factory, are early risers. Shankman gets up at 4:30 every morning to allow for a workout before networking and building relationships — all before his competitors even sip their first coffee. Learn constantly Keeping up in their industries is important for successful entrepreneurs, but so is regularly expanding their mindset and worldview. Russell Sarder, who runs the multimillion dollar NetCom Learning, makes time to read every day. Even during the business week, he reads one or two hours a day. By consistently learning, he’s able to bring new insights into his work that help define his business. Make a budget and stick to it Budgeting in both your business and your personal life is essential to becoming successful. In the book The Millionaire Next Door, authors Thomas Stanley and William Danko discovered that self-made millionaires diligently tend to the ebb and flow of their bank accounts. No matter how wealthy they become, that behaviour doesn’t change — which is why they stay wealthy. Work hard The reason “get rich quick” schemes are so popular is that it’s very appealing to get something for nothing. Gary Vaynerchuk makes this very clear in his hilarious rant

about people’s focus on “passive income.” He points out that no one gets truly wealthy without putting in the serious work. Make clear goals Successful entrepreneurs know exactly what they’re working towards. They have clear timelines attached to their dreams. They know what they want to do in the next four weeks, the next six months and the next five years. Studies show that writing down your goals, making clear action steps and sharing those goals with supporters makes it 78 percent more likely that you’ll achieve a goal than simply thinking about it.

Being afraid of failure is going to hold you back from becoming successful

NAIRA EXCHANGE RATES (13/11/15) Currency DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA YUAN RIYAL KRONA SDR

Buying(N) 196 298.3316 211.484 195.6674 1.5984 0.3013 269.7934 30.749 52.2625 28.3384 270.4996

Take time off Stopping is hard for any entrepreneur, but many successful ones have realised its importance. Arianna Huffington admits she wishes she could go back and tell her younger self that her performance would actually improve if she committed to unplugging, recharging and renewing herself periodically. Taking time to relax allows new creative ideas to come to the forefront, which helps increase your wealth.

196.5 299.0927 212.0235 196.1665 1.6025 0.3113 270.4817 30.8279 52.3958 28.4107 271.1897

Selling(N) 197 299.8537 212.563 196.6657 1.6066 0.3213 271.1699 30.9068 52.5291 28.483 271.8797

Commod Light Crud

Natural G Sugar Coffee Cocoa

Star ting business in Nigeria ge tting tarting getting more dif diffficult — World Bank By Yinka Kolawole

Be willing to fail Being afraid of failure is going to hold you back from becoming successful. Successful entrepreneurs aren’t afraid to step outside their comfort zones and take a new risk, because they realise that failure is a learning process — not a final judgment on their ventures.

Central(N)

TARTING a business in Nigeria has become more cumbersome over the last one year, according to “Doing Business”, an annual report by the World Bank Group measuring the regulations that enhance business activity in 189 economies and those that constrain it. According to the “Doing Business 2016”, the 13th in the series of the annual reports, ranking by ease of starting a business moved the country down 8 places from 131 to 139; access to credit also moved down 7 places from 52 to 59; while access to electricity moved 1 place down from 181 to 182. The report claims that the process of starting a new business in Nigeria is hampered by government bureaucracy, with people resorting to third party agents to help them facilitate the process of business registration. The World Bank report also highlighted

unstable power supply and lack of access to credit facility as major drawbacks for a business start-up in Nigeria. Nigeria was rated as the 21st worst country to do business in the world, meaning there are only 20 countries where it is harder to do business than Nigeria. The report ranks Nigeria 169 out of the 189 countries considered in the survey. Nigeria’s position is virtually unchanged from that of 2014 when it was ranked 170

The report ranks Nigeria 169 out of the 189 countries considered in the survey

globally. Worse still, Nigeria is placed 39th among African countries listed in the report which puts Mauritius top on the log as the best country in the continent to do business. Mauritius is promoted as a tax haven in the continent with excellent ratings in enforcing contracts and paying taxes. Procedures The World Bank report indicated that 8 procedures are required, over a period of 28 days for starting a business in Nigeria, using Lagos as a case study. The procedures include: Reserving a unique company name at the Corporate Affairs Commission [CAC], taking average of 5 days to complete; preparing the requisite incorporation documents and paying the stamp duty, 7 days; signing the declaration of compliance [Form CAC 4] before a Commissioner of Oaths or notary public, 1 day and; registering at the Corporate Affairs Commission and paying the fees at the bank desk of CAC, 11 days on average. Others are: Making a Company

Gas

& YOU Change ($) +0.44

% Change +1.08

2.36

-0.01

-0.51

14.32

-0.46

-3.11

112.45

-1.80

-1.58

3,352.00

-2.00

-0.06

seal, 1 day [simultaneous with previous procedure]; registering for income tax and VAT at Federal Inland Revenue Service, 4 days; registering for personal income tax, PAYE, at state tax office, 2 days [simultaneous with previous procedure] and; registering business premises with Lagos State government and paying the business premises levy at a designated bank, 1 day [simultaneous with previous procedure]. Though the report indicated that some improvements were recorded in few areas where some reforms made doing business easier, it however noted that the general business atmosphere in the country remained grim. Improvements The country’s ranking for ease of registering property moved up 4 places, from 185 to 181. In particular, the report indicated that the Lagos State government made property transfer less costly by reducing fees for property transactions. Also, the report noted that Nigeria strengthened minority investor protections by requiring that related-party transactions be subject to external review and to approval by disinterested shareholders. This reform applies to both Kano and Lagos. However, all other indices showed that the country’s ranking either remained unchanged from the previous year or even got worse. Methodology Doing Business 2016 presents quantitative indicators on business regulations and the protection of property rights that can be compared across 189 economies. It measures regulations affecting 11 areas of the life of a business. Ten of these areas are included in this year’s ranking on the ease of doing business: starting a

Many people are confused and sometimes do not understand what taking business ownership means

Running an organisation as your own business

COMMODITIES (18/11/15) Last 41.11

dity de

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015 — 23

business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency. The report also measures labour market regulation, which is not included in this year’s ranking. Data in Doing Business 2016 are current as of June 1, 2015. The indicators are used to analyse economic outcomes and identify what reforms of business regulation have worked, where and why. This year’s Doing Business report continues a two-year process of introducing improvements in 8 of 10 Doing Business indicator sets - to complement the emphasis on the efficiency of regulation with a greater focus on its quality. Findings The report finds that entrepreneurs in 122 economies saw improvements in their local regulatory framework last year. Between June 2014 and June 2015, the report documented 231 business reforms. Among reforms to reduce the complexity and cost of regulatory processes, those in the area of starting a business were the most common in 2014/15, as in the previous year. The next most common were reforms in the areas of paying taxes, getting electricity and registering property. Parameters Parameters used in the report include: data on starting a business, ease of obtaining construction permits as well as property registration, stable power supply, access to credit and enforcing contracts. Others are: protecting minority investors, trading across borders and resolving insolvency.

By ‘Uju Onwuzulike “Ownership: ‘A commitment of the head, heart, and hands to fix the problem and never again affix the blame”…John G. Miller

NE debilitating factor that has caused business failures in today’s organisations is “I don’t CARE attitude” exhibited by some employees. This “I don’t CARE attitude” is also reflected in phrases like “It is not my business”, or “it is not my father’s business”. The harsh truth is that regardless of any amount of money invested in transforming your organisation - with this “I don’t CARE attitude” exhibited by some staff members, achieving a sustainable growth/ progress could be a herculean task. Proactive organisations have employees “that always care.” A misleading belief or assumption has existed for a long time and that has been, “it is not my responsibility to take my organisation to the next level - it is the responsibility of others”. Most employees do not take ownership of the business or where they work seriously. They think that it is only the CEO or the board of directors that own the organisations and as such would not be required to give their all. One of the goals of this insight is to inform all of us that we are all stakeholders in where we work (earn our salaries). There is nothing like superior or inferior stakeholder. All employees are stakeholders and as such should take ownership of the business. Taking ownership is a sure way to show that we want the growth and sustainability of our organisations. It is not by paying lip service. It is by taking actions to do things differently. Many people are confused and sometimes do not understand what taking business ownership means. They have misconstrued the primary meaning. Taking ownership does not mean you have bought over the

BY ‘UJU ONWUZULIKE

business/ organisation or you are the CEO/Director, it simply means doing one’s duty as if you are the owner of the business. It also means doing all you can to ensure that the customer is not just satisfied, but will be a “free marketing agent” for your business. It means going the extra mile and doing things differently with the intent of delivering better results for your organisation. It means being delighted to be in your place of work. Finally, it means taking care of the business same way you will take care of your personal belongings e.g car. It requires a paradigm shift – from me “it is not my business” to “it is my business”.

uring one of my workshops, I asked the participants to name their best day of the week. Much to my chagrin, more than 70 percent said Fridays, and about 20 percent of participants said Mondays. The point here is that most employees do not even want

Most employees do not take ownership of the business or where they work seriously

to work; they want to close their eyes and meet Fridays. I am not against Fridays, but the fact is that someone who takes ownership of the business and who is committed will know that his/her success story will start on a Monday. Mondays should be every employee’s delight. The person will be keen to go to the office. Surprisingly, most employees on getting to Sunday evening will start grumbling and saying here comes Monday again. That thought alone has set the stage for failure ahead of the week. Funny enough, that same person who has grumbled on a Sunday evening will never say at the end of the month, here comes salary again. The only way to justify our salaries is to take ownership of what we do. Final note: Whether in paid or self employment, it is not in our best interest not to take ownership of what we do. Organisations of today cannot afford to have employees who are just there to earn salaries without giving in their best. Every organisation desires employees that will help them grow. It is true that when we help our organisations grow one way or the other, we are growing along side them. Some people used to think that it is only when they start their personal business that they will be committed. Even when an employee of today starts his/ her business tomorrow, it is only the commitment that has been exhibited today that can be carried to the new business. Any how you look at it; you are doing yourself a favour by being committed to whatever you do. Finally, leaders should ensure that while the employees are striving to grow the organisations, the welfare of employees should be paramount and should not be taken for granted. For views or perspectives: Email: uju@hainescentre.com Mobile: 09091142093 www.hainescentre.com C M Y K

24—Vanguard, THURSDAY,

NOVEMBER 19, 2015

Stakeholders demand performance from new minister By Dayo Adesulu, Tare Youdeowei & Kelechukwu Iruoma

OR many academics, President Mohammadu Buhari's appointment of Mallam Adamu Adamu as Education Minister is a surprise because he is not a professor like other ministers who had led the ministry and he is unknown. Mallam Adamu Adamu who hails from Bauchi State is a graduate of Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Though, he studied Accounting, he has a flare for writing. Before his appointment as a minister, he was widely known as a public analyst and columnist with Daily Trust Newspaper. He is a public commentator who boldly expresses his views and opinions both locally and internationally. He was a Personal Assistant to the late Solomon Lar, who was the pioneer National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). During his first meeting with top officials of the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja, Adamu concurred that there is rot in the system which he blamed on inadequate funding, corruption, among others, which according to him is pervasive in the sector.

Core Problems His said: “The core problems of education in the country vary from one level of education to another, the crisis of underfunding, which gave birth to a whole series of other problems such as poor infrastructure for teaching and learning, poor conditions of service for teachers and the menace of brain drain from our tertiary institutions. “Also the crises of poor enrolment and access which has left millions of school age children roaming the streets and the crisis of regulation which has turned the entire education system into a jungle where everything goes.

PR Expert unveils indispensable qualities for public relations students PG. 26

"The system has been left unregulated, unsupervised and with no recourse to ethics and professionalism.” the minister lamented. Although stakeholders in the sector who spoke with Vanguard know little or nothing about Mallam Adamu, all they are interested in is someone who is passionate about revamping the ailing education sector and making it globally competitive. Non-Starter: Reacting to Adamu's emergence as Minister, Dr Akinloye Oyewunmi, Department of Physical and Health Education, Lagos State University said: “I do not know who Adamu is so I cannot question him. However, we are a non – starter state, our actions have no structure, the education system has no structure, the system is run by the whims and caprices of politicians. The direction of the ruling party is known to us because they say the country is broke. I expect nothing from them because of the state of the treasury. "There is no harm in being optimistic, but I implore people not to be over expectant so as not to have their hopes dashed.” Also setting an agenda for the Minister, University of Lagos ASUU Chairman, Dr. Laja Odukoya, urged Mallam Adamu to ensure that education is at the reach of common man. He said: “He should ensure that education is adequately

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu funded to make our universities of global standard." While pointing out that this is the era of change, Laja urged the new minister to quickly address the issue of ASUU's outstanding arrears to forestall any industrial action by the union. His words: “The issue of university autonomy and the exclusion of varsities from the TSA must be addressed. Varsities are not profit-centres due to the special nature of their operations. "Also, the Minister should consider the need to address the proper management of funds for education by the Ministry and Vice-Chancellors, most of whom are financially reckless and

unaccountable. The anticorruption drive must not spare varsities. Unchecked NUC: "The intrusion of the National Universities Commission,NUC, in varsity operation must be checked. The looming danger exemplified by different professional bodies meddling in who can teach in university and de-accreditation of courses accredited by NUC is a recipe for chaos which must be stopped. "NUC's management of varsities' funds has been a serious subject of concern and ASUU, for years, has been calling for NUC to be subjected to

accountability checks. It is our hope that the new minister will look into it." Dr Shinaayomi Akintolure, a parent, lecturer and Educational Consultant implored the Minister to put pressure on the government to, if not surpass, meet the UNESCO budget benchmark of 26 percent allocation to education. He said "If the budget to education was sizeable from the get go, the government will not have to spend the large amount it is currently spending on security. The availability of youths to recruit for insurgency

Continues on page 25

No Nigerian school on PISA scale — Educationist Adamu blamed the rot in the system on inadequate funding and corruption

Technical education: We got it wrong because of emphasis on grammar/white collar jobs — Ugorji PG. 27

By Amaka Abayomi & Kelechukwu Iruoma

DOCTOR of Educational Psychology, Dr. Dolapo Ogunbawo, has blamed lack of adequate funding as one of the major reasons Nigerian schools are not ranked on the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) scale, a global assessment system used in ranking schools. Ogunbawo, who retired from the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, UCLES, and resumes as School Development Manager, Lekki British International School, Lekki Phase 1, disclosed this during a media chat on recent developments in the school when she said education in countries like Finland and England are highly rated because their governments invest heavily in

education. She said “the PISA scale is used to rate education globally and it is so sad that no Nigerian school is on the scale while some Ghanian schools are represented there. The reason being that those countries have and will continue to properly invest in education while we underfund ours. “Even the public schools in England are financed by government to the tune of four thousand pounds per term for a student, and that is the minimum standard of education. So if our government can match same funding, the difference in the standard and quality of education in this country would be remarkable.” The educationist said for the Education Minister, Mallam Adamu Adamu, to set the sector

on the right path, he needs to surround himself with people that are grounded and passionate about education, focus on teachers’ training and review the curriculum. She also tasked him to establish the Department of Special Needs Education in all schools that would cater for those students that have challenges with learning. She said “This is another area government must pay special attention to as children are bound to be different. Special education needs is about establishing skills trainings for children that find learning difficult as investigations reveal that many children suffer because they don’t learn as fast as others do. They need to be channelled in a different way, which only special education can solve.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY,

NOVEMBER 19, 2015—25

Stakeholders demand performance from new minister Continues from page 24 is as a result of the poor state of the education sector.” On his part, Mr. Samuel Olatunji, Chairman, Board of Directors, Trinity International College said that the new Minister should reinvent the National Certificate in Education, NCE, certificates to avoid forgeries of certificates, which has contributed to the problems bedevilling the sector.

Certificate Forgery AWARD: From left; Mrs Francisca Olaniyi, representive of the First Lady of Lagos State;Winner of the Lafarge/Ovie Brume National Literacy Competition, Elizabeth Dibia; Mfon Prince from River State and Mrs Olufunso Amosun,First Lady, Ogun State, during the second edition of Lafarge/Ovie Brume National Literacy Competition, held at civic centre Victoria Island Lagos. Photo By Akeem Salau.

Funding Nigerian education, research institutions our priority — MD NB By Dayo Adesulu

ANAGING Director, Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Nicolas Vervelde has reiterated its company desire to take active part in funding of educational and research institutions in Nigeria. Speaking at the official commissioning of re-constructed Dedeke Memorial Girls Primary School, Surulere building, Vervelde said: “The Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund established in 1994 will take a more active part in funding of educational and research institutions in Nigeria.” He explained that the fund which has footprints across the six geographical zones in Nigeria’s primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education has significantly invested in many areas.

Sanitary facilities According to him, over 250 classrooms have been constructed and furnished, adding that 250 sanitary facilities and 26 libraries in 30 communities across the country have also been bought and constructed. Last year, he noted, the Fund made a sponsorship donation of one million dollars to the PanAtlantic University, PAU for the construction of the university’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology Complex at its Ibeju Lekki Campus. “Over 2000 students had received career counseling, sponsorship of the national reading competition between 2004 and 2010,” he said. Vervelde who stated that NB was instrumental to the Creative Writer ’s Workshop in partnership with FARAFINA since 2009, disclosed that the Centre for Vocational C M Y K

Entrepreneurship and Maltina Teachers of the year award were their sponsors. He, however pointed out that Surulere Local Government in Lagos State is important to the company because it is host to the pioneer brewery and corporate headquarters. Other schools renovated and re-constructed in Surulere include; Obele Primary School,

Adisa Bashua Primary School, Akinsemoyin Primary School, Itolo Girls Senior Secondary School and Lagos Progressive College. While commissioning the building he said: “We are proud to deliver to you today an infrastructure that does not only provide a conducive environment for learning, but can compete among the best infrastructure in public schools in Lagos State.”

Children education pivotal to future leadership — Lafarge By Tare Youdeowei

HIEF Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mrs Adepeju Adebajo has charged stakeholders in education sector to invest greatly in children’s education to guarantee the future of tommorow's leaders. Speaking in Lagos during the Lafarge National Literacy Competition in partnership with Ovie Brume Foundation, which saw Rivers State, Lagos and Kogi emerge first, second and third respectively, Adebajo said ”The education of children who are the leaders of tomorrow is pivotal.” She lamented that the World Bank’s record Nigeria as having the highest number of children that are out of school. She vowed that with the support of all stakeholders, Lafarge and Ovie Brume Foundation, the ten million out of school children will go back to school. “In Lafarge Africa Plc, we derive utmost joy and satisfaction from making contributions to our society, especially in a sustainable manner as part of our commitment to building better cities in Nigeria. This is

because we understand the key role education plays in the development of any society.” She, however urged other corporate organizations to take a cue from Lafarge Africa Plc in investing in the socio-economic development of the country and its people for the benefit of all. Meanwhile, Mrs. Iwalola AkinJimoh the Executive Director of Ovie Brume Foundation said: “The Literacy competition is one of the avenues being employed by the Foundation to achieve her vision of a society where everyone is educated and empowered. “Education is the bedrock of development of any country and the gateway to success in life. This is why this Foundation is giving a voice to the average child in public school around the country, creating opportunities and platforms where they are given the needed support to help them realize the potentials in them and achieve excellence." She explained that the Foundation creates an enabling environment for young people by mobilizing and dedicating resources for the provision of social brokerage services and information in the areas of formal and informal education among others.

