Boko Haram abducts 191, kills 32 in Borno

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62302

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

VANGUARD, my favourite newspaper— Adeboye •Prays for company and staff, says chaotic traffic on Apapa-Oshodi Road needs prayers

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Boko Haram abducts 191, kills 32 in Borno •Sacks Gumsuri community, near Chibok

•They killed our youths, took away our wives and daughters—Residents

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AIDUGURI— EIGHT months after Boko Haram terrorists kidnapped 276 school girls from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, with more than 200 of them still in captivity, the terrorists have again abducted another 191 people including women, girls and boys from Gumsuri community near Chibok.

The terrorists also killed 32 people in an attack last Sunday.

According to an account by two local government officials and Continues on Page 5

COLUMNIST: Donu Kogbara

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Mr & Mrs

ADEBOYE AT VANGUARD—From left: Pastor Oyitso Brown, Pastor in Charge of Province 23 Gbagada; Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG); Mr. Sam Amuka, Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers; and Mr Gbenga Adefaye, General Manager, Publications/ Editor-in-Chief, at the 2014 Vanguard Media Christian Fellowship End of the Year Thanksgiving Service, held yesterday at Vanguard premises, Apapa, Lagos. Inset: Pastor Adeboye prays. Photos: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor & Kehinde Gbadamosi. SEE MORE PICTURES ON PAGES 14 & 15.

NASS 2015: Rat race begins in S'West

•See pull-out inside

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CBN imposes new Amaechi leads Buhari's presidential forex restrictions campaign team 8 on banks

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2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014—3

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014 —5

POCKET CARTOON

UNVEILING: From left: Akunwata Mike Kwentoh, APGA State Chairman; Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, APGA governorship candidate in Imo State; Chief Willie Obiano, Governor, Anambra State; Chief Victor Umeh, National Chairman of APGA and Dr. Nkem Okeke, Deputy Governor of Anambra State unveiling an artist's impression of the proposed Anambra Headquarters building of the party in Awka, yesterday.

Boko Haram abducts 191, kills 32 in Borno Continues from Page 1

a witness, a convoy of gunmen stormed Gumsuri in Borno State on Sunday, throwing petrol bombs into buildings and leaving much of the village destroyed.

32 killed in Gumsuri The officials, who put the death toll at 32, said the local government established the number of those abducted by contacting families, ward heads and clerics.

A vigilante leader based in the Borno State capital, Maiduguri,

Usman Kakani, told AFP that fighters who were in Gumsuri during the attack provided a figure of 191 abducted, including women, girls and boys.

Gumsuri is about 70 kilometres south of Maiduguri and falls on the road that leads to Chibok. Details of the Gumsuri attack took four days to emerge because the mobile phone network in the region has completely collapsed and many roads are impassable.

Those who fled the village said it was too dangerous to head directly to Maiduguri.

Instead, they travelled

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask.

Act! Action will delineate and define you — Thomas Jefferson

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AYNE Dyer a prolific writer, affirms that we can allow our natural abilities and positive traits to emerge by tapping into what he calls the Power of Intention: The capacity for joy, creativity and kindness built into each of us.

Because intention is not something you do says Dyer, but rather a force that exists in the universe as an invisible field of energy, a power that can carry us. Where is this field of intention? “Where is it not?”

It is reflected in our lives every day. A caterpillar, a tiny acorn, an apple blossom all have intention built into them. That caterpillar becomes a butterfly, the acorn a giant oak tree, the apple blossom an apple.

You excel and become better by tuning into this power of intention in your life.

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hundreds of kilometres in the opposite direction to connect with the main road that leads to the state capital.

Mukhtar Buba, a resident who fled to Maiduguri, also confirmed that women and children were taken.

“After killing our youths, the insurgents have taken away our wives and daughters,” he said.

The military and police were not immediately available to comment.

Witnesses said the hostages were taken away in trucks towards the Sambisa Forest, a notorious rebel stronghold, where the Chibok girls were also reportedly taken before being divided into smaller groups.

Vigilantes defend Gumsuri Vigilantes, who have the military’s backing, had defended Gumsuri against waves of previous insurgents' attacks but were ultimately overpowered on Sunday, according to the council officials.

The military has reportedly left much of the front-line fighting to vigilantes and hunters who have inferior weapons and almost no training.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who is

standing for re-election in February 14 polls, had pledged that the Chibok attack would mark the beginning of the end of terrorism in Nigeria, but violence has escalated since. His Senior Special Assistant on Pubic Affairs, Dr Doyin Okupe had last Monday cautioned the media against counting the days of the Chibok girls’ abduction.

The insurgents have carried out a series of abductions this year, boosting their supply of child fighters, and young women who have reportedly been used as sex slaves.

Boko Haram has not claimed responsibility for the Gumsuri attack, but multiple sources in the village blamed the extremists whose fiveyear uprising has killed more than 13,000 people and forced more than 1.5 million others from their homes.

The North East has been the epicentre of the conflict, but unrest has also spread into n e i g h b o u r i n g Cameroon, where the military claimed to have killed 116 insurgents while repelling a Wednesday attack on an army base in the border town of Amchide.

The defence ministry in Cameroon’s capital, Yaounde, said Wednesday’s raid in the

town of Amchide, near the border with Nigeria was carried out by several hundred Islamists who ambushed a column of military vehicles with explosives and simultaneously attacked the army base.

Cameroonian troops retaliated instantly, the ministry said, killing 116 insurgents while one soldier has been confirmed dead and another missing near the border with Nigeria on Wednesday, as reported

by Reuters.

“The response of our forces was swift and appropriate. The attack was repulsed and the attackers neutralized,” defence ministry representative, Didier Badjeck, announced, cited by the news agency.

The country’s official reaffirmed the number of Boko Haram members killed and announced another attack that took place overnight. The number of victims currently remains unknown.

Nigeria has seen an upsurge in violence since April linked to the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram. The insurgency has left more than 13,000 dead and 1.5 million displaced people since 2009.

Timeline of killings since April zApril 14: 276 young girls were abducted from their school by Boko Haram gunmen in Chibok, a remote community of Borno State. Fifty-seven of the girls managed to flee, while 219 are still being held. zApril 14: At least 75 people died in a bomb blast in a packed bus station on the outskirts of Abuja — the deadliest attack yet in the city.

Boko Haram claimed responsibility for it. zMay 5: Boko Haram gunmen razed the town of Gamboru Ngala in Borno State, killing at least 300 people. z May 20: Twin car bombings in Jos, blamed on Boko Haram, killing at least 118. z June 3: Heavily armed gunmen raided four northeastern villages in Borno State, with local leaders putting the death toll as high as 400-500. z July 23: Two blasts rocked Kaduna city killing at least 42. z August 24: Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau claimed he has made the town of Gwoza in Borno State part of an Islamic caliphate. zOctober 18: Around 60 women and young girls were abducted around Chibok, according to witnesses.

On October 25-26, 30 adolescents were kidnapped in the village of Mafa in Borno State. zOctober 31: Shekau said the 219 abducted schoolgirls have been converted to Islam and married off, ruling out talks with the authorities on a ceasefire. zNovember 9: Shekau said that he has created a caliphate in the more than 20 northeastern towns conquered by the insurgents. z November 10: A suicide attack killed at least 58 people at a boys school in Potiskum in Yobe State. z November 28: Two suicide bombers blew themselves up and gunmen opened fire during weekly prayers at the Kano Central Mosque. At least 120 people were killed and 270 others wounded. z December 1: More than 150 people, including 44 police and security troops, died in a Boko Haram raid on Damaturu, Yobe State.

6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014 —7

21 shot as communities fight over ownership of Ughelli main market

By Festus Ahon, Brisbe Perez & Ochuko Akuopha

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GHELLI—THE feud between youths of Ekiugbo and Otor-Ihwreko communities, both in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State over the ownership of the Ughelli Main Market degenerated, Wednesday as over 21 persons sustained gunshot injuries in renewed hostilities between the warring parties.

Commercial activities within and around the market were put on hold as youths from both communities, who had been at war over the control of the market clashed in a show of supremacy.

It was gathered that commotion started when the Ekuigbo youths confronted the Otor-Iwhreko youths, who had allegedly set out for the collection of the daily levy from the traders at the market.

Tension heightened when the opposing youths reportedly shot sporadically while the panic stricken traders and passersby ran for safety. It however, took the intervention of men of the 222 Battalion of the Nigeria Army and men of the police in the Ughelli A Division to restore normalcy to the area.

At press time, some of those who sustained wounds in the clash had been admitted at some private hospitals in the Ughelli metropolis for medical attention.

Reacting to the crisis, Youth Chairman of Ekiugbo community, Mr. Charles Ugovwarhe, said that the state Ministry of Justice had told both parties to stay away from the collection of levies from the traders pending the resolution of the matter, adding “On Tuesday in line with that directive, we announced to the traders that they should not pay the levy to anybody for the time being.

“We were therefore, surprised this morning (yesterday) to discover that Otor-Iwhreko boys were still collecting levies from the women and when we sought to know why they were doing that, they opened fire on us and some of our boys were injured.”

On his part, the Chairman of the youth body of OtorIwhreko community, Mr. Felix Okoro, said that the Ekiugbo community had brought the matter before the state Ministry of Justice, under the Department of People’s Rights, where he said they (Otor-Iwhreko community) tendered documentary evidence of their ownership of the area in

dispute.

He said that parties were told to live in peace and that status quo should remain, adding that the Otor-Iwhreko community did not receive any letter that they should stay away from the market.

He, meanwhile, alleged that “At 5.30 a.m., over 50 boys from Ekuigbo came to attack Otor-

Iwhreko youths who are workers of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and asked them to leave. Our boys immediately left and reported the matter to the community leadership. At 8 a.m., our boys returned to their place of work and when the Ekiugbo boys noticed that they were back, they

mobilized and opened fire on them. As we speak, our boys are receiving treatment in the various hospitals.”

Contacted, the Divisional Police officer of the Ughelli A Division, said the situation had been brought under control, adding that his men were still in the market to ensure that there was total peace in the area.

ABILITY IN DISABILITY: Cross section of physically challenged persons, during the 2014 International Day of Persons with disabilities in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo.

Nwankpa Chijioke.

Soldier arrests robbery suspects operating in military uniform

By Evelyn Usman

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AGOS—A soldier, who also doubles as a commercial bus driver has foiled an attempt by a three-man robbery gang on its way for an operation in Ajah area of Lagos.

The suspects, who are currently cooling their heels at the Special Anti Robbery Squad reportedly boarded the bus at NEPA bus-stop and were heading to the designated area of operation when the driver of the bus later discovered to be a soldier, suspected their move and diverted the vehicle to Ajah police station.

However, before arriving the station, one of the suspects reportedly fled while the rest identified as Solomon and Saleh were held by policemen.

On searching them, a bag containing three guns and ammunition was found on them.

Also recovered from the

suspects were military uniform which they allegedly usually wore during operations.

Twenty- one years old Solomon, who hails from Edo State, said in his confessional statement that he belonged to a cult group.

According to him: “Saleh introduced me to the gang, while Sunday, who escaped, lured me into cultism. At first I declined to join but he threatened to kill me.

Members of our confraternity are robbers of different gangs.

On the day we were arrested, Saleh informed me that we were going for an operation that night and that a third person will bring guns for us to use. Sunday later came with a bag containing the guns and ammunition.

“As we stepped out, we boarded a vehicle and unknown to us, the driver is a soldier. I believe he must

have seen the guns we were carrying. Before we knew it, he drove straight to Ajah police station shouting on top of his voice that we were robbers. Sunday managed to escape through the window but I could not because I was afraid I could be shot.”

His alleged partner in crime, Saleh said he joined the robbery gang to earn a living. The secondary school drop out, said he left Army Secondary School, Zaria years back in search of greener pasture in Lagos.

“Unfortunately, when I got to Lagos, it was a different ball game . I was forced into robbery by Osas.

I actually joined because I was dying of hunger and had no hope of living. I thought of quitting when I make the required amount.

We usually wear military uniform when operating.”

Councillor charged for age falsification

By Yafugborhi Egufe & Brisibe Perez

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A R R I — A councillor in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, Udumarho Segba, was, yesterday, charged before an Otor-Udu magistrate's court in the state over alleged falsification of his birth records, an offence punishable under section 467 (2) (0) of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1 Laws of Delta State of Nigeria 2006.

The accused is facing a three count charge of alteration of birth certification.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and was admitted to bail by Magistrate A. Atuman in the sum of N200.000 and one surety in like sum. The case was thereafter, adjourned to January 22, 2015.

The charge against him read that ‘’You Segba ‘m’ between 2004 and 2014 at Otor-Udu Magisterial District, forged Udu Local Government Area, certificate of Registration of Birth, bearing No. 0029, dated December 24, 2004, knowing it to be forged and with intent that it may be used or acted upon as genuine and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 467 (2) (0) of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1 Laws of Delta State of Nigeria 2006. ‘’That you Segba at the same time, date and place within the magisterial district, aforementioned, knowingly and fraudulently altered Udu Local Government Area Certificate of Registration of Birth, bearing No. 0029, dated December 23, 2004, and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 467 (2) (0) of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1 Laws of Delta State of Nigeria 2006. ‘’That you Segba on June 27, 2014 at the High Court Registry Otor-Udu magisterial district, did declare on oath that the information contained in code PD/002 form of Independent National Electoral Commission is without reservation and unequivocally true and correct for proper assessment of your competence to contest the Chairmanship/Councillorship electionundertheplatformofthe Peoples Democratic Party."

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

Prisoners in Nigeria have right to vote in all elections, court rules

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—A FEDERAL High Court sitting in Benin, Edo State, has held that prisoners in Nigerian prisons have the right to vote in all elections conducted in the country.

Justice Mohammed Lima, who made the ruling in a suit

by Victor Emenuwe, Onome Inaye, Kabiru Abu, Osagie Iyekepolor, Modugu Odion (for and on behalf of inmates of Nigeria Prisons), against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Controller-General of Nigeria Prisons Service, also directed the defendants to ensure that the applicants were not disenfranchised.

The plaintiffs had, in the suit, asked the court to determine “whether, having regards to the provisions of section 25 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended in 2011, and section 12 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010, the plaintiffs are not entitled to be registered as voters by INEC.” They had also prayed the court to determine, whether having regard to the provisions of Section 77 (2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 12 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010, the plaintiffs were not entitled to cast their votes at any election in the country.

They had also asked the court to determine whether the failure of INEC to make registration and voting provisions for the inmates in the custody of Nigerian prisons does not constitute an infringement on their rights as citizens of Nigeria as enshrined in section 14 (1) (2) (a) (b), section 17 (2) (a), section 24 (b), (c), section 39 of the 1999 constitution and Article 13 (1) and Article 20 (1) of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

In his judgment, Justice Lima, said: “Act by INEC to deny inmates the right to vote is unconstitutional, illegal, irregular, unlawful, null and void and of no effect whatsoever. The defendants do not have the constitutional right to deny the claimants their voting rights.

"Being an inmate is not an offence that impedes their registration and voting right under section 24 of the Electoral Act; and that the exclusion of inmates in elections conducted in Nigeria is illegal and ultra vires."

Amaechi leads APC presidential campaign team L

AGOS— THE All Progressives Congress, APC, has named Gov. Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State as the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation, which will drive the party’s efforts to win the 2015 presidential election.

In a statement in Lagos, yesterday, by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the announcement followed the hugely successful convention at which its presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), was democratically elected, and the follow-up successful choice of his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

It said Gov. Amaechi’s outstanding reputation as a man of courage, principle, strength of character, decency and love of country as well as his administrative prowess and organisational skills combined to fetch him perhaps the most important task in the quest for positive change in Nigeria.

himself a man of such rare sterling qualities that have stood the test of time, qualities that are now so sorely lacking in our country’s leadership. ‘’Our presidential running mate is an award-winning professor of law, a legal luminary, a gentleman, a much-sought-after public speaker,a tested administrator, an author and a man of great ecclesiastical standing.

"Educated in Nigeria and the UK, Prof. Osinbajo is a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, who has served in many organisations and professional bodies in Nigeria, West Africa, Africa and the United Nations.

"He has authored or edited over a dozen publications, has taught and practised law at the high levels and has served on the Editorial Boards of learned publications and non-legal publications, in addition to

publishing many articles in learned journals.

"Now that we have presented Nigerians with the best possible choices for the exalted positions of President and Vice President, we expect that citizens, who have been yearning for quality leadership, will use their voting power to put Nigeria firmly on the path of greatness.

"A country seeking to be among the greats in the comity of nations cannot afford to have a mediocre leadership."

APC thanks Nigerians

APC thanked Nigerians for their support and prayers toward the success of the convention, the emergence of Gen. Buhari as the APC presidential candidate and the choice of Prof. Osinbajo as his running mate.

The party said it believed it had lived to its promise to Nigerians to ensure that the choice of its presidential running mate would be made within the context of the best democratic ideals, considering the enormouslypositive reactions from the general public to the choice of Prof. Osinbajo.

"With a presidential candidate that has rekindled the hopes of the citizenry and revived their belief in democratic ideals, we believe we must also choose a running mate that will complement the sterling qualities of the presidential candidate.

"We must confess that the choice was a tough one, considering the array of eminently-qualified and outstanding candidates that we had to choose from.

"Yes, we were spoilt for choice but, in the end, we picked as a running mate a man whose pedigree, nationally, subregionally, regionally and globally, attests to the fact that our party, the APC, is a repository of high quality leadership materials, and that our country, Nigeria, has no shortage of the very best human resources."

On Osinbajo

APC said whether in the academic, legal or ecclesial world, Prof. Osinbajo stands much taller than his physical frame, and serves as a good accompaniment to our presidential candidate,

AGM: From left: Board member, Nigerian-German Business Association, NGBA, Otunba Michael Daramola; Chief Operating Officer, NGBA, Mrs Jennifer Anoyika; German ConsulGeneral in Lagos, Mr Michael Derus, and delegate, German delegation of Industry and Commerce (AHK Nigeria), Mr Andre Ronne at the 27th Annual General Meeting of NGBA in Lagos.

ALLEGED RIGHTS VIOLATION: Court reserves ruling on suit against Coca-Cola, NBC

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA— A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, fixed February 3, 2015, to determine the legality of the fiat that was issued by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, for the prosecution of Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, its Managing Director, Mr Adeola Aderunji, and the Chief Executive of Nigerian Bottling Company, Ben Langat for alleged violation of the Consumers Protection Council Act. The accused persons had challenged the mandate the AGF gave to a private legal practitioner, Chief Bayo Ojo, to prosecute them, even as they also queried the competence of the charge and the jurisdiction of the court to entertain same.

Meantime, following a directive of the judge on the last adjourned date, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Aderunji, appeared in court yesterday.

Justice Chukwu had insisted that all the accused persons must

present themselves before the trial court regardless of the preliminary objections they raised against the charge.

The judge, who described their absence as a sign of disrespect to the court, noted that since his order to serve the charge on the accused persons by pasting the charges in front of their offices have been duly complied with by the Federal Government, “they must appear before me even if they don’t enter the dock”.

However, counsel to the accused persons, Mr. Gbolahan Elias, and Oluseye Opasanya, argued that their clients needed not to be in court since they were challenging both the mandate to prosecute the case and the competence of the charge.

On his part, the prosecutor, Chief Ojo, urged the court to issue a bench warrant against the accused persons to compel their attendance.

The Federal Government had through the office of the AGF, filed the two separate charges against the companies and their senior officials for allegedly breaching certain provisions of

the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) Act. NBC and its MD were said to have committed an offence by violating the orders of the Consumer Protection Council by “deliberately failing, refusing and/or neglecting to comply with the Council’s Orders duly made and served on you and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 of the Consumer Protection Council Act, Cap C. 25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under the same section.”

Meantime, the Nigerian judiciary has been urged to stick to the finest principles of adjudication in the suit between CPC and Coca Cola Nigeria Limited.

Speaking in Abuja yesterday, the co-ordinator of the Society for Social Development and Good Leadership, Mr. Ikenna Agu, maintained that the judiciary had established its reputation as an impartial arbiter and will not be swayed by extra-judicial means in procuring judgments.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014—9

Death sentence on 54 soldiers, miscarriage of justice —Falana zSays soldiers were justified in refusing to commit suicide without weapons

CBN imposes new forex restrictions on banks

By Babajide Komolafe

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA — FIFTY-FOUR soldiers, who were sentenced to death on Wednesday by the General Court-Martial following their conviction on a two-count charge of conspiracy to mutiny and mutiny, have described their sentence as gross miscarriage of justice which cannot stand.

Fifty nine soldiers were put on trial by the court-martial, while five of them were discharged and acquitted.

The condemned soldiers, in a statement they issued through their counsel, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) argued that sending them to go and confront heavily armed Boko Haram terrorists without providing them with adequate weapons was asking them to go and commit suicide.

They said their refusal to obey orders of the Commanding Officer of the Special Forces Battalion, Lt. Colonel Opurum, was as a result of non availability of arms and ammunition to prosecute the instruction of the commander.

According to Falana’s statement, “Yesterday (Wednesday), the General Court-Martial sitting in Abuja which tried another batch of 59 soldiers for conspiracy to mutiny and mutiny convicted 54 of the accused persons and sentenced them to death while five were discharged and acquitted.

“The acquittal was designed to give the false impression that the dubious verdict was fair and just.

The soldiers were in the Special Forces 111 Battalion which has 174 instead of 750 soldiers. The soldiers in the Battalion were neither equipped nor motivated.

They are young men whose ages range between 21 and 25. Most of them joined the army in 2012.

“With little or no training whatsoever they were deployed to fight the dreaded Boko Haram sect. The funds allocated for payment of the salaries and allowances of the soldiers and for purchase of arms and ammunition are usually diverted and cornered by corrupt military officers.

"Instead of bringing such unpatriotic officers to book, the military authorities have engaged in the diversionary tactics of wasting the lives of innocent soldiers by sentencing them to death without any legal justification.

“On July 9, 2014, the Boko Haram sect launched a ferocious attack on the battalion. As the soldiers were ill-equipped and illmotivated the well armed terrorists killed three officers and 23 soldiers and inflicted serious injuries on 82 others.

"While sympathizing with the bereaved soldiers, the army authorities assured them that adequate weapons would be provided to match the

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FLAG-OFF: President Goodluck Jonathan flanked by the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed (right) and Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, President, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar (left) while the Lands and Housing Minister, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi (2nd right) and other dignitaries watch during the official flag-off of the Federal Government Nationwide Mass Housing Programme for Nigerian workers at the Apo-Tafyi Project Site, Asokoro, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida. sophisticated weapons of the Boko Haram sect.

“But without the provision of the said weapons the soldiers were ordered on August 4, 2014 to recapture Delwa, Balubulin and Damboa in Borno State from the Boko Haram terrorists.

"The soldiers demanded for weapons so as not to lose more officers and men in the circumstance. A few soldiers who embarked on the suicidal mission together with the Commanding Officer were ambushed by the Boko Haram troops.

“When some weapons were made available on August 8, 2014, the soldiers moved to the battlefront, dislodged the

satanic Boko Haram sect and liberated their captured colleagues and officers. They were commended for their bravery and sacrifice. But for some inexplicable reasons, the army authorities ordered that the soldiers be charged with mutiny for allegedly exposing the armed forces to embarrassment by asking for weapons.

"In the judgment delivered yesterday, the court-martial refused to consider the evidence led in court and convicted 54 of the soldiers for having the temerity to ask for weapons to carry out the task of defending the territorial integrity of the nation.

“Since the soldiers were justified in refusing to commit

suicide, the verdict which is characterised by gross miscarriage of justice will not stand. Apart from the fact that the prosecution did not lead any scintilla of evidence to prove the two-count charge of conspiracy and mutiny against any of the convicts the court-martial did not consider the defence of the soldiers in any material particular.

"Convinced that soldiers who made a legitimate demand for equipment to fight the insurgents cannot, by any stretch of imagination, be properly convicted for mutiny, we shall take all necessary legal measures to prevent the army authorities from giving effect to the genocidal verdict of the courtmartial.”

AGOS — THE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday imposed new foreign exchange restrictions on banks in a bid to curtail further depreciation of the naira.

In a circular to banks, yesterday, the CBN reduced the Net Open Position, NOP, of banks from one per cent to zero per cent of shareholders' funds. This means banks cannot hold or keep surplus dollars at the end of each trading day.

Entitled: “Foreign exchange trading position of banks at the closure of each business day,” the circular was signed by Mr. Mr. Olakanmi I. Gbadamosi, Director, Trade and Exchange Department, CBN. It stated: “The Central Bank of Nigeria has observed the recent development in the foreign exchange market and its consequences on the stability of the exchange rates.

“In order to preserve the stability of the market, the foreign exchange position of individual authorised dealer, which currently stands at one percent of its shareholders funds (SHF) unimpaired by losses, has been temporarily reviewed downward to zero percent with immediate effect."

CORRUPTION : NJC to start prosecuting judges —CJN zSays no judge is above the law

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA — THE Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, yesterday, said the National Judicial Council, NJC, would start prosecuting judges found to have been involved in any form of corruption.

The CJN, who made, the disclosure while swearing-in five new judges for the Federal Capital Territory High Court, yesterday, said the NJC would not spare any judge for any misconduct.

He said: “No judge is above the law and anyone found to have betrayed his oath office will certainly face the wrath of the law.”

Besides, he warned the new judges to be “ wary of nefarious characters who may

try to test your integrity as judicial officers.”

The CJN said: “As judicial officers, series of temptations will come your way but the ability to resist them will definitely stand you out and earn you a lasting reputation on the Bench.

“Otherwise, the National Judicial Council, which has the constitutional powers to discipline judicial officers, will not spare any judge for any misconduct.

“An issue which is of great concern to me and one that I am committed to addressing during my tenure, is the delay in the dispensation of justice and the resultant case backlog.

“The sobering reality is that if the number of pending cases continues to grow at their present rate, our children may

not be able to initiate and conclude a lawsuit within their lifetime.

“In the light of this, it is a cardinal objective of my tenure as the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council, NJC, to pursue actively the full adoption and utilisation of Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, processes in the various jurisdictions of our courts.

“I must emphasise the urgent need to place greater emphasis on the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Processes.

“The benefits of ADR mechanisms such as Arbitration Mediation and Conciliation cannot be overemphasised. Although you are all aware of these benefits, nonetheless, it bears highlighting that ADR can reduce the time and cost of justice, which simultaneously

reduces the burden on litigants and case backlog.

“A practical example of this can be found at the US Federal Courts, where the 2003 Case Load Report states that out of the over 250, 000 cases filed, only 4, 206 or 1.7 percent, were decided through the trial process.

“My Lords, Invited Guests, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, to underline the criticality of the dire case backlog situation and to demonstrate my sincerity of purpose, I have decided that matters disposed of utilising ADR processes will now be counted as part of a Judicial Officer’s Performance in the Performance Evaluation Quarterly Returns to the NJC." Meantime, those sworn in as judges were Muawi Yah Baba Idris (Taraba State), Bello Kawu (Gombe), Udukwu Umar (Ebonyi), Ogbonnaya Kezieh Nwamaka (Enugu), and Anietie Okon Ebang (Akwa Ibom).

10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014—11

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12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

Vanguard is my number one newspaper, says Adeboye •spends 3 hours in traffic

By Sam Eyoboka, Olayinka Latona & Providence Obuh

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HE General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, yesterday, declared that Vanguard Newspaper remains his number one newspaper. He made the remark during a visit to the corporate headquarters of Vanguard Media Limited in Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos where he ministered at the 2014 edition of the Vanguard Media Christian Fellowship end-of-year thanksgiving service with the theme “Divine blessing and prophetic breakthrough”.

Appreciating the good work Vanguard Media is doing, Pastor Adeboye, who spent more than three hours in the traffic gridlock on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, reiterated his love for Vanguard Newspapers, explaining that among the three Nigerian newspapers that he reads, Vanguard still remains his number one.

He said, “I thank the Almighty God for Vanguard, the last time that I came here I told you that I read three newspapers and Vanguard is my number one and I want you to know that Vanguard still remains my number one paper. I thank you for the good work you are doing and the Almighty God who has made you number one will make you number one for ever. The last time they wanted me to mention the other papers but I did not do so to avoid getting into trouble. The great respect that I have for Vanguard is why I am here today. I could imagine you going through this traffic situation everyday, definitely you need prayer and I will increase my prayer for you. I appreciate the publisher, editors and all staff of Vanguard Media Limited. I thank the Almighty God for Vanguard.

Next time we will be coming to this organisation it will be mighty testimony.”

Earlier during a courtesy visit to the publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka in his office, Pastor Adeboye expressed dismay that workers and commuters generally could be subjected to such excruciating pain trying to get to their places of work on a daily basis.

Narrating his ordeal trying to get to Vanguard, he asked the publisher if the government was not aware of the trauma workers experienced on the road.

Thanksgiving service Replying, Mr. Sam Amuka blamed the situation on politics, arguing that the Federal and the Lagos State governments are at daggers drawn over who is responsible for fixing of roads in Lagos.

According to him, the bone of contention is which party is in power and which controls the affairs of the state to the detriment of the people residing in the old federal capital. It was on that political note that the General Overseer went straight to the venue of the thanksgiving service, arguing that he had some other engagements for the day.

Speaking on the theme of the programme, the former Mathematics lecturer at the University of Lagos began by explaining that there are three categories of blessings: parental, spiritual and divine.

He averred that while the first two categories of blessings can be effective, divine blessing only comes from the Almighty God, adding that the blessing

that comes from God is irreversible.

Narrating some of his personal experiences, he said he often tells his pastors that whatever height he had attained today is essentially a result of the blessings the mother had pronounced on him while he was much younger, noting that when he was younger whenever he did something pleasant for the mother, she would always say; ‘whenever you call one person, a hundred will answer.'

Describing God’s blessing as comprehensive, he said when God blesses nobody can reverse it. Such blessing will stick and become a settled matter. When God decides to bless one, He doesn’t just bless, He gives divine health to enjoy such blessing. Those in authority cannot bless you. Your biological parents can pronounce blessing on you.

