EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION:Curfew relaxed in Yobe, Borno

...towards a better life for the people

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

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VOL. 25: NO. 61886

N150

TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

AGAGU VS MIMIKO ONDO 2007 ELECTION PETITION CASE:

Security reports were forged — DG DSS •P.4

NGF ELECTION: Pro-Jonathan Northern govs opt for Yuguda

EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION:

Curfew relaxed in Yobe, Borno • 120 insurgents arrested at burial of Boko Haram commander

•Senators, Reps vote on State of Emergency today

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BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, KINGSLEY OMONOBI, OKEY NDIRIBE, HENRY UMORU, NDAHI MARAMA & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA—THE cur few imposed on Yobe and Borno states were relaxed, yesterday, just as the military made progress in the campaign against the Boko Haram insurgency in the two states.

Yesterday, the military announced the arrest of 120 militants at a funeral ceremony for one of the commanders of the Boko Continues on Page 5

2015: Clark, Alams root for Jonathan •P.9

COLUMNIST:

•P.19

Mr & Mrs

RED ALERT—Soldiers in Yola, Adamawa State, yesterday. Top left: Operational Commander, Brig-Gen. Fatai Alli addressing soldiers on arrival in Yola for the State of Emergency Operation yesterday. Photo: NAN.

AMCON to complete sale of nationalised banks by 2014

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Senate blames influx of terrorists on 5 .1 P porous borders • C M Y K

2 —Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Vanguard , TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013—3

AMCON to complete sale of nationalised banks by 2014

BY MICHAEL EBOH

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HE Asset Management Corporation, AMCON, yesterday, said it would wind up its operations by the year 2023.

Speaking in an interview in Lagos, Mr. Mustafa ChikeObi, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, AMCON, also disclosed that it will complete the sale of the three nationalised banks — Enterprise Bank, Keystone Bank and Mainstreet Bank — by third quarter of 2014.

Chike-Obi stated that AMCON has begun the sale of the nationalised banks and would ensure that it meets up with the stipulated deadline.

According to him, AMCON will start divesting its shares in the three banks nationalised by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in the next 30 days, starting with Enterprise Bank.

He said: “We have begun the divestment process. We will announce the process, we will seek approval to endorse the process, principally from the CBN, the Ministry of Finance and others and we expect the conclusion in the third quarter of 2014.

“We are going to divest our interest in the banks and we are looking at getting as much people who are interested in investing in the banks.

He allayed fears that majority of the banks’ staff will lose their jobs when the banks are sold to new owners, saying that it will give preference to investors that will retain majority of the staff.

According to him, AMCON was very concerned about labour, and will move towards the investor who is more inclined to keep the staff.

However, he said, “But all of us, our jobs are always in jeopardy. Nobody’s job is guaranteed, including mine.

But we are inclined to favour proposals that will keep the staff rather than proposals that will cut the staff dramatically.”

Chike-Obi added that the Corporation will undertake a gradual wind down of its activities by reducing its presence in the country significantly, starting from its divestment in the nationalised banks.

He added that by the end of 10 years, AMCON’s presence would have been significantly reduced that it would become insignificant in Nigeria

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

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ORTHERN governors, who are in support of the election of a new chairman for the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, have reportedly thrown their weight behind the candidature of Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, Vanguard, has learnt.

Vanguard investigation reveals that eight out of the 10 proJonathan northern governors, who are opposed to the re-election of the current chairman of the forum, have kicked against the choice of Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina, whose name was earlier mentioned as the consensus candidate of the group.

A northern governor, who is deeply involved in the campaign to elect a new leader for the NGF, told Vanguard that the northern governor preferred the Bauchi State Governor to Shema because of Yuguda’s sense of independence and ability to deliver on the mandate given to the group, but did not say what the mandate was.

“It is true that we have accepted Mallam Isa Yuguda as a compromise candidate since two of our colleagues from Sokoto and Katsina did not enjoy our support. We believe that Mallam Yuguda has what it takes to deliver on our mandate,” the governor, who pleaded anonymity, said.

“He added: "Mallam Yuguda did not put up himself for the post but eight of us decided that we should encourage him to contest as our candidate for the NGF post.

“We chose him as a stabilising force in the north so that we can achieve our target”.

Asked if he was sure the propresident governors could muster enough support to win the election, whose date is yet to be set, the governor explained that they were united in their resolve to vote a new leader for the NGF. The governor said the proJonathan governors were in support of the emergence of a consensus candidate before the date of the election to preserve the integrity and unity of the NGF. “We believe that a consensus candidate will be chosen by the NGF before the date of the election so as to prevent a contentious election, which has the capacity to destroy the forum that should be used to assist the President in developing and uniting Nigeria.

“We won’t even allow election because it can further divide the body. We believe that dividing the NGF is as good as dividing Nigeria. We will not allow that to happen,” he said.

Another PDP governor from the South had lamented, weekend, that they were under pressure to elect Yuguda or Shema to take over from the current leadership of the NGF but did not specify who was mounting the pressure.

Findings yesterday revealed

VISIT—President Goodluck Jonathan (right); Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Jibril Aku (middle); and Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Ecobank, Mr. Thierry Tanoh (left) during a courtesy visit by the Management of the Bank on the President at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

NGF poll: Pro-Jonathan Northern Govs root for Yuguda that although the election was slated for this month, no formal date had been fixed and notices dispatched to governors by the Secretariat of the NGF. Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who is the current chairman of the NGF, is reported to be set to seek re-election

and has reportedly secured the support of no fewer than 18 of the 36 governors in the country.

Amaechi’s refusal to back down from the race is reported to have irked the Presidency, which does not want him reelected for the post, which it

claims the NGF chairman has been using to confront President Jonathan and the government.

However, the open confrontation between the Presidency and the governor has drawn sympathy for Amaechi. It is not clear how the NGF election will end when the date is finally fixed.

Sovereign Wealth Fund takes off with $1bn grant

BY EMMA UJAH, ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

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IGERIA Sovereign Invest ment Authority, NSIA, yesterday announced the allocation of $1 billion (about N155 billion) take-off capital to the three statutory funds through which it would achieve its operational objectives.

Managing Director of the authority, Mr. Uche Orji, told newsmen in his maiden briefing that the Future Generations Fund, as well as the Infrastructure Fund were allocated 32.5 per cent, each while the Stabilisation Fund was allocated 20 per cent.

He explained that the remaining 15 per cent would be warehoused as unallocated in the immediate term, until such a time that a decision would be taken on it with a view to adding to any of the funds, as considered necessary.

Orji said: “the Future Generations Fund and the Nigeria Infrastructure Fund will each get 32.5 per cent, while the Stabilisation Fund will receive 20 per cent . The remaining 15 per cent will be kept as unallocated for now, and used to top up each of the ring-fenced funds, as oppor-

tunities arise.”

The ring-fenced funds are the Nigeria Infrastructure Fund.

The MD revealed that his team would commence investment in the Stabilisation Fund early next

month. Similarly, investment in the Future Generations Funds would start next month and would continue throughout the remaining part of the year.

Mr. Orji said that a detailed

Emergency rule: Okonjo-Iweala assures on economy

BY EMMA UJAH

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INISTER of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has assured Nigerians and the international community that the economy remained strong, in spite of the security challenges facing the nation which has led to the declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

According to her, economic growth was 6.5 percent in the first quarter of 2013, inflation is down to single digit. While fiscal deficit. she said, was only 1.8 of GDP, foreign reserves stood at $48 billion.

She noted that the government was working on many projects

that would impact positively on the populace.

Fielding questions from leading global economic analysts and investment experts, yesterday, she said the indices of Nigeria’s macro economy have remained positively stable, in spite of the challenges.

According to her, the steps taken by President Goodluck Jonathan, including the declaration of the state of emergency were in the overall interest of the Nigerian economy, as the insurgency was impacting negatively on economic activities of the affected states..

She explained that the intention of government was to restore security and order to enable economic activities and normal life resume in the affected states..

4—Vanguard , TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Mukhtar lists woes of justice delivery

INSPECTION : From left— Mr. Kuala Lumpur from Malaysia; Hafiz Hashim, Executive Chairman, Urbanisma Consulting Group; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; Mr. Lekan Adegbite, Commissioner for Works, and other officials at the inspection of Ago-ObaItoku-Sapon fly-over bridge under construction, yesterday. PHOTO: Wumi Akinola.

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN—CHIEF Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, has said multiple infrastructural deficiency was part of problems responsible for back-log of appeal cases and quick delivery of justice in the country’s judicial system.

Other factors, which she noted served as a cog in the wheel of justice, included absence of standard libraries and outdated legal infrastructure.

She said this, yesterday, in Ibadan during the commissioning of a new permanent Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division.

According to her, the infrastructural decay in judiciary was not limited to courts in Nigeria alone but in courts across Africa.

