Protest target S-Africa business outfits

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62388

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TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

IMPEACHMENT: Fear grips Ekiti as 11 schools, offices remain shut XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS:

Protests target S-African business outfits

By Prince Osuagwu, Simon Ebegbulem, Gabriel Enogholase, Abdulwahab Abdulah, Emmanuel Elebeke & Vera Samuel Anyagafu

zAs youths protest at S-African High Commission Abuja, MTN office zThreaten to shut down Shoprite, Multichoice, MTN nationwide zEnvoy apologises, says 84 suspects arrested in S-Africa zSERAP urges FG to drag SA to African Commission

A

BUJA — ANGRY Nigerians, yesterday, stormed the South African High Commission in Abuja, threatening to shut down South African companies in Nigeria over xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa, including Nigerians.

According to the Nigerian Consul-General in South Africa, Ambassador Uche AjuluOkeke, the loss by Continues on Page 5

COLUMNIST: Row over Governor Rauner •P.37

Mr & Mrs

XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS:Nigerians

protesting against xenophobic attacks in South Africa at the South African High Commission, in Abuja, yesterday. Photos: Gbemiga Olamikan.

See Inside WATER'S LIKE ELECTRICITY IN CALABAR:

No service, huge bills C M Y K

Jonathan, Buhari, Atiku, Ngige, others eulogise Chukwumerije 16

2 — Vanguard, TUESDAY,

APRIL 21, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 — 3

4 — Vanguard, TUESDAY,

APRIL 21, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

some of our friends and they have told us that they have seen a situation where South Africans are happy and excited that they are leaving. For us, this calls for serious concern because South African corporations and multi-nationals are here, doing their business and thriving very well.

We don't want South Africans killed in Nigeria

VISIT: President Goodluck Jonathan (right) and the visiting President Alassane Ouattara of Cote D'Ivoire in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN

Protests target S-African business outfits why? #Say no Continues from page 1 Nigerians in the attacks included looted shops, burnt shops, two burnt mechanic shops, 11 burnt cars and two stolen cars among others.

Reacting to the attacks, angry Nigerians protested in Abuja and Benin City even as the SocioEconomic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, urged the Federal Government to drag the South African government to the African Commission.

Telecoms giant, MTN, on its part condemned the attacks and charged the South African government to provide strong measures against the spread.

Youths protest at

South African High Commission

Nigerian youths under the aegis of Nigerians Demand, took to the streets of Abuja and cordoned the entrance leading to the South African High Commission in Wuse District, protesting the unwarranted attacks and killings of Nigerians.

Apart from the High Commission, the protesters who were accompanied by a team of security personnel also stormed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and DSTV offices at Maitama, requesting that justice be done to victims of the attacks.

Some of the protesters, who marched in different groups chanted antixenophobic songs and displayed placards with different inscriptions that read: “Dear South Africa, we have loved you but you are attacking and killing us

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

T

HE limits of the possible can only be defined by going beyond them into the impossible — Arthur C. Clarke

How do you substantiate your trustworthiness?

Think back to the times when you followed your inner instincts against the opinions of others and you experienced a favourable outcome. And think back to the times when you followed the opinions of others against your inner instincts and you suffered because of it. What impact did each of those decisions have on your life? What would your life be like if you had chosen differently?

Life always gives newer opportunities to emerge beautifully from setbacks, there is always a way out of any situation. When you truly connect to your source from within, it will lead you to where you need to go time and time again.

You may not realise it as it’s happening, but if you look back at some of the decisions you’ve made in the past based upon a longing deep within you, you’ll see that you were never alone. You’ll likely see that life has been guiding you effectively all along, helping you to grow and evolve along the way.

When you’re faced with a big decision, think of those times and your trust in yourself will grow. And let it flow through you, trust yourself to come through for you, especially if your true aim is to be of service to others, you will move beyond limits.

to Xenophobia; Stop killings in South Africa, Act now; we are Africans; Foreigners are not responsible for your joblessness, stop the killings; Say no to xenophobia; On February 13, 1976 Nigeria donated $2 million to ANC to assist its liberation movement, #Say No to Xenophobia; Say no to killings of Nigerians in South Africa," among others.

Bringing the situation under control

Addressing the crowd, co-ordinator of the group, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, expressed disappointment over the attacks and the lackadaisical manner it is being handled by the South African Government and urged the High Commissioner to expedite action in bringing the situation under control.

His words: “We are sad that South Africans, who other Africans stood by during their times of challenge, are showing hate to other African countries. South African government is aiding the killings. We want them to prosecute the traditional ruler who instigated the killings. We are not happy, we want to know steps that are being taken to stop this.

“Never in history have we attacked South African businesses. We don’t see reason to do competition with South Africa. We don’t know where the hate is coming from.

“We have seen shops being looted, we have also discovered that those who are looting the shops have police protection and they are happy that foreigners are leaving South Africa.

“We have spoken with

“We see that this is very sad because Nigerians in social media are already urging us to retaliate, but we don’t want this idea because we do not want South Africans to be attacked or killed in Nigeria but we want a situation where the South African government will take action. Let them take a definite action, do sensitization programme for their people. Let them reach out to the traditional rulers in South Africa because this crisis was caused by a traditional ruler.

“We want a situation where the South African government takes adequate action. We are not leaving here until we speak to the High Commissioner.

We are here for a very peaceful protest, we will not cause any trouble but we do not want Nigerians to take the laws into their hands.

We have asked them not to attack South Africans or their businesses.

“All we want to show is for South Africans to know that Nigerians are very unhappy over what is happening. We also want to use this opportunity to tell the Nigerian government to do more, so that they can be on top of the situation because South Africans have become enemies to African people.”

Youths give SA 24-hour ultimatum

Also addressing the crowd, another leader of the group, Tolu Ebun, said: "Enough is enough. We are giving the South African government 24-hour ultimatum to halt the attacks on foreigners.

“The police in South Africa and the government are not doing enough. We have pictures where the police would stand and look as their people attack foreigners, loot their shops with smiles on their faces; this is sad. Look at Nigerian police protecting the South African High Commission, this is what we should get. This is what South African police should do; not stand by and watch the citizens kill other citizens. This is not good,

this is sad, barbaric and we are not part of it.

“We are giving South Africa 24 hours to speak to us. We are angry, South Africans are our friends living in Abuja, living in Lagos and all over Nigeria.

There are South African businesses established in Nigeria and we have not brought down any, we have not attacked them in anyway, we stood by them.

Why are they attacking us?

Is this what Nelson Mandela stood for? Is this what the Madiba died for?"

She further wondered why the High Commissioner should continue to enjoy the protection of Nigeria Police when the reverse is the case in his country.

The group, however, vowed that the protest would be sustained as long as the crisis is not addressed.

84 suspects arrested —SA High Commission

In his response, the Political Secretary and representative of the South African High Commissioner, Sthembiso Shongwe apologised for the xenophobic attacks and appealed to the protesting youths to be calm and assured that his government was working hard to bring the attacks under control.

Shongwe said the South African government had already taken steps to bring the situation under control with over 84 people arrested for various offences.

He further pleaded with Nigerians and promised to work harder to avert future occurrences of the ugly incident.

Youths storm MTN office in Benin City In Benin City, thousands of youths under the aegis of The Flagship, protested to the Benin City office of MTN, along 3rd East Circular Road, Murtala Muhammed Way, in Benin

City, threatening to shut down all firms owned by South Africans.

The placard-carrying protesters urged President Zuma to call the perpetrators to order as Nigerians will destroy any South African business in the country in retaliation for the maiming of foreigners in that country.

The group's spokesman, Austin Enabulele, described the alleged attacks as inhuman and condemnable, adding that the protest was a warning to the South African government to put a stop to the attacks on Nigerians or risk losing its investments in Nigeria.

He said: “We are all Africans, we wonder why they should attack our fellow Nigerians who are doing their legitimate businesses in South Africa, when we have shown them love to operate in Nigeria.

“We have come here to tell (President Jacob) Zuma to call his people to order because if he fails to call them to order we will do the needful. We are aware of all their businesses in Nigeria; we know of MTN; we know of Shoprite; we know of Multichoice and we know of every other company that belongs to South Africa.

... threaten to shut down Shoprite, Multichoice, MTN “We will shut down all their services, if they continue the killing of our brothers and sisters. So, we have come here to tell them to put an end to the killing of our brothers and sisters who are doing their legitimate jobs in South Africa.”

Also speaking, Vice President of the group, Gloria Noren, decried what she described as ingratitude of South Africans, whom she said had received financial support from Nigeria during the apartheid era.

She also urged the

Continues on page 55

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

Gunmen kill 7 in Taraba

By John Mkom

J

ALINGO—GUNMEN, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, attacked some villages in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, yesterday, killing about seven persons, with scores still missing.

Local residents said the men first attacked Ayiase village in Takum Local Government before heading for Tse-Gbaun and Gaza villages in Donga.

An eyewitness told Vanguard that the gunmen killed Msugh Gaza and three of his sons at Gaza village, while the other three were killed at Tse-Gbaun and Ayiase villages.

Donga Local Government is one of the areas where runoff elections would hold in the state on Saturday. The attack has led to exodus of people from the area.

Police spokesman, Joseph Kwaji, said efforts to reach the DPO of Donga for details of the attack failed as his number was switched off.

Tension over brothel established near palace

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

N

N E W I — FOLLOWING the erection of a brothel near his palace, the traditional ruler of Amaokpala in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Highness Igwe C. O. Okeke, has sent a distress call to Governor Willie Obiano and Commissioner of Police.

He sees the location of the hotel, which shares a perimeter fence with his palace, as desecration of the community’s traditional institution and an affront to his person.

Igwe Okeke alleged that the owner of the hotel deceived him by telling him the building was meant for students’ hostel only for him to use it as a brothel.

He said: “How proper is it for the palace of a traditional ruler to be surrounded at all times and invaded by sights and acts of crime and immorality, acts that are incompatible with our traditional ethos.

“My opposition and that of Amaokpala people hinge on the fact it disrespects and mocks the traditional institution of Amaokpala.”

HEAPED: Refuse blocking drainage at Odo-Ona, Apata Area of Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

Woman dies after row with husband

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—TRAGEDY struck, weekend, at the sleepy rural Umuagbadagwo, Ikwuano Obodoukwu, Ideato North Local Government Area, following the reported killing of Mrs Emilia Ebedo by her husband over alleged infidelity and extravagance on the part of the man.

It was not clear at press time what the husband, 50, allegedly used on the woman, but Vanguard was told that the businesswoman bled profusely and was eventually pronounced dead in a hospital in the area.

Vanguard overheard some sympathizers saying the sixyear-old marriage between the deceased and her husband never knew peace.

The sympathizers claimed that following alleged sexual escapades of her husband, Emilia denied her husband sex over fears of contracting sexually-transmitted diseases.

A woman, who sought anonymity, confirmed that the deceased decided to starve her husband of sex until he submitted himself for a thorough medical check.

Another reason proffered by the women was that the deceased was cautious about giving money to her husband, who she allegedly accused of being very extravagant.

It was also gathered that the position of the deceased on the two issues did not go down well with her husband.

Another villager claimed that the deceased single-handedly built the house they were living in, even as he wondered why the quarrel should degenerate to the point of spilling blood.

Although the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, could not be reached before press time, a

policeman in Ideato North Divisional Police Headquarters, however, confirmed that the suspect was cooling his heels

in their custody.

He said: “The suspect is cooling his heels in our custody.

Police have commenced

investigation into the incident and if the man is found culpable, he would be made to face the full weight of the law.”

Cholera claims 4 in Ebonyi, 16 hospitalized incident, said 16 persons who were already infected and four were affected by the outbreak out of the 20 died shortly after.”

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI—NO fewer than four persons have died of cholera in Ebonyi State, while about 16 others are currently hospitalized at Oriuzor in Ezza North Local Government Area.

Addressing newsmen in Abakaliki, yesterday, state Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr. Chris Achi, who confirmed the

were still receiving treatment in the hospital.

Achi said it was unfortunate that the state had lost four lives to the deadly disease, blaming the outbreak of the disease on the movement of infected persons from one community to the other.

He said: “Somebody travelled to a place where the cholera was rampant and got infected.

Before we knew what is happening, about 20 people

He advised the public to maintain good hygiene to drastically reduce the spread of the disease, especially in rural communities.

Achi further warned landlords to ensure that they included toilet facilities, while building their houses.

He also advised them to contact the Ministry of Health whenever symptoms of the diseases were noticed in anybody.

3-yr-old girl kidnapped in Lagos church

By Evelyn Usman

B

ARELY 11 days after the Orekoya three children were abducted by their new maid in Lawanson Road, Itire, Lagos, another three-year-old girl has been kidnapped.

Three-year-old Oluwabunmi Ajelero was reportedly abducted from Surulere Baptist Church, located on 52/54, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, Sunday.

Vanguard gathered that the family received a call yesterday, where a male voice said that little Bunmi, as she is fondly called, was in their custody.

The caller was said to have demanded an undisclosed ransom for the child's freedom.

A relation of the family, Adejuwon Adediran, who spoke with Vanguard, said: “Some strange people came into the church on Sunday, met the children who were playing and went away with Olubunmi.”

TAKEN... 3-year-old Oluwabunmi Ajelero.

Asked how Olubunmi managed to stray from her parents watch, Adediran explained: “Adults have their session, while children have theirs. At the end of the service, children usually leave their session for the adults’ session where they would be playing,

while waiting for the parents.

That was when the strangers came and picked my brother’s daughter.”

Police sources hinted that investigation into the abduction of the baby had begun, expressing optimism that she would be rescued.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015—7

OREKOYA KIDNAP SAGA: Suspect meets victims, begs for forgiveness

By Ifeanyi Okolie

A

mild drama played out when the three Orekoya children kidnapped by their nanny, Fumilayo Adeyemi, and their parents visited Lagos State Police Command to have a glimpse of the nanny that masterminded their kidnap.

The 35-year-old-woman, a native of Osun State, was arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, led by Abba Kyari, nine days after she kidnapped the children: Aderomola, Adedamola and Demola Orekoya, who were between the ages of 11 months and six years, from their home at

zSuspect, her mother haven't met since 2006 Surulere area of Lagos.

The children, who were kidnapped a few hours after the nanny was employed by their mother, were rescued last Wednesday at Shasha, Akowonjo area of Lagos, by a good Samaritan who found them in a bag where they were dumped by the suspect.

Vanguard gathered that mother of the children, Mrs Adebisi Orekoya, her husband, Leke, and the children, met with the suspect in the office of the State Bureau of Intelligence, SIB, Ikeja, a few hours after she was arrested.

A source told Vanguard the suspect went on her knees pleading for mercy the moment she sighted Mrs Orekoya and her children.

The kidnapped children were also said to have covered their faces, refusing to look at Adeyemi as she knelt, begging their mother for forgiveness.

Mrs Orekoya was said to have asked Adeyemi why she kidnapped her children despite the fact that she treated her like a sister when they met.

She was quoted as saying: “Why did you decide to show me wickedness. I treated you

like a sister the moment I met you. You told me how poor and helpless you were and I let you into my home. But this was how you chose to repay me.”

Meanwhile, Vanguard gathered, yesterday, that SARS operatives have located Adeyemi’s mother, Esther Adeyemi, at Ajah area of Lagos.

According to sources, Adeyemi’s mother, a prophetess, said she had not seen her daughter since 2006.

She was said to have denied knowing her daughter was married and into kidnapping.

5 injured, as election deepens Ladipo Market crisis

By Esther Onyegbula

L

AGOS—NO fewer than five persons were injured as two groups of traders in Ladipo Market clashed over the just-concluded governorship election in Lagos State.

It was gathered that a vice chairman of an automobile association allegedly led a group of armed hoodlums to harass traders and passers-by.

The traders called on Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Aderanti, to come to their rescue as their lives were under threat for refusing to support the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Mr. Christopher Nzeribe, a trader, said: “They have told us that they would make the market uncomfortable for those of us that did not support the PDP governorship candidate in Lagos State.

“We urged the state government to call the executives of the market to order, because majority of us who were traders in the market were only looking for our daily bread.”

Another trader, who simply identified himself as Okafor, said: “Before the 2015 general elections, there was peace and harmony among the traders in the market. The executives of the market have been intimidating and harassing us for supporting the candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, since after the election. We cannot trade and walk freely in the market any more.

“Five traders are lying critically ill at a private hospital receiving treatment for the injury they sustained from the attacked unleashed on them by the hoodlums of the executives.”

A woman that sells drinks, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “What I am witnessing as a trader in the market is becoming unbearable

Some injured victims of the attack. as all my assorted drinks were carted away by the hoodlums loyal to the central market executives.”

When Vanguard visited the

market, Policemen from Alakara Division and OP-MESA were on ground to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

When the Lagos State Police

Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kenneth Nwsosu, was contacted on the incident, he promised to call back. At press time, he had not called.

Suspected cultists kill Bayelsa Assembly Deputy Clerk, one other

By Samuel Oyadongha & Brisibe Perez

Y

ENAGOA—AT least two persons, including the Deputy Clerk of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mr. Nemine Geoffery, have been confirmed dead in cult-related attacks in Bayelsa and Delta states.

While the Deputy Clerk of Bayesla House was killed at Agudama, on the outskirt of Yenagoa on Sunday night, one person, identified as Fancy Anderson, was yesterday confirmed dead in the aftermath of a raid by a combined team of local vigilante from Ughelli and other surrounding communities on a suspected cultists den in a forest at

Ofuoma in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The killing of Geoffery occurred at about 7.50pm in Agudama, which is also host to the South South campus of the Nigerian Law School.

Vanguard learned that the deceased, in his late 50s, an indigene of Ekeremor town in Ekeremor Local Government Area, was shot at close range in the presence of his wife.

There were conflicting accounts of the tragic incident.

While the police version said the deceased was hit by a stray bullet, following a violent clash between two rival cult groups, another account had it that armed men, numbering about 30, invaded the deceased wife’s store located

in front of his house, where she sells recharge cards.

The armed men were said to have dispossessed the woman of cash from the day’s sale and were already leaving the scene when she raised alarm, an action said to have angered the invaders, who came back and shot the husband who was sitting nearby at close range.

Though a suspect had been arrested in connection with the killing, a security source told Vanguard that the police have launched a manhunt for the fleeing hoodlums, with a view to bringing them to justice.

Contacted, the state Police Command spokesman confirmed the incident, assuring that the suspects would be apprehended soon.

2 docked for stealing N2.85m, laptop

By Bartholomew Madukwe & Onozure Dania

A

24-year-old man, Kuti Adedoyin, has been charged before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly robbing one Adekunle Dawodu of his laptop valued at N1.2 million, while armed with cutlass and bottle.

Similarly, a 34-year-old driver, identified as Innocent Togboe, was arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing N1.65 million from his employer.

Adedoyin said to have also robbed Dawodu of his Ipad worth N60,000.

According to the charge, the accused committed the offence at Eyita Palace Ikorodu, Lagos State.

Adedoyin was arraigned by the police on a twocount charge of conspiracy and stealing.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Eranus Nnamonu, informed the court that the offence was contrary to Section 294 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

Magistrate Komolafe granted Adedoyin a N500,000 bail with two sureties, who must be blood relatives and must show evidence of tax payment for period of three years.

The magistrate ordered that N50,000 be deposited in the account of the Chief Registrar and adjourned till May 28.

For the 34-year-old Togboe, the prosecutor, Inspector Gbemileke Agoi, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence on August 28, 2013.

He said that the incident took place at Victoria Island area of Lagos State.

Magistrate Dalley granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the matter till May 7 for mention.

According to the prosecutor the offence committed is punishable under Sections 285 (7) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

8—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

Jonathan set example for African leaders — QUATTARA

By Ben Agande & Levinus Nwabughiogu

P

RESIDENT Allasane Quattara of Côte d’Ivoire, yesterday, said that by conceding defeat and congratulating General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), President Goodluck Jonathan had set an example for other African leaders.

Addressing State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, the Ivorian President said by conceding defeat, Jonathan saved the most populous black nation from possible strife.

He recalled that the Civil War in his nation was because former President, Laurent Gbagbo, refused to concede defeat at the polls.

He said he was in Abuja to congratulate Jonathan, the President-elect, Buhari and Nigerians on the successful general elections and appreciate the leadership Jonathan had provided for the subregion over the period.

He said: “I wanted to tell you our appreciation over the leadership we have received from you during these years.

“You know that about five years ago, Côte d’Ivoire had elections and I won. The former president decided not to leave office.

“This brought the civil war. Three thousand people were killed and we were put at the hotel for protection by the United Nations for four and a half months.

“We were there without food because the hotel was guarded by the President.

“It was only after four and a half months of imprisonment in that hotel that we were finally able to leave the hotel after the former President quit and finally left office for me.

“I am saying this to let people know that what happened in Nigeria is a lesson to all of us.

“Avoiding violence and civil war, when we have elections in Africa, should be our utmost objective.”

APC Zoning: Ndigbo not worried on being left out, says Ezeife

By Dapo Akinrefon, Charles Kumolu & Gbenga Oke

z“South-East should endure consequences of backing Jonathan”

zDisregard reports on zoning— APC

T

HE imminent absence of the South-East from top leadership positions in the Senate and House of Representatives is of little bother to leaders of the region, former Anambra State governor, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, has said.

However, radical member of the Second Republic House of Representatives, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, yesterday, put the plight of the region to its decision to put all their eggs in one basket, even as renowned economist, Dr. Pat Utomi, cautioned All Progressives Congress, APC to ensure that it gives a fair representation to all sections of the country.

The reactions came as APC, which is set to take over the Presidency and the National Assembly, denied taking a decision on the zoning of the top positions of government.

The party ’s assertion nonetheless, there were indications that APC had zoned the office of Senate President to the NorthCentral with Senators Bukola Saraki and George Akume as the major contenders.

Other principal positions in the two chambers are being contested by the North-East, North-West and South-West. The SouthSouth, which only has one returning member to the House of Representatives, is also angling for the office of Deputy Speaker.

The South-East, which has no returning member of APC in the Senate and the House of Representatives, has been completely left out of any of the principal officers’ positions.

Ndigbo aren't worried—Ezeife

Reacting to the development yesterday, Chief Ezeife, who governed Anambra State between 1992 and 1993 said: “I do not see anything wrong with what APC had done.

“What the party has done is in line with their convention. I do not see any reason why people should be worried about the fate of the Igbo.

“We are not worried. Only those who do not see us as people of destiny are worried.

However, there are lessons to be learned from the outcome of things. But we are not worried because lessons have

VISIT: From left— Mrs. Janet Omisore, Acting Director General of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA; Alhaji Remi Bello, Deputy President, Ex-Officio; Chief Bassey Edem, 1st Deputy National President; Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, National President and Jigawa State Governor-elect; Iyalode Alaba Lawson, 2nd Deputy National President, and Alhaji Ahmad Rabiu, National Vice President, during the association's congratulatory visit to the governor-elect in Jigawa. been learned.”

Decisions've consequences — MOHAMMED

In his remarks, Dr Mohammed said the decision of Ndigbo to put all their eggs in one basket will have consequences politically.

He said: “I must say I do not have the privilege of seeing what the incoming government, led by APC, has drafted in terms of zoning offices.

“However, it is evident that the Igbo mobilized towards one candidate and I think APC is justified for not zoning any major office to their zone.

“I am not a believer of zoning, but with the complicity in Nigerian politics, rotation has been brought to the forefront and we will continue to battle with this until Nigeria matures politically.

“It is not just the result of the last elections that showed that the South-East zone had tilted towards one candidate, results of previous elections also showed that and they have had it so good under previous administration.

“They have, therefore, taken it for granted that they will get things on a platter of gold.

“APC is absolutely justified with the arrangement of not zoning any major office to the South-East. If they are given some of the big positions, what will other zones like NorthWest, who gave the Presidentelect big votes, ask for?

“So I think it will be stupid to give big positions like Senate President or Secretary to the Government to the South-East

zone when the zones that gave bloc votes to the Presidentelect will just be watching.”

I expect good representation—Utomi

On his part, Professor Utomi said he expects APC to ensure equal representation from the geo-political zones even as he played down comments on the issue as he said the party had not come out with a categorical policy on the issue.

Pressed further, he said: “What is favour and what is not favour? I think any political party that wants to govern effectively would seek effective representation from across the country in the executive and legislative leadership of that country.”

APC's assurances

Meanwhile, APC has urged Nigerians to disregard the wild speculations making the rounds concerning the appointment of ministers and the zoning of offices under the incoming Buhari administration.

In a statement in Abuja on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, APC said there was no truth to anything that had been dished out by the rumour mill concerning the issues of appointment, especially the zoning of the National Assembly’s principal positions and other offices.

It said in the true tradition of APC, all issues of public interest will be handled transparently and conveyed to Nigerians through the usual communication channels.

The party said: “No appointments have been made and no offices have been zoned. The main concern of our party at the moment is to ensure a smooth transition and to hit the ground running in the overall interest of the longsuffering people of Nigeria.

“At the appropriate time, Nigerians will be informed of the appointments made and the offices zoned.”

‘An effective govt's priority’

Also speaking, President, South-East/South-South Professionals, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, said merit should be promoted in the allocation of government positions even as he called for the immediate implementation of the report of the 2014 National Conference.

He said: “The number one priority of the peoples of South East/South-South is the implementation of the National Conference Resolutions as the foundation of the recreation of a new Nigeria that will be anchored on justice, equity, merit and the Rule of Law. “That is the main reason they overwhelmingly voted for Jonathan.

“Majority of them will prefer the immediate implementation of the National Conference Resolutions in lieu of the National Assembly positions, because it will benefit more of the people than just a handful of individuals.

“Any political party that wants to govern effectively would seek effective representation from across the country in the executive and legislative leadership positions.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 — 9

Buhari, new govs must respect the constitution — CJN

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—THE Chief Jus tice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has enjoined the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to run his administration with total respect and obedience to the constitution, especially as it relates to the funding of the judiciary.

The CJN further urged the incoming President to focus special attention on the effort to weed out corrupt judges from the bench, saying he should not operate like some state chief executives who he accused of encouraging corruption within the justice sector.

In a keynote address delivered at the opening ceremony of the national workshop for Magistrates on Judicial Ethics and Corrupt Practices, which held at the National Judicial Institute, NJI, yesterday, Justice Mohammed tasked Buhari to ensure that all the funds appropriated to the state judiciary should be promptly released to heads of courts, so they can function effectively.

He said: “In a democratic setting such as ours, the ultimate goal of any government and indeed the judiciary is the provision of enabling environment that will facilitate an un-impeded access to justice and the substance of the framework that will preserve the Rule of Law. “The issue of delay in disposal of cases in our courts is of great concern to me. There is an urgent need for speedy disposal of cases.”

While emphasising the need for Nigerians to embrace the Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, Systems, the CJN, decried the working condition of Magistrates in the country, stressing that some of them sit in town halls and other unsuitable venues.

“Many of you live in rented apartments with co-tenants some of whom may be or become litigants in your courts. The security of your lives and properties are very porous. Many of you have been attacked by hoodlums.

“Some have been kidnapped and huge ransoms demanded from their families. Some have even been killed by assassins.

All these make the condition of your work so bad and challenging.

“These ugly scenarios are occasioned by the refusal of some State Chief Executives to obey the Constitution and give to your heads of Court what belong to the Judiciary of your State. Without proper funding, no head of court can perform magic.

“It is on this note that I call upon all the State Chief Executives, including those that will be coming on board on May 29, 2015, that they should please respect and obey the constitution they have sworn to uphold.

“All the funds appropriated to the State Judiciary should be promptly released to Heads of Courts so that they can function effectively. ‘’When the Magistrates feel unsecured by the government, they are tempted to provide the security themselves.

“Financial insecurity is the worst because it exposes the Magistrates to some corrupt and ignoble practices. This must be avoided by all means. ‘’The Magistrate must be adequately encouraged to discharge

his duties without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.

“However, I must emphasize that the hardship being faced by the Magistrates should never be the reason for indulging in unwholesome conducts. Any erring Magistrate will be properly disciplined.

But if you carry out your duties very effectively and diligently, you reward surely awaits you. Your destiny is in your own hands.

“Many past Chief Justices of Nigeria started as Magistrates just like you. I they can make it to the top, why not you? All that is required is honesty, hard work and integrity. If you possess all these, then you are ready to fly.

“The aim of this Workshop is to principally re-focus the Magistrates and awaken them to their responsibilities as Judicial Officers.

It is also meant to keep them abreast of current trends in the administration of Justice.''

DINNER: From left; GE Nigeria President and CEO, Dr. Lazarus Angbazo; Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu and GE Africa President and CEO, Mr. Jay Ireland at a dinner to celebrate GE's partnership with Transcorp/Heirs Holdings.

Kwankwaso under pressure to drop Senate seat for FCT minister ... says Buhari’s victory has already changed Nigeria

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

O

UTGOING Kano State Governor, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is said to be under pressure to forgo his Senatorial ambition and take up the more challenging and rewarding post of Federal Capital Territory Minister.

Feelers indicated that the governor, who ensured a 100 percent victory for the All Progressives Congress and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in his state, is in the good books of the party and could be given any post of his choice given his enormous contributions to the party ’s electoral success and closeness to Buhari.

Kwankwaso, who is a Senatorelect and is preparing for inauguration in June, however

declined to admit whether he had made up his mind to take the ministerial post and drop his Senatorial seat.

The governor told Vanguard that he had made up his mind to do his best for Nigeria wherever he found himself as a politician.

“The first thing in this game of politics is to remain a politician. No one should go to politics with a mindset of what post to occupy in government.

I have seen and read about those clamouring for me to be appointed as FCT Minister so that I can replicate what I have done in Kano in Abuja. I do not know any of them and I cannot say they are my enemies but right-thinking Nigerians.

“But my position has always been that wherever I find myself I do my best for Nigeria,”

the governor said.

Kwankwaso confessed for the first time since the release of the result of the election that he actually joined the Senatorial contest in his state so as to secure maximum votes for the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari since his people had a lot of respect for him.

He also revealed that he entered the race so as to ensure the defeat of President Jonathan and his party-the Peoples Democratic Party, so as to teach them a lesson for taking Nigerians for granted over the years and for insulting the north without any justification.

Describing Buhari’s victory as a victory for Nigerians, Kwankwaso said that the emergence of the former head

of state had already changed the economic climate in Nigeria with the sudden improvement of shares in capital market and the value of the Naira.

Kwankwaso dismissed as wicked and provocative the claim by certain elements in the PDP that the election in Kano was boosted by under-aged voters, saying that without the use of the card readers which effectively eliminated such persons, the state could have delivered more votes.

He pointed out that there was no way under—aged persons could have voted in Kano since they had already been denied permanent voter cards by the Independent National Electoral Commission, effectively reducing the state’s voter population from about five million to just two million.

US hails police, security agencies for ensuring violence-free elections

By Kingsley Omonobi

A

BUJA—THE American government said yesterday that the performance of the Nigerian Police force and other security agencies which ensured a largely credible and peaceful general elections, devoid of widespread violence was superb, noting that the Nigerian elections are now a perfect example for other countries of the world to emulate.

US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Enwithsle who made the disclosure when he visited the Police High Command in Abuja, said the success of Nigeria’s election is very significant because in the next few months, elections will be held in 12 or more countries around the world and the Nigerian success story will be the way to go.

Expressing happiness that the level of violence was dramatically less than what many envisaged, the ambassador attributed it to the understanding of democratic approaches used by the Police and security agencies towards ensuring compliance with electoral processes.