Divine blessing “If God blesses you truly, such blessing will be permanent because He is not man that He should lie. His types of blessing do not add sorrow. Divine blessing is the blessing that comes from God. If your biological parents bless you, such blessing will stick. When God blesses you, it is a settled matter. It is a comprehensive blessing when God decides to bless someone. He does not just bless but adds divine health for you to enjoy such blessing. There are lots of rich people who are afraid to eat, sleep at night but when God blesses, spiritually, physically and materially you will be okay. God blessings do not come cheap."

Taking the second part of the topic, which dealt with prophetic breakthrough, he pointed out that no matter how powerful a prophecy is, it cannot overpower the word of God, advising that if any man of God gives a prophecy that contradicts the Word of God, one should ignore such a prophecy. He also defined breakthrough as something that comes after a lot of labour and struggle, noting that it is when doors open and you get what you have been struggling to get.

"A word of prophecy comes and as a result breakthrough comes and it usually contradicts one’s present circumstance.

When a true prophet speaks it comes to pass because God will not allow none of His words to fall to the ground. If you believe God you will be established and if you believe His prophet you will prosper."

In a brief chat, the publisher of Vanguard newspapers, Mr. Amuka said the event was a yearly programme “where we gather to appreciate God for what he has done for us as an organisation. It's a yearly programme for Vanguard. We have many Christians here. Once a year we make a show of offering God something. I am so delighted that the man of God is here today. He is a man of God, truly gifted and a true Christian. We thank God for his life.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Editor-inChief/General Manager, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, commended the contribution of Pastor Adeboye to the progress of the publishing company, saying that during his last visit to Vanguard Media Limited in 2010, where he preached on a topic, ‘The Storm Is Over,’ we saw the impact of the prophecies that the storm is over. A series of testimonies followed and, therefore, we should look beyond the horizon.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014—13

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14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

Pastor Adeboye ministers at Vanguard's End of Year Service

Arrival of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God in Vanguard Newspapers' premises, for the 2014, Vanguard Media Christian Fellowship End of the Year Service, yesterday, at Apapa, Lagos. Photos: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor; Kehinde Gbadamosi, Akeem Salau & Lamidi Bamidele

Pastor Adeboye, praying...

From left, Pastor Oyitso Brown, in Charge of RCCG Province 23 Gbagada; Pastor Adeboye, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, General Manager Publications/Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard Newspapers.

Pastor Adeboye, and Mr. Sam Amuka, Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers.

Cross section of the RCCG's choir.

From left, Mr. Kunle Adekoya, General Editor, Gabriel Omoh,Business Editor, both of Vanguard Newspapers, and other guests.

Cross section of the worshippers.

Cross section of the worshippers.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014—15

Pastor Adeboye ministers at Vanguard's End of Year Service

Mr Richard Okotie (left), and Chief Yinka Ogunnakan.

From left, Pastor Oyitso Brown, Pastor Adeboye, Mr. Sam Amuka, Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers; Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, General Manager, Publications/ Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard Newspapers; Pastor Segun Adegbiji, Mr. Fred Odueme, Assistant General Manager, Brands, Vanguard Newspapers, and Mr. Olusola Ojo, Internal Auditor.

From left, Mr. Victor Gotebve, Admin Manager; Mr. Emeka Nkwocha, Advert Manager; Mr. Sunday Awevia, Operations Manager, all of Vanguard Newspapers.

From left, Mrs. Funmi Ajumobi, Kiddies Editor; Mrs. Rita Amuka, and Mrs. Chuko Aminaghan.

Mr. Sam Iroegbulam, Accountant, Vanguard Newspaper; Mrs. Bose Oye, and Pastor Funmi Ayo-Odugbesan.

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From left, Mr. Theodore Opara, Motoring Editor, Vanguard Newspapers; Mr. Victor Omoregie,Head Corporate Affairs, Vanguard Media Ltd, and Mr. Yinka Kolawole.

From left, Ms Titi Jolaoso, Financial Controller, Vangaurd Newspapers; Mrs. Omasan Dudu, Assistant General Manager, Legal/Admin; and others.

A cross section of guests

A cross section of guests

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

Oko Poly, Anambra, Innoson sign MoU on skills acquisition for students

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—THE Federal Polytechnic, Oko has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Anambra State government and Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, Nnewi for a partnership programme on skills acquisition for students of the institution and all technical and vocational colleges in the state.

The bedrock of the agreement, according to the Commissioner for Education, Professor Kate Omenugha, was to boost technical and vocational education in the state.

Omenugha said the chief executive of Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, had agreed to make his factory available for the vocational training and skill acquisition in vehicle body building and other technical knowledge that would be useful for Anambra’s industrial needs.

She explained that the pilot scheme under State Education Programme Investment Project, SEPIP, which is a World Bank assisted programme, would produce the necessary skills that could make the beneficiaries readily employable in technical areas with the ultimate aim of reducing unemployment.

She said the State government had looked at education from infrastructure, students and teachers dimensions which she said Governor Willie Obiano administration had given a holistic approach, adding that Anambra had been scored one of the three top states in Nigeria with the lowest illiteracy rate.

The commissioner also said Governor Willie Obiano had declared tuition free for a categories of students in technical and vocational schools in the state and cancelled payment of any fee by physically challenged students in the state.

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Godwin Onu said the training programme would be of immense help to students in technical areas.

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ENUGU GOV: Court orders PDP, INEC to maintain status quo till Jan 14

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA—JUSTICE Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, ordered the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, not to submit or accept anyone as the governorship candidate of the party till January 14.

Justice Chukwu adjourned till that date to hear separate suits that were lodged before the high court by two PDP governorship aspirants’ in the state, Senator Ayogu Eze and owner of Peace Mass Transit Limited, Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi.

Whereas Senator Eze is praying the court to not only okay the parallel primary election that produced him, but to also declare him as the authentic flag-bearer of the party for the impending governorship election in the Enugu state, Onyishi, is seeking an outright cancellation of the December 8 primaries for being in breach of section 87(4)(b)(I) of the Electoral Act. Meantime, the court yesterday joined the adjudged winner of PDP governorship ticket in the state, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi , as an interested party in the legal actions.

Ugwuanyi who is a member of the House of Representatives had

DINNER: From left; Mr. John G. Coumantaros, Chairman FMN, Mrs. Mary Uriah, Mr. Paul Gbededo, Group Managing Director FMN, Dr. Ify Uriah, Alhaji Olalekan Saliu, Company Secretary/Director FMN, Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Ukpabi, Vice Chairman, FMN and Alhaji Rabiu M. Gwarzo, Director FMN at the dinner held in honour of Mrs. Uriah’s retirement as FMN Human Resources Director. in an application he filed through his lawyer Mr. Patrick Ikwueto , SAN, prayed the court to join him in the suit considering that the outcome would directly affect his political interest.

Likewise, PDP, through its lawyer Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, yesterday expressed its

intention to challenge the competence of the legal actions as well as the jurisdiction of the court to entertain them.

Consequently, Justice Chukwu ordered all the parties to ensure that they file and serve their arguments and relevant processes before January 14.

“I must warn that since this matter is already before this court, none of the parties should do anything capable of affecting the ‘Res’ of the suit before me. This court will not hesitate to void any action taken by any of the parties before the next adjourned date”, the Judge added.

...As PDP, Ayogu Eze trade words over alleged forgery

I

N another development, Enugu State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Senator Ayogu Eze, yesterday traded words over alleged forgery of the party ’s December 8, 2014 governorship primaries result sheet While the PDP petitioned the State Police Commissioner, accusing Senator Eze of forging its December 8, 2014 governorship primary election result sheet, Senate Eze described the allegation as wild and contempt of the court.

In a petition dated December 17, 2014 by its Chairman, Mr. Ikeje Asogwa, claimed the Senator was plotting to truncate the party’s successful primary election in the state with forged documents.

According to the petition “The Peoples Democratic Party Primary election to elect a Governorship flag bearer for Enugu State took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu on December 8, 2014. The party, from the National headquarters, appointed a fiveman electoral committee to conduct the primaries for the election of the Governorship candidate for Enugu State.

The members of the panel were King Asara A. Asara (Chairman), Barrister Ukpai Ukairo (Secretary), Barrister Saratu Umar, Engr.

Alamu Adeyemi and myself as the State Chairman of the party. The members came with the official result sheets from the party headquarters, as well as the ballot papers and other materials required to conduct the primary election.

At the end of the electoral exercise, the members issued a result of the election wherein they returned Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as having won the election.

“Surprisingly, Senator Ayogu Eze who was a candidate at the said primary election has now uttered a result purporting same to be the result of the said primary election of December 8, 2014.

The said result was produced on a forged result sheet purporting same to be the result sheet of the PDP. I hereby enclose the original result sheet of the party, which has the name of the party, the logo of the party, the address of the national Secretariat and the serial number of the result sheet issued out to the panel, the signatures of the National Chairman, the National Secretary, the National Organizing Secretary, the returning officer and the Electoral Officer. I mark same as Annexure I. “I also annex as Annexure 2, the purported result of the primary election written on the furged

result sheet purporting same to be the result sheet of the party. A look at this Annexure 2 will show that it does not contain the essentials of the authentic result sheet of the party as enumerated above.”

Chairman further told the police that Senator Eze allegedly uttered the forged document and used same in the processes he filed at the Federal High Court Abuja and urged the police authorities to investigate the matter and take necessary steps to “arrest and prosecute Senator Ayogu Eze for the uttering and forgery of PDP Result sheet in accordance with the dictates of the law But Eze reacting through Senator Ayogu Eze Governorship Campaign Organisation, in a statement, titled, “Who’s afraid of Senator Ayogu Eze”, insisted that its candidate was the duly elected candidate in the December 8, 2014 primary.

Saying that its candidate was elected by the authentic delegates elected on November 1, 2014 and validated by an Abuja High Court, the organisation wondered why the PDP in Enugu State rushed to court on December 9, a day after the

primary to stop its candidate from parading himself as the candidate.

“Why did they rush to court to stop our candidate if they truly believe the result of the election was forged?” the organisation asked in the statement signed by its Director of Legal Services, Mr. Kingsley Onyeke.

The organisation claimed the panel that conducted the kangaroo primary that Mr. Asogwa referred to in his statement admitted in the full glare of the press that it came with a forged delegates list.

“It is the likes of Mr. Asogwa and all the people involved in subverting the will of the people by forging a delegates list after the PDP in Enugu State had told the whole world it did not participate in the congress that brought the delegates that should be handed over to the police”, the statement said.

Describing the allegation by Ikeje Asogwa, who the organisation said was not the chairman of the PDP in Enugu State, as part of the desperate campaign to intimidate its candidate out of the 2015 governorship race in Enugu State, the statement said its candidate would never succumb to blackmail.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014 —17

Now he says that Jonathan has disappointed him, but I challenge him that Jonathan has performed far better than him. What did he do during his time? How many federal roads did he construct? What was the state of the railway system when he was there? What of the power sector? What of security? Was it not Obasanjo who sent troops to level Odi (civilians). Can Jonathan do that in the part of the North East in spite of the security challenges? +2347068715122 Martin Okpaleke More than enough warning to Nigerians to vote against or at least be wary of whomsoever the officious general [Obasanjo] is recommending or promoting this time around and this is not to suggest that I am either against Buhari and therefore for Jonathan’s regime.

Obasanjo has rubbished the Yar’ Adua administration, which he more or less brought about, and is now rubbishing the Jonathan administration.

I

OCCASIONALLY hand this page over to Vanguard readers, so they can share the views they have shared with me with a wider audience. Please find below responses to my comments, last week, about Obasanjo, Jonathan and Buhari.

By the way, if you want to read my previous columns to find out exactly what I said about x or y, please go to the Va n g u a rd w e b s i t e … w w w / vanguardngr.com.

From: Ifeka Okonkwo <ifekaokonkwo@yahoo.com> Donu, Obasanjo should stop complaining about the performance of the government of Goodluck Jonathan, because he foisted the late Umaru Yar’Adua and Jonathan on PDP and the nation in 2007 and saw to it that they won the presidential election of that year, when it was never their intention to vie for the highest office in our country!

Spineless rulers They are now in the league of the unprepared, reluctant, unwilling, clueless and spineless rulers we have had since 1960 and for which our country became worse-off.

F ro m : Alex Dafe <daflex62@gmail.com> Donu, what amazes me about you is the zeal with which you make your point irrespective of your inclination to opposing view. How I wish we have just a few of your types in Nigeria.

I must confess that I can’t skip your articles in Vanguard.

I must urge you to keep it up.

You are the kind of patriot this country needs. I only wish that those in leadership position can learn from your courage, the true essence of journalistic presentation.

I am compelled to capture this part of your write up and I quote “ But I wonder why obasanjo should attack a successor HE selected if he was not honestly disappointed in that successor”, C M Y K

•Buhari

•Jonathan

Feedback from readers Honestly, we should not be too emotional about issue of who becomes our President.

We should rather concentrate on who can best do the job.

Donu good luck as you feed us with sincere facts, please. +2349099577077.

Dr Nnolim Frank Yo u g a v e u s t h e g o o d qualities of Buhari without the good qualities of Jonathan. You also applauded the OBJ attacks on Jonathan without telling us the areas OBJ’s regime was b e t t e r t h a n J o n a t h a n ’s . I n Nigeria our leaders becomes wise critics and advisers only after leaving office +2348034174983 Justice Amaize Your articles have never failed to be laced with high degree of o b j e c t i v i t y. T h e o n e i n vanguard of Friday Dec 12 titled Jonathan versus whoever is simply fantastic and in a class of its own.

Such objectivity marks you out as a Nigerian who truly wishes this nation well and separate’s you into a distant separate camp from those Nigerians who daily deceive themselves (not us) with their views on issues of national discourse but who, most regrettably, are legion.

Any wonder therefore that our dear but poor nation has continued to enjoy retrogression by every leap and bound! Keep it up my dear sister.

+2348033217685 Dagogo To y o u , a n y o t h e r p a r t y candidate will be better than Jonathan as president including a rustic Fulani soldier with ‘’born to rule” mentality. + 2 3 4 8 0 3 7 2 3 9 3 3 6 Anonymous I am a Christian male from Anambra. Nigeria is presently in a monumental mess. Buhari for me is the most competent visible leader with integrity, selflessness, courage, experience, consistency and vision to lead Nigeria and end

Why did he Obasanjo not hand over to Buhari instead of handing over to Yar’Adua when he knows that Buhari can do it better for Nigerians?

Indirect responsibility corruption, impunity embezzlement and indiscipline.

I shall vote APC all the way.

Not because of APC but because of Buhari. +2348032600459 Steve So you want Buhari to go back so that he can acquire houses in Abuja and other places.

O b a s a n j o ’s performance in 8 years cannot be compared with Jonathan’s performance in less than 4 years. + 2 3 4 8 0 3 7 9 2 7 0 8 8 Anonymous Re: Jonathan versus whoever! Donu, thanks for that episode, but I think not properly researched. Gen Buhari was a federal commissioner of petroleum when Fela alerted the country of missing billons of oil dollars to a UK bank. Tell him to explain where the fund is + 2 3 4 9 0 2 0 1 0 3 6 6 3 Anonymous Am impressed and very happy because you have put together what I regard as the truth. + 2 3 4 8 0 3 7 3 1 0 3 7 7 Anonymous Why did he Obasanjo not hand over to Buhari instead of h a n d i n g o v e r t o Ya r ’ A d u a when he knows that Buhari can do it better for Nigerians?

Wa s i t n o t h i s p e r s o n a l interest he was protecting just because he wanted somebody who can do his bidding?

In other words, Obasanjo is directly or indirectly responsible for two administrations that are bad, failed and discredited (in his estimation).

Given Obasanjo’s record when it comes to recommending or choosing presidents, it amazes me that you are touting his recommendation of General Buhari in your column!

And finally, a last word from Mr Ani Dickson (+2347015802902) about the comments I made about President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya 2 weeks ago:.

My dear sister Donu, the more I read your write ups which are easy to understand, I always feel sad in some cases. Like your writing about President Uhuru Kenyatta. A lot of African leaders are chasing bush rats while their houses are burning.

God have mercy on us.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 OR 0811 675 9752 (texts only).

PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014 THE increasing cruelties our society harbours have moved to insistent assaults on children by guardians, who descend on their wards with the most puerile excuses.Gory media images of children dismembered, beaten to death, with shrivelled fingers, or reduced to skeletons are becoming common.

In all these instances, the criminals find excuses for abusing the children, perhaps knowing they would get away with their dastardly acts. Why would a society erect such wickedness for its young ones, the most vulnerable, and expect to make progress? Why are these acts continuing?

How would these acts, which portray us as primitive, be stopped?

The foundation of these perfidies is the social dynamics of a society that seeks solutions to mere economic and social challenges in spiritualists and shrines.

Without lifting a finger, most people expect they would find the riches that would catapult them out of their economic woes.

Others want to attain political power or improved social standing through cultic powers. Many of the assaults on children cannot be explained by the presumed anger

A Society That Devours Its Children of the culprits or the frequent excuse of not knowing “ what came over me”.

Whatever the reasons, our society must stand up firmly against the cruelties that are defining it.

The stories are endless, and the extent of the injuries inflicted on children, sometimes resulting in deaths, paints a picture of utter madness. Men and women are killing the young and getting away with it. Sometimes there are debates whether their excuses for murder should be accepted. We have to enforce the law.

Unfortunately, some churches prescribe

these punishments for children who they identify as witches. Some parents have no qualms punishing their children to death in line with prophecies. Some of the dead are children recruited as house helps, or whose parents sent to relations to assist with their upbringing.

We think that these incidents are continuing because law enforcement is weak. Offenders are getting away with murder under spurious explanations. The few cases that make it to court are at the instance of civil society groups, which have the heart, but hardly the war chest for the lengthy legal tangles these matters involve.

Society’s insensitivity to the plight of the victims, some of whose minds have been shattered from their tortures, is gradually defining our lives.

These stories no longer shock. Is our society exalting brutality to one of its ethos? Section 34 (1 a) of the Constitution states, “Every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly, no person shall be subject to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment”. We cannot build a society on cruelty – it is illegal.

OPINION

By Babatunde Oyewole

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HE principal demand of Boko Haram is religious supremacy and inter-faith intolerance, this demand started in the current democratic era when a Sharia movement started declaring some states as sharia states in clear volation of the secularity of the federation contained in section 10 of the constitution of Nigeria . In declaring such states as Sharia states, they were effectively shutting out anyone who did not subscribe to their religious beliefs from becoming anything of substance in such societies, an act that went against the United Nations charter on economic, social and political rights, an aggressive form of social exclusion.

Many so-called political elite in the north such as Buhari, Sanusi and others were direct advocates of the sharia movement that culminated in 12 states being declared as sharia states. When this movement was sweeping across the north it was used for political mobilisation, many common people were fed on a diet of religious dominance and supremacy. When Gen.Olusegun Obasanjo a Christian was president, although he was advised to raise legal challenges to stem the religious intolerance being promoted by some state governments, he failed to do so, perhaps afraid of religious backlash in elections.

This use of religion for social and political mobilisation emboldened small groups who now saw it as an easy pathway to power, and their rise and popularity attracted the patronage of political leaders.This was how Yussuf became an important player in the politics of the North East, such that by the time Umaru Yar ’adua became president, he

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Boko Haram, Buhari and northern elite commanded sufficient patronage to have government officials influencing his bail, upon been arraigned for trial for causing civil disorder.

While the social disorder being generated by the Boko Haram group was on the rise, the same leadership elements in the north, ignored the ideological origins of the disorder they were fomenting and instead erroneously projected the issue as one that was based on socio economic disparity. For example, General Buhari compared the Boko Haram insurgents with Niger-Delta militancy and advocated that the Boko Haram exponents should be given same treated as the Niger-Delta militants with an amnesty programme. His contention was debunked by many who pointed out that economic rehabilitation has never been a demand of Boko Haram but rather, the yearning for religious supremacy But Buhari’s position was supported by other northern elite such as Emir Lamido Sanusi then governor of the Central Bank. According to Sanusi,the North was economically disadvantaged in comparison with the South, hence the Boko Haram problem.

However, as the northern elite tried in vain to explain the Boko Haram phenomenon on economic terms, the group became even bolder, killing both Southern and Northern Christians, and sometimes even moderate Muslims who opposed their use of Islam to justify their inhuman and bestial crimes.

To give a wider perspective to solutions to the problem, the government embraced the stick and carrot strategy proposed by General Obasanjo, who had earlier in his tenure failed

to give any concrete challenges to the widening Sharia ideology. Even when states like Lagos, mindful of the consequences of such intolerance in a cosmopolitan city used very robust methods to suppress the rise of Sharia advocacy in the state. The carrot and stick approach of General Obasanjo failed to impress the Sharia fundamentalists of Boko Haram and some of their elite sympathizers who saw it as an effective way of resisting the rule of Goodluck Jonathan a Christian who was ideologically unacceptable to Boko Haram.

As Obasanjo approached the group they sent very strong signals of non-cooperation by killing those who tried to negotiate with Obasanjo, stepped up the violent killing of nonMuslims and non-northerners in the North with several murderous attacks in several northern cities, including an attack in Kano that killed over 200 people including scores of police officers and a journalist Presently, the Boko Haram group has killed, over 4,000 people and displaced almost a million from their homes just to create a religious state or a caliphate. But the creation of a caliphate in the North has been a terrible proposal for every freedom loving Nigerian, but especially it has been most devastating to Southern Christians who have been driven from making any meaningful livelihood in the north of Nigeria and even worse for northern minorities who are more often than not Christians or animists. The declaration of sharia and a fundamentalist caliph in their indigenous homelands have not only made life meaningless for them but also driven them out of their homes.

To illustrate the devastating effect of religious intolerance which started with the declaration of Sharia in the north by some northern political elite, and the adoption of the virulent fundamentalist variant by Boko Haram, some Northern Christian groups particularly the ECWA Church and many others, estimate that they have lost over 400 churches to Boko Haram fundamentalism. Such acts it must be repeated is based on the supremacy of religions which General Buhari in a seminar in Kaduna once described as “a legal responsibility which God has given us, within the context of one Nigeria to continue to uphold the practice of Sharia wholeheartedly and to educate nonMuslims”. In other to carry out this task, Buhari also declared in Kaduna in 2001 that, “God willing, we will not stop the agitation for the total implementation of the Sharia in the country”. Such declarations and the support of other politicians like Senator Yerima who insisted that according to Sharia a girl is a woman as long as she was married irrespective of whether she was 11 or 13 years are the origins of Boko Haram ideology, the only difference between these politicians and the suicide bombers is that the suicide bombers are more eager to die for the ideology by wearing a bomb rigged vest. What then would become of Christains particularly those in the northern part of Nigeria if Buhari who has demonstrated his commitment to this ideology become president of Nigeria is a nagging sociopolitical question which over one million displaced northern Christians must ponder daily?

*Mr. Oyewole, a cmmentator on national issues, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014— —19

Ebola, bigmanism and Nigeria

By Clement Udegbe “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it”….Albert Einstein.

HEN Patrick Sawyer, a Liberian-American, who had gone home to bury his sister, came to Nigeria, he was coming to seek medical attention because he did not trust the Liberian health care delivery system, according to his widow Decontee Sawyer. Well, I do not agree with Mrs. Sawyer no matter how loud she screams at every body. Her husband would have simply boarded a plane to America where he came from than come to Nigeria. After all, most African big men, like late Mr. Sawyer, do not trust their home country medical system, because all of them do not really care about fixing it. When these big men meet the leaders they concentrate on how to pick from the pockets of their nations through the leaders.

They become so wealthy, that with a little prick, they hop into the next flight for a medical check up outside Africa. In Nigeria our big men often, go overseas for treatment of minor ailments ranging from bruises from an accident, headaches, boils , etc. So Why did this man come to Nigeria instead of America? One big man on record who remembered to come to Nigeria for treatment, Mr.

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Patrick Sawyer, came as a human lethal weapon of mass death. He came knowing he had the EVD, and meant to clean us out. He was a biological terrorist who brought so much pain!

He was first a Liberian, then an American by virtue of his Residency. Third he was a diplomat, had good Liberian and international connections. Fourth money was not his problem, if he didn't have it, he had friends who could help him with it. He had friends among the people in power in Liberia, like the Liberian Ambassador to Nigeria, and he had links with the international community. He had all of these going for him, in addition to being tall, big and handsome, so by any African standard, Mr.Sawyerr was a BIG MAN. He was the perfect choice of Ebola to afflict Nigerians, because as a big man, no one could stop him from spreading the fatal virus especially among the privileged high profile Nigerians.

Nigeria was free of Ebola until July 20 when Mr. Sawyer arrived.

He became terribly ill on his flight and was rushed to the First Consultant Hospital Obalende, Lagos, where he died on July 24.

First Consultant Hospital, then, took all the blows from Ebola, including physical, material, psychological, emotional, and financial from the deadly visit of

Nigerians are very many in these areas and will visit home during this season, but nothing noticeable is in place to protect these persons from transmitting EVD so far Mr Sawyer. For example, according to Dr.Benjamin Nnamdi Ohiaeri, the Chief Medical Director and Founder of that hospital; of the eight persons that died in Nigeria so far of EVD, four were staff of his hospital, including Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, the senior consultant endocrinologist who became infected with the deadly Ebola, principally because she physically resisted Mr.Sawyer from running and leaving the hospital, when she and her colleagues suspected that he was carrying EVD. Mr. Sawyer pulled all the bigman stunts and strings, for example, when it was obvious to him that they would not let him go. The Liberian Ambassador to Nigeria called the Medical Director to release him, but he was ignored, and Nigeria was saved by the indifference of the staff of the First Consultant Hospital to the

What the OPEC president must do

By Julius Onyekwere

O

F the many reactions to the recent ascendency of Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AllisonMadueke, to the post of the President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), none may be more strange and disturbing than the piece titled “What the OPEC President Cannot Do” (The Guardian, December 9, 2014, page 17), by Luke Onyekakeyah.

It is strange that the author seemed unaware of contradicting himself as he tried to impress his readers with his notion of the insignificance of what many regard as an achievement on the part of Mrs. Madueke – becoming OPEC President.And as someone who associate responsible journalism with objectivity, it was disturbing to have to wrestle with the whys and wherefores of the unreflective cynicism and other negative attributes that stand out Onyekakeyah’s piece for disrepute.

Could it be in furtherance of the desperation of Mrs. Madueke’s detractors to demoralise her at all cost and derail her focus on effective service as Minister of Petroleum and OPEC President? Could Onyekakeyah be wielding a hatchet on behalf of forces hostile to Mrs. Madueke as Minister of Petroleum, acting against his conviction, as suggested by the contradictions in the piece?

Onyekakeya’s grouse, on which he anchors his belittlement of Mrs. Madueke’s achievement, runs thus: “Nigeria is the one selected to be president. Those ignoring Nigeria and instead showering accolades on Mrs. Madueke got it wrong. They don’t seem to know the workings of OPEC or are deliberately being sycophantic…. OPEC doesn’t elect individuals as its president but countries are selected in turns.... What happened is that destiny has thrown up Mrs. Madueke as the Petroleum Minister at this material time, when it is Nigeria’s turn to be president and she has to occupy the post on behalf of Nigeria. President Jonathan who C M Y K

appointed her also deserves accolade.… As a matter of fact, Madueke is not the first Nigerian Minister of Petroleum to occupy that post. Former occupants include Dr. Rilwanu Lukman (1994) and Dr. Edmund Daukoru (2006). Those anchoring on her gender to make her position seem extraordinary are praise-singers. In this age, when women are making waves in all spheres of human endeavour, some people see Mrs. Madueke’s coincidental position as historic!”

What happens at the Olympics shows the unreasonableness ofOnyekakeyah’sview that Mrs. Allison-Madueke need not receive accolades for emerging OPEC President. In a sense, it can also be said that it is countries, not individual athletes, that participate in the Olympics. The fact that when the United States boycotted the 1980 summer Olympics held in Moscow no US athlete could attend in their individual capacity proves this. As a reforcement of this proof, no Russian athlete could participate in the 1984 summer Olympics held in Los Angeles, which their country boycotted.

But we all know that though such athletes represent their countries, as OPEC Presidents represent theirs, they are recognised, celebrated or sanctioned in their individual capacities– in a world where every reasonable person recognises countries as

It is right to celebrate Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke as the first woman to become the President of OPEC in a world dominated by men, many of who live in mortal fear of seeing women rise above their mediocrity

Liberian’s Bigmanism.

By simply resisting Bigmanism, the hospital saved other Nigerians too numerous to be imagined. Dr. Adedavoh read up about EVD which was not known to Nigeria before then, and concluded correctly that Mr.Sawyer was a vector/carrier. This is why they are setting up an Adedavoh EVD Library in the hospital,but in the typical Nigerian way, that Libray was empty as at this December,eight months after it all happened.

Politicians from their divides of PDP, and APC are bikering over who did the fight, and dishing out figure of billions they spent on Ebola, yet, without noticeable contribution to First Consultant Hospital.

Speaking at the formal declaration of Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential ambition recently, Amaechi said; “I hear PDP and Mr. President claiming the glory of having fought Ebola. I asked one simple question: Rivers state government spent 1,406 billion to fight Ebola, the Federal Government brought N200m just last week. If we were waiting for that N200m, Ebola would have spread round Rivers State,” Nigeria is waiting to hear what Amaechi and his colleagues did for First Consultant Hospital, and Dr.Adedavoh Library, to encourage reading and research by medical personnel in Nigeria.

The hospital had to clean up all equipment, and materials that were used to treat Ebola, and today are operating at less than 10 percent capacity because of the

amorphous entities that cannot achieve greatness or attract dishonour except through the deeds of their citizens acting independently or in an official capacity. Who can conceive an Olympic medal being hung on the neck of any nation, or a nation achieving any remarkable feat as OPEC President without its citizen serving in that position, except someone who lacks basic understanding of how the world works?

And for those who think Mrs. Madueke should not be given credit because her position as OPEC President is “coincidental,” she may well respond with the words of Malvolio in Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare:”…don’t be afraid of my greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” So,to Shakespeare, the significance of Madueke’sposition and the need to accord her recognition for occupying it cannot be diminished even if it were to be “coincidental,” as with princes and princesses who become great – and are recognised as such – by the coincidence of their having been born royalty. It is vain to try to rewrite the eternal rules of greatness in order to spite Mrs. Madueke.