She said: “In this age of advancement in science and technology, I see no reason why there should be no simultaneous improvement in our court facilities.

“We have excessive case-load and back-log of appeal cases deriving from the abysmal quality of our court building.”

Ogun on land ceded to Lagos

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA—OGUN State government has broken its silence on the 500 hectares of land allegedly acquired by Lagos State government in Egua in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state, explaining that its counterpart paid N5 million for the land.

It also disclosed that Lagos State government had been barred from constructing residential building, but can only use the land for agricultural purpose and that only indigenes must be employed to avoid revocation of the allocated lands.

State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Ronke Sokefun stated this, weekend, during the 2013 ministerial briefing to mark the second year anniversary of Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

AGAGU VS MIMIKO ONDO 2007 ELECTION PETITION CASE:

Security reports were forged— DG DSS

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor

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EOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State has praised a police report alleging forgery of security reports on the 2007 gubernatorial election as the reason for the judicial defeat of its candidate and former governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu at the Court of Appeal.

The party, in a statement made available to Vanguard alongside a report of the Police on the election, lamented the continued sustenance of the Labour Party in government despite what it claimed were the security reports.

The police report allegedly fingered the erstwhile chairman of Labour Party, LP, Dr. Olaiya Oni, as the provider of the forged security reports to the LP legal team.

The report endorsed by the PDP Chairman, Ebenezer Alabi, and Secretary, Oyedele Ibine, follows contentions arising from a petition filed to the Inspector-General of Police by Dr. Agagu on the purported forgery of security report allegedly used in ousting him from power by the Court of Appeal in 2009.

The police report was endorsed by CP Ali Amodu.

PDP quotes police

PDP said: “A letter was written to the Director-General of the State Security Services, SSS, Abuja, to confirm if the SSS report in Ondo State during the 2007 gubernatorial elections were forged.

“The Director-General, in his reply, confirmed that the SSS reports tendered at the tribunal were forged and he clarified the differences between the agency’s authentic

reports and the forged ones that were tendered.”

A letter was also written to the Registrar, Court of Appeal, Benin, where the case went on appeal, to furnish the records of proceedings of the case to enable the Police identify who tendered the documents.

“In vol. X of the records of proceeding obtained from Court of Appeal, Benin, it was observed that the nine forged security reports marked as exhibits 1100(1)-(9) were tendered across the bar.

“On the 11 March 2008, when Dr. Olaiya Oni, Chairman of the Labour Party, Ondo State chapter, gave his evidence in court, he identified the nine forged security reports as parts or the documents he received.

“Based on the findings from the records of proceedings that Dr. Oni identified and confirmed he was the person who received

the forged SSS reports, he was invited and he volunteered cautionary statements to the Police.”

In the statement to the police, quoted by alleged report, Oni purportedly admitted that he received and passed on the alleged forged security report to the legal team.

Reports’ recommendation

In its conclusion and recommendation, the police report deposed: “From investigation conducted, it is clear that the security reports, which Oni admitted he received and gave to his lawyers to tender at the Gubernatorial Election Petition Tribunal, Akure, were forged.

“There is no doubt that Oni conspired with others he has refused to mention to forge the reports and handed them over to the legal team.

“It is, therefore, recom-

mended that he be arraigned in court for forgery and uttering of forged documents.”

Ondo govt responds

The report and contention of PDP were, however, dismissed by the Ondo State Commissioner-nominnee for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, who said Oni should be prosecuted if he claimed to have compromised security reports.

He discredited Oni, who he said admitted leaving LP because he was not provided with patronage.

Akinmade said LP and the Ondo administration were looking beyond 2007 issues, saying that almost every human being that witnessed the election acknowledged Mimiko as the winner of that election, which forced the authorities to shift the declaration of the result to Abuja.

Amosun locks out commissioners, others over lateness menced the operations pre- nor ’s office is also located.

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA—GOVER NOR Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, yesterday, locked out at least three of his commissioners and hundreds of civil servants in the employment of the state government for late arrival at work.

Vanguard gathered that Head of Service, Mrs Modupe Adekunle, and Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, were allegedly ordered by the governor to ‘arrest’ the late comers.

An eyewitness told Vanguard that the two top government functionaries com-

cisely 8.00am, accompanied by armed policemen and locked the two gates leading to the secretariat at OkeMosan, where the gover-

State civil service rules and regulations stipulated that workers are expected to officially resume work at 7.30am, Monday to Friday.

Expert educates on breast-feeding

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN—A Ghanaian, Prof. Mitilda Asiedu, has warned men to desist from using women’s breast as a lovemaking object.

Though she did not state explicitly the implication of doing so, she said the breast should be exclusive for breast-feeding.

The don gave the advice at a programme organised by Nestle Nutrition Institute Africa at

the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan.

At the programme entitled Improving Nutrition in the First 1,000 Days: Setting the Future, the Ghananian woman, who was a guest lecturer on the occasion, said: “We are carrying out a research on perception of men on breast feeding.

“The outcome of this research will help us to see what men think about exclusive breast feeding.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013—5

POCKET CARTOON

terrorists and destroyed an equal number of camps in those towns.

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore (L) exchanging greetings with former Governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, while former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani watches during the Day of Tributes for late Prof Chinua Achebe at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION:

Curfew relaxed in Yobe, Borno Continues from Page 1 Haram killed during a confrontation with the military. Many other militants were reported to be fleeing towards the eastern border to Chad

and Niger republics.

Members of the National Assembly belonging to the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and the Congress for Progressive Change,

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has – Margaret Mead.

Be part of that group.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Where once life seemed an uphill battle, I now live a life of deep purpose, connection with loved ones, and fulfilment. Every day I’m closer to who I know I could be — Neale Donald Walsch

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HAVE often read the works of Neale D.Walsch, and I find his take on life and overcoming limitations extremely comforting and it brings a reminder of what is really important in life.

Take a look back at the path your life has taken.

He wrote that often people would think and say to themselves, that it was all supposed to have turned out differently? Is there a part of you that still yearns for love, prosperity, joy and purpose, in spite of all the disappointments, grief, and resentments you’ve experienced?

Often, this is the dispirited place that a lot of people find themselves in, and so you are not alone if you feel this way too. My hope is that today you will find comfort and take heart, because if you are experiencing any anger, resentment or disappointment, toward yourself or anyone else, it is comforting to know that at times like this, you can rely and focus your attention on divine love, in God. The worst of it is the knowing that you were meant to do more, that there is a greatness inside you that is not being expressed or acknowledged, and that you have settled for a life where the best in you goes unspoken. This is not an easy place to be, but you need to know, it is divinely possible to turn your life around, it never had to be this way, because the answers lie within you.

CPC are today set to break party ranks as they rally support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s proclamation of state of emergency in three states of the Northeast.

Today ’s vote in the Senate and the House of Representatives is coming on the heels of the reinforcement of military forces in the three states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa affected by the state of emergency.

At least 200 troops were confirmed to have been ferried into Adamawa State on the southern flank of the northeast presently under emergency rule.

Principal officials of the two houses were, locked in preparatory meetings ahead of today’s vote at press time.

One of the principal officials in the House of Representatives told Vanguard on the condition of anonymity that the votes to endorse the proclamation would be achieved.

Reps, Senators vote on emergency rule today At least 240 votes are required to pass the emergency proclamation in the House, while

at least 72 votes are required in the senate.

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has 200 members while the combined strength of the opposition parties is 160.

Despite the insufficient numbers, a ranking PDP member in the House was confident of the House endorsing the emergency proclamation.

In the senate, the PDP was equally confident of clinching several votes from the ACN and CPC ranks. A prominent ACN official confided, yesterday, that many of them would be voting in support of the proclamation as he said that it was the best for the country at this time.

In the Senate, the combined opposition figure of 38 is also set to be breached as a number of opposition senators defy their party whips to vote in support of the proclamation.

Both the ACN and the CPC had last week raised strong objections to the declaration of emergency rule by President Jonathan last Tuesday.

Meanwhile, it emerged that the special forces deployed in Borno State had, yesterday, retaken six towns from the Boko Haram

120 insurgents arrested at commander's burial The liberation of the towns came as soldiers apprehended 120 members of the Boko Haram group who were ironically making arrangements for the burial of one of their commanders killed in confrontation with the military.

Following the onslaught, the terrorists were said to be fleeing towards Chad and Niger Republics but they are being contained by troops at the borders.

A statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade on the development said: “The Special Forces have now secured the environs of New Marte, Hausari, Krenoa, Wulgo and Chikun Ngulalo after destroying all the terrorist camps sited in the vicinity of these localities. The troops are already interacting with locals and citizens assuring them of their safety and freedom from the activities of insurgents.

“Terrorists fleeing towards Chad and Niger Republic are being contained as they have had encounter with MultiNational Joint Task Force in various locations towards the border.