“Some of the reasons we could point at that led to this achievement are the sense of introducing accountability to the system, performance of security forces and various messages from civil society organizations, religious bodies and international organizations etc.

“As the representative of the US government, I want to therefore say a big thank you to the Nigerian Police force and urge you to continue to focus on the reforms that will ultimately prepare the force for future endeavours”.

The Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abbah, in his response attributed the credible performance of the Police during the elections to commitment of all personnel particularly those on the field.

“I give credit to them particularly those that were at the polling units, those that escorted election materials and those that escorted result sheets.''

10 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

Contaminated ogogoro caused Irele deaths – FG

By Chris Ochayi

A

BUJA—THE Federal Government yesterday declared that it was on top of situation of the outbreak of a strange killer disease in two communities in Ondo State, linking it to consumption of contaminated local gin by the victims.

Minister of state for Health, Mr. Fidelis Nwankwo, who said this in Abuja, added that preliminary laboratory investigations indicated that the outbreak cannot be attributed to any infectious organism (bacterial or viral). ‘’The Outbreak is also clearly not due to Ebola Virus Disease, as feared by many. The minister added that, “We therefore believe that the situation is under control and that the stability will be sustained, while active case search and contact tracing continue in earnest,” he said.

According to him, “News of the occurrence of sudden illness and death of people spread in Nigeria and beyond our shores in the week that just ended.

The illness was thought by many to be Ebola Virus Disease or similar virulent infectious disease leading to widespread apprehension among members of the public, par-

ticularly those living in proximity to the two affected communities - Ayadi and OdeIrele in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State.

“The victims of the illness are males between the ages of 22 and 75 years. They mostly exhibited headache, blurring of vision, sudden blindness, loss of speech, unconsciousness and sudden death within 24 hours. ‘’At the last count, 18 of the 23 cases have died. ''The remaining five are receiving treatment at University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan.

“The epidemiological system detected the outbreak and promptly notified the Federal Ministry of Health in accordance with standard public health practice.

The Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control quickly deployed experts to support Ondo State Ministry of Health in rapid response operations.

“Preliminary Laboratory investigations indicate that the Outbreak cannot be attributed to any infectious Organism (Bacterial or Viral). The Out-

break is also clearly not due to Ebola Virus Disease, as feared by many.

“Epidemiological findings indicate a strong linkage of the outbreak with the consumption of a local gin that may have been contaminated with meth-

anol (poisonous material).

“At this stage, the particular poisonous substance (Toxin) is being ascertained.

The results of these detailed investigations currently being conducted by government and partners are still being await-

ed and will be made public as soon as possible.

“The assuring news however, is that no new cases have been reported in the past 100 hours and no new mortality in the last 72 hours. We therefore believe that the situation is under control and that the stability will be sustained, while active case search and contact tracing continue in earnest.''

PROTEST: Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State (middle); Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba (2nd right), his Town Planning and Urban Development counterpart, Tpl Olutoyin Ayinde (left) and the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Raji (2nd left) listening to renowned film maker and producer, Mr. Tunde Kilani (right) who led a delegation of Nollywood practitioners to the Govt House, Alausa, Lagos on a peaceful protest against influx of pirated products in the market.

Lagos, others receive N75.2 bn World Bank fund in 8 yrs Lawal said as a result of birds were killed during the

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

T

HE World Bank has spent at least $380 million, about N75.24 billion on development of agriculture in the last eight years in Lagos and some other states.

A breakdown of the figure shows that $180 million was spent on Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP), while $200 million was spent on National Fadama Development Project (FADAMA).

Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, who disclosed this at the 2015 ministerial briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday, said the $200 million Fadama grant was accessed by six states while the $180 million was accessed by five states including Lagos.

performance of Lagos State in the World Bank-assisted project, the state had been selected among six others to benefit from the $25 million grant from the World Bank through the Federal Government for 2015.

The commissioner explained that about 3,000

recent outbreak of bird flu in the state adding that about 2,000 birds were killed in one farm, 500 birds each in two other famers and 10 birds in a zoo on the Lekki axis even as he stressed that that “there is currently no incident of bird flu in Lagos State.”

PIRACY: Fashola, film makers call for stiffer penalties

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

L

A G O S — NOLLYWOOD actors and actresses yesterday stormed the office of the Lagos State governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN, at Alausa, Ikeja, demanding stiffer penalties against piracy and other forms of intellectual theft presently ravaging the country.

The protesters argued that the activities of the pirates have rendered the efforts and funds invested in the industry meaningless.

Notable among the actors and actress were Bayo Salami, Jide Kosoko, Kunle Afolayan, Iyabo Ojo, Tunde Kelani and others.

The protesters who were armed with placards which read: “save our business from piracy; Piracy is affecting our growth; Do not patronize pirates and others.”

The coordinator of the protest, Mr. Tunde Kelani said; “Lagos is the hub of entertainment industry in the country, and the centre of the activity is the Alaba market, Ojo Local Government.

It is disheartening for investors to see their work pirated and sold on the street of Lagos without anyone to stop it.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015—11

IMPEACHMENT: Fear grips Ekiti as schools, offices remain shut

By Leke Adeseri, South West Regional Editor, Henry Umoru & Gbenga Ariyibi

A

DO EKITI—OKADA riders and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, yesterday, besieged the Ekiti State House of Assembly to stop the 19 APC lawmakers from impeaching the state governor, Ayo Fayose.

The State House of Assembly remained under lock and key yesterday, even as the 19 All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers failed to resume at the House as earlier promised However, most primary and secondary schools both private and public, whose pupils were expected to resume for a new term, could not do so yesterday due to the fear of possible crisis in the state.

But the leadership of commercial motor cycle riders association, otherwise known as okada riders and commercial transport workers made good their promise as they converged in huge numbers at the premises of the House with the motive of preventing the 19 APC lawmakers from impeaching the governor.

They pledged at the weekend to protect Fayose from being impeached, threatening to use the last drop of their blood to protect the mandate freely given to Fayose during the June 21, 2014 governorship election in the state.

Defending their action, Mr Clement Adekola, the state Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, said it was the decision of the union to ensure that the APC lawmakers should not be allowed to cause confusion in the state.

His words: ”It is true we all agreed to be here and we have been here since 6 a.m. Our mission here is to prevent the APC lawmakers from causing crisis in our state.

“We all voted for Fayose on June 21, 2014 during the governorship election, and we shall do everything to protect the mandate freely given to the governor, even if it involves sleeping here everyday."

However, armed regular and mobile policemen were at hand to keep the peace.

The usual barricade of roads and prevention of both human and vehicular movements which had become a common feature since the crisis began were also absent during yesterday ’s demonstration, as many residents were seen going about their normal businesses but only few vehicles and motorcycles plied the roads in the early hours of the day over apparent fear of attack.

However, most schools, both

CERTIFICATES OF RETURN: From left: Lagos State senators-elect, Hon. Olamilekan Adeola (West); Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Central); Lagos State governor-elect, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and Senator Gbenga Ashafa, during INEC's public presentation of certificate of return to them at Archbishop Vinning Hall, Ikeja. public and private, which had planned to resume for the third term could not do so, as most parents did not allow their children or wards to venture outside due to fear of being attacked by hoodlums.

The few schools that opened had to politely send back parents and their wards, on the excuse that the coast was not yet clear as far as safety of lives and property were concerned.

A parent, Mr. Tony Ajayi told Vanguard that he decided to keep his children attending a private secondary school in Ado-Ekiti at home because he received a text message from the school authorities on Sunday, announcing the shifting of resumption date to today due to security concerns.

Meanwhile, all the 25 newly elected PDP House of Assembly lawmakers in Ekiti State, yesterday, issued a statement where they alleged that the personal ambition of both embattled Speaker Adewale Omirin of APC and a Federal lawmaker, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu, was responsible for the aggravation of the political crisis in the state The lawmakers-elect called on stakeholders in the state, especially traditional rulers, to prevail on Omirin and Ojudu not to throw the state into chaos just because of their ambition to be Acting governor and governor respectively.

They spoke under the aegis of Conference of Ekiti State Lawmakers-elect. They said in a release issued on Monday and signed by Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, Hon Segun Adewumi and Adeniran Alagbada: “Whoever is interested in the Ekiti State governorship position should wait till 2018.”

Embrace Fayose’s peace offer, PDP charges APC lawmakers The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has urged the APC lawmakers in Ekiti State to embrace the olive branch extended to them by governor Fayose in the interest of the development of the state.

In a statement signed yesterday by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party also called on all political stakeholders in Ekiti State to embrace the new spirit of reconciliation, forgiveness and dialogue being offered by the governor.

Metuh, however, urged the APC to be constructive in opposition, adding, “APC, as the party in opposition in Ekiti State, should strive to be constructive rather than destructive, as opposition does not in anyway mean destruction in a democracy.”

Commending governor Fayose for extending hands of friendship to the lawmakers and his detractors, the PDP described such an act as the mark of a true leader committed to peace and the welfare of his people.

Metuh said: “Governor Fayose’s new posture is a step in the right direction geared towards achieving the much desired peace and development in the interest of the masses who freely gave him their mandate.

“It is in this spirit that we charge all political stakeholders in Ekiti State, especially the APC lawmakers, to embrace peace and work with their governor to move their state forward. The unity, stability and progress of the state must be paramount and placed over and above all personal and group interests at

all times.”

The PDP also praised the people of Ekiti State for standing up in defence of the mandate they gave to Governor Fayose while urging them to ensure that all their actions and utterances fall within the ambit of the law and the tenets of democracy.

APC praises Ekiti transport workers Meantime, the APC, in Ekiti State, has praised drivers and motorcycle riders associations for refusing to obey governor Fayose’s inciting order to foment trouble over alleged plan by the 19 APC lawmakers to storm the House of Assembly with thugs to impeach him.

The governor had, yesterday, made a live broadcast on the state media urging drivers, motorbike operators, market women and workers to rise up to protect the

mandate they gave him.

Few minutes later, state radio and television stations ran public announcements intermittently urging drivers and motorcycle operators to be on the look-out for strange faces invading the town to work for the APC lawmakers while also urging them to mobilise to the House of Assembly to prevent the governor ’s impeachment.

According to APC’s Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun; ‘’ The drivers and many okada riders refused to protest, saying that they would not be used as cannon fodders while the governor’s children were kept in safety and luxury abroad.

Praising the transport workers for their courage and wisdom, Olatunbosun said it is callous for a man to put fellow human beings in harm’s way over protection of his interest while keeping his own children out of danger to enjoy safety in luxury.

“We praise the drivers and motorcycle operators for their courage and wisdom. Fayose is used to protecting his own interest and keeping his children in safety while calling on the children of others to foment trouble,” Olatubosun said.

APC spokesman said the matter at hand was not about partisanship but about the abuse of the constitution, and wondered why Fayose believed he must win through violence every time he tramples on the constitution.

He wondered why Fayose preferred violent option in the resolution of constitutional and democratic matters. He also asked Ekiti elders preaching peace to Speaker Adewale Omirin that they must first start with Fayose on the need to embrace peace by operating within the ambit of the law instead of inciting people into violence.

Olatubosun also regretted that the governor’s inciting media statement had created panic among parents who kept their wards at home for fear of attacks on their way to schools.

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

HOSTCOM alleges Delta govt’s plot to liquidate DESOPADEC

By Emma Amaize & Egufe Yafugborhi

W

ARRI—THE Host Communities Oil and Gas Producing of Nigeria, HOSTCOM, has alleged that the Delta State Government plans to liquidate and replace the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC. The national leadership of the body at a meeting in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, emphasised that an executive bill to that effect had already passed first reading at the state House of Assembly.

National Coordinator, HOSTCOM, Prince Maikpobi Okareme, told Vanguard shortly after the meeting that the action reportedly coming from Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan was borne out of ulterior motive against the common interests of DESOPADEC communities.

Okareme said: “Even the sponsor of the bill knows that it is ill-conceived and so they are being very secretive about it just like they did with the political office holders pension bill. The bill has passed first reading and it is not in public domain.

“For us, we can pre-empt that it aims at covering the dirty deals of DESOPADEC over the years.

The new arrangement as contained in the bill takes funds accrued to the agency to reward a bloated board membership

leaving peanuts for the core objective of developing the host communities.”

He said the body also presumed from the tone of the bill that it is aimed at pre-empting the judgement of the court in the suit

by HOSTCOM against the state government in respect of outstanding N230 billion accrued to oil communities through DESOPADEC in the past eight years of the current administration.

INAUGURATION: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State (middle) in a group photograph with members of the Akwa Ibom State University Governing Council after their inauguration in Government House, Uyo.

Four dead in Rivers, as APC alleges killers target members P

By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT— O fewer than four persons were, weekend, killed at Eleme and Okrika in Rivers State.

Vanguard gathered that two of the deceased were shot dead in Okrika Local Government Area, while two others were killed at Eleme by unknown gunmen.

The incident at Eleme, sources said, was due to a clash between two rival cult groups.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in a statement yesterday alleged that its members were still being assassinated in the state by suspected political thugs.

Director of Communications of the party’s governorship campaign platform, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, who issued the statement, wondered why members of the party were still being allegedly assassinated.

She said: “If they killed APC members on election days, why have they N

continued to kill after the polls? The unabated killings of APC members in Rivers State raise concerns.

“We are afraid that killers and sundry criminals have been imposed on the state and if we are right, then worse days lay ahead for

our people.

“Since the discredited governorship and House of Assembly elections in Rivers State, killers have swarmed on Ahoada East, hitting down their targets.

Recently, Messrs Chigba Apollos and Chiezule

German, both members of APC in the area were shot dead in Ibarikpo town by unknown gunmen. Ibarikpo is in Ahoada East Ward 13.

“In similar bizarre manner, Thursday last week, Mr. Saturday Wakama was killed and his corpse carried away.

Wakama, a popular APC member in Okrika, was a member of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, and had championed campaigns for a riverine governor in Rivers State.

RIVERS POLLS: Observers' reports biased, Dakuku Campaign alleges

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARC O U R T — GOVERNORSHIP campaign organisation of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Rivers State, has described as misleading, a report by an international election observer, Pan African Women Projects, South Africa, that the April 11 elections in the state were free and fair.

A statement, yesterday, in Port Harcourt by the Head of Communications of the Greater Together

C a m p a i g n Organisation, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, said that the Mission Head of the international election observer, Mrs Eno Udensi, gave a biased account of the elections, stressing that she allegedly lied.

“We want to advise Mrs. Udensi that truth at all times, is costlier than cash. It was possible that Mrs. Udensi was quarantined by her sponsors in an insulated 5-star hotel room, sipping leisurely cups of coffee, when the guns were

booming in Akuku Toru and Asari Toru Local Government Areas."

Edo REC scorns PDP's boycott of rescheduled Assembly poll

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—THE Resident E l e c t o r a l Commissioner, REC, in Edo State, Mr Mike Igini, yesterday, described as laughable, the purported boycott of the last Saturday's rescheduled House of Assembly elections in some wards in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state.

He said he did not receive any official letter from the PDP indicating their decision to boycott the elections, adding: “It is the people that decide their leaders and not party leaders and even if the party must decide, it has to come from the national leadership of the party and not a local government party chairman saying they are boycotting an election like someone told me.

“That is why I said it is funny. If you look at the result of the elections, you will find that the people of that area, PDP members, came out to exercise their voting rights. And if you look at the figures they were very close. We did this same thing in the same Orhionmwon in the senatorial election."

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015—13

S-East, S-South regions call for Nigeria's restructuring T

By Innocent Anaba

HE Lower Niger Congress, LNC, made up of people of the South-East and South-South geo-political regions, has called for the restructuring of the country to allow each region feel equal with other regions in the country and to control their resources for the betterment of their people.

It insisted that the outcome of the just concluded general elections was a conspiracy by the South-West and the Northern regions to sustain a master/slave relationship between and among the federating units.

Spokesman of the group, Mr Tony Nnadi, who addressed newsmen in Lagos on the just concluded general elections, that said the 75 million people who make up the Lower Niger, will decide whether they want to remain in the Nigeria federation and under what constitution such relationship will be.

Nnadi said that the celebrated democracy in Nigeria has left a deeply fractured nation where the ethnic nationalities that make up the Lower Niger region are treated as conquered people, who have lost their power to participate in the Nigerian state as equal pruners.

Nnadi said the brazen manner in which the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, treated the Electoral Act with disdain, the flagrant abuse of voting in the North, the manipulation of the card reader scheme were all done to weaken the voting strength of the Lower Niger region while the North was given unfair advantage in the electoral contest.

He added that the Lower

Niger Congress was planning a self determination referendum in the region comprising of the South-South and South-East zones.

Meanwhile, President of LNC, Elder Fred Agbeyegbe, said: “Even though many disputations around our constitutional foundation remain unattended to and particularly without any hope of federalism being ushered into Nigeria, Nigeria has, once again, had an election, which the international community with their so-called interest in the workings of democracy, have, from reports submitted by their appointed observers, adjudged peaceful, free and fair.

"We are, nevertheless, compelled to observe that, even if the rest of the world cannot

see through the facade of a penchant for democracy, we, the ethnic nationalities, minorities, owners of the resources, victims of and for whose sake the Nigerian brand of democracy was wrought, are aware that their commercial interests in a peaceful Nigeria, overrides any pretended interest in democracy.

“Why else should the European Union and the United States of America, the citadels of the principles of equality, equity, fairness and justice, accept rules of democracy couched from a slavery-enacting document like the 1999 Nigerian Constitution imposed by one group in Nigeria over all else who had no participation in its making and from whence comes the

Nigerian notion of democracy, considering that the Constitution is the instrument mandating the elections they came to Nigeria to observe?

“Perhaps it is better left to posterity to ponder Foreign Secretary Kerry’s goading to quick elections in Nigeria in the same 2015, in which, based upon knowledge that so many ethnicities are entrapped in its slavery, some other Americans predicted that 2015 would usher in the death of Nigeria as a nation state. For our part, the writing is now on all walls, that it is time that those of us entrapped in the Lower Niger, the area more at the receiving end of Nigeria’s feudalistic system driven by the 1999 Constitution, should, soonest, examine our obviously unabating status of ‘’slaves.”

CERTIFICATE OF RETURN: From left: INEC Supervisory National Commissioner in Charge of Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, Mrs Thelma Iremiren, presenting a Certificate of Return to Rivers State governor-elect, Chief Nyesom Wike, at the Independent National Electoral Commission headquaters, Aba Road, Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

N1.2M ELECTION FUND: UPU threatens court action

By Godwin Oghre

M

OSOGAR—THE Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, led by Chief Joe Omene, has denied receiving and misappropriating an alleged N1.2 billion allegedly given to the UPU through its President General, on behalf of the Urhobo nation prior to the presidential election.

It threatened to sue those behind the allegation.

The leadership of Urhobo National Youth Council, led by Monday Oyeghe, had made the allegation last week.

Reacting, yesterday, in Mosogar, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state, Chief Omene, said: “Our detractors are at it again, this time, to smear our collective

character and image through fictitious allegation of financial scandal. We have kept calm after the presidential election because we did not want to talk much so that we do not derogate on the reputation of certain people who may make the list of ministers in General Muhammadu Buhari’s government.

The just concluded governorship/ Assembly elections justify all we said earlier and the stand we took. While our endorsed Labour Party won two Assembly seats, the All Progressives Congress, APC, could not win even the Assembly seat of its governorship candidate.

“APC could not win in one local government area across the state but Labour Party won

in four councils, including that of its governorship candidate. It shows that APC is nowhere to be found in Delta State, which we maintained from the very outset. We know who caused the woes Urhobo suffered at the governorship election.

Instead of our detractors to face those who caused the failure of Urhobo nation at the governorship election, they are rearing their head against us, knowing very well that we did our best, standing on the cause of the Urhobo nation to the end.

“I challenge anyone or any politician to produce evidence that I demanded for bribe from him/her. I rejected all offers to sell out. There were offers from the North for me

to jettison the Urhobo governorship and the Uvwiamuge agenda but I refused all of them. If anybody can come with evidence that I demanded or received bribe from him or her or that he or she bought one item, be it a car for me, I will offer to forfeit all my life property. The allegation against me is a lie and I urge my fellow people of Urhobo nation to disregard it in its entirety.”

Chief Omene said that having been apprised by the recent publication, UPU has instructed its lawyers to wade into it and take legal action against those behind it with a view to serving as deterrence to others who would like to smear the image of UPU to gain cheap popularity.

EGCDF chair alleges plot to frame him for defecting to APC

C

HIEF Michael Johnny, Chairman of Egbema Gbaramatu C o m m u n i t i e s D e v e l o p m e n t Foundation, EGCDF, has alleged that some persons in Delta State, were plotting to frame him over his defection to All Progressives Congress APC. Johnny, a chieftain of APC, in Gbaramatu Kingdom, yesterday, said: “I am a law abiding citizen and have not and will never be involved in any ungodly and criminal activity, so those planning to frame me should know that God is seeing them.

“I have been reliably informed that some persons are planning to secretly plant incriminating substance in my offices and house to frame me, and I hereby inform all relevant security agencies to be aware of the devilish plot.”

Release my husband, kidnapped LG boss' wife pleads

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— WIFE of kidnapped Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State, Mrs Blessing Ikegbedi, has appealed for unconditional release of her husband, Cassidy Ikegbede, who was abducted on Saturday.

Blessing told newsmen that the family has been going through severe mental trauma since the abduction, adding that those behind her husband's abduction should please save the family the agony they are going through by releasing him.

The state chapter of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, also appealed for Cassidy's unconditional release.

14 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 — 15

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16—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

APGA Chairman wants Buhari to probe elections in S/E

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

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N E W I — N AT I O N A L Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, has called on President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to probe the 2015 general elections in the SouthEast on assumption of office to stop further electoral malpractices in the zone.

Chief Umeh, who was also the APGA senatorial candidate for Anambra Central senatorial zone in the March 28, 2015 National Assembly election, urged Buhari to embark on full-scale electoral reforms different from President Goodluck Jonathan’s partial reforms, as one of the agenda of his administration.

He said: “Buhari should pursue electoral reforms in Nigeria as one of his administration's agenda once he assumes office.

"Electoral reforms must be done decisively now because it will help Nigeria to have credible elections.

When that is done, our democracy will grow, and it will be a major legacy he will leave for the country.

"He was a victim of three previous elections before this one he won, so, he knows the challenges in the electoral system and what to do, as solution."

Outgoing students advised

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HE MANAGING Proprietor of Victory Institute of Catering and Hotel Management, Chief Christian Olaniyan has admonished the outgoing students to be good ambassadors of the institute after their graduation .

He was speaking to newsmen and some graduating students, who came to his office on a 'thank you' visit.

He charged them to imbibe spirit of hard work and tolerance in their daily activities as they join other professional colleagues to face challenges of securing jobs or being managers of their own job creations.

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By Clifford Ndujihe, Gbenga Oke, Chidi Nkwopara, Vincent Ujumadu, Levinus Nwabughiogu & Emman Ovuakporie

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BUJA—TRIBUTES continued to pour in yesterday for late Senator Uche Chukwumerije, who died in Abuja, on Sunday.

The latest came from the President, Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Patience, Presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President, Abubakar Atiku, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, and a host of others, describing his death as a great loss to the Igbo and Nigeria.

VISIT: Mr. Stephen Olayinka, Publisher/Editor-In-Chief of Socialites International Magazine (centre), presenting a copy of the magazine to Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, GM/Editor-In-Chief, Vanguard, while Mr. Fred Odueme,AGM Brands, Vanguard, looks on, during Mr. Olayinka's courtesy visit to Vanguard corporate headquarters, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

He will be remembered for his passion for a just society —Jonathan President Goodluck Jonathan and the first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan have extended condolences to the Chukwumerije family as well as the government and people of Abia State on the death of Senator Uche Chukwumerije.

In two separate statements issued by their spokesmen President Jonathan and his wife urged the family to take solace in the fact that Chukwumerije was an ardent believer in national unity, peace, political stability and progress.

“The President joins them in mourning the late patriot and nationalist who has left behind an impressive legacy of discipline, honesty, integrity and hard work in public service.

“President Jonathan believes that the late Senator Chukwumerije, who had a distinguished career as a journalist, social critic, Minister of Information and Senator, will be long remembered for his dedication and passion for a just and equitable society.

In her statement, Dame Patience Jonathan, said: “As a daughter of Abia State, the mother of the Nation, my thoughts are with you and the entire people of Abia at this time of your grief,” she said and praised late Chukwumerije's dedication, courage and professional conduct as a senator.”

Jonathan, Buhari, Atiku, Ngige, others eulogise Chukwumerije

A man of noble values — Buhari President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari said the demise of Senator Chukwumerije was a blow to the generation of true progressives in Nigeria and the African continent.

In a condolence message released by the APC Presidential Campaign in Abuja, Buhari also described late Chukwumerije as "a man of my own generation, I observed the progressive political activities of Uche Chukwumerije and admired the Pan-African interests and national patriotic zeal which dominated and dictated major part of his actions and pursuits.’’

The president-elect recalled that in the Second Republic,

A great Iroko has fallen – Okorie National Chairman and 2015 Presidential Candidate of the United Progressives Party, UPP, Chief Chekwas Okorie, said: ‘’A great Iroko tree in Nigeria has indeed fallen.

"The late Senator Chukwumerije was a man of tremendous integrity and uprightness."

Chukwumerije disregarded ethnic and regional politics of that era to identify with Mallam Aminu Kano, the leader of the masses (Talakawas), saying the development “marked him out as a worker for national unity and a man of noble values.

“As a media practitioner, Chukwumerije was a professional with passion and conviction in all the positions he held. I was not surprised he was a leading voice in the Senate for 12 years.”

A fine gentleman —Atiku Former vice-president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar said "late Senator Chukwumerije was in the class of those gentlemen you cannot but notice. His mannerisms came across as someone who was well cultured. He was very sartorial in style and in presentation; and he never confused you about the disciplined background of his origin. He was a very worthy ambassador of his people."

Tambuwal expresses shock On his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, in a statement by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, described the deceased Senator as a fine legislator and a refined gentleman whose passion for the unity and progress of Nigeria wais welldocumented.

His death, a colossal loss — Ihedioha Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, has described the death of Senator Uche Chukwumerije, as a colossal loss to Ndigbo and the Nigerian nation at large.

In a statement signed by Oke Epia, his Chief Press Secretary, Ihedioha said: “The late Chukwumerije was a nationalist, a seasoned senator and a pride of the institution of the legislature as he brought moderation, innovation and respect to bear on that arm of government.”

Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, director of information, Mr. Uchenna Madu, in a statement in Awka, said: “Truly, our late Dike Ogu Ndigbo (Uche Chukwumerije) was another Ojukwu to Ndigbo. He was roundly active during NigeriaBiafra war. He always stood for justice and equity on the Igbo side."

Late Chukwumerije His death, a loss, says Imo gov Okorocha, who spoke through his media aide, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, said: “The death of one of the illustrious sons of Igboland and one of the outstanding patriotic Nigerians, Senator Uche Chukwumerije at the age of 75, is a great loss, not just to members of his immediate family but to Nigeria in general.”

Ngige mourns Similarly, former Anambra goveror, Dr Chris Ngige, described the death as shocking.

Ngige said: “Nigeria has indeed lost one of her best. He was a true Igbo nationalist who believed that the spirit of industry, hard work, resilience and adroitness of the Igbo can be put into very good use for their survival in the Federation of Nigeria.

Ikedife, Ekwunife, MASSOB lament Former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, described Chukwumerije as a true Nigerian and Igbo man.

He said the demise of Chukwumerije was the death of an honest, upright, courageous and dogged fighter.

Also, senator-elect for Anambra Central, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, said the death of the senator was a colossal loss to both the Igbo and Nigeria, saying, “we shall miss his courageous representation.”

Also, the Movement for the

He was an astute politician — Saraki Also, Senator Bukola Saraki said he received the news with shock because ‘’Senator Chukwumerije was an astute and consummate politician of repute. He was one of the current members of the 7th Assembly that I respect so much due to his contributions and dynamics of debate on the floor of the Senate.’’

His experience will be missed — Ohabunwa To Abia North Senator-elect, Mao Ohabunwa, who will succeed Chukwumerije in the Senate, ‘’it was a shocking news for me when I heard it. We have really lost a statesman and one of the strong voices of Ohanaeze and Ndigbo in general. May his gentle soul rest in the Lord’s bosom.’’

South-East APC scribes pay tributes Also publicity secretaries of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Enugu, Abia, Imo and Anambra states, in a joint statement, said: ‘’The demise of Dr. Chukwumerije is shocking to us, particularly given that we were not aware that he was afflicted with cancer."

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 — 17

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18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 TAMUNOEMI Sokari David-West’s fame as Professor of Virology at the University tends to obscure his involvement in politics where his services as Commissioner for Education (Rivers State), Minister of Petroleum, and Minister of Mines, Power and Steel, all under military regimes, are well known.

He is one of those tipped for cabinet membership in the in-coming government.

It could be on the authority of these pedigrees that he affirmed that Maj-Gen Muhammadu Buhari would reduce the price of fuel to N40 per litre. He did not say what the price of kerosene, a product majority of Nigerian urban dwellers use, as cooking fuel, would be. It is equally doubtful that he spoke on the authority of the President-elect, General Buhari. Did he speak, leaning on his understanding of the economics of oil and gas or as a counterpoise to government’s reduction of the price of fuel to N87 per litre, which some saw as a campaign gimmick?

Whatever informed the position, those who know that David-West, 78, was Buhari’s Minister of Petroleum, 31 years ago, may consider his proposed price of fuel to have some substance or was it David-West’s

Awaiting N40 Per Litre Fuel way of protecting his principal, in case the price of fuel became an election issue? How did he arrive at his figure?

Nigerians would be interested in any government policy that would reduce the incremental hardships that they have seen through various regimes. Fuel is so central to Nigerian life that they would support policies that would make it available and affordable.

They would also want to know how lower fuel prices would affect other sectors of the economy. Would

the price go down because of subsidy?

The major determinants of the price of fuel are cost of products and distribution. They have not been addressed and they do not seem like issues that could be resolved in months. Adequate domestic refining capacity, for domestic consumption, would eliminate cost of importation, which high exchange rates exacerbate. Domestic refining would, also, create job.

Distribution challenges are evident from burst pipelines to the celebrated chaos on the ApapaOshodi Expressway. They have great impact on the price of fuel, in addition to indeterminate costs like charges marketers pay at the depots. These are obstacles to cheaper fuel and some interests have over the years elevated them to prominent features of the economics of the industry.

Sustainable solutions that include functioning refineries, new distribution logics with primacy for the rails would crash the price of petroleum products perhaps below David-West’s projection. Nigerians await solutions to national challenges that look beyond immediate applause, but we have to abridge expectation with hard work.

OPINION ByDenja Yaqub

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NTIL 1994, for over a century South Africa was locked against the rest of Africa and indeed the country and her people were not easily accessible to the rest of the world as the white minority used their might to impose racial segregation, which denied the majority black of everything, including quality life and the rest of the world rose in support of the majority black in popular agitation for the liberation of a country held in the worst and unusual form of domination in all spheres of life.

The “support” given by the rest of the world was not because it was South Africa. It was because a part of humanity with legitimate rights to their land have been deprived and decimated only because they have resources of global economic values, and not just because of the colour of their skin. Everyone saw the anti apartheid struggle as a liberation struggle, an integral part of the global struggle against oppression, all forms of oppression.