“The greatest problem in education sector is forgery of NCE certificates which is destroying education in Nigeria. That is why we don’t have quality teachers in the sector. There is massive forgery of NCE certificates. Mallam Adamu should ensure that certificates are reinvented in Nigeria,so that all the forgeries would disappear.” He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prioritize education adding: “This government's agenda should be to achieve three things: The first is education, the second is education and the third is education. Education is life. The new millennium development goals prioritize eradication of extreme poverty as number one and education as number two. Education should be prioritized." Reinstate History: Deputy National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Bode George, while delivering the annual public lecture of Minerva Philosophical

Association, MPA, titled Leadership, Change and National Continuity, noted that history as a subject should be restored to the school curriculum in order to restore Nigeria’s already lost dignity. He said: “They don’t teach history any more in our schools. It is a misnomer. How can Nigeria youths learn about the history of Nigeria? Most youths don’t even know the first Prime Minister in Nigeria. It is bad. History must be restored. We will continue to clamour for it.” NYSC: Bode George also suggested that the present minister must strengthen the paramount idealism behind the National Youth Corps Programme which is predicated on promoting national unity, by compelling that all the major three languages – Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo are made compulsory at the secondary school level, adding that this will not only strengthen mutual understanding but will equally deepen the cultural accommodation and unifying values among our people. Speaking in same vein, the National Chairman of Alliance for Democracy, AD, Senator Mojisola Akinfeyinwa at the same forum reiterated the need for history to be brought back into the curriculum. He said abandonment of history made his heart bled. According to him, “It is very sad that Nigeria does not value its history. We dont study history again, including Nigeria history. History should be the first subject to be made compulsory in the curriculum.

IPMA-UK certifies Nigerian managers, honours NOUN V-C

O fewer than 178 new inductees have received practising licence and certificates from the International Professional Managers Associations (IPMAUK). The awards were given at the IPMA-UK 2015 Induction & Lisensing ceremony, which held in Ikeja, Lagos. The award of certificates and licence followed an intense and elaborate ‘post experience advance professional programme’ organised by IPMA-UK for top Nigerian executives, CEOs, managers, administrators, lecturers and other executives in other professional endeavours. The Head, Africa Regional Office of IPMA, Prof. Taiwo Feyi-Sobanjo, said the licences were meant to “acknowledge their high standing and give formal international recognition of their competency, skills, experience and leadership capabilities.

All the new inductees were awarded the Advance Professional Diploma in Organisational Transformation & Management Consultancy, the prestigious Membership Certificate and the Practising License of the Association from UK. The awardees include; the Vice Chancellor of National Open University of Nigeria, Professor Vincent Tenebe ably represented by the University Registrar, Mrs. Josephine Akinyemi who is also an awardee; Prof. Sola Ogunsiji of Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso, Oyo State; and Prof. Olufemi Adewoye of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo town, Oyo State. In his goodwill message delivered at the occasion, Professor Vincent Tenebe commended the IPMA-UK for creating an enviable niche for itself as an experience and versatile international trainers and managers of high-level professional administrators in the public and private domains.

26—Vanguard, THURSDAY,

NOVEMBER 19, 2015

PR expert unveils indispensable qualities for public relations students MRS. Nkechi Ali-Balogun who was educated in Frank Jefkins School of Public Relations, London and University of Lagos, UNILAG, is the Principal Consultant at NECCI Consulting. In this interview with Vanguard, she disclosed some practical things that Public Relations students must know in order to succeed in the profession. Excerpts...

By Dayo Adesulu

ELL us about the Roundtable The 15th NECCI Public Relations Roundtable training slated for November 26, 2015 at Four Points by Sheraton in Lagos was created to equip practitioners with new approaches, new thinking and strategies in public relations. The experts slated to speak at the 15th NECCI Public Relations Roundtable include Bolaji Okusaga, CEO, Quadrant Company, Yemi Badejo Okusanya, CEO of CMC, David Okeme, and Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, Head, Brand Communications, Stanbic IBTC. Others are Joachim Atunwa, a former Marketing Director and Communication Strategist at Globacom, and Dr. Austin TamGeorge, Executive Director of the Istitute of Communication and Corporate Studies, Lagos. What informed forming NECCI PR Roundtable? One of the reasons why we started the round table is that we discovered that we didn’t have a platform where public relations experts come together and discuss trending initiatives in PR. Secondly, we didn’t have a platform where PR practitioners can actually come and sample their products. Thus, the round table gives us the platform to sample our products, ideas and initiatives. With their ideas here and there, we package whatever ideas we have and go back to organizations as better products.

Damage control We also discovered that a lot of PR practitioners don’t have time to go for courses. We thought of a platform where PR practitioners can, even if it is for three hours, be trained and exposed to global thinking, global strategies, new approaches, because a PR officer that is not well equipped is like a blind man leading somebody whose eyes are open but that cannot see. It’s going to be crisis upon crisis. There is also the issue of organisations employing the services of a PR practitioner when they have crisis for the person to do damage control, meanwhile if they had an in-house PR person, he or she would have ensured that the crises did not happen in the first place. So, the PR round table is an opportunity to build capacity, persons who have ideas can bring in their ideas, especially globally. There are some global PR institutions. Let them bring in their ideas and we will localize and apply it to what we have here. That

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Mrs. Nkechi Ali-Balogun

is the whole idea behind NECCI PR round table. How can students partake in the Roundtable? Recently, we included students but that comes with a huge cost of catering for them. This year, to augment we decided to get sponsors so that we will be able to take students as they are actually the ones that gain more form an outing like this. We intend to include at least 15 students so that they will learn from those in the field. Nigerian universities lack practicals, as such when they partake in the roundtable they meet people, industry icons; in Marketing, Brand Communication and Public Relations. Basically they will network and see how they can help build capacity, especially as regards career. We have also discovered that what we lack in public relations is talent. Some of our graduates are not employable. So, we have decided to bring in experts to make them employable. If we are to have a future in public relations, we must begin to build talents. How long has NECCI PR roundtable been in existence We started since 2009, but this is th the 15 roundtable, as it is done quarterly. However, for more impact, we decided to hold it once a year so that we will be able to attract sponsors, more people and

What we lack in public relations is talent, some of our graduates are not employable, so we have decided to bring in experts to make them employable

engage some international speakers. As opposed to quarterly which turned out to be too frequent. How many persons have been trained so far? At every roundtable we have at least 20 people in attendance, this is because we believe that the smaller we are, the more interactive the sessions will be. How can PR affect individuals, companies and the society at large positively ? PR deals with the public. PR is about looking for a more conducive place to meet with the people. It is about analysing situations, analysing the environment, whether political, social, economic situations, and being able to make predictions based on the analyses. The analysis is used to advise either the management, government, as to the right way to go. When countries, governments, etc, start having issues, especially issues that deal with people, community, environment, whether individuals or corporate, the PR prcatitioner comes in. Most times, if you look at their public relations, there is a gap. Put simply, I know that you are a journalist, when you look at country like Nigeria, you find out that the presidency, for instance surrounds themselves with media, because all they think is that PR is equal to media. Media is a tool in the hands of public relations officer. Media is interested in reporting news. PR goes beyond that. We may not report news, but go into the heart of the people and what we do is long term. We want to find out what makes people tick, what are their needs, what are their wants, what is it that drives them, that brings out the best in them so that they can relate with them and co-exist with them in a mutually beneficial way. What does PR help you do? Risk analyses. You analyse the situation, you come up with the solution. The issue is that as long as people do not understand the functions of public relations, we will continue to have problems it is only when we are in crises that we look for a PR person to solve the problems. And most times, the damage is so bad that there is little or nothing that a PR person can do. In other words, it is good to engage a PR person from the onset.

Yes. Right from the onset. Right from the concept stage. We must carry him or her along. For instance, if The President wants to visit Ijebu Ode, the PR person must find out who the people of Ijebu Ode are, what are their likes. What the president must do to make them happy? What must not do? What he must say and not say? How he would dressor not dress. Recently, I heard that the president didnt shake the female ministers. In PR, that is not allowed, no matter the religion, this is governance. These are his people. What he has just done is to let the women know that they are inferior. But that is not his intention. That is what PR does. A PR officer must never be scared. He must be bold to do his work. He must be able to say, Mr. President, no, you can’t do that. What is the role of PR in management of political crisis? PR is about facts. It is about the truth, but most importantly, it is about your ability to manage facts and truths. The ability to manage information is the first thing a PR person must know as long as the PR person is privy with the truth. Sadly most the PR officers we have around are not trained public relations personnel. There are people who have connections, some of them are journalists, these are not PR people, they don’t know anything about research, they don’t know anything about community relations, they don’t know anything about government relations, they do not know anything about opinion leaders, they don’t know anything about persuasion. These are registers

that a PR person must know in managing the political class. The practitioner also needs to ask, “who am I working for? What is the goal in order to arrive at a win-win situation? One must be able able to balance whatever truth, information and facts available to come up with a solution that helps both the client and the people. Let’s say you work for Mr. President. You must be able to advise him in a such a way that he knows that you are working for him and at the same time he must be able to advise the people in a such a way that they respect Mr. President. It is a very complex position but an expert in PR knows that the first thing he needs to do is to provide a positive solution that leads to peace. I use the word peace, either in an organization or governance, you must be able to provide an enabling environment. Ours is not to worsen the situation, ours is to bring a balance between the public and the organization. More on the company I am a trained PR practitioner and I have worked as a PR manager for years. I didn’t go into PR protocol and events or even PR profiling because I realized that there was a gap in PR training. Most of the trainings I had as a practising PR person, I did abroad and even if we had any, it was done shabbily. That is why I am into the training aspect of PR. We are basically trying to bridge the gap. We have been training since 1995 and in all modesty, before you mention two to three PR training institutions in Nigeria, you will definitely mention us.

SMAGOGA set for AGM, calls for enhanced girl-child education By Tare Youdeowei

N its bid to enhance girl child education in morals and academics, St. Maria Goretti Old Girls Association, SMAGOGA, is set to hold its Annual General Meeting on November 21, at See Events Centre, KM 29/30 Lekki Epe Expressway. Speaking at a press briefing to announce the meeting, the National President of the Association, Dame Victoria Ekhomu, enthused that the focus of the meeting is to return the school to its former glory by giving back, return the school to the Catholic Mission and raise funds to provide scholarship for indigent pupils in the school. “We are focused on girl child education and giving back to our Alma Mata, St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School. We want to return the school to its former glory. “We have been giving scholarships but at the AGM the national body is going to launch the Scholarship Fund, thereby soliciting for more funds for indigent students who are deserving and excelling in their education but do not have the funds to complete their school, as

well as register them for WAEC, to ensure they are not denied education. The AGM is also for the purpose of working towards returning the school to the mission. “A school is not just about the buildings and infrastructure; it is also about the quality of teachers, the quality of students, their performance in external examinations, morals and reputation. When Rev. Sister Henrietta Power was principal she ensured we were well rounded, spiritually, academically and morally. That is what we want reinstated in the school. We want a situation where we can send our children to the school, right now our children are not there because of the fallen standard of the school.” First national president of the Association and Chairman Guaranty Trust Bank, Mrs Osaretin Demuren reiterated SMAGOGA’s goals thus; “government is trying but it is not enough. Religious authorities handle the moral values of the people. We should not get to the stage where we say we do not need religion in schools and society. Whether Muslim or Christian, mission schools are to help instil the right moral values in children and country.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY,

Technical education: We got it wrong because of emphasis on grammar/white collar jobs — Ugorji The role of technical and vocational education in national development cannot be overemphasized. In Nigeria, however, technical and vocational education was relegated to the background and so the artisan class is fast disappearing and no young hands are understudying them to take over. As a result, industries lack the requisite manpower as products of conventional schools are not well equipped to fill the gap. Compare this to Germany, famous for its machine tool industry populated by artisans. German’s Federal Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle once said; “Our resources do not lie underneath our feet but between our ears,” referring to education and research. This is what Nigeria's education sector should aim at. In this chat with Rev. Chris Ugorji, Director/Principal, Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC), Yaba, Lagos, he speaks on various issues that had militated against vocational and technical education in Nigeria and proffers solutions. Excerpts: By Ebele Orakpo

CCORDING to Rev. Ugorji, on assumption of duty at the FSTC Yaba on August 1, 2014, he inherited a system that was decadent; "where things were not done properly, where both staff and students lacked commitment; where parents found it difficult to buy books and pay fees for their children; an environment that was very unfriendly to both teaching and learning. "Classroom, laboratory and hostel facilities were not enough. No official vehicle for the principal and no good vehicles for students’ outings," he said. Wrong mentality: FSTC Yaba, the premier federal technical college in Nigeria, was established in 1948, a year after Yaba College of Technology. It has produced quality engineers and professionals. Unfortunately, the college was left uncared for. It used to be termed motor parts school where never-do wells go. That was the mentality of the public that technical schools are meant for never-do wells or second rate students. I am a product of grammar school. In those days, if somebody went to a technical or commercial school, they think ‘oh these ones are not brilliant.’ Technical students were meant to be technicians; they could never be engineers or whatever. So that was the very bad mentality we inherited from the colonial masters. Crisis point: Prior to this time, Nigerian educational system was a product of the mentality of the colonial masters. He who pays the piper dictates the tune. They taught the arts and social sciences so most of the people that ruled Nigeria were historians. You hardly could see an engineer. That was before we began to produce unemployable graduates who cannot boast of skills; everybody is looking for a

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white collar job where they knot tie and speak English. Unfortunately, the universities were not enough to cater for the teeming population of those seeking tertiary education, so more tertiary institutions were established so that each state could have two or three. Yet, those were still not enough. People who want to go to polytechnic or college of technology or whatever, were still regarded as second rate students. It should not be so, look at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US! So anybody who did not pass JAMB can then consider going to a polytechnic. That was then and many parents, wouldn’t want their children to go to a technical school because they will end up as artisans. This continued until we started producing multiplicity of unemployable graduates, and yet, industries lack the requisite manpower. Where we got it wrong: We got it wrong because emphasis was more on grammar and white collar jobs until it became obvious that this could not drive our economy. Necessity is the mother of invention so the very moment it got to that stage, people began to think.

Industries come to look for our graduates because as they graduate from here, they have the skills and can work

*Rev. Ugorji....That was the mentality of the public that technical schools are meant for never-do wells. Incidentally, I came from the Tertiary Department of the Education ministry where I was heading a division that was licensing innovation enterprise institutions. Making a U-turn: These private institutions license institutions that produce innovators just like polytechnics but this time around, they are privatelyowned as Government alone cannot fund education. So while I was in the ministry, we licensed over 20 of such institutions. We call them Innovation Enterprise Institutions (IEIs). They can compete with the polytechnics. We have Association of Proprietors of Innovation Enterprise Institutions. They award diplomas and so the polytechnics began to feel threatened and to play politics with it.

Technical education I was at the centre of it. They went to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to ask them not to recognise IEIs because they graduate people that have skills needed by industries. For example, products of NIIT will compete with a Computer Science graduate from any university. They told NBTE not to license more and they produced a memo that they took to the National Council of Education, the highest policy-making body; there and then, they were told ‘no, we want alternative routes to higher education.’ Many people may not go through JAMB and those who have graduated and still cannot

get employment, can come back and acquire skills. Before I leave, this school will become a diplomaawarding institution. That is my vision for FSTC. We have 19 trades here. Now, people have realised that you can qualify as a graduate of whatever without any skill; that is exactly why they began to do a U-turn to go to technical colleges. The Federal Government is emphasising more on technical and vocational education. That is the genesis of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TIVET). At the Olevel, it is called Vocational Enterprise Institutions (VEIs) and at the tertiary level, it's called IEIs. Our graduates: Industries come to look for our graduates because as they graduate from here, they have the skills and can work. Most of the jobs we do here are done by teachers and students. The JSS1 building was constructed by teachers and students. The bunks are constructed by a teacher and students in the Dept of Welding and Fabrication. We want to convert classrooms to hostels, the staff and students do it. In fact, one of our staff here, who studied abroad, is fondly called Julius Berger because he does things you cannot fault. When the Girls’ hostel decking collapsed and they said they needed a structural engineer, he handled it with the students. That is exactly what is happening here. Government is now fully aware that grammar will not

NOVEMBER 19, 2015 --- 27

put food on our table. I am challenging myself that before I leave here, I must acquire a skill. Making T&V education more attractive: The Federal Government Policy on admission in FSTCs is 70% technical and 30% science. We call it paradigm shift. Many parents would want to send their children here to read literature and history because they don’t understand. But gradually, they are becoming aware. FSTC Yaba is the most populated of all the 104 technical colleges in Nigeria. We have remained focused, determined to make a difference, to transform the school. Under a year and three months that I have spent here, this place has become a pilgrimage centre so to speak. Everybody wants to come here because in this place, we insist on discipline. Discipline: The very moment a student is disciplined, a parent is disciplined, and the teachers are disciplined and they know the mission and vision, the reason for which they are here; which is specifically to mentor the students, then they can run with it. The Bible says make the vision plain so that anyone who reads will run with it. When we started, most parents who were used to the old ways, were saying no initially but gradually, with tenacity and focus, they are getting it. No student will fly his or her shirt in this college whether here or outside; if you are caught, you will be sanctioned. And of course, you must be properly dressed and neat.

Accommodation of students You have to attend classes. The monitors and class supervisors make sure there is no loitering. Parents only visit the college on visiting days so that the children will not be distracted. Now, everybody wants to come to FSTC Yaba but unfortunately, we do not have enough classrooms and hostels. The dining space is inadequate. That is why I said we have to convert some classrooms to hostels to be able to accommodate the students because of the Lagos traffic. When they are resident in school, they will be relaxed and not be distracted by traffic, they can now have their preps and other extracurricular activities. So the sensitisation is gradually permeating; parents are getting used to it slowly but steadily. A product of FSTC Yaba can become an engineer or whatever he or she wants. For science students, they write WAEC, NECO and JAMB. Technical students write NECO and NABTEB. They also do their trade tests. Each of these will qualify them to enter the university to read engineering or whatever or enter the polytechnic. Here, for you to become a technical student, you must know your math, chemistry, physics. So they can read medicine. Some of them have both technical and science certificates.

28—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

Graft war requires cooperation of everybody —Lalong Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the last general election. He was the Assistant Secretary of Jos branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA. In this interview at the just concluded International Bar Association, IBA, conference in Vienna, he spoke on his plans to reform the state justice sector, among other issues. Excerpts:

By Innocent Anaba

OU have been on the saddle for about six months as Plateau State governor, what have been the challenges so far? When I was contesting for the governorship of Plateau State, I knew I was going to get a lot of challenges. Really there are lots of challenges in the state which include insecurity and inability to pay salaries. I saw them as issues I was going to tackle and I have focused on them now that I have won the election. How do you intend to transform the justice sector in Plateau State? I inherited a judiciary that was on strike for over one year and the problems were lack of payment of salaries to the judiciarystaff and the Judiciary Staff Services Union, JUSUN, issue that emanated from a court judgment. We inherited a very serious debilitated structure in the judiciary. So, what have you done to address these challenges? I foresaw these challenges when I was Speaker to the state House of Assembly.