Advancing troops also observed a few shallow graves believed to be those of hurriedly buried members of the terrorist groups. In Maiduguri, about 120 terrorists were arrested as they organized burial of one of their commanders who died in an encounter with Special Forces the previous day.

“The arrested insurgents are in custody of the Joint Task Force where they are being interrogated”.

Meanwhile, Defence

Headquarters said it has observed the use of photographs purportedly taken in the areas covered by the operations and “wishes to state that the photographs are questionable as they do not reflect any related reality of the social or geographical environment.

Curfew relaxed Following relative peace witnessed in some parts of Borno and Yobe states, the JTF has relaxed the curfew in order to ease the hardship being faced by the people, especially the poor masses.

A press statement signed by the JTF Spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa and issued to newsmen in Maiduguri said: “The 24-hour curfew earlier imposed in GamboruCustoms Area, Mari Kuwait Area of University of Maiduguri, Bakin Kogi Area, Kasuwan Shanu-Kofar Biyu Area have been relaxed from 6am to 7pm”.

Other areas/wards where the 24hours curfew have been relaxed include Ruwan ZafiCustoms Area, 202 Housing Estate, Bama Road, 303 Housing Estate Bama Road, Dikwa Low-cost Housing Estate.

Also affected are Simari-Zannari-Kwanan Yobe Area, 505 Abba Gana Terab Housing Estate, Muna Garage Road, Chad Basin Muna Garage Road, Baga Road Federal Lowcost Area, Bolori, Jajeri and Umamari Area.

In a related development, the Special Adviser to Governor Ibrahim Gaidam on Press Affairs and Information, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego said: “In view of the relative peace in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital and its environs, the curfew has now been relaxed from 6am to 6pm."

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013—7

Man, 25, jailed two and half years for drug offences

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Windstorm

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BY INNOCENT ANABA

BY EMMA UNA

ALABAR — DEVASTATING windstorm, weekend, wrecked havoc in six communities in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, killing a JSS 3 student of Budda Comprehensive Secondary School,

AGOS — A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, convicted a young man, Daniel Cletus, 25, charged with unlawful dealing in 550 grammes of cannabis sativa, a narcotic drug similar to cocaine, heroin and LSD (strong hallucinogenic drug) by the Federal Government on behalf of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and sentenced him to two and half hears imprisonment.

The convict had earlier pleaded guilty to the charge. When his case came up for review yesterday, the prosecution witness, Charles Ikwuemesi, an officer of the agency, said the convict was arrested on December 7, 2011 by NDLEA officers for possession of dry weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa.

Ikwuemesi said he was taken to exhibit officers who carried out a preliminary field test and the substance proved positive for cannabis sativa.

He stated that the case was assigned to him and he discovered the certificate of test analysis, drug analysis report, sealed brown envelope, bulk exhibit contained in a black polythene bag weighing 550 grammes as well as N5000 exhibit money recovered from the convict among others.

Led in evidence by the prosecutor, Orji Kalu, the witness identified the exhibits and the court admitted and marked them as exhibits.

kills one, displaces six communities Janet Atsu, and pulling down houses, economic trees and electrical installations following a torrential downpour.

The storm which began at about 4 p.m, Saturday, swept away everything on its path. Over 350 houses including two secondary

school buildings had their roofs pulled off or the edifice completely pulled down and displaced over 6,010 persons. A communication mast was damaged in the process.

About 3,000 PHCN poles were knocked down, thereby disrupt-

A woman dancing to a talking drum during the inauguration of the Court of Appeal building in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN.

path hurrying home when two trees fell simultaneously from both sides of the road on us. When I recovered minutes later I noticed Janet lying sideways and when I turned her over I discovered two deep cuts on her head. By the time rescue could reach us she had died.

Police arrest 10, deny killing 4

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — UNCONFIRMED reports have it that four students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State might have lost their lives, yesterday, as hundreds of them went on the rampage, protesting the barring of unregistered students from participating in the harmattan examination, which should have started yesterday.

The students used two of the student union government buses to barricade the road leading to the entrance of the institution, thereby preventing staff and other students from gaining entry into the main campus.

Police deny killing 4 students

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN CITY — FOUR suspected human traffickers in Edo State arrested by officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters, NAPTIP, have been convicted and sent to jail in the past one week.

The convicted persons which comprised two males and two females, were found guilty of various offences and were accordingly slammed with jail terms ranging from two to five years.

In the first conviction, the Presiding Judge of the Federal High Court 2, Benin City, Justice Ajokwu in the suit number F.H.C./ B/17C/2013, found one Mrs. Nasser Juliet guilty of the offence of procurement for prostitution, deceitful inducement to travel to a foreign country and equally organising foreign travel which promotes prostitution.

The accused who hails from Esan North Local Government Area of Edo State was accordingly sentenced to two years jail term with no option of fine.

Few days later, a Federal High Court, Warri, Delta State, presided over by Justice Mohammed Shitu Abubakar, convicted another three traffickers for their roles in trafficking activities to five years imprisonment each.

Reacting to the conviction, the Benin Zonal Commander of the Agency, Mrs. Ebiringa Cordellia Oluchi, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, saying the zone was working in line with the vision of the agency with a view to eradicating human trafficking in the zone.

when the storm started, pulling down trees which they escaped but unfortunately two trees that fell from both side of the path hit them.

Janet was said to have sustained several deep cuts on her head which led to her death.

She said: “We were along the

OOU students in violent protest

NAPTIP prosecutes 4 over human trafficking

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ing public power supply to Ntamante, Okundi, Ishiagurube and Kakwagom Iruan communities.

Narrating her ordeal, Mrs Janet Abang, Janet's aunt, said the deceased, a girl of nine years and herself were returning from the farm located in the Boki forest

Students of Adamawa State Polytechnic in Yola, packing their belongings following a heavy rainstorm that destroyed their hostels, yesterday morning. PHOTO: NAN.

4 die, 10 injured as rival youths

BY OKONKWO EZE

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NITSHA — NO fewer than four persons were feared dead, yesterday, while 10 others sustained various degrees of injury when two rival youth groups suspected to have come from Ogbaru Area Council of Anambra State engaged themselves in a bloody clash.

The face-off, according to the source, was over the control and ownership of a motor park known as Aba Park located in the heart of Upper Iweka in the commercial city of Onitsha, along the ever-busy Onitsha-Owerri Road.

Also, property worth millions of naira, including vehicles and shops, were reportedly damaged during the clash which resulted in traders at the Ogbaru Relief Market shutting their shops to protect their lives and wares.

Trouble was said to have started when one of the warring factions allegedly stormed the park early in the morning to forcefully take over its control.

On arrival, the source stated, the other faction attempted to bar their rival from entering the park but in an apparent move to force themselves in, both factions clashed.

While the clash lasted, during which machetes and other dangerous weapons were freely used. Those that died were said to have had their skulls ripped opened.

Confirming the incident, yesterday, in a telephone chat,Police

Area Commander for Onitsha, Benjamin Wordu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police put the casualty at only two while the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) said he was aware of only one casualty, adding that the police were already on top of

the situation.

Reacting to the bloody clash, the Association of Igbo Youths Organisation, AIYO, warned that it would no longer tolerate incessant clandestine activities of militant youths from Onitsha and its environs.

21-yr-old mother of 5

BY ONOZURE DANIA & SAVIOUR UDOFA

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AGOS — THERE was a mild drama at the premises of an Ikeja Magistrate Court, yesterday, when a 21- year-old woman, Esther Odozi, a farmer, rolled on the ground and screamed that she and her children were at the verge of dying from hunger.

Odozi, who said she lives in Owanta village in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta

State, came to Lagos last week and because she didn’t have anywhere to sleep, slept at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries where she begged for money to come to the old secretariat in Ikeja.

She said she was directed by an official of Human Rights Commission in her state to come to Lagos that she would get help.

According to her, she needed N200,000 for garri and melon

business and would not leave Lagos until she got the money for the business.

Odozi who said she bore the five children to one Donald Ugbaja, a former police officer in Delta State, said she was left alone to shoulder the responsibility of taking care of the children including twins after his death.

Odozi who brought out her breasts to demonstrate that she still had a child she was nursing, said she didn’t have Odozi at the court premises, yester- any means to feed herself and her children. She said if day.

clash in Anambra Sounding the note of warning, the AIYO State Coordinator, Mr. Chukwuemeka Omeinyi Oga, added that the Igbo race would not continue to engage in wanton destruction when other tribes are developing their areas.

On the alleged discovery of

flags with insignia of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) littered the scene of the clash, MASSOB’s National Director of Information, Comrade Uchenna Madu, dissociated MASSOB from the incident.

causes stir over ‘hunger’ the Governor of Lagos State could give her N200,000, she would start business with it.

Asked if she would like to be trained in any skill, she said no, adding that she just needs the money to start the business of garri and melon.