South Africa and her exceptional experiences in severe oppression and exploitation, even before the advent

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Xenophobia

or

of apartheid, is one country whose people got the best global solidarity during the years of the struggle against apartheid. No one saw that struggle as “their” struggle. It was our collective struggle.

The leading anti apartheid organisation, the African National Congress, ANC, maintained offices in several countries abroad, including Nigeria. Not a few South African citizens attended public schools, including universities in Nigeria, with full scholarships/fellowship paid for by the Nigerian government. There were several organisations involved in mobilising people and resources,

Most South Africans have been made to think or believe they are not part of Africa

Afrophobia organised by Nigerians, in our voluntary quest to be part of the liberation struggle.

Indeed, there was the NigeriaAfrican National Congress Friendship and Cultural Association, NAFCA. There was the Youth Solidarity on Southern Africa and Nigeria, YUSSAN. YUSSAN was in most campuses of Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions, mobilising students across the country against apartheid South Africa.

Other organisations, including the Nigeria Labour Congress, National Association of Nigerian Students, Women In Nigeria as well as the Government of Nigeria were actively involved in mobilising people, opinions and resources against apartheid.

Nigeria was certainly not the only country whose citizens and governments actively participated in the international struggle against apartheid. Many African countries indeed provided cover for leading South African activists in exile.

That some South Africans have decided to unleash deadly violence on

immigrants, especially of African extraction is nothing but a failure of post apartheid leadership who have done very little to reorientate, rehabilitate and effectively empower the people in a way that reconnects them with the reality of their history and culture as Africans and position them for the socio economic and political challenges of post apartheid situations, situations that posits them in a world of fierce social, economic and political realities of our collective contemporary predicament.

Most South Africans have been made to think or believe they are not part of Africa. References to other African countries is often derogatory. In fact, President Jacob Zuma sometime in October 2013, while defending his government’s introduction of e-tolls on roads in the Gauteng Province during the ANC Gauteng Province Manifesto Forum held at the famous University of Wittswaterstrand in Johannesburg said “we can’t think like Africans in Africa. Its not some national road in Malawi.”

Continues tomorrow on pg 18 *Mr.Yaqub, an asst. secretary at the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Abuja.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015— —19

Journey to Okeri's untapped potentials

By Sunny Ikhioya

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UCKED in the heart of the Ilorin – Kabba road, Yagba west local government area of Kogi state are hamlets of villages, under the suzerainty of Iyamerin (four junctions), and Okeri is the fourth junction and our destination. I will explain the purpose of my visit to Okeri later. For me, this trip was an eye opener.

Over ninety percent of our population do not know the country and its potentials. This accounts for majority who can afford it hopping all round the world, without a thought to look inward and explore their motherland. For those who have formed the habit of travelling and touring, excited by the offerings of nature, there is nothing that you will find in other parts of the world that is not see in Nigeria. it is time for us to begin to take the discovery of our country very seriously. If the people know and understand themselves, so many of the conflicts we have today will be avoided.

In the 70s when I was in secondary school, school authorities organized excursion tours for students, from the south to the north and vice versa.Some

of these tours went along with train rides. It was an exciting time for students and it helped in bonding. Today,tours are arranged to Ghana, Gambia, Kenya, South Africa and other African countries, and these do not have even half of the potentials that abound in this country.

In Okeri, there is an urgent need for the tourism sector, commerce and industry, agriculture, transport and moral developments to begin to take their functions very seriously.

Ministries must begin to conduct researches that will bring out the real potentials. Potentials abound in various parts of the country and the need for backward integration in our economic production activities has become more urgent than ever, that is, if we are interested in engaging the millions of youths coming into the ever increasing labour market, for productive purposes.

The journey to Okeri was an exciting experience. We took off from Lagos and traversed six states; Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Oshun, Kwara and Kogi. Of note were beautiful landmarks and vegetations; we crossed rivers, traversed lands and passed so many rocks, rocks of diverse

shades, types and forms. Some are so neatly arranged and positioned that you will think they were the handiwork of men, they are like the Zuma rock in the Federal Capital Territory and those in Ekiti state, you need to behold the scenery. It's sheer beauty.

At a point after Egbe town, coming from the Ilorin end of the Ilorin –Kabba road, you branch in, to your right, into the Iyamerin villages and there, also, another surprise awaits you, the land is very fertile with fruits; oranges, mangoes and others. In fact at the compound where the ceremony held, we had several head collision with mango fruits as if we were engaged in the leather game.

A people that warm, open and nice to strangers should be guaranteed growth and development

Time to tame iconoclasts (2)

By Ekanpou Enewaridideke

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N an article entitled The Leadership we want (Vanguard, December 25, 2014), Omorotionmwan shamelessly maintained that Tompolo had acquired arms and gunboats without being stopped

by President Jonathan who was scared of the EPZ project commissioning . This shameless position was published even after the Nigerian Navy and the DirectorGeneral of NIMASA had defensively exonerated Tompolo from the accusation of arms acquisition. In another article entitled Buhari and the qualification question (Vanguard, January 15, 2015), he told the world that a man without certificate as President was preferable to a zoologist with PHD as president.

Muhammadu Buhari is unable to prove that he has the paper to authenticate his O’ level credentials as a presidential aspirant. But to Omorotionmwan, demanding certificate from aspirants as the basis to verify their level of education is the cause of the under-development of Nigeria. He shamelessly defended the indefensible in demonisation of President Jonathan by saying that ‘And our preference for those ‘Cardboards may be the very albatross of this nation’. Is it not time to demand Omorotionmwan’s certificate as a confirmation of his level of education? For a writer who sees nothing good or commendable in the Federal Government’s N10 per litre reduction in petrol and rather proclaims that half loaf of bread is equivalent to zero, there is something absolutely wrong with his lens of analysis in his article ‘REDUCTION IN PUMP PRICE: Half a loaf is worse than no bread’ (Vanguard January 29, 2015), the drift of which is: ‘The reduction of N10 per litre, which is directed only at petrol, came too little, too late. This is benign tokenism! And this is where half a loaf is worse than no bread’.

Over the years, some columnists and opinion writers have been so dangerously indoctrinated that they grow uncannily silent over the deafening performance fireworks/knockouts of President Jonathan, and High Chief Government Ekpemuplo’s genuine moves and C M Y K

achievements and only thunder CACOPHONOUSLY to discredit the undeniable achievements of the President and Tompolo using ponderous theories, riveting for their polemic rather than their substance, that would dwindle on the path to praxis. Incontrovertibly, these are the intellectual Boko Haramites and jihadists intellectually programmed like Robots to bomb President Jonathan and Tompolo even where the detonated verbal bombs cannot penetrate their Egbesusoaked skin, only ricochetting off to reveal the lethal mindset of the verbal suicide bombers. The belongingness of Ikhioya and Omorotionmwan to this class of intellectual Boko Haramites and Jihadists is beyond denunciation.

It is amazing how Ikhioya and Omorotionmwan came to develop and perfect the capacity to elevate and dignify nonsense to the admiration of readers from home and abroad. Could these persons have been already crowned by Mac Flecknoe in John Dryden’s poem ‘Mac Flecknoe’ with the inspiring exhortation: ‘my son, advance Still in new impudence, new ignorance’? Perhaps already crowned by Mac Flecknoe in a conclave to advance unfettered in nonsense, tautology, impudence, ignorance and ponderous analyses, Chinua Achebe would have dismissed Ikhioya and Omotionmwan as haulers of ‘deodorized shit’ in extreme disgust and indignation.

Science is always discovering. Because science is always discovering I have equally discovered that the inspiration

The oriental world would have preferred heterogeneity in describing them but the colonialists chose homogeneity in describing them

Whichever way one turned, it was a duel with the mango fruits. but they carried the day as we had to stoop to avoid crashing into them.

You need not climb any tree; the fruits are all within reach, same goes for the orange fruits.

Thinking aloud, someone noted that it wouldn't be a bad idea of one of the leading lite businessmen would establish a fruit processing factory in the area but he was quick to observe that even the state government and the representatives of government from this area have done nothing to encourage this.

For products to leave the villages to the cities transportation must be smooth and for factories to work efficiently there must be regular power supply.

Unfortunately, these are not readily available in the area, even the road stretch before Egbe is so bad that at a time, it became a choice spot for robbery gangs.

The people are so dissatisfied with the performance of the present Kogi state government, such much that they expressed their anger through the ballot during the March and April elections. A brilliant senator of Smart Adeyemi’s calibre was floored; the same fate befell other PDP candidates. It is the duty of elected representatives to identify untapped potentials in their areas of jurisdiction and bring them to the attention of

and capacity of Ikhioya and Omorotionmwan to distort the normal vibratory frequency of objects and personalities, particularly President Jonathan and Tompolo, must have been derived from the colonialists. They have so perfected the art of distortion that only the colonial Masters could offer them such sophisticated apprenticeship in the vocation - the art of moulding and detonating verbal bombs to acquire regular spaces of believability.

Through intellectually controlled literary and sociological discourses powered by theories of national superiority, binary worldview of polarisation, totalization and essentialisation, the colonialists see the oriental world as backward, inferior, wild, irrational, emotional and uncivilised, and the occidental world as rational, superior, civilised, civil and progressive. In malevolently distorting the image of President Jonathan, Tompolo and the Ijaws, the theories of national superiority and binary world view of polarisation invented by the colonialists to justify their negative discourses against the colonised people must have struck them as their comfortable authoritative source.

The 15th century marked the period of colonial expansion and penetration when Spanish and Portuguese discovered New lands in the West Indies and the Americas.

This ended with the outbreak of the First World War though the colonial expansion and conquest continued for over 400 years. Within this period Great Britain, France, Germany Italy, Belgium, Portugal and Spain, with their commercialisation inclinations, had conquered the whole of Africa and the areas today delineated as America, Oceania, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, the Middle East and parts of Asia. Similarly, in the first half of the 20th century the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) aided by a vigorous expansionist agenda and post-world war II treaties, conquered the whole of Russia and numerous parts of Central Asia and Eastern Europe before the collapse of the USSR in 1991 - a time Soviet regions like the Balkans, the Caucasus and Eastern Europe began to experience border conflicts, human rights violations, uneven distribution of resources and ethnic rivalry.

their colleagues in government.

That is why the incoming government must take the issue of safety and security as a vital aspect of their agenda, if safety is guaranteed, the people can move around freely and the much sought after tourism potentials will be boosted.

The occasion was the celebration of life for the late Pa Paul Oni Meduna, father of Mr. Sanya Oni, a top notch of the UNILAG Sociology class of 81/84 that includes the likes of Larry Izamoje, Richard Okotie and yours truly. Where are the others? Sanya is editorial page editor of The Nation newspaper, and the eldest child.

We also have Tosho Oni from Australia, Dr. Tope Oni from South Africa and their younger sister Mrs. Comfort Otebolaku, from Portugal, everyone was present; grand children, colleagues, relatives and friends from all over the world.

It was another opportunity for friends and relations to meet and exchange pleasantries. Indeed, the indigenes of Okeri are very hospitable and warm people.

A people that are warm, open and nice to strangers should be guaranteed growth and development. *Mr. Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

In colonising the far East and in the scramble for Africa (1870-1914) these colonial powers invented theories of national superiority designated as bringing the light of civilisation to the dark parts of the world and many others.

Through intellectually directed literary, sociological and anthropological discourses powered by theories of national superiority, denigration of the oriental world and the colonised people became a serious task just as the denigration of Jonathan, Tompolo and the Ijaws has been elevated to patriotic national assignment by writers in the grip of the iconoclastic virus of distortion and pulverization.

The oriental world would have preferred heterogeneity in describing them but the colonialists chose homogeneity in describing them. This homogenous descriptive categorisation of the oriental world is an anathema to them because it subsumes, overshadows, beclouds and discards their essential cultural differences - cultural differences the word ‘heterogeneity’ would have appropriately captured. The aggressive devaluation, distortion and denigration which the oriental world and the colonised people once suffered in the hands of the colonialists is what has daily come upon Jonathan, Tompolo and the Ijaws in the hands of Ikhioya and Omorotionmwan.

No matter the degree of apprenticeship and immersion in colonial theories of denigration, President Jonathan and Tompolo should be engaged as individuals whose activities are open to healthy commentary. The successes or failures of individuals should not be linked to their ethnic nationalities because that would be tantamount to the use of ‘homogeneity’ to describe the oriental world - a phenomenon they have a strong aversion to. For writers like Ikhioya and Omorotionmwan who harbour a dangerous predisposition to denigrate all the Ijaws anytime they attack either Jonathan or Tompolo, should review their STEREOTYPICAL critical commentaries and infuse truth into them because only psychopathic, neurotic and schizophrenic iconoclasts behave this way.

Concluded •Mr. Enewaridideke, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Akparemogbene, Delta State.

20 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

— 21

Total Upstream accused of frustrating FPSO contract suit

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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From left: Segun Oloketuyi, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Wema Bank Plc; Mr Adeolu Bajomo, Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, The Nigerian Stock Exchange; Adeyinka Asekun, Chairman, Board of Directors, Wema Bank Plc; Ademola Adebise, Executive Director, Wema Bank Plc; Tinuade Awe, Head, Legal and Regulation Division, NSE at the Wema Bank Facts behind the Figures ceremony on the floor of Nigeria Stock of Exchange in Lagos

Indebtedness : Oil Marketers warn Okonjo-Iweala of fuel scarcity

By Omoh Gabriel, Business Editor

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ajor oil marketers have warned that fuel scarcity may linger for a while as the federal government has not paid what it owes marketers who imported fuel into the country. Oil marketers under the auspices of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN)

$139.20

-0.40

$2,840.00

-30.00

13.15

-0.28

.

$63.72 -0.26

CURRENCY

BUYING

DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

196 292.3536 210.2492 203.4884 1.6336 0.2969 268.3488 31.6237 52.2569 28.1633 270.5388

CENTRAL 196.5 293.0994 210.7856 204.0075 1.6378 0.3069 269.0333 31.7049 52.3902 28.2352 271.229

197 293.8452 211.3219 204.5266 1.6419 0.3169 269.7179 31.786 52.5235 27.307 271.9191

CBN Exchange Rate as at 20/4/15

have decried the government’s inability to disburse the outstanding payments due to its members for the import of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) under the Petroleum Subsidy Fund Scheme (the “Scheme”).

In a letter addressed to the Honourable Minister of Finance/ Coordinating Minister of the Economy Dr Mrs Ngozi OkonjoIweala, the association through its Executive Secretary, Mr Thomas Olawore, stated that despite previous assurances from the government to reimburse marketers the Under Recovery due to them as verified by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), the government has till date failed to honour its agreement.

The letter reads in part, “At the previous meeting, you empathised with the marketers and committed to full restitution provided these were verified by the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

You also assured marketers that they would be fully reimbursed for the interest (incurred due to the late payment) and foreign exchange (Forex) differential elements of their Under Recovery within thirty (30) days of the meeting. Furthermore, you committed to immediately issuing Sovereign Debt Notes (SDNs) for the outstanding Under Recovery with full payment on or before the 28th of April, 2015.“Regrettably, despite your above commitment and assurances, the

industry to date has only received approximately N30bn (Thirty Billion Naira) in Forex differential claims out of the N100bn(One Hundred Billion Naira) owed. In the same vein, only N345bn (Three Hundred and Forty Five Billion Naira) has been received in core subsidy payments covering payments up to Q2, 2014.

Specifically only 3 companies out of the 6 MOMAN companies received payments for Forex differentials and no company, MOMAN or DAPPMA (Depot and Petroleum Products Marketing Association) has been paid interest charges on delayed payments.”

The letter noted that as at March 31, 2015, the total amount due to the marketers based on all claims verified by the PPPRA is in the region of N270 billion but revealed that only N200 billion was earmarked for them in the 2015 budget, this according to MOMAN constituted a “great cause of concern” for her members.

Similarly, MOMAN enumerated that the delays in the payment of the verified sums has ensured the marketers cannot fulfil their financial and non-financial obligations, notwithstanding this, they have continuously supplied adequate petroleum products into the country especially during the just concluded general elections.

laintiff in the suit before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, challenging the contract awarded to Samsung Heavy Industry Nigeria by Total Upstream Nigeria for the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of the Egina FPSO, has accused the defendants of frustrating the suit.

Defendants in the suit are Attorney General of the Federation; National Petroleum Investment Management Services, NPIMS; Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board, CDMB; Samsung Heavy Industry and Total Upstream.

The plaintiff, Mr. John Owubokiri, through his counsel, Mr. Olukayode Enitan, at the resumed hearing in the matter before Justice Okon Abang, noted that the defendants were doing all to stall hearing of the motion for interlocutory injunction.

Counsel to Total Upstream, had told the court that he had filed with the court registry, a reply on point of law to the plaintiff’s counter affidavit and written submission to the preliminary objection of the defendants.

But Justice Abang noted that he has not seen it, as same was not in the court file. At that point, Enitan said it was another attempt by the defendants to stall the matter, noting that the court had adjourned for hearing in all pending application, including the application for interlocutory objection, committal proceedings against the defendants and stay of proceedings.

He said that he was shocked that Total Upstream waited till a day to the hearing of the matter to file whatever it wanted, only to announce at the hearing that it has just filed a reply on point of law to the plaintiff’s counter affidavit.

Enitan reminded the court that on March 27, the case was adjourned for all pending applications to be heard, while on that same day, Total Upstream brought an application for stay of proceedings, which was served on the same March 27 on the plaintiff and based on that the matter was adjourned.

He added that the matter was adjourned till April 15, only again for Total Upstream to serve on the plaintiff in court, its reply on point of law to the plaintiff’s counter affidavit, which he explained was a plot to ensure that the was never heard.

Enitan told the court that he was ready to go on with the matter, even though the latest defendants reply on point of law was served on him. But Justice Abang said he will want to see all the processes in the matter so as to decide on which one to take and subsequently adjourned till April 24, 2015 for further hearing.

The plaintiff in the substantive suit, is asking the court to declare that the award of the contract to Samsung Heavy for the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of the Egina FPSO is unlawful, tainted by irregularities in that NPIMS, CDMB and Total Upstream ignored all extant laws, regulations, directives, and guidelines guiding such awards.

22 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

The time allowed just to acknowledge complaint via email encourages and promotes laxity, tardiness and insensitivity to the plight of complainants. This contradicts the vision of the commission

,

TOP 10 PERFORMING STOCKS

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

O

n the top 10 performing stocks last week were the shares of Guinness Nigeria plc, Vono Products Plc, Livestock Feeds Plc, Honeywell Flour Mill Plc, UAC of Nigeria plc and Airline Services and Logistics, ASL Plc. Others were National Aviation Handling Company, NAHCo plc, UBA Capital Plc, NPF Micro-finance Bank Plc and Beta Glass Company Plc. Guinness Nig. Plc led the pack with 21.43 percent or N30.00 increase, closing at N170.00 from N140.00 it started the week with. Just last week, the company announced the appointment of a new managing director in the person of Mr. Soren Lauridsen as Mr. Mr. John O’Keeffe’s successor following the appointment of the later as the president, Diageo Africa.

According to the company, Lauridsen, who will assume duty in May 2015, will work alongside Mr. O’Keeffe until the end of the financial year on 30 June 2015 to ensure a smooth transition.

Earlier in the year, the company disclosed that about N52 billion investments so far has been channeled to increase its production capacity.

The investment in capacity expansion which started in 2011 had seen two of the company ’s plants completed in Lagos and Benin.

Available financial statement of the company for the year ended 30 June 2014, showed an 11 percent decline in revenue to N109.2 billion. The profit before tax (PBT) declined by 31 percent to N11.7 billion, compared to N17 billion posted in 2013, while its profit after tax for period came in at N9.6 billion as against N11.9 billion in 2013, a 19 percent decrease over the comparative period in 2013. Cost of sale for the period stood at N57.9 billion, 13 percent decrease from N66.4 billion recorded in 2013. Following the bad performance, the dividend for the year was slashed to N3.20 compared to N8.00 paid in the previous year.

Vono Products Plc trailed behind with 18.82 percent or N0.16 price appreciation, closing at N1.01 from N0.85 per share. Vono, which is owned 21.4 percent by Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, has been recording losses in recent years, following which, it had raised N840 million fresh capital via right issue in 2012 to strengthen and expand its activities and ensure improved returns on investment to its shareholders.

Despite the promise by the chairman, Mr. Mohammed Yinusa, that the Board of Directors would introduce new strategies that would enable the company a c h i e v e s u s t a i n e d growth during the last general with the shareholders, the 2014 full year financial statement for September 2014 showed that it is continuing its losing streak. During the period, Vono posted a loss after tax of N5.159 million compared with a loss of N4.884 million recorded during the comparable period of 2013. However, the company ’s profit before tax increased from N1.523 million to N2.457 million, representing an increase of 40 percent. Its revenue also rose to 5.4 percent to N889.666 million in 2014 from N841.414 million in the corresponding period of 2013.

Livestock Feeds placed third with 14.54 percent or N0.33 appreciation, closing at N2.60 from N2.27 per share.

The company became a subsidiary of UAC of Nigeria Plc in 2013 through the acquisition of 51 percent equity stake in the company by later. Listed on the Livestock/ A n i m a l Specialties subsector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Livestock Feeds engages i n manufacturing and marketing of animal feeds and concentrates in Nigeria. Its half year financial statement for the period ended June 30, 2014, showed a growth of 24 percent in revenue to N3.36 billion as against N2.70 billion recorded in 2013. Its profit before tax rose by 32 percent, rising to N125.61 million from N95.21 million in the previous year.

The post tax profit also rose by the same margin, rising to N85.41 million from N64.75 million achieved in equivalent period in 2013.

Honeywell FlourMill’s shares rose by 14.05 percent or N0.43 to N3.49 from N3.06; UAC achieved 13.43 percent or N5.01 price increase, closing at N42.31 from N37.30; ASL went up by 11.91 percent or N0.73 to close at N6.86 from N6.13; UBA Capital advanced by 11.72 percent or N0.17 to close at N1.62 from N1.45; NPF MfB gained 11.43 percent or N0.12 to close at N1.17 from N1.05, while Beta Glass appreciated by 9.92 percent or N2.59 to close at N28.70 from N26.11 per share.

,

INVESTOR

Why SEC’s complaint management framework may not work (4)

By Babajide Komolafe ANOTHER reason why the Complaint Management Framework for Capital Market designed and introduced by SEC may not work becomes apparent when it is compared with

that of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

In a circular directing all banks and financial institutions to expand their ATM Help Desk to handle all consumer complaints, the CBN among other things stated, “The consumer help

desk should be managed by an officer not below the grade of Assistant General Manager (AGM) and/or senior banking officer of considerable years of experience in banking at the head offices and branches respectively” SEC on its part directed

MARKET NEWS

Zenith Bank sustains growth in earnings by 20% in Q1

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM Zenith International Bank Plc has reported 20 percent growth in gross earnings which stood at N113 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015.

According to the unaudited account presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange

(NSE) yesterday, interest income for the period rose to N81 billion compared with N71 billion posted in the similar period of 2014, translating to 14 percent increase. Similarly, noninterest income appreciated by 39.5 percent to N31.9 billion up from N22.9 billion posted in 2014.

Operating income rose to N72 billion as against N66 billion in the similar period of 2014 translating to 9 per cent growth while operating expenses of N39 billion was recorded amounting to 4.8 per cent increase from N37.6 billion reported in the corresponding period of 2014.

LAUNCH: From left: Head, Marketing, Viva Entertainment, Tunji Folayan; actress Iyabo Ojo, CEO, Persianas Retail; GM, Seven-up Bottling Company Plc Ibadan, Louis Prem Kumar; Nollywood ace-producer, Lancelot Imasuen and Brand Manager, SBC, Segun Ogunleye, at the launch of a world-class cinema by Viva Cinema in Ibadan.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 — 23

that, “The (Complaints Management) policy should be defined and endorsed by the company ’s/firm’s senior management, who should also be responsible for its implementation and for monitoring compliance.

The above comparism reveals another major gap in the complaint management framework of SEC. It did not specify or indicate who or the grade of officer that should directly manage complaints.

As indicated in previous edition, the Complaint Management framework of SEC does not indicate a recognition of the poor attitude of capital market operators to customers’ complaint, and neither is it strong enough to correct this attitude.

That is the fundamental difference between the directive of CBN and that of SEC on complaint management.

The CBN recognises that banks and other financial institutions have the tendency to treat customers’ complaint with levity. It also recognises the need for a strong regulatory response to correct this attitude. This explains the strictness and the

compelling nature of its directive on customers’ complaint. The directive is so worded and designed to compel banks to comply by taking customers’ complaint seriously. That is why the apex bank went beyond just directing banks to set up customers’ complaints desk, to also specify who should manage the desk.

Why did SEC not specify who should manage the customers’ complain policies of capital market operators?

Why just leave that decision at the mercy and leisure of the management? The commission needs to provide answers to these questions.

Further there is need for the Commission to do a holistic review of the Framework, based on comparism with that of the CBN and that of other capital market regulators around the world.

The present framework, though a good attempt, is not strong enough to compel capital market operators to change their attitude to customers’ complaints.

Consequently, profit before tax (PBT) appreciated by 14.6 per cent to N33 billion up from N28.9 billion in the comparing period of 2014. However, profit after tax (PBT) performed better as it grew by 17 per cent to N27 billion from N23.6 billion resulting in earnings per share (EPS) which rose to 88kobo from 75kobo translating to 17.3 per cent increase.

Analysis of the bank’s balance sheet showed a rise in gross loans and advances to N1.9 trillion implying 9.9 percent appreciation when compared with N1.7 trillion posted in the similar period of 2014.

Similarly, customers’ deposit and total assets increased by 5.7 per cent and 4.9 per cent

to N2.6 trillion and N3.9 trillion respectively during the period.

Reacting to the report, financial analyst from FBN Capital Limited said it expects positive reaction by the market, stressing that it will likely increase its forecast on the bank to move upward slightly. “We expect consensus forecasts to be flat to slightly up. As such, we would expect a positive reaction by the market to the results,” the first reaction from FBN stated.

Highlighting the significant improvements made by Zenith Bank in the report, FBN Analysts noted that, “The PAT growth was faster than PBT growth of 15 per cent y/y because of a significant positive result (N1.1billion) on the other comprehensive income line”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Peter Amangbo, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO) Zenith Bank has as assured stakeholders of a prosperous 2015 financial year. Speaking on the group’s returns expectations to the global community through Bloomberg, Amangbo said, “The year 2015 has high prospects of increased economic growth and development, following the successful conduct of general elections in the country.

The bank’s balance sheet showed a rise in gross loans and advances to N1.9 trillion implying 9.9 percent appreciation

,

S FORUM

l sincerely appeal to our banks-debtors to please start payment of the debts, so that their names might not make the list, because we can’t afford not to collect our money, since they’ve refused to follow the line of honour in-order to restore our banks back to risk-freebracket, while we call on CBN to extend the recovery exercise to the attention of the Almighty AMCON; master of Bad-Banks-Debtors.

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INVESTORS SPEAK

Publication of bank-debtors: Shareholders react, back CBN

Alhaji Gbadebo Olatokunbo

Sir Sunny Nwosu

The Bankers Committee in a recent meeting agreed to publish names of bank-debtors in the media, describing them as “bad and chronic debtors” that will be denied access to foreign exchange, so as to strengthen safety and soundness in the industry. Shareholders in this interview express different views but encouraged the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to go ahead with its plan. corruption, how can you collect other people

By Providence Obuh money and you are spending it and anybody who wants to talk about it you shut them down because of the power you have. I am Shareholder Activist, Alhaji encouraging the CBN to publish and list the Gbadebo Olatokunbo: names. The last time, those big wigs said During the last banks' crash, the then CBN they will go to court for CBN to have Governor, Lamido Sanusi, published the published their names because they dont names of banks'-debtors,which made him have business with it. All they eventually the enemy of the powerful-blocs; while did was to negotiate with the banks and many of the then debtors threatened to go began gradual repayment to AMCON. to court.

Surprisingly, none of them did, instead they Sir Sunny Nwosu , National resorted to repaying some of their debts to Coordinator of the Independent the banks,while many were yet to settle their Shareholders Association of indebtedness fully till today.

Nigeria (ISAN) The grudges of these debtors to Sanusi were part of what led to his forced exit from the f CBN says they want to publish the CBN, yet these problem is still hunting our list of debtors and they are the economy and they have to be dealt with fast. regulator of the banks, they must have seen I respectfully appeal to the CBN through their statute that they have the power Management not to waste time in going to do that and if that will help to recover the public with the list; while l sincerely appeal huge debt being owed by customers it is okay to our banks-debtors to please start repayment by me . I want to believe that there is a of the debts, so that their names will not make relationship between a bank and its customers the list, because we can’t afford not to collect even before CBN comes into it. I believe that our money, since they’ve refused to follow relationship is between a bank and its client the line of honour in-order to restore our banks and therefore they must employ all available back to risk-free-bracket, while we call on opportunity within the relationship to know CBN to extend the recovery exercise to the why the customer is defaulting in repaying attention of the Almighty AMCON, master whatever he/she have taken. If it is a deliberate of Bad-Debts collector . thing, there is nothing wrong in The C BN gave notice that publishing it, so that they want to publish names shareholders and customers will but banks are skeptical about know that this one is owing publishing names and there deliberately and they will be are some people that will able to weigh the value of such collect money from a bank and money and why they are not they would not want to pay willing to pay. But if a customer and then they will move to If it is a is defaulting because of some another bank to collect money. deliberate thing, economic problems, this same That is what happened the bank that have relationship with last time we had capital there is nothing the client should go in and market crash that affected the wrong in advise the customer as to how banks. CBN said that they to get out of the problem. In want to list the names of publishing it so some cases the bank will have debtors but the information that shareholders to put in additional money to we got is that the bank does save the company, so not want the CBN to do that, and customers depending on the discussion but when Sanusi did that, will know that that they are going to have and instead of the government to depending on what the outcome this one is owing support him, they did not. of the discussion is.

Time has changed and that is deliberately

I

24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY,

APRIL 21, 2015

Access Bank loans N573bn to energy firms •Fined N184m for infractions

By Michael Eboh

A

CCESS Bank Plc gave out loans, totaling N572.997 billion to energy firms in two years, between 2013 and 2014.

This was even as the bank is fined N174 million for various contraventions in the course of its operations in 2014.

A breakdown of the loans, according to information obtained from the bank’s financial statement for the year ended, December 31, 2014, showed that the Bank gave out a total of N243.065 billion and N329.923 billion in 2013 and 2014 financial year respectively.

The exposure of the bank to the energy sector in 2014 represents an increase of N86.867 billion or 35.74 per cent from the exposure in 2013.

However, analysts are of the view that following the uncertainty in the global oil and gas and the declining price of crude oil in the international market, the bank will be faced with a daunting challenge in recouping the money loaned out to energy firms.

They argued that the bank stands the risk of a large chunk of the loans becoming

bad debts, as majority of the energy firms will likely be faced with difficulties in repaying their loans.

Specifically, they said about 40 per cent of the bank’s total loans within the two year period might be impaired.

Further breakdown of the loans revealed as follows: •Downstream oil and gas firms - N139.792 billion and N128.04 billion servicing companies - N49.892 billion and N89.344 billion •Upstream companies N39.834 billion •Crude oil refining N26.158 billion in 2014 only, •Power and energy companies - N13.547 billion and N23.236 billion.

•Other Bank customers N1.896 trillion split into N786.17 billion in 2013 and N1.110 trillion in 2014.