Report of the committee We were going to propose a Bill to the Executive to review all our laws in the state, but shortly after we were booted out of office. As it is now, it is part of my programme. I have told them that I am going to embark on a very serious reform within the judiciary, not only in the judiciary, but in other sectors. Already, a committee has been set up to that effect. I am waiting for the report of the

committee. Once I get it, I will take off from there. In the main time, I am also in talk with JUSUN to see how we can address some of their issues. For the judiciary, we are already renovating the courts. Some of the courts that were not even good for sitting, if you go to Jos now, in the first 100 days, we have renovated them. We are also working on mobility for the judiciary. In fact, I will not be the one to talk about these things. If you meet lawyers and judges in my state, they will be the

•Governor Lalong

one to talk about them. Part of the reason for the JUSUN strike was the issue of financial autonomy for the judiciary. What is your position on that? I have had cause to discuss that issue with some of the governors and we have a problem with that situation. But however, on different levels, some governors are already implementing it. I am implementing part of it but some of the decisions of the court go contrary to the spirit and letters of the constitution. The judgment said everything should be taken back to the judiciary, who will be checking the judiciary? What will be the role of the executive? Is it not execution? Are you saying that for contract implementation, you take it to the judiciary? Why is there an executive then? You are saying there should be separation of powers

without interference that is not the concept of separation of powers. On the use of ICT in our courts, we still maintain the culture of secrecy in our

I am implementing part of it (judgment of the court on judiciary independence) but some of the decisions of the court go contrary to the spirit and letters of the contitution

NBA SBL sensitises lawyers on ease of business registration Pg 30 C M Y K

courts such that trials cannot be recorded or videoed. What is your view on this? Transparency is the watchword. With what the president is doing now, no body needs to tell you in each state to look at transparency as a cardinal principle. We are taking a gradual step. Although it might not be a one day thing but we have started somewhere. The emphasis is that having come to Vienna for the International Bar Association, IBA conference and listened, the next thing should be to start practicing them. I am very happy that we are two governors at the conference. Myself and the governor of Bauchi State. Why did you set up a committee to handle the disbursement of the bail out funds in your state? I set it up to maintain transparency. In everything

that we do in my state, I will ensure that there is transparency. Before the bail out funds, I told my people that I will not wait for bail out funds, that we are going to do everything possible to solve the problem. Out of eight months that were owed them, we paid out six. Some of them were asking me how I did it in a very short time with minimum funds and I said its discipline and we did it with the leadership of the labour force. So, when the bail out fund came, I didn’t pick anything from it.

Bail out funds I called them for a meeting. Before then, people were saying it was the bail out funds that I was using, but they knew when the bail out funds

Continues on page 29

Court papers without mandatory NBA stamp/seal, void —S-Court

Pg 30

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015—29

Graft war requires cooperation of everybody —Lalong Continues from page 28 were released. I told them I needed to set up a committee immediately. And so, I set up a committee made up of labour and civil servants. Everything that is done is without me. They are the ones deciding how to apply the funds, I was informed that they had exhausted the first part of the bail out. They have paid all the salaries and everybody is happy. The next bail out is coming because we applied for N10billion but ours was given in two bits. The first N5billion came, which they have exhausted and we are waiting for the balance. So the bail out is strictly with the committee for transparency. The governor is not involved at all. How do you monitor implementation? It is not only the payment. We told them that they should tell us what next after bail out in order to sustain the state civil service. They have the mandate to work out how to raise revenue because the bail out will not be coming frequently. They are the ones to decide whether we should downsize or not. The bail out is a warning that something is wrong and not a luxury. We don’t want to continue with what is wrong.

Entire revenue Before then, I also shared my view with them on what I think might be done to raise revenue to sustain the civil service and make them comfortable. Not only the civil servants, I told them that there are so many people on the street who are looking for job. What are we going to do to create employment for them? Don’t think that the entire revenue of the state is going to be for the payment of salaries. We must also improve on infrastructure in the state,

EDITORIAL TEAM Innocent Anaba ( Head) Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri Dayo Benson (Supervising Editor) 08056180119

dayobenson@yahoo.com

*Lalong: Bail outs will not last for ever

we must provide health facilities and education, which are very important. My Head of Service is of course the chairman of that committee, the Accountant General is there too. They are working hard, not only on the payment of salaries, but to ascertain the workforce we have. There are so many ghost workers. When we put up a transitional committee, we realize that salaries that were N1.7billion, we saved about N400million. They realized that it was no longer N1.7billion. It means that somebody somewhere was taking N400million out of the state from salaries for eight years. They set up a committee to do verification and for eight years, that committee did not bring any report. But I gave them one month, insisting that that committee must conclude both in the states and the local governments within one month and they

turn in their report in one month. Now I know where those loopholes are.

The legal profession is dynamic, the scope and dimensions of practice broadens every day, so lawyers must be acquainted with these developments and must be ready to diversify their practice areas in order to fit into the world order

So if we are able to block the loopholes, definitely there will be room for employment. It has to do with discipline and monitoring of what we have done with our funds. The African Regional forum of the IBA, which you attended, urged African lawyer to up their ante so that they can compete and face the challenges of globalization. How do you think we can actualize this? We can do this through discipline and upgrading our training in the profession, the issue of mandatory Legal Education is now imperative. The legal profession is dynamic, the scope and dimensions of practice broadens every day. So lawyers must be acquainted with these developments and must be ready to diversify their practice areas in order to fit into the world order. Not only that, we can achieve that through outreaches as well as embrace international best practices in all aspects of our practice. How will discussions at the conference affect us as a country? From the contributions made at the conference, you can see that we still have a long way to go in Nigeria.

Legal system We need to upgrade our legal system and our level of practice. We now see ourselves in a global community and with the use of information technology, these are the things that we definitely need in the training of lawyers and in actual practice. It is quite sad that when people are talking of information technology in practice for judges in Nigeria, we are still taking proceedings in long hand. Not only the lawyers but the judges need this mileage to compete in the global community.

Has your participation in the conference held in a tourism based economy in any way elicited your interest in improving the tourism base of Plateau State? I am not only going out with the little I have. I have also sent out Plateau State website through the embassy to potential investors. When you talk of tourism, you talk about the natural resources that you have. In my state, we have the best weather in Nigeria. In fact, it is almost like what we have in Austria. We have natural endowments. We have the only airport that was designated for the sole exportation of agricultural products.

Agricultural products But we have not been able to use the airport due to the crisis in my state. What I am going to do is to arrest the insecurity in the state and see how we can make the maximum use of that airport. We have a concept which we are thinking of actualizing by Gods grace. We are thinking of building a five star hospital. Instead of people moving to India for medical tourism, they would come to Jos and patronize us. What do you mean by this? The outcry in the country today is about corruption, but Mr President is doing his best and he cannot do it alone. He requires the cooperation of everybody. I know that what is destroying the country is corruption. If we deal with corruption, all other things will fall in shape. We are educated and enlightened enough. The discipline is not there to implement these things. I want to also implore the global community to understand and for our people to also be patient with the pace with which this present government is moving.

30—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

Gadzama holds get together for son

NBA SBL sensitises lawyers on ease of business registration By Dayo Benson

S part of efforts to enhance business transactions in the country, the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) in conjunction with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) organized a day workshop in Lagos to sensitize lawyers on another online registration of companies and business names. The Director, Public Affairs of CAC, Mr Churchill Williams speaking at the event, said as part of the investment climate reform programme of the Federal Government, it had in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications and Technology deployed a new online registration software known as CRP/GSP under the auspices of the Government service portal. He also highligted the challenges and innovations embarked upon by the Commission. SBL co-chair, Moyosere Onigbanjo (SAN) said the section was engaging all the regulators with a view to enhancing the ease of doing business, starting with the CAC. According to him “We feel that business practice,

business lawyers and other stakeholders and the regulators must engage regularly to climb up the ladder of ease of doing business in Nigeria. The regulator is not our adversary. So, we need to partner with them for the benefit of all stakeholders”, he explained. SBL vice chair, Olumide Akpata in his opening remarks on behalf of the Chair, Asue Ighodalo observed that the meeting was part of the Sections decision to reach out to all the regulators, adding that more of such meetings would be organised in future with other regulators. In his Keynote address, read by his SA, Mr. A.G Abubakar, the CAC Registrar-General Mr Bello Mahmud, said the workshop provided an ample opportunity for lawyers who are primarily the clients of the agency to understand some of the activities of the commission with a view to offering suggestion that will promote efficiency and service delivery. His words: “This sensitization workshop no doubt provides a veritable platform to enable the commission to showcase the services it provides to members

of the public and the current reforms it has embarked upon to promote doing business with ease in Nigeria so as to meet the requirement of a world-class company registry.” “The commission in its quest to ensuring seamless registration processes is also collaborating with the Federal Inland Revenue Services towards the integration of e stamping module into the Company Registration Portal. This is to reduce the time and cost of registration of companies and other post registration processes” he added. Lawyers who attended the event shared their experiences while transacting business with the Commission. He explained that the Commission has since February launched a 24 hour online registration portal aimed at speeding up the process. Mahmud assured the lawyers and other customers that with the new portal, it would no longer be necessary for lawyers to be physically present at the commission’s office to register companies. He also explained that Enugu, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano and Port Harcourt offices had commenced start-to-finish registration of companies.

Chief Jeo Gadzama, SAN, holds a get together in honour of Mr. Madu Joe-Gadzama, his son on his call to the Nigerian Bar, held at the J-K Gadzama court, Gari in Abuja.

L-R: Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, Justice C.C. Nweze, JSC and Chairman NBA Abuja Branch, Mr. Elachi Agada

L-R: Chief Oladele Balogun, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu ObasiNweze and Chief Lucius Nwosu, SAN.

L-R: Sir E.C. Nwanedo, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN and his wife, Victoria, SAN.

Court papers without mandatory NBA stamp/seal, void —S-Court

HE Supreme Court of Nigeria has given reasons for its decision made on October 27, 2015 to allow the cross-appeal in Appeal No. SC/722/15 All Progressives Congress, APC Vs General Bello Sarkin Yaki. The Court’s decision arose out of the 2nd CrossAppellant’s Cross appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeal, Sokoto Division which summarily dismissed the 2nd CrossAppellant’s preliminary objection challenging the competence of the Appellants’ Notice of Appeal for failure to bear the stamp/seal of the legal practitioner who signed it as stipulated by Rule 10(1) of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2007. In the lead judgment of the Court delivered by Nwali Ngwuta JSC, the court held that such a process even though signed and filed is not null and void or incompetent like the case of a court process so signed in the name of corporation or association (even of lawyers). The court held that such a document even though signed

and filed is not proper in law for the reason that the condition precedent for its proper signing and filing has not been met. The court also held that such a document is ‘akin to a legal document or process filed at the expiration of the time allowed by the rules or extended by the court’. Particularly the court, held that ‘in such cases the filing of the process can be regularised by extension of time and deeming order. In the case at hand, the process filed in breach of Rule 10(1) can be saved and it’s signing and filing regularised by affixing the approved seal and stamp on it. It is a legal document improperly filed and the fixing of the stamp and seal would make the filing proper in law. Since this was not done the court cannot take cognizance of a document not properly filed and the filing not regularised’. In a concurring judgment, Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, JSC held thus; ‘The refusal of the document by the registry is a sanction in itself and pending proper signature and affixing of stamp/seal as required by Rule 10(1). The breach of the

rule in my opinion should not be viewed as a substantive infraction but a mere irregularity which can be remedied. ‘Contrar y to our earlier release, failure to affix the stamp and seal does not render the process incompetent but irregular or voidable as the court rejected the argument that the effect of not affixing the stamp and seal is to render the legal document incompetent. ‘Such a voidable process will be valid when counsel affixes the stamp and seal on the legal process. In order words ‘such documents are redeemed and made valid by a simple directive by the judge or the relevant authority at the time of filing the voidable document for erring counsel to affix stamp and seal as provided for in Rule 10..’, per Olabode Rhodes-Vivour JSC. ‘We need to point out that there is no inconsistency between the decision in this matter and the decision in Appeal No. SC.665/2015 (Mega Progressives Peoples Party v. INEC, decided by the apex court on October 12, 2015.’

L-R: President, National Industrial Court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, Senator Foster Ogola, Madu Joe-Gadzama and former Minister of Information Mr. Labaran Maku. Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law, NBA-SBL, and Coperate Affairs Commission holds workshop in Lagos to sensitize lawyers on online registration of companies and business names.

L-R: Justine Nidiya, of CAC, Mr. William Churchill, of CAC, Mr A.G. Abubakar, S.A to the Registrar General, CAC, Mr. Olumide Akpata, SBL Vice Chair, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), Co-Chair, SBL-CAC Joint Working Committee, Mena Ajakpovi, Council Member, SBL. A cross section of Participants

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015—31

Soyinka, Shyllon, Onobrakpeya, others react to scrapping of culture/tourism ministry By Japhet Alakam & Prisca Sam-Duru

FTER many months of waiting, the Buhari led federal government finally announced the appointment of ministers with their portfolios. While, many sectors of the economy saw the announcement and appointment as a positive development, others did not see it that way. One of the sectors that did not receive it with gladness is the Culture and Tourism ministry, which was scrapped. The Culture and Tourism ministry is a very important area that should not be tampered with. The ministry has contributed a lot to the country’s GDP, and tourism industry alone offers the opportunity to lessen the country’s dependence on oil revenue, if properly harnessed. Though, the previous government tried to tap into that by recognising the sector and supporting it with grants. It is expected that the present administration of General Buhari will key into that and do

• National Theatre Iganmu, one of the neglected culture homes more, but many stakeholders in to make it so obvious? Even so, whenever people who have the culture sector were stunned orphans are entitled to a foster such an idea assume positions with the announcement. home!” The question that many are of authority, Art, one of our For renowned art promoter, culture is jettisoned for other asking is what is to become of collector and founder of things. They forget that art is the sector? As a follow up to that, Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin our culture, our culture is our Vanguard Art sought the views Shyllon Art Foundation, identity, our way of life,the way of some stakeholders and they OYASAF, Prince Yemisi Shyllon, we eat , dress and speak. The responded thus. the ommision of an art and African man has been In a statement tagged culture ministry by Buhari's brainwashed to regard his MISSING IN ACTION , the administration did not come to culture as demonic. It is very Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole him as a surprise. According to unfortunate.” Soyinka who was recently given him, “I am not surprised, the highest seal of the City of Also reacting to the generally, Nigeria’s sight has development, Artiste/Culture Florence, as one of the world’s been deformed by Arabic and Communicator and former leading art, culture and peace Christian propaganda against Editor of Sunday Guardian, advocates bemoaned the action our culture. Lord Lugard who Jahman O.Anikulapo said, of the president and said, “We was our first governor general, “There is really nothing to say. all know that Culture is said that we have no culture. I did not expect anything regarded at best as an orphan, Hegel and others followed, so anyway, so I am neither but does General Buhari have they never regarded our culture. disappointed, nor depressed Even when Probenius came about the omission of Culture. We all know that here, he said our art works Culture has always been an were not good, but he ended orphan as Prof. Soyinka rightly Culture is regarded as up stealing one and was said. Government in Nigeria is an orphan, but does arrested. always a Philistine. Not even "Even when we were growing with the so-called rebasing of General Buhari have to up, our language was regarded the economy based on the make it so obvious? as vernecular, you were cained contribution of the Creative for speaking it.Anything that Industry to the economy in Even orphans are has to do with our culture was recent years,which is probably entitled to foster homes termed to be demonic, they a fraction of what it actually don’t even investigate to find out

Racing on the Himalayas A review of Titus Okereke’s book,”Our Fathers’ Land– Including Reminiscences on the Nigerian Civil War”. By Mark Nwagwu

ITUS Okereke treats us to a world worth living in his book, Our Fathers’ Land Including Reminiscences on the Nigerian Civil War. This is the first book of its class, an autobiographic tale well told, to come out of an alumnus of the old University College, Ibadan, from a graduate of the early sixties, 1960-1964. I know a number of my contemporaries whose lives are captured in this book. More than this, anyone of my time at UCI, would devour this historical masterpiece. Yes, the details of how one lived may be different from Okereke’s rendition of his own lifestyle, as no two people are alike. But surely the conditions and circumstances of life at these times would create a character not much different from what Okereke has given us. Here, you meet a man and his times and how he wrestled with the circumstances that presented themselves. He earns high marks for giving us a vivid idea of Nigeria

in the colonial days from the forties to the fifties and some of the social transitions in independence. Education was the master of the day and the discipline and character it enshrined in her children created humans of sterling splendour. ‘It was at Sapele Government School that I got to meet quite a few characters who remained my friends for decades later; the likes of Popo Akinyanju, Egerton Uvieghara, Abiodun Craig Adebona, and Ben •Prof. Mark Nwagwu Atseyinku.’ One may note that none of these was Igbo like your Titus: friend- Sapele, Mr. Owodunni apship knows no tribes, knows no proached my father with a rebarriers, except truth and sincer- quest. ‘T. S.,’ as Owodunni used to call my father, ‘I would like to ity. In this regard, we would do bring Ademola, my son, over to well to note this sole yet pro- stay in your house, to stay with found demonstration of friend- your children. Please do me the ship and true comradeship. As favour of subjecting Ademola to the author tells us: ‘after about a the same discipline as I know you year at Government School, do to your own sons, Titus and

Maurice.’ Mr. Okereke warmly accepted the offer with great pleasure and even when his family was to return to Warri again on transfer, Mr Okereke took Ademola with him. Yes, there was a Nigeria, when an elder, any elder for that matter, could discipline any child he or she found misbehaving. Rules of behavior were strictly followed and everyone was everyone else’s keeper. To help drive home this point of discipline, the author narrates how, on one occasion, the education officer, Mr. Enahoro, whose house was close to the school compound and who had watched his children come late to school, administered punishment on his own two sons, Continues on page 32

contribues, and the thousands, perhaps millions of young ones that it has given means of livelihood. Watch it, things might even get worse for the Culture sector under this dispensation!!! But they can’t stop a moving train... Nigeria is in the throes of a cultural Renaissance... if the authority cannot understand that, that is their burden; it is not my job to open their eyes and sensibility to what is very obvious. They will be left behind as the world embraces and celebrates the creative resources of the people of this land. Amen.”

Painter and sculptor

Foremost printmaker, painter and sculptor,and one of Africa’s best known and most highly respected artists, Bruce Onobrakpeya feels that it is an ommission that has to be corrected. “It is a big omission that has to be corrected. I think, it has to be corrected. Let us not begin to think otherwise. It has to be corrected, that is my strong feeling for now,” he noted. Broadcaster and Culture activist, Ben Tomoloju said it is wrong for a modern government like Nigeria's to ignore culture. “There is no government in a modern society, especially under a democratic order that can afford to ignore culture, as the totality of our way of life in an institutional framework. I do not expect that Nigeria, the fulcrum of African culture whom other African peoples on the continent and in the diaspora look up to for cultural inspiration can literally forget culture in a ministerial arrangement. Besides, General Buhari, as a military Head-of-State, between 1983-85, was the one who laid the foundation for some very positive developments which are now institutionalised in the cultural sector. For instance, he placed culture under a Sole Administrator and things moved progressively fast. As a democratic president, I expect more landmark achievements. No, I dont think PMB can stand anywhere in the world and say culture is not important. We have to give him the benefit of doubt, at least for his antecedents.”

32—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

Racing on the Himalayas Continues from page 31 with the permission of the Head Master of the school, for being late to school. Why will there not be high standards of decorum and character when everyone was expected to live a life of merit and purpose. There was a time. In 1951, the author entered Government College, Ughelli, for his secondary education. His sense of recall is striking: while some of us can hardly remember the name of our dormitory, Okereke readily reels out the names of the students in his dormitory, Forcados House - Popo Akinyanju, from his primary school days in Sapele, Egerton Uvieghara, Jerry Eghagha, Nelo Piserchia, Napoleon Blankson, Godson Keyamo, John Obienu,George Uteh, Mathias Egbuiwe, amongst others. He took the Cambridge School Certificate in 1956 and would continue in 1957 on to the Higher School Certificate choosing to study physics, chemistry, botany and zoology. But the principal thought differently; having examined Okereke’s performance in the arts subjects, he thought he should have enrolled to read arts subjects. If, therefore, you read this book and ask, how could a zoology graduate have such a good grasp of the English language and write in an impeccable style, you have your answer. Okereke was well grounded in school in the arts subjects. There was a time!