Nonetheless, to describe Mrs. Madueke’s ascendancy to the OPEC Presidency as “coincidental,” as though it is entirely attributable to chance, is to ignore the bigger picture of the preparation, involving hard work, which people like her undergo before fortune smile on them.Such preparation, like having cultivated herself by acquiring first-class education and as a professional, is a factor in convincing OPEC to accept one to serve as its President.

Onyekakeyah hints atthis in his admission that “OPEC might reject a person deemed unsuitable presented by the country,” which contradicts his earlier claim that the person “automatically assumes the position.”

His self-contradiction becomes more intriguing when one considers the implication of his saying, concerning Mrs. Madueke, that “President Jonathan who appointed heralso deserves accolade.” The Merriam-Webster ’s Dictionary defines “also” as “likewise” or “in addition,” which prompts the question: “Other than Mrs. Madueke,who does Onyekakeyah, or rather his subconscious mind, believe deserves

stigma of Ebola, all because they jumped on the grenade in other to save Nigerians. The extent to which we treat and encourage such altruistic actions will determine how far we can go in building a nation with a conscience. If it were some other private hospitals, they would have caved in to the Bigman stunts, and with the way our nation is handling First Consultants, many medical practitioners would not want to be stigmatized, and will release any suspected carrier quietly into the society !

According to the World Health Organization more than 6,800 people have now died from the Ebola virus, almost all of them in West Africa. According to present report, there are 18,464 cases of infection from the deadly virus in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, and 6,841 people had died. So far the death toll from Ebola is six in Mali, one in the United States, and eight in Nigeria, which was declared Ebola free in October.

Sierra Leone, last week which overtook Liberia as the nation with the most infections, counted 8,273 cases and 2,033 deaths in December. Liberia, is recording 7,797 cases and 3,290 deaths, while Guinea, has 2,394 Ebola cases and 1,518 deaths till date.

Nigerians are very many in these areas and will visit home during this season, but nothing noticeable is in place to protect these persons from transmitting EVD so far.

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

accolade in addition to President Jonathan?”

In effect, while his subconscious mind tells him Mrs. Madueke deserves accolade, he tries with sophistry to negate that truth and ends up contradicting himself!Isn’t it clear that Mrs. Madueke’s occupation of the post of OPEC President cannot yield accolade to President Jonathan unless she herself deserves accolade in that position?And, curiously, Onyekakeyah would criticise those giving her accolade as “sycophantic” or “praise-singers” without seeming to realise that he himself would be deserving of the tag of a sycophant or praise-ringer, in relation to President Jonathan, if we accept his view that Mrs. Madueke does not deserve accolade. For in that case he would have recommended accolade for the President for nothing – as sycophancy.

Mrs. Madueke may not be the first Nigerian Minister of Petroleum to occupy the post of OPEC President. But she is the first woman; which is remarkable, unlike Onyekakeyah would have us believe. Such achievements involving women and other disadvantaged groups like Africans or black people generallyare usually recognised as historic. Such special recognition is meant to acknowledge mankind’s moral progress in removing some of the entrenched barriers against the progress of such people, as well as their resilience in surmounting such barriers.

So it was right to celebrate Barack Obamas, the first black President of the United States. It was also right to celebrate Wole Soyinka as the first African to win the Noble Prize in Literature. Similarly, it is right to celebrate Mrs. Diezani AllisonMadueke as the first woman to become the President of OPEC in a world dominated by men, many of who live in mortal fear of seeing women rise above their mediocrity, let alone assume such great leadership roles as the President of OPEC. But the OPEC President must ignore such criticism by those trying to diminish the prestige of her position and focus on the difficult task ahead, especially the task of negotiating the stabilisation of oil prices at such a critical time in the life of the organisation.

•Mr. Onyekwere, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Lagos.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, DECEMBER 19, 2014

By Francis Igata, Enugu

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ITH less than one week to Christmas, the major bus terminals in the country have become beehiveS of activities as people relocate to the hinterlands to celebrate the season with their loved ones. The irony is that some of those who embark on such travels, end up in the morgues as a result of motor accidents.

Against this backdrop, the Federal Roads Safety Commission, FRSC and a popular mini-bus company- Peace Mass Transit, PMT have taken steps to ensure that the carnage on the nation’s highways, especially during this yuletide, is reduced to the barest minimum. This partnership was brokered during a one-week training for the 4,000 drivers employed by the transport company.

Tagged: “Safety consciousness as a driving habit,” the forum provided an opportunity to remind the men behind the steering of the need to imbibe high safety driving standards while plying the highways, especially during this critical end of the year period.

FRSC’s Assistant Corps Marshal, Mr. Samuel Obayemi Olawoyin said the

XMAS TRAFFIC RUSH:

FRSC/PMT move to reduce carnage Corps’ vision is to make Nigerian roads safe for commuters. “FRSC has a vision of making roads safe in Nigeria.

Road transportation plays a very important role in the socio-economic development of Nigeria, but like other developing economies of the world,the national efforts of economic development are being thwarted by threats of auto crashes, most of which are caused by human factors.

Auto crashes and fatalities have become a common sight on our highways and cities.

The waste of human and material values which generally characterises accidents constitute a great deal of problems/ concern to the employer,” he said.

He noted that road safety is a shared responsibility which is better achieved when all the key groups share a culture of road safety. “Road users must take responsibility for complying with traffic laws and engaging in safe road behaviors/ culture. Unfortunately, this level of commitment is yet to be achieved.

Accidents are predictable and very few indeed are the

Scene of an auto crash: … FRSC/PMT partnership moves to check such occurrences fault of either the road or the vehicle. In most cases, it has been found that the causes of the road traffic accidents were due to ‘human error’ or in other words, ‘the driver failed to cope with the situation which confronted him,” he said.

Olawoyin said the training

ROVING CAMERA

Man must eat! Roadside food vendors at Oshodi making brisk business. Pic: Bunmi Azeez

was put together to enable PMT drivers drive to such acceptable standard that they cannot be criticised or faulted by others. He urged them to set an example and gain the respect and cooperation of other drivers and the general public.

“In addition to driving to

high standard, PMT drivers must exercise restraint, patience, tolerance, discipline and show consideration towards other road users and most importantly drive at all times to the recommendations of highway code” the Sector Commander said.

The Managing Director/ CEO of PMT, Dr. Samuel Onyishi said the company is determined to ensure the safety of its passengers.

“We equally have an inhouse safety department that ensures the continuous training and re-training of our drivers,” the MD who was represented by the General Manager, Mr Sylvanus Ozioko said.

He advised drivers to always desist from claiming right of way. “Drive in such a manner that you will be alive to claim your rights. The idea of defensive driving is to ensure that you are alive. You must not insist on your right of way when you know that your life is at stake,” he advised.

Continuing, Onyishi said; “We are bent on eliminating the human factors in road accidents among our drivers.

We will continue to remind our drivers of the need to imbibe these driving ethics so that safety consciousness will always be in them”.

PMT, he said, is the first mass transit company in the country to introduce Speed Control Device, SCD, in all its mini-vans.

Vanguard, FRDAY DECEMBER 19, 2014 — 21

From left: Mr Thomas Imokhai,Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Standard Alliance Insurance Plc; Mrs Agnes Okiemute Umukoro, Company Secretary; Alhaji Aliyi Yahya Sa'ad, Chairman and Olorogun O'tega Emerhor, Vice Chairman at the 18th Annual General Meeting of Standard Alliance Insurance Plc in Lagos. PHOTO: AKEEM SALAU.

Nigeria can generate N1.7trn from LP gas initiative — Minister

By Emmanuel Elebeke

A

BUJA: Minister of National Planning, Abubakar Sulaiman, says Nigeria can generate about $10.38 billion (N1.7 trillion), if 50 per cent of the current kerosene users in Nigeria switch over to Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG by 2018.

Sulaiman stated this in Abuja, at the inauguration of the InterMinisterial Committee on Kerosene to

Gas Initiative in Nigeria: The Indonesian Model.

The Inter ministerial Committee is expected to discuss the possibility of replicating the Indonesian model of kerosene to LP Gas in Nigeria.

The Minister, who was represented at the inauguration by the Acting Secretary to the Commission, Bassey Akpanyung explained that the adoption of the Indonesian model of kerosene to LP Gas initiative in Nigeria will greatly

promote the wide usage of LPG over Kerosene, thereby boosting the economic activities. “ Without doubt a vibrant LPG market in Nigeria will create a ripple effect that will translate into employment generation for the people, revenue generation for government, more demand for cylinders at all levels in the market, more business for SMEs, environment benefits as well as carbon credit earnings” He said.

He noted that “Globally, it is a well known fact that domestic LP Gas is a well accepted and long established source of energy for cooking but unfortunately it is still among the least used in the Nigeria’s household energy mix’’.

The Minister also added that, Nigeria has a proven reserve of 180 tcf of Natural Gas and is ranked 8th among countries with the largest proven Natural Gas deposits in the world, producing an average of 3.2 Million Metric Tonnes of LP Gas annually.

He lamented that despite the availability of LP Gas over other domestic fuel such as; kerosene, firewood, sawdust, charcoal, electricity etc, 90 percent of Nigeria’s household use firewood and kerosene (sources of carbon emission) as cooking fuel, pointing out that only about five percent of the population of over 160 million people use LP Gas. Giving highlight on the advantages of the product, Dr Sulaiman said “the LPG is a product of crude oil refining and natural gas production consisting of two hydrocarbon gases: propane and butane.

LP Gas is clean, portable, efficient, convenient and safe when used appropriately. It has relatively low emissions and can be used virtually everywhere ranging from household, commercial, industrial and transportation energy applications”.

He then tasked the committee to thoroughly examine the need for the adoption and implementation of the Indonesian model in Nigeria as a way of deepening economic growth and also come up with recommendations which will be studied and forwarded to higher authorities for further necessary actions.

On the other hand, the Nigerian Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association which is the Umbrella body of all stakeholders in LP Gas in Nigeria, has called for mass sensitization of the public in using LP Gas and also insist on enforcement of standards of cylinders to be distributed to the targeted group.

Mentoring programme can curb unemployment, says LCCI

By Naomi Uzor

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he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, has said that mentoring programs can help curb the high level of unemployment in Nigeria.

Speaking at the graduation of mentees on LCCI mentoring program, the President of LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello, who spoke through the Director General, LCCI, Mr. Muda Yusuf, said one of the major problem Nigeria has, has a lot to do with unemployment and security, as most of the people who are unemployed, have the tendencies of getting involved in illegal activities.

“We should begin to think of what we can do for ourselves, it is good to start something, no matter how small and the LCCI is committed to the mentoring program initiative, we know that marketing is not cheap, but when you get yourself involved in something productive and lucrative, automatically, the unemployment level in Nigeria will drop and the chamber always creates opportunities for our grandunds to showcase their products” he stated.

According to him, the whole idea is to develop the capacity of young Nigerians to be self employed and to promote the culture of entrepreneurship among the young people, adding that, it is one thing to have the technical knowledge about a business,

C M Y K

and another thing to share your experience with others.

“That is where the concept of mentoring comes in, and what we do is that we match these people with experienced people who are members of the chamber and have been in the business for a long time so that they can share their experiences with them on how best to do business, what are the risks in business, how to manage these risks, and how best to go about it. We also give them free stand at the Lagos international trade fair to showcase their products. It has brought a lot of value to them and this program has been on for two years and many of them are already up and doing” he said.

He noted that some of the mentees already have experience but can not be compared with those who have been in the business over the years.

“Some of them already have experience but you can’t beat the experience, or the wisdom of people that have long been in the business before you, the members of the chamber that they were matched with, are people that have experience of over twenty to thirty years and the idea of mentoring has brought a lot of exposure to their business.

We are in partnership with the regulatory bodies; we need to let them know that these are people new in business and that they are upcoming business people and needs to be carried along” he said.

$174.1 -$3.55 $2,914.00$41.00

$14.76 -$0.2

$60.01-$1.05 $56.28+$0.37

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

167 261.4552 207.5142 172.7348 1.4049 0.2979 243.7038 26.9737 44.4918 27.8938 244.4379

CENTRAL 167.5 168 262.238 263.0208 208.1355 208.7568 173.252 173.7691 1.4091 1.4133 0.3079 0.3179 244.4334 245.1631 27.055 27.1362 44.625 44.7582 27.9773 28.0608 245.1698 245.9016

CBN Exchange Rate as 17/12/2014

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

May & Baker certification opens opportunity for healthcare sector

By Peter Egwuatu

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Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu being presented with certificate of Ambassadorship by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Schools Agriculture Programme (NSAP), Dr. Baraka Sani at Heirs Holdings Office, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Unity Bank, Seplat to join NSE 30 Index

By Nkiruka Nnorom

U

nity Bank Plc, Seplat Petroleum and Sterling Bank Plc are among the stocks that have been penciled down by the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, to join its NSE 30 Index as it finalizes end of year review of the Index.

The composition of the review, which is expected to take effect on January 1, 2015, will also see 7-Up Bottling Co. Plc and Mobil Oil Plc included on the Index, while Total Nig. Plc, Glaxosmithkline, Fidelity Bank, Ashaka Cement and FCMB will be removed.

On the NSE 50 Index, Seplat Petroleum, Beta Glass Co. Plc, Caverton Offshore Support Group and Ikeja Hotels will be included, while Wapic Insurance, Continental Reinsurance, MRS Oil Nig. Plc and Cement Company of Northern Nigeria, CCNN, will be removed.

Also to be reviewed are the five sectoral indices, which include NSE Consumer Goods Index, NSE Banking Index, NSE Insurance Index, NSE Oil & Gas Index and NSE Industrial Index.

The indices are developed using the market capitalization methodology and are

rebalanced on a biannual basis on the first business day in January and in July.

In a statement, the Index Committee explained, the NSE30, NSE-50 and NSE Industrial Indices are modified market capitalization index with the numbers of included stocks fixed at 30, 50 and 10, respectively. The numbers of included stocks in the NSEConsumer Goods, Banking, Insurance and Oil/Gas Indices

are 15, 10, 15 and seven, respectively.

The committee added that the stocks are picked based on their market capitalization from the most liquid sectors.

The liquidity is based on the number of times the stock is traded during the preceding two quarters. To be included, the stock must be traded for at least 70 percent of the number of times the market opened for business.

he recent certification of May & Baker Nigeria’s production processes to be of World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) opens a vast opportunity for companies in the healthcare sector.

May & Baker Nigeria Plc achieved a milestone recently with the issuance of Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP)’ certificate of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to the healthcare company.

The first pharmaceutical company quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE to be certified by the International Standard Organisation (ISO), the CGMP was another pacesetting achievement by the healthcare company.

The CGMP affirms that May & Baker Nigeria is a pharmaceutical manufacturing company with adequate facilities and processes that meet global standards. The announcement, which was formally communicated to May

Stanbic IBTC partners ICAN to introduce interest free credit card

S

By Nkiruka Nnorom

TANBIC IBTC Bank in conjunction with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has introduced a new credit card in the financial system that will allow financial members of ICAN to access interest-free loan from the bank.

The initiative is the first of its kind where a professional

Skye Bank partners MoneyGram to launch outbound service

S

kye Bank Plc, one of MoneyGram’s top agents in Nigeria, has extended its relationship with MoneyGram by launching an outbound remittance service in Nigeria.

With the launch of the product, customers and other Nigerians can now send money to their family members and wards abroad. Up until now, Nigeria was a Receive- only country and consumers in Nigeria could only receive funds sent from abroad through the MoneyGram money transfer service.

According to Skye Bank, the partnership is significant to both MoneyGram and Skye Bank business, because it enables customers to send funds from

Nigeria to family and friends around the globe in Naira at all Skye Bank branches which can then be picked up by the beneficiary in the currency of the receiving country.

The MoneyGram outbound service is available across all Skye Banks 240+ branches in Nigeria. Prompt and efficient MoneyGram transfer services can also be accessed in its 50 dedicated money transfer centers across its network including key locations like Niger House, Marina Lagos; Benin, Ibadan and Enugu.

MoneyGram is focused on growing its presence in Africa through strategic relationships with agents like Skye Bank.

& Baker Nigeria recently by the world health ruling body, caps a deliberate and sustained effort by the company to seek international accreditation and certification for its production processes and products.

The road to the WHO GMP certification began as far back as 2008 when May & Baker commenced the construction of a world class manufacturing facility at Ota, Ogun State. The facility, which was commissioned in 2011 by President Goodluck Jonathan, was designed to meet all requirements of international pharmaceutical manufacturing best practice, from civil works to equipment installations, quality assurance, input supply and production processes.

In a recent review, Managing Director, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okafor, said the company needs new equity funds to support the long-term growth of its business and reduce the high cost of fund, which has been constraining its profit in recent years.

Outbound remittances are a very important part of economic growth and financial inclusion in Nigeria and across Africa, and we look forward to supporting the country ’s development.

“As Nigeria continues to position itself as an exciting market for growth, the provision of sound, safe and relevant financial services is imperative to ensure the country continues its rapid development. Skye Bank is very pleased with the strategic partnership with MoneyGram and we will work together to sustain and strengthen Nigeria’s financial linkages,” the bank said in a statement.

institute in Nigeria will partner with a bank to provide credit facility through a world acclaimed vehicle – credit card- to its members.

The card will also allow fellows and associates of ICAN who are up-to-date financial members of the institute to access 55 day interest-free credit of up to N400,000 (Four hundred thousand Naira) and N120,000 (One hundred and twenty thousand Naira only) respectively from Stanbic IBTC Bank.

The credit, according to the bank, could be accessed without collateral security.

Speaking at the unveiling of the card in Lagos, Mr. Obinnia Abajue, Executive Director, Personal and Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC, explained that participation for ICAN members is optional, while assuring that the bank is well positioned to ensure that interested people have seamless access to the product.

“In partnering with ICAN to make the card available to its members, it is important to recognize that the president and the council in their forward looking manner have differentiated the institute from all others in terms of services that is provided to its members."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014 — 23

By Jimoh Babatunde

I

T is not uncommon to see many Nigerian youths hawking different items on our major streets. Most of these youths migrated to the cities in search of what to do since they do not want to end up like most of their parents doing rigorous work on their farms and little to show for it.

To them farming is debasing and a license to poverty, having seen their aging parents go through the traumatic experience of farming using basic equipment, these young people opt to settle in urban areas in search of employment.

Jobs for young people To many scholars, fast-growing economies that can cut poverty and create meaningful jobs, particularly for youths, require political will from leaders and huge injections of investment in agriculture.

This thinking might have informed the position of the Nigerian Government in making the Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP) a cornerstone of its Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA).

YEAP, according to the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, will develop a new cadre of 740,000 market-oriented young agricultural producers in rural areas. “These will be school leavers and rural youth leaders and there will be 20,000 of them per state of the federation.

“YEAP will also develop 18,500 university graduates who will be formed into young agribusiness entrepreneurs called “nagropreneurs”. They will develop businesses along the entire agricultural value chains, from the farm, storage, processing and value addition, financial services and logistics.

Schools initiative Together with the presidential schools initiative, we will connect the young school children in agriculture to the Nagropreneurs, and they will grow to become the new millionaires and billionaires of Nigeria.

Adesina said the youths will be supported to have access to technical, entrepreneurial, finance, business and marketing skills. “They will also be provided with access to land and linked to major agribusinesses to provide markets and mentorship. We will work with all the States across the Federation to unleash the passion, drive and entrepreneurship of our youth for agriculture.”

Sometimes last year, President Goodluck Jonathan unveiled the N37billion YEAP project to assist the Nagropreneurs and with a promise to have a nationwide rollout and a commitment of the funds this year.

President Jonathan also gave support to the ministry of Agriculture to set up an innovative agriculture-focused investment

FG entices youths to agriculture with YEAP, FAFIN

•President Goodluck Jonathan testing an earpiece he got as a sovenir from Nagropeneur Ambassador, Oladapo Oyebanjo a.k.a. D’Banj while Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (2right); Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Agriculture, Dr. Baraka Sani (right) and other Nagopreneurs applauded during the launch of the Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme and the Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria at the Presidential Villa Conference Centre, Aso Rock, Abuja. fund that will provide tailored capital and technical assistance solutions to commercially- viable SMES. The Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria (FAFIN) was launched along with the Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP) a at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday.

Before the launch, some beneficiaries of the YEAP/FIFAN programmes commended the government for creating access to finance needed in pushing their agribusiness to a new height.

Mosunmola Umoru informed the gathering how she started her snail farm at the back of her grandmother’s compound, but

today, she has a farm spanning over 25 hectares in Ogun state.

While urging other Nigerian youths to coming into farming, she said “people ask me every day, how a young lady could be a farmer? I tell them, this is what a farmer should look like, cool, beautiful and intelligent.”

Another young farmer and a former banker, Samuel Ayinde , who uses the green house system for the production of high yielding fresh vegetable like tomatoes and cucumber among others, disclosed how being a farmer has made him an employer as he now supplies his products to major departmental stores and hotels in the country.

Evelyn Onyewushi from the

IITA Youth Agripreneurs spoke on how a group of young graduates involved in agribusiness, with the aim of being a unit that would serve as a model to other young people are doing well.

Reacting to their testimonies and that of other youths, President Goodluck Jonathan said he was seeing a great future of green economy that would be powered by young people.

“I see a future of a more dynamic commercial agricultural sector; a future where agriculture becomes Nigeria’s new oil,” he said.

Jonathan called on the Nigerian music and movie industries to take advantage of their large audience base to change their narrative and imagery around

agriculture.

He urged them to start showcasing younger commercial farmers and agribusinesses to “make agriculture cool” and attractive to young people.

President Jonathan noted that since he assumed office that he has worked with great determination to reverse the scourge of youth unemployment in the country.

“That is why the Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP) is very dear to me. Its overall goal is to contribute to food security and nutrition, rural income generation and improved livelihood for young people of our dear country.”

Jonathan explained that under FAFIN, at least $100 million would be deployed towards providing affordable long-term financing to support the development of small and medium agribusinesses in the country.

He thanked the Ministry of Finance, KFW Development Bank, the German Development Bank, the Nigerian Sovereign investment Authority (NSIA) and other contributors to FAFIN. President Jonathan described YEAP and FAFIN as landmark initiatives of his administration that would fasttrack the agricultural transformation process.

While noting that his government foresaw the falling price of crude oil which informed the launch of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA),designed to diversifythecountry’s revenue base ,three years ago .

Jonathan stated that the government’s massive food production efforts under the ATA had yielded 21 million tonnes of food that had created a buffer to mitigate the impact of the oil price volatility on the economy.

FG assures POFON on tackling illegality at FTZs

T

By Gabriel Ewepu

HE Ministry of Agriculture has promised to protect the businesses of oil palm plantation owners in the country from the activities of those using the Free Trade Zones to carry out illegal businesses.

Speaking while receiving Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria (POFON) in his office recently, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said “We will focus on the protection of your investment on oil palm plantation. The Free Trade Zone is meant for export and not to re-export into Nigeria via companies in the FTZs.” Adesina also decried the level of economic sabotage by some companies who have capitalised on poor monitoring

at the FTZs, which defeats objectives establishing the FTZs, and described it as unacceptable by government.

“I have raised this matter at the Federal Executive Council meeting and Mr. President is aware of it and he is concerned about it. We cannot have a situation where some people take advantage of loose monitoring as regards to the issue of regulation. I will assure you (POFON) that I am going to raise this issue formally and also discuss with my colleague Ministers.”

The Minister also expressed optimism over the production capacity of the country’s oil palm industry, saying it has the potential to sustain the demand and also urged players in the industry to step up local production of Crude Oil Palm

(CPO) to add value to the economy.“There is no doubt in my mind that you people have huge investments and pay tax and by the space of four years Nigeria will be totally be self-sufficient in oil palm production but we will not get there under this mess. What I am saying is that times have changed and everything has to change.

“So we want all hands to be on deck to position and diversify the economy, and clearly the palm oil industry subsector is a big one that can help to do that, but that will require plantations and not refined oil.

“You should also increase the local production of crude palm oil because that is also important. We will continue support your companies,” he stated.

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

NIMASA spends N20bn on Seafarers’ programme

By Godfrey Bivbere

T

HE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, said that it has spent over N20 billion on the Nigeria Seafarers D e v e l o p m e n t Programme, NSDP. Director General of the agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi disclosed this at a press brifing, saying the money was spent on on school fees, feeding allowances and laptops.

He said that the Agency will collate how much has been spent so far as the next batch of school fees are due to be paid in January.

According to him, “Conservatively, without looking at the records, what we have spent from 2011 to 2015 when we pay the next school fees, cannot be less than N20 billion.

Over 2,500 Nigerians have benefited or are currently enjoying various levels of sponsorship in schools in the United Kingdom, Egypt, Romania, India and Philippines under the NSDP. The scheme has so far graduated 74 beneficiaries from three institutions namely; John Moores University, Liverpool and South Tyndale College, Newcastle both in the United Kingdom, UK, as well as the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Alexandria, Egypt.

NIMASA initiated the NSDP scheme in 2008, which is aimed at producing qualified Nigerian merchant Navy officers and ratings by sponsoring their training abroad in nautical science, marine engineering and naval architecture amongst others, up to degree level.

The programme is designed to radically increase Nigerian capacity in seafaring, from which the Philippines realize over $6 billion dollars in remittances annually.

NSDP currently has about 2,500 trainee cadets out of which over 2000 are fully sponsored by NIMASA. The other 355

cadets are being cosponsored with the Agency by 15 state governments of the Federation on a 60:40 percent arrangement.

Efforts to get the 36 states of the federation to key into NSDP have been largely unsuccessful. Most of the states in the Niger Delta region refused to support the programme. This failure by states compelled NIMASA to solely take up the sponsorship. The Agency said its mission is to create composite manpower today and tomorrow, to handle Nigeria’s cabotage trade and to export seafarers to every part of the world, such as the situation of Philippines, South Korea and other maritime nations.

BRIEFING: From left: Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Obi

Callistus Nwabueze and Director General, NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi during a press briefing in Lagos.

Ibaka deep sea port relocated to new site

By Godfrey Bivbere & Olaitan Ayoola

T

HE proposed Ibaka deep sea port, Akwa Ibom, has been relocated to Ibeno Local Government Area, while the name has been changed to Ibom from Ibaka.

Vanguard gathered that the project analysis done by a foreign consultant and Transaction Advisers, FELAC Concept and Marine and Transport Business Solutions, MTBS, of Netherlands, showed that the port project would not be commercially viable if sited at Ibaka due to its long distance from the sea..

A source close to the Ministerial Steering and Delivery Committee for the port who spoke to Vanguard, explained that the project had to be moved initially to Okposo. The source further noted that the same problem of distance from the sea as well as the dense population, made it non-viable.

The source said that the soil analysis on Okposo showed that the earth there is marshy which would further drive up the cost of construction should it be sited there.

The source pointed out that the project had to be moved again to the third site at Ibeno Local Government Area and the

name had to be changed from Ibaka to Ibom, like all other projects of the state to give it a state colouration.

The distance from the new site to the sea is about 20 nautical kilometres and also it is closer to the connecting expressway for quick evacuation of consignments from the port at completion, the source disclosed.

The source also said that the area is less populated, making compensation for displaced persons easy, as well as making the new site for the project commercially viable.

The transport ministry source said that one of the major challenges faced by the committee at the new site was the presence of under-ground oil pipelines.

The source explained that the Committee held several meetings with the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, National Petroleum Investment Management Services, NAPIMS, and the various oil companies on how to work around the pipelines.

The oil companies agreed to relocate some of the pipelines that were no longer active away from the area to aid quick construction of the port.

The source explained that construction work on the project is expected to commence sometime next year on a Public, Private Partnership.

It added that a few little details left on the part of government

would soon be taken care of for construction work to commence.

On financing, the source disclosed that the private sector is expected to have 60 percent while the Federal and state governments are expected to hold 20

percent each. According to the source, “No government can fund a port project but it can only be achieved through a Public/Private sector partnership.”

Shippers Council, NPA, MAN bosses nominated for award

By Olaitan Ayoola

E

XECUTIVE Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, Hassan Bello, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Habib Abdullahi; Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Oron, Joshua Okpo, and Managing Director of Starsz Investment Company Limited, Greg Ogbeifun, have been nominated for the Maritime Industry Merit Awards (MIMA).

Organisers of the awards, Maritime Media Ltd, MML, publishers of Shipping World Magazine, noted that the award is aimed at recognising and rewarding the contribution of operators in the industry.

MML Chief Executive Officer, Asu Beks, in a statement made available

to Vanguard, called on stakeholders in the industry and the general public to vote for their Maritime man of the year. Bello’s nomination follows the Council’s latest status as Port Economic Regulator under the NSC’s bosses administration which has taken centre-stage to become the rallying point for Nigerian Shippers who ordinarily have been at the mercy of shipping lines and terminal operators.

Joshua, Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, who is described as an unassuming gentleman and astute administrator has been nominated for his prudent administration of funds allocated to the Academy; and his genuine commitment to the transformation of the Academy from a glorified secondary school to a worldclass maritime training institution.

Managing Director of NPA, NPA, Habib Abdullahi, is nominated for initiating several far-reaching reforms in the Ports Authority which majorly centered on the introduction of electronic platforms to increase efficiency, eliminate human interface and by extension and increase in cargo throughput and revenue generated.

Chief Executive Officer, Starsz Investment Company Limited, on his part is nominated as the owner of Nigeria’s first indigenously operated shipyard facility has continuously set the pace for dry dock services among other vessel maintenance activities in the West and Central Africa region.

The organisers called on maritime stakeholders and general public to vote for the nominee of their choice.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014—25

By Jimoh Babatunde

F

OR tourism to eventu ally take its rightful place and compete favourably at the international level, the issue of manpower training, retraining and development of the workforce must be taken very seriously.

The Director General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Mrs. Chika Balogun, made this assertion during the Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders summit organized by her institute in Abuja during the week.

She said as a way of providing a platform for human capital development in the hospitality and tourism industry that the institute will come up with a new training curriculum just as they have plan for online courses.