To this end, the proportion of energy sector loans to total loans and advances stood at 30.22 per cent for both years.

Furthermore, the proportion of energy sector loans to total loans and advances stood at 30.92 per cent and 29.72 per cent for 2013 and 2014 in that order.

However, Access Bank al-

. Oil refinery ready posted N25.262 billion as ‘past due and impaired loans and advances’ to corporate organisations in 2014, and N21.033 billion in 2013.

Allowance for impairment was N7.968 billion in 2014, and N6.805 billion in 2013,

while the bank put the carrying amount of the loans and advances at N17.293 billion in 2014, compared to N14.229 billion in 2013.

Despite fears over the ability of the bank to recoup the loans, the bank said the Direc-

Promethean invests $20m in tin smelting plant

By Gabriel Ewepu

I

NDIGENOUS mining firm, Promethean Resources, has commenced Nigeria’s first tin smelting plant in Gurum, Plateau State with an initial investment of about $20 million.

This was disclosed at the weekend by the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Demola Gbadegesin, during a visit of the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Musa Sada, to the company’s office in Abuja.

Gbadegesin said the Tin smelting plant was initiatedby the company to fast track industrial revolution in the country, as the commodity has huge economic potential.

He said: “Promethean Resources has commenced plans to establish the first Tin smelter in Nigeria in over 20 years. We are at the feasibility stage right now. The project as whole will cost $20 million and the completion period will be 18 months. For us,tinis the one commodity with all of those things come together.

“The Tin smelter will allow Promethean to produce 99.9 percent pure tin ingots as well as products such as

The exposure of the bank to the energy sector in 2014 represents an increase of N86.867 billion or 35.74 per cent from the exposure in 2013

tinplate, tin solder, and others. The project has the potential to generate over $300 million in foreign exchange by the third year.

Our smelter will use electric furnace technology, which is the cleanest technology available for smelting.

“We are embarking on an expansion programme targeting a minimum monthly production of 500 metric tonnes of high-grade tin concentrate by Q42015.

Tin has various applications locally and internationally including electronics, food packaging, automobile manufacturing and assembly, solar panels and a host of others.”

To this end, Gbadegesin said the company has so far invested over $20 million in its operation and employs of over 90 per cent of Nigerians.

“So far, we have invested over $20 million in our operation. We are producing high grade Tin concentrate from our operation in Gurum, Plateau State, and two other sites which will soon start

producing.

“We have employed quite a number of people at our various sites both indigenous and foreign, and 90 per cent of our workforce is Nigerian, and we have plans for a bigger one in the future,” he added.

Responding, Sada promised to consider the demands made by Promethean Resources, and also commended the company for its investment in the industry.

“The presentation made by Promethean Resources is a clear manifestation and believe to move the solid minerals sector forward. It is commendable for the company to establish a tin smelting plant in Nigeria, and it will stop job exportation.

“We are ready to give you a waiver, and we will look at the request for more mineral titles, and we will consider the operation, tonnes of tin exported and others. If you can give more jobs to Nigerians you deserve some support,” Sada stated.

tors are confident in their ability to continue to control exposure to credit risk, which can result from both its loans and advances portfolio and debt securities.

Sanctions for flouting CBN rules To crown the losses, Access Bank paid the sum of N184 million as sanctions meted out against the bank in 2014 by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for various infractions in the course of its operations.

Specifically, the bank was fined N174 million for contravening the reporting of public sector deposits in line with CBN guidelines, and additional fine of N2 million each for five other contraventions.

The contraventions included in the financial statement are: •Lack of CBN approval for the additions to investment properties of N5.15 billion as at 30 September 2013.

•Non-Implementation of the recommendation per management letter on long outstanding items in CBN and Real Time Gross Settlement, RTGS accounts.

•Weaknesses noted in its internal control and Know Your Customer, KYC procedures.

•Flouting of CBN foreign exchange manual in selling N2 million business travel allowance to an expatriate with an expired passport.

•Flouting of the minimum documentation in the credit file for some customers in line with the CBN prudential guidelines for deposit money banks.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 — 25

Oil consumption to rise to 400 000 bpd by 2023 — BMI

By Ediri Ejoh

B

USINESS Monitor International has said the prices of oil consumption in Nigeria is expected to increase from 311 000 bpd last year to 400 000 bpd by the end of 2023.

Business Monitor International risk analysis and forecasts, market research on leading industries, and multinational company research is relied upon by corporate bodies, banks, government departments and multilateral organisations in over 125 countries around the world.

According to the report, the increase is credited to improvement in the transport sector and the continued use of diesel power generators as backup methods to the country’s intermittent power supplies.

BMI forecast that the recent collapse in oil prices will reinforce the likelihood of fuel subsidy reductions in the country, adding that the low fuel prices should in theory enable subsidy reductions without an increase in regulated fuel price.

It noted that looking at the downstream sector, the country does indeed have a large refining capacity, however the adverse consequences of fuel subsidies, poor maintenance and general operational failure has resulted in the sector’s utilisation rates remaining below 30% over the last 10 years.

Also, it stated that refined fuels production could increase from 2015 onwards however with the Escravos GTL plant starting operations, and the important 500 00 bpd Dangote refinery which is ex-

E

Oil plant pected to come online by 2020.

On gas, the report further stated that with the prospect for higher domestic gas prices and the promising domestic demand from the power sector, there should be some stimulation in private investment in infrastructure to increase gas production levels.

“This at the moment is turning into a slow ramp up in gas monetisation and production. The expansion of LNG capacity in the country is unlikely given the unreliable supply side and an uncertain demand side.

“However, more gas production in the country is most likely going to be consumed domestically. “New LNG projects are coming online all over the world however and therefore Nigerian LNG export capacity is expected to remain capped by 30 billion m3 and will see Nigeria lose market share in the global LNG sec-

tor,” it maintained.

Specifically, the report stated that growth in gas production is going to spur downstream petrochemicals

BMI forecast that the recent collapse in oil prices will reinforce the likelihood of fuel subsidy reductions in the country, adding that the low fuel prices should in theory enable subsidy reductions without an increase in regulated fuel price

industries, however the company has warned that the business environment remains uncertain and will no doubt be affected by the turbulence that inevitably comes with presidential elections.

According to it: “Last year, the country had an olefins production capacity of 550 000 bpy, ethylene at 125 000 tpy and thermoplastic resins at 240 000 tpy along with others. The sector is characterised by low capacity utilisation, frequently disrupted plan operations and a lack of proper resources to operate and maintain facilities.

“The government is continuing to make efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investment, FID, into the country’s petrochemical sector, however, a lack of skilled labour as well as political and social unrest and sabotage of infrastructure is expected to delay projects.”

What Buhari must do in oil industry — Experts A

ExxonMobil now Nigeria’s largest oil producer

By Sebastine Obasi

S the nation waits anxiously for the May 29, swearing in of Muhammadu Buhari, as Nigeria’s next president, experts in the oil industry have set for him an agenda aimed at restructuring the sector, which is the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy.

The Managing Director, Frontier Oil Limited, Mr. Dada Thomas, a marginal field operator, believes that the oil and gas sector in Nigeria has suffered a major decline in the last 10 years.

He noted that Nigeria had a vision 2020 target of increasing its reserve to 40 billion barrels and production to four million barrels of oil per day.

However, the target has not been achieved as no exploration of any great measure has taken place in the last 10 years, neither has there been major discoveries except for oil mining lease, OML 310 between 2012 and 2013 that added substantially to Nigeria’s reserve.

According to him, the new government needs to “ remove the uncertainty that the lack of passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB has caused. This has essentially blocked investment in Nigeria’s exploration and production, E&P sector, both by international investors and in some cases by local investors, by ensuring that as fast as it can reasonably do so, it passes the PIB.” Thomas also argued that the PIB can be broken into sections which are not fractious. “For instance, the fiscal element which causes so many problems can be easily passed very quickly. The one that is contentious can be addressed later. Therefore PIB passage is a topical matter that needs to be addressed.

“The second thing that needs to be addressed is the corruption in the petroleum sector, both upstream and downstream. The downstream sector witnessed massive corruption in petroleum subsidy. The upstream sector is suffering corruption of lack of will on the part of government to address

pipeline vandalism, crude theft and all sorts of irregularities, which is denying the country of much needed revenue.

“The third thing that needs to be done is to find a way of making Nigeria a more attractive investment destination for E and P investors;that links to the PIB to a large extent.

“The last thing in my view is that there is the need to enhance the development of the domestic gas sector so that we can unlock the potential of the power sector and the power sector reform, which is largely hinged on gas. If you talk to anybody today, what the problem in the power sector is, you will be told it is non-availability of gas. Those are the four key things to be focused on by the new government,” he added.

For the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Shoreline Natural Resources Limited, Mr. Kola Karim, the Nigerian Presidentelect Muhammadu Buhari, faced with low oil prices will need to crack down on crude theft from pipelines to shore up government revenue and help producers.

xxonMobil’s net crude oil output in Nigeria in 2014 averaged 298,000BOPD, the highest liquid hydrocarbon volume credited to a single company in the country in the last year.

Chevron comes second with 240,000BOPD, more than half of which was delivered by a single oil field: Agbami.

Shell’s Nigerian crude oil production, at 191,000BOPD net, is the third largest daily crude oil output by any major company. TOTAL is the fourth at 156, 164BOPD. The figures are all from the companies’ just released annual reports.

Africa Oil & Gas reports that these volumes would seem to challenge the perception that Shell is the biggest producer in Nigeria. The truth is that the word “biggest producer”, is largely about gross production, which in this case, almost equates operated production. Shell, however is a 30% operator in most of the acreages it operates in Nigeria, whereas Chevron, ExxonMobil and Chevron are 40% operators in most acreages they hold.

DONG Energy takes over US wind project

D

enmark’s largest energy company is taking over an offshore wind project in the US. DONG Energy is taking the development rights from RES Americas for potentially more than 1GW of power in Massachusetts.

The firm believes the wind farm has good development potential as the wind and seabed conditions are similar to the North West of Europe.

RES Americas won one of the two leases in January at an auction held by the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). RES Americas will still support the development of the farm.

DONG Energy’s Executive Vice President Samuel Leupold said: “The US is an interesting new market for offshore wind with the potential to become a significant area for future development.

“We have constructed around one third of the offshore wind capacity in the world and we are looking forward to bringing our skills and experience to this new market.”

26 — Vanguard, TUESDAY,

APRIL 21, 2015

. Naturak gas plant

Refinery, panacea for huge subsidy bills — Centre

By Chris Ochayi

T

HE African Centre for Leader ship Strategy and Development, ACLSD, has condemned the continued importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, known as petrol, and other refined petroleum products into the country, saying that subsidy on these products is taking a huge part of government’s expenditure.

The Programme Coordinator, ACLSD, Mr. Monday Osasah, who said this while presenting a policy research on fuel subsidy in Nigeria, in Abuja recently, said fuel subsidy got more allocation than capital expenditure about 109 percent of capital expenditure from 2008 to 2013.

The Coordinator therefore advised the incoming administration of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to channel the proceeds accrued from the partial

removal of fuel subsidy in 2012 into building new refineries to avoid unnecessary expenditure incurred from importing the products.

Osasah argued that fuel importation is an unnecessary tool used to drain the nation’s resources, adding that the Subsidy Re-investment Programme, Sure-P, has not yet made the impact it is designed to achieve.

According to him, “The initial idea of the Sure-p was that local refining of petroleum products will be given a pride of place, but we have not seen that yet. Rather, we saw that all the subsidy proceeds are devoted to service consumption which we are against at the Centre.

“Because, if we continue to import petroleum products, there is no way we are going to grow this economy. And so, what we are saying is that in-

stead of concentrating efforts in continually importing fuel, using the subsidy proceeds, we should use it to build more

The initial idea of the Sure-p was that local refining of petroleum products will be given a pride of place, but we have not seen that yet. Rather, we saw that all the subsidy proceeds are devoted to service consumption which we are against at the centre

refineries and even encourage those who already have the licenses.”

He regretted that those who have been licensed have not given a thought to build more refineries because of the sensitivity of the product.

According to him, “The dialogue around retention or full or partial removal of subsidy has been ongoing in Nigeria for many years. The existing public owned refineries are incapable of meeting local demand for refined petroleum products, hence the resort to importation of refined products.

“Imported refine products are subsidised by government thereby constituting a subsidy on consumption as against a subsidy on local refining. Various companies have been issued licenses to build refineries in the last 20 years but none has proceeded to build.

“Two extreme positions there is no alternative to subsidy removal, and God has blessed Nigeria with petroleum endowments and we should we should enjoy it as much as possible, seem to modulate public discourse on fuel subsidy.

“Over the years, the official promises that came with the partial removal of oil subsidies have not been realised thereby discrediting official policy position. But pragmatism is required to balance all contending positions.”

Osasah further noted that PMS subsidy template is import dependent and commits Nigerians and the government to pay for such items as freight, lightering, NPA, Jetty fees, storage costs, demurrage, etc.

“These items in the template would not have been necessary if the products are refined at home and distributed through pipelines to cities where they would be consumed,” he said.

IEA forecasts higher 2015 global oil demand

By Sebastine Obasi

N

IGERIA and other oil producing countries may soon come out of the prevailing low prices going by the recent April Oil Market Report of the International Energy Agency, IEA. The IEA raised its forecast of 2015 global oil demand by 90,000 barrels per day, bpd, to 93.6 million bpd, a gain of 1.1 million bpd on the year and a notable acceleration of the 700,000 bpd growth in 2014, as the global economy slowly gains momentum.

According to the Agency, the colder-than-year-earlier temperatures in most of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, OECD, economies in this year’s first quarter also accounted for part

of the upward revision.

Specifically, IEA stated that global oil supply rose by an estimated 1 million bpd in March, to 95.2 million bpd, as the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, production recorded its highest monthly increase in nearly four years. Year-onyear gains totalling a whopping 3.5 million bpd were split between OPEC and non-OPEC production, it further stated.

OPEC crude oil output was said to have soared by 890 thousand barrels per day in March, to 31.02 millionbpd, on sharply higher Saudi Arabian, Iraqi and Libyan supplies.

The IEAOil Market Report, “call on OPEC crude and stock change” was revised marginally higher for the current quarter, to 30.35 million bpd, above the group’s official production ceiling, but left unchanged for full 2015 from the

March report, at 29.5 million bpd.

It also noted that OECD industry stocks slipped by 1.7 million bpd in February, despite a massive 36.4 million barrels build in crude oil stocks. Preliminary data show OECD inventories up a counter-seasonal 29.2 million barrels in March, as United States crude holdings extended recent builds and refined products defied seasonal trends.

As regards refinery, the IEA report stated that global refinery crude demand is expected to fall seasonally to 77.3 million barrels per day in the current quarter, from 78 million bpd in the first quarter of the year.

It explained that while Atlantic Basin refiners mostly completed turnarounds in the last quarter, Asian refinery maintenance is set to ramp up sharply this quarter, with up to 2.5 million bpd of distillation capacity offline at its peak in May.

US remains largest producer of oil, natural gas

T

he USA remained the world’s largest producer of oil and natural gas in 2014, according to the latest figures from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA); its output increased by about 10% to nearly 55 quadrillion Btu (British thermal units). That increase represented a 1.6 million barrels per day (bpd) rise in crude-oil production and a 13.9 billion ft3 per day rise in natural-gas production. US output now stands at about twice that of Saudi Arabia, while Russia is the world’s second-largest producer of oil and natural gas.

Meanwhile, Saudi oil production reached a record 10.3 million bpd in March, according to Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi (450,000 bpd higher than in February). The highest previous record — 10.285 million bpd — was registered in 1980, according to the EIA. The minister said that he expects Saudi Arabia’s production to stay at around 10 million bpd and that he expects crude prices to rise before the end of the year.

Saudi signs deal to use US shale gas at British plant

S

audi Basic Industries Corp (Sabic) has signed a deal to use shale gas from the US at its Teesside petrochemical plant in Britain, acting chief executive Yousef Abdullah Al-Benyan told Reuters on Sunday.

“In fact we did sign the contract - we have not yet agreed with the supplier to publicly announce it, but we did firm up a contract for gas supply,” Al-Benyan said, declining to name the supplier.

He said the timing and other details of the project, which he described as the first use of shale gas exported from the US Gulf in Britain, should be available by next quarter.

“It is going to meet our full demand for the next ten years and is renewable beyond ten years,” Al-Benyan said.

Sabic has previously said scarce gas supplies at home have forced it to look at investment opportunities abroad.

Last year, the company said it planned to upgrade its Teesside cracker to capitalize on shale gas opportunities in the United States.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 — 27

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28—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

Nations seeking funds inflow must take care of infrastructure — Ajanlekoko •Mr. Joseph Olusegun Ajanlekoko is the new President of the Commonwealth Association of Surveying and Land Economy, CASLE. The former President of both the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, APBN, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS and Africa Association of Quantity Surveyors, AAQS, in this interview gave an insight into the operations of CASLE and what Nigeria stands to gain by his election as president of the body. Excerpts.

By Jude Njoku

W

HAT CASLE stands for CASLE is a nong o v e r n m e n t a l organisation, NGO but in the built environment whose beat covers all the surveying professions in the 54 countries that make up the Commonwealth. The surveying professions are: Land Surveying, Geomatics, Estate Surveying and Land Economics and Quantity Surveying. It has been in existence since 1963 and the objective is to bring together under one umbrella, all the surveying professionals with a view to establishing best practices within the Commonwealth and have mutual exchange of technical know-how among all the surveying professions because the background to all the surveying professions is the same, it is just the specialisation that branches out.

It has been very instrumental especially on land matters in developing countries. CASLE has brought its expertise to bear on land administration and management to the forefront of those countries where there is no formal approach to managing land.

Land administration and management The governments of these countries look up to them, so they have done a lot. CASLE too, has expertise in sustainability and going green.

It is an organisation that has its linkages with other United Nations organs on how our environment can be sustained in line with the UN charter for millennium development goals.

Aside from that, CASLE helps to promote continuing professional development through seminars and conferences and it is the custodian of high resource people. So, through the affiliations to universities in England, they have a large pool of resources in whatever area of surveying to enhance members knowledge and know-how. They

run workshops on adjudication and arbitration as well as on cost management. For developing nations particularly, it has a profound positive impact because these days, to get to exchange best practices globally is tougher than when you have the same sub-group of countries from the same background, who speak the same language; it is easier for you to exchange synergy.

Coordination of CASLE activities We have a structure under our

Aside from that, CASLE helps to promote continuing professional development through seminars and conferences and it is the custodian of high resource people

constitution which govern the management of CASLE. There are five regions in CASLE and within these five regions, you have the President that manages each of the regions. We have Africa region, Europe region, Asian region, Australian and Pacific and West Indies. Within this structure, the president has vice presidents for each of the sub divisions within the regions.

In Africa, we have the regional President who is a Ghanaian.

We have vice presidents for the the sub regions - West Africa , East Africa and Southern Africa because that is where we have Commonwealth countries. The north is really Arab. The west Africa region has a vice president who is the current President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, NIS to oversee the activities of CASLE in this area.

It is the same thing in East Africa where a Kenyan is the vice president. The vice president of the South Africa sub region is a Zambian. What this does is to ensure that CASLE's activities are felt within the sub regional groupings. The management board comprises the five regional presidents including the overall president and the CASLE Secretary General and the Treasurer. The secretariat is based in England by virtue of its antecedents. Within this structure, CASLE is able to

•Segun Ajanlekoko operate and make its impact felt in all Commonwealth countries.

Eligibility for CASLE membership Under the Commonwealth Head of Government's structure, there is a part that the nongovernmental organisations fill and all the professional bodies align with the Commonwealth Head of government's structure.

Surveying profession This means that when there is an annual head of government's meeting, CHOGOM, there is a professional representation Commonwealth Architects, Commonwealth Engineers, Commonwealth Town Planners, Commonwealth Surveyors- all have to make their presentation and make their impacts felt to feed into the Commonwealth Heads of Government on things they consider that are germane to the environment or what each country within the

Commonwealth should know.

It is a sine qua non that every member country should belong to an organisation like CASLE. Membership of CASLE is based on member countries. So, if Nigeria is a Commonwealth member, normally, all the professionals within the surveying profession automatically belong to CASLE. It is represented by professional bodies within the country.

The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers,NIESV and Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, NIS represent the professions within CASLE for Nigeria.

Architects have their own body called Commonwealth Architects, CA. There is an umbrella organisation for the built environment which manages what we present to the Commonwealth Heads of Government during their Continues on page 29

Flair Finishes innovates with e-platform exhibition

By Kingsley Adegboye

T

HE organisers of the annual Unique Interiors Exhibition which focuses on home interiors, Messrs Flair Finishes have concluded plans to introduce Eplatform exhibition as the future outlook of the company.

The company which announced plans for the 12th edition of the exhibition slated for May 20 -22 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos said the theme would be “Unique Beyond Borders”.

A member of the Strategic Committee for the exhibition, Mr. Abdel Nasser Quadri said the E-Platform exhibition is the first interactive exhibition that uses Skype business view technology.

According to him, it is a development set to revolutionise exhibitions across the

industry in Nigeria and beyond. He explained that it is a service based on Skype business view technology that takes users from all over the world into the exhibition booth.

The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the firm, Mrs. Debola Majekodunmi, an architect, said the exhibition is a privileged platform for bringing together architects, interior designers, facility managers, building contractors, installers and building construction professionals. She added that the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to peer into the future of the built environment industry.

Mrs. Majekodunmi who noted that the exhibition is a draw card for professionals keen to gain valuable insights into the latest solutions for ensuring comfortable, sustainable new buildings and renovations,

said it will feature numerous technical and educational events delving deeply into the industry’s hottest topics.

According to her, Unique Interiors Exhibition 2015 would feature the present and the future. While the present means a market designed interactive showcase of products and services from all participating firms, the future is to introduce E-platform exhibition for continuity.

Pointing out that the 2015 exhibition is a highly packaged event offering participating companies a significant return on their investment, the Flair Finishes boss stated that the three-day event is designed to raise the visibility of exhibitors within Nigeria’s most popular built environment fair, and deliver exciting new business opportunities.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 —29

Why 4th Mainland Bridge has to be redesigned by LASG

By Kingsley Adegboye

L

AGOS State Government last week gave the reason for altering the design of the much awaited Fourth Mainland Bridge along the Lekki Peninsula. According to the government, the redesign of the bridge component of the 23 kilometres road project became imperative because of the challenges the original design posed for it (government). The bridge itself is about four kilometres.

The State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Obafemi Hamzat, an engineer, explained that such challenges involve massive demolition of buildings along the right of way of the bridge and huge payment of compensations to owners of structures that will be affected by the demolition.

Hamzat who made these clarifications at the ongoing annual ministerial press briefing of the state government, explained that not less than 69 structures have been built on the initial alignment for the construction of the bridge.

He added that the rapid springing up of the buildings on the

alignment forced the government to consider a redesign of the alignment to avoid massive demolition and payment of huge compensations.

The commissioner who disclosed that the government had already done the survey to establish the new right of way, said various options were looked at.

He pointed out however, that the option that seems best for the government now, has about four kilometres of bridge on the water.

A new alignment is currently being done that will take into consideration the Lekki Free Zone and other multinational companies coming into the axis

“Unfortunately, after the survey and enumeration had been done, a lot of people have built unbelievable number of buildings. I think people were speculative in anticipation of the bridge. I think the demolition we have to do is now about 69 buildings, so we have to rethink, the amount of compensation will run into billions of naira if we have to do that”.Hamzat said.

According to him, a new alignment is currently being done that will take into consideration the

Lekki Free Zone and other multinational companies coming into the axis, stressing that “So we are considering the one which makes sense to build. The alignment will shift, it will not be the same alignment again.

“You can call it Fourth Mainland Bridge or whatever, but the idea is that if it was here before, because demolition of these buildings will be much, and because some of them don’t have building plans, but they are massive buildings and it would be really

bad to demolish them. So, really we don’t intend to carry out demolitions. The idea is to move the alignment now so that people don’t start going there to build again”, he explained.

While reviewing activities carried out by his ministry in the last four years, Hamzat had revealed that a total of 281 roads were constructed, rehabilitated and delivered within the period under review, adding that 201 road projects are ongoing across the state.

•A road under construction in Lagos.

Urbanisation in focus as UN-Habitat's 25th governing council kicks off

By Jude Njoku, with agency reports

U

RBANISATION took the front burner as the 25th session of the Governing Council of the United Nations Human settlement Programme, UN-Habitat, kicked off in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, weekend. Delegates to the Council who are drawn from all parts of the globe are calling for the use urbanisation as an opportunity to harness the economic potential of cities for growth and development.

They further called for the strengthening of UN-Habitat in order to see it achieve its mandate. A report posted on the website of the UN agency, explained that Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta used the forum to call for the strengthening of the UN-Habitat so that it can effectively pursue the mandate to support sustainable urbanisation.

He posited that the governance processes and financial resources of the UN agency need to be improved so that it can play a more active and visible role during a time the African continent is experiencing fast-paced urbanisation.

“UN-Habitat must also be empowered and encouraged to comprehensively engage the private sector whose expectations and investments are doing more to shape the urban space than any other sector, “he said.

President Kenyatta announced a donation of one million US Dollars to support the UN-Habitat Secretariat. Part of the donation C M Y K

will be used to organise the upcoming Habitat 111 conference while the other part will be used to support the work programme of the UN-Habitat.

The Executive Director of UNHabitat, Dr Joan Clos in his speech, explained that sustainable urbanisation is vital in addressing some of the major concerns of our time. These concerns include inequity, resource scarcity and climate change.

“To achieve sustainable urbanisation, UN-Habitat advocates for a three pronged approach encompassing robust urban design, firmly and fairly implemented urban regulation and realistic, well managed municipal financing,” he said.

Municipal financing In a speech read on his behalf by the Director General of UNON, Ms. Sahle-Work Zewde, the United Nations Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon said that the Governing Council was taking place at a time when the relationship between urbanisation and sustainable development is better understood and appreciated.

“Sustainable development which would lift millions of people from poverty, and accelerate economic economic growth is huge as demonstrated in recent decades by some of the major emerging economies,” Ban said.

U.N. Environmental Programme, UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner, said

although urbanisation was to blame for the environmental disasters, Governing Council, was an opportune moment to address challenges of urban development.

UNEP is insisting current urban policies should attempt to create bicycle lanes and focus on non-motorised transport that lowers the levels of green-house gas emissions from cars. “UNEP is not just trying to create paths for bicycles to make sure those

who want to move do so at lower costs but to create mobility in cities at low carbon,” Steiner said adding that “the buildings in urban centres should also not worsen the problem. We must make sure that we can move more efficiently”.

Meanwhile second preparatory Committee for Habitat 111 - the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development – has ended in Nairobi with major decisions being

taken on process and timing.

Delegates at the Committee confirmed that the Habitat 111 conference will hold in the week of 17 October 2016 in Quito, Ecuador, while the third Preparatory Committee is scheduled three months earlier from 25 to 27 July in Jakarta, Indonesia. Close to 800 participants from 90 countries attended the meeting which is the second in a series of three aiming to pin down the detail, aims and objectives of the UN’s sustainable urbanisationconferencewhichtakes place every 20 years and will next be held in October 2016 in Quito, Ecuador.

Any nation that wants funds inflow must take care of its infrastructure — Ajanlekoko Continues from page 28 meeting. It is called Built Environment Professionals in the Commonwealth, BEPIC. We all have joint seminars or symposium where issues and matters affecting the environment are discussed exhaustively and communiques issued which are presented to the Commonwealth Heads of Government for their deliberation.

Agenda for incoming president I have done a letter to the incoming president, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) on what we in CASLE feel is pivotal to his administration. We have taken a holistic picture of the environment and come to the conclusion that if Nigeria must grow and move fast now, the issue of infrastructure is key.

Any nation that wants to have funding inflow must first take care of its infrastructure - roads, housing. Nigeria is still a deficit country when it comes to housing. Our housing policy is poorly managed and it seems that we don't have a clear picture of what government should do and what the private sector should do. We want to bring our expertise to help the country fine-tune our housing policy and if infrastructure is tackled properly, there is

guaranteed flow of funds that will help to create the much needed housing for the Nigerian citizens. We can use the best practices from Malaysia and Singapore who have solved their housing problems to solve our own housing needs.

Benefits of election to Nigeria It puts Nigeria on the global map, it is also a good marketing tool for Nigeria. It enhances our image as a country and through it, we can latch on opportunities that are available within the Commonwealth, within the pool of funds that can come through direct foreign investments into the country as far as the built environment is concerned.

We have opportunity of accessing funds within the Commonwealth into the country. We have opportunity of establishing a global standard through Commonwealth best practices and we have the opportunity of continuing professional development and even distant learning which is now key to most students. The cost of studying abroad is phenomenal but now, through CASLE and similar organisations, university education can be afforded through distant learning and they are bringing it to the door steps of many countries.

30 — Vanguard, TUESDAY TUESDAY,, APRIL 21, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 — 31

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32—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

JLR SSA gets new Marketing Director

L

ISA Mallett has been appointed Marketing and Communications Director for Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and Sub Sahara Africa (JLR SA and SSA).

A part of the JLR team since 2012, when she started as the Product and Pricing Manager for SA and SSA, Mallett steps into the vacancy left by Peter Biven who returned to the UK last year.

With a B.Comm degree in Information Management,a B.Comm with honours in Marketing Management, and extensive experience in the local motor industry, Mallett has helped JLR change its image during a crucial time in its history.

“It’s a really exciting time to be part of the Jaguar Land Rover team here in South Africa,” said Mallett. “We’ve already started this year on a high note, successfully claiming the South African land speed record for production cars with the FTYPE R, as well as CAR Magazine honouring us as Company of the Year, and recognising Range Rover Sport as the best car in its category.

Unique Range Rover pick-up E

VER seen a Range Rover pickup before.

Vanguard Motoring is presenting one to you here. Though the Range Rover always cuts a splendid figure but a Brabus Group Company adds yet another unique talent as an exclusive transport specialist to the many virtues of the British all-wheel-drive car: the STARTECH Pickup based on the latest Range Rover celebrates its world premiere at the 2015 Auto Shanghai show.

The exclusive multipurpose super car is powered by a five-liter eight-cylinder supercharged engine rated at 387 kW / 526 hp.

It pushes the STARTECH Pickup from rest to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds.

Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h.

The refined transport specialist impresses with its versatility and superior performance. But what’s more: the STARTECH R E F I N E M E N T WIDEBODY bodywork

conversion with a host of genuine carbon-fiber highlights allows installing 23-inch forged wheels. The interior, which was likewise given a new look in the company upholstery shop, sparkles with a mix of the finest leather, Alcantara and carbon-fiber elements precisely colorcoordinated with the exterior.

The Range Rover is converted into one of the world’s most exclusive

pickups following the best coach building tradition that was once common for English luxury cars in particular.

The STARTECH engineers and constructors employed state-of-the-art technology to develop the conversion from a fivedoor car to a classy transport specialist with pickup bed. This not only ensures lines that are visually integrated into the original vehicle design in an equally

striking and harmonious fashion, but also that the body has the same torsional rigidity as the base car.

The elaborate nature of the STARTECH body conversion is demonstrated by the mere fact that the transformation from an off-roader to a pickup required designing and manufacturing no less than 100 bodywork components from aluminum, carbon fiber and steel.

Access Bank and Stanbic IBTC are well positioned to perform this financing role and have solid history in this regard.