Character and scholarship “So, finally, we were at the centre of our dreams - the great University College, Ibadan in September, 1959.” For any young person of these times, nothing was comparable to being described as a student of UCI. You would be regarded as one of the best brains in the country for only the very best could flow through the fine mesh of refined merit, character and scholarship. The author makes it abundantly clear that his undergraduate days at University College were some of the happiest days of his life. Words fly off the page and bathe the reader’s eyes with rays of joy and fulfillment in a life of learning and character. Okereke combined scholarship with a thrilling life in sports: he was the college champion in the 800 meters and mile races and would ordinarily have represented the university at the 1961 biennial sports competition with the University of Legon. However, Okereke was constrained to pay particular attention to his studies for the final London examina- Dr Titus tions the following June in 1962. His un- Okereke, a speakable jamboree zoologist to Legon just to watch trained in the the games would be thus understandable. finest scienThere was a time! tific tradition For good cause, lecturers of Igbo extrac- has given us a tion, including book that Okereke, hurriedly left the University of speaks for Ibadan and ran to the scholarship safety of their homes in Igboland before and for his the outbreak of the generation of Nigerian civil war. They were quickly scholars from absorbed into the Uni- the mid-sixties

versity of Nigeria, Nsukka, but when the war broke out and Nsukka fell, Okereke had to flee first to Enugu and later to his hometown, AjaIli. His perspectives of the civil war are all personal and bear the badge of sincerity, honesty and joy, even in the face of adversity. Titus was appointed to the Department of Military Intelligence, DMI headquartered in Umuahia, where he was an assistant director. Titus was later transferred to the foreign service where he would be a member of a delegation to Russia to seek their aid on the side of Biafra. Unfortunately and most painfully, the trip was a thorough waste of time and resources: they never met any Russian official to present their case. Titus would lament; ‘With Britain already on the side of Nigeria, it would have made sense for Biafra to approach the Soviet Union before Nigeria did, and the person most suited to spearhead such a diplomatic engagement with Russia was Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifeagwu who had served as Nigeria’s former Ambassador to that country. The reluctance or unwillingness on the part of the Biafran leadership to make full use of the assets at its disposal, especially the services of Dr. Ifeagwu, in a timely approach to the Soviet government amounted to failure of Biafran diplomacy. This failure made it easy for Nigeria to become the beneficiary of massive support from both Britain and Russia throughout the civil war.’ Dr. Titus Okereke, a zoologist trained in the finest scientific traditions has given us a book that speaks for scholarship and for his Nwagwu generation of scholars from the mid-sixties, just after Nigeria’s independence, through the 70’s after the war to the eighties when he took off the academic toga and ventured into a life of enterprise in the real world. No other scholar of his time has given us entry into his or her life in a book that celebrates a time in Nigerian life when the virtue of learning and scholarship was the national dream. I graduated from University College, Ibadan, in 1961, and knew Titus quite well. I appear in the picture of the Zoology Class and lecturers in the second row. Olufemi Boboye is first left, Oyidi is second, Mark Eluwa, third, Anya O. Anya fourth, Mark Nwagwu, fifth, Ralph Odihirin, sixth, S. A. Toye, seventh and E. J. Usua ninth and first from the right. (The name of the eighth student from the left escapes me.) What a time it was. We have biographies and autobiographies by Nigerian notables in administration and commerce, and industry, some of them about a time long since gone. Achebe’s Things Fall Apart captures a pre-colonial Nigeria in its vibrant purpose in Igboland. His latest book, There Was A Countryis compelling reading that anticipates the birth of Okereke’s Our Fathers’ Land now in our hands as an enduring legacy of a Nigeria of virtue, ease, friendship, and fortitude, where the marathon races of life are run high up in the Himalayas. •Prof. Mark Nwagwu, St. Paul University, Awka

• BRT series 1, one of the works for the exhibition

Let these lines speak The goal of the exhibition is not only to draw the world's attention to the heavy toll that traffic challenges are posing to Lagos residents , but to inspire steps to galvanize positive change

Japhet Alakam

FTER participating in many group exhibitions and many years of working behind the scenes building and nurturing students at the Federal College of Education (Technical ) Akoka, Festus Adeyemi is out with his first solo exhibition titled Between the lines, an exhibition of drawings, paintings, and mixed technique arts. For Adeyemi, who has been combining academic and administrative work, the exhibition which will also be used to celebrate his 50th birthday will feature about 30 works, covering works from his student days till present. It will open at the Yusuf Grillo gallery, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos from 27th November till 11th December, 2015. The presentation encapsulates Festus’ paintings and drawings expressing his contemporary trajectory and fresh artistic conceptions. Essentially, the exhibits portray and depict the challenges of a nation's over dependence on road transportation and its adverse effect on the citizenry. Curated by Dotun Alabi, Lagos chapter SNA chair, the exhibition according to him captures the intricacies and the need for diversification of focus, methods, materials, and rendition generally. Adeyemi who stated that it is not usually easy to hold a solo, as challenges of being faithful to academia has not made it easy, but after his study leave where he visited Coventry University, United Kingdom and saw the efficient transportation system, it spurred him to come up with a solo. According to him, line is very important to life. Line is one of the most important elements in art, we have various types of lines, it expresses ideas, stability, action etc. So he is using lines as an expression of the Like a different challenges that cubist, face the transportation system in Lagos like bad Festus roads, bad vehicles, fragments dangerous driving etc. Adopting the his technique of mixed surface media, canvass well prepared, combined into with various elements to various make his design, the works portray the segments various systems of transport, the dangers

and others. As a form of retrosgressive show, it covers works from his student days till present, but majority of the works focus on the transportation. Some of the works include, Rush Hour, which depicts the typical rush hour situation in Lagos in the evening when almost all passengers are heading home, the bumper to bumper traffic and some passengers hanging on the bumper of a moving bus. Here he points out that the risk involved is great, in as much as the desire to reach home is concerned, safety matters. Another series, Marwa series 1-2, shows the complementary colours of yellow and purple. Though used in third world countries all over the world, nevertheless cause a lot of danger as most of the drivers are ex- okada riders, not trained and drive recklessly. It also poses great danger. Also in BRT series 1-4, which the artist see as a welcome idea, with good drivers, it has helped to solve some of the problems like one chance, excess number of vehicles on the roads etc. He says such should be encouraged to ease the traffic situation.

Traffic situation According to Alabi, "Like a cubist, Festus fragments his surface into various segments. Further, he engages impasto or thick relief lines to enrich the overall textual appeal. His bold palette’s application synergises needed visual declaration and delight. His matured colour schemes, mostly complimentary and triad with garnished monochromatic colours exemplifies his deep understanding of painting synthesis and pedagogy.” In his artistic statement, Festus said that the desire to be part of the solution to the prevalent transport situation in Lagos state informed his present body of works. “Though, Lagos State government has attempted to inject some measures to correct the situation, however, the efforts have not yielded the desired result. Between the lines, is geared towards lending my voice to showcase the stress being encountered daily by Lagos residents. The goal of the show is not only to draw the world’s attention to the heavy toll that traffic challenges are posing to Lagos residents, but to inspire steps to galvanize positive change in the state believed to be the commercial nerve center of Nigeria’s economy.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 , 2015 —

Torch O. Taire (1933-2015) TRIB UTE TRIBUTE

By Ambassador I. J. Sagay

The passing of a great Howardian: Torch Oriseweyinmi Taire TRIB UTE TRIBUTE

By Aremu L. AgbeDavies

E learnt of the shocking death of Torch Oritse Taire on Tuesday, October 14, from a newspaper publication the following morning. T.O.T, as he was fondly referred to in later life, was admitted into the famous Hope Waddell Training Institution, Calabar, Cross River State and was accordingly enrolled in the Institution log book in 1952. He was an active and brilliant student and participated in all aspects of school life, both intra and extra-curricula. His leadership qualities were recognised early and he was given a number of important roles in school life, including the position of head boy.

Testimony of his brilliance He underwent his university education with distinction in Ibadan, Nigeria, and started his profession - pharmacy on a Late Torch Oriseweyinmi Taire sound footing. The school outstanding cost of the publication of the book probably gave testimony of his brilliance on his Hope Waddell Training Institution – LIFE & graduation and he proved it in the undoubted WORK and the loan from ICON Ltd. Merchant success which he made of his life. It is normal for Bankers with which the Association purchased institutions to present their alumni with a new organ for the chapel. Torch religiously testimonials, but Torch, later in life, did the extra attended all scheduled Hope Waddell Old ordinary. He gave what amounted to a testimonial Students’ Associations’ meetings and to Hope Waddell his alma mater. encouraged the various restoration work He said, in 1990: ''Now, I know I owe whoever undertaken by the then principal, Elder Offiong I am, however I think, whatever I have done to Ekefre, a scion of Torch’s long time predecessor those wonderful years at Hope Waddell. We were in office as National President of the Association, very well taught”. He went on to say: “I have put Chief Ekefre, was a student, and teacher in Hope my three children through some of the very best Waddell and administrator in the ministry of public schools in England, whether at Rodean education in the old Western region of Nigeria. school for girls or at Cliffton college for boys, only to find out in a most expensive way that Hope Waddell, in my days that is, gave me as much Congenial and in many ways more than these great English relationship establishment had to offer.'' In the first Hope Waddell Centenary Committee It is very difficult to exhaust the many instances publication titled, “A call to Action”, also in 1990, where Torch in his goodness stepped in to relieve the Centenary Committee reminded all Hope the Association of its many financial stresses. Waddell alumni that in less than five years from The Nigerian civil war ending in January 1970 the time of publication, Hope Waddell would be literally devastated the Institution and created a celebrating its first stifling feeling of statism which virtually destroyed centennial, and called the hitherto congenial relationship among Old on them to demonstrate Students where ever they came from. As President some gratitude to their of the Association, Torch spared neither attention alma mater for fostering nor cost to enable the school to come out from them so well. In his the compelled eclipse into which it went. He took capacity then as the advantage of the industry of the then principal National President of to rebuild and supported its return to its position Hope Waddell Old of pre-eminence among its peers. The school Students Association, he results demonstrated the success of these efforts demonstrated a in examinations and competitions both at benevolence in national and international levels. Torch Taire leadership which was The Lagos Branch of the Association had since uncommon. During his has been a its re-inception in 1985 performed at a reasonably long tenure as national high level of public self presentation; its meetings president, he came to the powerful were held at the Nigerian Institute of rescue of the association influence in International Affairs hallowed conference many times, right from chambers and its cocktail parties and other social the his first involvement by gatherings at the Institute’s famous foyers. But it discharging the development was not until the entry of TOT as the leader of association from its of good the Association that its public outings were raised debts. to the platform of five star hotels, Lagos Sheraton They were many, but I education in and Eko Le Meridian to wit. That same year TOT cannot fail to mention the country Continues on page 34 the settlement of the

NBELIEVABLY, T. O. T. always so alive and rocklike steady, now belongs to the ages! His death reminds us, that all that live must die - someday; but T.O.T will always remain an icon of benevolent and righteous living, to those of us who best knew him. Torch Taire (T.O.T) was not a philanthropist in the classical sense of the word. He was more a benefactor, in the genre of the Good Samaritan, with a keen sense of a duty of care, towards the needy and distressed. He provided a safe harbour of calm and resuscitation, to those tossed about by the vicissitudes of life. He was simply an icon of splendid humanity, at its quintessential best. In the weeks following T. O. T’s death, I was plagued with a dilemma, whether to eulogise him, or to simply let him be, and as Mark Anthony said of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar “the good is oft interred with their bones-so let it be with Caesar!” Nevertheless, he then went on to eulogise him into immortality in words of imperishable eloquence. I am no Mark Anthony, but I owe it to T. O. T to put on record, some of his unsung deeds of exceptional kindness and generosity. The servant-leader relationship, between T.O.T and the legion of endangered humanity he rescued from disgrace, best exemplified what was most noble and endearing about T.O.T. His acts of kindness was done without condescension, but with utmost humility, that of a man who saw in others, no matter how degraded by society, our common humanity. He did not see his benevolence as an investment, on those from whom he expected future benefits-or even gratitude. From his elegant five-room city mansion in London’s Mayfair, this “Sapele boy” made good, dispensed hospitality, in cash and kind, to “Diaspora Nigerians” and political refugees from Ghana, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Ethiopia, etc., with courtesy and open-ended grace. The hungry trooped to his house at all hours of the day or night, knowing that whether T. O. T was at home or not, they would be fed

Among those of us, who are proud to call him our friend, T.O.T was exceptional and unique, a true icon of ‘a friend-in-need'

by Tassi, his octogenarian Chinese housekeeper. Those unable to pay for their taxi fare on arrival, only had to let T. O. T know, or in extremis Madam Tassi, that the taxi-man was waiting for his fare, and immediately money was made available. The same unquestioning generosity was extended to many who lived above their means, and could not pay their house rents, hotel bills or similar financial liabilities. Sacrificing the comforts of privacy, he often allowed political refugees to turn his vast sitting room to “Hyder Park Corner” or “Peoples’ Parliament,” to allow rival political groups argue out or vent their pent-up anger or grievances. Through it all, he sat Sphinx-like, moderating and resolving contentious viewpoints, while he puffed on his inimitable smoking pipe. His worldly-wise wisdom usually cooled frayed nerves and restored hope for the future. Suave, urbane and eclectic, T.O.T (the Baron of Mayfair) was a man of multi-faceted intellect, erudition and scholarship. He could quite easily have become a University Don, at home in the hallowed halls of academe.

Erudition and scholarship His vast library featured books covering nearly all academic and non-academic disciplines; but these were not for “show”. He actually read every book he placed on the shelf. He pursued his collection of prized art works, with equal passion and discerning good taste. These covered both Nigerian and African works of art by renowned artists – and sometimes some budding “unknown geniuses”, whose work he wished to promote and encourage, as a benefactor. His business acumen was razor-sharp, but conducted always with honesty and integrity. In recognition of his sterling contribution to AngloNigerian business relationship, he was honoured with an invitation to No. 10 Downing Street by the late British Prime Minister Mrs. Margaret Thatcher. Among those of us, who are proud to call him our friend, T.O.T was exceptional and unique, a true icon of “a friendin-need.” Indeed the late Dr. Richard Abeson (of London) nick-named him, “Agbonekwuya”-meaning one who is both a benefactor and redeemer. How apt! Indeed, the graces and elements of noblelesse oblige, compassion and empathy, were so perfectly mixed in him, that the epitaph on Shakespeare’s tomb-stone could quite justifiably be applied to T.O.T. “His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him, that Nature might stand-up and say to all the world, THIS WAS A MAN!” T.O.T; Agbonekwuya we your friends bid you a fond farewell as you go into the night. May the Holy Light of Flights of Angels guide and accompany you to Heaven’s Gate.

34 —

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 , 2015

Okwagbe son in diaspora: Solomon Ahwinahwi at 50 TRIB UTE TRIBUTE

Dogara’s committees of national unity By David Augustine

INCE the advent of the APC government at the centre, the issue of national spread in appointments has been a source of concern to many Nigerians, who feel that government appointments have tilted in favour of a section of the country. It was against such background that the announcement of the composition of various committees in the National Assembly was awaited with bated breath. The release of list of chairmen and deputies of standing committees of the House of Representatives by Speaker Yakubu Dogara was received with so much joy and appreciation by Nigerians, because the composition took care of the fears in certain sections of the country, where doubt persists that they would be disadvantaged, due to the political configuration in the house, with APC in a clear majority. But, Dogara’s appointments took care of these fears, bringing balance and equity to the parties and the different sections of the country. In his patriotic wisdom, Dogara increased the number of House committees to 96, with his ruling; sorry, governing All Progressives Congress having 48 slots, and Peoples Democratic Party keeping 45, while four committee chairmen were left for smaller parties such as All Progressives Grand Alliance, Social Democratic Party, etc. In increasing the number of committees, the Speaker said he was guided by the desire to ensure that effective legislative oversight is carried out, without increasing the cost of achieving such result: ‘It is necessary to point out that the splitting of committees has not resulted in increased cost of running the house. (The) committee clerks and other staff (of the committees) are sourced from the existing pool of staff (that are) paid salaries and allowances already by the National Assembly. ‘Committee members are already paid salaries also by the National Assembly. No person gets an increased remuneration by virtue of appointment as a committee member or chairman. The National Assembly budget has not been increased as a result’, Speaker Dogara had said at the inauguration of the committees. While acknowledging the right to constructive criticisms by some commentators on the number of committees, the Speaker said experience, gained from the operation of committees since

1999, shows that some committees’ functions and mandates are very wide indeed and cannot be effectively supervised and ‘oversighted’ by a single committee. For instance, the House split the committee on Education into two, namely: Basic Education and Services and Tertiary Education and Services. The old committee on Education had a mandate to oversight the budget and policy issues of the following institutions: 104 Unity Schools, 22 Federal Colleges of Education, 36 Federal Universities and 24 Federal Polytechnics. In addition, it had responsibility also for the Ministry itself and about 25 other Government Agencies and all aspects of education in Nigeria. There is no way a single committee can adequately oversight all these agencies with

House of Reps Speaker, Dogara

House members also attending to other issues in Plenary Sessions, like lawmaking and allied representational responsibilities. It is also worthy of note there are two schools of thought with respect to the method of executing legislative functions. One school of thought employs the strategy of fewer standing committees, with many sub committees to deal with relevant subject matters. For instance, United States Congress has about 22 standing and select committees but about 100 sub committees. The second school of thought employs the method of delineating various subject matters carefully and constituting separate committees to handle them. To be concluded

The passing of a great Howardian: Torch Oriseweyinmi Taire Continues from page 33

enabled the Lagos Branch of the Association to play host to all the branch associations for its national general meeting held in Lagos. Needless to say, all these raised the conduct of the business of the Association to a new and serious level, setting the stage in the direction of the members vision towards the staging of the centenary celebration in 1995. It was at one of these serious deliberations of the national meetings that a Centenary Committee comprising the Executives of the Hope Waddell Old Students’ Association, under the leadership of TOT, the Board of Governors and the Parents Teachers Association of the school was set up under the chairmanship of the then president of the Lagos Branch, Chief Elder Aremu L. AgbeDavies. Through out the preliminary deliberations of that Committee, as well as the entire Association, it can be said without

any fear of contradiction that Torch Oritse Taire was indeed the guiding spirit and the guardian angel of the entire organisation.

Befitting monument It was to his credit that the life of the National Association and happily, including that of the branch associations continued their existence without interruption till date. What a befitting monument to the work of a good leader. For Hope Waddell, its Old Students; and the Nigerian public, Torch Taire has been a powerful influence in the development of good education in the country. He worked hard to make himself a great success, and used that success to benefit a lot of people, not just the Old Students; he proved to be an enlightened individual with broad liberal education not just in his profession but also in

history, politics, and philosophy. His incursion into arts established him as one of the most famous promoters and collectors of art works in the country. He was a good family man, with beautiful children, and a highly recognised better half, Mrs Adefemi Taire, from good family background who attained that high and enviable status of secretary to the Lagos State Government. The Hope Waddell National Old Students’ Association, and particularly the entire Hope Waddell Centenary Committee mourn the exit of that glorious gem. We pray God in his infinite mercy to console his family for their irreparable loss. •Elder (Chief) Aremu L. AgbeDavies was President Hope Waddell Old Students Association, Lagos Branch. (19851996); Chairnan Hope Waddell Centenary Committee (19891996); and TOT’s friend within the Hope Waddell family.