“I think we need to get people who have technical knowhow in writing tourism curriculum to review what we already have and to review it to suit our template. Sometimes, you borrow from overseas; it might work for them but not for us.

Chika Balogun added “We are planning to go online with some of our programs, as some people are challenged from finding time out of work to taking other hours of lectures, but if it is online, you will find a lot of people even for one hour every night log and are able to do what they want to do.”

So in the first six months of next year, we will have a complete curriculum. I gave them a time line that by July we should be able to put up an advert that we now have a new curriculum. So we are hopeful that this is achievable and also get the online running.”

Chika Balogun, while

Our plans for development of tourism manpower — DG NIHOTOUR commending the products of the institute, said her job as the CEO is to find the diamond and gold in the institute and marry them with experts who know hospitality and tourism better than they are presently.

“My staff needs to be retrained; we will get resource persons from the best training institutes all over the world. We already have a MoU with Utali College in Kenya and that will be looked into again.”

Speaking on the level of training equipment at the institute’s training schools, she said they are not as bad as people think, “my mind tells me that the people don’t just know how to use them and so dumped them somewhere. I saw in one of the schools in-

Intercontinental promises authentic Xmas break

I

nterContinental Lagos Ho tel has promised its guest and customers all the be s st thi ngs about Christmas New Year with the festive themed feast and indulgen and t treats.

The Hotel’s PR Manag er, that Spa InterContinental Ronke Bamisedun, disclosed ha couple’s package. “Be spo s created a once in a lifetime ilt by a full two-and-a-ha lf hours of perfectly designed the rapy sauna & steam bath, his-an for couple: a private aromatic d-hers silk body scrubs an d body masks, facials and body massages.

While urging customers to turn the festive season festive break, Bamisedun into a said couples can experien ce true relaxation as the year wi nds down, for just a little amount.

“Christmas only comes on created a choice of memo ce a year. That’s why we’ve rable dining experiences ward the senses. On off to reer during this period is a truly magical dining experien ce which includes a Tra ditional Christmas Eve buffet in all our restaurants.

“There’s nothing like a Ne w Year at InterContinen tal Lagos. So join us for a joy ous celebration of the Ne w Year, combined with delectab le choices of menus an d ex ences including a New Year countdown under the peristars at Ariya Terrace.”

C M Y K

dustrial mixer that was dumped.”

NIHOTOUR, she said, will acquire a state of the art training hotel with travel/tour operational services for trainees to acquire hands-on-skills, she said funding might be a problem but quickly added that they don’t need to rely on government all the time.

“We must be able to look inward on what to do to generate income and from there begin to repair or buy some of the equipment we need to get. We will also partner with private sector and also look for grants.“ Mrs. Chika Balogun explained that the essence of the summit was to engage with the private sector and other stakeholders in the tourism in-

dustry; re-evaluate training policy as it affects the industry and seek to clearly define NIHOTOUR roles and objective in the development of manpower training programmes for management and work force in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry.

“I do believe in engagement, in any business, communication and engagement is critical. Since I came I have not had the opportunity to meet a large number of the stakeholder.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Edem Duke, has charged stake-holders in the tourism industry not to take the backstage in public discourse as he urged them to form advocacy group.

He said when multiple taxation was the issue in India, the stakeholders got together to determine the election of those who will run the tourism industry, “we must not take the backstage here too and say we are frustrated by the different tiers of governments in the country.”

The Tourism Minister said they should come together to make government pay attention to their plights saying that the gathering at the summit must kick start a new beginning in the industry.

He also used the occasion to call for the establishment of a National Bureau for Conventions in Nigeria, “there is nowhere in the world where they don’t have one.”

SUMMIT: Chief Edem Duke, Tourism Minister; Kanayo O. Kanayo, Chairman, Board of Directors NIHOTOUR; Val Ozigbo, MD Transcorp Hotels a guest ,and Mrs. Chika Balogun, DG NIHOTOUR at the Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders Summit organised by NIHOTOUR in Abuja.

Twitter moves the train with Calabar carnival

A

s this year’s Calabar festival climaxes next week with the Calabar carnival, people from all the corners of the world will be able to follow it on twitter with the Hashtagged “#Calabarfestival2014 #CelebrationTime #1stDryRun. According to the organisers, this year’s Calabar Festival, promises to be best in terms of packaging, organization and security.

“This year’s festival promises to be another 32 days of non-stop entertainment, anchored

by Africa’s biggest street party, Carnival Calabar”. “Adequate security has been put in place to ensure a hitch-free celebration and we guarantee that the ‘green, clean & serene’ ambiance of the city will be maintained”.

The programme of the annual event released by the committee in charge of tourism and cul-

tural activities include Carnival Calabar football competition, Passion 4; Carnival Calabar Queen Pageant grand finale; Music performances from both local and international artists and Christmas village among other activities.

The first choice Carnival in Nigeria and the biggest self-sustaining socio-cultural event in Africa came alive at the Streets of Calabar on November 30th, 2014, as the annual tree lighting ceremony of #CalabarFestival2014 was declared open with theme #Celebration Time by deputy governor, Efio Cobham @EfiokCobham on twitter. It is Africa world-class street party compared to likes of Notting Hill carnival and Rio De Janeiro Carnival in Brazil.

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

I N S I D E

Why Bankole can't challenge Ogun PDP gov primaries — Isiaka

Rough season for female political aspirants in C/River

Why we went for Akala to remove Ajimobi — Ajulo LP scribe

APC: Divergent sounds over choice of running mate THE emergence of Prof Yemi Osibajo as the vice presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, came as a mixed bag to a lot of people.

By Dapo Akinrefon & Charles Kumolu

C

OMING tops out of other names that have been touted as possible running mates to Gen Mohammadu Buhari, his nomination is one development that has taken the political scene by storm.

But for those, who may have been responsible for his pairing with Buhari, the reactions trailing the emergence are hardly unanimous on what it portends for the APC. While the former Attorney General of Lagos State comes across as someone of with an impeccable pedigree and with little or no baggage, some see him as a political neophyte whose electoral value is in doubt.

This feeling cuts across party lines, ethnic and religious inclinations.

Religious inclinations The rationale given by Buhari, who many believe hardly had any input into the choice of the law professor, has not stopped the mixed reaction over what the decision holds for the APC. Buhari had explained that he chose Osinbajo as his running mate based on his impeccable integrity.

He stated that the process of choosing his running mate was both meticulous and rigorous.

“The challenging process of rescuing our country and changing Nigeria for good has commenced. One of the first decisions that I have to make is the choice of the Vice-Presidential candidate and my running mate.

“The method employed in this choice was quite meticulous but yet rigorous. It involved the establishment of objective criteria, broad consultations with party

leaders and a few opinion leaders outside the party and interactions with a number of nominees.

Bad choice — Shettima, Northern youth leader Picking holes in the reasons given for Osinbajo’s choice, president of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shetima described the choice as a wrong one.

Shettima, who told Vanguard that the choice was an unfortunate one, said “the wish of the people was that the APC was going to be a strong opposition to the PDP but to my surprise, the choice of Osinbajo is a departure from what we expected. When you have the likes of Fashola, Oshiomhole and Rochas Okorocha, they went ahead to pick an unpopular candidate.”

In his argument, the Arewa youth leader said “the only thing I can remember Osinbajo for is that he was Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Lagos state during the administration of Bola Tinubu.”

He also opined that “It is a total failure and I am sure the choice

Buhari had explained that he chose Osinbajo as his running mate based on his impeccable integrity

•Osibajo: APC Vice Presidential candidate of Osinbajo is not the choice of Buhari, he was foisted on Buhari due to certain reasons best known to them. I am sure Buhari would never agree to this kind of choice. It is so unfortunate that at a time we’re looking towards having a better country, the APC is trying to miss that mark. The APC has lost our support.”

APC is free to make its choice — Balarabe Musa For Second Republic governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, “the APC is free to choose whoever they like. I am not in the APC and so, it is not relevant to me.”

On his part, a chieftain of PanYoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo when asked to comment on the choice of Osinbajo said “that is their party.

They have chosen somebody they believe can help them win the elections.”

Senator Bukola Saraki was, however, supportive saying that Osinbajo will add value to the ticket.

“The emergence of Professor Yemi Osinbajo - a Professor of Law; a well-ranked academician; a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN); and a committed Pastor

of unquestionable integrity from South-West Nigeria further attests to the commitment of the All Progressive Congress to fairness and equality.”

While congratulating the party leaders and notably Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for stepping down his ambition, Senator Saraki said: “I use this opportunity to congratulate all party stakeholders most especially the Presidential Candidate for the success of the process in the selection of the Vice-Presidential candidate; this process has once again demonstrated to Nigerians the preparedness of APC to run an efficient and transperent government putting to shame those that have said the party was made up of people with personal ambitions.”

Personal ambitions The Lagos State chapter of the APC was also effusive in its commendation of the nomination saying that he would add weight to the collective effort to stop the PDP. “Prof. Osibajo is a deep intellectual, a revered Christian pastor, a revered professor of law,

a redoubtable lawyer and a technocrat who compliments the stellar records of General Buhari.

He will be coming into governance with the wealth of experience he had gathered in the Public Service as former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos, who did creditably well in reforming the justice system in Lagos, to make it a pace setter in judicial dispensation in Nigeria today. His commitment to the return of Nigeria to the paths of legality, sanity and judicial is legendary and the country will benefit from this.”

“While we express our joy and those of other Nigerians in this excellent choice, we urge Nigerians, who have been yearning for change to start working for that change, as this great opportunity has presented itself. We urge Nigerians to start the process of mobilizing the abused, cheated, victimized Nigerians for the great change of 2015 which will rescue Nigeria from the clutches of bad governance, deeply entrenched corruption and cluelessness that have combined to wreck a well endowed country today.”

"We congratulate Prof. Osibajo, Continues on page 27

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014—27

Why Bankole can't challenge Ogun PDP gov primaries — Isiaka •I never took oath before OGD or Kashamu PRINCE Nasir Gboyega Isiaka who won the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries in Ogun State in this interview dismissed the insinuation that the former Speaker, House of Representatives Mr. Dimeji Bankole is contesting his victory at the primaries and blamed the opposition for trying to create crisis in the party. Excerpts:

By Adeleke Adeseri & Dapo Akinrefon

W

HY the controversy after the primaries and contradicting reports from the National Secretariat of the party?

The fact is that there is no much controversy about the primaries of the PDP in Ogun State, but we have to acknowledge the fact that the opposition party is trying to ignite controversy. Yes, in the contest of this nature, there are some people that will think it should go their way, but that is the beauty of democracy, minority will have their say but the majority will have their way.

I think in this particular case, we had the primary on the 8th of December, out of over 800 votes, I scored over 750, about 82% of the vote cast to defeat my opponent who scored 151 votes and I was declared the winner.

For me, after the primary, the other process has started which is to look forward to the election and how to organise ourselves to win it, any other thing outside this are normal postprimary election reactions that are expected in any democratic party like the PDP. But in this particular case, what we have is the opposition trying to play up none issues and you can

observe that they deployed the social media and if you see people talking there, they are opposition members that are afraid of the unity and the strength of the PDP now. They feel the best way to go is to generate controversy and internal rift where there is none.

But for us, the primary is lost and won, but we expect people to express their feelings and the process to take care of that is in place. We have passed the stage of primaries, and we have reached the stage to start preparing for the election. I am the candidate and there is no controversy about that.

Don’t you fear a repeat of the scenario in 2011 when you lost the ticket via court judgment?

I am not, the major difference between what happened in 2011 and now is that in 2011, there were parallel primaries which produced two candidates until court pronounced someone. Besides the party was factionalised. But in this case, there was just a single primary and it produced me as the candidate for the party, so no other person can claim that.

Also there is no faction of the PDP in Ogun State now. But some people may complain about the process and as I said, the party is big enough to deal with that.

What is your reaction to allegations that you paid N500

Resounding victory

•Isiaka million to some godfathers for the ticket and that you took oath before them?

You see, some of the drawbacks of our democracy is that, mischief, lies, and deliberate falsehoods are the order of the day; and for those who engage in these vices, all is fair in war. However, let me state emphatically that there is no iota of truth in this and it is a wicked lie from those antidemocratic elements. You should know that in a process of this nature, a keenly contested primary we just held, rumours are bound to fly around all over the place. I am not new to this type of

falsehood. I contested in 2011, and one of the things they said then was that the whole assets of Gateway Holdings and the assets of the state are in my account but events thereafter including several probes and audits are yet to trace anything to me. The truth is that nobody collected a dime from me. They do not see how anybody can be loyal to a governor or to a leader as I am to Otunba Gbenga Daniel who has never

APC: Divergent sounds over choice of running mate Continues from page 26

our great party and our country on this wonderful masterstroke and present the Buhari/Osibajo ticket as the panacea for Nigeria’s wobbling state from 2015.”

The former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi who was one of those speculated for the position was also profuse in his commendation of the choice. Fayemi in a statement yesterday described Osinbajo as a renowned teacher, legal expert, administrator and a

reform-minded technocrat, who embodies the virtues of honesty, integrity, selflessness and dedication to the overall good of the society, Fayemi said the university don remains a strategic partner to General Buhari in the onerous task of driving the change.

“Every time pundits come up with their doomsday predictions of APC’s imminent collapse, APC comes out stronger right from its founding.

The choice of Osinbajo is also

leaving us much stronger for the task ahead. I commend General Buhari and other party leaders for arriving at a choice that is bound to strengthen our ticket”, Fayemi said.

Fayemi added that regardless of what sceptics are saying the APC is set to run an issue-based campaign and carry along every segment of the society in the electoral process that would culminate in APC emerging victorious at the 2015 presidential election.

told me to take an oath of allegiance. I did not take any oath and he never asked me to do such a thing, I am someone who believes you must be loyal to your leader especially when the process is going on as expected, but immediately I felt otherwise during the process of crossing over to the PDP from the Labour Party, I had to do something else. And that put paid to lies that I took oath with OGD in the first instance.

The same thing is happening now with Prince Buruji Kashamu and there is nothing like oath taking but people cannot imagine how I moved back to the party within eight weeks and got this far.

There are a number of other people that got to the party almost at the same time like me and they won the primaries in their locations. Did they also take oaths to win? I also remember that in 2011 that Hon Dimeji Bankole, myself and several other aspirants worked together in the same faction of the party, but when Prince Buruji Kashamu won the case against us, Bankole and a few others moved to Buruji side and got the ticket, I wonder if they all took oaths.

I am convinced that if we hold election today in this state, PDP will record a resounding victory with unprecedented margin

The truth is that some people could still not understand how it happened. There is nothing like that, I did not give anybody any dime and if anybody has evidence to support the allegation that I coughed any amount to get the ticket, I will be happy to see, may be I will claim the money back. I don’t have that kind of money to put into this process and that is the truth.

Is the PDP still popular in Ogun State?

I am convinced that if we hold election today in this state, PDP will record a resounding victory with unprecedented margin, I don’t have any iota of doubt in my mind about that. And we are still getting stronger because the worst is over.

The other factor that will work for us is the inability of the present government to deliver dividends of democracy to the people. Amosun is running an ultra-elitist, rudderless and anti-people government which has disconnected him from the people. And this is very clear.

Besides, the platform he used to come to power has been divided into two and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) that came out of APC is having a chunk of their membership, therefore whatever happened to PDP in 2011 is what is happening to the APC now, so it is clear to all discerning minds that Senator Ibikunle Amosun has just six months to spend in office.

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

ONE passion that Senator Liyel Imoke, the Cross River State governor and his dear wife, Obioma, have in the past seven and a half years been doggedly committed to is the enhancement of the political and economic status of women in the state.

By Emmanuel Unah

T

HIS is seen essentially through the implementation to the 35 percent Affirmative Action, a practice whereby a sizeable percentage of the elective and appointive positions in the state are reserved for women to enable them contribute their quota to the socio-political advancement of the state.

Through this noble practice, qualified and suitable women in the state have since the assumption of the Imoke administration been accorded a fair share by being handed a reasonable number of juicy positions even in the face of stiff opposition from some men who see the Affirmative Action as a way of depriving men of their “sweat and political largesse.”

As it was in 2011 During the general elections in 2011, the governor, against all odds ensured that three women were elected into the House of Representatives. These are Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo (Odukpani), Dr Rose Oko (Ogoja/ Yala Federal Constituency) and Uduak Akiba (Calabar Municipal). This is

•Nkoyo

•Henshaw

Rough season for female political aspirants in C/River alongside the appointment of 14 women as permanent secretaries to head ministries and parastatals in the state, a number that exceeds that of the men who are just 12.

These women did very well in terms of attracting federal projects to the state and also reaching out to their constituents through skills acquisition training, financial assistance, educational scholarship, employment opportunities, housing loan scheme, etc.

It is the performance of these amazons of the state, especially those representing the state in Abuja that encouraged Mrs Imoke to prevail on her husband to ensure that a large number of

women are elected as council chairmen, councillors and supervisory councillors.

Eventually, four women got elected as helmsmen in four of the 18 local government councils in the state, 14 became vice chairmen of councils, 58 were elected as councillors while 27 became supervisory councillors.

Cross River, a role model in Affirmative Action This purposeful enhancement of the status of women, the first of its kind in the state and across the country gave the state a pride of place and centre of reference when ever women issues are mentioned in the country. The

Solution lies between PDP and APC — Bishop Isong

INSURGENCY:

PRESIDENT of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Cross River State and General Overseer of Christian Central Chapel International –CCCI, Ikot-Eneobong, Calabar, Bishop Emmah Gospel Isong is an avid follower and analyst of contemporary and political developments in Nigeria and the world. In this interaction, he speaks on why the Boko Haram insurgency is defying solutions and why the political parties must ensure internal democracy.

By Tom Moses

O

N why Boko Haram insurgents appear invincible Boko Haram has three dimensions to me which we have to look at. The first dimension is the international dimension that is global terrorism. There is a global terrorism taking place across the world, Nigeria inclusive,

•Oko

America, everywhere. There is a link with El Queda, there is a link with Yemen, there is a link with Saudi Arabia and some extremists who feel that to intimidate and shed blood is the right way to go.

There is a second dimension of Boko Haram and I call it, the religious dimension. Anybody who knows history, knows that the extreme moslems have always wished for Jihad. They

started wishing for Sharia law and many of us did not know the meaning of Sharia. It means total islamisation of a territory by allowing the rule of Islamic principles, Islamic tenets in which case, some moslems could be killed because you need to be as Islamic as they think. So, it is not only a Christianity problem because many moslems do not even know or support Jihad. A true Moslem who knows the meaning of Jihad does not support Jihad because he knows he could die any time.

By having a link with Israel, democracy, America, being westernized both in education and culture, you are antiJihadist and could be killed.

The other dimension is Continues on Page 29

state got accolades and awards and the image of the governor and his wife soared with several other states seeking to take a cue from Cross River State seen as a model.

Is the table turning?

However, the recently concluded primaries of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, seems to have turned the table against the noble recognition accorded to women in past elections. Virtually all the women, who contested the primaries for the party’s ticket lost or through some backhand method were ruefully shoved out of the race.

For instance, among the 25 House of Assembly candidates of the party, only one lady, Mrs Regina Anyogho got the ticket of the party to contest for the Yala 1 State Constituency seat and Dr Rose Oko who was elevated from the House of Representatives post to the Senate following the vacation of the position by Professor Ben Ayade, the Senator representing the Northern Senatorial District to become the governorship candidate of the PDP in the state.

Governor Imoke has always believed and demonstrated that the women should be given an opportunity to hold political office

Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, the high flying Amazon representing Odukpani/Calabar Municipality in the House of Representatives, whose efforts have been described as excellent by the governor, lost her ticket to Ntufam Etta Mbora, while Nollywood Actress, Kate Henshaw lost to Rt Hon Essien Ayi in the contest for the Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South seat in the House of Representatives.

In this seeming relegation of women or affirmative action to the background, what has bemused political watchers in the state the most is the refusal to recognise and reward the noble effort of one of the aspirants, Mrs Blessing Egbara, a respectable businesswoman in her bold effort to secure the ticket of the party to contest the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency post in the House of Representatives.

During the zonal caucus screening of aspirants, the 21member panel set up by the party to screen aspirants for the Etung/Obubra post in the National Assembly, Egbara came third among the 14 aspirants that took part in the race. She was behind Barrister Innocent Chima and Mike Etaba.

Panel report When that panel report was set aside another exercise conducted which involved voting at Jorany Hotel in Calabar she again came fourth after the name of Barrister Fabian Okpa was brought in to occupy the third position.

With ongoing squabbling and wrangling occasioned by petitions and verbal accusations the leading male politicians in the constituency, many members of the constituency believe the ideal thing would be to bring in this Amazon to give the state a female voice in the lower chamber of the National Assembly. Haven put up this spirited effort, it is only fair that women should be encouraged by being supported to actualize their dreams to serve the people.

“Governor Imoke has always believed and demonstrated that the women should be given an opportunity to hold political office but with what is happening it seems that some forces do not want him to give women recognition this time around otherwise, how come Blessing who has fought so hard cannot be given the PDP ticket considering the fact that among all the women who contested for the tickets, she was the most determined and consistent?”

Anaghe Mercy, a female PDP stalwart in Obubra, said.

Except the female voices are heard and heard soon, there is a seeming relapse to the era of the past where women could only support but not play any important role in the political affairs of the state.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014—29

remember when he started employing more workers and increased salaries the supposedly progressive party called him names and alleged that he was doing it to get votes, can you imagine that.

Secondly, Alao-Akala did not just get the Labour ticket in Oyo State on a platter of gold. It was not also a matter giving the ticket to the highest bidder. Alao-Akala worked his way rigorously and painstakingly up the ladder. He was endorsed by all those who matter in the party after a thorough check on his renewed commitment to the cause of the common man. Lastly, we also have in Akala a candidate who had been there before, he had won election before, and he was a governor and has the experience to stir the ship of a state. He has all the credentials.

Why we went for Akala to remove Ajimobi — Ajulo, LP scribe MR Kayode Ajulo is the National Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), who in this interview expresses optimism that the party will be a force to reckon with in the 2015 general elections in the country. He also explains why the party has resolved to accept aggrieved members of other political parties into its fold to actualise their ambitions. Excerpts:

By Dapo Akinrefon

H

OW prepared is LP for 2015 general election.

Our party is well prepared for 2015. Preparedness does not necessarily mean that a party must have candidate for all offices. But for us wherever we have candidates we will ensure that our performance will not disappoint Nigerians.

Let me assure Nigerians that there will be surprises. It is going to be a season for the fall of high and mighty. In 2007 we surprised the nation; we repeated the same feat in 2011 and 2012, now we are even more prepared.

In 2011, LP worked with PDP in the presidential election. Are you planning to do the same in 2015?

A party does not necessarily have to produce a presidential candidate, nor is a party not producing

candidate bound to support another party’s candidate.

The situation in 2011 is not what obtains today. Today the variables are multiple and demand even more principled approach. People who have penchant for carpet crossing have demonstrated their notoriety than before; unprincipled alliances are much more rife, and political prostitution the order of the day. So any serious party must think twice before making any move. You will surely hear from us.

Why did you adopt AlaoAkala as your candidate in Oyo State?

First and foremost, we will like to make the point clear for all those willing to lend us their ears that, Alao-Akala is not a stranger as far as Labour and the ordinary people are concerned. During his tenure

•Ajulo: Our party is well prepared for 2015 as Governor of Oyo State, he carried along the workers in the various unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

While other governors in states controlled by supposedly progressive and pro-people party placed

embargo on employment and were not ready to implement minimum wage, Akala employed more workers and did not denigrate the position of the working class.

He is more than qualified to vie for office on the platform of the Labour Party. And

How would you assess the candidature of Jonathan and Buhari for 2015 presidency?

From all indications, the 2015 presidential election is bound to be most interesting.

On the one hand we have a candidate who is a sitting president and who has been on the political field since the inception of our current democratic experiment.

Then on the other hand we have one a candidate with a well known military and dictatorial past, and who has recurrently failed to be relevant in the democratic polity.

INSURGENCY: Solution lies between PDP and APC — Bishop Isong Continues from Page 28

political. There is an equation between the APC and the PDP. Is it the APC and the PDP quarrel that is fuelling the terrorist programmes in Nassarawa, Yobe, Borno and Adamawa or is it the cause?

This is a very big question that I am putting across to you now.

You see, there is a trading of blames. PDP would say, APC is the cause of Boko Haram.

APC would say, if we take-over power, we will stop Boko Haram.

So, we should ask the PDP to explain who in APC is causing the Boko Haram insurgency since they know the answer and we should also ask the APC how come that your electoral promise is that when you take over power you will stop Boko Haram. Where is the panacea, where did you get the secret?

So, something is lacking between these two political

parties and I am not afraid to say that the answer to Boko Haram is the unsolved mystery between the PDP and the APC and if anybody can work on this theory, I think we can get something out of it.

On comments that the Presidency is not doing enough to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency The Boko Haram is a doubleedged sword for the President.

I want to speak now as a political expert and not as a Bishop. Boko Haram is a double-edged sword for President Goodluck Jonathan.

One, it helps him to promise you that he needs to be around to deal with those behind Boko Haram, which creates electoral value for him. By continuous bombing and attacking us, they are helping President Jonathan have more votes because we now say to ourselves, so, if this man is in power and it is like this, it means if this man were to leave power, they will kill all

of us. So, Boko Haram is invariably giving Jonathan electoral value.

The other edge of the sword is that it makes the international community to sympathize with the president and say, what can we do to help you?

International sympathy So, they are making him to have international sympathy and of course, you know what international sympathy does in an election time; everybody is on your side everybody is sympathizing with you.

On whether the Boko Haram insurgency has some spiritual implications I am thinking that It is an illwind against humanity and one day, the wind that came with it will blow it away but we don’t know when.

On 2015 and how to deepen

democracy in the country ahead By now, we should be talking of opinion polls, manifesto nights, conferences and such things with candidates coming out to say I am the best and what they intend to come and do for the people. But we have not seen such things, what we’ve seen is money exchanging hands.

Another thing that should be looked at is the issue of indigenization.

The constitution says if you stay in a place for up to 10 years, you are eligible to seek political office in that place. I don’t think that is applicable in this country apart from Lagos State. They will fight you and call you nonindigene whereas you’ve stayed there for 30, 50 years.

So, this non-indigene thing should be abolished. We should take a cue from America. We should open up the system and let all of us be Nigerians. And finally, we should strengthen

•Isong: Boko Haram is a doubleedged sword for the President

our internal democracy if we must sustain democracy.

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

I’m projecting N200m in sales for ‘Champagne’ — Emem Isong

...as the movie premieres Nollywood’s ace producer and scriptwriter, Emem Isong is set to release her directorial debut ‘Champagne’. The movie which was shot in South Africa and America features Majid Michel, Alex Ekubo, Mbong Amata, Tana Adelana, Padita Agu, Susan Peters, Anita Chris amongst others. ‘Champagne’ premieres & starts showing in cinemas nationwide from Friday December 19th. In this interview, she talks about the movie, her career and new found love. Excerpts.... embarked on this, it was experimental for me. I almost broke my back.

By Juliet Ebirim Why is the movie titled ‘Champagne’?

I just wanted to do something that is a bit associated with glitz and glamour, so I decided to name the lead character ‘Champagne’. There’s really nothing more to it.

Did you undergo any training in directing?

Not really, I learnt on the job and besides, I did a bit of theatre directing in the university.

I know they’re different, but I’ve worked in film for twenty years, it’s a lot of experience.

So, I decided to try my hands at directing.

Do you hope to direct subsequent movies you’ll produce yourself?

No, I don’t think that’s my strong point.

First of all, I don’t have the patience. I can’t stay in one place for a long time. I prefer to write and produce movies, I enjoy that more.

But once in a while, I will direct.

What was the experience like shooting this movie?

It wasn’t easy, I must say. It was very challenging. I don’t even know why I

Funke Akindele, Jimmy Jatt star in T.W.O’s brand new video for Omonsa

Where did the major challenge come from?

South Africa, actually. Shooting in a terrain that isn’t your comfort zone is crazy, perhaps not knowing the right people and all that. It was very challenging. Shooting in America wasn’t really a big deal, because I’ve shot some movies there before.

Why did you shoot in South Africa?

I shot there because I wanted the experience of shooting there. I just wanted something different, so my team and I decide to have fun while shooting.

Would you say directing is more challenging than producing movies?

Personally, I think so. It’s something you have to really contemplate on. Producing is about management, you have a production team and you can delegate duties. Even if you are not there, a lot can be done. Also, I won’t say writing is challenging because it’s a passion, I have a flair for it. I can write at anytime, it’s a God-given talent. I enjoyed directing, I will do

WORLD RECORD: Why Star lager built the world’s largest bottle tree

Continues on page 31

Katy Perry, Obama, Wizkid rule twitter in 2014

•Emem Isong

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014—31

Synopsis

“

I just wish we would be a bit more professional.

It’s not just the industry, but the country. We’re still cutting corners here and there

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK • • • • •

I’m projecting N200m in sales for ‘Champagne’ Continues on page 30 it again but not often.

Are we likely to see you before the camera, acting?

No, that’s a no-go area for me. I don’t think I can act and I have to tell myself the truth. I used to do stageacting though, but I’m not sure I can act.

It’s been 20 years of consistently following this career path, what are some of your high moments?

I think it’s venturing into directing, because I’ve done every other thing I wanted to do: Writing, producing, distribution and I have a training school. I want to see that I have a one-stop shop for the business that I do.

What do you find most fulfilling about what you’ve achieved?

The fact that I have a lot of people who love my movies. Some people feel that the movies I’ve done have caused some positive changes in their lives.

That makes me happy.

When I go somewhere and I hear someone say “I watch only Emem Isong’s movies”. I try to do the best that I can.

What’s your view of the Nigerian movie industry?

I just wish we would be a bit more professional. It’s not just the industry, but the country. We’re still cutting corners here and there. I know it isn’t easy, but we hope that in few years to come, we’ll be able to get that right especially in the area of distribution so that film makers can make the money they ought to.