The priority is to provide a convenient and cost effective third party vehicle purchase finance to buy any of the Coscharis brands, which include the Ford, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, MG and Joylong brands.

The scheme which is a first by Coscharis focuses

on delivering customers satisfaction given its very low interest rate, ease of accessibility to the banks, quick turnaround time for credit processing at the banks and availability of myriads auto brands and variants for customers to choose.

He explained that the collaboration will be operative for the duration of one year but renewable for a further one year term thereafter or agreed other-

wise.

Said he, “the Vehicle Finance Scheme is projected to generate a 2000 unit sale across all brands. However, the key attractions to customers are the following benefits accruable in addition to the scheme: Free Vehicle Registration, Vehicle maintenance and service support including vehicle recovery and emergency assistance.”

Cosharis partners Stanbic IBTC, Access Bank on vehicle finance

A

S part of efforts to ease the ability of actual and prospective customers to purchase the various existing brands under the Coscharis franchise; Coscharis Motors Limited, in partnership with Stanbic IBTC Bank and Access Bank, have concluded plans to launch a Vehicle Finance Scheme (promo), which is aimed at empowering retail and fleet buyers to purchase their choice vehicles from any Coscharis Motors outlet nationwide by payment by instalmental payment.

The Coscharis Group Managing Director, Josiah Samuel said: “the scheme will allow a repayment pattern spread over a period of four years with the option of a repayment percentage ranging from 10 – 30 percent within the period.”

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“This scheme is unique in all ramifications as it is a first in terms of partnering two of the leading banks in Nigeria towards financing a vehicle acquisition scheme in collaboration with a multi-brand dealership that provides the market a bouquet of premium and economy auto brands,” he said.

The Group Managing Director further stated that “the need for the collaboration with the bank was informed by the fact that many Corporate Nigerian workers including – Small and Medium Scale Enterprises want new vehicles from Coscharis but have inadequate financial capacity to effect outright payment. This has resulted in most of the SMEs buying fairly used vehicles to run their businesses in order not to drain their working

capital with the cost of new vehicles.

He however, noted that Coscharis will require massive capital investment and extensive Lead time to implement this initiative alone.

To this end, he said that

The scheme will allow a repayment pattern spread over a period of four years with option of a repayment percentage ranging from 10 – 30 percent within the period

Anibeze, endangered Bayelsa community

PAGES 3

VOL. 1: NO. 46

Combined, Cross River's deadly addictive illicit drink

PAGE 5

TUESD AY, APRIL 221 1 , 20 15 TUESDA 201

WATER'S LIKE ELECTRICITY IN CALABAR:

No service, huge bills

Buying water from private borehole operator.

State water board.

THE CALABAR WATER CIRCLE: Residents don't pay bills as water supply's poor; water supply's poor because firms pump and supply water with diesel as electricity supply's epileptic; therefore, can't meet demand, as few pay bills; so, 40 percent of customers disconnected

By Ike Uchechukwu

C

ALABAR—RESIDENTS of Calabar metropolis and environs in Cross

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River State, reputed to have the finest potable water in Nigeria, have been hit by an excruciating water drought, following the breakdown of the

operational system of the Cross River State Water Board, CRSWB, despite a subsisting public-private partnership, PPP, agreement with Ortech Nigeria

Limited.

Even in Anatigha, Calabar South Local Government Area that used to enjoy 24-hour water supply from CRSWB, water hardly flow from their taps anymore. For them, the PPP is an unmitigated disaster.

Inhabitants, especially at 4 Miles, 8 Miles, Ikot Ansa, part of Federal Housing, Ikot Ishie, and State Housing where the governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, resides, all suffer from this inefficiency of CRSWB. At Mount Zion, Atimbo, Chamley, Mbukpa, Afokang and other parts of Calabar South, the water comes once in two weeks— when it does come at all.

This has forced many of CRSWB

Continues on Page 7

2 — Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

RIVERS… THE TREASURE BASE OF THE NATION

UNIPORT host communites land dispute claims 2

By Davies Iheamnachor

A

LUU—TWO communities in Rivers State, Rumuekini in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and Umuchiolu-Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area, are locked in a fierce land dispute, which has left two people dead.

Both communities play host to the prestigious University of Port Harcourt, UNIPORT, and the hostility between them is chancy, especially as the demarcation between Aluu and Rumuekini has been allegedly altered paving way for land speculators.

A source told Niger Delta Voice that the two communities have been a thorn on each other's flesh over the years, saying tension heightened because of shortage of land in the two communities after they had sold off their lands.

The source acknowledged that Aluu and Rumuekini share common boundary, but declined to be dragged into where the boundary is.

Rumuekini monarch fingers Aluu Paramount ruler of Rumuekini community, HRH, Eze Ogwu Jerome Akandu, who confirmed the conflict between both towns, accused Aluu of orchestrating the problem.

A section of the land in dispute.

Eze Akandu, who spoke through his son, Prince Patrick Ogwu-Akandu, said, “We do not know what we did to the Aluu people that they came and demolished the houses that our people were building.

“The place where they demolished these houses is not even the place we are having

the land issue. They left the land in dispute and went to another place where we do not even have problem to demolish people’s houses.

Two murdered, buried “It did not even end there; they killed and buried two young men whose sites are

there. How will they kill two promising young men on a land issue that does not concern them? They also went as far as burying them in the bush, if not for somebody who saw the graves of the young men we would not have known.

“Aluu community has been looking for our trouble. Few

Physically-challegend persons, SURE-P/NDE clash over jobs

State Director of NDE, and Vice Chairman, State Coordination and Implementation of SUREP, Mr. Sunday Akpakas, addressing members of People Living with Disabilities, during a protest visit to NDE office in Yenagoa.

BA YELS A ...

BAYELS YELSA THE GLORY OF ALL LANDS

By Emem Idio

Y

ENAGOA—DISABLED persons under the aegis of Persons Living with Disabilities, PLWD, in Bayelsa State have given the National Directorate of Employment, NDE, a two-

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week proviso to formally commence procedures of including them in the Community Service Scheme of the Federal Government’s Subsidy Reinvestment Programme, SURE-P or face violent outburst.

The physically-challenged persons, including men and women, who staged a peaceful protest to NDE office, Yenagoa, said they played a key role during the controversy that greeted the removal of fuel

subsidy in 2012 by engaging in public demonstrations, asking why none of them benefited from the over 30,000 recruitment in the state since 2013.

Ventilating the grievances of the protesters, chairman of the Joint Association of Persons Living with Disabilities in the state, Mr. Isaac Stephen, said the group had carried out two separate peaceful protests in the past over the matter and urged the state SURE-P coordinator to include them unconditionally in

the programme.

His words: “If there is no way, after two weeks, we will come back with a larger number. If they had given us any time frame, it would have been better but there is no time frame that is why we are giving our own time.

“When next we will come, it will not be in this kind of peaceful atmosphere, it will be more riotous.

You can see that this one is peaceful because we have not done any destruction in this place, we have not torn any documents here to express our anger.”

Bayelsa Coordinator of NDE, who also doubles as Vice Chairman, State Coordination and Implementation of SUREP, Mr. Sunday Apakasa, commended them for their peaceful disposition.

He revealed that the previous recruitment for the first phase of the SURE-P Community Service Scheme was 3,000 and that another phase, which will entail general recruitment of more 20,000 persons would commence around December.

While suing for patience, Apakasa assured that they would be considered. He also urged community leaders to ensure even distribution of slots in the next recruitment exercise.

years ago, they summoned us to a strong juju at Ahoada still on this same boundary issue.

“The juju priest came and did a boundary adjustment. We have been maintaining that boundary but they started encroaching again.

“We have reported to the juju priest that came to make the boundary, but they have refused to go and answer the summons.

“I call them to drop their anger and come for peace. We are brothers so we do not need violence to settle our differences. There is no need for us to begin to create tension in the state.

“We know that their intention is to take what belongs to Rumuekini people. They demolished those houses maybe to claim it and sell the land. But things are not done that way.”

Gunmen invade Aluu A dependable source in Aluu community told Niger Delta Voice that following the land dispute and alleged killing of the two young men, some gunmen allegedly sent by the Rumuekini people invaded Aluu community with heavy gunfire.

He said the gunmen laid siege to the community for two days, which forced the residents of Umuchiolu-Aluu to flee their homes.

A respected chief in Umuchiolu- Aluu, who is also the second- in- command in the Council of Chiefs, Chief Wosu, confirmed the community was having a land case with the Rumuekini, but declined further comment.

He said that thugs invaded his house and the whole of Umuchiolu village, but he managed to escape.

Chief Wosu said the terrified villagers were waiting to see if the gunmen would return again before raising alarm.

He said the paramount ruler of the community has not been around for a while, so said he would be circumspect in his comment.

THE TEAM Emma Amaize, Editor Jimitota Onoyume Samuel Oyadongha Simon Ebegbulem Gabriel Enogholase Festus Ahon Egufe Yafugborhi Emmanuel Una Akpokona Omafuaire Godwin Oghre Tom Moses Chioma Onuegbu Ike Uche Davies Iheamnachor Emem Idio Brisibe Perez Barnabas Uzosike Nath Onajoke Chijioke Nwankpa

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015—3

BA YELS A ...

BAYELS YELSA THE GLORY OF ALL LANDS

Anibeze, endangered Bayelsa community

By Samuel Oyadongha

A

NIBEZE—RESIDENTS of Anibeze, an agrarian and fishing settlement in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have raised an alarm over the damage wreaked on the community by erosion, especially since Setraco, one of the construction companies handling the EastWest Road, started mining sand in the village, about six years ago.

Located along the bank of the Forcados River, a tributary of the River Niger, less than four kilometres from the East-West Road that straddles the states of the South-South from the Bayelsa axis, close to the border with Delta state. The ancient Isoko-speaking community can be described as one of the vanishing communities of Bayelsa state.

There is virtually no state and local government presence in the community even though the natives are made to go through the electoral process of electing their representatives in government.

Boggy link road Anibeze, the country home of world acclaimed scholar and historian, Prof Obaro Ikimi, is so close to the East-West Road, yet there is no road to the community.

The poor rural folks see the heavy-duty trucks of the construction company excavate sand in their community to build roads to other lands, but they are compelled to shuttle on motorcycle, popularly known as Okada or trek the long-wind and marshy path that serve as link road to their community.

Aside the less than one kilometre stretch of the stabilized road leading to the construction firm sand dump site, nothing much has changed on the route as it was 28 years ago when this reporter first walked through the marshy path to “Ogiebou,” one of the many farm settlements, along the route owned by families on the Delta side.

Requests for assistance ignored With the raining season and the annual flooding fast approaching, many of the natives, especially the poor farmers are worried about the cost implication of conveying their produce to the big markets in neighbouring communities given the high cost of river transportation and the attendant risk involved at the peak of the season due to the turbulent nature of the river and

Road to Anibeze community, close to the East-West Road. the devastating landslides that often occur along the waterfront.

The community said it had made several appeals to both the state and federal government to come to their aid by at least upgrading the only road leading to the community.

Spokesman of the Anibeze Patriotic Front, Mr. Samuel Ese, who spoke to Niger Delta Voice, said the stakeholders were also making conscious effort to prevail on the construction firm to extend the road work from its sand mining point to the heart of the town.

kilometres from the spur to the alluvial fan where it mines sand.”

Ese disclosed that Setraco has reneged on its promise to address the problem posed by the road and has rather created a divide and rule situation by empowering some youths of the community to subvert efforts aimed at moving forward.

Stakeholders’ demand He said: “The demand of stakeholders in the community remains the completion of the access road from the East-West Road by Setraco, which has been mining sand from the area for the past six years.

“In view of the challenges facing the community from foreshore erosion, especially since Setraco started its sand mining on the alluvial fan of the River Forcados, some stakeholders came together to set up the Anibeze Patriotic Front.

“The Front has been at the vanguard of efforts to address challenges confronting the community and has been in discussions with the construction company to take the access road to the community, which is about 3.5

Deposed monarch goes on self-exile

Looming crisis He said the continued mining of sand by Setraco could speed up the erosion, which has created a looming humanitarian crisis in the

‘Deposed’ paramount ruler of Obunagha community, Chief Godgive Apoh.

O

By Emem Idio BUNAGHA—THE paramount ruler of

community as homes, farmlands and fishing grounds have all been affected over the past few years.

“Setraco is yet to address the question of whether a proper environmental impact assessment ,EIA, was carried out before it embarked on its sand mining activities on the Forcados River as the entire stretch of the river is prone to erosion,” he said.

Ikime blasts Setraco Another stakeholder and indigene of the community, Mr. Sunday Ikime, lamented

Obunagha community, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Chief Godgive Apoh, who was ousted, March 19, by his subjects following a unanimous vote of no confidence in him by the Elders’ Council, has reportedly left the community.

A villager told Niger Delta Voice that since the monarch was purportedly impeached over allegations of financial discrepancy, he had not been sighted in the community.

Acting paramount ruler, Chief Tietie Elijah, who corroborated the claim, said the location of the former paramount ruler remains

what he described as uncompromising attitude of Setraco to its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, to communities from where it derives materials for their work.

Niger Delta Voice could not reach officials of the company for comment, Ese said unless government and other concerned groups bring more pressure to bear on the construction company, it would continue to ignore the modest approach by the community, which could lead to weighty consequences.

unknown since his dethronement.

His words: “The whereabout of our former paramount ruler is not known. He has not been living in the village since he was dethroned by the community elders’ council about three weeks ago. Maybe he has taken some time to rest.”

A source hinted that the former monarch had relocated to Port Harcourt where he is lying low.

When contacted on phone, the deposed monarch, Chief Apoh, who was elected in 2013, told Niger Delta Voice he had not abandoned his community following his ouster, adding that he was attending to his private businesses outside the community.

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4—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

By Simon Ebegbulem

I

T is the most popular Ukodo (yam pepper soup) joint in Benin City, Edo State capital.

The nondescript restaurant, located along Airport Road, operated by 55-year-old Madam Lovelyn Okorie, who hails from Orlu, Imo State, is where top shots, in Edo and neighbouring Delta State, who love the delicacy, congregate daily like aficionados.

Madam Okorie, who has been in the business for more than three decades with her furniture-maker/ palm-wine tapper husband and children, spoke to Niger Delta Voice on how it all started in 1982.

CELEBRITY Madam Okorie's Ukodo joint, a melting pot

Background We are from Orlu in Imo State.

I started selling this yam pepper soup in 1982 by Benoni Junction in Benin City. But we moved from Benoni to Airport Road in 1987.

I got married in 1980, but my husband was a furniture maker then. We found out that after building the furniture and exhibiting them for sale, for over one week buyers do not come.

So things became very difficult for us and my husband entered into palm wine tapping. He started supplying people and people love buying his palm wine because it is always fresh.

In 1982, I started cooking pepper soup, but later started using yam so as to help my husband in the family.

One day his trap caught an antelope. I took a portion of the bush meat to make pepper soup.

I got N30 from the sales of that day. Because Nigeria was good then, I took N20 from the N30 and bought a goat. That was how we started using goat to make the pepper soup and I added yam later.

Managing the business I have been managing well and that is why you see me having many customers. The taste does not change. I discovered that if your soup is not consistent, you will lose customers. I have been consistent; the taste of the pepper soup has been consistent since 1982.

I had 12 children but they are now ten because I lost a boy and a girl. My senior son graduated from Auchi Polytechnic recently and is getting ready for National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. Others are still in secondary school, while one is working in Port Harcourt.

I trained them with this business, nothing more. It is because of them that I am working hard so that they can have a future.

I am getting tired. My prayers is for them to grow stronger so I can withdraw from cooking every day because the smoke from the fire wood is telling on my health now. I need to change to another business.

After cooking, my children and other workers serve the customers. I prefer doing the cooking myself so that the taste will not change.

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Do you people visit your home town at all?

Haba! We always go home because I built a one-storey building in the village and also building another one here in Benin.

I love going to the village a lot.

We will soon move to our new place in Benin. We do not have anybody at home, so we always

Prostitution is not even easy.

So the efforts you put into jumping from one man to the other are better channelled to something more respectful

go home to take care of the place.

My motivation is borne from the fact that I want to help my family.

One thing about life is that whoever wants to be lazy will be lazy and that is the person’s business. I did not learn this business. I jumped into it one day because I want to assist my husband, who was a carpenter then.

That is why I hate seeing young women these days going into prostitution because they are poor. That is rubbish. Poverty is not an excuse to destroy your life.

In fact, such people are lazy.

I used to teach people this job so that they will be useful to themselves. There is this woman I taught how to cook at Ekenwan Road. After cooking, she would hawk with wheel barrow. So one day, one of my customers ate her pepper soup and told her she should go and learn from me that her own is not as sweet as mine.

The woman came here and told me that somebody directed her to me. I taught her. But since then, I have not seen her. Several people have come here to learn and I always teach them.

When do you wake?

I wake up at 4 am every day, but 3am on Sundays.

So you don’t go to church?

I do go to church. I attend evening mass each time I miss the first mass.

So if you are not around, who prepares the pepper soup?

It is always difficult, but luckily for me one of my sons understands how to cook it very well and he handles it when I am not around.

In fact, he does better than the women, who are already married now: two of them.

But how do you prepare the spices for the pepper soup?

I get the ingredients from the market. If I am with somebody who is learning from me, I make sure I tell him the right thing to do so that he will not go and spoil the business with bad cooking.

You know that some people use white Maggi. But it is not good. I use Knorr cube. Some spices, such as Star is too salty so I do not use them. I use Knorr. So all you will now do is to measure the quantity of water, how many cubes and other spices to put.

Some people will wrongly measure those things and the food will lose its taste.

So what will you like to do after this business?

Honestly, I am not getting stronger at all. Sometimes I kill the goat myself and prepare it for cooking. My husband use to help me too. It is not easy, fire from the wood is affecting me seriously and I am suffering pains on my knees.

I have been on drugs all these years. I have taken my drugs early this morning.

Life is not easy, but any woman that got married and tries to depend entirely on her husband does not know what she is doing. Instead of engaging in prostitution and stealing, engage yourself in one trade or another and God will bless you in what you do.

Prostitution is not even easy.

So the efforts you put into jumping from one man to the other are better channelled to something more respectful.

When I retire from this business, I intend to open a provision shop for the sake of my health.

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015—5

Combined, Cross River's deadly addictive illicit drink

By Emmanuel Unah

C

ALABAR—WHILE worshipers trooped to different churches during the last Easter Sunday celebration in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, a group of nine giddy-looking young men surrounded a bottle of drink at a murky street curve at 7am.

They took turns to fill their tumblers with the dark liquid content, which they guzzled down their throats.

On closer inspection, it was understandable that they were drunk already, as they razzed ltheir voices loudly, embroiled in animated arguments and making extravagant gestures with their arms and other parts of their bodies.

Unsurprisingly, the sight has become familiar in most parts of Calabar, where as early as 5am, some young men assemble in shanty shops to guzzle large quantity of the brew called Combined.

The making of Combined

The name Combined is derived from various input that produce the drink— a mixture of ethanol, a chemical substance used in laboratories and mortuaries; local herbs, and crushed marijuana seeds or leaves, which makes the concoction more potent far beyond the regular whisky, dry gin or kaikai (kpeteshi).

Partakers of the concoction say the mixture is highly potent and addictive. It is known to transport the drinkers to long periods of slumber and habitually drives them to hallucination and criminal activities.

For these reasons, the blend is officially banned in the state, but the ban is ineffective as nobody has been prosecuted for drinking or trading in the substance outside the police raids of shops and extortion of money from sellers and drinkers.

Ramshackle environment

As if to demonstrate contempt for the drinkers, sellers hardly provide them with proper seats and conducive environment, rather they are often consigned to rickety improvised seats at the back or obscure corners of the shop.

To find out what the nine men were drinking, Niger Delta Voice reporter stepped out of the car and walked toward

Combined consumers at work. them.

Four of them were seated on a makeshift bench made of a rough wooden plank placed on a broken cement block with one

half at each end, while the rest sat on broken weather-beaten plastic seats, which obviously have been left in the rain and sun for ages.

No entry for non-members

Has government been able to stop the sale of Igbo that is making people mad every day? Or is it is this drink that makes people cheerful that they can ban?

Are you saying that those who do not drink Combined do not die? Let us be truthful with ourselves, please

Looking unkempt and malnourished, obviously from the effect of prolonged consumption of the illicit stuff, one of them on sighting the reporter with a camera became agitated and demanded to know his mission in the place.

“What do you want here?

Don’t you know this is a club and non-members cannot come here without invitation?” the frantic man, who said he is a policeman, barked, rising to his full height as he flashed his faded identity card.

The group, however, softened up when the reporter, who spent almost two hours in the joint, said he was new to the city and had been driving round to locate one of such spots to take a “sip” before heading to the church.

When a drinker died

“Now you are welcome, but you have to buy a bottle for us if you want to sit with us,” another with the accent of a northerner said.

After the seller, Eka Koko, produced a Coca-Cola bottle of the stuff on the instruction of the reporter, the drinkers opened up, saying they were discussing the burial of one of them, who died a day earlier and how the family lampooned the deceased even at death for wasting his life on Combined.

“The man took what he loved and yet the family would not let him be, now that he has died, better for him and for them,” one of them, who claimed to be a university don said.

Leave our business alone—SELLER

Asked why she was selling the drink in contravention of government orders, the seller said: “Has government been able to stop the sale of Igbo that is making people mad every day? Or is it this drink that

makes people cheerful that they can ban? Okay, let us see.”

She confessed that many of her customers often pass away owing to some ailments, but queried: “Are you saying that those who do not drink Combined do not die? Let us be truthful with ourselves, please.”

Govt resorts to enlightenment

A Director at the Cross River State Ministry of Social Welfare, Mrs Agnes Ikpe, said the high potency of the drink often drives its consumers to crime and also has devastating effect on the human body, which are the reasons that prompted the Cross River State Government to prohibit it in 2010.

She said: ”The law in their warped estimation has no muscle to deter them from consuming the dangerous drink and we cannot clamp everybody into jail.

“So we are doing more of enlightenment to stop people from taking the stuff.”

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6—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

PODIUM…

Uduaghan’s kinsmen battle Seplat over damage to new Abigborodo-Sapele Road

By Godwin Oghre

A

BIGBORDODO—PART of the newly-constructed AbigborodoSapele Road in Delta State, a legacy project by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to his country home, Abigborodo, in Warri North Local Government Area, has been ruined by heavy duty locomotives and equipment of Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited.

From creation, there was no road to riverside Abigborodo until Uduaghan initiated and completed the project last year, to the amazement of his kinsmen, who never thought a vehicle would drive to the town.

In fact, it was a phenomenon when Governor Uduaghan drove a vehicle to the community for the first time. But the people are not happy over the current wreckage on the road, which they said would spell disaster if not quickly checked.

The community, a little Island in Benin River with a land mass of one square kilometre has been transformed beyond the imagination of the people by their son, Governor Uduaghan.

It plays host to a state polytechnic, has a public borehole, model primary school, health centre and hospital with internal road network.

Besides Uduaghan, the incumbent Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area, Mr. Francis Maku, is from Abigborodo. At the other end of the community is a jetty, where wooden and speedboats are berthed.

Time was 10a.m., when the Sapele/ Okpe spokesman and Nigerian Civil War veteran, Dr. Vincent Ekariko, led Niger Delta Voice to the community through the newly-constructed Abigborodo-Sapele road.

Outstanding legacy

According to Dr Ekariko, “the Sapele/ Abigborodo Road is one of the most remarkable legacies of the state governor to his immediate Abigborodo community and which shall be long cherished both by them and the people of Sapele and environs.

The road has opened new frontiers for trade and other inter-communities relations in the communities occupying both sides of the Benin River.

“The joy of the people on both sides of the Benin River is, however, shortlived barely few months after the state government completed the long overdue construction work on the historic road. That epoch making gesture of the state government has been rubbished when a section of the road was gradually destroyed by heavy locomotives of Seplat Petroleum which, does oil exploration and exploitation in the area.”

Community leader and septuagenarian, Pa Omadeli Mene, who corroborated Ekariko’s view, told Niger Delta Voice at Abigborodo: “The hitherto remote and poor human relations between the people of Abigborodo and Sapele and environs have been well improved by Governor Emmanuel Udughan's government through assortment of infrastructural

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Different portions of Abigborodo-Sapele Road. facility, particularly the newlyconstructed link road, which must have

Sapele Base Manager of Seplat, Dr. Chukumah Igelenyah, said: “Talk to Chioma Nwachuku, (company’s Public Relations Officer), she is in the position to speak on the matter.”

Efforts to obtain her comment proved abortive as she neither picked calls made to her mobile line nor replied text sent her

cost the government a fortune to complete.

“The road has two long bridges. Our happiness has, however, turned sour due to the destruction of a section of the road by Seplat Petroleum Development Company Ltd, which constantly moves heavy duty machinery and equipment on the fragile section of the road, between Oton and Jetty junction.

“The governor has tried for us. We have schools from primary school to polytechnic, a good maternity centre, hospital, borehole water and other facilities.

“The state government is currently linking us to the national grid with a view to providing us with steady electricity supply, although Seplat’s tractors rammed into these electric poles some time ago, breaking them down and causing damages.

“The damaging activities of Seplat are worrisome to all of us. The governor is bequeathing some good legacy projects to us, but this company is ruining everything around us, with surprising indifference.”

We’ll communicate Seplat—UDUAGHAN

Governor Uduaghan told Niger Delta

Voice that he was disturbed by the ruin at a section of the road by the heavy duty vehicles of the company, saying the state government would communicate to Seplat, with a view to arriving at an amicable solution to the problem.

He said he was satisfied with the standard of work on the road, saying the major challenge at the moment is a swampy portion before the bridge, which the construction company had to properly sand fill, because of the swampy nature before tarring.

Hide and seek

Contacted by this reporter, the Sapele Base Manager of the company, Dr Chukumah Igelenyah, said: “Talk to Chioma Nwachuku, (company’s Public Relations Officer), she is in the position to speak on the matter.”

Efforts to obtain her comment proved abortive as she neither picked calls made to her mobile line nor replied text sent her.

However, a senior staff of the company, who pleaded not to be named, said: “We have a good relationship with our host communities.

“If our trucks damage their road or electric poles, we will always rehabilitate them for the people.”

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015—7

IRONY: Water scarcity hits Calabar * Water Board/Ortech PPP agreement wobbles *Our challenges— Mr. Buchan, GM *Over 10,000 consumers, including Gov Imoke’s neighbours, disconnected Continues from Page 1 customers to stop paying bills.

Enter private borehole owners

Following the failure of CRSWB, private borehole owners, who charge exorbitant rates, have taken over water supply business in the state.

However, the concern is not just the supply by private borehole owners, but the quality of water they supply, knowing that unclean water is the source of typhoid fever, cholera and other killer diseases.

Bemoaning the inefficiency of the state water board, Mr. Asuquo Effanga, a resident at Yellow Duke, off Mount Zion, told Niger Delta Voice it was better for him to buy water from private borehole owners than wait for CRSTWB for his daily water supply.

He said: “I can count how many times they have given us water this year. Yet they still bring high bills for us to pay when we do not even see the water.

“Water is highly essential. It is not like electricity that you that you can get from generating set. It is natural, and it is life.

“We prefer to buy water from these people even though it is more expensive. I spend up to N1,500 weekly, but you are rest assured that water is available for use. But we are appealing to government to fix whatever the problem is so that people can have water 24 hours every day. ”I wonder why the whole thing changed immediately

Rising production cost

“We, as Ortech Nigeria Limited, in private partnership with CRSWTB, have done everything in our power to ensure regular water supply in Calabar.

“Unfortunately, in the last few months due to very high increase in critical input like PHCN, which has increased the cost by more than 77 percent and the cost of getting water from our major source having increased by 100 percent, it is even more difficult for us to run when customers are not paying their bills.”

their Chairman left to run for Senate. It was like the place left with him, because it was almost immediately he indicated interest to run that the place started witnessing great challenges, we no longer have water.”

Water pipes destroyed by govt contractors

Mrs. Blessing Osor, who stays at Access Road in Atimbo, told Niger Delta Voice: “Most times I have had to buy 30 litres of water for N40 or more. We used to buy fsame or N5.

“They collect N20 when there is public power supply, but once NEPA interrupts even if it is for five seconds, they start selling for N40.

“Only few of them sell for N30, while some good ones still maintain their normal N20. It is that bad.”

According to her, the residents have complained several times to water board to come and rectify the channel problem because it was cut off during the construction of the Airport Bye Pass, which had been commissioned, but nothing was done about it.

Big challenge

Speaking with Niger Delta Voice, National President, Association of Table Water Producers of Nigeria, ATWAP, Mr. Ubina Ubi, said: “50 percent of producers depend on CRSWTB; not everyone has the resources to sink boreholes that will give them the quantity of water they need on a daily basis for production. It is a big challenge for us.

“The water that comes from them is also less expensive in

Non-payment of debts

Mr. James Buchan. terms of treatment; even though it needs treatment from us before packaging, the cost cannot be compared to the one coming from our own boreholes.”

A top official of the CRSWTB contacted by Niger Delta Voice directed our reporter to ORTECH, the firm in charge of the operations division of Cross River State Water Board.

The PPP arrangement gives ORTECH the power to carry out the operational functions for CRSTWB, which means it is

the duty of the firm to ensure that water is running from the taps.

Our difficulties—Ortech GM

The General Manager, Operations Division, Mr. James Buchan, told Niger Delta Voice that company’s major challenge was electricity, stressing that having to pump water from their major source with diesel and to also supply the city in the same manner is cost intensive.

Accept defeat, Uduaghan tells Emerhor

Okowa.

W

ARRI—GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has advised All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the last governorship election in the state, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, to accept defeat and support the governor-elect, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

He said: “When people do not pay their water bills, it is almost impossible to continue to supply the city water. More than 40 percent of our customers have been disconnected from our channel because of non-payment of bills and it is a huge task to meet up because of this loss.

Uduaghan.

While speaking at an interactive session with newsmen in Warri on APC complaints over the outcome of the election, he said: “I know Emerhor as a respectable man.

“But it was obvious APC was not on ground for the elections. If you look at

Emerhor.

Emerhor ’s complaints, you find that he does not even have a clear picture of the true results.

“What he stated for Warri South-West and all the results he declared are different from the actual results or figures INEC declared.

“If I have the chance to meet

him, I would advise that the best thing for him is to congratulate the winner or he goes to the tribunal. He even came out a distant third.”

Uduaghan said he would want to be remembered for a number of milestones he scored in his eight years in charge.

He said: “I think people from different background, interests or locations would remember me for different reasons “The woman who now has strong confidence in safe delivery in public health facilities through the free maternal health services will remember me for that.

“Those living in Avenue would remember me for the dualized Avenue Road, same for those in Refinery Road.“

Buchan said over the last few months, the increase in debt by outstanding customers had led to shortage of cash to run a smooth operation, saying we cannot just increase tariff to meet up with operational cost without the approval of the state government, which has made a lot of things difficult.

He asserted: “We are doing everything in our power to regularize this. Our aim over the last 12 years is to supply potable drinking water to Cross River State.

“As a company, we will not supply sub-standard water because we have a reputation to produce the best potable drinking water in Nigeria.”

Invested over N2bn

The General Manager further explained that ORTECH had invested more than N2 billion and would do everything in its power to ensure everything works, adding that over 10,000 customers have been disconnected, translating to 40 percent revenue loss, which is affecting it.