By Olorogun Okiemute Oviri Okwagbe, JP

ODAY marked another milestone in the life of my brother, friend and a distinguished son of Okwagbe in Diaspora, Olorogun (Hon.) Solomon Urhoboyuvwe Ahwinahwi, aka Adagharaza, member representing Ughell North/South/Udu Federal Constituency of Delta State in the House of Representatives as he Hon.Solomon Urhoboyuvwe Ahwinahwi, clocks 50 glorious years on earth. To many of us in the family, for the people. He has said in the last 50 years of our brother’s several fora, that as an sojourn on earth has been years ambassador of the people he held of tremendous challenge mixed the office he occupies today in with an unprecedented divine trust for the people of Ughelli blessing that leaves us with no North/South/Udu Federal other choice than to give thanks Constituency emphasizing that to the Almighty God, the creator the well being of the people of mankind and the entire remain his primary responsibility. In the world of scarce resources universe who has made life meaningful to our brother, a life of today, every body of cause worthy of emulation in every wants the available scarce sense. I am particularly happy for resources in abundance to the my brother and friend each time detriment of others. That is were I reflect back on the journey so the wisdom and tenacity of this far and how God has been kind leader becomes expedient. Our to him at every mileage of this brother and political leader has displayed his wonderful gift of journey of life. In just 50 years, Hon. great human wisdom and that Ahwinahwi has touched many has helped to balance trust and lives as a politician, confidence between the haves philanthropist, community leader, and the have not who are all parts people’s right defender and an and parcel of his constituents advocate of the people. My competing for the available scarce brother chooses to be a policy resources. maker because he sees it as an avenue to impact meaningful live Scarce to the people. As a policy maker resources he has been in the vanguard of making law for the good and well Hon. Solomon Ahwinahwi, by being of the nation, combining every standard is a round peg in well with other distinguish round hole in the act of legislative colleagues in the House of business. Today we the Representatives at ensuring that constituents that you represent robust and germane policies for are celebrating the success story the well being of the nation is of the positive impact of your passed. As a representative of the stewardship. The evidence of people he has surrendered his change which you brought to our entire public life to the service of land and clime will make humanity. If you are close to this generation to come see you as a wonderful and illustrious son of reference point any time there are Urhobo nation, you will agree with discuss on the socio-political me that he talk and dream of the history and evolutionary people of his federal constituency advancement of the people of of Ughelli North/ South/Udu. On Ughelli North/South/Udu federal several occasion he has said to constituency. Both in words and my admiration how he wish the action, the dept of the political tie resources were just there to do that you maintained with the every thing he has in mind to do people is something commensurate to the support the Americans gave to George Washington to facilitate the birth of the US as a nation. Hon. Solomon Urhoboyovwe Ahwinahwi’s success story cannot be completed without mentioning his amiable and lovely wife Chief Mrs R.M.S Ahwinahwi, without which this great Iroko will not be standing tall in the affairs of the The evidence of nation. It is suffice to say therefore, change which you that behind the success of our dear brought to our brother there is a virtuos woman, a jewel of inestimable value who land and clime has worked behind the scene in will make the efforts of our leader in breaking new grounds. generation to

come see you as a reference point

Olorogun Okwagbe JP, the Esama of Ukpedi Kingdom, wrote from Warri, Delta State.

Vanguard,THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015—35

Trustfund Pensions parleys employers over CPS Pays 15,000 pensioners monthly Stories by Victor Ahiuma-Young

N its bid to meet the demands of its clients through seamless service delivery, a leading Pension Fund Administrator, PFA, in Nigeria, Trustfund Pensions, TFP, Plc, has brought together employers on its platform, at an event tagged Employers’ Forum. Welcoming participants to the forum, TFP, Regional Manager, Lagos, Mr. Oladefotun Jacob, said the forum was to “interact with our clients to feel their minds, know their challenges to service them better and have seamless service to our clients.” According to him, “our goal is to update our members’ retirement saving accounts, RSAs, with all contributions remitted for them within 48 hours of receipt of the remittances and corresponding valid schedules. Our goal of providing seamless service to our customers is not without some challenges which is the basis for this interaction. "While we cannot totally exonerate ourselves from some of these issues, most of the issues emanate from process of preparing the monthly remittance schedules. The purpose of this interactive forum is to highlight, discuss and come up with the solutions to the issues responsible for the delay in processing the contributions received.”

Pension administration Similarly, Managing Director of Zenith Pension Fund Custodian, PFC, Mrs Nkem Oni Egbomah, said the forum was to “seek how to serve the clients better in form of pension administration. "We are still having issues of over and under remittances, benefits payment, BVN challenges and so on. We are also interested in what our clients want us to know to serve them better.” It was indeed a forum that attracted several employers’ representatives on the platform of TFP. The forum provided opportunities for employers’ representatives to seek answers to challenges on remittances, statement of accounts delivery, non-issuance of PIN numbers, improper filling of forms among others. Speaking with Pension and You on general compliance among others, TFP's Compliance Officer, Lilian Onwughalu, said “the compliance level by employers has actually improved because the National Pension Commission, PenCom, has actually put a lot of things in place to ensure compliance from employers. "It is right to say that for most of

FORUM: From left, Lilian Onwughalu, Compliance Officer, Oladunni Adeloye, Customer Relationship Officer, Kehinde Philip, Oladefotun Jacob, Lagos Regional Manager, all of TrustFund Pensions, TFP, and Osawaru Ekpan, Contibutions and Collection, Zenith Pension Fund Custodian, at the forum in Lagos. the employers who were not complying, what must have made them not comply is the sanctions that the commission has put in place. For those who are yet to comply, we hope that they see the essence of the scheme and comply. It is actually a scheme that is in the best interest of everybody, both employers and employees. "Even those we call employers could be employees at any point in time and this is beneficiary to us all. Eventually, it is something that will encourage both employers, employees to comply which is why we are running this programme now, the employers’ forum. It is basically to sensitise employers on the modalities of their contributions so that we will achieve a seamless process in all we do. We keep trying to improve on what we do and that is the essence of it all." According to her, employers that were already registered with a Pension Fund Administrator, PFA , it was easy to know and monitor their remittances, “and when they are not remitting, we have our reports on recalcitrant employers which we do to PenCom, get to it on those employers that are not remitting.

The forum was to “interact with our clients to feel their minds, know their challenges to serve them better and have seamless service to our customers

The commission follows up the non-remitting employers to ensure compliance with the scheme. For employers that are not registered at all it beholds on the employees to tell us. They can maintain anonymity while doing that because we do understand the peculiar relationship with their employers. Employees cannot go on and say that they want to report their employer. It behoves them to tell us and we will follow up from there.” Also speaking, the Lagos Regional Manager, Mr Jacob, said: “We have issues that border

sometimes on double romping. For example you have someone that registered and made payment, but made the payment with wrong pin. Such issue was just raised today. The client said he has been making payments but has no pin at all. There are issues of missing report were sometimes they make payment for certain months and they stopped for a while, have vacuum for some months, maybe for three to five months, they make another payment. So those months that were not paid for are missing because they missed

months. These are some of the challenges. Things like these have to be reconciled. So, there is need for reconciliation from time to time. Speaking on the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, he reiterated that the the scheme was mandatory and “employers are supposed and are required to implement it in their organizations. They are expected not only to deduct the contribution, they are also expected to remit their deductions. There are cases where contributions are deducted but not remitted and there are cases where salaries are made and contribution for the CPS are not made. So in cases or categories like this, we will encourage the employers to comply with the provisions of the scheme and make payment as when due. On the number of pensioners on TFP's platform and how much it uses to service their pensions, Mr. Jacob said: “I think we have made payment of over 15,000 and we do that every month and over N200, 000,000 goes for pension payment every month.”

Defunct Afribank union leaders petition Buhari over unlawful sack

ACKED 41 union leaders of Afribank Plc, now Skye Bank Plc, have petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari, imploring him to right the wrong done to them since September 1999, for exposing alleged N60 billion fraud by then management of the bank. Recalling the events that led to their perceived illegal sack, the petitioners claimed their travails began in September 1999, when they as union's executives "boldly reported the case of outright thievery/ financial profligacies amounting to over N60 billion to the regulatory bodies of the finance industry dutifully. The then members of the top management of the Bank willfully and maliciously wrestled the bank to the canvas by corrupt practices. The bank was later taken over by AMCON upon failure and transferred to a bridge bank called Mainstreet Bank which was again taken over by Skye Bank in recent time." The petitioners lamented that "following our letter calling for probe and prosecution of the management team as their offences were crystallized in the

Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act in June 1999, the relationship between the workers and the management went curvilinear. Prior to that, workers weighed the implication of silence and the collapse of the Bank on the balance of reason and opted for industrial actions that lasted 21 days to drive our points home to the government or its agencies. Worst still, that was after we reported the case personally to then President-elect (Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo Rtd.) On the 15/05/1999 at Ota, he assured us that he would use Afribank as a test case on AntiCorruption Crusade. "The industrial action was intercepted by then Minister of Labour, Chief Graham Douglas, who ordered a return to status quo on September 12, 1999. This was a day after the management had sacked the 41 union executives. The bank disregarded the order of the Labour Minister and this was communicated to the Labour Minister. The result was benign neglect, suggestive of executive conspiracy or ground watering. In view of the nascent

democracy as at then and in alliance with democratic principles, we headed for the courts and the National Assembly. We were persuaded by the National Assembly to suspend the case in court to enable it adjudicate on the matter." The petitioners noted that they attached "the report of the House Committee on Labour which gave rise to the votes and proceedings of the Committee of Whole reinstating the 41 union executives and another letter signed by Ibrahim Salim, Clerk of the National Assembly. Afribank contested this decision in suit No. FHC/ ABJ/ CSj.253/2002 with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the NLC as respondents. This was thrown out for want of jurisdiction. The aim of the bank was to employ judicial process to buy time in order to frustrate the truth. Eleven years later, that was on February, 22, 2011, the then Chairman of the Committee on Legislative Compliance Hon. Daemi Kunaiyi Akpanah, wrote Afribank Plc to know the extent of its compliance on the National Order.

36—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 , 2015

Okowa to N-Delta govts: Harness your resources for region’s devt A

By Festus Ahon

SABA—GOVERNOR lfeanyi Okowa of Delta State has challenged governments of Niger Delta states to harness the region’s natural resources for sustainable growth and development. Speaking in Asaba at the Niger Delta Development Forum, NDDF, Okowa stressed the need for collaborative efforts towards speedy growth of the region. He said: “The principal objective of policy making should be to design strategies and programmes that will engender inclusive growth and sustainable development. This is the focus of our administration. This forum is an important platform for the various states in the region to focus on challenges and issues of common interest, foster more dynamic and equitable arrangement for regional prosperity and deepen our collaboration for using the region’s natural resources for inclusive growth and sustainable development.” He appealed to the participants to identify areas of cooperation among states and suggest ways to achieve economic diversification, inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented by the Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr Dan Abia, said collaborative efforts were necessary for the growth of the Niger Delta. Osinbajo said: “This is the time

for all cadres of public, political, communal and private sector leadership to show a sincere desire and uncanny ability to design and protect the integrity of the developmental process in the Niger Delta region.” Mr. Micheal Harvey of the United States Agency For

International Development, USAID and Deputy Governor, Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, called on all stakeholders in the region to focus on the provision of infrastructure development, peace and security to encourage investors to come to the region.

AWARD: From left: Mrs. Maureen Umanah, Editor-in-Chief, Billboard World Magazine; Mr. Moses Ekpo, Deputy Governor, Akwa Ibom State/Special Guest of Honour and Alhaji Bello Kankarofi, CEO/Registrar, APCON, at the Brand as King International Award 2015, in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau.

Judge withdraws from suit challenging lawmaker's suspension By Perez Brisibe & Ochuko Akuopha

LEH—JUSTICE C. Emifonye of a Delta State High Court sitting in Oleh, yesterday declined further hearing in the case before it challenging the suspension of the member representing Isoko constituency II, Johnson Erijo, by the Delta State House of Assembly. The plaintiffs in the case are Ernest Osima, Isuosuo Samson, Adumogbe Aghogho and Reuben Egede, all of Isoko constituency II, while the defendants are the state House of Assembly, the Speaker, the House Leader and the state Attorney General. The plaintiffs are challenging the legality of Erijo's suspension and are also seeking for an order restraining the House from further deliberation or any discussion about his suspension pending the determination of the matter. They are also seeking for an order restraining the defendants from preventing Erijo from carrying out his legislative duties on behalf of the constituents. Declining further hearing in the matter, yesterday, Justice

Emifonye transferred the matter to the Chief Judge of the state for re-assignment to another judge.

Erijo was slammed with a three-months suspension alongside the Chief Whip of the House and member

representing Oshimili North constituency, Pat Ajudua for alleged desecration of the hallowed chamber of the House by their activities.

World Bank commends Edo over payment of N1bn counterpart fund By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN—THE World Bank has commended Edo State Government for paying an over N1 billion counterpart fund which, according to the bank, qualified the state to enjoy World Bank projects and other incentives. The World Bank Task Team Leader, Dr Amos Abu, who was in the company of over 20 members of the team, disclosed

this when they paid a courtesy visit to Governor Adams Oshiomhole at Government House, Benin City. The World Bank executives who were in the state to inspect ongoing erosion projects in Auchi, Queen Ede and Ekenwa, described the progress of the work as outstanding, commending the state government for its commitment to the service of its people through the payment of

the counterpart funds which Dr Abu said made Edo State “number one in accessing World Bank projects in the country.” According to him, “Our core engineers are already in Auchi to look at the work that is going on and to also provide guidance on how it can be quickly completed. We are also very happy with the new site that has been put forward for the bank's funding."

115 women benefit from oil firm's empowerment programme By Tare Youdeowei

N oil servicing company in Delta State, Matrix Energy Limited, has doled out N75,000 each to 115 women of its host communities of Ifiekporo, Ubeji, Ijala Ikenren, Aja-Etan and Egbokodo, as part of its social responsibility to its host communities. At the presentation of cheques during the 4th annual Women Empowerment Programme ceremony in Warri, the

Managing Director of the company, Alhaji Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, represented by Head of Human Resources and Administration, Mr. Adebayo Mufutau, disclosed that the company has been enjoying good relationship with the host communities over the years due to the company ’s positive contributions to the economic and social progress of the communities. They include quarterly supply of drugs worth N1.2 million to the Ifiekporo

Community Hospital, monthly financial support to the elderly and the indigent, repair and rehabilitation of Ubeji Road, a project valued at N10,000,000 which was awarded to a contractor from the community and provision of employment opportunities in Matrix Energy, among others. He promised that they will continue to keep their part of the bargain and appealed for co-operation from the host communities.

A-Ibom First Lady makes case for widows

By Tom Moses

YO—WIFE of Akwa Ibom State governor, Mrs. Martha Emmanuel, has expressed worry over the high-level of ignorance among widows in the state concerning their rights and privileges and urged the Widows Rights Action Network, WRAN, to sensitize the widows in the rural areas on such rights and privileges as enshrined in the constitution. Mrs. Emmanuel, who is the initiator of Family Empowerment and Youths Reorientation Programme, FEYReP, made the call, yesterday, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, when a delegation of WRAN, an umbrella group of widows in the state, led by its President, Evangelist Angela Effiong, paid her a courtesy visit in Government House. She decried the fact that women, especially widows, were usually the worst victims whenever there was economic or social crisis in any part of the world and described as a welcome relief, the emergence of WRAN to champion the course of widows and support them through legal aid and rehabilitation.

Oghene Egoh tasks lawmakers on unity By Simon Adewale

HE member representing Amuwo Odofin federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Oghene Egoh, has stressed the need for unity among members, especially between Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila and the Speaker, Yakubu Dagara in order to move the nation forward. Briefing newsmen, Egoh appealed to every member to unite and work together as a team, as that was the only way the House could succeed. He appealed to the two leaders to resolve their differences so that the House could move forward, adding that this was not the time to pass judgment on who was right or wrong rather, it was the time to unite and move forward.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 , 2015â€”37

From left: Mrs Ore Famurewa,Corporate Affairs Director, FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria, Prof Ebenezer Ojefitimi, Professor of Community Health Nutrition & Nutrition Consultant, LAUTECH, Mr Rahul Colaco, MD and Mr Tarang Gupta, Marketing Director both of FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc during the launch of Peak Wazobia by FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc in Lagos yesterday. Photo: Joe Akntola (Photo Editor) Chief Christian Olaniyan cutting his 83rd birthday cake while his wife, Chief Eunice gives a helping hand at their Ikeja, Lagos residence

38—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

Dogara flays environmental degradation, poor roads in Ideato

ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON EKWEREMADU:

Ohanaeze youths task IGP •Okorie berates Buhari, APC By Anayo Okoli & Peter Okutu

•As Rochas says NASS crisis over

MUAHIA—OHANAEZE Youth Council has called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase to ensure a thorough investigate into the alleged attack on the Deputy Senate President, Dr. Ike Ekweremadu . Similarly, House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institution, Hon. Linus Okorie yesterday berated President Buhari and the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, over the same assassination attempt, reminding President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of their avowed duty to protect citizens, despite their political affiliations or cadre in society. In a press statement issued in Umuahia yesterday, the Ohanaeze Youth Council raised the alarm that “the highest Igbo political office holder is being hunted for elimination.” Signed by the Council’s

By Charles Kumolu

PEAKER OF the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara has assured the people of Ideato North/South Federal Constituency that the House would speed up its efforts at addressing environmental degradation in the constituency, noting that the matter had been referred to the House Committee on Environment. This came as Imo State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha called on Nigerians to expect robust representation from members of the National Assembly, NASS, adding that stability has returned to the green chamber. The duo said this at a thanksgiving ceremony convened for a member of the House Mr. Austin Chukwukere in Obodoukwu. According to Dogara, “efforts will be geared towards tackling environmental degradation and poor road network in this constituency. "My coming here has further enlightened us about environmental degradation and other issues in this place. Now that the motion has scaled through and referred to our committee on environment, we would do everything within our powers to bring succour to the people of this area."

National President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Secretary, Okwu Nnabuike, the group challenged the Inspector General of Police to fish out those behind the evil plot to kill Ekweremadu. Warning that killing of the deputy senate president portends danger for the country, OYC

said,”should anything happen to Ekweremadu, Nigeria will not remain the same again”. According to them, any harm on Ekweremadu amounted to a declaration of war against Ndigbo which must be resisted at all cost. The statement said the Ohaneze Youths were prepared to provide security for the deputy senate

president to ensure his safety. “We are ready to stake our lives to ensure the safety of Ekweremadu. If those who opposed his emergence as Deputy Senate President now want to come after his life they will still fail just as they failed to stop his ascendancy,” the Igbo youths said.