If you could change anything in the industry, what would that be?

I would love us as a nation to be more encouraging towards the entertainment industry. I like the fact that most of us now do our thing making people appreciate us more. But distribution is still a huge problem, we need more cinemas and outlets, to be able to get these movies out.

Congratulations, you recently tied the knots with your Cameroonian husband, what was the attraction?

I don’t want to talk about this, it’s my private life.

But you’re a public figure...?

Let’s just say we met and fell in love, that’s all.

Have you guys known each other for long?

Yeah, kind of. We fell in love and decided to spend the rest of our lives together.

That’s all there is to it.

(Laughs).

What has kept you going all these years?

God’s grace and my passion for what I do. It hasn’t been easy but I love what I do. I may not be making as much money as I ought to, but if it was about the money, I would have quit a long time ago.

What are your projections for the movie ‘Champagne’ in terms of sales?

I like to be positive and optimistic. I’m projecting N200m. (Laughs). I’m hoping for the best.

C M Y K

30 DAYS IN ATLANTA INVASION 1897 BOXTROLLS MOST WANTED MAN A PLACE IN THE STARS

Movie schedule from 19th December — 25th 2014 SILVERBIRDCINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Annie : 11:45am,2:05pm,6:30pm, Champagne : 3:50pm,6:20pm Box Trolls : 2:00pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 6:05pm,10:25pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Annie : 2:55pm,6:20pm Champagne : 10:45am,3:35pm,9:15pm Box Trolls : 10:30am,2:20pm, Invasion 1897 : 10:40am 30 Days in Atlanta : 7:10pm,8:40pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC Annie : 12:00pm,2:20pm,6:50pm,9:00pm Champagne : 12:10pm,4:20pm,6:20pm,8:30pm Box Trolls : 11:00am,12:50pm,2:40pm,4:35pm Invasion 1897 : 2:50pm,6:40pm What If : 12:50pm,5:00pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 12:10pm,2:20pm,4:30pm,6:40pm,8:50pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Annie : 2:30pm,6:40pm,8:55pm Champagne : 11:15am,4:45pm Box Trolls : 10:30am, 30 Days in Atlanta : 12:25pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Annie : 6:20pm,6:35pm,8:50pm Champagne : 1:10pm,5:05pm,7:00pm,9:00pm, Box Trolls : 10:50am,12:40pm,2:30pm Invasion 1897 : 11:10am,3:05pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 11:30am,6:00pm,6:20pm,8:30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, WARRI Annie : 12:40pm,5:00pm, Champagne : 2:25pm,8:30pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 6:55pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, UYO Annie : 11:30am,1:50pm,4:10pm,6:30pm,8:50pm Champagne : 12:20pm,2:30pm,4:40pm,6:45pm,8:45pm Box Trolls : 11:30am Invasion 1897 : 2:15pm,6:15pm What If : 12:20pm,4:20pm,8:20pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 12:00pm,2:10pm,4:20pm,6:30pm,8:40pm OZONE CINEMAS SABO YABA Annie: 10:00am, 12:10am, 2:20pm, 4:30pm.

Champagne: 8:45pm Box Trolls : 11:45am, 30 Days in Atlanta : 5:15pm, 7:15pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS LAGOS Annie : 11:00am,5:45pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 2:00pm,6:20pm,7:30pm,8:30pm,10:40pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Annie : 11:50am,4:55pm Champagne : 11:50am,6:10pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 1:50pm,8:10pm,10:20pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, ENUGU Annie : 12:540pm,5:20pm Champagne : 10:50am,7:40pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 10:10am,2:20pm,9:40pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, LAGOS Annie : 12:00pm,4:10pm Invasion 1897 : 10:00am 30 Days in Atlanta : 5:55pm,10:00pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS,HERITAGE MALL, IBADAN Annie : 10:10am,12:25pm,2:00pm,7:55pm Champagne : 10:25am,2:30pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 6:30pm,8:30pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS SAMONDA Annie : 10:10am,12:40pm,2:05pm, 30 Days in Atlanta : 4:15pm,8:15pm

•Emem Isong

FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, CALABAR Annie : 10:00am, 2:15pm,6:20pm Champagne : 2:00pm,8:25pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 4:20pm,6:00pm

32 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

C M Y K

C M Y K

C M Y K

C M Y K

C M Y K

VOL. 1: NO. 5

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

NASS 2015:

Rat race begins in S'West W

ith less than 55 days to National Assembly elections, billed for February 14, 2015, political parties have already picked their standard-bearers that will contest elections into the Senate and House of Representatives, across the six states in the South-West.

Howbeit, even though candidates from the two dominant parties in the country, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC, have lined up their campaign arsenals to slug it out, other parties like the Labour Party, LP, Social Democratic Party, SDP, National Conscience Party, NCP, Accord Party, AP among others can not be underestimated, as they are also blowing hot countdown to the polls.

In this report, Vanguard examines the strengths, weaknesses, as well as the prospects of the various aspirants across the six South-West States.

By Ikenna Asomba ONDO ndo North Senatorial District Dr. Bode Olajumoke, who was was in the senate between 2007-2011, won the PDP’s primaries and will have to slug it out with the incumbent Senator Ajayi Boroffice, who was elected in 2011

O

under Labour Party but defected to the APC. Olajumoke’s strength is based on the fact that he has the backing of Governor Olusegun Mimiko and is set to bid Boroffice bye-bye to the Senate.

As for Boroffice who sent Olajumoke packing in 2011, his chances is said to be slim because his party members and leaders says he is very tight fisted.

Akure North/Akure South

Chief Tayo Alasoadura, a former Finance Commissioner for six years under the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, defeated an incumbent House of Representatives member, Hon Ifedayo Abegunde for the party’s ticket. He will slug it out with PDP’s candidate, Dare Aliu who is said not to be popular in the district.

Ondo Central Incumbent Senator Ayo Akinyelure of the PDP will slug it out with other aspirants of the APC and other parties.

His Achilles heel is said to be his widely reported blunder in supporting the controversial girl-child marriage bill.

Ondo South Senatorial district.

APC’s Barrister Morayo Lebi, a philanthropist and lawyer from Akotogbo in Irele council area of Ondo state will represent is contesting in this senatorial district.

House of Representatives Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency APC’s Lucky Aiyedatiwa is a politician

to watch in House of Representatives race. He will slug it out with PDP’s Kolade Akinjo.

Iffedore/Idanre PDP’s Bamidele Osakuade, a former Commissioner for Culture in the state wants to represent the Iffedore/Idanre Federal Constituency in the House of Representative. His choice is widely accepted by both old and new PDP leaders and supporters in the state.

Odigbo/ Ile-Oluji/ Okeigbo PDP’s Mayowa Akinfolarin, a former Deputy Speaker in the state House of Assembly is another man to watch.

OGUN As the clock ticks fast to February 14, 2015, for aspirants to contest seats into the state’s nine federal constituencies of of the House of Representatives, several lawmakers have defected to another political parties.

While five of the nine aspirants have defected to the SDP, two remained in the APC, even as the remaining two have

Continues on Page 2

IN THIS EDITION YULETIDE: When robbers give notice to Lagos residents •Page 5

How gas explosion razed 42 shops and houses in Ondo •Page 7

2014 MARE festival: Celebration of cultural heritage •Page 8

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

NASS 2015: Rat race begins in S’West Continues from page 1 dumped their parties for the PDP. Those who left the APC for SDP include: Hon.Adekunle Adeyemi who represents IfoEwekoro, Babatunde Olabode from Ado-Odo, Abiodun Abudu from Ijebu-North/Ijebu-East / Ogun Waterside and Bukunola Buraimo representing Ikenne/ Remove North /Sagamu federal constituencies. The two national assembly members who remained in APC are Hon. Segun Williams from Abeokuta South and Odeneye Olusegun from Ijebu-Ode/Odogboolu/ Ijebu-North-East. While the remaining two who are in the PDP are Abiodun Akinlade from Yewa South/Ipokia federal constituency, who dumped APC and Adewusi Rasak, who was elected on the platform of Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN, defected to PDP. In all the nine, only five members have secured their seats while the fates of the remaining four are still hanging in the balance, among whomn are Abiodun Akinlade and Razaq Adewusi.

LAGOS Lagos East The major contenders for this race are wife of Chief OwolabiSalis, a serial governorship contestant in the state, .Mrs. Olabisi Owolabi-Salis of the PDP and the incumbent, Senator Gbenga Ashafa of the APC.

Political hegemony Mrs. Owolabi-Salis major strengths is that she is said to enjoy the support of the PDP establishment in this senatorial district, which has made her promised to significantly deplete Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s political hegemony in the state, if elected. However her major undoing is said to be her relatively obscure personality and her seemingly lack of the required financial muscle to match Ashafa.

Ashafa, a former DirectorGeneral in the Ministry of Land in Lagos State, who took over from Senator Olorunnibe Mamora in 2011, on the other hand, is said to enjoy the support and backing of APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, having agreed to drop his governorship ambition in the state. But his major Achilles heel is said to be his being the least popular among the three sitting senators from the state.

Lagos Central In this district, PDP’s Mr. Ade Dosunmu, a former DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Security Agency, NIMASA, and his party ’s governorship candidate in the 2011

Ade Dosunmu

gubernatorial election in the state, will be slugging it out with Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, wife of APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

What is said to speak for Dosunmu is the fact that he was a former governorship candidate on the platform of a major political party like the PDP, the support of political gladiator like Chief Bode George, alongside the Presidency. This many believe is enough to make his political rivals shiver. However, his major weakness happens is said to be that his major opponent, Oluremi Tinubu, apart from being the incumbent senator, is also a political heavyweight and a darling of Lagos media because of her widely-reported empowerment programmes in the district.

For, Senator Oluremi Tinubu of the APC, her popularity among her constituents who are said to usually leave her monthly town hall meeting largely satisfied, coupled with her husband’s political capital, many believe would deliver the senate seat to her for the second time. However, her Achilles heel is that the PDP has been screaming at the mountain top that her husband, the source of her political relevance, is mortgaging the future of Lagosians, including the generation yet unborn, to fester his political nest. If members of her district are swayed by this, then trouble is lurking around for Madam Tinubu.

Lagos West In the Lagos West Senatorial District, PDP’s Segun Adewale, an aviation executive will be facing APC’s Hon. Solomon Yayi Adeola, who currently represents Alimosho Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Yayi’s major strength expectedly is his legislative experience and his relationship with former Governor Bola Tinubu. However, his political adversaries say he had failed to give account of his four years in the National Assembly to his constituents. This, coupled with his said limited financial

Oluremi Tinubu

resources could be his undoing.

As for Adewale of the PDP, the Chief Executive Officer of Aeroland Aviation Co., his private sector experience is expected to speak volume for him. However, political analysts opine that the fact that Adewale is a successful businessman does not mean he will do well as a politician.

EKITI Ekiti South In this district, Chief (Mrs) Abiodun Olujinmi of the PDP will engage in a battle royale with the APC candidate.

Olujinmi is expected to capitalise on her name recognition and political experience, having served as a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State during Governor Ayo Fayose’s first governorship tenure that ended in an inglorious exit, and as well as her goodwill towards women and children who benefited from her social initiatives whilst she was a deputy governor.

However, despite her humanitarian antecedents, it is said that her popularity within her political party has continued to wane, especially following the controversy that trailed her emergence as the senatorial candidate.

Aggrieved chieftains within the party claim she was imposed on them by Governor

However, political analysts opine that the fact that Adewale is a successful businessman does not mean he will do well as a politician

Fayose and are threatening fire and brimstone to campaign against her.

Ekiti North Mr. Duro Faseyi of the PDP is expected to engage in an election fisticuffs with Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmbi of the APC, currently serving as the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior.

While Faseyi will be counting on his experience as a two-time honourable member of the House of Representatives, as well as his being the anointed candidate of Governor Ayo Fayose for the district, his major undoing may be the disaffection from Senator Ayo Arise, who lost the ticket to him, and may decamp to another party where he will run against Faseyi.

However, as for Adetunmbi, he is expected to campaign on his legislative experience and the political power he wields as the district’s incumbent in the Senate. However, he may find it difficult to return to the Senate owing to the recent overrun of his party by the PDP in the state’s June governorship elections.

Ekiti Central Here, Hon. Fatimat RajiRasaki of the PDP will slug it out with Ambassador Gbenga Olofin of the APC. Being a former first lady of Lagos and Ogun States and having represented Irepodun Federal Constituency in Ekiti State between 2007-201, Fatimat Raji-Rasaki’s strength is weighed on the fact that defeated a millionaire financier of the PDP to secure the ticket.

However, her major undoing is that some aggrieved members of her party have who believe she cut corners in obtaining the ticket, have vowed to work against her.

For Ambassador Olofin of the APC, as a politician of international repute, he is expected to capitalise on his youths support base to propel himself to senate. However, his limited financial resources could render his large follower

base useless, because logistics and political commercials are essential for a successful political campaign.

OYO Oyo North This senatorial district is expected to see Hosea Agboola Ayoola of the PDP lock horns with Hon. Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari of the APC. Senator Hosea Agboola is currently the lawmaker representing Oyo North in the Senate and the Senate Deputy Whip. One of his major strength is that he is a grass root and the most popular politician from the Oke-Ogun axis, where he commands a large follower base. He also has the fat pocket, strong political structure and enormous grass root appeal that could work in his favour in the forthcoming polls.

On Buhari’s part, his being the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy in Oyo State and a one-time local government chairman in Ogbomoso will speak for him.

Oyo Central Incumbent Senator Ayoade Adeseun of the PDP is expected to engage in the electoral duel with Bisi Ilaka of Accord Party and Hajia Monsurat Sunmonu for the coveted spot come next year.

Material resources Adeseun, an Ogbomoso-born grass root politician is said to have enough material resources and foot soldiers in areas outside Ogbomoso to drive his ambition. However, political observers opined he has serious contention in the Accord Party candidate, Bisi Ilaka and Monsurat Sunmonu of the APC both of whom hail from Oyo Town.

Oyo South Incumbent Senator Olufemi Lanlehin of Accord Party, will battle PDP’s Kamardeen Adedibu, son of the late PDP chieftain and strongman of Ibadan Politics, Chief Lamidi Adedibu and Hon. Adesoji Rilwan Akanbi of the APC for the coveted seat.

Lanlehin is said to have a strong political base, adequate resources to pursue his ambition, which is said to work for him and his party that is fast becoming a darling of the people. As for the younger Adedibu, the emergence of Teslim Folarin as PDP gubernatorial candidate in the state could be a plus for him as Folarin working in conjunction with Hazeem Gbolarumi is likely to rejuvenate the old Adedibu garrison group to which they all formerly belong to.

For Soji Akanbi of the APC Oyo South, his being a grass root politician, well known in every part of Oyo State with a strong political base is said to work for him.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014 —3

OGUN STATE

How Amosun’s running mate emerged

By Daud Olatunji

C

ONTRARY to the expectation by the people of Ogun state on the choice of the running mate of Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the governor and some leaders of the All Progressives Congress chose a dark horse .

Expectedly, many people believed that Amosun would compensate his former running mate; Mrs. Elisabeth Sonubi while he contested for governorship on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party in 2007 which he lost .

Vanguard gathered that, left for Amosun, he would have chosen Sonubi who is currently the commissioner for women Affairs and social development as his running mate for the 2015 governorship election.

Sonubi who hails from IjebuNorth-East in Ogun East Senatorial district is a grass root politician whose choice by Amosun in 2007 conferred a lot of acceptance on the team .

It was reliably gathered that three people were shot-listed

by Amosun as his possible running mate .They were ; Commissioner for local

L-R: Yetunde Onanuga, Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Roqueeb Adeniji and Governor Ibikunle Amosun at the declaration. government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Muyiwa Oladipo , Commissioner for Women Affairs , Mrs. Elisabeth Sonubi and the wife of slain governorship candidate on the platform of the defunct Action Congress , Mrs Dipo Dina.

This development followed the defection of the current deputy governor, Prince Segun Adesegun to the Social Democratic Party as a fall out of the disagreement between him and the governor.

Adesegun was reported to

have been forced on Amosun by the leadership of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria prior to the 2011 general elections.

It would be recalled that Amosun who was a governorship candidate on

Profile of a Running Mate

By Yusuph Olaniyonu

T

HE All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ogun State on Tuesday nominated a seasoned bureaucrat and Princess from Aparaki in Ijebu North Local Government Area, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Abosede Onanuga as the running mate for Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who had earlier emerged as the unopposed gubernatorial candidate for the 2015 general elections.

Mrs. Onanuga (nee Fabanwo), 54, was presented to party leaders at the ultra-modern MTR Hall inside Ibara GRA by the state party Chairman, Chief Roqeeb Adeniji. She was accompanied to the venue by her husband, Otunba Abiodun Onanuga, the Giwa Bobakeye Akile Ijebu, who is also Managing Director of NUGACON Group of Companies.

The running mate was a granddaughter of the late Oba of Akaka in Remo North Local Government Area, Oba Oye Sofodu.

Her emergence on the APC gubernatorial ticket therefore provides a perfect balance in terms of geopolitical consideration, gender and religion. With Governor Amosun coming from Ogun Central Senatorial District, the party had earlier zoned the Deputy Governor’s slot to Ogun East Senatorial District while the speakership is zoned to Ogun West Senatorial District.

Ogun East Senatorial District has two sections – Ijebu and Remo. The Remo wing has produced the party ’s

senatorial candidate, Chief Dapo Abiodun, Managing Director of Hayden Petroleum who is from Iperu Remo.

The Deputy Governor is expected to come from Ijebuland. Co-incidentally, Chief (Mrs) Onanuga is not only from the two largest LGAs in Ijebuland by origin and marriage, she also has a link to the Remo area. She is by origin from Ijebu North LGA and her husband is a ranking member of the royal court of the Awujale of Ijebuland in Ijebu Ode LGA. Her mother is also a princess of the Akaka town in Remo area. Therefore, she has a link with all the sections of the Ogun East Senatorial District.

A devout Christian and mother, Mrs.

Onanuga is expected to complement and provide support for the energetic and progressive Governor Amosun as the administration moves into the critical stage in the implementation of its Mission to Rebuild Ogun State. Mrs. Onanuga was educated at the Lagos State College of Science and Technology (LACOSTEC), now Lagos State Polytechnic, and Ogun State University, now known as Olabisi Onabanjo University. She has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

*Olaniyonu is Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Ogun state.

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (middle), Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun State Chapter, Alhaji Roqeeb Adeniji (left), Chairman, Ogun State APC Appeal Committee, Mrs Uyang Hellen (2nd left), Secretary of the Committtee, Dala Mala (2nd right), and member of the committee, Mr. Ogedengbe OlaDaniel (right), during a visit to the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta

the platform of All Nigeria’s Peoples Party, ANPP, collapsed his political structure with the defunct Action Congress, AC, and formed Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, on which platform he contested for governorship and won.

The party ,according to the findings chose his running mate who he never had interaction with before the party announced him. A close associate of Amosun hinted Vanguard that, Amosun made several attempt to have his way in the choice of running mate but, was not successful.

Adesegun who hails from Ago-Iwoye in Ijebu-North local government had a nasty relationship with his estranged boss before they eventually parted ways .

Sequel to the internal wrangling that rocked the All Progress Congress in the state, Adesegun defected to the Social Democratic Party, SDP, which paved way for Amosun to search for another deputy governor for his second term.

In the bid to get a strategic candidate, APC picked a deputy director from Lagos ministry of Environment , Yetunde Abosede Onanuga as a running mate of Amosun for 2015 elelction.

Running mate Onanuga who hails from Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu-North local government is a wife of a prominent Chief in Ijebu-Ode just as she is a daughter of a late monarch in Ijebu-Igbo.

Speaking shortly after she was declared Amosun’s running mate, Onanuga said “firstly, I will like to say thank you to God for making this possible ,it is a day of joy to me, a day the lord has made and am rejoicing in it.

I have been looking forward to this day ,because I can remember four years ago, I came out because I wanted this position but, as God wants it, this is the day the lord has made and I eventually emerge as the running mate of our dear governor About her background ,she explained “ My father is from Aparaki in Ijebu-Igbo under Ijebu- North local government, my mother is from Akaka and actually the daughter of the late Alakaka of Akaka Chief E. Oyesofojo, am also married to a son of Ijebu-Ode, Otunba Abiodun Onanuga.

The State Chairman of the party, Chief Roqib Adeniji who presented Onanuga, as the running mate to the leaders and members of the party during a stakeholders meeting held in Abeokuta, said the choice of Onanuga was carefully made by the party.

4 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

OWA'NBE... THE SOCIAL LIFE OF YORUBA Imput by Onozure Dania (08026651636)

Dele Agunloye and his wife Moyosoreoluwa Davis

The newly wedded Couple

â&#x20AC;˘ Lanre praying for his wife Abisoye during their traditional marriage

Moyosoreoluwa dancing with her father The couple

Dele and Moyosoreoluwa during their traditional marriage

Y

ewande and George met during their Masters at Warwick University in 2010 in Warwick Business School in the UK before they became an official couple, in 2011.

The Couple dancing with the Bridal train

D

ele Agunloye and Moyosore-oluwa Davis, became official couple on December 12, 13 2014.

Bridal train dancing dancing at Yewande , George's wedding

Yewande and George dancing

Guests dancing at Yewande, George's wedding

Groom's men take over the table

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014 — 5

OSUN STATE

•Policemen on patrol

YULETIDE: When robbers give notice to Lagos residents

By Evelyn Usman

T

HE Yuletide season is here again, with preparation towards its celebration on top gear. Most people around the globe are basking in the euphoria of the celebration of one of the most celebrated season, Christmas!

While everyone, particularly children look forward to it with great expectation, unfortunately, same may not be said for residents of Ikotun and Igando areas .

This is because they reportedly received a letter from men of the underworld recently, informing them of their unprecedented visit during the season. Part of the letter which was pasted by an unknown persons and at an unknown time, read: “Be prepared, be prepared, be prepared. Our dues must be paid this festive season. Nobody can stop us as we can strike at any time.

Enough money “Only enough money can save your life. To be forewarned is to be fore-harmed. We have warned you in this area, and if you have ears, you ought to hear.”

This is however not the first time these unscrupulous elements would be sending letters intimating residents of their uninvited visit. Same was

witnessed in the densely populated Ajegunle area sometime ago by a notorious armed robbery syndicate who went by the name one million boys. In this case, the gang which had over a hundred persons as members usually storm several streets as informed and carrying out a building-to-building raid, dispossessing residents of cash, and other valuables.

In one of the raids , a resident reportedly had one of his fingers chopped off with a cutlass by one of the robbers, over his inability to provide them with cash.

Leader of the gang was quoted as saying: “So you think we are joking when we wrote you? You want to dare us, isn’t it? You did not leave at least N20,000 at home. Even your phone is as good as useless. I am going to cut off your ears for not heeding our warning.”

Report had it that as the armed man was about to use his cutlass on the fear stricken retiree, he blocked it with his hand and had one of his fingers chopped off in the process.

The mere mention of one million boys sent cold shivers down the spines of residents of Ajegunle. Report had it that the gang even unleashed terror on some residents of Festac until its wings were clipped by men of the Special Anti Robbery Squad.

During the onslaught against

the gang, over seventy suspected members of the gang were arrested , with some of them reportedly killed in shoot-outs with policemen during operation.

A visit to Igando

When Vanguard visited areas around college bus-stop , Ikotun road , where residents were said to have received the letter. Most of them refused to speak on the letter, apparently out of fear. While some of them carried on with their normal life, others were reportedly contemplating to travel to their respective home towns until the Yuletide is over. But again, some of those who

In one of the raids , a resident reportedly had one of his fingers chopped off with a cutlass by one of the robbers, over his inability to provide them with cash

contemplated travelling are said to be constrained by finance.

Again, while some of them called the robbers threat bluff, others as gathered, kept tangible amount aside, preparing for the worst.

A Policeman under area ‘M’ said they had received the complaints but boasted that the command was equal to the task. But the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, described report of the robbers letter as mere rumour. He however intimated that policemen had been deplored to the area.

Police sources further stated that aside Ikokun and Igando areas, both foot and vehicular patrol of policemen would be observed in major areas in the state.

Concentration and surveillance as gathered would be centred on hot-spots which included areas like Ajagbadi, Ajegunle, Ojuelegba, Mushin, Ojota, Ketu, Marine beach, Ikorodu, Maza-Maza, Egbeda, Ajah, Ijora Badia, Ijora Olopa, Idi-Ara, Yaba, among others.

Also attention will be centred on public areas such as parks, worship centres and recreation centres.

According to police sources: “Lagos has always been known to take security of lives and property of its citizenry serious.

As from next week, the CP will be deploying policemen to areas considered as hot zones.

Already, policemen in plain clothes have been stationed in motor parks and other public places. It is a round the clock surveillance” One of the measures put in place to ensure a hitch free Yuletide was the recent ban of fire works by the command’s boss during Yuletide.

Police sources hinted that the ban was in the interest of Lagosians, adding that “ we have had instances where robbers would be operating and the gun shots will be mistaken fire works.

Public safety Threatening to deal with whoever flaunts the directive, the CP in a statement signed by the command spokesman, Ken Nwosu, explained that the ban was declared with a view to ensuring public safety and also to avert all manner of dangers associated with its use during harmattan season.

The statement read : “The state Command wishes to inform the general public that the use of fireworks is banned.

Parents are therefore advised to warn their wards to desist from its use to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law as defaulters will be punished “ While wishing Lagosians a warm Christmas celebration, Aderanti, however, assured them of the command’s commitment to ensure their safety during the season.

The enthusiasm for a remarkable Yuletide celebration

by Lagosians is obviously high , as it is hoped that the command will as other times keep its bargain.

6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

OSUN STATE

Hon. Femi Fafiyebi during the meeting in his Otan-Ile residence.

By Lateef Dada

O

SOGBO— Contrary to the insinuation that the processes leading to the emergence of candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, were trailed with irregularities, which may tear the party, some aggrieved aspirants have agreed to shelve their personal interest for the party ’s interest to ensure it gets victory at the 2015 elections.

Following way by which candidates of the party were adopted to contest elections into the State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives and the Senate, many keen political observers had predicted a woeful tide for the party, owing the number of aggrieved members.

After the primaries, when the Chairman of APC in the state, Prince Gboyega Famoodun, announced the results, most of the aspirants currently serving lost out at the elections, and so would not return in 2015.

Of all the affected incumbents, the case of Hon. Femi Fafiyebi representing Obokun and Ilesa State Constituencies in the Osun State House of Assembly stands out, as he was said to have congratulated Bosun Oyintiloye, a new entrant, who was announced as the party’s candidate.

Fafiyebi in the spirit of unity, was said to have held a meeting with his supporters, in his Otan-Ile residence, where he pleaded that the party ’s interest should

2015: Aggrieved Osun APC assembly aspirants retrace steps supersede personal interest.

Addressing the aggrieved members of the party and his lovers, Fafiyebi, who however presented 10 Flatron Flat TV to all youths leaders in the local government, urged the aggrieved members to support Oyintiloye, assuring that he would deliver good representation.

He noted that he had represented the constituency

for two consecutive terms, adding that Oyintiloye and his people in Ibokun had since been supporting him.

Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved members, the youth leader of APC in Obokun Local Government, Niran Owolabi, promised to ensure that Oyintiloye emerge victorious in the coming election.

He commended Fafiyebi for his

intervention and love for the party, saying “Fafiyebi is truly a good and dedicated member of the party who loves the party than his personal ambition. He explained that Fafiyebi has empowered people especially the youth, and urged Oyintiloye to build on the good legacy left by Fafiyebi.

Also, Alhaji Busari Fatomide, an APC leader in

Obokun Local Government, described Fafiyebi as a visionary leader who always keeps to his promise.

He explained that Fafiyebi ensured good living of the people despite the meagre allocation to the state and urged the people to, in the interest of the party and intervention of Fafiyebi, support the candidate of the party and ensure his victory.

Aregbesola closes case, as APC opens defence today

H

AVING called 19 witnesses to defend his case, the winner of August 9 governorship election, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who is the first respondent in the petition filed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has closed his defence before the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal.

This is just as a voter, Aminullahi Rafiu Ayodapo, told the tribunal that he volunteered himself to testify that the August 9 governorship election was free and credible.

However, the second respondent, All Progressives Congress (APC) will on Friday December 19, open its defence.

Lead-counsel to the first respondent, Mr Kunle

Adegoke, at the resume of the hearing on Wednesday informed the tribunal that he wanted to close his case having called two persons, Aminullahi Rafiu Ayodapo and Atanda Isaac to testify before the court.

During cross-examination by respondent’s counsel, Chief Nathaniel Oke (SAN), Ayodapo who came from ward 4, unit 9, Ede North Local Government Area, told the tribunal that no voter was chaste away and no qualified voter was disallowed from voting on the day of election.

Accredited voters But, Chief Oke (SAN), queried why the total number of accredited voters was more

than number of valid vote in Ayodapo’s unit.

The counsel told the tribunal that 411 people were accredited while 413 voted, but and Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Elizabeth Ikpejime, asked him to prove it in his final address.

Also, Atanda Isaac, who was the APC agent in ward 1, unit 1, Irepodun Local Government Area, informed the tribunal that all party agents were present when Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s officials displayed the electoral materials before the commencement of accreditation and nobody complained.

During cross-examination, Chief Oke asked the witness to sign; claiming that the

statement on oath deposed to by the witness was signed for him and tendered the signature of the witness as exhibit.

Speaking with newsmen after the proceeding, petitioner ’s counsel, Chief Nathaniel Oke, said Aregbesola’s counsel has called 19 witnesses as against 43 witnesses called by PDP, saying the court would give consideration to it in their judgement.

But, respondent’s counsel, Mr Ajibola Bashiru, said litigation is not about number of witnesses that you have called, adding that “we have just called those witnesses to demonstrate that the election was free and fair as we are not under any legal obligation to call certain number of witnesses.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014 — 7

ONDO STATE

How gas explosion razed 42 shops and houses in Ondo A

K U R E — T h e unfortunate gas explosion which hit Babson Gas Nigeria Limited, a gas outlet located beside Saint Thomas’ Anglican Church, Arakale area of Akure metropolis, last Saturday, may have come and gone, but owners of the over 42 shops razed in the raging inferno are still counting their losses, waiting endlessly for help to come their way.