He said: “We have a major stake in this partnership, we must make sure that it works because if it does not, we will definitely lose a lot of money; so we have a huge stake in this agreement.

Our pipes were damaged

”Some of the complaints you hear from customers are not totally false.

“Due to some construction work, some of our pipes and other facilities have been damaged. It is only when these lines are restored that we can start supplying such areas.”

He urged water users in the state to pay their bills because that is the only way they can get 24-hour water supply.

Buchan also cautioned that no money should be paid to touts and impostors, but directly into designated bank accounts.

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8—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

AGENDA

Agbami partners give kiss of life to Delta, Ondo TB/leprosy patients

By Emma Amaize

E

KU—THE horrible condition of the signboard of Hospitals Management Board, Tuberculosis and Leprosy Referral Centre, Eku, Delta State, is the first indication that all is not well with the health institution.

Turning to what looks like a farm path, which is actually the road to the clinic at Sanubi-Eku, one wonders whether government still remembers that there is such a facility anywhere in the map of the state.

The story of the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Referral Centre, Eku, Delta State, is that of crass neglect of both facility and staff. The situation was so terrible at a time that health workers could be infected at the centre because of lack of control measure.

Till date, workers posted to the centre refuse report for duty. Only few devoted ones work there.

Agbami partners’ intervention

An anonymous staff told this reporter: “It was easy for visitors and patients to be infected with tuberculosis at the centre because we do not have space and equipment here.

“This was the situation until the parties to the Agbami unit operations decided to intervene.

“They are Star Deep Water Petroleum (a Chevron company), Famfa Oil Limited, Statoil Nigeria Limited, Petroleo Brasileiro Nigeria Limited and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.” The Agbami Field is located approximately 70 miles (113 kilometres) offshore Nigeria, and in line with the Deep Offshore Community Affairs Group, DOCAG, engagement principles.

The partners view the entire country as the Agbami community and as a Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, have been providing chest clinics and tuberculosis referral centres, science laboratories, libraries and scholarships to people, across the country.

Besides Eku, the Agbami partners have donated over 20 equipped chest clinics and TB referral centres to health institutions in Oshogbo, Osun State; Akure, Ondo State; University of Benue Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Benue State; Umuahia, Abia State; Ilorin, Kwara State; Igbogene, Bayelsa State; Akwanga, Nassawara State; Ekiti, Ekiti State; Alimosho, Lagos State; Hansen’s Disease Centre, Ogun State; SMOH, General Hospital, Kaduna State; TB and Leprosy Referral Centre, Niger State and Auchi, Edo State.

They gave us helping hand—Dr. Akpodiete The specialist in charge of the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre, Eku, Dr. Alexander Akpodiete, confirmed to Niger Delta Voice that “the Agbami partners, indeed, completed and commissioned the chess clinic in the institution in 2010, furnished with beddings and provided utility items, including hand gloves and face masks.”

He conducted Niger Delta Voice round

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Dr. Alexander Akpodiete.

the clinic and showed us the facilities provided by the Agbami partners, among them a chest X-ray machine and bio-safety cabinet and a building complex.

He said before the intervention of the Agbami partners, things were simply not functioning in the clinic, as the consulting room was in the administration block due to lack of space and logically, infection control could not be practiced under such situation.

This resulted in the spread of infection among health workers and visitors.

Dr. Akpodiete, however, said: “What Chevron did for us gave us a new lease of life, made our work easier and more tolerable.”

Dr. Akingbesote, who is in-charge of the Tuberculosis Referral Centre, Akure, Ondo State, told Niger Delta Voice that the chest clinic managed by the Specialist Hospital, Akure, was built and equipped by Agbami partners of Chevron Nigeria Limited.

He said with the equipment provided

by Chevron, “we are able to screen, diagnose and carry out other services in the clinic.”

Road to leprosy centre.

X-ray machine.

Family sacked by fire sends SOS to Imoke

Mr. Francis Bassey and the remains of the house.

By Ike Uchechukwu

C

ALABAR—A 54-year-old man, Mr Francis Bassey, his wife and four children whose modest home in Calabar, Cross River State, was razed by fire, January 3, have sent a Save Our Soul to the governor, Senator Liyel Imoke and public spirited individuals.

Bassey, who is squatting with friends, said he has not been himself since the unfortunate incident and does not have money to repair his damaged house.

“I have written to the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, but no response yet, that is why I am appealing to our governor, Senator

Liyel Imoke, to come to my rescue,” he asserted.

His words, “My business has gone down because I can no longer concentrate on my business any more, life has been very difficult for me and my family. I just need assistance to reconstruct my house because I don’t have money to renovate this place I am just a trader and my wife is a teacher” “My children are staying in my grandmother’s house now because of the holiday, but what happens when the holiday is over. The rain will soon be here, how do we cope? We are not saying they should build us a new house all we are asking for is a little assistance

from the government to help erect back our house.

“I am patching up with a friend and my wife is squatting somewhere, it is quite disheartening, they should please assist me to put this structure back to shape, that is my plea” Bassey stated.

His wife, Mrs. Bassey, told Niger Delta Voice: “It has been very stressful and more time consuming because we all have to start waking up by 4am again. It is not easy taking these children to school from Palm Street to Navy primary School Ikot Ansa every day.

“What we are asking is a little help from the government. We are asking for building material and other items to put our place back in order.

“We have written to State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) but we are still waiting their response.”

Request being addressed—SEMA source A source at SEMA however confirmed to Niger Delta Voice that the agency received a request from the family, but said they should exercise patience as the matter was being attended to at the appropriate level.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 — 33

By Theodore Opara

Huge turnout for Lagos Motor show, part expo “T

HE beauty of trade shows is that they take organisations beyond their supposed dreams and into the expected ground of realities. This they do by taking participants to higher levels by consistently keeping them exhibitors in the minds of their target audience.”

The Chairman organizing committee and Managing Director, BKG Exhibitions, Mr. Ifeanyi Agwu brought this to the fore while briefing journalists in Lagos on the forth coming 10th Lagos Motor Fair and 4th Auto parts Expo NigeriaIn which has become an Auto mundial and show of strength among the indigenous and foreign firms in the automotive business. Mr Agwu said that more firms are confirming their participation for the events.

According to him, over 45 indigenous firms have confirmed their participation while about 80 foreign firms from all parts of the world are storming the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island venue of the event with different world-class products and services from their stables. .

Mr. Ifeanyi Agwu revealed that “virtually all the major brands of automobiles, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, banking, insurance, regulatory and policy making agencies and bodies are taking part.”

He hinted that “Some of the companies and agencies that will showcase at the event include: Leventis Motors distributors of Volkswagen Trucks, CFAO Group Distributors of Nissan and Mitsubishi, Toyota Nigeria Limited, C&I Motors distributors of

Suzuki Brands, Perfection Autos FZE [distributors of FAW Trucks and Buses], and Dana Motors [Distributors of KIA brands.

Others are: Mobil, MRS oil Nig Ltd, Ascon Oil, Eterna oil, Masters Energy, Total, A-Z Oil, Actis Spatial,

First Systems Refinishes, Cornerstone Insurance Plc, Zenith Insurance Ltd, Carparts.com, the National Automotive council (NAC) and other allied firms.”

Over 80 companies from Turkey, China, India, and United Arab Emirates are

but attribute the increasing number of participants for the show to the strategic importance attached to it by all the stakeholders in the industry who have been hardworking and consistent with us. It has been a collective effort and

Winners emerge at 9th Toyota Dream car contest T HE 9th edition of the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest was recently held in three different zones of country, namely Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos.

The participants in the contest were students in the Junior Secondary Schools as well as primary school pupils cutting across three different age categories: Category One:children under eight years, Category two: ages eight to 11 and Category 3: ages 12 to 15.

Some private and public primary as well as secondary schools across the length and breadth of the country participated in the contest.

At the end of the exercise, over 2,000 entries were collated and a panel of Creative Arts professionals and automobile engineers was saddled with the responsibility of selecting the nine finalists using environmental friendliness, safety and futuristic as yardsticks for selection.

The owners of the nine best drawings were accompanied by their parents/guardians and art teachers to Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, head office, Lekki, Lagos to receive their certificates of excellence from the Managing Director, Mr Kunle Ade-

Fourth from left on back row: Managing Director, Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, 2nd right and Public Relations Manager, Mrs. Bukki Ogunnusi, at the award of certificates/gifts to the winners of the 2015 Toyota Dream Car Art Contest.

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also participating, at the show.

The Managing Director further noted that the growing number of exhibitors confirmed for this event can be attributed to the importance attached to it by the participants. “We cannot

all hands have continually been on deck, starting from the private sector to the various agencies of government both at the state and federal level.”

Mr. Agwu also stated that the campaign slogan of ‘served hot and fresh’; the organizing committee has chosen is to articulate the strategic platform provided by this expo aimed at bringing the relevant stakeholders to a point where we can all forge a future for the growing sector despite the daunting challenges facing the sector currently. Over a decade now the event has played the role of a unique forum to access and assess the capacities and potentials of the nations’ automotive sector; and always Nigerians get this information hot and fresh mainly at the Lagos Motor Fair. It is a pillar of the future strategic goals for the automotive and other allied sectors.

Ojo. In addition to the certificates, the children were presented with laptops and other corporate gifts that would etch the contest in their memories for a long time to come.

In his address, Mr AdeOjo hinged TNL’s sponsorship of the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest on the company’s belief in the mental and psychological development of the Nigerian child. He expressed satisfaction regarding the encouraging level of participation in the contest.

The Chief Executive was particularly grateful to teachers and parents for moulding the children to become proud champions and enthused that considering the beautiful concepts behind the drawings, the time might be now that Nigeria would produce a winner on the world stage. The Chief Executive expressed enthusiasm to continue to sponsor the contest annually.

Responding on behalf of the nine finalists, Okolo Chimneri Elendu, a contestant in the age 8-11 category expressed appreciation to the Managing Director and the management of Toyota Nigeria Ltd. She went further to describe Toyota as a standard setter

in Nigeria. She thanked the company for providing the platform for her and other contestants to showcase their God given creative talents and promised to be an ambassador of the Toyota brand now and in future.

Also in her remark, Mrs Bukunola Ogunnusi, Public Relations and Advert Manager Toyota Nigeria Ltd, thanked the children for participating in the contest: she also thanked their parents, guardians and teachers for the support accorded the children during the competition. She went on to wish the finalists well and expressed hope that at least one of the entries would be among the winners when the result is announced in May in

Some private and public primary as well as secondary schools across the length and breadth of the country participated in the contest

Japan.

The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest holds globally.

National winners, whose art works scale through the world challenge in each of the three categories is sponsored on an allexpense paid trip to Japan, where they will have the opportunity to attend the award ceremony which will feature presentation of Special Jury’s Award and Finalist Award by the President of Toyota Motor Corporation.

Those whose artworks would be representing Nigeria at the world contest are: Under eight: Okoye Chizamekpere Angel, of Pampers Private School, Lagos, Onimisi Oyiza Margaret and Okafor Stephanie Onyinye fromBrookstone Schools, Port Harcourt, age eight – 11: Maikankan Sadiya and Okolo Chimneri Elendu both from Eye on the Future Secondary School, Lagos and Okarike Prosper Kenneth of Graceland International School Port Harcourt. Age 11to 15: Nwafor Esther Ngozichukwu, Maryland Comprehensive College, Lagos; Echendu Elvis Chidubem, Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, and Ekeh Chukwudubem Kelvin, Emerald High School, Ogun State.

34 — Vanguard, TUESDAY TUESDAY,, APRIL 21, 2015

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Y

OU may not have heard of a man called Bruce Rauner.

Well, there isn’t anything so exceptional about him that he should command international attention. He is the current elected governor of the state of Illinois in the U.S., and he assumed office in January this year. Governor Rauner is a Republican who campaigned on the values of cleaning up the bad governance Illinois has been associated with in past years. He pledged to trim the size of government, save costs and return the state to a state of glory. Voters trusted and rewarded him with victory over the then incumbent and Democrat, Pat Quinn, in a tightly contested election.

Even before he was sworn into office, the people of Illinois began to catch a whiff of the governorelect’s plan of action.

Budget cutting measures In a nutshell, Rauner ’s lieutenants dropped hints that their boss would embark on rootand-branch budget-cutting measures. One of the things that came onto the would-be governor’s radar was education.

In his budget speech later, Governor Rauner cut higher education budget by 32 percent.

There was outrage across the state. Higher education in Illinois had taken a battering over the years. Universities and other educational institutions had been over-taxing themselves to

Row over Governor Rauner survive. Freezes on new faculty hires were rampant. Retiring professors were hardly replaced.

Fees generally went up for incoming students. And in the midst of this belt-tightening budgetary situation, the governor unleashed his 32 percent cut.

This is the backdrop to the row over the governor’s invitation to be one of the speakers at the commencement (graduation) ceremony by Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, one of the prominent public universities in the state. The invitation was sent out by the university. But, some students in the same university did not think it was appropriate, even commonsensical, for a governor whom they perceive to be manifestly anti-education to be given the opportunity to be a guest at their commencement ceremony. So, one of the students, Emily Neal, came up with a plan to scuttle the governor’s proposed graduation speech. She originated a petition to drop Governor Rauner as one of the

commencement speakers. The ceremony will take place in midMay, just a matter of weeks away.

So far, the petition has attracted about 2,000 supporters.

Here is what Emily wrote in her petition: “Rauner ’s budget proposal would set SIU back to funding levels comparable to the 1985-86 school year, and potentially cause up to a six per cent increase in tuition. Choosing him as a keynote speaker is a slap in the face to SIU students and faculty who already deal with underfunded programs and facilities. Graduation should celebrate not only the achievements of students as individuals, but the institution of SIU as a whole. How can anyone be expected to celebrate progress when our keynote speaker is someone who only intends to set us back?”

The university’s spokesperson, Rae Goldsmith, explained the invitation this way: “We really believe it’s an important way for the governor to come to southern Illinois to get to see what goes on

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015—37 here and it has the potential to same thing if President Obama help us build a positive was the invitee, and she felt that relationship.” It is interesting that it was inappropriate for him to a student in the university where come and speak at the occasion.

Governor Rauner is expected to I shudder to think of what might make his speech is driving this happen to a university student in petition to prevent the governor Egypt who goes to tahrir square from doing exactly that. It is also to promote a petition that interesting that the student has President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi the right of free speech to initiate should not be allowed to address her petition in a university where students of Cairo University. That she is currently a student, and the student’s fate will be no different school’s authorities cannot stop from that of his or her counterpart her exercise of that right granted who does the same thing in her by the U.S. constitution. It is Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, even more interesting that in the Ghana, etc.

Nonetheless, the row over exercise of her right to freedom of speech, Emily is essentially Governor Rauner’s invitation to advocating that another person, speak at Southern Illinois graduation the governor, be denied his own University ’s ceremony puts the freedom of freedom of speech.

Therein lies one of the speech on the burner of public attractions and gray areas in the debate over what such freedoms provision of free speech in the actually entail, especially where U.S. constitution, and the nature to draw the line on its limits. Why of the U.S. system of government. would Emily’s exercise of her free Emily could have done exactly the speech result in the denial of Governor Rauner’s freedom of speech, if her petition becomes such an effective weapon that the university decides to cancel the invitation to the governor? If the The row over governor’s invitation stands and he actually speaks at the occasion, Governor Rauner’s does that imply that his freedom invitation to speak at of speech is more important to the university than that of Emily?

Southern Illinois Would it be a fair situation for University’s Emily to exercise her freedom of graduation ceremony speech while the university goes ahead to allow the governor to puts the freedom of exercise the same freedom, since speech on the burner no one’s freedom of speech is more important than that of of public debate another?

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42 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

•Lagos carnival

How carnival assists Lagosians to shake off election blues

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

A

FTER months of anx iety created by the 2015 elections, the atmosphere at this year ’s Lagos Water Regatta held last Sunday indicated that many residents of Lagos were craving for a fun filled event that would help shake-off their worries, experience before, during and after the polls.

The Lagos Water Regatta is part of the annual Lagos Black Heritage Festival which was conceived to celebrate the Easter season. But due to the elections, the State Governor, Babatunde Fashola postponed the 2015 edition of the event to allow residents concentrate on the polls.

The much awaited weeklong event finally kicked off last Saturday, April 18th and is expected to end April 25th with the Lagos Carnival which attracts thousands of tourist with over 2,500 participants.

However, Fashola at the event announced the postponement of the carnival to May 2nd.

The festival commenced at

the Freedom Park, Lagos Island with its theme centred on ‘Drama,’ had as part of its highlights, Vision of the Child — Children Pupils Competition and Exhibition Programme; Masquerade Parade from Badagry; Exhibitions– Children Art & Art fair/Bazaar; Do Your own Thing -Talent hunt programme for youths; Drama & Dance Drama – six plays on showcase and Poetry & Music – Night of the Poets The regatta in its six editions is a private sector led initiative with support from other corporate bodies and the state Government aimed at promoting the tourism potential of Africa fastest growing Megacity.

The venue of the second day of the week set aside for the Lagos Water Regatta, aimed at celebrating the state’s aquatic splendor, at the waterfront pier on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi Lagos, witnessed a large turnout of tourist who thronged the venue to ease of the election tensions.

At the venue of this year’s event, tourist were thrilled by the water-based cultural sporting and recreational ac-

tivity put together to showcase the aquatic splendour of the state.

Showcasing the state’s aquatic splendour, tourists were treated to a fun filled day by floats and canoes with traditional, cultural and social troupes from within and outside the state.

The much awaited week-long event finally kicked off last Saturday, April 18th and is expected to end April 25th with the Lagos Carnival which attracts thousands of tourist with over 2,500 participants

The Regatta consist of large fishing boats, ferries, barges and other marine vessels adorned with colours and decorations depicting the social, cultural, traditional folklores and occupational aspects of the Lagos people.

Notable among the troupe that performed at the 2015 Regatta were members of the Aquamarine Boat Club that raced on the water surface and perform stunts to the delight of fun seekers.

When the boats display were ongoing, tourists especially adults were thrilled by different artiste at different intervals. Also, a fun park was created for the children to keep them occupied while their parents concentrate on the boat performance.

Thrilled by the display at the event by the boat teams, Mr. Micheal Omotayo said “it is a wonderful event put up by the state government. I am happy that it is coming a week after the Governorship elections.

“In fact, it has helped me and my family to get into the groove again after the much anxiety created by the 2015

elections,” he added.

Another tourist, Mr. Kenneth Maxwell, said “I have come to Lagos to have a fill of the carnival because I have heard so much about it. And I was not disappointed by what I saw today.

On his part, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral OluSegun Egbedina urged the Governor-elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to keep the tempo of the festival, noting “Aside that it has helped to draw tourist to the state, it has helped to engage the youths especially those participating at the events.

Chairman of the Lagos Water Regatta, Engr. Olusegun Jawando, said the event is gaining international recognition from neighbouring West African Countries despite its postponement due to the elections.

Jawando said that since its first edition six years ago, the event has grown bigger and “is now listed in the international Dragon Boat Federation and mentioned in several states in the country. ”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 — 43

Lagos adds 1.8m voluntary tax payers in 4 yrs

By Dotun Ibiwoye

D

ESPITE the dwindling income from the federal government, there are indications that the economy of Lagos is still growing.

This can be attributed to the voluntary tax payments by the residents.

According to official figures people that voluntarily pay their taxes in Lagos has increased by 1.8 million between 2011 and now.

Chairman, Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Babatunde Fowler, confirmed this at the weekend.

In 2011, 2.7 million residents voluntarily paid, last year 3.8 million voluntarily paid, and 4.5 million voluntarily payments are recorded as at today.

With the Internally Generated Revenue, moving from a monthly average of about N600 million in 1999 to approximately N20.5 billion in 2013, LIRS has made Lagos State less dependent on proceeds from the Federation Account.

According to Fowler, tax should not be paid only by intuition but should be seen as a civic responsibility.

While stating the achievements of its LIRS, in the past one year, Fowler, noted that despite the harsh economic conditions experienced by Lagos State in recent times, the agency had been able to pull through by improving on the avenues for collection of levies and taxes.

The LIRS Chairman also said there has been appreciable increase in the number of tax payers as well as corresponding increase in the number of Electronic Tax Clearance Certificates (e-TCC) issued during the year.

He added that during the period under review, the Annual Engagement and Reward for tax compliance was held early in the year with the sole aim of giving due recognition to the most compliant tax payers in the State.

Fowler implored all Lagosians to inculcate the habit of paying their taxes regularly and promptly, stressing that without tax payment government at all levels will not be in the position to provide the dividends of democracy for the citizenry while commending all voluntary tax payers.

Last week, the Lagos State Government also said it has sued 686 companies for evading tax to the tune of N11.1 billion.

New Wempco Road .... built with taxpayers’ money Fowler said that the cases were filed at the High Court of Lagos in a bid to retrieve the money.

According to him; ‘’ Of the 686 people taken to court in 2014 for tax evasion,the court granted government order to collect taxes from 376 companies, amounting to N8.1 billion, but that only

N771 million was recovered.

“We filed 686 cases at the State High Courts at the beginning of the year with a total liability of about N11.6 billion. Out of theses, we received destraining orders on 376 cases. This amounts to a liability of about N8.1 billion. Of this, they have paid N771 million, he said “When a tax payer dis-

agrees with the tax he is expected to pay and both the tax officials and the payer couldn’t reach a compromise, both parties go to court. And the court will grant us some order to close that organization.

“After that, if they make a payment, we will give room for the tax payer to bring additional evidence on why he

cannot pay such fee. And that was why we always have difference in the amount that we ask for in court and the amount paid.

On consumption tax, Fowler said in terms of compliance level, government had over 2,600 outfits that were paying, adding that; “We have their cooperation while the case was still in court.

On the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, he disclosed that the government currently collects N23 billion on monthly basis.

“The high months of collection are usually in April, May and June. These are the months when companies declare dividends and staff go on leave and they get their leave allowance. In terms of our actual collection, we didn’t increase in IGR. In 2013, we had approximately N236 billion while in 2014 it was N276 billion. So we went from an average of N20 billion in 2013 to an average of N23 billion.

“That was one of the things that has kept the state working. The informal sector is yet to pay taxes despite the fact that some of these people get paid for their services. They are about three million people in the state. The objective of taxation is to distribute wealth,” he said.

Gowon Estate residents spend N3.5m to repair govt roads

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HE residents of Gowon Estate, Egbeda, a suburb of Lagos, have commenced the repairs of the dilapidated roads in the community with over N2 million they raised.

The project which commenced on Saturday is being coordinated by the estate’s Community Development Association (CDA) which organised the fund raising.

Loads of laterites had been piled up on 34, 401, 411 roads and on 3rd and 4th avenues in the estate.

Also, tippers were observed offloading sand in different parts of the estate while some residents were seen monitoring the ongoing rehabilitation as tractors embarked on grading of 34 road.

The residents had spent about N1.5 million in 2014 to fix some of the roads that were completely impassable.

Speaking on the rehabilitation, Mr Nathaniel Okoro, the Chairman of the CDA, said that government had abandoned the roads since 1976, when the estate was built.

Okoro said that the residents, many of whom are retirees, had decided to pull their hard earned money together to fix the roads.

“We are putting our resources to fix roads to make life easy for us having suffered many years of abandonment by the federal, state and local gov-

ernments responsible for handling the situation.

“The Federal Government has forgotten us; the state government has forgotten us, so we as a community decided to do what we can within our means to make our lives comfortable.

“The efforts by the CDA in the northern part of the estate have been cumbersome, but it could have been worse if we continue to wait for these tiers of government.

“So far, we have been able to raise close to N2 million to start the rehabilitation.

“Some of the roads that are motorable are due to the efforts we put in the last years, this year we have discovered that some of the important roads are becoming un-motorable,” he said.

The Federal Government has forgotten us; the state government has forgotten us, so we as a community decided to do what we can within our means to make our lives comfortable

Okoro said that the cost of making life comfortable was borne only by the residents and that it would continue until the government decides to look at the plight of the people.

He added that if the fund contributed failed to achieve the expected target, residents would sit down again to make contribution.

According to him, the residents cannot afford to tar the roads because of its cost implication, but would grade them and pour hardcore stones to make them last.

Okoro said that the poor condition of roads had made businesses to suffer, while the cost of vehicle maintenance had increased because of the deplorable condition of the roads.

The chairman, however, urged corporate bodies to assist the CDA in making life comfortable for the people, including the senior citizens.

He commended the residents, business owners, churches and mosques for their contributions and pleaded with them to do more.

Okoro urged the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari to consider the rehabilitation of the federal government estate which had been abandoned since its completion in 1976.

“The people have so much faith in him to bring change; we hope that things will change for the better for us.”

44 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 PISCES: You’ll tend to become both creative and persuasive to the administration of others. Then those who’ve been resisting secret love may slip suddenly and become excited.

ARIES: Your creativity quotient within your working arena will today be enhanced. You’ll be blamed if you keep official issues secrets from your challenges at work.

TAURUS: After a few tension soaked days, you’ll have the needed opportunity to look through windows of the world and have your way as well. Magnetic and/or magic days is predicted for lovers today.

GEMINI: Even if you continue to work under pressure via increased workload, you will have good results to show for your efforts today. Be steadfast.

CANCER: Even if opposition persists, supports you are getting from the influential people will be enough to see you through. Yet, the more cooperative you are the better.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

O

ENERALLY, many people believe that life is not fair, the same way the man on lane six in a relay race believes the referee is more favourable to the

Is life fair? — 1 man on lane one.

How do you tell the blind man that life is fair? How do you explain to the poor man who has no idea of where he

TERROR MUDA

will have a semblance of a meal in a day that life is fair? And how do you tell a widow whose husband died in an accident

in “Never say goodbye”

few days after wedding that life is fair?

Is life fair? Can life be said to be fair when some people throughout their life live at the expense of the people?

By Lanre Kehinde

LEO: Better than yesterday. And the more co-operative you are today the better for you. Those of you travelling for love are in for an exciting day.

VIRGO: Those of you willing to let go hard feelings at work are for a progressive day to the betterment of your finances. Let go yesterday, move ahead.

LIBRA: Once again, you’ll have the needed opportunity to assert yourself to the administration of others. Both love and financial success can be yours with efforts. Reason with your tried and trusted friends.

SCORPIO: You can make it a successful day with positive approach on your part. You will be in a better position to defuse tension within your working arena. Try to be more ambitious.

SAGITTARIUS Yes! You’re not scared a bit even, when opposition and/or competition come your way but, if you give in to diplomatic approach, you’ll fare better today.

CAPRICORN: Pressure that came your way suddenly will give way unexpectedly, today, to the betterment of your course.

The more financially ambitious you are today, the better for you.

Be steadfast.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

AQUARIUS: You sincerely believe in intelligent argument or discussion. And if you allow your ability to be diplomatic come to play today, you’ll be better for it. Enjoy your love life..

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

When was I born?

Kindly tell me how the planets lined up when I was born and the day of the week I was born but don’t publish my date of birth.

Austin, Ibadan.

Dear Austin, You were born on a Sunday.

YOUR HOROSCOPE DATA Sun Sign = Scorpio. Sun in Zero Degree of Scorpio Moon Sign = Libra: Moon in 5th Degree of Libra Mercury in 12th Degree of Scorpio Venus in Zero Degree of Sagittarius Mars in 1st Degree of Aquarius Jupiter in 29th Degree of Cancer Saturn in 10th Degree of Scorpio Uranus in 27th Degree of Cancer Neptune in 25th Degree of Libra Pluto in 26th Degree of Leo North Node in 8th Degree of Capricorn South Node in 8th Degree of Cancer No planet in earth spar sign, one in available, two in fire, three in air, four in cardinal, fixed and water star signs hosted five planets each.

PUSH-FULL INFLUENCE = 50% NON-PUSH-FULL INFLUENCE =50% PLANET AT HOME = NONE ANALYSIS OF THE HOROSCOPE DATA You are both an intelligent and emotional person. And as there was planet at home when you were born, too many ideas will always struggle for prominent place in your mind, thus decision making is difficult but most times, your intelligence comes to the rescue.

Certainly, you appear to other as a gentle person who can be mistaken for soft fellow but your inner-self is the personality with a steel like will power.

You are the consistent type who may find it difficult to change once you have made up your mind as indicated by distribution of the planets as written out in paragraph two of this exercise.

One major challenge you have been battling for a very long time is constant worries, some times, necessarily and the other time, uncalled for, as indicated by conjunction Mercury and Saturn formed when you were born.

Placement of your natal Sun (basic self head) and Moon (your sub-conscious self) in Scorpio and Libra respectively are indications of your being mainly Scorpio born person and partly in Libran. And that is to say basic characteristics of both Scorpio and Libra are highly pronounced in you.

Then, you are spiritually gifted; if you don’t develop it is another thing.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015—45

Appeal Court orders FRSC to reinstate dismissed staff

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—THE Court of Appeal sitting in Benin, Edo State, has ordered authorities of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, to reinstate Messers A.O. Oboh and N.M.Chukwukelu to their former positions, describing the termination of their appointments by FRSC as unlawful.

The appellants, through their counsel, Monday Agienoje, being dissatisfied with the judgment of the lower court which dismissed their case of unlawful termination of their appointments by the FRSC, approached the appellate court.

The appellants were said to have been arrested by a surveillance team led by Commander Agbakoba for alleged bribery and corruption and had their appointments terminated after undergoing trial at the Abuja Headquarters of FRSC. In a unanimous judgment read

I won't disappoint Rivers people —WIKE

P

By Davies Iheamnachor

ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State governor-elect on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr Nyesom Wike, has vowed to run an all- inclusive government on assumption of office.

Wike, yesterday in Port Harcourt, after receiving his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said that his administration will reach out to the needs of the entire Rivers people without bias, irrespective of party affiliation.

He promised not to witchhunt anybody in his administration, stressing that he will not use the time meant for the development of the state to witch-hunt his political opponents.

Meanwhile, the former vice chairman of the PDP, Rivers State, Ohuondu Onuchukwu, who expressed happiness with the victory of PDP in the state, has said that the party has survived four years of estrangement.

Onuchukwu said that Rivers PDP has regained its stolen mandate through a stiff battle. He urged the All Progressives Congress, APC to concede defeat in the interest of the state.

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by Justice Hamma Barka, the appellate court said that their reinstatement to their former positions by the FRSC was not prejudicial to any promotions they might have enjoyed during the period of their unlawful termination.

The court held that it was quite

clear that the appellants’ employment was governed by statute, adding that their services were covered by the Federal Service Rules.

The court held: “It is trite, therefore, that an employee clothed with statutory flavour must be terminated only in accordance

with the manner prescribed by the relevant statute and any other manner of termination or dismissal inconsistent with the statute renders the termination null and void.”

The court resolved the issues canvassed in favour of the appellants.

NLNG PRIZE: From left: Prof. Uwemedimo Enobong Iwoketok, Chairman, 2015 Edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature; General Manager, External Relations, NLNG, Dr Kudo Eresia-Eke and Chairman, Literature Advisory Board, Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo, at the handing over of entries received for the contest to Professor Ayo Banjo, Chairman of this year’s panel of judges, in Lagos.

I'm not defecting to APC, says Ndoma-Egba

By Emma Una

C

A L A B A R — SENATOR Victor Ndoma-Egba, the Senate Leader, has said that he was not defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC, as was reported in the media.

He added that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, with its recent electoral loss was paying a very high price for acts of impunity in the party, occasioned by mental laziness and the inability of the leadership of the party to think.