She appealed to the Federal Government and well-meaning Nigerians to come to her aid, adding that she started having children when she was only 17 years old and that the father of her children drove her out after she had the fifth child.

Vigilante leader accused of friend’s murder in Edo

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BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

ENIN — TRAGEDY struck, Sunday, at Upper Uwa Street on the outskirts of Benin-City in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State when the leader of a local vigilance group in the area, Lucky Amadasun, allegedly killed his friend, one Amaosa Otabor.

According to an eye witness, the late Amaosa, aged 27, was shot in the chest and he died on the spot.

Vanguard gathered that the

incident occurred at the residence of Lucky following an argument that ensued between him and another person identified as Osasu.

The victim's cousin, Felix Ekhator, said they were told about the incident at about 7:30pm but before they got there, their brother had died and his corpse taken to the mortuary.

He said they had repeatedly warned the police about activities of the suspect, saying the police have insisted on giving licence to the vigilance group led by the suspect.

The Police in the state, however, denied the alleged killing of four students in the protest, saying, only 10 were arrested.

The Assistant Police Commissioner in charge of Operations, Mr. Mohammad Abdulkadri, confirmed that 10 suspected rioters had been arrested and two buses seized from them with

Parts dealer jailed 10 years over female accountant’s kidnap

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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SABA —AN Asaba High Court has sen tenced one Kola Abiola, a motor spare parts dealer, to 10 years imprisonment, having found him guilty of conspiracy and kidnapping a female accountant in the state civil service, Mrs. Dorothy Amafoh, on March 15, 2010 at Ezenei Avenue, Asaba.

Prosecution told the court that the convict, along with other members of the gang, demanded a ransom of N3 million and detained the woman for seven days before she eventually regained her freedom.

The convict who earlier pleaded not guilty made a U-turn in court when the matter came up last Friday by changing his plea of not guilty to that of guilty.

He said: “My lord, I want to plead guilty because I am tired of being brought to court every time. I am not well and this case has taken too long, since 2010. I am now a changed person and I want the court to deliver its judgment on this matter today (Friday).”

no casualty.

Vanguard gathered that the students rejected the appeal by Abdulkadri and Ijebu Area Commander, Usman Alabi, to shelve the planned action and allow movement in and outside the main campus.

The situation caused a stampede at the main gate as police fired tear gas to disperse them.

It would be recalled that the school authority, Sunday, through a statement from the state government, directed all bonafide students of the institution to regularize their studentship with immediate effect.

VC reacts Speaking with newsmen, the institution's ViceChancellor, Professor Saburi Adesanya, said the regularization was in line with the Federal Government's directive through the National Universities Commission, NUC, requesting all universities to provide a comprehensive students‘ audit within the next six weeks.

Adesanya added that the only way to achieve this was to compile the list of bonafide students who had been dully registered through payment of school fees.

He said: "The protesting students were those who failed to meet the deadline of Friday, May 17 to comply with the instruction before the commencement of 500 level Law students exams.

“The deadline has before now been shifted for more than three times to allow them complete their registration which some of them refused to do.”

...SUG leader too Reacting on behalf of the Students Union Government, Vice President of the Union OOU, Ajayi Oyindamola, said they had been on the struggle with the institution for extension of the deadline for the past three months.

She explained that the students acknowledged the step of the institution over the regularization issue, but added that the closure of the school portal for payment and generation of receipts made things difficult for them.

Oyindamola further claimed that the SUG had pleaded on behalf of the affected students who have not paid their school fees for 2010/ 2011, 2011/2012,and 2012/2013 academic sessions for more extension due to the present economic situation of the country which did not go well with the school management.

Man, 20, arraigned for alleged abduction

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KITIPUPA — A 20-year-old, Alaba Olorunfunmi, was yesterday, arraigned before an Ilutitun, Ondo State, Magistrates’ Court for alleged abduction, unlawful assault and unlawful damage.

The Prosecutor, Inspector Emmanuel Omole, told the court that the accused committed the offences on April 29 at about 4.30 p.m at Ilado Street, Ilutitun.

He said Olorunfunmi unlawfully abducted one Esther Eromafuru as well as unlawfully assaulted one Benson Eromafuru by hitting him

on the head with a bottle.

The accused was said to have further unlawfully damaged Eromafuru’s clothes valued at N2,000.

Omole said the offences were contrary to and punishable under sections 225, 351 and 451 of the Criminal Code Cap 37, Vol.I Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge when his plea was taken.

The prosecutor applied for a short adjournment to enable him assemble his three witnesses.

8 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 — 9

BY CHARLES KUMOLU & PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

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AGOS—ELDER Statesman and former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark said yesterday that the Southern part of the country would still produce President in 2015 election, adding that it was not yet the turn of the north.

He also said the intrigues of power shift from the south in 2015 was improper at this period of the country’s march to nationhood.

Clark who said this at the third conference of the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly, noted that the constitution was clear on the number of terms that every president can contest.

He further said the people of South-South believe that the return of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 would mean well for the unity of Nigeria.

His words: "The South-South believe that it is in the interest of Nigeria and the unity of our country that Jonathan should contest and no one should shut him out.

Movement of power or power rotation is not proper at this time. In the constitution of Nigeria, every president has two elections to be contested. Shagari did it in 1979 and 1983.

"In 1999 Obasanjo did it and 2003. In 2007 Umaru Yar’Adua of blessed memory did it and if he had remained alive he would have done it again in 2011, so Jonathan is not a different person, He’s a Nigerian and he has the right to contest again.”

He further said that the country belongs to all citizens, noting that there is nobody that owns or has stake in the country more than others.

"Nigeria belong to all of us and there is nobody who is superior to another. If you are talking about peace, peace for who? There is an incumbent who has not done a second term, so northerners have no place. It is not yet the turn of a northerner. They have the right to contest as Nigerians, yes, in other parties".

Continuing, Clark said, "So, if a northerner does not rule this coun-

2015: Jonathan must contest, Clark tells Northern leaders try, there won’t be peace? They have ruled for over 38 years, we have only ruled from the south for less than 14 years. When Lord Lugard united this country, he didn’t say the north is superior to the south, we are all equal in this country, and anybody can aspire to the highest position in this country, so nobody has the prerogative to rule others.”

In addition, he said, "having noted the negative effects of our divisiveness it is important that we clearly define the fundamental objective of our coming together which is to expand trust, solidarity, shared commonality and commit ourselves wholly to uniting our people for our common good.

"In our efforts to build an enduring legacy of one united family for the first time in the almost 100 years of our existence as a country, let us deliberately cultivate and imbue in members of our generation and beyond the attributes of tolerance and love for one another. There can be no alternative to building a loving family because love is the fulcrum of survival and life. A house where love flourishes will usually resolve issues that cause disaffection and disharmony internally. Outsiders are regarded as pariahs.

"As earlier noted our inability to act as one concentric and impermeable family provided the leeway for the North to undermine and exploit us. The inexplicable outcome was that the North successfully pummeled us to endorse their leadership of the country for 38 years compared to the 14+ years the South has ruled the country.

"Today, all we hear on daily basis is that power must return to the North. Whether such hues

and cries have the endorsement of Nigerians is left to be seen. We are nonetheless encouraged by our renewed solidarity and shared commonality to say that as people who have consistently been driven by the thrust of equity, justice and fairness, we must seek to balance the observed disparity in the leadership paradigm. Consequently, we are inclined to state that power shift culminating in the transfer of the presidency to anywhere outside the confines of the southern hemisphere would be an aberration this Assembly should not endorse. It may perhaps be apposite for anybody holding a contrary view to say so now.’’

Similarly, former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Dipriye Alamieyeseigha, stated that there was no vacancy in Aso Rock, saying that President Jonathan will remain the Commander-in-Chief beyond 2015.

Alamieyeseigha said: "Aso Rock is not vacant. The northern agitators will all at the appropriate time join the moving train. They may have their opinion but I can assure you that President Jonathan will remain as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, come 2015".

Speaking on the presidential pardon granted to him by the Council of State, Alamieyeseigha said it was a negotiated deal and that it is in order. It started during Late President Yar’Adua.

He said: "It was a pardon that was negotiated. This pardon was negotiated and if I fulfil my own part of the bargain, why shouldn’t the Federal Government fulfills its part? People who don’t know what happened are the ones talking. But if I opened my mouth, those who are talking will keep quiet.

He said: "President Goodluck

Jonathan was part of the negotiating team. There is no person in this country that knows issues surrounding Alamieyeseigha better than Mr President.

He was my deputy governor and all that transpired were known to him. I’m already writing my memoir. At the appropriate time, you will know.”

Asked whether late President Yar' Adua was privy to the pardon, he said, “ without Yar’Adua, I would have died by now. Otherwise they would have even killed me. The person behind it is somebody all of you know. Somebody used the phrase, Oga at the top. You know him and he will be exposed at the right time.”