CAN TO NASS: Reject bill for creation of

grazing fields for herdsmen By Francis Igata

NUGU—THE Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday, called on the National Assembly to reject any bill intended to allow the creation of grazing fields for herdsmen. The Christian body in a statement described such move as a wicked and abominable act. In a statement by the Chairman of CAN in the South-East geopolitical zone, Most. Rev. David Eberechukwu, he said herdsmen were already doing

grievous harm to their host communities and that creating such fields would amount to pouring fuel unto the fire. He noted that,”currently, the situation is unbearable where they have become armed robbers, kidnappers, terrorists and warriors in their host communities. “Those agitating for this wicked move should desist from it. We call on the National Assembly to desist from such a bill and see that they do not create problems that have no solution.” Instead of grazing fields, CAN said it was recommending modern

ranches, stressing, “this is everywhere in developed countries. It will provide employment and education to the staff of the ranches. “It is an abomination to ask states to give lands to a group of people whom you know will cause famine and war in communities. “We call on all to reject this wicked move and do things to protect their territories from suffering an untold and untimely death, problems and wanton destruction of lives and properties.”

‘Industrial harmony, panacea to nation building' By Victor Ahuma-Young

ARTICIPANTS AT the just concluded Chemical and Non Metallic Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, CANMPSSAN, annual National Management/ Industrial Relations workshop have maintained that Industrial peace and harmony play crucial roles in organizational productivity, economic progress and nation building. The Workshop, held in Ilorin, Kwara State, had as its theme: 'Improving productivity

and work ethics in the chemical sector to sustain industrial peace and harmony.' The participants reasoned that it is the collective responsibility of employers and employees to seek to maintain peace and harmonious relationship for improved productivity in order to sustain business growth and profitability. In a communique issued at the end of the workshop and signed by the union’s President, Dr. Abdul-Gafar Mohammed and the General Secretary, Sunday Babalola, the participants which cut across workers, captains of

industry and government officials, agreed that workplace conflicts have causative factors which must be identified and constructively managed. The communique added: “That organizations purpose do not get achieved where productivity falls, and workers quests for better working conditions are unattainable where work organizations are unproductive. “That employees are an organization's most productive asset and must be regarded as partners, managed to understand the aligning nature of personal aspirations with organizational

purpose.” While charging employees to demonstrate their partnership with the employers in matters that relate to business sustenance, the workshop likewise called on the employers to show commitment to the welfare of the employees at all levels. However, where conflicts of interest arise in the course of employers/employees relationship, the workshop said resolution of such conflicts should be pursued with understanding of getting a win/win situation for both parties.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On Saraki’s trial at CCT

wish and hope the President will beam his searchlight on the Judiciary because it seems that the Judiciary is more corrupt than the other two arms of government. God bless Nigeria. -Mr. Ahmad Nuruddeen, Worker

hat you commit murder and it is discovered that the IPO investigating you has committed murder before, does not stop you from facing your charges. Justice Umar would be removed if the allegations are true. Mr Chinaza Onuigbo, Bouncer

o be seen that things are done right in the fight against corruption, this administration must suspend Justice Umar pending the conclusion of the corruption charges against him. No alleged corrupt man should be allowed to judge others. -Mr. Ikpo Mari, Businessman

t was a sham trial. We knew it will hit the rocks. God help them, and also deliver the masses from crass gullibility. Let us see how corruption would be wiped away with the agencies whose leaders are corrupt also. -Mr. Glory Erale, Self Employed

f you ask me, I have a strong feeling that this Saraki issue is not the path to our attaining greater heigths. So if it won’t, then why are we killing ourselves on this very issue? We should just allow sleeping dogs to lie. That is my own view about it. -Blessing Ezeokoye, Graduate

ne question I definitely want to ask is, if the CCT judge had favoured Saraki, would this issue of him collecting bribe arise? Now anything goes, one just has to be extremely careful before allegations will start flying. -Miss Sophia Osuji, Graduate

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 , 2015 — 39

Stakeholders seek use of concrete in road construction

KURE — STAKEHOLDERS at an engineering conference in Akure, Ondo State, have called on governments at all levels to consider the use of concrete in road construction as a solution to frequent dilapidation. They spoke against the backdrop of the $1.5 billion lost annually to bad roads across the country. Participants at the parley, with the theme, "National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP): Strategies for Implementation," bemoaned the infrastructural deficit that had been the lot of the country, with a submission that infrastructural policy implementation should be taken seriously by government and its agencies. They argued that the major issue with Nigeria’s road infrastructure was the absence of effective and sufficient regulatory framework for effective road construction. Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Cement Plc, Arvin Pathak, disclosed that Nigeria recorded an estimated economic loss of between $1 billion and $1.5 billion every year due to poor condition of roads. Pathak, an engineer, who presented his paper during a session on “Transport System as a Backbone for the Actualization of NIIMP” said: "Well-designed concrete roads required little maintenance over 40 year design lives. Using concrete roads will result in less fuel consumption and less emissions. Earlier in his address during the opening ceremony, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, lauded the roles being played by engineers, adding that his government would work closely with them and other professionals to achieve the desired change promised by his government. Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State tasked the engineers to engage in more research development as well as develop efficient and cost effective infrastructure for Implementation in the light of the present decayed infrastructure in the country and the economic downturn. C M Y K

KOGI POLL: IGP relocates DIG Operations to Lokoja •Assures of adequate security •Warns trouble makers to keep off •Urges Politicians to play by the rules By Kingsley Omonobi

BUJA— WITH barely 48 hours to the governorship election in Kogi State, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, has assured Nigerians, especially indigenes of Kogi State, of the readiness of the Police and other relevant agencies to provide effective security and ensure a smooth and orderly conduct of the poll slated for November 21, 2015. A statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Acting ACP Olabisi Kolawole, said the IGP gave the assurance while addressing stakeholders and police officers and men on Tuesday in Lokoja.

At the parley, the IGP warned all trouble-makers and anti-social elements to stay away from Kogi State throughout the period of the election, adding that the Police would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute any person who flouted the law or caused a breach of the peace, no matter how highly placed in the society. The Force PRO said: “While directing the deployment of Marine Police, Anti-Bomb, Counter Terrorism Unit, Police Mobile Force, Force Intelligence Unit and Mounted Troop to complement the conventional police manpower deployed for the election, the Inspector-General of Police also directed the AIG in charge of the Police Air Wing to

deploy the Force’s helicopter for aerial patrol before, during and after the election on Saturday. “The IGP has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Department of Operations, DIG Sotonye Wakama, to relocate to Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, so as to ensure adequate Police presence and coordination of all security operations for the election in all polling units and Collation Centres in the State. “The IGP, who has ordered all police officers assigned to election duties in Kogi State to ensure they work in line with the Police Code of Conduct and international best practices, called on members of the public, particularly politicians, governorship candidates and other relevant stakeholders in the state to cooperate with the police and other security agencies in the onerous but patriotic task of guaranteeing a hitch-free governorship poll.”

CONFERENCE: From left, National Finance Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Adesola

Sotande-Peters; Managing Director, Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh; Chairperson, WIMBIZ Executive Council, Osayi Alile; Corporate Affairs Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc., Soromidayo George and COO, 141 Worldwide, Bunmi Oke at WIMBIZ 14th Annual Conference, in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau

Appeal Court upholds Gov Ortom's election

By Peter Duru

AKURDI — The Court of Appeal, Makurdi Division, has dismissed the appeal filed by the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last elections, Terhemen Tarzoor, challenging the judgement of the Justice Elizabeth Karatu-led Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal in Makurdi. Justice Karatu’a panel had about two months ago, dismissed Tarzoor’s petition for want of merit. At yesterday’s ruling, the fiveman panel of jurists, led by Justice Mohammed Garuba, upheld the decision of the trial court, insisting that the appellant failed to prove before the court that Samuel Ortom was not properly nominated by his party.

Justice Garuba held: “On the issue of burden of proof, the tribunal did not err in law, it is the position of the law that the onus of proof lies with the petitioner who approaches the court. “The tribunal was, therefore, right because where the petitioner fails to discharge that burden, it is deemed that he has failed in that responsibility since it is he who alleges that must prove his case.” Justices Garuba also disagreed with the appellant on the purported reliance of the tribunal on a supposed obsolete Section 140(2) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended to arrive at its judgement. Reacting to the judgement, Governor Ortom, who noted that the decision was a confirmation of the popular support he enjoyed from the people, urged the PDP

candidate and his supporters to join hands with him to develop the state.

N1BN FINE: NECA mediates NAFDAC, Guinness face-off By Victor AhiumaYoung

IGERIA Employers’ Consultative Association, NECA, has written to National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, seeking a meeting for November 25 over the N1 billion administration levy imposed on Guinness Nigeria Plc for alleged regulatory infractions. In a letter to the DirectorGeneral of NAFDAC, NECA’s Director General, Mr. Segun Oshinowo, said: "We have been informed by one of our members, Guinness Nigeria Plc about the alleged “ regulatory infractions” levied against it by NAFDAC and the levy of an Administration Charge of One Billion Naira. "As you are probably aware, we have had a very healthy relationship with NAFDAC over the years, especially during the tenure of your predecessors: Professors Gabriel Osunde and Dora Akinyuli, of blessed memory, when we had successfully resolved issues that concerned NAFDAC and organised businesses through the platform of social dialogue. "It is in the light of the foregoing that we request for a meeting as the Voice of Business in Nigeria to be granted audience to discuss the current matter on alleged Guinness infractions, with a view to arriving at an amicable settlement. "We are, therefore, proposing to pay you a visit on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at noon subject to your convenience and confirmation.”

Fuel scarcity: Petrol sells for N150 per litre in Kogi said to have flooded the market, By Kingsley Fanwo

OKOJA — SCARCITY of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, bites harder in Kogi State as marketers now sell the products for between N130 and N150 per liter where they are available. Worst hit are Lokoja, the state capital, Abejukolo in Omala Local Government Area and Yagba, as black marketers took over the streets of Lokoja yesterday, selling the product for as high as N200 per litre. Adulterated products were

as marketers move to capitalize on the scarcity to maximize profit and exploit consumers. When Vanguard visited some service stations yesterday, many of them were locked up and it was alleged that the major marketers had emptied their tanks to black marketers due to what they alleged as highhandedness of officers of the the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR. A major marketer told Vanguard that it was impossible to sell products at the regulated price, adding that they were currently loading the product at over N80 per litre.

40—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN: MTN Sponsorship & Event Manager, Dola Bamgboye (right) presents souvenirs to the First Lady of Kebbi State, Hajia Shinkafi (left) and First Lady of Niger State, Hajia Abubakar Bello, at the MTN Pink Polo Day for Breast Cancer Awareness campaign in Kaduna.

CONFERENCE: From left—CEO, Technology Times Limited and guest speaker, Shina Badaru; Chairman, Baobab Think and Qitech Technology Ltd, Dr. Sola Afolabi; President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association, NIRA, Revd. Sunday Afolayan, and Director General, National Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Emeka Mba, during the 7th West Africa Convergence Conference in Lagos.

NASCO RE-LAUNCHED: From left: National President, Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria, MAN, Dr. Frank Jacobs; National President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, NSN, Prof. Ngozi Nnam; Mr. Thomas Chollom, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Plateau State, representating Plateau State governor, and Chairman/CEO, NASCO Group Nigeria, Dr. Attia Nasreddin, at the re-launch of NASCO Cornflakes in Jos.

COMMISSIONING: From left—Oreva Agajere, Prime Project Advisor, Lagos Business School; Tolu Sangosanya, Founder, LOTS Charity Foundation; Bunmi Afolabi, Alunmi Director, Lagos Business School; Dattaprasad Kamat, Technical Director, CHI Limited; Jumai Oduoza, Alumni President, Modular Executive, MBA programme (MEMBA 1) of the Lagos Business School and Tolulope Tope-Awofeko, Alumni Vice President, MEMBA 1, during the commissioning of a water borehole facility donated by LBS MEMBA 1 at Ajegunle, in Lagos.

WORLD DIABETES DAY: From left—Occupational Health Manager, Forte Oil Plc., Dr. Olumide Oyinloye; Managing Director, Cecy Health Consult, Dr. Abayomi Durojaiye, and Group Head, Corporate Services, Forte Oil Plc., Mr. Oludare Arinde, during an awareness & free Diabetes screening exercise sponsored by Forte Oil Plc. to mark 2015 World Diabetes Day. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi. UNVEILING: From left—Mr Lanre Oyebola, Chief Imagination Officer, Boomerang Africa; Isreal Ovirih, Chairman, 3D Makery; Bryan Okwara, former Mr Nigeria/Brand Ambassador, and Damola Kolawole, Chief Operating Officer, 3D Makery, at the 3D Makery unveiling in partnership with Martini at Ikeja City Mall, Ikeja Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau.

GLO'S LAFFTA FEST: From —Comedian, Iruvwe Okeremute popularly called De-Don, Glo Ambassador, Bez Idakula, another comedian, Bethel Njoku also called Senator and Globacom's Business Director South East, Abidemi Ajagbe, at the Glo Laffta Fest in Enugu. C M Y K

DINNER: From left— Managing Director, Tenece Professional Services Ltd, Kingsley Eze; Managing Director, Oracle Nigeria, Adebayo Sanni; Digital Strategy and Programme Director, Eastern Central Europe, Middle East and Africa, Jakub Polec, and ECEMEA Product Leader, Composite Application Framework and ServiceOriented Architecture, Bob Hroch, during the Oracle Cloud Day executive dinner in Lagos.

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Osinbajo advocates healthy living at Arise conference By Chioma Obinna

IFE of the Vice President, Pastor Dolapo Osinbajo has urged Nigerian women to take good care of their health in other to reap the reward of their answered prayers in good health. Osinbajo while addressing hundreds of women at the 7th annual conference of the Arise women entitled: 'Set Time' recently in Lagos, emphasised the need for women to prioritise prayer and quality health in the era of change with a view to witnessing the goodness of the country in good time. According to her, "Everything that happened in the physical is as a result of the conclusion in the spiritual; we need to experience the change in the spiritual realm before the physical realm and we can only achieve this with fervent prayers. It is a miracle that we are still alive, it is a miracle that the country is not at war and it is a miracle that we can still worship God in Nigeria. Therefore we women should not rest until when we totally experience the change in every aspect because this is the set time for change". "As the Arise Women is breaking forth and emerging good positions in the country all has happened in the spiritual before it manifested in the physical". Speaking, the convener, Pastor Siju Iluyomade enjoined the women at the conference to tap into the various opportunities the conference has provided including free medical checkups and skill acquisitions, adding that they should learn to live a life free of medical complications.

Trade Fair: NAFDAC warns producers of unregistered product

CONFERENCE: From left; Former Deputy Governors, Lagos State, Mrs. Sarah Sosan and Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, first Lady of LagosState, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, Convener Arise Women, Pastor Siju iluyomade and wife of the VicePresident, Mrs. Dolapo Osibajo at the Arise Women Conference 2015 in Lagos. "This year's conference addressed the current changes in our society, how they affect women and how women can overcome them". "Arise women is concerned with the healthy living of women in Lagos, Nigeria, Africa and the world at large. This is one of the reasons why we are partnering with professionals in the healthcare sector for a healthy environment". Among the dignitaries at the well attended programme includes wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa, the wife of the former governor of Lagos state, Abimbola Fashola, Edo State Governor, Lara Oshiomole amongst others.

Yakasai is new PSN President

HMED Yakasai, a former Commissioner of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism (20052010) and Commissioner of Land and Physical Planning (2010-2011), both in Kano State, has emerged President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN. (1997-2000). He was elected weekend during the 88th session of the Annual General Meeting of the PSN An accomplished pharmacist/Independent Consultant with background in International Marketing, Yakasai , who was one time 1st Deputy President of the PSN (1997-2000), and Chairman, PSN, Kano

ATIONAL Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC weekend took its fight against fake drugs to the Lagos International Trade Fair, warning producers of unregistered products to stay away from the fair or face its wrath. In a statement signed by the Agency's Chief Public Relation Officer, Mrs. Christina Obiazikwor, the Agency also maintained that it would ensure that no unregistered product is sold at the Fair. Obiazikwor further stated that their participation in the Fair was also to intimate organisers, manufacturers, marketers, importers, exporters of food, drug and other regulated products with the Agency's regulatory functions as well as create awareness on its registration processes for regulated products. She disclosed that already the Agency has deployed its cutting edge technology (Truscan equipment, SMS messaging, Mini lab) to instantly determine the status of regulated products being exhibited at the Lagos fair. "NAFDAC presence will therefore impact on the general fair activities, particularly the members of the public who will be accessing the various exhibitions stands to shop for their families. In addition, NAFDAC participation will create avenue for value exchange in terms of feedback and interaction with manufacturers and marketers of regulated products.

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46—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

I will wade through — Wada CAPTAIN Idris Wada, the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is seeking a second term as governor of Kogi State. In this exclusive interview, he asserts that his record in office will see him through this weekend. natural resources and human capital. We are blessed with very bright people. I felt that if I have another chance of four years, I would have brought Kogi to an irreversible state, having just 20 per cent of the vision left and whoever takes over would have no choice than continuing, having seen the value of what is ground. The legacy I want to leave is of peace, security and stability. On economic stability, if I have the chance to continue in office, we will consolidate on things we have done and I believe that in another four years, Kogi will be one of the ten states to reckon with in Nigeria. This is my vision and it is very clear in my blueprint. Do you think the offer of •Wada: In another 4 years I will change Kogi power rotation will increase By Abiodun Alade your chances of retaining victory at the RE you sure of winning the next elections? I believe power rotation is beyond the forthcoming election? surface meaning that we have given it, I am confident based on my performance but unfortunately we have not managed because the reality on ground is different the situation well. My vision of uniting from the high level of propaganda out the people for common goal shows my firm there. However, victory is in the hands of belief in equality and respect for every part God. As a person, I am confident that I of the state. It is not a very straight forward have done my best for the job, and issue. considering the available resources, I am From day one, I have been consistent ready to do more. on this. I asked, why are we always It is up to the people, if they are ready bringing up the issues towards elections, to have me work for them again, I am the issues must be addressed straight. This ready to do so. If the election is free and is why I said that between the first 100 fair, I strongly believe that PDP will win. days of my second term, I will establish a What would love to be remembered very powerful committee to look at this for after years as a governor? power rotation issue in detail with My message of four plus plus is not just economic, social and political continuity but continuity for consolidation. considerations. We will convene We started with a transformation move which should take ten years because stakeholders to sit and work out the matter. transformation is not a short term feat. My We have to make it an issue to be discussed vision is to unite the people of Kogi State and this would not leave out women and for a common purpose, building on our even the younger ones.