Senator Ndoma-Egba, who was reacting to reports that his supporters had left the PDP in droves for the APC, as a prelude to his planned defection to the party, said in the past three years, he had been shut out from the PDP decision making process because the party took a simplistic approach to the dynamics of the developments in the party without recourse to broad based consultations.

“Mental laziness breeds impunity and impunity breeds arrogance and every situation

reinforces itself. If you have small impunity today, if you don’t do anything about it, the impunity would grow and if you have small arrogance today and you don’t do anything about it, it would re-enforce itself by

growing. So the PDP is paying a very big price for our own conduct and this is a God sent opportunity for us to wake up and think and I also hope that the APC will learn from what has befallen PDP.”

DELTA POLLS: Ogboru advised against going to tribunal

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain in Delta State, Olorogun Omoru David, has advised the governorship candidate of Labour Party, LP, in the April 11 election, Chief Great Ogboru, against dragging the governor-elect, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa of the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to the electoral tribunal over the outcome of the election.

Omoru who gave the advice, while reacting to media reports, where the LP candidate was said to have vowed to challenge Okowa's victory at the tribunal,

said Ogboru’s decision to go to the tribunal was not in the interest of Deltans.

He noted that Ogboru, whom he described as a serial contender, had never won in any election in Delta State, but had always gone to tribunal to find solace and had never succeeded, saying: “Ogboru’s judicial battle with ex- governor James Ibori and later Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, cost the state enormous amount of money.”

Noting that Ogboru and Uduaghan’s case ended barely a year ago, Omoru advised Chief Ogboru to learn and abide by the rules of the game and be a sportsman anytime he went on electoral contest.

Tension in Delta community over selection of new monarch

By Emma Amaize

W

ARRI—THERE is uneasy calm in Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State over the emergence of two, parallel committees for the selection of a new paramount ruler, Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom.

The emergence of the two committees has sparked off acrimonious struggle to the throne. The first, a 24-man committee of the Perebiri quarters, Ogbe-Ijoh, is headed by the eldest man, Ware-Okusowei, of the five villages, while the other faction is allegedly chaired

by Elder A.O. Jolomi.

The Ware-Okusowei committee, in a statement, said: “It has come to our notice that some persons are parading themselves as Selection/Succession Committee of Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri Kingdom, chaired by Elder A.O. Jolomi and Takembo Roland as secretary. They not authorized by the five villages in Ogbe-Ijoh."

Ekewenu behind Okowa’s victory in Urhoboland —APAH

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OUSE Committee Chairman on Information and Public Petitions, Ughelli Legislative Arm, Delta State, Mr Sunday Apah, has said that the Nigerian Ambassador to United Nations on M i l l e n n i u m Development Goals, Amb Karo Ekewenu, was the great source of strength in the victory of governor-elect, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa in Urhoboland in the just concluded governorship poll in the state.

Apah, in Ughelli, yesterday, said: “Before the grand style victory of the people’s governorelect of Delta State on April 11, Amb. Ekewenu campaigned to all parts of Urhoboland, putting great resources in each ward to deliver the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at all levels.”

46 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

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48—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

NSE/WEMA: From left— Segun Oloketuyi, MD/CEO, Wema Bank Plc; Mr. Adeolu Bajomo, Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE; Adeyinka Asekun, Chairman, Board of Directors; Ademola Adebise, Executive Director, both of Wema Bank Plc; Tinuade Awe, Head, Legal & Regulation Division, NSE, at the bank's Facts Behind the Figures ceremony at the NSE in Lagos.

IDOLS: From left— Uloma Okemiri, Ogunrombi Olakunle, Nigerian Idol

judge and singer, Darey ‘Art’ Alade, and Ayoka Janet, at the show in Lagos.

LECTURE: Lady Valerie Ebe, Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor (left) and Mr. Sam Ikon, Speaker of the state's House of Assembly, at a thanksgiving service at Qua Iboe Church, Uyo.

IGHODALO: From left— Abimbola Omotayo, winner; Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; Michael Oladimeji Tosin, joint winner, and Mrs. Bolaji Osime, during the presentation of Award of Excellence to the best overall graduating student in Accounting at the University of Lagos by the Ituah Ighodalo Foundation.

EASTER: From left— Mrs. Janet Akinkugbe, Chief Olu Akinkugbe and Mrs. Lawunmi Idowu, at the Easter Low Sunday Concert of the Young Men Christian Union, Cathedral of St. Jude, Ebute Meta.

BRIEFING: From left— Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, Ondo state Commissioner

for Health; Kayode Akinmade, Commissioner for Information, and Niran Ikuomola, Secretary, Hospital Management Board, during a briefing on the Irele decease outbreak in Akure, yesterday.

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FOR LIFE: Members of the Institute of Directors, IoD, during their 2015 Walk for Life in Lagos. PHOTO: Akeem Salau.

FOR OKOWA: Mr. Solomon Okowa, younger brother of Delta State Governor-elect, and President, Okowability Prosperity Network, OPN, (middle in glasses); Mr. Okiemute Emakpor, the group's Coordinator in Germany (3rd left); Mr. Clement Olojoba, Director of Transport, (1st left) and other exco members, during the celebration of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa's victory in Asaba.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 — 49

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a general election are not allowed to campaign and paste posters. This is why some of us are saying that the processes of choosing our leaders in Ekiti State are wrong and we must subsequently sit down , put our thinking caps on to ensure that the best from among us govern us.

Could this be connected with the impeachment notice served on Governor Ayo Fayose?

Well, again, I think this is more about illegality and abuse of the constitution. It is more about illegality. How could you have 26 lawmakers and budgetary appropriation is being done by seven lawmakers who do not form a quorum.

The quorum is a third of the 26 membership of the house.

Seven could not have, in the circumstance, been a quorum.

There is no way seven could be a majority in a house of 26.

It is illegal. It is an infraction against the constitution and it is treasonable.

By Bashir Adefaka

W

HAT was responsible for your party’s loss in the just conducted general elections?

It is not particular to Ekiti State. As at the last count, about 76 Senators will not be returning. There is so much noise about how much we earn and there is a misconception about what our roles are.

So people do not understand.

Constituents expect you to assist them in paying their children school fees and all of those things. And if you don’t do that, they are angry and they resort to calling you names.

Even those you have assisted once, come back again and you let them know you have others who are still waiting but they don’t want to know. The kinds of things they want you to do for them are often not your function. They want you to play the role of the executive and, of course because you are not the executive, you cannot do it, they hate you for it.

Unfortunately, we never made attempt to address these issues collectively as Senators.

There is no way elected lawmakers could have solved the personal problems of everyone who voted for them without looting the economy.

Vacating power That, for me, is largely responsible for the 76 Senators that are not returning to the Senate.

Do you think that the honour being accorded the outgoing President for conceding defeat at the election is justified considering the attempts made towards truncating the success of the electoral process?

We have to be magnanimous.

It is difficult to vacate power and we know the consequences for not vacating power by people who have been defeated during elections in Africa.

For a man who has been so used to power to come out and concede defeat, it is worth commending. That is the reason for all the commendations you have seen.

It is also a way of saving him from being disgraced. It is a means of helping assuage his feelings and psychologically assisting him in coming out of the trauma of losing an election.

So, I don’t think there is anything bad in it. I want to say that it is even commendable.

Given the opposition by the PDP of the use of the Smart Card Reader for the election, how would you assess the process?

Well, the electoral perfection C M Y K

•Ojudu

Fayose has degraded our values in Ekiti — Sen Ojudu SENATOR Babafemi Ojudu represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District in the Senate. In this interview, he reviews recent developments in his state and expresses optimism that Ekiti state will rise again. Excerpts:

in Nigeria is a work in progress.

I believe that there is still more to be done while commending the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the good job they have done. When I see some figures returned from parts of the country, I am worried that we are not yet where we should be.

Looking at it sincerely, if you are talking of true democracy, where you will find it is the Southwest. If you see the votes from Rivers and the votes from the Delta, they are indefensible.

And the card reader, which worked in the Southwest but disallowed from working in order parts, would have checkmated that.

What is the problem in Ekiti state as your party seems to be moving towards extinction given the outcome of recent elections?

Honestly I will be lying if I tell you that I can put my finger to what the problem is. I just realize that the only reason I can give is that there is too much poverty in the state.

That perhaps has economically affected the reasoning of the people that they are losing their sense of

what is good for them. They no longer want to subscribe to high ideals. All they want is money which is what has

You are a governor, you are challenged in a court of law, the judge decided to rule in the case before him, you think the case will not be decided in your favour and then you beat up the judge and threw the place in pandemonium

been reduced to stomach infrastructure. That is what has been used during the campaigns and that is what they go for.

I cannot blame them. In Ekiti State there are no industries to create jobs. All they have is the civil service and teaching.

Virtually everybody Ekiti are politicians and this is what they survive on. Whoever brings the money is the king no matter his or her evil design for them. So the challenge before any government now in Ekiti State is how to create industries and provide employment for the teeming youths. Anything short of this will create a horrendous social problem.

How do you feel when your state is now associated with impunity and rascality?

Honestly it is very embarrassing, frustrating and demeaning when all these kind of things happen here. It is here judges are being beaten, it is here seven law makers are making laws in an Assembly of 26 people.

It is here the governor is financing newspaper adverts canvassing the death wish for a presidential candidate. It is here opposition candidates in

Assaults on the rule of law You are a governor, you are challenged in a court of law, the judge decided to rule in the case before him, you think the case will not be decided in your favour and then you beat up the judge and threw the place in pandemonium. These are assaults on the rule of law and are unacceptable in a civilized society.

But there is perception that leadership problem is reason your party is fizzling out of power in Ekiti. Is this true?

I will look at it critically and I will say, “Yes, our party has leadership challenges but those challenges are not insurmountable and we will find a solution to the challenges.”

It is said in certain quarters that the collapse of APC government in Ekiti was caused by APC itself. How true is this?

Many factors are responsible for the collapse of the APC government here and so, I don’t think one can say it is just one factor. There are other factors. We can only learn from our failures so that tomorrow will be a better day.

Do you think that Ekiti people will see light at the end of the tunnel?

Of course there is hope.

Many educated people will come in and we are already thinking of that solution and by the grace of God we will get there.

We will have a government of the people that will serve the people and will be of good example for the whole of the country.

52—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

Buhari shouldn't ignore confab recommendations — Uranta MR. Tony Uranta is Executive Secretary, Nigeria National Summit Group, NNSG and a former member of the National Dialogue Committee. Uranta, in this interview states why the Presidemt-elect, Maj-General Muhammudu Buhari (retd) should not discard the reports of the National Conference arguing that it would assist the new administration restructure the nation. Excerpts:

•Uranta: Buhari must end the terrorism and insurgency in the North East

By Dapo Akinrefon

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HAT are the expectations of Nigerians from the President-elect as he takes over

by May 29?

I think it will be proper to begin by congratulating General Buhari for having true persistence and doggedness because I am still astonished at a general of his age repeatedly contesting for that office and not being deterred by the fact that he was losing consistently.

We expect him, most of all, to focus on the restructuring of Nigeria. You will remember that the Yoruba’s Afenifere and a great deal of people supported President Jonathan not because they liked his face, not because they necessarily liked his politics, but because they like the fact that he committed to restructuring this nation as it is needed and necessary if it is to sustainably continue as a united, progressive Nigeria.

Biggest platform One of the biggest platforms on which he now created this ethos of restructuring is the platform of the National Conference.

Many of us, who were supportive of the National Conference and its recommendations, have been calling for the implementation of the recommendations of the Conference. If all that General Buhari does is to implement the National Conference’s recommendations, the PresidentC M Y K

elect would be a hero. But, he has already begun to win my heart by announcing that he will not nominate or appoint anybody into public office who has not sworn to declare his assets in Court, not just to the Code of Conduct Bureau. Let me sidetrack and repeat, I am not a member of any party. I was, and I am, a friend and supporter of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. But I am primarily a citizen of this nation that wants Nigeria to improve, and I have the pedigree to prove this beyond any reasonable doubt. even before he began.

Of course, very importantly, we will expect that General Buhari does one thing that everybody is expecting him to do as soon he assumes office; he must end the terrorism and insurgency in the

North East as soon as possible because that was the key promise of his campaign-”we will stop Boko Haram, we know how to stop Boko Haram and we know who Boko Haram is”. Yes, that is his pledge.

And, truly, since, we must admit, they have not attacked us so much since he won the election, I want to assume that once he ascends into power, Boko Haram will formally signout. But in reality, we know that BokoHaram has formally aligned itself with its cousins ISIS, we know that the Al-Shabab is increasing operations in East Africa, AQIM is expanding through North-Western Africa further south into Mali etc, Yemen is burning, Syria is exploding, so whether Boko Haram is going to die that kind of a natural death remains to be seen.

But, having had the opportunity to work with him politically in the past, I want to believe the General is man of his word. If he does not put Boko Haram out of business within the first 90 days of his being in office, Nigerians would be able to say to him very openly and frankly, “General, you lied to us”, because he repeatedly assured us he would make Boko Haram stop immediately he becomes President.

I want to think, because he was chosen by Boko Haram as their public representative, he had already spoken with them and they had acceded, but, whichever which way, all we are saying, Mr. President-Elect, is 'Stop Boko Haram'.

These are the imperative things General Buhari must do for us within the first 100 days, to get us to welcome him and say that truly Jega’s Nigerians did not make a mistake; then we all will applaud him and say, “we chose a better leader by bringing in Buhari”. However, if Buhari does not do those key things, I do not know how today’s NIgerians and posterity will judge him.

Do you think the South-East and South-South miscalculated in the last election?

I think anybody who thinks that the voting patterns would influence the composition of government as to ethnic or religious biases, does not understand what modern nationhood is all about. General

Buhari or any leader at the national or state levels cannot but be seen to fully carry along every member of their relevant electorate’s demographics (be they women, youth, elderly, disadvantaged physically, religios, ethnic ) if they wish this nation well.

They cannot say, for example, I am going to restrict governance to members of my party. General Buhari cannot for example say, I wont have Igbo in my cabinet, he cannot say, I will punish the South-East and the South-South for not voting for me or against me. If he does that, he would have fully played into the hands of his detractors. If he does that he would have laid the foundation for the crumbling of Nigerian unity, peace and progress within less than six months of his coming to power.

Whether we like it or not, there are indigenous people and settlers in every part of Nigeria but we must not encourage this indigene and non-indigene dichotomy to keep on negatively building up in this country.

Silly partisan thoughtlessness

Many of us, who were supportive of the National Conference and its recommendations, have been calling for the implementation of the recommendations of the Conference

We are looking for how we can unite Nigeria, not further divide it over silly partisan thoughtlessness and insensitivities. Every incoming government has to look at the demographics of its state or the nation snd include every member-group in its workings as much as is feasible. For example, I am not happy that Lagos had only Ben Akabueze as Commissioner.

There is no Ijaw man or woman.

Do you know what the Ijaw vote does in Lagos? All these must be taken into consideration in tomorrow’s Nigeria, this New Nigeria that we are beginning to see being birthed before our eyes.

SENATE PRESIDENCY: Leadership progression, ranking and national Interest

By Femi Ayelabowo

T

HE first test of political complexity in the All Progressives Party (APC) will be in the choice of the presiding officers of the National Assembly. The stake is very high and the permutations as to who gets what are currently dominating talks and the scheming for the sharing of juicy national offices. The political alignments within the party are likely to be more pronounced in the days ahead.

However, as we deepen democracy, strengthen the

electoral process and gradually jettison the issue of zoning in our political arrangements for merit and national interest, it is expected that the same will apply in selecting leadership positions in the National Assembly.

The House of Representatives altered the PDP arrangement for the zoning of speakership to the th Southwest in the 7 session and went for what it considered national interest.

The Lawmakers voted for Aminu Tambuwal from the Northwest instead of Adeola Akande from the Southwest, fronted by the PDP. It is

expected that the choice of the legislators in determining their presiding officers, aside the dictates of the party or the Executive, will be entrenched and sustained.

Political pundits Already, political pundits who are familiar with the slippery politics in the National Assembly have warned the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, not to interfere with the leadership choice of the two chambers

when the 8th session begins.

It is a delicate scenario that must be carefully managed.

Again, national interest and the stability of the Federal Legislature should be prevailing factors and bases for strengthening our democratic practice. A natural leadership succession plan is always the best option to strengthen the parliament.

There is no reason why the president-elect or any political group within the APC should try to influence the choice of the presiding officers of the

Continues on page 53

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015—53

Vanguard CLASSIFIED

How Jonathan, govs destroyed our party — Fadahunsi Chief Francis Fadahunsi, a retired Assistant Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the Osun-East Senatorial District election. He lost to the incumbent, Senator Babajide Omoworare. In this interview Fadahunsi dissects the problems that led to the party’s loss citing nepotism, naivety among others for the rout of the ruling party. Excerpts: Gbenga Olarinoye

W

HAT do you think is responsible for the dismal performance of the PDP in the just concluded general elections?

To the best of my knowledge as an insider, I believe leadership struggle and internal crisis were the major causes of the defeat of PDP in the 2015 general elections.

Some of our leaders were not committed to the cause of the party and its development.

Struggle for power and resources were the major concern of the leaders within the party, also, our leaders indulged in self aggrandizements at the expense of the interest of the masses.

There was also lack of commitment to the cause of the party and its development and attempts by the PDP governors to impose their successors at the detriment of other candidates also seriously affected the party.

Again at a point, President Goodluck Jonathan saw himself as the president of Ijaws rather than that of Nigeria.

The owner of the house said there is no room in the house for people and you are rushing there. Look at those people who had gone there for a long time, where are they today? Look at the likes of Peter Babalola and Olagunsoye Oyinlola among

Again at a point, President Goodluck Jonathan saw himself as the president of Ijaws rather than that of Nigeria. He cornered all available positions for his kinsmen

Hause-Fulani extraction including ElRufai who can insult anybody. Yar’adua is also Fulani and when he got to office newly, he brought everybody on board but by the time he settled down, he became a Fulani.

By June this year, this Fulani man from Daura, Buhari assume office, I can bet you he will now turn to real Fulani man. When Jonathan got to office, he had no slippers. He was the Daniel of the whole world. We voted him. When he settled down, he became an Ijaw man.

The only Yoruba persons that were close to Obasanjo as •Fadahunsi: There are many rooms in APC president was the Director of SSS, one others who decamped, where are Aare from Abeokuta and one Mr. they now? Perhaps with the help Taiwo who resumed as his private of Obasanjo, they may get Chief of Staff in the house, the something substantial. remaining aides were mainly Igbo You have to stay and nurture your and Fulanis including Dangote, Elown party. It doesn’t take time. So, Rufai, Kemachukwe, Okonjo some of us will stay here.

Iweala.

Do you foresee another political But Jonathan spoilt whole system party emerging from the by cornering all available key ruminant of PDP? positions for his kinsmen and drove You will agree with me that half others from other tribes away from of those in the APC are PDP his government, that was the defectors. It is not easy to repair a beginning of the problem for the house; it is either you demolish the outgoing administration. whole house and build a new one Had he known, he would not or you repair what you have. I am have allowed them to use the very sure that all those people that money they garnered under his ran away will come back. government against him and his But do you foresee any bright government. Now, those people future for Nigeria under Buhari? that left the PDP are those winning Buhari will begin to step on toes the election on the platform of APC. of Nigerians shortly when he is So, when Buhari gets there also, sworn in.

The political whether you like it or not, he will environment from where Buhari do it and he will offend a lot of us, emanates will play a major factor he will offend his sponsors. when he gets to office. Buhari is

Position for his kinsmen

Leadership progression, ranking and national Interest

He cornered all available positions for his kinsmen. During the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Musa Yar’Adua, positions were spread across the country, but in Jonathan’s era, all were meant for his kinsmen. He was told about the lopsidedness, but believed he could manage it, but see where he has landed the party.

What is the next thing now?

I will continue to play politics and remain in PDP. I think there are two parties in Nigeria, PDP and APC, so if somebody says there is no room in his party, I think the best option is for me to stay in my party and contribute my own to repair it. After all, their party was once dilapidated, they stayed there, repaired it and they won. It is just a matter of time.

Some have argued that those defecting to APC may spoil it.

Do you agree?

There are many rooms in APC.

Continues from page 52 National Assembly (NASS).

What is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander. The choice of David Mark as the Senate President (PDP) and that of George Akume as Minority th Leader of the APC in the 7 session, further lend credence to merit and national interest. Both leaders hail from Benue State in the North-Central and have performed creditably to bring stability to the Senate.

In advanced democracies, there is usually stability in leadership of the Congress, which is achieved through natural progression into positions reserved for wise men who command great honour among fellow lawmakers, respected by the executive and trusted by the people. For instance in the US Congress, leadership stability has been institutionalised. In Nigeria, it is high time we did away with

the royal and decorative attachments to the leadership of the National Assembly. It must be about national responsibility and sound constitutional obligation.

As a nation, we must graduate to that point in the National Assembly such that the emergence of the executive structure does not alter or affect its leadership stability.

The Legislature is the hallmark and symbol of democracy and must be allowed to grow.

There is usually a written or unwritten understanding of right of first refusal in advanced democracies for this seamless progression. In Nigeria, it is the ranking rule.

The National Assembly must therefore lead the way for State Houses of Assembly to fortify our democracy.

There is a high risk for the APC in throwing open the contest for the leadership positions in the Senate.

Lest we forget, at the heat of the defection of Aminu Tambuwal to the

APC, the party made it abundantly clear that presiding officers of NASS can come from any party as long as it is supported by the members.

The implication of this is that a united PDP can still produce the Senate President with 45 Senators supporting a single candidate, if the 64 APC Senators divide their votes along two or more contending members for the seat. Bukola Saraki is said to have shown a strong interest in the position.

The APC must bear in mind that the leadership contest in NASS is capable of causing a deep crack in the party if not well managed. The PDP never recovered from the Tambuwal-Akande saga after the intervention of the executive led by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The politics of NASS is a delicate one for any ruling party. Nigeria is in dire need of a Senate that will guide it to good governance.

•Mr Ayelabowo, a political scientist, sent this piece from Ibadan via Femilabowo@gmail.com

O D I AT U — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Odiatu Nneamaka Jennifer, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uzoka Nneamaka Jennifer. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EZENWOYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezenwoye Chinaemerem Ekpereamaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Umealaefusi Emmanuela C h i n a e m e r e m Ekpereamaka. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public please take note.

OYALOWO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyalowo Elizabeth Damilola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ijalana Elizabeth Damilola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O K A F O R — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Doris Ukamaka Okafor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Doris Ukamaka Ifeduba. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHIMARA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss C a t h e r i n e O g e c h u k w u Chimara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. C a t h e r i n e O g e c h u k w u Okechukwu.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

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54—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

Delta community blames Madangho attack on contract award

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ELECTED: Onyemaechi Joan Mrakpor, member, Delta State House of Assembly, and member-elect, House of Representatives, for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency (right) and Dr. Ishmael Igbani, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, National Commissioner, South South, during the presentation of Certificate of Return to Mrakpor, in Asaba. With them is Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner (middle).

HE people of Kpokpo community in Ugborodo, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, have blamed the manner of award of the EPZ site clearing contract in Kpokpo by Chairman of Ugborodo Interface Committee, Mr. Austin Oborogbeyi as cause of the Monday night attack of Madangho.

In a statement by the Olare-Aja of Kpokpo, Pa. George Kolo Fregene, on behalf of indigenes of Kpokpo, they warned that the continuous neglect of Kpokpo by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC; Federal and Delta State governments as well as the Ugborodo Interface Committee in the industrial gas city project was capable

Jonathan urged to sign Disability Bill before May 29

By Maximilian Anosike

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ENTRE for Citizens living with Disability, CCD, has tasked President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that the Disability Bill was signed into

DDA calls for cooperation with Okowa

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ELTA Democratic Alliance, DDA, has called on everyone to cooperate with Delta State's Governor-elect, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, saying his victory was incontrovertible.

The Director General, DDA, Sunday Onyewonsa, said this in a statement in Asaba, against the backdrop of allegations of electoral irregularities in the just-concluded April 11 elections.

He described the allegations as ridiculous and self-serving, adding that some candidates that contested against Okowa had reached their “political menopause which accounted for their dwindling electoral fortunes.”

Ndokwa-born Onyewonsa, who led DDA in a door-to-door campaign for Okowa, said: “Among other local governments, for the first time since 2003 Ugheli South voted massively for Okowa as against their history of voting against PDP. “The new government needs the contribution of all stakeholders in the state, including those that lost out in the election, to succeed.”

law before he vacates office on May 29.

The centre, which promotes independent living, human rights and inclusion of people living with disability into the socio-economic development of the country, said it was worried over the low turnout of the persons with disability at the last general elections.

It, however, attributed the low turn out to the inability of its members to register and collect their permanent voter’s card, PVC. According to the Executive Director of the group, Mr.

David Anayele, “ we are worried over the low turnout of persons with disability at the last general elections, which may not be

unconnected to their inability to register during voter ’s registration and collection of their voter’s cards.”

of causing ethnic crisis and stopping the realization of the Gas City Project.

They also faulted “the subsequent misconception being created that Kpokpo is part of Gbaramatu for the economic and political convenience of some Ugborodo leaders in collaboration with the some Ijaw leader.”

However, Mr. Oboroegbeyi said neither himself nor his committee awards contracts, explaining that award of contracts was done by NNPC. Oborogbeyi said: “Kpokpo is not a community in Ugborodo, but a settlement in the Madangho community area and, therefore, part and parcel of Ugborodo community. With due respect, there is no Olare-Aja in Kpokpo as the Olare-Aja, who oversees Kpokpo on behalf of Ugborodo community is the one in Madangho.”

While accusing a former Chairman of Ugborodo Community Trust (names withheld) of ceding Kpokpo land to Gbaramatu for economic reasons, they noted that “Kpokpo is in Ugborodo, Warri South-West Local Government Area in Delta State and not related to Ijaw people of Gbaramatu.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015—55

Protests target S-African business outfits instruct the Attorney- Nigeria, yesterday, charged Continues from Page 5 Federal Government to commence the immediate evacuation of Nigerians from the crisis-ridden country in order to forestall further havoc.

“How can someone come out to say that we are taking their jobs from them? What about the money they are making from us? Nigeria spent over N60 billion fighting apartheid for them.

Why should we extend love to them and they give us hatred. It is totally inhuman, distasteful, disgusting.

“We are sending this message to our Nigerian government to go ahead and repatriate all Nigerians in South Africa because we cannot keep losing our brethren.”

SERAP urges FG to drag SA to African Commission Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project Project, SERAP, on its part urged the Federal Government to drag the South African government to African Commission over attacks on Nigerians living in the country.

The group in a statement signed by its executive director, Mr. Tokunbo Mumuni, asked President Goodluck Jonathan to take legal action against the South African government before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to seek effective remedies, including adequate compensation for Nigerian victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Mumuni in his statement said: “Several Nigerians have been attacked and have lost more than 21 million Rand in the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

“This is unacceptable as it clearly violates the obligations of South Africa under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. These serious human rights abuses call for strong and decisive action from our government.”

SERAP argued that South Africa and Nigeria have ratified the African Charter, which made it possible for President Jonathan to support the victims by demanding adequate compensation for the victims.

The group urged the President to immediately

General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Adoke, to file an inter-state communication before the African Commission on Human and Peoples.

“There is no better time for President Jonathan to do this as the African Commission is meeting this week in Banjul, The Gambia, for its 56th Ordinary Session. Articles 48 and 49 read together with Article 47 provide the legal basis for Nigeria to submit communication against South Africa for violations of the right to life and non-discrimination provisions of the Charter.

Countries like Uganda have taken full advantage of this procedure in the past and there is absolutely no reason why Nigeria can’t do the same.

“By taking the proposed legal action against South Africa, the Jonathan government will be giving Nigerians in South Africa the best parting gift ever while also sending a powerful message to the authorities there that Nigeria will no longer accept the inadequate response by South Africa to blatant attacks against our citizens.”

It stated that South African authorities have persistently failed to strongly speak out against xenophobic attacks, and to hold perpetrators accountable, which it said, continued to impact negatively on Nigerian community in South Africa.

It stated: “Such a failure to act also sends a message of impunity to those who commit such crimes. An expectation of impunity can contribute to an escalation of such attacks. And this is exactly why our government must act decisively to stop this trend.

“South African authorities have the primary responsibility to protect individuals, including Nigerians resident in that country, from all types of violence and the duty to implement their international legal obligations to combat xenophobic and other forms of bias-motivated violence.

“The authorities need to be told in clear and unmistaken terms that tolerance and nondiscrimination are important elements in the promotion of human rights and democratic values.”

MTN urges SA govt to provide strong measures against spread Meanwhile,

MTN

the South African government to provide strong measures against the spread of the current xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other nationals in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.

The company, at a press conference said it was as concerned as other Nigerians over what is happening in South Africa at the moment and condemns the attacks in very strong terms.

Corporate Service Executive of the company, Mr Akinwale Goodluck, however, condemned calls and suggestions on social media for Nigerians to boycott or attack South African businesses in Nigeria, saying that reprisal attacks could not be a better alternative since the South African attacks was not state sponsored, but from a small group of South Africans that are aggrieved about some issues in their country.

Goodluck reminded that MTN Nigeria is a Nigerian company with 99 per cent of work forces made up of Nigerians, though the company has South African roots.

He also hinted that the MTN Group would announce financial assistance for victims of the attacks and displaced foreign nationals, who are now gathered at the Transit Park in South Africa for safety purposes.

He said the assistance would cover temporary accommodation, foods, beddings and blankets, medicals among others.

“There should be no cause for revenge in Nigeria. We are confident that the South African government will deal with the matter, which they have been able to bring under control in the last few days”, he stated.

Goodluck confirmed that there were peace protests to their offices in Abuja and Benin, yesterday, on the issue, which he said they have been able to manage effectively.

He appealed to Nigerians to shun any act of violence, promising that MTN and indeed all South African affiliated businesses in the country are working to ensure that the problem is put under control.

He warned that any violent attack on the telecommunications firm would have spiral effects on other sectors of the economy, which depends on ICT and telecommunications facilities to thrive.

NOC mourns Chukwumerijie P

RESIDENT of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, Engr Habu Gumel expressed shock and sadness yesterday when the news of the demise of former Information Minister and Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerije was relayed to him.

When he overcame the initial shock, Gumel said that sports has lost an icon, a disciplinarian and a man whose passion for Taekwondo fetched Nigeria a bronze medal in the 2008 Olympic Games through one of his sons, Chika Chukwumerije.

“He was an all-rounder.

He was meticulous in everything he did and excelled in them. He was brilliant and was a consummate and passionate lover of Taekwondo which was embraced by all his children’’.

The NOC President recalled countless times that the late

Chukwumerije sponsored the Nigeria Taekwondoists from his personal funds to ensure that Nigerian flag flutters at international competitions. ‘’He was

Tight security for Okpekpe Road Race

T

HE organizers of the Okpekpe Road Race have finalized plans to put in place top-notch security when the events hold on May 16 in Okpekpe, Edo State.

Technical Director of the race, Yusuf Alli yesterday said that the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba has been contacted, while Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Security Consultant , ASP Gideon Akinsola (rtd) will also be on ground to ensure the race is hitch-free.

“For a race of that magnitude, which is of

Keshi

Continues from BP

and drop in the FIFA rankings.

Keshi actually missed the first chance to grab the Eagles renewal deal after bungling Nigeria’s AFCON qualification hopes last year but was later foisted on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) by outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan.