Gbonigi calls for national dialogue Also speaking, Convener of Yoruba Unity Forum,YUF, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi said: "we must also continue to emphasize that the ending of the insurgency in the North will not by itself alone bring a sustainable’ peace to our country. There are many other centres of simmering discontent across our nation, many of which have the potential to burst out as open rebellions if the causes of their grievances are not addressed.

This is why an all embracing national dialogue, or a National Conference, has become an imperative. Further delay on this issue may turn out to be very expansive."

Accordingly, Gbonigi said, "On the cankerworm of corruption, we believe that the President needs some help from us because the problems of reducing the vice go beyond the lack of executive will and extend to the attitudes of the Judiciary and the Bar. "In this connection, we urge this conference to recommend to the President, the setting up

of a National Advisory Committee on the eradication of corruption. Such a committee should be chaired by a prominent Nigerian of integrity with good legal background and consist of senior members of the Bench and the Bar, representatives of the legislature, labour, religious leaders and some highly principled Nigerians of transparent integrity. Its main term of reference will be to advise the President on urgent measures that must be taken to give credibility to our national effort to cleanse the Augean stable of corruption.’’

In additiion, he said, "Distinguished delegates, equally threatening the peace and stability of our country is the prevailing harsh economic climate.

The level of unemployment particularly graduate unemployment in our country has reached an alarming level unprecedented in the history of Nigeria and governments appear helpless.

"Graduate unemployment is dangerous. It is anti-development and prevents our country from reaping the benefits of the huge investment of our commonwealth on these young Nigerians. Governments’ intervention in the unemployment market has always been to expand the overbloated civil service by employing more hands into the service".

CHANGE OF NAME

EZEMA —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezema Helen Onyebuchi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omeje Helen Onyebuchi. All former documents remain valid. ESUT and general public please take note.

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Tel:08033125279 or 08098437006

Tasly for health and wealth

10—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

FIRS rakes in N5trn

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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EDERAL Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, said it generated N5 trillion in 2012, and it hopes to increase it to N5.6 trillion this year.

Acting Executive Chairman of the Service, Alhaji Kabir Mashi, disclosed this yesterday in Lagos at a stakeholders’ workshop to review the redesigned tax returns forms.

He said: “I wish to place on record that FIRS collected over N5 trillion last year with your support and is focused to achieve the 2013 target of N5.6 trillion naira in support of the noble objectives of government.”

Fashola inaugurates c'ttee on collapsed buildings

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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OVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, at the inauguration of a six-man tribunal of enquiry on collapsed buildings, threatened owners of buildings without state building approval with severe sanctions henceforth, following recent cases of building collapse in the state.

Fashola who spoke at the inauguration of a six-man tribunal of enquiry on collapsed building, chaired by Mrs.

Abimbola Ajayi, explained that the measure was taken to checkmate the spate of collapse buildings in the state.

He said: “Incidents of collapsed building break my heart whenever it occurs. It is true that we could replace a defective building but we cannot replace lost life.

"It challenges us as a government. So if you build against the approval that we have given, we will pull down that building or we will compel the person to reduce the house to the approval he or she got from us.

"We will not spare anyone in

this regard because when building collapsed, it is the government that everyone looks to. It is time to stop this incident of building collapse.

“It is a sign of backwardness for us as a nation. It is a challenge on our professionals. If professionals in the world build skyscrapers and it does not collapse and we build three storey building and they collapse within a short time of completion.

"Over the years, building collapse has been an issue that has challenged the state government capacity to protect lives and property.

NRC repositions

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

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IGERIA Railway Corporation, NRC, has announced plans of utilising Public Private Partnership, PPP, initiatives to make the Nigeria Railway a world-class rail transport system to provide efficient, safe, reliable and affordable means of transportation.

Managing Director, Engr. Adeseyi Sijuade, at a briefing in Lagos, said the move was in response to the numerous challenges confronting the corporation as it strategised to provide customers with better services.

Education summit

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LL is set for the 3rd Lagos State Education Summit slated to hold today, May 21, and tomorrow, May 22 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

Themed Qualitative Education in Lagos State: Raising the Standard, the keynote address would be delivered by the former Minister of Education, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, while invited guests from educational institutes would present papers.

Our Error Prof. Uzodinma Nwala On page 1 of Vanguard, yesterday, we erroneously described Prof. Uzodinma Nwala as Prof Uzodinma Nwagi. The error in the caption is deeply regretted. —Editor

VISIT: From left— Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture; Mr. Fola Worrey, CEO, Lagos State Security Trust Fund; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Nico Vervelde, MD/CEO, Nigerian Breweries Plc, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Odumosu, Commander, RRS, Alausa, during the presentation of security vehicles to Lagos State by the firm, yesterday.

Jonathan, Nigige, Obi, others eulogise Achebe

BY UDUMA KALU

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has said Professor Achebe’s truthful interventions in Nigeria's affairs will be greatly missed.

Speaking yesterday at the evening of tribute for Achebe at the International Conference centre, Abuja, the President who was represented by the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, said while others may have disagreed with his views, most Nigerians never doubted Achebe’s immense patriotism and sincere commitment to building a greater, more united nation that all Africans and the entire black race could be proud of.

President Jonathan said Achebe was the quintessential literary icon of superlative brilliance, merit and repute, who received the national’s highest honour on intellectual output.

Praising Achebe for his academic and literary output, Jonathan said Achebe was a social critic, and unparallelled courage, of singleness of purpose and steadfastness of conduct, adding that though "he has passed on, he lives in his numerous works which will continue to illuminate the dark confines of the distorted history of the black race."

Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, in his remarks, noted that the way to immortalise Achebe was to imbibe those principles he believed in while former Anambra governor, Dr. Chris Ngige, said Achebe spoke truth to power.

"And it has been an environment of missed blessings.

Many years ago, the problem facing this state were incident of building under construction suddenly giving way. Now we have transcended from some of those challenges, as they have drastically reduced.

"But the new issue confronting the state is buildings that have been constructed within 10 years ago and suddenly giving way.”

Warning the public officer, Fashola said “And as I charge you to work, the state government will hold any officers responsible for the violation that occurred in districts where the building collapsed. Sanction will be meted accordingly to such officer who compromised processes for securing building permits in the state.”

On the Tribunal Fashola said: “The tribunal would help the state government to also look into the quality of building material used in the state specifically those that collapsed recently.

"Inspect existing building and Estates in the state. And make recommendation and measures to prevent cases of building collapse in the state.”

The governor said that the tribunal was constituted to include professional “because whenever a building is erected, a professional is involved."

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 — 11

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Akpabio bags Best Governor in Africa Award

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KWA Ibom State governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has bagged the best Governor in Africa Award from an Accra-based Africa Development Magazine, for his development strides in the state.

Presenting the award in Accra, Ghana, renowned Ghanaian Professor, Walter Alhassan, described Governor Akpabio as an icon of democracy and a good example of what leadership should represent.

He said that available and verifiable facts singled out Chief Akpabio as a pride of Africa, worthy of emulation.

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Soma Brown recounted the numerous achievements of the Akpabio administration in Akwa Ibom State, but particularly noted the free, compulsory and qualitative education policy; free medical care for pregnant women, children and the aged; and the massive infrastructural investment as key reasons for the award conferred on Governor Akpabio.

Receiving the award, Governor Akpabio, represented by his Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, thanked the magazine for considering him for the global honour.

Elue installed Obi-Agba of Onicha-Ugbo

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HIEF Chris Elue of Onicha-Ugbo in Aniocha-North Local Government Area of Delta-State, has been installed the new ObiAgba of Onicha-Ugbo.

Speaking at the intallation ceremony, the ObiAgba stressed the need for all hands to be on deck towards ensuring a peaceful coexistence in the area. He thanked the people of Agba and the traditional ruler of Onicha-Ugbo, HRM Obi Victor Chukwumalieze I, for deeming it fit to elect him to the position, assuring that he will justify the confidence reposed in him.

The ceremony was witnessed by a cross section of community leaders.

Oil firm dumps toxic waste in Delta community —EWG

BY EMMA ARUBI

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ARRI—A TOXIC waste dump site has been uncovered in Okpai community of Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State.

A report by the Environmental Watch Group, EWG, indicates that the toxic waste material was deliberately buried at the Anieze Location 6, while the OKW B and OKW C locations in Okpai and Oluchi, have large proportions of uncleaned oily dump, by an Indian oil company.

Though details were still sketchy at press time, environmental experts and relevant regulatory authorities confirmed that the area had been polluted with drilling oil waste while no

B

ENIN—EX-militant lead-ers in the Niger Delta have lamented the delay in the passage of the budget of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, by the National Assembly, saying that the delay was threatening the progress of the amnesty programme and slowing down development in the region.

National Chairman and Secretary of the third phase amnesty programme, Julius Joseph and Tam Odogwu, in Benin City, Edo State, yesterday, regretted that the non-passage of the budget was creating tension in com-

forwarded its findings to appropriate authorities that had gone on inspection and are awaiting further actions before legal action would commence against the firm.