Vanguard has gathered that the sad incident which led no fewer than eight persons, including a pregnant woman, and a 3 year old girl, a nursery school pupil and the daughter of one of the owners of the shops, to be critically injured could have been avoided if the owner of the gas outlet and officials of government in the state had done the needful.

Findings as at Tuesday showed that officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA and that of the state Ministry of Lands are still assessing the situation to know the actual number of shops and residential houses that were razed.

Initial figure given by NEMA was over 42 shops and houses. The owner of Babson Gas Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ololade according to findings applied to undertake such venture in May this year and government’s rejection was reportedly communicated to him in June.

Revenue aside paying to another landlord for the space where the reservoirs were mounted.

This illegal insiders dealing between the owner of the outlet and some government officials has been going on before last weekend’s ugly incident.

However, Governor Olusegun Mimiko swiftly put paid to this when he visited the scene of the fire outbreak disclosing that the gas outlet responsible for the inferno was not approved for such business.

While describing the occurrence as unfortunate he assured that all illegal filling stations located in residential areas and other hazardous locations in the state would be pulled down.

He called on the people to be vigilant and report illegal retail outlet of gas to appropriate authorities for necessary action and for the safety of lives and properties.

Vanguard discovered that government officials usually close their eyes to the letter of rejection of approval issued

Government's directive But despite this rejection he snubbed government’s directive and went ahead to dispense gas in the area ignoring the hazardous reasons adduced by government.

This is coming as the Chairman, Liquefied Gas Retailers Association of Nigeria, LGRAN, Ondo state, Gbenga Amondi have disowned Ololade, as neither a member nor patron of the association.

However government officials it was gathered have been collecting revenue from the owner of the gas outlet despite the non approval of such business venture in the location.

It was said that Ololade’s retail outlet pays certain fees to the state Board of Internal

There was no casualty in the inferno while those injured have been treated and that those that got severe burns have been taken to trauma hospital in Ondo town for medical attention

NEMA officials accessing the extent of damage to the owner whenever its time to collect the yearly fees.

The shops and houses that where razed in quick successions were chockly arranged that it became almost impossible to evacuate wares in them when the explosion took place.

Materials razed to ashes as a result of the explosion which started around 6.30 pm that fateful day, at the gas outlet located beside Saint Thomas’ Anglican Church, Arakale area of Akure metropolis include paint shops, electronic shops, agrochemical shops, generator shops, shops where foams of different sizes are sold, as well as building materials.

Also some olden days houses built with muds used as residential buildings behind the shops were not spared by the explosion.

Meanwhile, the state governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko who visited the scene promised compensation to those whose shops were razed.

He has therefore given officials of the Ministry of Lands 48 hour ultimatum to assess the situation and report back to government for necessary action to alleviate the sufferings of the people especially this period of festivities.

The officials were seen at the scene of the fire outbreak on Tuesday collecting names and data of owners of the shops and what they have in their shops before the ugly incident the shops were inspected to verify the claims of the shop owners.

Reports gathered at the scene of the incident showed that the owner of the Gas reservoir got his consignment that ill fated day and while argument ensued between his wife the supplier that the gas has not gauged and more was

•One of the gas reservoirs that caused the inferno added.

But while they were about tightening the nose of the reservoirs it was discovered that it had again been overgauged hence it started leaking gradually.

The offensive odour of the gas attracted shop owners who informed the owner.

It was learnt that unknown to a woman who resides in one of the mud houses behind one of the shops that danger lurk in the corner brought out her cooking materials and lighted a match stick which caused the explosion.

Fire from leakages The leakages attracted the fire from the kitchen of the woman and it went straight to the two gas reservoirs which has just been filled to the brim and it lifted itself and flew from one end to the other causing havoc on its trail.

One of the gas reservoir was seen some meters away from where it was stationed after it was refilled.

The owner of one of the shops razed to ashes, Mr. Adeniyi Collins said he was away in church after the

day ’s sales when he was called that the shops were up in flames.

Collins said he lost paints worth N3 million as nothing was rescued from the shop.

Others who spoke to Vanguard, include Mbielu Gabriel, a building material seller, Alonge, an Agro chemicals seller and Mr Ayo, the owner of Ayo Ola electronics.

They pleaded with government to come to their aid, lamenting that they have lost all they had laboured for over the years.

Both NEMA officials and the state police command said nobody died in the incident contrary to some media reports.

Led by Mr Saheed Akiode, to the scene, NEMA officials said the incident was as a result of gas explosion in one of the shops in the area.

Akiode who is the Head of Operation for Ekiti state covering Ondo and Osun States said that there was no casualty in the inferno while those injured have been treated and that those that got severe burns have been taken to trauma hospital in Ondo town for medical attention.

8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

BITS Briefs With IKENNA ASOMBA

15 injured in Osun Schools’ Cult Clash NO fewer than 15 pupils were on Monday, injured, following the violent clash by suspected students of St. James Anglican Secondary School, Kola Balogun Area and Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School, Iludun, both in Osogbo.

It was said that most of the students engaged in the clash belonged to rival cult groups.

Some said it was a fight over a girl while others said it was a reprisal by a group whose member was injured on last Friday.

Sources hinted that the rampaging students ran in different directions, thus causing panic, compelling vehicles and motorcycles passing through Oba Adesoji Aderemi, Osogbo East Bypass to make a detour, with a view to avoiding being caught up in the melee.

Yuletide: Soldiers nab Fulani herdsmen robbing on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

2014 MARE festival:

Celebration of cultural heritage

By Dayo Johnson

I

DANRE—MARE festival in Idanre, ondo state which has become a yearly ‘pilgrimage’ witnessed an unprecedented traffic into Ondo state this year as both the high and low came from within and outside the state to celebrate God given cultural heritage.

Idanre. A town which shares a boundary with the forest reserve was set aglow with rich cultural/ carnival procession last weekend.

MARE is the celebration of the unique geography in Idanre.

The festival was initiated by the state governor in 2009 to celebrate the natural and cultural potential in the state and to celebrate the diversity of cultures in the state.

On assumption of office, governor Olusegun Mimiko as part of his Caring Heart agenda and in a bid to leverage on tourism for socio-economic development and preservation of the Yoruba cultural heritage instituted MARE( Don’t fall) festival as an annual international Mountain climbing festival in Idanre.

The festival celebrates the land, the people and its rich cultural and draws cultural enthusists from around the World yearly to the Sunshine State The Idanre hill have come to be globally known as a tourist center and the yearly celebration of Mare festival has pointedly redefined the hills in the sleepy town.

For a period of six years running, the festival has drawn international attention.

International climbers have trooped to the state in search of these wonder hills of Idanre.

Speaking at opening of this years festival, the NTDC boss Sally Mbanefo said that the campagn she is carrying out across the state is domestic tourism.

“What are the possible tourism areas that you have in your state, what can we do to make sure you have access to funds and how to fashion out areas of collaboration Mbanefo was full of commendation to the governor of the state Dr Olusegun Mimiko for the transformation that has taken place as regards

MARE is the celebration of the unique geography in Idanre

tourism development in the state.

She described the state as her “favourite state in terms of tourism” adding that the governor has promoted tourism to an enviable stage.

Governor Mimiko, on his part aid that the official commissioning of Idanre hills resort/ habitat 1 tourism zone mark the dawning of a tourism revolution in the state.

Mimiko said since inception of the festival in 2009, it has recorded remarkable success by attracting national and international patronage, while boosting the economic wellbeing of the host community.

The Managing Director of the National Commission for Museums and Monument, NCMM, Malam Yusuf Usman reiterated the commitment of the commission to the preservation and conservation of museums, monuments and sites in the country.

He said apart from the 65 National Monuments in the Country, the commission. Has proposed another 100 monuments in commemoration of the nation’s centenary anniversary.

THE TEAM Editor: Adeleke Adeseri

Correspondents: Ola Ajayi Gbenga Olarinoye Dayo Johnson Gbenga Ariyibi Dapo Akinrefon Daud Olatunji Olasunkanmi Akoni Monsur Olowoepejo Ikenna Asomba

Ibadan Osogbo Akure Ado Ekiti Abeokuta Lagos

THE Lagos State Police Command has detained two Fulani herdsmen, Mohammed Umar and Manu Hassan, for allegedly robbing motorists on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, even as four other members of the gang evaded arrest and are still on the run.

Umar and Hassan, herdsmen from the Ngaski area of Kebbi State, arrested by soldiers attached to the OP MESA while they were robbing some people have been handed over to the state Special Anti-Robbery Squad, as three locally-made rifles and some cartridges were recovered from them.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, who confirmed the arrest said: “They are the ones terrorising the LagosIbadan Expressway, especially around the Kara Market. They have confessed to several other robberies. Three locally-made guns and knives were recovered from them.”

Ogun to spend N1.27bn to conduct council polls in 2015 THE Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, OGSIEC, on Tuesday said it planned to spend N1.27 billion on the conduct of council elections in the 20 local government areas in the state in 2015.

The Chairman of OGSIEC, Alhaja Risikat Ogunfemi, made this known in Abeokuta while defending the commission’s 2015 budget before the state’s House of Assembly’s Finance and Appropriation Committee.

Ogunfemi said that the commission would embark on sensitisation of voters in all the 236 political wards in the state prior to the councils’ polls.

Ondo to begin rice production in 2015 THE Ondo State government says it has put all necessary arrangement in place to commence production of rice in January, 2015.

Disclosing this at the end of year press briefing, the Chairman, Wealth Creation Agency, WECA, Mrs. Bolanle Olafunmiloye said the agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture was partnering with the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) on the production.

She noted that the MARDITECH would commence the cultivation of 500 hectare of land for the rice production at Owena Dam area in Igba-Oke, Ifedore local government area.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014 —33

C M Y K

34 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014 —35

C M Y K

C M Y K

36 — Vanguard, FRIDAY,DECEMBER 19, 2014

Experts task govt on full domestication of CEDAW by 2015

By Josephine Agbonkhese

W

omen’s human rights experts have challenged the Nigerian government to fully domesticate the ‘Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women’ (CEDAW) which it voluntarily ratified over 30 years ago at the United Nations.

The experts who appreciated the various piecemeal legislations, such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill, that integrate components of CEDAW into Nigerian law, insisted on full domestication of CEDAW by 2015, arguing that “CEDAW is not a foreign or demonic document but an aspiration tool to a reality that can advance the Nigerian state.”

This call came penultimate Monday in Lagos at a two-day national round-table tagged ‘Advancing Women’s Human Rights in Nigeria: Strategies and Actions’ organized by the Women Advocates Research & Documentation Centre, WARDC with support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, which centred on three international instrumentsCEDAW, Millennium Developments Goals, MDGs, and the Beijing Declaration.

The event whose focus was to review the status of women’s

ROUNDTABLE: From left: Prof.Ayo Atsenuwa of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies; Prof Olabisi Aina, Director, Centre for Gender and Development Studies, Ekiti State University; Mrs Olabisi Olateru-Olagbegi, ED, Women Consortium of Nigeria; Prof.

Patricia Donli, Executive Director, Gender Equality Peace & Development Centre, Borno State and Dr. Abiola Akinyode-Afolabi, Executive Director,Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, at the two-day national round-table in Lagos. human rights in Nigeria with a view to producing a comprehensive report that would, among others, serve as a veritable instrument for post 2015 elections engagement, brought together key players in the area of women’s human rights protection from across the country.

The experts who further argued that the aspiration of any democratic setting was that citizens enjoy a sense of well-being, identified

CEDAW as one perfect instrument which provides for the minimum standard rights any human being should have.

“This is because CEDAW simply talks about women’s economic, health, employment, political rights and more.

“The Beijing Platform for Action and the MDGs also stand strongly as the implementing tools for the aspirations of CEDAW, and that is why we must look at the MDGs which are expected to have been

realised by 2015, which is only a few weeks away,” they collectively noted.

Earlier while reeling out reasons behind her decision to review the status of women’s human rights in Nigeria, Executive Director, WARDC, Dr.(Mrs) Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, fumed that pronouncements made publicly by several governments on maternal, newborn and child health,

had not matched investments at all levels of governance.

“Nigeria still accounts for about 13 per cent of the global maternal death rates with an estimated 36,000 women dying in pregnancy or at child birth each year. The country is also recorded as being the second largest contributor to the under-five and maternal mortality rate in the world.

“Women and girl child access to basic education are also issues of concern with the country having high illiteracy level and the world’s highest number of out-of-school children which was recently put at 10.5 million,” Abiola emphasized.

Notable participants at the round-table included Prof.

Patricia Donli, Executive Director, Gender Equality Peace & Development Center, Borno State; Dr. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, Executive Director, Women’s Aid Collectives; Prof.Ayo Atsenuwa of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies; Prof Olabisi Aina, Director, Center for Gender and Development Studies, Ekiti State University; Chief(Mrs) Olabisi OlateruOlagbegi, Executive Director, Women Consortium of Nigeria; Dr. Keziah Awosika and Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin amongst many other key players.

Yabatech registrar bags award for human transformation, competency

•Patience Jonathan

By Dotun Ibiwoye

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ABA College of Technology ’s Registrar, Mrs Biekoroma Charity Amapakabo, has said that she has expanded the registry so that people can exhibit their potentials which will bring about efficiency in service delivery.

Amapakabo made this disclosure while receiving her award of excellence for competency and human transformation at the National Impact

Glitz Magazine symposium at Yusuf Grillo Auditorium, in the school with theme: ‘The Pathway to progressive Nigeria, Our past, present and critical look into the future.

While dedicating her award to the first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Amapakabo noted that the she is from the same hometown with her and has also assisted her in my career.

She also asserted that her challenges as the registrar are normal challenges faced by any other head of administration because the position involves dealing with almost everything that has to do with the institution and individuals.

“When I became Registrar, because I am part of the system, the first thing I did was to expand the registry; I created new offices so that people can exhibit their potentials. The expansion is to bring about efficiency in service delivery.

I also ensured that there is an improved

capacity building. Many of my officials have been properly trained, she said ”Sometimes in life you know that you have responsibilities to discharge, I’m a career woman, and I am just doing my work in my own corner, and some people just notice that I am doing it well, and they have decided to give me an award. I think that I have worked hard enough; you should realize that it is not easy to get to the peak.

“As the registrar of YABATECH, it is not easy to get there. My challenges as the registrar are normal challenges faced by any other head of administration because as a registrar, you deal with almost everything that has to do with the institution and sometimes things don’t turn out the way you expect them to; most of the time due to lack of funding and sometimes capacity”.

The Dean Liberal Studies, Mrs Akpenyi who was also honoured with professionalism and commitment to duty award noted that she was called the people’s dean because she has brought peace to the school of Liberal studies.

She also sad that she brought numerous academic changes it is in my tenure that we started Mass communication department.

“We’ve had numerous international conference organised for the school of liberal studies.

And even at departmental levels, we have organised both international and local conferences. And I have staffs that are highly qualified; liberal studies, as the name implies does not only have mass communication as a department’’. She said

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014 — 37

Persons with disabilities seek equal treatment, inclusion in policy making

By Funmi Olasupo

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nadequate focus on disability issues and its attendant consequences have continued to remain a major challenge that threatens human existence and attainment of meaningful development.

This undoubtedly has led to the renewed efforts globally to draw attention of everyone towards attending to matters affecting Persons With Disabilities, PWD, most especially through the United Nations Declarations, Treaties, Instruments, Conventions and their Optional Protocols.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajia Zainab Maina, stated at this year ’s occasion of the celebration of International Day of Persons With Disabilities, PWD, in Abuja, that, observance of the day seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the interaction of PWD in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

The theme for this year ’s commemoration which is “ Sustainable Development ,

The Promise of Technology”, the Minister said is timely, as it marks the conclusion of the period of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the beginning of the 2015 Launching of the new Development Framework of Sustainable Development Goals. (SDGs).

The Signing and Ratification of one of such Conventions

and its Optional Protocol, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) by Nigeria in 2007 and 2010 respectively, should have gone a long way to confirm the country’s commitment towards the development, care and welfare of PWD in Nigeria.

Building on the success recorded from the Decade, the United Nations General Assembly came

up through Resolution 47/93 of October 14th 1992 and proclaimed December 3rd of every year as International Day of PWD. This was with the primary motive of awakening the consciousness of all Member States towards encouraging and promoting activities that will ensure integrating into the mainstream of the society and empowerment of PWD.

However, drawing from the UNCRPD purpose, General Principles and Obligation and its other Articles, the theme for this year’s celebration was chosen to be ”Sustainable Development: The Promise of Technology”.

This year ’s theme was said to have been arrived at on realization of the fact that throughout human history, technology has always impacted on the way people live which the industrial revolution ushered in a new age of technology that raises the standards of living around the world and their access to goods and services.

Today, technology is built into every facet of daily living while the emergence of information and communication technologies have dramatically increased connectivity between people and their access to information and further raised their standards of living.

Unfortunately, in spite of the glorious picture painted and the beauty of technology, not all people benefit from the advances of technology and the attendant higher standard of living. This is mainly because not everyone has access to the new technologies and basically, not everybody can afford them.

WISCAR graduates, inducts more career women

By Providence Obuh

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OMEN in Successful Careers (WISCAR) penultimate week, graduated its fifth stream of successful mentees and inducted new members, in order to mentor and develop young career women.

WISCAR is a not-for -profit organization that helps to develop and build capacity in women in the workplace at the personal, interpersonal and organizational levels.

Speaking at the 6th Anniversary of WISCAR with the theme; “Pioneering Women: Initiating, Leading and Succeeding,” Founder, WISCAR, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, said,”I urge us to be industrious but principled in all our deeds. There is nothing more fitting than that we should rejoice in our own works for that is the true path to enduring happiness.”

Oyagbola who is also the Human Resources Executive, MTN, recognized and

celebrated late Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh, as a woman for all She commended the mentors, course facilitators, advisory board members, donors and sponsors, the special adviser, Mrs. Funke Amobi, among others, saying, “Our collaboration with Habiba Balogun Consulting has been so revelatory of the proper norms and standards of business conduct and organization.”

In her remark, one of the graduating mentees, Mrs. Folake Owodunni, said, “We have learnt so much from the mentoring, Seminars, trainings, and book reviews that make up the Win with WISCAR program but we didn’t want all that wisdom to stay with us and leave with us.” As a contribution to the WISCAR legacy, the graduating mentees presented a coffee table book titled; “Briefcases and Blenders: Every woman’s guide to success in career

and life.”

Dignitaries in attendance include: Former Minster of Education, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili; Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola; Political economist Prof.

Patrick Utomi; Ambassador A. Atta; Yemisi Ransome Kuti, Joke Silva, among others.

The panellists MD/CEO, Ruff ‘ n’ Tumble, Mrs. Nike Ogunlesi, Managing Partner, Wali-Uwais and Co, Mrs. Maryam Uwais, Managing partner, Sterling partnership Mrs. Boma Ozobia and CEO, MainOnecable Company Ms. Funke Opeke, spoke extensively on how they became successful pioneers in their various profession.

However, WISCAR has made significant progress in the last six years and has mentored 98 young professional women who have gone through the intensive 12 month structured WIN with WISCAR mentoring programme. Beyond this group of specially trained and nurtured WISCAR mentees.

•Oyagbola WISCAR has assisted and helped to develop thousands of young and aspiring women through its training programmes, seminars and amp; events put together by the WISCAR School of Excellence which provides structured competency based

development for personal mastery and overall workplace effectiveness. Several WISCAR mentees have progressed up the ladder and are doing amazing things and making their own contribution to the socioeconomic development of Nigeria.

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

DD tech makes LG washing machine green

Katy Perry, Obama, Wizkid rule twitter in 2014

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•Wizkid Sport also took a dominant spot in 2014. For instance in the Nigerian setting, Soccer star, Victor •Katy Perry Moses, has the highest Twitter followers in the sports category.

Stories by Prince OsWorldwide, a record 672 million Tweets were uagwu sent about this year’s World Cup finals in

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OPULAR singer, song-writer and actress, Katy Perry, has emerged the most followed person for 2014. It was the year that Twitter’s most-followed star Katy Perry https:/ /twitter.com/katyperry hit the 61 million follower mark. She is closely followed in second place by Justin Bieber on 57 million, and Barack Obama, who, with 50 million followers, is the third most-followed person in the world, and the most-followed political or world leader on the platform.

Beside these three, others who made to the top 10 list included Taylor Swift - 48m, YouTube - 46m , Lady Gaga - 43m, Britney Spears39m, Justin Timberlake - 38m, Rihanna - 38m, and Instagram - 36m Wizkid holds firm Here in Nigeria, popular and award winning musician, Ayo Balogun, popularly known as Whiz Kid holds the top position. Wizkid was the first Nigerian artiste to reach one million followers on Twitter. He is followed by Davido, D'Banj and Don Jazzy, all in the entertainment sector.

Exciting Twitter year 2014 was a very exciting year on Twitter. It was the year in which England crashed out of the World Cup, the Queen sent her first ever Tweet, Scotland debated independence, and @Philae2014 Tweeted live from space as it landed on the Rosetta Comet.

People send more than 500 million Tweets per day. Each one contributes something special to Twitter, but only one is recognized as the “Golden Tweet,” a.k.a. the most-Retweeted Tweet of the year. This year, the honor goes to @TheEllenShow’s starry photo from the March Oscars telecast.

Victor Moses pips Mikel

Brazil. In a World Cup year it is perhaps no surprise that the UK’s top ten most-Tweeted-about moments were sport-related. The 7-1 sweep of mighty Brazil by Germany, not only set a soccer record, it was also a record on Twitter, as the match generated the highest number of Tweets in soccer history.

LEANLINESS is next to Godliness, they say! Does this have a connection to how your clothes are laundered and generally how you dress? Apparently, yes!

Otherwise, why would a sizeable part of people’s budgets apportioned to dry-cleaning? However, there is still the occasional disappointment from the cleaning professionals. Every fabric has an approach to laundering it but when inappropriate machines are used, much of the professional touch is lost.

This is the problem that home appliances maker, LG said prompted it to develop the LG Direct Drive washing machines.

The machines are equipped with highefficiency Direct Drive motor that cut energy costs and water consumption, compared to conventional washing machines. LG’s Direct Drive system increases the motor’s efficiency. This not only cuts back on energy use and makes it less

Your phone can now help you avoid traffic

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OR most people, food clothes and shelter are most priorities of life. You worry about common good out there on the road. It is a these things because their absence community based traffic solution geared to make dehumanizes a being and denigrates daily road commute a breeze. standard living.

By connecting drivers, passengers and But for those, particularly, living in Lagos pedestrians to one another, we help people metropolis, these, are ironically, not far create local driving communities that work fetched. No matter how poor, in Lagos, one together to improve the quality of everyone's must feed. There is food for all categories of daily driving. That might mean helping them people. Problem, is when one steps off his avoid the frustration of sitting in traffic, cluing category to where his or her earnings can them in on police traps or shaving five minutes not accommodate. There is also abundant off their regular commute by showing them new clothes to cover everybody's nakedness. No alternative routes they never even knew about" matter the income strata, Oshodi, orile and Yaba markets, can give you what to wear.

How it functions Similarly, no amount of beautification of Traffic Lite features an increasing list of bridges and squares in Lagos can turn those popular routes around Lagos. Once traffic lite places away from being habitable homes for has been downloaded at https:// many people. In Lagos, there must be a place p l a y . g o o g l e . c o m / s t o r e / a p p s / to sleep till next day. details?id=com.panthelope.trafficliteapp, users What is apparently in short supply is good simply create their profiles, log in and that’s it! and motorable roads. On a bad day, a journey By just driving or walking around with the app of 20 kilometers running passively on their can take two days mobile phones they are in •Typical traffic with attendant possession of traffic road data. jam in Lagos risks of robbery, Such users can also take more car vandalisation active role by sharing road or even loss of reports on accidents, police lives in extreme traps, or any other hazards cases. along the way. This helps to However, one give other users in the area good thing about 'heads-up' about what's to technology is its come. wide, open ears. It The app boasts of top-notch listens and where degree of accuracy of traffic such problems reports. The report shows the actual cumulative exist, it goes to provide succor. speed on the route, actual number of road Now a tech startup company based in commuters present on the route, an estimated Lagos, Panthelope Technologies, has travel time, route distance and bottlenecks along developed a new mobile traffic solution, the route. If incidentally, for some reasons, a “Traffic Lite”, a community-based traffic user's regular route is not listed on the popular application aimed at providing real-time traffic routes, such a user can create own personal updates to the local community. routes using the ease to use Google Map and What is TrafficLite? even share with friends.

The app described as "contributing to the

•LG DD Tech waching machine susceptible to breakdown, but also helps reduce noise levels. Speaking on the core technology behind the washing machine, General Manager, Home Appliances Division, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Hyunwoo Jung, said: “The range of LG Direct Drive Washing Machines uses a Direct Drive Motor that eliminates belt, clutches and pulleys which are found in conventional Washing Machines thereby, giving extra durability, low noise and vibration levels with better washing performance.

"This technological innovation which is a first in the world has been in existence since the late 1980’s.

Because the LG Direct Drive Motor operates more efficiently, we confidently back the motor with a 10year warranty to ensure a worry-free clean" Recently, LG's Direct Drive motor was certified by Verband Deutsher Rlektrotechniker (VDE) - German Association of Electrical Engineering as a product with a life span of 20 year and approximately 4,400 cycles based on the testing of 4.2 wash cycles a week and 220 cycles a year.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014—39

ICT has rekindled hope for the post — PMG

By Emmanuel Elebeke

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ONTRARY to popular believes that advances in information and communication technology, ICT constitutes threat to the survival of the Nigerian Postal Services, the Post Master General of the agency, Mallam Muri Baba has dismissed the permutation as a mere figment of human imagination.

Rather than becoming a threat to the Post, Baba said, the advancement of the ICT had opened limitless opportunities for value addition and corporate existence of the organization.

The PMG made the declaration yesterday, on the occasion of NIPOST Headquarters Merit Awards ceremony organised in Abuja.

According to him, the ICT had permeated into the various facets of the Postal activities that, it is now driven by the ICT in all its operations across its facilities scattered across the 774 local government Councils in the country.

“Let me at this point douse the erroneous belief that advances in communications technology

threatens the existence of the Post. Rather, ICT opens opportunities to the post. The Post today is driven by ICT in all its operations. Hence, it has brought about efficiency and improvement in services delivery,” said Baba.

In order to meet the new challenging customer demands, the NIPOST boss explained that the organisation was working out the possibilities of partnering with some e-commerce companies to provide value added services to the customers.

“We are presently engaged and strengthening the adoption of the relevant ICT in all our Post Offices across the country,” he added.

On the digital inclusion programme of government, Mori Baba said, NIPOST was poised to deliver value added services to the rural populace in the country, saying that the Post remains the closest government amenity to the common man in the rural areas.

With the wide spread and rich facilities of the Post, he avowed that the facilities

would be used to stimulate improvement in the living standards of the people.

Towards this end, the NIPOST henchman noted that the organisation in collaboration with other agencies in the Ministry was working to establish Public Access Venues,

PAVs in post offices. This according to him was designed for the realization of digital inclusion to the vats population in the rural areas of Nigeria.

He said, NIPOST was also working closely with the CBN and other relevant stakeholders

to provide financial services to the unbanked and underbanked rural communities to contribute to poverty alleviation in the country.

In addition, he pointed out that the Federal Executive Council had approved the National Addressing Policy, NAP championed by NIPOST as a veritable tool for improved quality of mail delivery in Nigeria.

L-r: Mr Patrick Olowookere, Corporate Communications and Pubic Affairs Manager, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Nigeria Breweries Corporate Affairs Adviser, Mr Tokunbo Adodo, Marketing Manager Star, Goldberg & Export, Nigeria Breweries, and Mr Edem Vindah, Corporate Media & Brand PR. Manager, Nigeria Breweries, during the unveiling of Star Largest Bottle Tree in the World Using 8000 Bottles as Xmas Tree Bottle, in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

40— VANGUARD,

By Haruna Razaq

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

"And we will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient,muslims Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "indeed we belong to allah , and indeed to him we will return.

Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided." Q2: 157

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OWADAYS, Muslims are afflicted with many calamities. Some of the causes in c l u d e : ( 1 ) W i s d o m o f Allah, in what He wills and decrees; (2) Sins and acts of disobedience, whether minor or major sins, or whether it is committed by a person or other people.

Allah, may test the people with calamity by way of requital and immediate punishment. On these Allah says: “…but whatever

Not a calamity, but a gift! of evil befalls you, is from yourself ” (Q 4:79). That is, because of your sin. Also see (Q42:30). Anas (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “If Allah wills good for His slave, He hastens his punishment in this world, and if He wills bad for His slave, He withholds from him (the punishment for) his sin, until He requites him for it on the Day of Resurrection.”

(at-Tirmidhi (2396); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Sahiih at-Tirmidhi). (3) Tests and trials from Allah see (Q 2:155-157). Anas ibn Maalik (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: “Great reward comes with great trials. When Allah loves a people, He tests them, and whoever accepts it attains His pleasure, whereas whoever shows discontent with it incurs His wrath.”

Ahmadiyya holds 63rd annual conference

By Aderonke Adeyeri

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HE Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Nigeria is set to hold its 63rd annual conference, (Jalsa Salana), 2014. The event will be held at the Jamia Ahmadiyya (Ahmadiyya Missionary Training Center ) Ilaro Owode road, Ilaro ,Ogun state.

According to a release signed by Qasim Akinreti, Chairman National publicity committee and sent to Vanguard, the annual conference which is slated for 26th to 28th December,2014, and themed: “Politics, Social Justice and GLobal Peace: The Dilemma of Religion will be attended by distinguished Nigerians from all walks of life and neighboring countries across West Africa.

According to Akinreti, four lectures on the theme of the

conference will be delivered by eminent Islamic scholars and speakers drawn from the clergy, academia, and the public sector.

The three-day event will equally feature special prayers for Nigeria’s 2015 general election, individual aspirations in the New year.