NFF had planned to go for a foreign coach when it was clear that Keshi had bungled the Nations Cup plans but had to succumb to higher powers, which came at a higher cost as the Eagles failed to qualify to defend the title they won in South Africa 2013.

NFF hands seemed tied with the Presidential directive but events of the last Presidential elections, which saw the incumbent lose to his APC rival, General Mohammadu Buhari (retd) last month, subsequently turned the table against Keshi, as the NFF regained its voice and demanded for a public apology from the former Togo and Mali tactician.

Desirous to coach the team again, Keshi

present at events and cheered Nigerians and showered money and gifts to them. We have lost a passionate lover of sports’’, Gumel said,

quickly did the needful, begging the NFF to give him the job, amidst profuse apologies. And moved by the coach’s repentant tone, the NFF agreed to sign the coach and reportedly fixed Friday last week as the official signing day. But events beyond the control of both parties contrived to abort that day, which led many to wonder if the NFF was not playing the fast one with the former Eagles captain.

In an attempt to allay Keshi’s fears, the NFF said the contract signing Keshi is expected to hold today in Abuja.

The first vice-President of the NFF, Seyi Akinwunmi will represent Amaju Pinnick, who is unavoidably absent, while Keshi and his manager, Emma Addo will be present at the occasion.

Nigerian fans hope that our football can take its proper direction as the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualification series start soon and Nigerian football cannot afford to go into the campaign without a master plan, which only a coach can draw up.

international standard, everything has to be put right and that includes security. We have contacted the IG to ensure policemen are on hand to provide security for the runners and spectator before, during and after the race,” Alli added.

He also assured that there would be few vehicles on the race track with motorcyclists banned from joining the race. He also said that the Governor Oshiomohle convoy would be made up of two cars to ensure that the runners get the space to exhibit their talents.

Alli also stated that a doping area would be set up in accordance with international practice, where athletes blood samples would be collected for test. He also noted that a VIP area would be set up, where dignitaries can have refreshment before and after the race.

Rangers Continues from BP to lose the game. We hit the wood work three times, created more than half a dozen chances but could not get one into the opponents’ net,” he lamented.

“This is pure hard luck.

We shall continue to work on the team till we start getting the needed results.”

Giwa coach Tony Bolus said the shock win in Enugu will be the start of a 10-match unbeaten run for his team.

“We came with a game plan and it worked for us. We deserved our three points and this is the start of a 10-match unbeaten run we set for ourselves,” he declared.

“Rangers played well but my boys curtailed them and we scored one of the most beautiful goals I have seen thus far in the league.”

56 — VANGUARD, TUESDAY, APRIL 21 , 2015

Migrants: Another shipwreck in Greece ...as death toll hits 1000 in 3 days •EU meets

T

HE European Union proposed doubling the size of its Mediterranean search and rescue operations yesterday as the first bodies were brought ashore of some 900 people feared killed in the deadliest shipwreck while trying to reach Europe.

Three other rescue operations were underway yesterday to save hundreds more migrants in peril on overloaded vessels making the journey from the north coast of Africa to Europe.

“The situation in the Mediterranean is dramatic.

It cannot continue like this,” said European Council President Donald Tusk, calling an extraordinary summit of EU leaders for Thursday to plan how to stop human traffickers and boost rescue efforts.

Malta’s Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said as many as 900 people may have died in Sunday’s disaster off the coast of Libya when a large boat

A migrant, trying to reach Greece, is rescued by a man at the coast of the southeastern island of Rhodes yesterday.

There has been a dramatic surge of migrants fleeing North Africa and the Middle East by boat in an attempt to reach Italy. The vessels are often left drifting in a journey that’s become dangerous and deadly. Clarissa Ward reports from an Italian Coast Guard ship that recently rescued 301 migrants. capsized. That is the highest death toll in modern times among migrants, who are trafficked in the tens of thousands in rickety vessels across the Mediterranean.

EU ministers held a moment of silence at a meeting to discuss the crisis in Luxembourg. The bloc’s executive, the

European Commission, presented a 10 point plan to address the crisis, which would include doubling the size and the funding of “Triton”, an EU naval operation in the Mediterranean.

Slavery:

Italy and Malta were working to rescue another two migrant boats with

around 400 people off the coast of Libya yesterday .

Hundreds of kilometers (miles) to the east, coast guards were struggling to save scores of migrants from another vessel destroyed after running aground off the Greek island of Rhodes.

Greek coast guards said at least three people were

killed there. Television pictures showed survivors clinging to floating debris while rescuers pulled them from the waves.

Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi compared the smuggling of migrants across the Mediterranean to the African slave trade of centuries ago. “When we say we are in the presence of slavery we are not using the word just for effect,” he said.

European officials are struggling to come up with a policy to respond more humanely to an exodus of migrants traveling by sea from Africa and Asia to Europe, without worsening the crisis by encouraging more to leave.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Angela Merkel said that alongside efforts to fight trafficking, more should be done to save those at sea.

Europe’s response: ‘A total absence’ of policy As anti-immigrant parties thrive across the continent, European nations are collectively struggling to cope with the migration crisis on their doorstep.

“We can’t act as if each tragedy is the last while crossing our fingers that another one doesn’t happen,” Gozi told Le Monde, lamenting “a total absence” of European Union policy on how to deal with refugees arriving in Europe.

The European Commission, the executive branch of the EU, said Sunday it was consulting member states, European agencies and international organizations to prepare what it called a European Migration Strategy to be adopted in mid-May.

Zulu king denies inciting S/African anti-immigrant attacks

Z

ULU king Goodwill Zwelithini yesterday denied whipping up xenophobic hatred in South Africa after he was accused of triggering violence that has left at least seven people dead and forced thousands from their homes.

Zwelithini had made an angry speech last month blaming immigrants for rising crime and saying they must leave the country, in an outburst seen as inciting the spate of attacks on Zimbabweans, Somalians, Malawians and other foreigners.

Addressing a tribal gathering of several thousand Zulus in the port city of Durban the king insisted he had been misrepresented.

“My speech was directed at the police, calling for stricter law

Foreign nationals carry their belongings before boarding a bus back to Zimbabwe from a temporary refugee camp in Chatsworth, south of Durban, South Africa, on April 19, 2015 amid a wave of violence against immigrants

Foreign men from Malawi are assisted by an immigration official before boarding a bus home from a camp for those affected by anti-immigrant violence in Chatsworth, north of Durban April 18, 2015 enforcement, but that was never reported,” he said.

“The public was instead given another side of my speech, which

has been twisted and misrepresented.

“This violence directed at our brothers and sisters is shameful.”

South African

authorities have struggled to contain mobs in the economic capital Johannesburg and Durban who have been hunting down foreigners.

At least seven people have been killed and 307 suspects arrested in the worst ethnic violence since 2008, when 62 people died, mainly in Johannesburg’s townships.

Numbering 12 million people, the Zulus are the largest ethnic group in South Africa and Zwelithini, their traditional leader, retains great influence over his subjects.

Wearing a suit and tie

rather than his royal animal-skin dress, he told the audience that he had never called on his people to attack foreigners.

“Had I said that, this country would be in ashes,” he said to loud cheers.

Many in the stadium, which was built for the 2010 football World Cup, booed when foreign dignitaries were introduced and during multi-faith prayers.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015—57

THIS WEEK April 24-30, 2015

World Immunisation Week, signals a renewed global, regional, and national effort to accelerate action to increase awareness, demand immunisation and improve vaccination delivery services.

April 21-24, 2015

International Forum on Quality & Safety in Healthcare. An annual gathering of professionals in quality improvement & patient safety to learn and share knowledge and recognise accomplishments in improving quality and safety for patients and communities.

April 25, 2015

World Malaria Day 2015 A day to keep up the fight against malaria killer disease through communication and advocacy.

Science World

China considers ban on infant formula ads

C

HINA is considering a ban on advertisements for infant milk formula in a bid to tackle low levels of breast feeding, according to agency reports.

Infant formula is a potential headache for firms targeting the country's near $18 billion market.

The draft would ban adverts in mass media or public places for dairy products, drinks and other foods that "claim to partly or completely substitute mother's milk", it was gathered.

Less than a third of babies are exclusively breastfed in China and the number is falling despite global health bodies recommending the practice for babies under six months.

At the same time, China's infant formula market is set to grow to more than $30 billion by 2017, according to Continues on Page 59

•Board Chairman, LUTH Management Board, Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, receiving a plaque from the Chief of Endoscopy and Associate Professor at the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA, Dr. Patrick Okolo, during the inauguration of the WGO Lagos Training Centre, at LUTH, weekend.

We can prevent Nigerians from dying before their time — Dr. Patrick Okolo, Chief of Endoscopy, JHU

By Sola Ogundipe

E

VEN as the Nigerian and South African governments are contending with a diplomatic row arising from the series of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans residing in South Africa, the two countries are strongly collaborating on the medical front, specifically in the area of gastrointestinal medicine.

Last week, a large delegation of gastroenterologists from South Africa was in Lagos to commemorate the flag off of the 1st training centre for gastroenterology in Nigeria and subSaharan Africa.

The team comprising the Gastroenterology Foundation of South Africa, braved the no-travel restriction to Nigeria to join other facilitators and gastroenterology specialists from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia as well Nigeria, to witness the historic opening and official inauguration of the World Gastroenterology Organisation, WGO, Lagos Training Centre - an

ODE IRELE:

Physiotherapists caution against alarmist reports Page 59

International Collaborative Centre for Digestive Diseases and Endoscopy, gatrointestinal disorders, such as cancers of the colon, duodenum, large intestines, liver cancer, and hepatitis among others.

Facilitated by the WGO under a tripartite agreement with the Society For Gastroenterology & Hepatology in Nigeria, SOGHIN, and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, the WGO Lagos training centre, which is located at the LUTH premises, as the world’s 17th International Collaborative Centre for Digestive Diseases and Endoscopy, has just one goal - train doctors to become specialists in gastrointestinal medicine.

N60m grant The WGO facilitated a equipment grant of over N60 million for take-off of the project with SOGHIN and LUTH for training and equipment that will assist in bringing up skilled doctors in gastrointestinal procedures.

One of the reasons for setting up the WGO Lagos training centre, was to address the huge burden of gastrointestinal illnesses as well as the dearth of manpower in

Nigerians are not living to their potential and are dying before their time as a result of the high burden of gatrointestinal disorders

Nigeria and within the sub-Saharan African region.

Putting this into perspective, guest speaker at the event and Nigerian medical expert in the Diaspora, Prof.

Patrick Okolo, remarked that Nigerians are not living to their potential and are dying before their time as a result of the high burden of gatrointestinal disorders.

Okolo, a highly regarded international speaker and scientific reviewer and teacher, is the Chief of Endoscopy and Associate Professor at the Johns Hopkins University, Baltomore, USA.

Burden of diseases In his lecture entitled “G.I. Endoscopy: Evolution and Current Role in Clinical Care”, the highly regarded medical expert said he decided to return to the country after almost three decades abroad in order to help save the lives of Nigerians.

“One of the reasons I decided to come back was to help put in place those basic things that will help alleviate the burden of diseases among Nigerians. One of the reasons I decided to come back here is because of what we call the number of potential lives lost among Nigerians is high, that is, people are not living their entire lifespan because of gastrointestinal illness.

We are not detecting illness of the

Continues on Page 58

58—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

• Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu commissioning the WGO Lagos Training Centre. On her immediate right is Coordinator of the Centre, Dr. Funmi Lesi, while immediately behing her is Chairman, Gastroenterology Foundation Foundation of South Africa, Dr. Chris Kassinaides. Inset (right) is one of the three endoscopy towers provided by Karl Stortz.

We can prevent Nigerians from dying before their time Continues from Page 57 digestive tract, we need to detect and treat them early even though these are the things that require a lot of equipment, etc.

“It is a much easier way to take care of people, and it costs less. It is very relevant to Nigeria and we can begin to build this capacity in Nigeria by training doctors to do many of the things I talked about.”

Charge to new administration: In a charge to the incoming administration of President-elect Mohammadu Buhari, Okolo noted that the first thing is to understand that the life of every Nigerian matters.

“We must realise that the nation can afford to invest in every Nigerian life by investing and prioritising our resources in the direction of prioritising Nigerian lives. We ought to allow public and private partnerships to help lift communities up so that we can build these areas of excellence.

“I travel the world and other people in other places are able to do this, and are able to do it with resources that are not necessarily more than our own resources. So we should be able to replicate the same in Nigeria by garnering our resources and having people work together.

“I teach in many countries and have travelled to a little over three dozen countries and we can do the same in Nigeria. So the charge to the new government is to foster the political will to coalesce all our resources together so that we can look after our citizens and preserve their lives.

Building quality and building systems: “The most important thing about building quality in developing countries is not the equipment but rather to build the systems first. When you build the systems, then the equipment allow things to happen.

“We must restore the system.

Before I left Nigeria 25 years ago, the system was a lot stronger than it is now. So we need to bring it back to at least what used to be.

When my father came back from England in the 1970s, it was a much stronger system than it is now, so we need to first restore order, the valuation of Nigerian life so that we know that life should not be wasted, so that people should not be dying 10, 20, 30 years before they are supposed to.”

How Nigeria should move on Okolo, who remarked that when a journey begins, the destination is also the journey, said such realisation is more important than the equipment.

“It is after you foster this as a milleiu that the equipment will then act as a vehicle to allow us so this. We can do it. I've seen it done in others smaller countries so there is no reason why Nigeria as a country of over 100 million population cannot do it.”

I'm not here to stay permanently because I have a global presence.

It is helpful to people in Nigeria and other parts of the world. By maintaining a global presence I would be in a better position to bring resources to Nigeria and to other people to help to bring these resources to Nigeria.”

Okolo who will act as Consultant to the new facility, will continue to travel to other parts of the world but, will remain focused on Nigeria.

“I will cut down on journeys to other parts of the world and focus on Nigeria. Many people are qualified to be trained in Nigeria, I just came back from India last week. India has 2,500 gasentrologists for the population of about a billion; in Nigeria we

can build this capacity quickly by taking graduates from our medical schools and train them.

In the next six to 10 years, we can effectively build the base of this pyramid.

“Basically we have many people who are qualified that just need to be trained properly on how to do it appropriate by not cutting corners. This will help them to do what is right because Nigeria deserves good medicine and we hold it to the present and next generations of Nigerians.

“I happen to work with Nigerians in Diaspora especially in American hospitals and with their exceptional performance they are well qualified and they can compete globally so there is no reason why we cannot either.”

Typical Nigerian story: A typical story in Nigeria is that when somebody is bleeding from what people think is piles but the person has duodenal cancer, so this is important to enlighten

We must restore the system. Before I left Nigeria 25 years ago, the system was a lot stronger than it is now. So we need to bring it back to at least what used to be

people because if people pull out of disease they will live longer and be stronger. We can’t continue to waste our citizens, there won’t be a strong economy that way.”

Earlier, Director of the new Centre, Dr. Olufunmilayo Lesi, said the WGO as an international federation of over 100 gastrointestinal societies worldwide, has established 16 endoscopy-training centres globally.

“It is with great pride that our Lagos centre is being inaugurated as the 17th WGO training centre worldwide and the first for Nigeria and West Africa in general.

“In line with the core objective of the WGO, the vision of the Lagos Endoscopy Training Centre is to deepen and enhance the skill of digestive endoscopy in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

Health tourism This will ensure sustainable manpower development, enhance the quality of digestive health care service rendered in Nigeria and diminish the need for health tourism for endoscopic services.”

Lesi noted that there is a large need for financing and structure in the industry. “To date, we have three endoscopy towers worth N60 million on loan to the centre

by Karl Storkz of Germany.”

In a welcome address, President, WGO, Emeritus Professor of Surgery, Prof Jim Toouli, said training centres are at the core of WGO in the quest to improve the standard of health care in gastroenterology through education.

“By the end of 2015, WGO will be associated with 23 training

centres throughout the world and we would have participated in the training of over 3,000 doctors.

Much of this work is done by our directors and their staff.”

Tooli who spoke on teleconference from Australia, observed that in addition to support of the local hospital authorities, health departments, universities and government instrumentalities are crucial.

In his own contribution, President, SOGHIN, Prof. Musa Borodo, envisaged that through the collaboration of all parties concerned, the Centre, through the regular training opportunities, would play a pivital role in enhancing the practice of gastroenterology in Nigeria and the rest of the West African sub-region through uplifting the diagnostic and therapeutic expertise of gastroenterologists in addressing the barrage of gastrointestinal problemsin this environment that haunt the practitioner in this challenging speciality.

The Acting Chief Medical Director, LUTH, Prof. Chris Bode, said the new centre will attract trainers and trainees from within and outside Nigeria to create and establish a vibrant endoscopy centre of reputewhere many can learn the art of this advanced diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.

Therapeutic modalities Bode, who assured of the LUTH management’s resolve to ensure success said LUTH will deepen the context of the Nigerian Dream of establishing and monitoring international best practices in training, service delivery and research.

Also, in a comment, President, AfricaMiddle East Association of Gastroenterology, AMAGE, Prof Olusegu Ojo, said the inauguration of the WGO Lagos training centre, was taking place alongside two others in Africa, signifies a most welcome renewed interest of WGO in assisting the development of gastroenterology in the West African sub region.

Speaking, the Chairman, LUTH Management Board, Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu described the occasion as a landmark achievement that is the culmination of the determined efforts of all stakeholders who have worked hard to make it a reality.

“It is a reaffirmation of the pride of place this hospital has always maintained. She recalled that the first gastroenterological endoscopic procedures in West Africa were performed by the surgical gastroenterologists of LUTH led by Prof Akin Adesola.

“This gesture of collaboration will ensure a conducive environment for the training of international and local surgeons, thus deepening our capacity building in gastroenterological endoscopy,” she affirmed.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015—59

Ode Irele: Physiotherapists caution against alarmist reports

By Sola Ogundipe

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ORRIED by series of conflicting reports emanating from Ode-Irele in Ondo State over the outbreak of a strange disease, the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, NSP, has called for caution against false alerts and alarm with regards to the outbreak.

In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Dr. Olumide Dada, a health professional of the Department of Physiotherapy, University Health Service, University of Ibadan, Oyo State,the NSP remarked: “We join our voices with that of the State government, represented by the Health Commissioner, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, who stated that “findings from post-mortem carried out on the victims and other laboratory tests had revealed that the disease was neither epidemic nor contagious.

Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) said pesticide poisoning was the likely cause of the mysterious deaths.

“We therefore state that people should not raise false alert and alarm with regards to this outbreak. Fear, they say, has its torment, let us therefore desist from heightening the crisis with the spreading of false rumours.

“We consider as an encouraging news, the observation that the

China considers ban on infant formula ads Continues from Page 57

•Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju flanked by officials of the State Ministry of Health, briefing the press on the latest outbreak of strange disease in the state. disease is in no way contagious.

The fact that no caregiver has contracted the disease is a newsworthy report, which we hope will remain so until the outbreak is contained.

Nevertheless we call for caution as further tests are being carried out,” he noted.

He said personal hygiene starting with regular handwashing should become a regular practice with concerted efforts from

everyone. “We also advise on the safe use of pesticides and discourage the use of unregulated herbal products.”

Preliminary reports from the Commissioner, showed that ethanol poison was found in the systems of all the victims. Our attention is particularly drawn to the report of the State government's investigations which revealed that the victims, who were all Okada riders,

gathered at some local joints to consume alcoholic substance mixed with roots and some other local herbs on the eve of the outbreak of the disease.

Dada noted that the NSP has always discouraged use of locally prepared concoctions, which is a common practice among transport operators for the 'cure' of low back pain - a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorders.

consultancy Euromonitor, making the country a magnet for dairy firms such as Danone SA, Mead Johnson Nutrition Co and New Zealand dairy exporter Fonterra CoOperative Group Ltd. China has been cracking down on quality and corporate malpractice in the sector over the last couple of years, fining mostly global milk powder makers for price fixing in 2013 and probing firms for bribing doctors to promote sales.

The new proposal would mean advertisers, clients, agents and publishers that violated the rule could be fined up to 1 million yuan ($161,220).

It added the amendment to the county's Advertisement Law was currently being reviewed.

China's State Council, the country's cabinet, aims to raise the exclusive breast feeding rate to 50 percent by 2020.

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The products you bought are for stopping erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. The Stay HardDelay Cream is used for stopping premature ejaculation. You apply it on an erect penis three to five minutes before penetration. It will slightly numb the penis 8 Inch and stop you from ejaculating quickly. The Penile Extension is an artificial penis men wear to keep having sex after they have ejaculated. So you can wear it for prolonged sexual activity after you must have ejaculated or, if you cannot get an erection with which to have intercourse. Women like it a lot because it enables their men have sex for as long as they want. And the X Again supplement is for men who cannot get strong erections or for those who cannot even get an erection.

X Again is also used for penis enlargement and for stopping premature ejaculation. I hope this explanation has answered all your questions – Uche Do you have Encounter Orgasm Gel for women? I bought it from you last year and it remains my favourite Orgasm Gel. Also, can I get a good rabbit vibrator from you? Thanks – Ifeyinwa You can call the numbers here for both products. For the rabbit vibrators, ask for My First Jack RabbitVibrator or the Dual Rotation Rabbit. They are both very good – Uche Do you have movies on sex positions; I mean serious stuff and not the ones showing missionary position?

Solomon Yes we do. Call and ask for Kamasutra Sex Positions or Adam & Eve’s Legendary Sex Positions DVD – Uche The names of the people featured here have been changed for this privacy. Adults in need of the above novelties and treatments can call us on 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com.

We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

60 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

Bayern in win or crash against Porto F

C Bayern München welcome FC Porto to the Allianz Arena needing to overturn a two-goal deficit in order to book their place in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League tonight.

Nine of the 11 players that started thmessi, e first leg for Porto were rested for the weekend win over Academica Coimbra. Fullbacks Danilo and Alex Sandro are suspended, though, while Cristian Tello is once again a major doubt through injury.

Ricardo Pereira is expected to get the nod at rightback, with Bruno Martins Indi filling in on the opposite flank.

The performance of Thiago was one of few positives to be taken from the defeat at the Estadio do Dragao. The box-to-box midfielder appears to have put his injury troubles behind him and is once again thriving as the creative force in the Bayern engine room. How he negotiates a congested Porto midfield could be key to the tie.

With Rafinha and Juan Bernat the only natural wide players at Guardiola’s disposal, Bayern do look a shade susceptible down the flanks. Mercurial forward Ricardo Quaresma made the most of defensive errors last time out, but it’s the breakaway runs of Algerian international Yacine Brahimi (pictured) that the hosts will be particularly wary of.

Speaking yesterday, Bayern coach, Pep Guardiola said “we have to take more risks than we did in the first leg. It’s not easy to overturn a 3-1 deficit.

Porto have fresh legs, but it’s heads not legs that will be important.”

Also speaking, captain Philip Lahm saod “we know what we’re capable of, that’s why I’m convinced we’ll reach the semis.”

Porto’s Brahimi said “we couldn’t have dreamed of a better result than 3-1 [in the first leg], but we’ve still got an away game to play and it will be very, very difficult. We need to play the same way and play our own game. We’ll have to defend very well and be strong as a team.”

Silva suf fers Barça setback

P

SG captain Thiago Silva will not be available for the club’s crucial UEFA Champions League second-leg quarterfinal at Camp Nou. Originally named in the Paris Saint-Germain squad for the Champions League quarter-final second leg away to FC Barcelona , Brazilian defender Thiago Silva has withdrawn from the squad with injury.

•Quaresna

Iniesta raring to go

•Lewandowski

B

•Guardiola

ARCELONA have announced that midfielder Andres Iniesta has been passed fit for Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Paris SaintGermain at Camp Nou. “Andres Iniesta has received medical clearance,” read a statement released on the Catalan club’s website on Monday.

“The midfielder is now available for coach Luis Enrique, having recovered from severe contusion suffered during the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final.

•Lopetegu

Barca won’t settle for a draw — Enrique L

UIS Enrique would not send Barcelona out to draw with Paris Saint-Germain tonight but admitted he could change the system.

Barca lead 3-1 from the first leg and with three away goals are in a comfortable position, but Enrique insists the tie remains a dangerous one.

He stopped short, however, of saying he would settle for a draw to guarantee safe progression.

“The difficulty lies in the game overall.

They’re an opponent with a negative result who won’t hold anything back,” he said at a Press conference, AS

•Ibrahimovic reports.

“We’re going out to win the game. We want the ball and we have to be prepared for a game similar to the first leg.

We have to assess the game. “[The first leg] was a

•Suarez very good result but not definitive. We need another big game. Talking about a percentage chance of going through would be misleading and poor preparation.

“I don’t see us as favourites [to win the Cham-

pions League]. We’re one of the candidates, as are the others. Of the eight left, four will go through. There’s a lot of work left to do.

“I always want a positive result. The goal is to qualify but I under-

stand victory is always the best result. There will be times we suffer, as happened in Paris.

“The goal is to qualify and I don’t settle for results that aren’t victories.''

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 — 61

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62 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

Glo Premier League: Teams find their spur on the road T

HREE away wins, two draws, 18 goals in nine matches, averaging two goals per game wrapped a superb weekend in the Glo Premier League. The champions, Kano Pillars claimed the bragging rights in the big clash against rivals Enyimba.

Here is a round up of the nine matches as they went down across the country on Sunday.

Kano Pillars 1-0 It was a game in Enyimba which Bayelsa United Despite missing a laboured to break the number of their key resistance of a resolute players like Gambo FC Taraba side. But Muhammed, Reuben with 18 minutes left in O g b o n n a y a , E n e j i the game, Jafar Buhari Otekpa and Adamu headed home from Hassan, Kano Pillars c l o s e r a n g e t o g i v e edged Enyimba in the Bayelsa United their big clash of the match first win of the season. d a y. U b o n g M o s e s FC Taraba retur n to E k p a i s c o r e d t h e Jalingo after their first winner just before half loss , and have now time from outside the dropped from the top box. Enyimba finished of the table to fourth the game with 10 men place. when their captain Kwara Utd 1-3 C h i n e d u U d o j i w a s Heartland sent off for a second Heartland were bookable offence in rampant in the first the last 10 minutes. half hour of this match Pillars move into after Ahmed Jimoh sixth place with six g a v e K w a r a U n i t e d points while Enyimba the lead in the ninth drop to 10th position. minute. But Heartland Bayelsa Utd 1-0 FC clawed back into the Taraba game with goals from

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M o h a m m e d Mohammed, Jimoh Oni and Bright Ejike to finish the first half with a 3-1 lead. That proved just enough to end the game as the Owerri club are now top of the league with nine points from three matches played so far.

Lobi Stars 2-2 Sharks Lobi and Sharks produced a four-goal thriller in Makurdi.

Jaiyeola Yusuf scored the opening goal in the sixth minute before Uche Ihurualam equalised for Lobi Stars. Eche Idakwo gave Lobi the lead but substitute Bode Daniel will deny the home team a first league win of the season as he rifled home the equaliser for Sharks with two minutes to full time. d two places to 12th.

Akwa Utd 1-0 Gabros FC Akwa United finally

won their first league game of the season.

But they left it very late when Mgbem Chukwujike finished off a counter-attacking move in the 82nd minute to the delight of their coach, Zachary Baraje.

Rangers 0-1 Giwa FC This is one of the shocking results of the match day as Giwa FC defeated Rangers in Enugu.

After a goalless first half, Shuaibu Ibrahim scored from a free kick. Rangers toiled and toiled by producing chance after chance but failed to make any of them count as it looks like their title drought of three decades would continue. The Flying Antelopes have dropped into the bottom three and Giwa FC have made progress by leaping into the top five.

Abia War riors 1-2

Wikki Tourists Wikki showed guts and zest to claim a big away win in Umuahia.

Ahmed Mohammed Yusuf scored their first goal in the 51st minute. Seventeen minutes later, Chisom Chikatara equalised for Abia Warriors from a penalty but Godwin Obaje put the game to bed as Wikki ran away with a 2-1 win.

Nasarawa Utd 0-0 Shooting Stars The only game that produced no goal on t h e d a y. S h o o t i n g Stars had started the match day with no point after two straight losses to Wikki and Heartland but they put up an o u t s t a n d i n g p e r f o r m a n c e especially their goalkeeper Abiodun Akande. The 0-0 draw leaves both teams in the bottom half of the table though Shooting Stars still remain in bottom place.

Sunshine Stars 2-1 Dolphins The late kick-off also threw up drama by the bucket load as Sunshine Stars came from a goal down to win 2-1 including a very late goal.

•Okonkwo

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 — 63

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

Rangers coach escapes mob attack after loss

E

NUGU Rangers coach Kelechi Emeteole had to be whisked away from a mob of angry fans by security after his club slumped to a 1-0 home

•Emeteole

loss to Giwa.

Emeteole has blamed luck for the setback on Sunday.

“It was a very bad day for us. We didn’t deserve Continues on Page 55

Bell tolls for Keshi as D-day arrives

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

T

O be or not to be.

That is the million dollar question on the lips of millions of soccer fans, who are waiting to see the end of the coaching conundrum that has enveloped the Super Eagles since the contact of Coach Stephen Keshi ended last July at the Brazil World Cup. Since Keshi’;s contract elapsed, the Eagles have been without a substantive coach, the first time the country will be without a manager, which has left in its wake consequent damages, chief of whom was the country’s failure to qualify for the last African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea

Continues on Page 55 DAY OF RECKONING: Zlatan Ibhahimovic (l) and Lionel Messi in a battle of the Titans in tonight's Champions League clash at Nou Camp.

Barca won’t settle for a draw — Enrique —

Page 60

•Pinnick

•Keshi

Bayern in win or crash against Porto — Pg.60

Today's Matches Barcelona Bayern

v v

PSG Porto

7:45pm 7:45pm

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Meat-pin (6) 5 Labour (4) 8 Harmonium (5) 9 Strive (3) 10 Idol (4) 11 Scrutinise (4) 12 Swim (5) 13 Decayed (6) 16 Record (4) 18 Deadened (4) 20 Scuttle (3) 22 Vegetable (3) 23 Animal (3) 24 Rod (4) 25 Final (4) 28 Knocked (6) 30 Impression (5) 32 Learn (4) 33 Assistant (4) 34 Horse (3) 35 Compel (5) 36 Victim (4) 37 Atelier (6)

DOWN 1 Harsh (6) 2 Poll (8) 3 Resounded (6) 4 Scatter (9) 5 Cleansing (7) 6 Formerly (4) 7 Ruler (4) 8 Sphere (3) 14 Tact (9) 15 Bird (3) 17 Ocean (3) 19 Shut (8) 20 Virago (3) 21 Ruin (7) 26 Gift (6) 27 Slowly (6) 29 Vessel (4) 30 Secure (4) 31 Confusion (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3, Asked 9, Exhort 10, Riddle 11, Trend 12, Idea 15, Nice 17, Sitting 20, Tot 21, Grand 23, Edam 25, Trod 26, Saver 28, Asp 30, Despond 33, Beat 35, Ever 36, Koala 38, Trivia 39, Expire 40, Trade.

DOWN: 1, Aegis 2, Sheet 3, Art 4, String 5, Erne 6, Did 7, Admit 8, Beret 13, Diverse 14, Atlas 16, Condone 18, Greed 19, Ant 22, Drape 24, Mat 27, Reeled 28, Abate 29, Panic 31, Ovoid 32, Dried 34,, Sour 36, Kit 37, Axe.

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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