Asaba Airport contract: We're not afraid of EFCC —Delta govt

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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SABA—DELTA State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chika Ogeah, said, weekend, in Asaba, that the Governor Emanuel Uduaghan administration would remain focused in delivering the divi-

N-Delta ex-militants bemoan delay in passage of NDDC budget

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

effort was made to clean up the sites, noting that appropriate sanctions await the Indian company operating at the locations.

EWG said it had already

munities where NDDC has ongoing projects, as they fear that such projects had been abandoned.

They reasoned that if the NDDC budget, as presented by President Goodluck Jonathan to the National Assembly had been passed, it would have enabled the Commission accelerate development in the region.

They said: “If the commission’s budget is passed, it will create jobs for our youths and that is why we bemoan the delay in its passage."

dends of democracy to the people, noting that not even petitions to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, would deter it, since it had nothing to hide.

Briefing newsmen, Ogeah said on the invitation of some government officials by EFCC over the airport contract, that the state government had nothing to hide.

He said: “We are doing our work, they (EFCC) are doing theirs, so, there is no cause to worry. It is normal.

“We are transparent and have no skeleton in our cupboards and I still insist that the airport you are talking about is the cheapest in the country, go and find out.”

Ogeah, who also spoke on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Asaba, in company of the State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Funkekem Solomon, said the state government had approved the construction of two fly-overs, one to be located in Asaba and another at Effurun to ease traffic as well as assist in security management.

The Asaba fly-over, according to him, will be located at the Ekumeku (Inter Bau) Roundabout and will cost N3.5 billion, while the Effurun flyover will cost N4.18 billion and will be sited at the Effurun Roundabout.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 — 13

14—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Foundation holds symposium on autism

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HE Centre for Au tism and Developmental Disabilities, CADD, and Punuka Foundation are organising a Symposium on Autism, titled 2013 International Symposium on Autism for secondary students in Lagos.

The programme, which is targeted at Lagos SUBEB schools, will focus on the topics, ‘Effective Inclusion of Students with Autism in Regular Schools’ and ‘Early Detection of ASD in At-Risk Babies through Placenta Testing.’

Experts from Blue Ridge Autism & Achievement Centre, USA are expected at the parley.

The symposium, billed to hold at American International School, Victoria Island, this week, have two sessions.

ACN members in Edo allege marginalisation

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN CITY— SOME leaders of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State, have petitioned the leadership of the party in the state and Chief Tom Ikimi, alleging marginalization in the recent nomination and screening of Supervisory Councillors in the council.

In the petition signed

by Chief Joseph Elabor, Ward 5 leader, Francis Isese, Chairman of the ward and three others, they lamented that despite the efforts the ward made in ensuring victory for the party in the just concluded council election in the state, it was the only ward in the council that was not given any meaningful position.

They lamented that the supervisory councilor position which was earlier zoned to the ward was suddenly moved to another ward without any explanation from the party leaders, asserting that the decision to shift the position to another ward was an attempt to undermine the population of Udo community.

Passengers stranded at MMIA as aviation workers embark on strike L

AGOS—SCORES of air pas sengers were, yesterday, stranded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, as unions at the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, embarked on an indefinite strike.

The workers, who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria, said that the strike was to press home their demand for the implementation of the salary structure approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

The unions are the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN; National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE. The situation had compelled senior management staff of NAMA to take charge of the control towers.

Armed policemen were also stationed at the entrance of NAMA headquarters, to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

A union member, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that there were no international flights going out or coming into the country because of the strike.

“Those ones coming in were diverted to Niger Republic Airspace,

causing the country to lose revenue. As at 9:00 a.m., only eight domestic airlines had been air borne, as against the 20 we should have recorded on a normal day,” the source said.

Some passengers, who spoke to NAN, urged NAMA management

and the unions to resolve the crisis without delay.

An Abuja-bound passenger, Mr Deji Elumoye, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council, urged the unions and NAMA management to resolve their dif-

ferences by fulfilling the agreements they both reached.

“NAMA should pay the backlog of arrears it is owing the workers, while the unions should shift grounds to allow for meaningful negotiations and the resolution of the matter,” Elumoye said.

FORUM: From left: Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State; chairman of the occasion, Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, and Chairperson, Northern Governors Wives Forum, NGWF and wife of Benue State Governor, Mrs. Dooshima Suswam, at the Peace Forum and launching of Polio Eradication Almanac in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

I’ll appear before Orji’s probe panel —Kalu

By EMMANUELAZIKEN MUAHIA—ERSTWHILE governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has said he has nothing to hide and will as such appear before the probe panel set up by his successor, Chief Theodore Orji, to examine the running of the state’s defunct newspaper, Statesman.

In a statement issued through his Special Adviser, Oyekunle Oyewumi, the former governor said the decision to constitute the probe panel was of no great significance to him, given that he had nothing to fear concerning the running of the newspaper during his stewardship.

U

He affirmed that besides defending the running of Statesman, he was ready to defend all the actions taken during his stewardship in government.

He, however, said he would appear before the panel only when he was properly invited and would not heed what he

WERRI—A chief tain of emerging mega opposition party, the All Progressive Congress, APC, Senator Annie Okonkwo, has described Governor Rochas Okorocha’s administration in Imo State as a credible reward to the people of Ndi-Imo after a long drawn nightmare in governance.

Okonkwo, who made the remark in a statement signed by his media assistant, Mr. Collins Ugwu, said: “Personal friendship aside, the developmental momentum that Okorocha has brought on Imo landscape, after the hysteria of the immedi-

lish his privately owned newspaper, The Sun, Kalu said his newspaper and the printing presses were purchased through bank guarantees obtained from Guarantee Trust Bank, Plc which he said had now been fully repaid.

MASSOB threatens showdown with SSS over detained leader MASSOB, has threatened a MASSOB. We are a non vio-

A

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

WKA—THE Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra,

Okorocha’s govt, reward to Imo people, says Sen Okonkwo

O

described as a “news flash on Nigeria Television Authority” requesting him to appear.

Kalu described the invitation through the television as an abuse of court process.

Disabusing insinuations that he compromised the interests of Statesman to estab-

ate past, is politically symbolic of the biblical goodnews which sacred substance is to lift the downtrodden and liberate the oppressed.

“I honestly think the added advantage to this wholesome package that Okorocha represents to Imo people is his sense of history, that to every good thing, there are a thousand evils lurking to devour it.

Hence his repeated avowal that never again will his people return to the hostage of sinful servitude, not after the iconic former Governor Sam Mbakwe wiped their feet with his tears.”

showdown with the State Security Services, SSS, if its regional leader for Awka North, Mr. Tony Nwodo, was not freed within 48 hours.

As a result, the movement has given the SSS 48 hours to release one of its leaders or take responsibility for what ever action the group might take.

MASSOB Director of Information, Mr. Uchenna Madu, said yesterday that the SSS arrested and detained Nwodo since last Tuesday on the allegation that he claimed to be the Governor of Anambra State.

He warned that the organization would take any action it deemed fit if Nwodo was not released immediately.

Madu said: “If they, SSS, want people who are causing problems and confusion in this country, they should turn their focus on Boko-Haram and other criminals and not

lent group.

Passage

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RS Ezinne Clementina Ekperechi Okafor, 70, of Umuemerewoke, MgbomaAlike, Obowo, Imo State, is dead.

Burial rites will commence tomorrow with lying in state, at the family compound.

She will be buried at the husband’s compound, after a church service at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Alike. She is survived by children, grandchildren, sisters and brothers.

Late Ezinne Okafor

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 —15

Senate blames influx of surges in strategic terrorists on porous borders Violence Syrian city Says 1.5% Ecological fund should go to border states

By HENRY UMORU &

JOSEPH ERUNKE BUJA—THE Sen ate yesterday, said the nation’s porous borders were responsible for the influx of mercenaries, terrorists and other armed groups involved in massive killings and wanton destruction of property.

Declaring open a public hearing on “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Border Development Agency (Establishment) Act 2013”, organised by joint Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and States and Local Governments, Senate President David Mark, noted that if problems associated with the country’s borders and insecurity challenge must be addressed, adding that it had become imperative for the Bill to be amended.

Represented by Senator James Manager, PDP, Delta South, Senator Mark said Nigeria’s po-

A

rous border had become worsened because the Border Communities Development Agency had not been able to champion the cause of residents of border communities.

He said: ‘’The dearth of basic amenities such as good schools, hospitals, markets and even water, make the inhabitants of the communities to cross to neighbouring countries for them.

“The spate of human trafficking in our border communities is also alarming, due to the inability of government to meet the social needs of the inhabitants.

“It is, therefore, the intendment of this amendment bill to provide a very convenient ground to enable the agency function adequately and efficiently, to improve the lives of the people of the border communities and tighten security on our borders.”