Meanwhile, the conference planning officer of the Jamaat, (Jalsa Officer) Alhaji Mufadil Bankole held a family reunion event at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park opposite Lagos House of Assembly, Alausa, Ikeja, for some families in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

The re-union was meant to reinforce and bring back to life family bonds in the Islamic society. Issues on the essence of family values, inter-marriages and spiritual development of the family were discussed at the event

by the Deputy head (Naib Amir south-West). Alhaji Azeez Alatoye and the Naib Amir Special Duties, Alhaji Hammed AL Hassan.

The duo stressed the need for frequent visits by families to sustain the spiritual and social bond among Ahmadi Muslims both young and old.

The family reunion event was also an opportunity for the younger ones to interact while the older ones exchanged pleasantries. A befitting lunch and congregational prayers were held to the admiration of all.

Families from Lagos, Warri and Calabar attended the event. The families called for more expensive event of such magnitude in the coming months. The family of Alhaji Mufadil Bankole expressed satisfaction on the event and thanked those who attended .

(at-Tirmidhi 2396; classed as sahiih by al-Albaani in asSilsilah as-Sahiihah, no.

146) (4) As a result of the evil plan of the enemies (5) As a result of the Muslim’s lackadaisical attitude to Islamic and modern knowledge (6) As a result of the Muslim’s negligence of their religion etc. However, according to Islamic sources, of the aforementioned causes, the one that is more likely responsible for this sorry situation is the Muslim’s negligence of their religion individually and collectively. Because, apart from the first point

mentioned above other points falls under it (that is, the Muslim’s negligence of their religion). Therefore, the way out is to return to Allah because, Allah says: “Allah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves.” (ArRa‘d: 11). In this age, the calamity is actually great for the Muslim nation, but it remains and indisputable fact that the affairs of the Muslim nation will never be set aright except by the provision of Islam. So, blaming the enemies of Islam for these calamities does not in any way absolve the Muslims from being responsible for their own woes, for how will the Muslims expect the unbelievers to solve their problems for them if they themselves fail to do so through the provision of Islam?

The solution therefore lies with total submission to the will of Allah. Whenever a calamity afflicts a Muslim, the first step to take is to have a sincere repentance. Every Muslim needs to have a sincere repentance.

Muslims should also unite.

Sultan to open Muslim Students’ Vacation Course in Ibadan

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R Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto and PresidentGeneral, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) is to declare open the 98th edition of Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) of Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) on Thursday December, 25th.

In a statement issued in Ibadan by Alhaji Mushafau Alaran, MSSN B Zone Coordinator said that the formal opening will hold at the permanent site of the body at KM 30 on Ibadan/Lagos Expressway.

Alaran said that Governors of Oyo, Abiola Ajimobi, Ogun, Ibikunle Amosun and Osun, Rauf Aregbesola would be the Guests of Honour on the Day. The Course, according to

him, will hold from Tuesday, Dec. 23 to Jan. 1, 2015.

He said that Alhaji Sulaiman Adegunwa would be the chairman of the formal opening while Malam Yusuf Ali (SAN) would deliver a lecture on the theme of the Course “A Time to Come”.

Other highlights of the 10day vacation course include seminars, training, empowerment, Qur ’an memorisation, lectures, group discussion and sports.

Alaran said the annual IVC was to fully engage the students during the vacation and inculcate in them the true spirit of Islam.

Over 10,000 students and workers are slated to attend the 98th edition of the Course.

Suspected Islamic State supporter arrested at Malaysia airport

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From right: Ismail AbdulWasiy, Seriki Adini, Igbe Community, Imam Lukman Al-Imran, Deputy Missioner, Igbogbo Branch of NASFAT and Alhaji A. Adebanjo, member of the Elder's Council of the branch during a wedding ceremony held at Ekiti, recently.

ALAYSIAN police arrested a suspected Islamic State supporter Wednesday while he was waiting for a flight at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the country’s police chief said.

Inspector- General, Khalid Abu Bakar said that the 39year-old suspect was on the way to Syria using Brunei as a transit point.

“From Brunei he was supposed to take a flight to Turkey and then go to Syria,” he told reporters in a press

briefing,” Khalid said.

Khalid said the arrest brought to 46, the total number of suspected Malaysian Islamic State supporters detained by the police since Malaysia stepped up operations against the militants earlier in the year.

Home Affairs Minister, Ahmad Hamidi said that police had identified 39 Malaysians who have joined the Islamist militants in Syria and Iraq.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014—41

Daily benefits of Salat I

am Allah. There is no god but Me, so worship Me and establish salat to remember Me. (Q20, 14) So be steadfast in the face of what they say and glorify your Lord with praise before the rising of the Sun and before its setting. And glorify Him during part of the night and at both ends of the day, so that hopefully you will be pleased. (Q20:130) Establishing salat in awe means performing this religious observance in the presence of our Almighty Lord by feeling His might and grandeur, with fear and respect. A believer who wishes to properly fulfill this obligation must take measures against everything that might prevent this awed awareness

account to Allah for all that we do; People forget death, the existence of Paradise and Hell; Last week, we discussed issues bothering on the eternal life and how prepared we are. A colleague accosted me and asked if human being can ever be prepared for the eternal life since we all seek the world and strive to conquer it everyday. The point is most people are heedless to the fact that the world is a transient place and that no one knows his or her end in this world.

So, because of our heedlessness, we forget the true purpose of life.

Salat is one of the things that can constantly turns a believer to Allah and assists him in living in the light of Allah’s ordinances. The believer who stands in the presence of Allah

•Observing salat and display the maximum scrupulousness to ensure the concentration and attention required in salat.

The correct performance of these prayers is a great opportunity to remember our Lord, praise Him, and worship Him as one god in the knowledge He is free of all imperfections. Indeed, in one verse Allah commands to do salat in order to remember Him. Last week, we pointed out how people can be carried away in their salat and what they need do to stay focused in their salat and achieve the best in the act. Human beings are prone to forgetfulness and heedlessness. They are caught up in the flow of daily life, as as a result forget the most important thing in life. They fail to understand that Allah enfolds and surrounds them in all ways, that He fashions out and give without stress all the things of life. He sees and knows our actions at every point in time. Even when we mumble some words, He hears them at every moment. We forget that we all have to

in order to pray establishes a powerful spiritual bond with our Lord five times a day will engrave in his subconsciousness what Allah wants and what He hates. It is revealed in one verse that the salat reminds people of Allah and keeps them from all forms of evil.

Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish salat. Salat precludes indecency and wrongdoing.

And remembrance of Allah is greater still. Allah knows

Salat provides a constant reminder of the essence of our creation and provides a direct connection to Allah

what you do. (Surat al’Ankabut, 45) Those who are steadfast in seeking the face of their Lord, and establish salat and give from the provision We have given them, secretly and openly, and stave off evil with good, it is they who will have the ultimate Abode. (Surat arRa’d, 22) Apart from the fact that Salat protects believers from evil and vices as stated in the Quran: “Observe the Salat, for the Salat prohibits vice and evil” Q29:45, it also strengthens our belief and make us attain certainty. With Salat, we can also develop the spirit of giving. (Charity). The Quran says: “Those who recite God’s book, observe the Salat and spend secretly and publicly from what We have provided for them, are seeking a trade that can never lose. He will grant them their reward and increase them out of His generosity. He is Forgiving, Appreciative.” Q35:29-30 You also get a feeling of satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment that you serve Allah, the only One God, the Creator of Heavens and Earths, and the king of the day of judgment. It is no doubt abosolute feeling of fulfillment that you keep to the commandments of God. Remember the verse above, “I am God, there is no god but Me, therefore you shall worship Me and observe the Salat to commemorate Me.” Q20:14 Salat provides a constant reminder of the essence of our creation and provides a direct connection to Allah, who linked success and felicity to humility in prayer. It emphasizes the proximity between religion and daily life. Life, from an Islamic standpoint, is to be directed to Allah. Life is an opportunity for worship and the remembrance of Allah. The believer, through prayer, acquires a spiritual awareness that he takes with him throughout all of life’s endeavors.

It also purifies the heart and truly, through Prayer, a believer attains spiritual devotion and moral elevation.

Prayer not only gives a deep connection with God, but in prayer one establishes patience, humility and sincerity. It provides a means of repentance and is a restrainer from shameful and unjust deeds.

Alhaji Mufadil Bankole (2nd right) and other members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat during a family reunion held at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, opposite Lagos House of Assembly, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat during a Family Luncheon at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, opposite Lagos House of Assembly, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

The women wing of the Jamaat at the Family Re-union Luncheon.

ASK YOUR IMAM As-salmu ‘alaykum warahmatullhi wa-baraktuh.

Q

uestion: If I recited a surah after Fatiha on the third rakah in error, does it invalidate my prayer?

Again, if one sits after the first rakah and then rise up immideately to complete the rakah, can one observe sajdah after the completion of the salat.

Wa alaikum salam waramotullahi wabarakatuh.

Answer: It is Makrooh (disliked) to recite anything after Surah Fatiha in the third or the fourth Rakah of obligatory prayer. However, this will not render the salat invalid and neither Qabliy nor

badiy sajdah will not necessary. The same rule applies if one is leading a congregation.

However, If a person sits after the first rakah for at least more than three seconds erroneously, one should immediately stand up for the second Rakah upon remembering that he has only performed one Rakah and complete the pair of the rakah before tashuud. But if it the erroneous sitting is more than three seconds before he remembers, or he makes an inadvertent inclusion in the salat, Sajdah (badiy) will become necessary. And if it was an omission, then Sajdah Qabliyah will become necessary.

42— VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014—43

44 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

Vanguard CLASSIFIED Confirmation of name This is to confirm that in my May/June WASSCE 2010, my name was written as Abisoye Olawale Lukman, while in my May/ June WASSCE 2011, it was written as Abisoye Lukman Adewale . I now wish to be known and addressed as Abisoye Lukman Adewale. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ECHIANU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyinyechi Benita Echianu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyinyechi Benita Ogbonnaya.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ECHIANU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinwe I. Echianu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinwe I. Orafu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKUKERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Victoria Ewomazino Okukere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Victoria Ewomazino Eguwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHRISTOPHER—I, formerly known and addressed as Ediri Orode, now wish to be known and addressed as Edirin Christopher Orode. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UMO-OTONG—I, formerly known and addressed as Nyaknno Umo UmoOtong, now wish to be known and addressed as Nyaknno-Abasi Iniobong Ekong. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGUGUO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aguguo Henrietta Oluchi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ewulonu Henrietta Oluchi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EDEHA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ovuezinye Faith Edeha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ovuezinye Faith Adeyiga. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obi Florence Taiye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uduebo Florence Taiye. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ASINWO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Asinwo Franca Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ikechukwu Franca Oluwakemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EMELIFE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Emelife Charity Oluchi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Enebe Charity Oluchi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EGHAGHE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eghaghe Joy Ehiozie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joy Ehiozie Michael-Igweli. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EBOHA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nkechi Theresa Eboha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nkechi Theresa Bardi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SALAMI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Jumai Abiodun Salami, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Jumai Abiodun Owolabi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EDWIN—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Edwin Reginald, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Edwin Reginald Irabor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Obi Samuel Ugochukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Ashiedu Ikechukwu Samuel.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

JOLAOSO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss M o b o l a j i Olufunmilayo Jolaoso, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. M o b o l a j i Olufunmilayo Eze. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Correction of name The name Adebawo Fehintola Femi, was formerly mis-spelt as Adebanwo Fehintola Femi in various documents.

All documents bearing either names remain valid. General public please take note.

AJAO—I, formerly known and addressed as Ajao Fatimo Morenike, now wish to be known and addressed as Oloriegbe Fatima Morenike. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obi Rose Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eze Rosemary Chioma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

A N O Z I E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Anozie Victoria Ijeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Opara Victoria Ijeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Addition of name I, formerly known and addressed as Ibrahim Akanji Olamilekan, now wish to be known and addressed as Sa'adu Ibrahim Akanji Olamilekan. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

YUSUF—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Yusuf Maria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abubakar Maria. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Idah; NYSC and general public please take note.

ADAMU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adamu Ladi Garba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bute Mercy Jerome Ladi. All former documents remain valid.

Nigerian Navy and general public please take note.

OLOWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olowe Grace Olanike Oluwatoyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogunniran Grace Olanike Oluwatoyin.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NJASAWH—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Etta Christopher Njasawh Hilary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Etta Christopher Njasor Hilary. All former documents remain valid, as both names are for one and same person.

General public please take note.

USUN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Offiong Okon Usun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Offiong Archibong Boco. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AJUONUMA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajuonuma Blessing Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emmanuel Blessing Chioma. All former documents remain valid. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public please take note.

ARUJI—I, formerly known and addressed as Aruji Susan Amara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Susan Amara Adung.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ESUJI—I, formerly known and addressed as Esuji Valletta, now wish to be known and addressed as DenisUjoh Valletta. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBOH— I, formerly known and addressed as Oboh Glory, now wish to be known and addressed as Glory Akason. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGUDU—I, formerly known and addressed as Ogudu Blessing Omo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oshafi Blessing Omo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EDEH—I, formerly known and addressed as Dr. Edeh Oghenevwaire Joyce, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. O f u a d a r h o Oghenevwaire Joyce.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AIGBE—I, formerly known and addressed as Dr. Aigbe Bridget Osarumese, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. Fagbuyi Bridget Osarumese. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IRORAKPOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Irorakpor Jane Odoro, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odoro Paul Knibbs. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBURO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oburo NneAmaka Susan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onodarho NneAmaka Susan. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

YUSUF—I, formerly known and addressed as Saliu Idowu Yusuf, now wish to be known and addressed as Idowu Emmanuel Mogboruko.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKINONO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Roseline Okinono, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Roseline Inisiagho. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O R I G H O — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Oghenerume Jessica Origho, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oghenerume Jessica Abu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O G WA I M E N — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Marian Airekpitan Ogwaimen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Marian Airekpitan Osaje. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confimation of name This is to confirm that the name Umeileka Chinelo, refers to one and the same person as Umeileka Princess Chinelo, now wish to be known and addressed as Umeileka Princess Chinelo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGHA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ude Alice Agha, now wish to be known and address as Mrs. Alice Stanley Ibiam. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014 — 45

Vanguard CLASSIFIED NWANGANGA—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Michael Ibeabuchi Nwanganga, n o w wish to be known and address as Mr. Michael Ibeabuchi Uzoma. All former documents remain valid. Weafri Well Services Company Limited and general public please take note.

OWHREODE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Owhreode Ufuoma Efe, now wish to be known and address as Mrs. Ufuoma Felix Oghenekaro.

All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, and general public please take note.

ETIBO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Etibo Ovuirororie Ebi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ederiane Benjamin Ovuirororie Ebi. All former documents remain valid. Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, Joel David Karinande hereby confirm that the names Joel David Tuerigha as it appears on my NECO result and Joel David as it appears on my WAEC result refer to one and same me. All former documents remain valid. Niger Delta University and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, Okubama Tamaralayefa Courage hereby confirm that the names Okubama Tamaralayefa and Okubama Tamaralayefa C. as they appear on my NECO and WAEC result respectively refer to one and same me.

All former documents remain valid. Niger Delta University and general public please take note.

LAWAL—I, formerly known and addressed as Ademosu Adetoun Aina, now wish to be known and addressed as Lawal Adetoun Ademosu Aina. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADVERT HOTLINE 01- 8737025

C M Y K

I've no plans to defect to APC —BENUE DEP GOV

By Peter Duru

M

AKURDI—THE Deputy Governor of Benue State, Chief Steven Lawani has said that he had no plans to defect to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC , following his defeat at the just concluded governorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State, in the state.

Lawani’s denial is coming on the heels of unconfirmed

reports that he had opened discussions with the Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume on his possible defection to the APC in the next few days.

However, Lawani noted that as a loyal PDP member, the loss he suffered at the primaries was not enough reason for him to renounce his membership of the party.

In a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Mr. Ejembi Oguche, Chief Lawani was

quoted as saying,”I have been inundated with strident calls from well meaning individuals and teeming supporters about my rumoured possible defection to the opposition APC in the state.

“I want to state categorically and unambiguously that as a loyal party man, I have no intention of dumping the party since I have put the events and out come of the party primaries behind me, in the over all interest of the state and the party.”

Lawani reiterated his indebtedness to the delegates, his campaign team and other supporters for their loyalty, and especially for voting for him at the last primaries “in the face of extreme extraneous influences and other pernicious interests.”

He said he was the runner up at the governorship primaries, despite the glaring high wire intrigues that characterised the process noting that his acceptance and popularity among the PDP supporters was not in doubt.

CWG wins Wincor Best Absolute Achievement award in PMEA

C

O M P U T E R Warehouse Group (CWG) Plc has won the Wincor Nixdorf Best Absolute Achievement award.

The presentation was made at the recent Wincor Nixdorf ’s Portugal, Middle East and Africa (PMEA) Regional Partners’ Conference and Award Ceremony held in Mauritius.

FLAG-OFF: President Goodluck Jonathan gives Little Miss Temitope Shodeinde a The PMEA conference and presidential lift as he arrived for the official flag-off of the Federal Government Nationwide award is an annual event, where Mass Housing Programme for Nigerian Workers at the Apo-Tafyi Project Site, Asokoro, Wincor Nixdorf celebrates her Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida. partners in the PMEA region for their sales performances and shares the Company’s focus for the next fiscal year.

At the recent event, 10 partners were selected for Top sales performance and CWG Plc came first while other Nigerian O R M E R pastor of unquestionable integrity Nigerian project which he sees Companies including Cyber presidential aspirant on from the south west further attests as bigger than any individual space Networks Limited and the platform of the All Progressives to the commitment of the All interest, he made it clear that we Soft Works Limited took 5th and Congress, APC, and founder of Progressives Congress to fairness cannot ignore the current 7th positions respectively. Leadership Group Limited, Mr. and equality. happenings around the Computer Networks from Sam Nda-Isaiah, yesterday, While lauding the leadership country that require that as a United Arab Emirates was the congratulated General role of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola party, we must take extra first runner up to CWG Plc. Muhammadu Buhari who Tinubu which led to the caution and be sensitive to Presenting the award to the emerged as the presidential emergence of Osinbajo, Saraki every ethnicity and religion by head of e-Channels Business for candidate of the party at the said that Tinubu’s belief in the picking a Christian candidate.

CWG, Mr. Olatayo Ladipo-Ajai, APC’s third convention and his the president of Wincor Nixdorf, running mate, Professor Yemi Mr. Eckard Heidloff noted that Osinbajo (SAN).

CWG’s performance in the year This came as former governor in view, is outstanding and of Kwara State and chairman, therefore the award is a well- Senate committee on the OVERNOR Willie day festival, according to the deserved honour for such a environment, Senator Abubakar Obiano of Anambra State organisers is to create a rich dependable partner as CWG. Bukola Saraki (C.O.N) also will be the special guest of honour cultural platform to bring “CWG’s contribution in Fiscal extended his congratulations to as the maiden edition of the Anambrarians together and Year, 2014 made it possible for Gen. Buhari and Prof. Osinbajo. Anambra Heritage Festival kicks sensitise the people to show Wincor Nixdorf to meet her target Nda-Isaiah said in a statement off on December 22nd at Rojenny respect for their arts and culture.

In order to make the festival a in PMEA,” he added. that the announcement of Stadium complex, Oba, Anambra huge success, the government Receiving the award, Ladipo- Osinbajo, a distinguished State.

Ajai expressed his gratitude for professor of law and a man of Already, the state government has promised to ensure adequate the recognition. According to him, strong integrity as running mate, says it has concluded preparatory security through the state’s it is always good to see the was coinciding with the 72nd plans towards a grand and security outfit ‘’Operation reward of commitment as it birthday of Gen. Buhari, who has successful staging of the cultural Kpochapu” in and around Oba triggers greater commitment. “At served the country selflessly. festival holding between environ during and after the duration of the festival.

CWG, excellent customer He said he was confident that December 22nd to 24th.

According to the event service delivery has been the the candidates will lead the APC The festival, which is in its first bedrock for greater to victory in the forthcoming edition is an initiative of the organisers, ‘’great fun and achievements.

Governor Obiano administration excitement awaits participants elections. ''We hold our customers in high Senator Bukola Saraki on his and is aimed at promoting culture and tourists to the festival as the esteem, hence our commitment to part said the emergence of Prof. of the people and to deepen the state government has made renewed assurances to safeguard deliver what we promise in spite Osinbajo, a senior advocate of Anambra heritage. of any challenge.” he said.

Part of the objectives of the three Oba and its environs”.

Nigeria, SAN, and a committed

Nda-Isaiah, Saraki congratulate Buhari, Osinbajo

F

Obiano to flag off Anambra Heritage festival

G

46 —

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

Senior civil servants threaten nationwide strike over unpaid salaries

2015: Ajibola remains PDP governorship candidate in Kwara, says Olanrewaju

By Victor Ahiumayoung

A

SSOCIATION OF Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, yesterday, threatened to call out its members in the public service on strike over unpaid October to December 2014 salaries.

Secretary General of the body, Mr. Alade Bashir Lawal, in a statement lamented that the Federal Government had not

I

LORIN — SENATOR Simeon Ajibola, who won the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship ticket for the 2015 elections in Kwara, remains the flagbearer of the party, his campaign outfit has said.

The Director General of the Ajibola for Governor Campaign Organisation, Mr Shuaib Olanrewaju, made the clarification on yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin.

Olanrewaju said contrary to the rumour making the rounds, Ajibola remained the authentic flag bearer of the party.

He said the clarification was necessary against the background of postings in the social media insinuating that the governorship ticket had been withdrawn from Ajibola.

Olanrewaju said the state and the 16 local lespeak.jpg government executive bodies of the party and other contestants had already congratulated Ajibola on his victory.

He recalled that Governor Gabriel Suswan of Benue, who supervised the December 11 rescheduled primary election had submitted the result to the national headquarters of the party, adding that it had been accepted.

I

been able to pay thousands of public servants their October and November, not to talk about December 2014 salary.

According to him, “as we write, information reaching the union from informed quarters indicate that about 30 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, will not pay December 2014 salaries to their employees.

It is very unfortunate that since October 2014, the Federal Ministries of Agriculture,

Education, Works, Labour and Productivity as well as a host of other MDAs have not paid salary to their workers.

"The reality on ground is that thousands of civil servants and their dependants will celebrate this year’s Christmas and New Year in sorrow. We call on President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene on this matter and ensure that thousands of civil servants are paid their October, November and December

TIB partners UK, Spanish firms to float $500m infrastructure fund

T

HE INFRASTRUCTURE Bank Plc, TIB, is partnering Gemfonds of UK and Madrid-based Investment Banking firm, Sigrun, to set up a $500 million Nigeria-focused Infrastructure Fund.

A statement by the bank in Lagos said the commercial agreement for the fund was executed at a ceremony in London on December 5, 2014.

The Fund, which is to be named the Nigeria Infrastructure Fund 1,NIF1, is being set up with the aim of investing in and lending to Greenfield and Brownfield Public Private Partnership projects primarily within the Nigerian infrastructure space.

“The objective of setting up the Fund is premised on the drive to bridge the mammoth infrastructure deficit in the country. TIB, in line with its mission to transform Nigeria’s infrastructure for enhanced productivity, has partnered with Gemfonds and Sigrun with a view to making a significant

contribution towards improving Nigeria’s infrastructure base.

"In addition to the preservation of and return on investors’ funds, the NIF1 has the mandate to focus on projects with high potential for the promotion of inclusive growth and socio-economic development, with the resultant effect of reducing the cost of doing business and enhancing the quality of lives of the Nigerian masses.

“The Infrastructure Bank Asset Management Company Limited (TIBAML), a subsidiary of TIB, shall manage NIF1.

TIBAML under the guidance of its own management and board of directors will independently manage the Fund under acceptable global best practices.

"The opportunity to establish the Fund is underpinned by the ability of the partners to identify, structure and invest in longterm infrastructure projects that have the potential to generate stable, predictable,

and recurring cash flow as well as ensure high returns with strong economic performance,” the bank said.

TIB said the Fund would primarily focus on sectors such as transportation, municipal common services and utilities, power and renewable energy, oil and gas logistics services as well as real estate and telecommunications.

salaries before the festivity to put smile on their faces.”

ASCSN called on the government to use the N9.2 billion earmarked to buy stoves for “rural women” to offset the October and November salaries as well as that of December 2014, noting that “We cannot understand how N9.2 billion would be spent on stoves while workers who toil daily to keep the wheels of government functioning cannot be paid their meagre salary.”

"Last year, more than 40 MDAs could not pay December 2013 salary to their workers and when the union raised the alarm, government officials were quick to deny the development prompting the Association to publish the names of the MDAs that were involved in the non-payment of salary saga.

"Based on this sad experience of last year, one would have expected that serious steps should have been taken to ensure that the ugly scenario did not repeat itself "Unfortunately, we are now back to square one. Workers, to say the least, are very sad as they can no longer meet their immediate needs as a result of refusal of Government to pay them their salaries.”

Anambra women honour Stella Oduah

A

NAMBRA NORTH Women Association, ANWA, has honoured former Aviation Minister and Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the area, Princess Stella Oduah, with an award of excellence.

The award was in recognition of her service to her people, the nation and humanity.

Presenting the award, on behalf of the ANWA, the President of the entire Anambra State Women

Association in Lagos, Dr. Nkiru Ifekwem, declared that the people could not have made a better choice than Oduah.

She emphasised that her track record bore testimony to the quality representation she would deliver to her constituency at the Senateif elected.

The representative of Princess Oduah at the event Dr. Uchenna Ofulue, thanked the women for their kind remarks and assurances, promising to take their message back to the Princess Oduah.

70 days to General Elections: What is your view?

n Isawo, Agric area of Ikorodu, my name was on the board only to be told by the INEC official that I have to reregister. According to them, my voters card, which I used in voting in the last election, is invalid. Mr John Anyaele- Businessman

I

NEC has started the rigging procedure ahead of 2015 general elections. INEC should please live up to expectations and not fail Nigerian voters again.

God help us this time around to get it right. Mr Adetomiwa OlusholaWorker

A

nything that happens in the INEC, as regard to the 2015 general elections, Jega should humbly take a bow and resign. This is because the last election was massively rigged and there was no free and fair election. Mr Chinaza Onuigbo- Businessman

I

NEC is hoarding people’s electronic cards and it is not in favour of free and fair elections in Nigeria. Only if INEC can buckle-up now, then we can be rest assured that whoever they declare winner truly won. Mr Uchenna AzukaCommunicator

F

ebruary 14 is closeby, except if they have postponed the election date. Prof.Attahiru Jega has lost every credibility to conduct fair and free elections. He should either resign or be forced to do so. Mr Eyinnaya Okpani- Graduate

W

ell, to the best of my knowledge, this government is more serious with free and fair elections in 2015.

But my fear still remain on the question, will the persons manning the poll allow it to be so. Mr Ben Onyekachi- Worker

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014— 47

I was never arrested by EFCC, says Ortom, Benue APC gov candidate M

By Peter Duru

AKURDI—FORMER Minister of State, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments, and All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom has debunked the rumours making the rounds in the state and on social media that he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. In a statement yesterday in Makurdi, the state capital, his Media Adviser, Mr. Tahav Agezua, Ortom described the rumours as “false, malicious, mischievous, and a campaign of calumny.”

The statement read in part, “members of the public may recall that I had earlier sent out an alert about the plans of detractors to smear the good name of the former Minister...

“The current fake report in one in a series but I assure supporters and well wishers that they will all fail to achieve their objective. Dr. Ortom has not been arrested by

the EFCC or any agency.

He is undergoing documentation in Abuja as APC Benue State governorship candidate and will return soon to the state to resume campaigns in earnest.

“The former Minister has served without stain or blemish whether as council chairman, party administrator at the state and national levels, Minister and captain of industry.

“Dr Ortom has assured that

he has never been incriminated or found wanting in both his private and public careers stressing that his conscience was clear and that he was moving about freely without molestation.”

CONFERENCE: Secretary General-elect, International Telecommunications Union, ITU, Mr. Houlin Zhao cleft), and Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah at the just-ended ITU, Telecom World conference in Doha, Qatar.

Jigawa approves N650m for construction of Manpower Devt Institute

By Aliyu Dangida

D

UTSE—JIGAWA State government has approved N650 million contract for the construction of accommodation facilities at Manpower Development Institute, MDI, Dutse, the state capital.

The Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Alhaji Babandi Ibrahim Gumel who spoke yesterday on the out come of the State Executive Council, SEC, meeting held at Government House Dutse, said that the contract which include the provision of accommodation facilities for 48 self containedrooms was awarded to Babandoki General Enterprises.

Gumel further said that consultancy services for the contract was awarded to Misers

Design Limited at the cost of N35 million respectively, adding that the council also approved the contract review of the Jigawa State University, JSU, Kafin

L

AGOS—CHAIRMAN of the Northern Elders Council, NEC, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai has reiterated the North’s resolve to vote overwhelmingly for the Jonathan/Sambo ticket in the 2015 presidential election.

Yakassai, who said this at the media presentation of ‘Candidate Goodluck Jonathan’, in Lagos, yesterday, appealed to Nigerians to support the Jonathan/Sambo ticket in 2015.

Yakassai said: “I am happy to know that President Jonathan was

additional contract at the old police headquarters from saying that the initial cost of N1.487 billion had been reviewed to N1.690 billion just as Dantata and SawoeNigerialimitedwasthemajor contractor.

Court fixes Jan 30 to rule on Gaslink directors, firm, others' suit

L

By Innocent Anaba

AGOS—A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, will on January 30, rule on the preliminary objection by six directors of Gaslink Nigeria Limited, challenging the suit against them by Atlantic Ocean Services Limited and two others.

The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Yunusa will on that day decide whether or not to strike out their names in the suit.

Besides Atlantic Ocean

2015: Why North 'll support Jonathan —Yakassai

By Dapo Akinrefon

Hausa from the initial cost of N1.176 billion to N1.421 billion.

He said the contract was awarded to Datum Construction Limited.