2015: KOGI DECIDES

My transformation plans —Audu PRINCE Abubakar Audu is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC and served as governor twice between 1992 and 1993 and again between 1993 and 2003. Audu declared recently that he has intellectual and physical capacity to restore what he described as the lost glory of the state following what he claims as the destruction of the legacy projects he left behind 12 years ago. Obajana cement project. According to the agreement we entered into with foreign investors, Obajana cement factory would employ 15,000 workers. We also had a written agreement that out of that number, 13,000 workers must be indigenes of Kogi state, while the remaining 2,000 could come from anywhere in Nigeria. I don’t think that the previous administrations have taken the trouble of studying the agreement. By the grace of God, when I return back to office, I am going to dust up that agreement and ensure that the right thing is done. •Audu: Nothing happened in Kogi since my exit The right thing is getting 13,000 jobless By Chris Ochayi young men employed in Obajana N what exactly he is planning to cement factory. That would certainly do when eventually he wins this reduce the pressure on the government. I also have plans to apply to the federal weekend. What I did between 1999 and 2003, government to grant concessions for us was to initiate a scheme where to run the Ajaokuta Steel Company. unemployed youths were placed on When the steel company becomes some kind of monthly allowances operational, it will be producing billets through our youths empowerment for local use and iron rods for exports. That was the plan I had when I built programme. As a matter of fact, it was as a result of the road from Lokoja to Ajaokuta. There are several byeproducts of the choking level of unemployment in the state that made me to initiate the Continues on page 47

It's our chance for good change — Ozigi MR. Emmanuel Ozigi, the candidate of the Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA in this interview unfolds his plans for the people of Kogi State ahead of the election this Saturday. Excerpts: By Kingsley Fanwo

OW prepared are you for the poll? We have prepared very hard for the election. We have talked to the people of the state who are the final determinants in the entire process. So we are fully prepared. Sir, there is rumour that you are planning to step down for a candidate in the contest. How true is that? It is unfortunate that people are just peddling unfounded rumour. But it goes to show that some people are scared of the likely outcome of the election. They are scared of our rising profile. I have gone too far in this project and it will be illogical to step down when I have secured the confidence of the people. We are in it to win it. What is your plan for the people of Kogi State if you are elected as

governor of the state? Our plans are enormous as a result of the current situation of the state. We are going to take on all the sectors because they are interwoven and affect different segments of the population. We shall look at agricultural development, industrial revolution through the right policies, women and youths empowerment, quality healthcare, educational development and many others. We can’t afford to leave any of the sectors.

Working conditions We have a robust blueprint that will help us to go full blast. We will improve the working conditions of the workers. We will put in place a feedback mechanism to get the pulse of the people. Our budgeting and

implementation system will be such that the people are directly involved. We will publish our accounts every month to enthrone accountability and ensure that all civil servants receive their salaries promptly. We can’t afford to fail the Kogi people. How do you hope to meet the expectations of the Kogi people by delivering on your promises? •Ozigi: I will change Kogi It is imperative to look at the current revenue base of the state. With current global realities, states must begin to look inward for revenue. Oil demand and prices are nose-diving everyday. We can’t continue. How will you prioritize your programs and policies for the state? We are going to look at industrialization, commercialization, agriculture, education, healthcare, youths empowerment and women enablement. These will be the key priorities of our government. You have gone round all the Senatorial Districts in the state. How will you tackle the peculiar challenges of each LGA? Continues on page 47

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015—47

Why Wada deserves re-election— Awoniyi KOGI Deputy Governor and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship running mate, Arc. Abayomi Awoniyi, has said the administration of Capt Idris Wada has put Kogi on the path of progress and transformation. Consequently, he wants the people of the state to re-elect Wada for another term in order to consolidate his vision of making Kogi one of the most developed states in Nigeria by 2020. Awoniyi made this known in an exclusive interview with Vanguard in Lokoja recently. He said the Wada administration has recorded great achievements in the areas of education, healthcare, agriculture, industrialization and empowerment. The Aro of Mopa and scion of the Awoniyi political dynasty said government’s massive investment in tourism reflects the determination of the Wada administration to move the state away from over reliance on federal allocation, which he said, has failed to meet the developmental needs of Kogi people. By Kingsley Fanwo

N education and healthcare When we came in, we knew that for Kogi to match our development target, we need to revamp our education and healthcare. An informed and healthy populace will be able to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state. Our predecessor has been able to make giant strides in this direction. We have been able to remodel some legacy schools around the state to create a conducive environment for teaching and learning as well as provide facilities for academic excellence. This is a project we will love to continue until every school in the state is touched. Our massive investment in providing a world-class Teaching Hospital at our State University in Anyigba has been commended. We have also improved the structural outlook of our higher citadels of learning across the state. Despite criticisms by our detractors, we have been able to sustain the trend of paying SSCE fees for our students in spite of the lean resources coming into the state’s coffers. As a government, we appreciate that to be healthy is to be wealthy. To this end, we embarked on massive investments in the health sector. Apart from the Teaching Hospital at Anyigba, another

•Awoniyi Diagnostic Centre is near completion in Lokoja as we have already taken delivery of the state-of-the-art facilities for the centre. Apart from employing more health officers, we have also strengthened the capacity of our health-training institutions to match our rising profile in health infrastructures. The general hospitals in Kabba and Obangede have been reverted to Specialist Hospitals to increase their capacities for tertiary healthcare delivery. As a responsible government, we have also come to the

realization of the need to strengthen primary healthcare delivery at the rural areas and have received commendations for that. On agriculture and industrialization Even our detractors are left with no option than to commend our agricultural initiatives. We have been able to strengthen the capacity of Kogi farmers to produce. Our specific crop targets have been yielding fruits as we gradually move Kogi into mechanized agriculture. Through our agricultural

2015: KOGI DECIDES policies, we have been able to engage a number of our youths across the state. The government has improved the credit worthiness of our farmers by providing funds and guarantee for farmers to access capital. In the area of industrialization, I make bold to say we have proven doubters wrong. We have been able to attract A-grade industries into the state to take advantage of our agriculture and mining. These are achievements that cannot be hidden. On sports and youths development In the area of sports, our administration has been able to complete the Confluence Stadium, a magnificent project undertaken by our predecessor and leader, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris. Under this administration, we have been able to repackage the Kogi United Football Club and secured sponsorship for the team. Football fans now throng our state-of-the-art stadium to watch our darling team. We have also invested in Female Football, Handball and

The past four years has witnessed silent revolution in many sectors of our economy. Kogites will make the right choice on November 21

My plans to transform Kogi — Audu Continues from page 46 Ajaokuta Steel that will feed small scale industries and stimulate the economy. That will also reduce the pressure on the labour market. We have plans to boost agriculture. We wanted to bring in farmers from Zimbabwe and South Africa to embark on large mechanized farming. Our ultimate goal is to make Kogi state have enough to feed the entire nation as well as for export. When that is achieved, it will again go a long way to reduce the pressure on the labour market. Such initiatives will provide our youths with so many opportunities. What will he do differently when he gets back to Lugard House I have done it before differently. When I get back, it will be a complete re-enactment

of what I did before and we will also try to improve on it. During my administration, Kogi was the fastest developing state in Nigeria. When all the 36 governors were assessed, we were number one in terms of performance in various sectors, especially with regards to

infrastructural provisions. Our performance is going be to more advanced. I have reflected on the problems that our people are confronted with and by the grace of God, we have the solutions on our hands. My administration, like I mentioned earlier was

able to put so much on the ground for the benefit of our people despite the meager resource at our disposal at that time. When I get to Lugard by the grace of God, I shall ensure that our state is lifted to greater height of social and economic advancement.

Saturday is chance for Kogi to make good change — Ozigi, PPA Continues from page 46 For the sake of this election, we have taken note of the peculiar needs of each Senatorial District in the state. Our government is going to be community-driven. We would work with the communities to meet needs. We realised that we have bad road network across the three Senatorial Districts. Poverty is also a major challenge across the state. The

educational level has dropped, healthcare is near comatose. But top on the priorities is the need to get good roads in place to be able to boost agriculture, commerce and tourism. What is your message to the people as they vote on Saturday? My message to the good people of Kogi State is that this is the time to make good change and turn around the

fortunes of the state for the better. They should vote for me and the Progressive Peoples Alliance, not because of today, but for a better tomorrow and the renaissance of our dear state. They should vote for a change in ideology and a genuine direction towards a prosperous state and a prosperous people. I represent that change.

athletics. Our youth development efforts are there for all to see. Through our YAD4KOGI programme, we have been able to engage thousands of our youths in productive endeavours. Our joint project with a firm from Korea, which is near completion will help us in training our youths to take over the industrial revolution of Kogi State. On tourism and housing The Wada administration has placed high premium on the need to develop tourism and enable it boost the economy of the state. Our investments on roads and hospitals are aimed at ensuring tourists have access to the best facilities while in our state. Tourism thrives with good security, healthcare and good infrastructural facilities. By the time we complete all our roads and housing projects, Kogites will begin to appreciate our modest contributions to the development of the state. Lokoja township roads We have fixed a good number of roads in Lokoja. Most of the Lokoja township roads are in good condition. The only one for which we have been attacked by our opponents is the one from Zango to Felele. Work is ongoing on the road and we feel the pains of the residents.

Opposition leaders We need to ensure we do a thorough job to ensure we don’t have to revisit it again in the next few years. We want to ensure we have a good drainage as Lokoja is prone to flooding. Apart from the Lokoja township roads, we are also working on other township roads across the state. Criticisms against the Administration My boss, the governor of the state has captured it aptly. Opposition will never hail a sitting governor, especially when election is around the corner. Some of the opposition leaders had said great things about our government. But today, they are saying we have not done anything just because they want to win elections. We respect everyone and will keep our feet on the ground to continue to serve the Kogi people. On Saturday’s election I have said it before that the upcoming governorship election is a battle between integrity and falsehood, humility and arrogance. The past four years has witnessed silent revolution in many sectors of our economy. Kogites will make the right choice on November 21.

48 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

Two dead, seven arrested in raid targeting Paris attack suspect

UNFIRE and explo sions shocked already-jittery residents of a Paris suburb as police raided an apartment where they believed the suspected mastermind of last week’s attacks was holed up. Two people were killed in the seven-hour siege, including a woman who blew herself up, and seven others were arrested. There was no clear information on the fate of the suspected planner of the attacks, 27-year-old Abdelhamid Abaaou Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said the dead were a woman who blew herself up with an explosive vest and a man hit by projectiles and grenades. He said the raid was launched after information from tapped telephone conversations, surveillance and witness accounts indicated that Abaaoud might be in a safe house in the north Paris suburb of Saint-Denis. Authorities could not immediately confirm whether Abaaoud was killed or arrested Wednesday morning.

•French police arresting a suspect during a raid in a Paris suburb where they believed the suspected mastermind of last week’s attacks was holed up Investigators have identified Abaaoud, a Belgian of Moroccan descent, as the chief architect of Friday’s attacks in Paris, which killed 129 people and wounded 350 others. A U.S. official briefed on intelligence matters said Abaaoud was a key figure in an Islamic State external

RESIDENT Barack Obama has described as hysterical the actions of two dozen state governors who are refusing to resettle Syrian refugees. He said some Republican rhetoric on the issue was a “potent recruitment tool” for Islamic State militants. The governors, mostly Republican, have pressed for bans in their states since it emerged one of the Paris attackers may have entered Europe with migrants. US State Department lawyers say states cannot lawfully stop refugees. But a bill has been introduced in Congress that would restrict Syrian arrivals nationwide.

operations cell that U.S. intelligence agencies have been tracking for months. Abaaoud was believed to have escaped to Syria after a January police raid in Belgium, but bragged in Islamic State propaganda of his ability to move back and forth between Europe and Syria undetected.

ISIS publishes picture of Russian plane bomb

SLAMIC State’s mag azine has published a photo of what it claims was the improvised bomb that

Obama says US governors’ refusal of refugees ‘hysterical’

The Obama administration announced in September that it wanted to resettle about10,000 Syrian refugees in the US by the same time next year. The White House held a 90-minute phone call with 34 governors on Tuesday night to explain how Syrian refugees are screened and prioritised for entry. Presidential candidates such as Ted Cruz and Jeb Bush have said the US should only admit Christian Syrians. Speaking while on a trip in the Philippines, Mr Obama said that this kind of rhetoric played into the hands of Islamic State and said “it needs to stop”.

brought down the Russian airliner in Egypt last month. The picture in Dabiq shows a Schweppes Gold soda can and what appears to be a detonator and a switch. No explanation is offered and security experts told the BBC it was not clear how the device would have worked. IS-linked Sinai Peninsula group says it carried out thee attack, which killed 224 people. Russia has confirmed it was a bomb that brought down the airliner. On Tuesday, Russia’s security chief Alexander Bortnikov told President Vladimir Putin the bomb equivalent to up to 1kg of TNT had been planted on board the Metrojet Airbus 321 that crashed in the Sinai peninsula on 31 October. Mr Bortnikov also said “traces of foreign explosives” were found on debris from the plane.

Iran has begun dismantling nuclear facilities — UN

RAN has begun dis mantling parts of its nuclear programme, as agreed under July’s landmark deal with major powers, a UN atomic watchdog report showed Wednesday. Iran “has started removing centrifuges and related infrastructure” at both the Natanz and Fordo enrichment facilities, said the re-

Senegal to ban full-face veil amid militant threat

stricted International Atomic Energy Agency quarterly report. Under the July 14 deal that ended a potentially dangerous decade-long standoff, Iran undertook to dramatically scale back its nuclear programme. These steps, coupled with increased UN oversight, are aimed at making

it much more difficult for Iran to develop nuclear weapons, an aim it has always denied. They include slashing by two-thirds the number of centrifuges, machines which can “enrich” or purify uranium to make it suitable for peaceful uses but also for a nuclear weapon.

ENEGAL plans to ban women from wearing the full-face Islamic veil in public in an attempt to curb jihadi activity, the interior minister has said. The move should not be seen as anti-Islamic, as Senegal was a mainly Muslim state, Abdoulaye Daouda added. If the plan becomes law,

Senegal will be the fifth African state to restrict the wearing of the full-face veil. In another move to target militants, all unregistered Sim cards are to be deactivated by the end of November. Last week, its President Macky Sall, a Muslim, called for a courageous fight against militant Islamists.

Chad, Gabon and Congo-Brazzaville have announced similar bans, while Cameroon introduced it in July in its Far North region. All of them are former colonies of France, which caused an uproar in 2011 when it became the first European country to ban the full-face veil from being worn in public places.

Facebook activates safety check in Nigeria after Yola blast

ACEBOOK has activated its safety check feature after a suicide attack killed 32 people in the north-eastern Nigerian city of Yola. The social networking site had been criticised for activating the feature for the attack in Paris on Friday but not for the attack in Beirut the day before. Before the Paris attack, the feature was only used in natural disasters. The safety check allows people to inform their contacts they are safe. During emergencies mobile phone networks often collapse under the stress of everyone using their phones at the same time so this is one way to help solve that by informing possibly hundreds of friends in one go. The system was first used earlier this year during the Nepal earthquake. Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg announced the Yola Safety Check in a Facebook post but added “unfortunately, these kinds of events are all too com-

•A safety check feature activated by Facebook after a suicide attack killed 32 people in the North-Eastern Nigerian city of Yola, yesterday. mon, so I won’t post about all of them.” This is the third attack this year in Yola. The suicide bomber targeted a busy vegetable market late on Tuesday as stall holders

S/Sudan struggling to resettle refugees due to low oil prices

OUTH Sudan President Salva Kiir said on Wednesday his country will struggle to resettle thousands of refugees and those displaced internally

Congo police fire teargas at stone-throwing students

OLICE in the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo fired teargas on Wednesday to disperse stone-throwing students whose protest against a feared increase in school fees is the latest sign of unrest ahead of a tense election season. Witnesses said the protest outside the Superior Institute for Architecture and Urbanism was the second by students in Kinshasa this week. It comes ahead of an election set for Nov. 2016, when President Joseph Kabila is due to step down. Students staged some of the largest protests in January against a plan to revise Congo’s election code that critics said was a ploy to keep

were closing up. “A loss of human life anywhere is a tragedy, and we’re committed to doing our part to help people in more of these situations,” Mr Zuckerberg added.

Kabila in power beyond his mandate. About 40 people died in clashes when security forces opened fire. Students told Reuters on Wednesday they were protesting against an increase in annual tuition fees at state universities from $320 to $435, which they said was reflected on registration forms they had received. The government has denied it is raising tuition fees. The students said they had tried to discuss the issue with the university director but had been chased away by police. Up to 1,000 students later blocked the main road and threw rocks at dozens of police officers before being dispersed by teargas.

during nearly two years of war, saying low world oil prices which had depleted government coffers. South Sudan has been mired in conflict since December 2013, when clashes broke out in the capital Juba between troops loyal to Kiir and soldiers backing Riek Machar, the former vice president. Facing heavy international pressure and the threat of sanctions, Kiir and Machar signed a peace deal in August, but the civil war, fought mostly in oilproducing areas, has displaced more than 2.2 million people, including about 600,000 who sought refuge in neighboring countries. Production, which stood at 245,000 barrels per day before violence erupted, is down by roughly a third. Kiir said a slide in oil prices on international markets has eaten into government reserves and he called on donors to help South Sudan with its humanitarian needs.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015—49

FG to pay 16 retired Perm Secs N92.44m severance package By Favour Nnabugwu

HE FEDERAL Government is to pay N92.4million severance package to the 16 retired Permanent Secretaries following their disengagement from the civil service. A 12-month breakdown of the above shows that each of the Permanent Secretaries will receive 300 per cent of their annual basic salary of N1,

925,865.00 which amounts to N5, 777,595.00 for each of the 16 retired public officers totalling N92,441,520. Vanguard investigations also revealed that the retired civil servants are to also receive a monthly pension of over N800,000 including allowances, following the fundamental review of the Nigerian pensions system, some categories of top public servants like permanent secretaries, police officers,

professors and others, whose conditions of service prior to the enactment of the Pension Reform Act, 2004 allowed them to enjoy 100 per cent of their final pay as pension for life. The 16 disengaged permanent secretaries are: Godknows Igali, Power; Obinna John Chukwu, FCT; Mrs. Fatima Bamidele, Interior; Dr Tunji Olaopa, Comm. & Tech; Ezekiel Oyebola Oyemomi, Women Affairs; Ibikun Odusote Abimbola, OSGF; Baba

Umar Farouk, Mines & Steel Dev; Dauda Kigbu, Works; Mrs. Anastasia Mabi Daniel-Nwaobia, Min of Finance; Ossi George Afemefuna, Land, Housing & Urban Dev; Henry Edumudoh Akpan, OSGF. Others are: Mr. Taiye Haruna, Petroleum; Aliyu Ismaila, Defence; Dr. James Obiegbu, Police Affairs; Linus Awute, Health, and Mrs. Nkechi Ejele, Tourism, Culture & National Orientation.

Buhari urges Kogites to vote for Audu ..as 9 PDP council chairmen defect to APC By Boluwaji Obahopo

OKOJA—PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday called on the people of Kogi State to join the change train and bring accelerated development to the state. Buhari stated this in Lokoja at the Grand Finale rally for APC governorship candidate in the Saturday’s gubernatorial election in the state. The President, who was represented by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, admonished eligible voters to cast their votes for candidate of the APC, urging them to also wait behind until their votes were counted. National chairman of APC, John Oyegun, while presenting the candidate to the people, said Audu had been tested and could be trusted. Governor Adams Oshiomole of Edo State,however, referred to the PDP candidate, Governor Idris Wada, as a sleeping Captain in the cockpit of Kogi State government, adding that he was now ‘dead’ and only needed to be pulled out for Audu to take over on Saturday November 21. He lamented the non-payment of workers salary and percentage payment of local government workers’ salary, saying “If Edo State can pay its workers promptly, why would Kogi be unable to pay its own workers?” He likened the many negative happenings in Nigeria such as Ebola, Boko Haram, and insurgency as the making of PDP. “PDP brought Ebola but APC governor chased it away in Lagos,’’ Oshiomhole said. The governorship candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, said he was seeking the peoples mandate to consolidate on his past achievements. Also, the PDP lost nine of the recently reinstated council chairmen and the former chairman of Dekina Local Government, Muhammed Ali, to the APC. The chairmen who were formally received at the grand finale include Akerejola Fimihan, Ogori/Magongo; Hassan

Okueyete, Okehi; Salihu Adaviruku, Adavi; Funsho Ibrahim, Yagba east, Major Musa, Idah; Megida Umar, Bassa; Aliyu Usman, Lokoja; Makonjuola, Yagba west and Dr. Remi Oduntola of Ijumu LGA. ....Buhari's absence: we’ve been justified The People Democratic Party,

PDP, has said that the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari, at the governorship grand finale rally of the All Progressives Congress, APC, had vindicated them on their earlier stand that the President rejected the candidature of the APC, Prince Abubakar Audu. The party in a statement signed by its state Publicity Secretary ,

Bode Ogunmola, which was issued in Lokoja yesterday, said the party had always known that President Buhari would not want to be associated with Prince Audu, given his tainted image. “PDP in Kogi State is now more re-assured of the determination of the APC-led federal government to fight corruption to a standstill," he said.