In his remarks, sponsor of the bill, Senator

Olufemi Lanlehin, ACN, Oyo South, said if the problems at the nation’s borders must be addressed, the issue of poor funding, especially improvement of residents, must be looked into.

He said 1% of the Ecological Fund should be accruable to the Border states and 0.5% of statutory allocation of the Border states should be made available to fund the Border Communities Development Agency.

Lanlehin said he was compelled to initiate the bill in the interest of “Nigerians in the border communities who had suffered prolonged and systematic neglect and continued deprivations in the hands of successive governments. ‘’Schools for our children, basic health facilities, drinkable water and electricity are either non-existent or grossly inadequate, making their lives miserable in this supposedly wealthy country of ours.”

War on Terror: Defence HQ moves to strenghten military/civilian relations

BY OMONOBI-ABUJA

A

BUJA—THE De fence Headquarters, DHQ, and United States government have commenced a process of initiating a strategy to strengthen civil-military relations.

Speaking at a threeday seminar to enthrone the process in Abuja, Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim, said the seminar, with the theme “Civil-military in a democracy: Synergizing all potentials for enhanced national security,” was put together to boost public confidence and relations with civil society, following military involvement in internal security.

The defence chief, who was represented by Chief of Defence Communications, Air Vice Marshal S.O. Smith, said: “The military seeks cooperation from civilians in all their operations. The modus operandi often brings about friction but the

military will do its best to improve the relations.”

He added that the seminar would devise a plan to bring civilians and the military nearer in all operations and remove suspicion.

“The challenge is to develop civil-military model relative to Nigeria. This seminar will in the end bring out a strong model,” he said.

Director of Civil-Military Relations, Major General Mohammed Ibrahim, agreed that there were misconceptions on military operations.

He said: “We are going to use this forum to clear the misconceptions and assure people that the military is theirs and working to protect them,” he said.

Director General of National Orientation Agency, Mike Omeri, said recent and unfolding realities revealed an increasing need for robust civil-military relations in combating

threats to the territorial integrity of the nation.

“As profound and skilful as our military intelligence is, it could be greatly impaired if the civilian populace do not cooperate with it,” he said.

He urged the directorate of civil-military relations to set up a centre for proactive management of information specific to Joint Task Force operations around the country.

Coming at a time thousands of military personnel are deployed to different parts of the country for internal security management, observers see the timing of the seminar apt, as it will ensure there is no gap in communication flow.

It would be recalled that more troops were deployed to states in the North-East region to suppress insurgents, following the proclamation of a state of emergency

by President Goodluck Jonathan last Tuesday.

V

IOLENCE surged in the strategically important Syrian town of Qusayr on Sunday.

Activists said the offensive marked some of the most intense fighting they’ve seen in the fiercely contested area near the Lebanese border.

Rebels and the Syrian government both claimed to control parts of the city, where fighting has been raging for weeks.

Activists said artillery shells, mortar shells and bombs from aircraft were raining down as

government forces attacked. Makeshift medical clinics were reportedly filled with casualties.

By all accounts, Qusayr is in a strategically valuable location.

For rebels fighting President Bashar alAssad’s government, it sits along a transit route for weapons and supplies coming in from Lebanon.

For the Syrian government, it’s a key point between the capital of Damascus and alAssad’s supporters on the

Mediterranean coast.

Videos posted on social media Sunday show the city blanketed with black and gray smoke amid an almost continuous stream of sounds of mortar and artillery fire.

Dozens of people were killed in the clashes, including 48 rebel fighters, the Londonbased opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

Hundreds of people were injured, many in critical condition, the opposition organization said.

Car bomb attacks kill dozens in Iraqi cities

A

T least 60 people have been killed and many others injured in a series of car bomb attacks in central and southern Iraq, officials

have said. Baghdad was worst hit, with several explosions at bus stations and markets in the mainly Shia Muslim districts.

M23 rebels attack DR Congo army as UN force deploys

H

EAVY fighting has taken place between government and rebel forces in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

These are the first clashes between the two sides since the rebels pulled out of the regional capital, Goma, last year.

They come after the UN began deploying an attack force to the area last week.

Meanwhile, Rwandan President Paul Kagame

told the BBC that UN troops had “in some cases” made the situation in DR Congo worse.

The UN has nearly 20,000 peacekeepers in eastern DR Congo, where armed groups have wreaked havoc for two decades.

The BBC’s Maud Jullien in the capital, Kinshasa, says the government believes the M23 is trying to disrupt the deployment of the UN force.

Blasts killed 15 people in the southern city of Basra, and in and around Samarra, north of Baghdad.

The attacks are part of the recent rise in violence in Iraq linked to growing political and sectarian tension.

It has raised fears that Iraq could see a reemergence of the levels of sectarian violence seen in 2006 and 2007.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki vowed to make immediate changes to Iraq’s security strategy and told Iraqis that militants “ will not be able to return us to the sectarian conflict”.

In a separate incident, 10 policemen kidnapped on Saturday in western Anbar province were found dead.

UK reviews Nigeria’s progress on DFID programmes

BY EMEKA AGINAM

T

HE United kingdom Minister for Department for International Development (DFID) was in Nigeria recently to review progress on the scale up of DFID’s development programmes.

The Head of Press & Public Affair of British High Commission in Nigeria, Robert Fitzpatrick, in a statement said that at the conclusion of her visit to Nigeria, the UK DFID Minister for Africa said that, “I was delighted to meet with a whole range of dynamic leaders to

understand Nigeria’s transformation agenda and challenges, and how the UK can best help.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to discuss recent developments with HE the Vice-President, in particular the serious challenges to Nigeria’s security posed by terrorism and insurgency. I was encouraged by his assurance that armed forces deploying under the state of emergency would respect human rights.”

Ms Featherstone who was in Nigeria for three days also visited Kano to review progress on the UK’s partnership with the

State, including recent DFID support to the Government’s investment promotion and educational reforms. In Abuja she met a number of ministers, the head of the new Sovereign Wealth Fund, and attended a Roundtable to discuss Nigeria’s participation in G8 events in London in June.

She joined a meeting chaired by the Federal Minister of Agriculture Akin Adesina, with officials from the Ministries of Health, Land and Agriculture, to understand Nigeria’s transformational plans on agricultural production, food security and nutrition.

16—Vanguard , TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

3RD SOUTHERN NIGERIA PEOPLES ASSEMBLY

From left: Dr Muiz Manayajo, Engr Oluyemi Falade and Admiral Akin Aduwo (Rtd).

From left: Chief Edwin Clark, Ijaw National Leader; Ooni of Ife, HRM Oba Okunade Sijuade; Chief (Mrs)Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu; and Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Leader South West delegate. Pix: Biodun Ogunleye.

From left: Dr Muyiwa Oladimeji; Dr Walter Ofonagoro and Chief Korede Duyile.

From left: Chief Oladipo Diya; Sen Felix Ibru and Chief Edwin Clarke.

From left: Sen Bassey Ewa-Henshaw; Chief Francis Doukpola; and Dr Mrs Anne Ugbo.

From left: Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Sen Bode Olajumoke and Chief Dipo Jimilehin.

From left: Sen Iyiola Omisore; HRM Oba Adebiyi From left: Chief Silas Arinze, Chief Edozie Njoku Adesida, Deji of Akureland; and Engr Jide Adeniji. and Dr Nnamdi Ozobia.

From left: Dr Kunle Olajide; Hon Vivien Ere-Lhananghan; and Lady Anne Yougha.

Vanguard Vanguard,,

Broadband investment will foster growth and create wealth for investors — Juwah T

BY OKOH AIHE

he idea of a road-show is never a bad one espe cially as it provides ample opportunity for the organisers, in this case, Nigeria and Canada to properly showcase their wares at an international arena. The Canada – Nigeria Investment Conference which held in Toronto from May 2 -3, 2013 provided multi-channels for both countries to engage each other in very rewarding economic discussions.

The Conference with the full imprimatur of Ambassador Ojo Maduekwe could be rated to be very successful if only for the sheer number of attendees and the various packages that were bundled into one robust conference. For Nigeria the investment opportunities are legion – telecommunications, oil and gas, energy, water, manufacturing, aviation, railway and many others – and a number of State Governors were there to speak for their states. The two-day event was superintended by the Vice President, Architect Namadi Sambo who led a host of governors and other

‘‘

are welcome to take advantage of this new vista of investment in the country.

There is a history that supports this optimism and this antecedental espousal provides the very pillar that can hold up a very big market. The fascination has always been the story of a country that had just about 400, 000 connected lines in 2001 which climbed to over 116m connected lines at the moment and with a teledensity of 83 per cent. Investment within the period has also risen from a mere $500m to over $25bn making Nigeria not only one of the most attractive markets in the continent but also one of the fastest growing in the world.