Gumel also explained that the council also approved the

endorsed by his party, the PDP, as its presidential candidate. I also want to congratulate his party, the PDP for introducing the method of right of first refusal to Nigeria, and I hope other political parties will adopt this measure to prevent any form of rancour in political parties. This is the type of politics that we are looking for in this country, politics of ideas and programmes. Let me use this opportunity to fault the insinuations about the Boko Haram insurgency.”

Services Limited, other petitioners include Owel Petroleum Limited and Patriot Investment Limited, while respondents are Adewale Tinubu, Mobolaji Adeyemo, Omamofe Boyo, Tunji Ladoja, Chief I.B Ochonogor and Oando Plc. Mr. Wale Tinubu and his firm, Oando are the majority shareholders in Gaslink while the petitioners are minority shareholders.

Arguing his preliminary objection seeking to strike out the names of the directors, counsel to second to seventh respondents, urged the court to strike out their names from the

petition. Counsel argued that their names ought to be struck out of the suit because they are ‘merely’ directors and not shareholders of the first defendant (Gaslink), insisting that it was only the company that can be sued.

But the petitioners counsel, Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN, said all the respondents argued that attacking the petition was ‘useless,’ explaining that while his clients were not disputing the fact that the 2nd to 7th respondents are directors, they are the ones who run the company and therefore, should be sued.

Don't allow primaries' crisis give APC edge, group tells PDP

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SABA—THE Niger Delta Riverine Movement, a socio political organization in the Niger Delta, has warned the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State against allowing the recent governorship primaries of the party destroy the party in the state.

The group in a statement signed by Comrade Mulade noted that some sections of people of the state are not happy that a clique has been incharge of the leadership of the state since 1999, noting that if such impression is not erased the people may decide to vote for the All Progressives Congress, APC. According to the group “we need fresh hands, people that are God fearing. Delta has a lot of potentials and need to exploit them so as to enrich our wealth. So we are advising the leadership of the PDP in Delta state to ensure that all the bickering as a result of the governorship congress is settled before the general elections."

Chief Ugwu passes on

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HIEF UGWU Peter Urokonwaonah of Nkalagu-Obukpa, Igbo-Eze South LGA, Enugu State, is dead, aged 83 years. There will be a wake keep on December 29. He will be buried the following day at his residence in NkalaguObukpa. He is survived by many children and other relations, including Dr. Leonard Ugwu of University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Late Peter Urokonwaonah

Group congratulates Okowa, Ogor, others In their congratulatory state in general. on primaries message, they also lauded the The group in a statement by the

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SABA—ISOKO Grassroots Development Initiative, IGDI, has congratulated Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, James Manger, Leo Ogor and Tim Owhefere on their recent primary election victory as candidates of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in next year ’s general elections.

delegates for rewarding Okowa, Manager, Ogor, and Tim with their votes.

Describing the outcome of the PDP primaries as an expression of the will of the people, they said their various victories was well deserved in view of the positive impact of their achievements on the lives of the people of Isoko and the

President, Dr Anthony Oghomi, Secretary, Bernard Odior and the PRO, Chief Elvis Ovie, IGDI, expressed confidence that Sen Okowa as the governorship candidate and ‘incoming’ governor of Delta State, would have a pleasant working relationship with Sen. Manager, Hon. Leo Ogor, and Tim Owhefere in the bid to move the state and the Isoko nation forward.

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PRESENTATION: Kwara State governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, presenting 2015 Appropriation Bill to the Kwara State House of Assembly, in Ilorin.

PARTY: From left, Mr. Onyekachi Onuborgu, Commercial Director, Promasidor; Mrs. Iquo Ukoh, 1st Vice President, ADVAN; Mr. Kolawole Oyeyemi, President, ADVAN, and Mrs. Ediri Ose-Ediale, Executive Secretary, ADVAN, during the 2014 ADVAN Partners end of the year party, in Lagos.

Photo: Akeem Salau

ANNIVERSARY: From left, Bolanle Adeyemo-Adekoya, Dep. Director, Pharmaceutical Services, LUTH; Lekan Asuni, MD, GSK Pharmaceuticals; Bukky George, Founder & CEO HealthPlus Ltd; Lolu Ojo, CEO, Merit Healthcare Ltd; Clare Omatseye, MD, JNC Int’l Ltd & President, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, at the 15th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner & Awards of the HealthPlus Group.

INSTALLATION: Cross section of officiating ministers, led by the Secretary of the Conference, Methodist Church Nigeria, Bishop Raphael Okpoko (middle) at the installation of Very Rev. Williams Allottey-Pappoe, and Very Rev. Michael Iganga, as Presbyter, at the City Mission Methodist Church Cathedral, Surulere, Lagos.

SIGNING: From left, Said Desaque, Chief Strategist, Gemfonds Plc; Hakeem Olopade, Executive Director, The Infrastructure Bank, TIB, Plc; Adekunle Oyinloye, Managing Director/CEO, TIB; Daniel Broby, Chief Executive, Genfonds; Jose Altadilli, Partner SL, Sigrun Partners, and Brice Beuno, Managing Partner, Gemfonds, during the signing of agreement by TIB, Gemfonds of UK and Sigrun, Madrid-based investment bank, to float $500m Nigeria-focused infrastructure fund.

INSPECTION: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, inspecting the quality and the laying of tiles, at the 200-bed Central Hospital Complex, in Benin City.

MEETING: From left, Prince Tokunbo Kayode, former Minister of Defence and 2nd Deputy President; Engr. Solomon Nyagba, President; Mr. Tony Ejinkonye, 1st Deputy President, and Mr. Osi Imomoh, Vice President (Finance), during 24th Annual General Meeting of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce, in Abuja.

COMMISSIONING: From left, Managing Director, Lagos State Parks And Gardens Agency, LASPARK, Mrs. Titi Anibaba; General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Service, Coscharis Group, Mr. Abiona Babarinde, and Head, Tree Maintenance, LASPARK, Mr. Olalekan Pereira-Sheteolu, at the commissioning and presentation of 100 trees to LASPARK by Ford Motor Company, at Alausa, Lagos.

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Bode George cautions Obanikoro over attacks

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AGOS—FORMER Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Bode George, has called for an end to verbal attacks by Obanikoro.

The statement reads; ‘’One has refrained from engaging Senator Musiliu Obanikoro despite his gross and alarmist provocations. I have deliberately remained distant and quiet, ignoring the stark obscenities of a desperate and obsessed man who is apparently incapable of absorbing the reality of his defeat by a well-bred and better man. ‘’For Obanikoro to claim in sheer ludicrousness that I, even remotely, identify with any intimations of violence is utter lunacy and blind, vindictive madness. Surely, Obanikoro is possessed and obsessed.

He needs immediate psychiatric treatment. He is a desperate sinking man, grasping and thrashing in self inflicted

FAAN to evict touts from airports nationwide

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AGOS—THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, yesterday said that it had concluded plans to evict touts from the nation’s airports.

The authority’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr Yakubu Dati, told journalists in Lagos that the Minister of Aviation, Mr Osita Chidoka, had directed the elimination of low level corruption.

Newsmen gathered that Chidoka, had on Tuesday, ordered FAAN and the Nigerian Air Force to within two weeks flush out touts loitering around the arrival hall of the Lagos International Airport.

SYNAGOGUE: Coroner admits building

plan as exhibit zChurch was still processing building approval when it collapsed —Witness

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KEJA—A Lagos State Coroner ’s Court investigating the collapsed building of the Synagogue Church of All Nations yesterday admitted the plan of the building and other adjoining structures as exhibits.

Mr Bisi Adedire, a town planner and witness of the church, tendered the building plan to the inquest presided over by Mr Oyetade Komolafe.

The inquest was instituted under the Lagos State Coroner’s System Law No. 7 of 2007, for the purpose of unravelling the cause of the incident.

One hundred and sixteen persons were killed in the incident which happened on Sept.12.

Adedire, led in evidence by Mr Olalekan Ojo, the counsel to the church, said that the church was still processing the building approval when it collapsed.

He said that the church had paid over N20 million to the Lagos State Government for processing of the approval.

The witness said that the alleged non-approval of the building could not have been responsible for its collapse.

“An approval can be secured even, for a building that is already in existence.

“Whether a building got approval or not, what determines its strength is the way in which materials used

on the building were applied,” Adedire said.

Also testifying, Mr Rafiq Arogunjo, a Deputy General Manager, Air Traffic Control, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, confirmed that the CH 130 Hercules belonging to the Nigerian Air Force hovered over the church.

Arogunjo, however, maintained that NAMA carried out a scientific analysis of the distance between the collapsed building and the aircraft, which showed that it flew over 1,100 feet.

According to him, we observed

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the flight was deployed on the day under review.

“The aircraft is designed for military operations to the best of my knowledge, but I don’t know if the intention of the aircraft was to hit any target.

“I have heard about an aircraft on a sabotage mission release invisible substance on a target lased with explosive devices with the aim of bombing a target.

“I cannot confirm if the aircraft had such a substance and we did not lose sight on radar of the aircraft on the day of the incident,” he said.

XMAS CAROL: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fahola, SAN (right), his Deputy, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (middle), First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola (2nd right), Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade (2nd left), and Head of Service, Mrs. Oluseyi Williams, during the 2014 Xmas Carol Service, at Lagos House, Marina, Lagos.,

WAEC releases Nov/Dec GCE results L

By Dayo Adesulu

AGOS—THE West African Examinations Council, WAEC, Thursday released its November/December 2014 General Certificate of Education, GCE, results, recording 29.37 per cent credit pass in English Language and Mathematics.

Of the total number of candidates that sat for the examination, 75,313 candidates (30.50%),

obtained 6 credits and above; 110,346 candidates, representing 44.70% obtained 5 credits and above. In addition, 145,036 candidates, representing 58.75% obtained credits and above in 4 subjects, while 177,177 candidates, representing 71.77% obtained credits and above in 3 subjects. A total of 205,090 candidates (83.08%) obtained credits and above in 2 subjects Speaking at the WAEC

Agbaje remains Lagos PDP candidate, says campaign organisation AGOS—THE campaign organisation of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr Jimi Agbaje, has described as unfounded, the rumour that a court has stopped Agbaje from parading himself as the PDP governorship candidate, saying the court only asked PDP and INEC to appear

that the pilot maintained 1,100 feet at all material times during the training operation.

“There is no way I would have known the intention of the pilot on the day of the incident.

“I can also confirm that the flight plan was submitted to me, but cannot remember the name of the pilot that flew the aircraft on the day of the incident.

“I don’t also know what the aircraft was carrying that day, and the identity of those in the aircraft is not known to me.

“I have no knowledge of the gadgets on board the flight and I don’t know the use with which

before it on December 23rd.

A statement by the campaign Organisation in Lagos made available to journalists, said Jimi Agbaje remains the choice of the party in Lagos.

The statement reads in part: “The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in Lagos state Mr Jimi Agbaje has

described it as unfounded the rumour that the court has stopped him from parading himself as the PDP governorship candidate. The court only asked PDP and INEC to appear in court on Dec.23rd “We hereby reaffirm that Mr Jimi Agbaje remains the choice of the PDP in Lagos,” the statement said.

Nigeria National Office, Yaba, the Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Mr. Charles Eguridu said: “A total of 72,522 candidates, representing 29.37% obtained credits in 5 subjects and above, including English Language and Mathematics.”

He noted that the results of 28,817 candidates, representing 11.67%, are being withheld in connection with various cases of examination malpractice adding, “such cases are being investigated and the reports of the investigations will be presented to the Nigeria Examination Committee, NEC, of the Council for consideration.”

Eguridu who disclosed that a total of 246,853 candidates sat the examination, said 75,313 candidates representing 30.50 per cent had 6 credits and above.

The HNO explained that out of the total number of candidates, 241,161 candidates, representing 97.69% have their results fully

released, while 5,691 candidates, representing 2.31% have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors mainly traceable to the candidates and cyber cafes in the course of registration or writing the examination.

When compared to the November/December 2012 and 2013 GCE (Private), Eguridu said, “there is a marked increase in candidates’ performance.”

Thus, in GCE 2012, 138, 277 representing 34.84 per cent made five credits including English and Mathematics. In 2013, it was 80,135, representing 26.97 per cent. While this year recorded 72,522, representing 29.37 per cent.

Meanwhile, for the physically challenged candidates, he said that a total number of 48 blind candidates registered and sat for the examination. From this figure, he pointed out that 4 candidates, representing 8.38 per cent obtained credits in 5 subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

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Protests rock Abeokuta over alleged plan to replace PDP candidates A

By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—HUNDREDS of supporters of candidates of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State have staged a peaceful protest over alleged plan by the national leadership to swap the names of the candidates with other candidates.

The protesters who besieged

the party secretarial in Abeokuta accused a governorship aspirant, Kayode Amusan of allegedly hijacking a House of Representatives ticket for Abeokuta North/ Odeda/ObafemiOwode Federal Constituency.

But, in a swift reaction, Amusan dismissed the claims, saying he contested for the governorship and could not have been

interested in snatching the ticket for the House of Representatives seat.

Amusan who lost in the recent governorship primary election to the candidate of the PDP in the state, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka was alleged by the protesters to be making frantic efforts to hijack the ticket that had already been won by one Dr. Adesina

IWUDE FESTIVAL: From left: Mr. Wale Idowu, member, Publicity Sub Committee, Iwude-Ijesa Planning Committee, Mr Afolabi Igbaroola, Vice-Chairman, Finance Sub Committee; Chief Olu Falomo, Chairman, Iwude-Ijesa Planning Committee and Mrs Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, Chairman, Publicity Sub Committee, during a briefing to announce the 2014 Iwude-Ijesa festival celebration in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

Ibraheem Olaleye during the Saturday December 6 primary election for the House of Representatives slot.

This alleged move by Amusan prompted scores of angry supporters of the winner of the December 6 primaries to stage a peaceful protest at the state secretariat of the party in Abeokuta, yesterday.

Armed with placards with various inscriptions, such as, “Amusan, you cannot steal Olaleye’s mandate,” “We want Dr. Olaleye, not Amusan,” “December 6, 2014 House of Representatives Primary has confirmed the will of the people", among others, the protesters warned the leadership not to risk the chances of the party by handing over the ticket to the governorship aspirant.

The protesters claimed that Olaleye had emerged the House of Representatives' candidate for their constituency following the conduct of a primary election on December 6 in line with the party constitution and regulations.

Reacting, the governorship aspirant, however, said that he was aware that the party was making some moves to “rearrange” certain things.

2015: Oyo APC bemoans

poor voters' cards distribution

By Ola Ajayi

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BADAN—LESS than 60 days to the Presidential election, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State has complained that most eligible voters in some local government are yet to collect their permanent voters' cards.

The party expressed its fears in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olawale Sadare that fate of many eligible voters in the state was still hanging in the balance due to their failure to get their PVCs. APC said it was untenable the sloppy manner with which the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was handling the registration of prospective voters and the distribution of the permanent voter card, PVC, ahead of the 2015 general elections.

The APC challenged INEC to convince the whole world that every eligible and willing Nigerian would be allowed to vote in the next general elections by issuing them the permanent voter’s cards as required by the law.

He said: “The Presidential C M Y K

election comes up on February 14, 2015 and there are many eligible voters out there who registered and voted in 2011 but have had their names removed without tenable reasons in the PVC. “Most people in the web of this mess across Afijio, Ibadan South West, Ogbomoso North, Ibadan North East, Egbeda and many other local government areas were made to re-register but up till now, nobody is sure when they would have their PVCs released. Besides, many people who are to be registered afresh have been abandoned by INEC."

Osun speaker laments delayed wages

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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SOGBO—THE Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam has expressed his displeasure on the delay of pay-check of workers in the state, hinting that evidence has shown that reliance on the federation account is no longer sustainable.

In a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Goke Butika in Osogbo yesterday, Mr Salaam lauded the patience of the workers on the current challenge of paucity of fund confronting the state, noting that the stakeholders in government have started brainstorming on the possible options that would be win-win situation for the workers and the state.

“I feel the pain of the workers in our states, particularly, Osun, but contended with the pragmatic approach of the government to redress the situation. However, the situation has called for all inclusive engagement of all classes of stakeholders, because our purely consumer status is not sustainable”, Salaam reiterated.

He said the leadership of the state parliament was unhappy about corruption at the top, a situation that made the country to have no substantial saving for the rainy day when the crude oil was selling at over 100 dollar per barrel.

Mr Salaam then disclosed that the state parliament under his watch would not look away from the plight of workers as a result of obvious cut of allocation to the state, saying that the parliament would soon engage the representatives of workers on the development.

Ajimobi inaugurates N3.8bn abattoir for Ibadanland

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BADAN—GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Thursday inaugurated the N3.8 billion ultra-modern abattoir at Amosun Village in Akinyele Local Government Area of the state, with a pledge that his administration would continue to create conducive environment for investment.

The central abattoir, which is meant to serve all the 11 local government areas in

Ibadanland, is sited on 15 hectares of land, with provisions for manual and mechanical slaughtering of cattle, pigs, goats and sheep.

Besides, it also has a road network covering about five kilometres within the abattoir, with a parking space that can accommodate over 200 cars and 50 articulated trucks.

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PDP carpets Edo APC lawmakers over rejection of LG autonomy bill

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—EDO State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, condemned the decision of Edo lawmakers to reject the Local Government Autonomy Bill, describing their action as an indication that the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government in the state has an aversion for the genuine reform of the Nigerian constitution.

It will be recalled that lawmakers of Edo State House of Assembly, mostly of APC, had on Monday, through voice vote, rejected eight items including the bill seeking autonomy for local governments, out of the 58 contentious sections in a bill to further alter the provisions of the Nigerian constitution.

Chairman of the party in Edo State, Chief Dan Orbih, who addressed newsmen in Benin, however, said that the House of Assembly candidates of his party in the 2015 general elections, had agreed to throw their weight behind the passage of the Local Government Autonomy Bill, if elected.

He said it was regrettable that while state governors enjoy full autonomy from the Federal

Government, they were frustrating moves to grant local government autonomy, insisting that the Edo APC lawmakers have shown that they were rubber-stamps of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

He said: “Since the inception of Governor Oshiomhole’s administration in the state, nothing less than N160 billion had accrued to all the local

government areas with each receiving an average of N150 million every month from the federal allocation.

“However, these funds come to them through the state governor and they do not get up to 40 per cent of their allocations. This is the major reason why we cannot apportion much blame to the councils for non-performance but to the

governor and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who received these funds on their behalf.”

He called for an audit of funds that had accrued to the 18 local government areas in the state, saying: “What goes to the councils can hardly pay salaries and that is why we strongly believe that the councils should have autonomy in order for them to develop.”

BRIEFING: From left: Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises,BPE, Mr. Benjamin Dikki; Chairman, Technical Committee of National Council on Privatization, Mr. Atedo Peterside, and Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Mohammed Musa Sada, briefing State House correspondents, after the meeting of National Council on Privatization, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida.

Ex-militants block E-West Road afresh over non-payment of allowances

By Samuel Oyadongha & Egufe Yafugborhi

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E N A G O A — MOTORISTS plying the East-West Road were, yesterday, stranded for hours as ex-Niger Delta militants under the Federal Government's amnesty programme blocked the road in protest over alleged non-payment of their arrears.

Meanwhile, authorities at the Presidential Amnesty Programme have appealed to the former agitators currently protesting delay in the payment of their November 2014 stipends to halt further protests so as not to heighten the tension in the polity.

The ex-militants staged the protest at the Mbiama Junction of the busy highway, gateway to the South South states of Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

The latest protest on the Bayelsa flank of the road, the second in two days after the Wednesday incident staged on the Patani flank in Delta State, left several commuters including a senior Airforce officer and his escort stranded as the protesters refused to create a corridor for them.

The ex-agitators from Delta and Bayelsa states, it was learned, were protesting the non-payment of their November allowance by the Federal Government.

One of the ex-agitators, simply identified as Rufus, lamented

that many of the trained youths were jobless, warning that they might be forced to relocate to the creeks if their demands were not met.

But the Presidential Amnesty Office pleaded with the former agitators in the Niger Delta and beneficiaries enlisted in the

Presidential Amnesty Programme, to eschew violence and show understanding.

The Amnesty Office in a statement by its Head of Media and Communications, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said the appeal became necessary following protests by some beneficiaries in some Niger Delta states in the last two days over the delay.

Delta Govt to contractors: Return to site or risk revocation

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SABA—DELTA State Commissioner for Special Infrastructure, Mr Patrick Ferife, has ordered contractors handling government projects to return to site immediately failing which the contracts would be revoked.

Ferife, who gave the order during an inspector tour of some government projects in Warri, said that Governor E m m a n u e l Uduaghan’s government was desirous of completing all ongoing projects before the end of May 2015.

Some of the projects inspected were blocks of

modern classrooms at DomDomingos College, Uwangue College and Dore-Numa College, Warri.

He said that the government

had embarked on the construction and renovation of 30 new schools in order to provide conducive learning environment for the leaders of tomorrow.

Edo, safest place for investment in S-South —Oshiomhole

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By Simon Ebegbulem

E N I N — GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, boasted that the state was the safest place for investment in the South South and called on private investors to take advantage of the enabling environment provided by the state government and invest in the state.

Speaking while commissioning the newly constructed Udoh Road and opening of Randekhi Royal Hotel, Gold Wing in GRA, Benin City, Oshiomhole said: “Part of what we have tried to do in our urban renewal programme is not only meant to deal with the flooding crisis in Benin City but to make it a modern city. Our hope is that when we have made some progress in this regard, the private sector will respond appropriately by taking advantage of the enabling environment we have created to invest in various aspects of the economy of the state.”

The governor, who commended the Chairman of Randekhi Royal Hotel, Chief Andrew Ebalunode, for embarking on the reconstruction of Udoh Road and investing in the hospitality business in the state, noted that the state government had opened up the city through construction of modern roads, infrastructure and other social amenities which have resulted in massive inflow of visitors and investors to the state on daily basis.

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Ike Uche signs new deal I

KECHUKWU Uche has signed a contract extension at Villarreal until 2017, the player has revealed.

The Nigeria international, who joined the Spanish based outfit in 2011, has scored four La Liga goals so far this season and has expressed his delight at penning a new deal at El Madrigal.

“I feel very happy for my renewal with Villarreal until 2017! I will do my best to help the team!,” Uche wrote on Twitter.

I feel very happy for my renewal with @VillarrealCF until 2017! I will do my best to help the team!

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•Uche

Arsenal youngsters ready to star for Nigeria

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RSENAL youngsters Chuba Akpom and Semi Ajayi have expressed interest to feature in Nigeria’s AFCON warm-ups against Cote d’Ivoire and Mali in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, next month.

Highly–rated duo Ajayi and Akpom could now be called up by coach Daniel Amokachi for the trip, alongside Steven Ukoh, who has been cleared by world football governing body to play for Nigeria after he has represented Switzerland at various

age-grade levels.

This is according to an official statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) signed by communications assistant director Ademola Olajire. Ajayi, who has been on the wings of the Arsenal main squad, has already represented Nigeria at U20 level having featured at last year’s Toulon Festival in France. He is a ball playing central defender.

Nigeria play Cup of Nations-bound Cote d’Ivoire on January 9, before facing Mali.

the Federation. It could happen soon,” he told reporters. “ With my experience in the game garnered over the years, hiring a coach will not be much of a big deal because I’m knowledgeable in these things.”

“ Amaju is also a robust Football administrator and he knows his way round the game.”

“It’s not about always returning to take up coaching jobs. I will also like to see my colleagues take that step,” he added.

Eagles Continues from B/P Chukwu was assistant to Dutchman, Clemens Westerhof when Nigeria attained their highest ever position in the rankings (fifth) and he described the latest development as “ not good enough.”

“Our latest position in C M Y K

the rankings is not good enough but if we are to be honest the year 2014 was not a good one for the Super Eagles,” he said.

Germany, Argentina, Colombia, Belgium and the Netherlands are the top five countries, in that order, in the latest rankings.

HE 2014 OML 58 football tournament is in its second week and lots of matches have been decided between the sixteen communities that are vying for honours.

Players of the respective teams have been showcasing their skills and interpreting the instructions dished out by their coaches. Competition has been intense because of bragging rights between the competing teams.

However,it must be mentioned that the matches have been played in good and brotherly atmosphere,as FAIR PLAY has been the watchword.

Members of the Organising Committee have been up to speed, making sure that every logistic is in place to ensure a hitch-free tournament.

Chairman of the Main Organising Committee Goodnews Mbonu says

sponsors of the tournament ,TOTAL E and P, always look to improve the standard.

Mbonu also charged players and officials of the competing teams to continue to adhere to the rules governing the game of football,and the competition rules of the annual OML 58 football tournament. He stressed the popular maxim,”in the game of football, you win some and lose some. After all, it’s just a game”.

Manager,Community services,TOTAL E and P, Okechukwu Obara charged the players to continue to turn on the style, as scouts are taking notes and keeping tabs on exceptional players who will be helped to have a possible future career in football.

The 2014 OML 58 football tournament will end on 16th January,2015.

Alaba is Austria Footballer of the Year

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OR the fourth year running, Bayern Munich wing - back David Alaba has been named the best footballer in Austria.

To scoop the award, the Austria international, who has Nigerian blood flowing in his veins,

beat FC Salzburg duo Jonatan Soriano and Kevin Kampl.

“A huge thanks to the coaches who have voted for me. Of course this is something special for me, I am very happy about it, “ David Alaba said in a statement.

Cameroonian footballer

Eguavoen Continues from B/P

Teams thrill fans at OML 58 football tournament

•Chuba Akpom

Curtain falls on Benin Chess tourney

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HE grand finale of the 2nd Benin Chess Tournament comes up today at the indoor sports hall, Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin City.

The tourney tagged “Oba’s Cup” which started on Monday has witnessed a very high standard in terms of play and organisation.

Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) President, Lekan Adeyemi and his predecessor, CP Sani Mohammed and the

State Commissioner of Police, Foluso Adebanjo are expected to grace the final.

Favourite for the coveted trophy is Ikegbunam Johnson in the U-10 category who has recorded four straight wins, with just one game left to determine his fate. His brother, Ikegbunam Daniel with same number of wins and points in the U-16 cadre looks good for the trophy.

Continues from B/P request of his family, claim his death was the result of “brutal aggression” during a possible locker room attack.

Andre Moune’s report said Ebosse had suffered upper body injuries that indicated “signs of struggle”.

The official Algerian version suggested that Ebosse died in hospital on 23 August from head injuries sustained as he left the pitch under a hail of objects thrown from the stands.

At the time, Algerian sports minister Mohamed Tahmi said Ebosse died after being struck by a piece of sharp slate.

The incident led to the JS Kabylie club being banned from pan-African

competitions for two years and forced to play home league matches in empty stadiums.

But results of Moune’s p o s t - m o r t e m examination have rejected the official Algerian version of events.

Moune’s report said that, during the struggle, Ebosse received “a blow to the head” that caused “an indentation of the skull” that impacted his brain.

Other signs of violence included “ rupture of cervical vertebrae” and a wound to the shoulder.

His findings have been sent to Algerian and Cameroonian authorities for further action.

Tahmi has refused to comment on the new test results.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014

New tests claim Cameroonian footballer died after beating N EW post-mortem tests claim Cameroonian footballer Albert Ebosse died in Algeria as a result of a

Eagles slump

Continues on page 63

•End 2014 outside top 40 A

LAMENTABLE: Super Eagles players (with hands on their heads) after a poor showing. Nigeria failed to qualify for 2015 Afcon.

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

beating rather than being hit by a projectile.

The JS Kabylie striker died in August after his side lost a league match.

Findings by the Algerian authorities stated that the 24-yearold was killed by a sharp projectile thrown by fans.

But tests by a pathologist, at the

F R I C A N champions, Nigeria will end 2014 in 43rd place in the monthly Fifa rankings released by the world football governing body yesterday in Zurich.

The Super Eagles have dropped one place in the latest classifications and are now ranked as the ninth best football playing nation in Africa.

Nigeria amassed 656 points in the latest rankings.

Algeria, Tunisia, the Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana, Guinea, Cape Verde and Cameroon are the African countries ranked above Nigeria in the latest rankings.

Former national team coach, Christian Continues on page 63

•Ebosse

Eguavoen eyesNFF Presidency F

ORMER Super Eagles captain and coach Austin Eguavoen has revealed that he wants to become the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Eguavoen argued that ex-internationals should be involved in the administration of football in Nigeria, rather than just made coaches.

“I have the aspiration to be the President or vie for any other position in Continues on page 63

•Eguavoen

Ike Uche signs new deal — P.63 QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1 Purloin (5) 5 Region (6) 8 Cap (5) 10 Journey (6) 11 Unfortunately (4) 14 Helping (6) 15 Declined (7) 18 Favourite (3) 19 Material (3) 21 Peruse (4) 23 Revolt (5) 24 Join (4) 27 Noise (3) 29 Rotter (3) 31 Soil (7) 32 Frustrated (6) 34 Eat (4) 35 Pang (6) 38 Stratum (5) 39 Disclose (6) 40 Irritable (5)

DOWN: 2 Also (3) 3 Counting-frame (6) 4 Limb (3) 5 Asterisk (4) 6 Bomb-hole (6) 7 Destroyed (6) 9 Respected (7) 12 Circuit (3) 13 Location (4) 16 Relax (4) 17 Liability (5) 20 Forfeit (7) 22 Turning-point (4) 24 Undergo (6) 25 Tart (4) 26 Spite (6) 28 Whole (6) 30 Lair (3) 33 Hollow (4) 36 Damp (3) 37 Obtained (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Poster 5, Leap 8, Order 9, Rip 10, Cone 11, Anon 12, Evade 13, Doomed 16, Dawn 18, Near 20, Gem 22, Cot 23, Gap 24, Ludo 25, Head 28, Divine 30, Lithe 32, Glut 33, Unit 34, Ewe 35, Round 36, Deer 37, Closed.

DOWN: 1, Parade 2, Supposed 3, Exceed 4, Prevented 5, Leading 6, Erne 7, Pine 8, One 14, Dachshund 15, Cap 17, Woe 19, Easiness 20, Gun 21, Monitor 26, Distil 27, Defend 29, Aged 30, Lure 31, End.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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