Lagos CBD taskforce impounds 15 vehicles, goods from street traders By Olasunkanmi Akoni

AGOS STATE gov ernment has impounded over 15 vehicles and seized thousands of goods from traders found displaying their wares on the walkways. The Central Business Districts, CBD Taskforce, led by the Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on CBD, Mr. Agboola Dabiri, raided the entire area. The task force consists of operatives of Kick Against Indiscpline, KAI, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Police and CBD. Some of the areas raided include Oke-Olowogbowo, Ebutte-Ero Market, Broad Street, Idumagbo Avenue, Idumota among others. Dabiri attributed the activities of the traders and the motorists as the major cause of the gridlock often experienced on Lagos Island CBD. “We noticed that a lot of traders carry out their businesses on the walkway," he said.

Laffta Fest has endeared me to Glo – New subscribers

SIGNING : From left, National President, Naval Officers Wives Association, NOWA, Mrs. Teresa Ibas; Managing Director/CEO, New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano; Education Business Manager, New Horizons-Abuja, Agbor Innocenthessy; Acting General Manager, Northern Region-New Horizons Nigeria, Kingsley Nzewuji, and Liaison Officer, NOWA National Secretariat, Lt. CmdrGambo, during the signing of Memmorandum of Understanding between New Horizons and NOWA, in Abuja.

Lagos issues 26 day ultimatum to allotees of government schemes and hoodlums who constitute By Olasunkanmi Akoni

HE Lagos State Government has charged allottees of state lands, particularly those within Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki 1 and 2 and Abijo Residential Schemes, to take physical possession and develop the plots allocated to them on or before December 14, 2015. The Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Bode Agoro, who gave the directive on behalf of the state government, stated that it (the directive) is in line with the policy thrust of the government in allocating lands to citizens in residential schemes which is to as-

sist them meet their desire of building houses of their own. Agoro affirmed that the terms and conditions as stated in the State Land Law, mandates allottees or holders of Right of Occupancy to fully develop their plots within two years of allocation, which he said, informed allocation of plots of lands on the schemes. He gave assurance that building approval for those that are ready to develop their plots or parcels of land in compliance with the directive would be treated with utmost dispatch and urged affected persons to act without delay. Agoro decried the unwholesome activities of miscreants

threats to lives and properties of residents in those areas, despite provision of infrastructure by the government, adding that government would not fold its arms and continue to watch innocent citizens suffer unduly. He however, advised the public to verify the status of any landed property before consummating transaction and also obtain information from the Office of the Surveyor-General as well as ensure proper validation of Titles from the State Land Registry. Agoro stated that such steps would also guard against practice whereby some individuals, families and communities engage in illegal sale of government acquired land.

EVERAL new sub scribers who joined Globacom’s network at its Laffta Fest show in Enugu last weekend said the increasingly popular comedy show was one of the things that attracted them to the network. They said this as the Glo Laffta Fest train arrived the South Eastern hub from Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State. The venue of the wave-making comedy show, witnessed an unprecedented crowd of Globacom subscribers who had waited for their turn to share the comic experience. When it became apparent that the show was organized exclusively for Globacom subscribers, potential subscribers who did not want to miss the fun, quickly switched their lines to the Globacom network. Some made outright purchase of new Glo lines, registered and loaded the mandatory airtime to access into the show. Globacom subscribers were full of praises for the company for bringing the show to Enugu.

50 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 ARIES; Partnership related issues are becoming more important and if you try to sweep anything under carpet now, it’ll back-fire sooner than expected. Take your love life more seriously than before. TAURUS; Hard work will not go unrewarded if not today very soon. Important development coming through your working arena soonest will place you at advantage position. The more practical you are the better. GEMINI; Love, romance and sentimental things can not be ignored completely today unless you want your concentration to waver .Be more enterprising in the business world Anyway success indicated for you today.. CANCER; Happenings within your base of operation (both at home and at work) must be taken more seriously now, more especially as there’ll be competition

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

NE of the greatest fallacies mankind is saddled with is the belief that the rich don’t cry. But my questions are:

So, The Rich Also Cry? why should the rich cry? Is the rich not a human being? Has he no feelings? Does he not eat? Does he got not go to the

TERROR MUDA

toilet? has he no blood running in his vein? Does he have more than one head? I pity the rich man. He wants

in “Never say goodbye”

companionship, yet, no one is ready to offer him any, because, everybody sees him as self-sufficient in everything.

By Lanre Kehinde

LEO; Both your mood and element of luck may not be as friendly as you’ll like.. Matters of the heart may top priority lists of some of you. But mind you your mood will change tomorrow. VIRGO; If financial success is your priority you’ll need to redouble your efforts today and tomorrow. Be protective of your possessions and personal family. LIBRA; The Moon gives you the needed opportunity to assert yourself to the admiration of other people. You can make it a romantic day. Experiment with your personal ideas. SCORPIO; Here is your day when element of luck will work favourably for you. Secret lovers are in for an exciting and memorable day. Keep your secrets please. SAGITTARIUS; If you wait till tomorrow before you make an important move ,you may be disappointed , because tomorrow’s influence will bring you more challenges than you can rightly anticipate now. But greater success indicated for you today.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

CAPRICORN; Very soon there’ll be important development along your career line. But today will offer you best of opportunity and good luck to achieve your desired results. Be more ambitious now AQUARIUS; Here is a loving day for those of you willing to give priority attention to matters of the heart. Planning for both immediate and far future’ll not be out of place. And it’s good to think money. PISCES: This is the wrong time to gamble either with your physical cash or your source of income. Take nobody for granted. Take love more seriously.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What’s my best colour?

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Joshua, I want your in-depth analysis and tell me about my social life, luck and the time I am likely to have my much desired break-through in life. Which day of the week was I born. And importantly what is my best colour? Anonymous Nigeria. Dear Anonymous, You were born on a Saturday. What you will find here-under will answer your questions. Social life will always bring you attention good luck envy opposition and possibly fame. Aquarius and Leo are two most active social Star signs. And you will notice that your natal Venus in Taurus, Moon in Aquarius and Uranus in Leo formed T-Square aspects putting Venus as point-focus, meaning that the best way for you not to be constant loser in the social world is to always study situation practically and know that your finance will not suffer (if it can not be beneficiary) from the setting before taking responsibility. As for influential friends you will have them but never always take them for granted. Yes you can be a self made man but it is indicated that there will be times when both human and divine assistance will lift you up. You will have more to gain by your being spiritual .Saturday born people are favoured by BLACK and golden colours. Sudden SUCCESS will come your way during your 42th year on earth and will serve as a break-through year you can build great foundation of endless success on. But the same 42th year will bring love related challenges you must manage with all maturity or else it will linger till after your 44th year on earth.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015 — 51

Sunshine Stars Coach Boboye Quits

ennedy Boboye has quit as coach of Nigeria premier league side Sunshine Stars. “I have quit as Sunshine Stars because it is the best time for me to move forward,” Boboye disclosed. “I am grateful for the chance to have led such a club and wish them the best.” Sunshine Stars finished sixth in the league this past season and thus failed to clinch a ticket to play international football

2014-2015 SEASON:

Dikko awards LMC passmark S

till savouring the successful conclusion of the 20142015 Nigerian football league, the League Management Company, LMC, has awarded itself passmark for piloting the league to a glorious end. Enyimba of Aba won the 2014-2015 League season for an unprecedented seventh time finishing with 70 points from 38 matches while Warri Wolves, and Nassarawa United finished second and third with 66 points and 63 points to finish second and third respectively. Chairman of the League Management Company, Mallam Shehu Dikko while reviewing the just ended season described the season as ‘brilliant’ noting that they achieved all they set out to achieve from the beginning of the League. ‘’It’s a brilliant season and we applaud ourselves modestly for the achievements we recorded so far. The important thing is that we achieved all we set out to achieve from the beginning. It wasn’t an

easy road, though, but it was made possible by all stakeholders. Things work better when you have everybody on board, moving and thinking in the same direction’’, Dikko said. Dikko said that the LMC was overjoyed when they look back to see that out of 380 games, only two games had issues. ‘’That to me was a record. And the two games we had issues were that Taraba vs Nassarawa and Sunshine Stars vs Lobi Stars. Arguably, it was a brilliant season where we recorded so many successes. And that too has led to many sponsors scrambling to be part of the League. In short, we have set a very high standard’’,

baby-face Dikko said with so much joy. Taking a cursory look at the just ended league, Dikko gave plaudits to the referees for their quality officiating that has shot the Nigerian league to reckoning with so many teams recording away victories, something that was more of a taboo in the past. ‘’Referees were outstanding except for few human errors. ‘’We knew this was a key area to the League and we worked assiduously by sponsoring the referees abroad to to upgrade their knowledge. Welfare of the referees was paramount to us. We increased their pay, made them to handle t h e i r accommodation. All these were done to eliminate direct contacts with

Dikko

next year. ‘The Akure Gunners’ are now expected to hire a big-name coach to steer them to glory in the coming season.

LeRoy quits as Congo coach

HAIL THE CHAMPIONS... From left, Chairman of the League Management Company, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu with the Glo Premier League Trophy, NFF 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwumi and Enyimba captain, Chinedu Udoji at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos after Enyimba Fc of Aba won the Glo Premier League Trophy for the 7th time. Inset: Kingsley Sokari of Enyimba (L) vies against Etebo Oghenekaro of Warri Wolves

By Tony Ubani

•Boboye

club officials on the referees. And we witnessed the results. We paid serious attention on the security of the referees and that gave the whistle men the authority to do the right thing not minding where the match was played. We noticed that once referees do the right things, fans support them. That contributed to the many away victories recorded. It also made the teams give their best knowing that the jinx of not winning away games had been shattered. And for referees that performed below par, they were demoted. But, we give credit to them for o u t s t a n d i n g performances’’, Dikko said. On the ugly aspect of Clubs owing players, and players’ attempted boycotts, Dikko said that they got official commitment from some state Governments but noted that all debtor clubs(including those demoted) must pay up the affected players. We were careful with some harsh decisions to avoid hurting the players as well as the integrity of the league’’, Dikko said

laude LeRoy re signed as coach of Congo Brazzaville just hours after securing a place for the country in the final of qualifying for the World Cup. The 67-year-old Frenchman told officials directly after the Red Devils beat Ethiopia 2-1 in Brazzaville on Tuesday for a 6-4 overall victory. “ After two formidable years , I’ve decided to embark on another adventure,” he told local reporters. There is now speculation he could take over as Cameroon boss again. Volker Finke was sacked as coach of the Indomitable Lions be-

fore the recent World Cup qualifiers, when they beat Niger 3-0 on aggregate. Alexandre Belinga is currently the interim coach of Cameroon while the football association recruit a replacement. LeRoy has coached at a record eight African Nations Cup finals, including winning the tournament with Cameroon in 1988.

Roy

Hear tland management sack ed Heartland sacked

he Task Force Committee on Sports Facilities yesterday sacked the management of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Heartland. This comes up three days after the management, headed by Okey Ibe, saw off the side’s campaign to a seventh spot finish in the 2014/ 15 NPFL season. The committee equally threatened to sack as many as 50 percent of the entire players’ work force. A source disclosed that key players of the side are threatening mass exit due to the administrative style of the committee. “The Task Force Com-

mittee has sacked the management of Heartland and put in place an interim management committee to run the club. “The committee equally opted to keep only 16 players while others will be shown the exit door. “The decision to downsize is being done without the technical input of the coaching crew. “Heartland key players are kicking against the decision to unilaterally reduce the players’ work force and are threatening to leave the club en masse. “The Task Force committee and the players already had an issue over the decision of the task force to single-handedly select Most Valuable Player (MVP) and other outstanding players for reward.

52— Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

OUIS van Gaal has Onazi calls forFIFA fans’W/Cup understanding 2018 qualifie L revealed that he I paid Finidi’s transfer fee paid Finidi George’s

UPER Eagles’ a s s i s t a n t captain, Ogenyi Onazi has called on fans to be patient with the senior national team and not heap pressure on them before, during and after matches with negative reports. Onazi’s comment was in the wake of the team’s 2-0 win against Swaziland in Tuesday’s game played at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt. Goals from Moses Simon and Efe Ambrose in the 51st and 83rd minutes guided Nigeria to victory which sent the team to the Group Stage of the Russia 2018 FIFA

World Cup qualifiers. But Onazi revealed during the post-match press conference that Nigerians are too critical of coach Sunday Oliseh’s team when they need to give him time to build the team to his taste. “I want to beg Nigerians to always stay positive and not be negative in their reactions and reports about the Eagles. Even though we don’t let that bother us, negative reports have a way of demoralizing the team,” Onazi counselled. Nigeria await their opponents for the group stage of the qualifiers.

Eagles Continues from BP

Algeria (26), Ghana (30), Cape Verde (32) and Senegal (39). Pot 2 will be made up of Tunisia (41), Cameroon (51), Congo Brazzaville (52), Guinea (53) and DR Congo (55). The last pot of 20 qualifiers could then be Ga-

bon (73), South Africa (75), Morocco (79), Burkina Faso (93) and Libya (113). A team from each pot will be picked out to form a qualifying group of five teams with the overall winners advancing to the World Cup in Russia.

£3,000 transfer fee during his time at Ajax. The Dutchman won three Eredivisie titles and the Champions League during his six-year spell as Ajax manager but also played a key role in bringing Edgar Davids, Patrick Kluivert, Clarence Seedorf and Edwin van der Sar through to the first team. Speaking at the LMA annual conference, Van Gaal reflected on his time at Ajax and how he was forced to rely on the club’s academy for success. “We didn’t have any

•Onazi

Platini Continues from BP

against a provisional 90day ban, his spokesman said yesterday. “After having exhausted internal procedures at FIFA, (the rejection of the appeal) will allow Michel Platini to take his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, a serious, independent court that is free of the electoral context and pressures present at

FIFA,” Platini spokesman Jean-Christophe Alquier said in a statement. “In the meantime, he stays a serene and determined candidate for the presidency of FIFA,” he said. Suspended FIFA president Sepp Blatter and Platini lost their appeals against provisional 90days bans FIFA’s ethics committee, FIFA said on Wednesday

at Ajax, van Gaal reveals money and we were bankrupt, so I had to look to youth,” the Manchester United boss told The Daily Telegraph. “We scouted [Jari] Litmanen, a Finnish player, who we bought for £10,000. We also bought Finidi George. He was a Nigerian international. He was

£3,000. I paid it by myself! And then, we bought Marc Overmars. “But the names that you do remember are Seedorf, Kluivert, [Michael] Reiziger. We won everything with very attacking football. I don’t say it too much because otherwise Mr Scholes will be very angry!”

Neymar Continues from BP

taxes between 2011 and 2013. Neymar, who was wanted by Manchester United, is in talks with the Spanish champions over a new deal but the player’s father warns that the current investigations could jeopardise his future. “We are talking about renewal but we need to solve some things,” Neymar’s father told Cadena SER. “We need to know if Spain accepts our situation. It’s hard for us because we are receiving many attacks, from Brazil and from Spain. Neymar is a star and works his image here and from Brazil. “We’re talking to ev-

eryone to know what to do with this matter because we don’t want to be in Spain two, three, four, five or ten years and then we are caught by surprise by saying that our structure is wrong. We need to know if things are right for us. “We must do the right things and know if Spain let us work. We need to stop these investigations. We want the peace of mind. His image is not associated with his job. His image is part of a company in Brazil, which has existed since 2006. It is not now that we’ve taken advantage of his image. For years we’ve been working with this company."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015— — 53

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54 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015— — 55

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

Heartland management sacked — Page 51

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS:

Eagles may face Black Stars, Indomitable Lions Platini takes FIFA ban to CAS

UROPEAN soccer chief Michel Platini will take his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after global soccer body FIFA’s ethics committee rejected his appeal Continues on Page 52

•Platini

IVE-TIME World Cup finalists Nigeria could well draw arch-rivals Ghana and Cameroon in the group phase of the qualifying tournament for the 2018 World Cup should the FIFA rankings be mainly used to seed teams. No date has been fixed yet for the draw for this final round of the World Cup qualifiers, which will be played on league basis, but speculations are rife that it could be before the end of the year. Currently, Nigeria are 59th ranked team in the world and on this count, they will fall in pot 3 of seeds along with Egypt (57), Mali (63), Uganda (68) and Zambia (71). Pot 1 will have the continent’s top teams Cote d’Ivoire (22),

Continues on Page 52

Prof Ken Anugweje kidnapped – P.7

•RED HOT: Andre Ayew

‘Neymar could be forced to leave Barcelona’ N

EYMAR could be forced to leave Barcelona due to his ongoing tax fraud case,

according to the Brazilian’s father. A Brazilian court has frozen £31.3 million

worth of assets belonging to the Barca forward, his family and related businesses. The

23-year-old is alleged to evaded £10.5m in Brazil Continues on Page 52

QUICK CROSSWORD

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

FRI DAY'S ANS WERS FRID ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Face (4) 4 Novel (3) 6 Fly (4) 9 Sphere (3) 10 Opposite (8) 11 Gas (4) 14 Consume (3) 16 Sharp (5) 19 Raised (8) 21 Pick-me-up (5) 23 Stayed (8) 24 Fish (5) 27 Gratuity (3) 31 Instance (4) 33 Start (8) 34 Meadow (3) 35 Asterisk (4) 36 Tree (3) 37 Imitate (4)

DOWN: 2 Press (4) 3 Dwell (4) 4 Story-teller (8) 5 Sharpen (4) 6 Of sound (5) 7 Mineral (3) 8 Concerning (5) 12 Quilt (5) 13 Unsoiled (5) 14 Newt (3) 15 Principle (5) 17 Employing (5) 18 Ooze (5) 20 Decrease (8) 22 Top (3) 25 Praise (5) 26 Rid (5) 28 Prima-donna (4) 29 Record (4) 30 Pace (4) 32 Ocean (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Fleet 5, Huddle 8, Niche 10, Casino 11, Lean 14, Pagoda 15, Promise 18, Tet 19, Ear 21, Neck 23, Anger 24, Seer 27, Ten 29, Men 31, Replace 32, Frigid 34, Tale 35, Acumen 38, Allot 39, Runner 40, Theme.

DOWN: 2, Lea 3, Enigma 4, Tin 5, Help 6, Dragon 7, Embark 9, Consent 12, Eat 13, Note 16, Rose 17, Eager 20, Renewal 22, Chic 24, Suffer 25, Emit 26, Regain 28, Sleuth 30, Nil 33, Dear 36, Cot 37, Elm

How to Play Sudoku

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number). Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row. No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination. Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Dept Hotline: 014544821. Abuja Advert Hotline: 09-2921024. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Ag.Editor: EZE ANABA. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

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