Expectedly investors are doing good business prompting Juwah to invite would be investors to buy into the unfolding new economic vista that is Broadband.

In all this, the binding cord providing the strength for the industry is the Telecoms Act which the regulator is using to create a highly competitive market; and a regulatory environment that has attracted a number of understudies from across the continent. It

Broadband penetration in Nigeria is less than 10 percent with over 80 percent mobile technology supported. This huge deficit in broadband penetration explains the yawning opportunity in the market.

government officials to sell the message of transformation in Nigeria and the seriousness of its investment environment.

For the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, it was an auspicious opportunity to continue to advance the Broadband gospel which began in Geneva over a year ago, berthed in Dubai last October, as elaborate plans are being put in place to ensure that the next big thing in the telecommunications industry in Nigeria Broadband technology does not disappoint both in the projected functionality and empowerment of the people.

Speaking at two different programmes, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr Eugene Juwah came with a simple message, an assurance that the NCC is committed to providing an enabling regulatory environment to facilitate the development and deployment of the broadband ecosystem in Nigeria, adding that investors

is the ability to operate this law without undue interference from higher quarters that singles out the NCC as a flagship government parastatal and emboldens Juwah to woo international investors on the strength of the Commission’s ability to provide an enabling environment that will facilitate the development and growth of the Broadband ecosystem in the country.

With all its attractions and ability to literally perform magic in the area of development, Broadband does not exist in a vacuum and cannot be wished or evoked without a declaration of present state of being and the intention to change the picture if unsalutory, through conscious and detailed crafting as well as meticulous implementation of the strategy and plans to enable the achievements of the benefits which broadband brings to an economy. While the growth in voice mobile technology provides a good picture any day the same can-

TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

— 17

Vice President Namadi Sambo, (r) and PDP Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Turkur(l) with a another guest, at the Canada – Nigeria Investment Conference which held in Toronto, Canada from May 2 -3, 2013 not be said of Broadband technology, which is why in the past few months Juwah has been involved in the local and international marketing of the technology.

Explaining what was already available in the industry, Juwah said: International Submarine Cable landings on our shores- SAT 3, MainOne, Glo1, and WACS already in operation; Abundant Bandwith at our shores; Distribution and last mile remains the big challenge, but an opportunity for investors; Over 30,000km Long Inter City Fibre laid already; High Volume of Unutilized capacity due to duplications; Vertical transmission gaps; High cost for end users; Mobile broadband launched by mobile operators in selected towns and cities; and Inadequate metro -fibre links across the country.

Broadband penetration in Nigeria is less than 10 percent with over 80 percent mobile technology supported. This huge deficit in broadband penetration explains the yawning opportunity in the market. Assuring the international community that the government was ready to grow the sector and translate the various challenges into opportunities for investors, Juwah spelt out the role of the Commission in this growth process, which include: Create the environment for private sector participation and investment in the Broadband ecosystem via regulatory intervention; Facilitate Deployment with stimulus to underserved and un-served areas; Facilitate agreements and resolve disputes among stakeholders; and adapt legal and regulatory frameworks to the realities of the digital economy.

Juwah’s promise of good regulatory environment got a big boost from an official of Research in Motion, RIM, makers of Blackberry, who told the gathering that because of the quality of regulation which has excited telecoms growth in Nigeria, the country has become one of the most important markets for Blackberry usage in the world.

Having engaged the services of both local and international organizations to help in ensuring a most transparent process, according to

Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah(on the podium)makes business presentation at the event, while Gov Peter Obi of Anambra state, immediate left, Gov Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom state(m)and Gov Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State (r) savour the moment.

EVC of NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah (m) makes a case for the potentials of Nigerian business economy at the event while Dr Leo-Stan Ekeh (r) and another guest at the event (l) listen with rapt attention

NCC EVC, Dr Eugene Juwah with Ms Ama Pepple, Minister of Lands and Housing at the event Juwah, Nigeria was prepared to adopt the Open Access Model as possible model in order to achieve the following benefits: Bridge gaps in Broadband deployment; Eliminate last Mile issues; Access to a resilient transmission backbone infrastructure; Resuscitate Fixed Telephony; Reduce the price of Bandwidth; Unlock the market for massive retail services like content provision; and Create wealth for investors.

Nigeria has a huge market and a good regulatory environment. Those operating in the country are doing good business. Come and invest in Nigeria, Juwah told an audience that was equally abreast with telecoms investment return figures coming out of the country.

Okoh Aihe who works for the Nigerian Communications Commission sent this material from Abuja.

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 LIBYA has a more dangerous transition phase

that is easily overlooked. Muammar Gaddafi’s death 18 months ago has left a country in more turmoil than most opponents of Gaddafi expected.

All efforts were invested in ending Gaddafi’s 42 years in power. Little thought was spared about how to run a country where less than five per cent of the population knew King Idris, the man Gaddafi overthrew in 1969.

How does anyone run a country with more than 1,700 armed groups? How can one pacify 1,700 armed militias, all with claims of entitlement, having fought for the exit of Gaddafi? Who would disarm them, when they appear to be the law, when they are the ones offering protection to everyone, at a price?

The more powerful these militias insist that their participation in the eight-month war that wrestled power from Gaddafi make demands that include direction participation in decisions about Libya.

Criminal gangs have joined. The power of the gun is a threat to democratic rule which Libyans do not understand. The few who do have faint assumptions about democracy.

Libya – Law By The Gun Politicians are drawing support from militias.

Militias ironically are Libya’s only effective police force.

Libyan and United States authorities cannot find the killers of US Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. The risks of annoying the militias are too high.

On April 29 about 200 militias heavily armed with anti-aircraft weapons, surrounded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building. They did not want officials who served under Gaddafi to have leadership positions. The next day another group surrounded the Justice Ministry making the same demand. Anti-militia protests broke

out in the streets. The siege lasted two weeks and the militias won.

The groups had a list of several ministers they wanted removed, including Libya’s prime minister. He has angered militias by calling on them to join the government’s security forces, vowing to take a hard stance against armed groups that do not fall into line.

Libya’s fledgling parliament passed the law banning officials who served under Gaddafi from leadership. The law is not only wrong for being discriminatory, one of the major charges about the Gaddafi regime, but it gave no thought to its impact on Libya.

Only the few who were in exile under Gaddafi did not serve in his government.

Where would Libyans in Libya have worked in 42 years except with Gaddafi? Where would the militias find experienced Libyans to manage the affairs of their country?

Libya presents a fuller picture of the evils dictators deposit when they depart. Yet there are the likes of Robert Gabriel Mugabe, who at 89, and 33 years in power, are destroying their countries with enthusiastic abandon.

OPINION

BY MUSTAPHA MINJBIR

T

O provide a credible opposition you need a political party whose leaders have been tested and trusted and who have provided credible leadership that transcends ethnic or geographical demarcations and have been found to be above board in their individual and official dealings within and outside government.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo of blessed memory was no doubt a credible opposition.

He was a strategist and a great thinker who provided Nigerians with statistical and logical arguments as to the position of government and what they were up to. He, it was that exposed the weak economic policies of the Shagari era which he prophesised that unless an urgent action is taken, there shall be total socio-economic downturn. Accordingly, we witnessed the coming into force of the Economic Stabilisation Act otherwise known as austerity measure.

Recently, the tempo of opposition frenzy has risen to another level with the nosediving of their individual capacities to govern Nigeria in 2015 courtesy of the merger of mixed up parties seemingly moving forward. Typical of the loudness of empty political barrels, all we have heard from our ambitious aspirants to national power is a cacophony of criticisms of the incumbent ruling party, the PDP and a damning silence as to their own credible credentials for pointing accusing fingers.

It is commonsense that it takes more than a capacity to unleash criticisms to demonstrate ability to succeed in any C M Y K

Why ACN's form of opposition is extinct human endeavour, so as far as Nigerians are concerned, the opposition zealots are non-starters.

There is no gainsaying that Nigeria is not a banana republic that can be governed with the ease monkeys devour bananas.

Even the monkeys demonstrate several uncanny skills in navigating the bush and staying alive to munch their favourite fruit rather than gathering in isolated groups to groan about other consumers of bananas!

Nigeria is still a developing country treading the difficult and unpredictable path that all great nations must go through as part of the process of nationhood.

Governing Nigeria is not a tea party!

The frivolous manner in which opposition leaders respond to the inevitable vicissitudes of political leadership as we are all witnessing in today’s Nigeria indicates that their obsession with capturing power is completely blind and insensitive to its inherent challenging responsibilities. As far as our evidently juvenile and exuberant opposition mandarins are concerned, all it takes to “fix” Nigeria is for its desperate leaders to get into Aso Villa but nothing could be further from the truth.

Even more condemnable is the brazen lack of patriotism that motivates opposition politicians as they seek to maliciously discredit the incumbent Goodluck Jonathan Administration by going to the

extent of engaging in covert and overt acts of sabotage capable of threatening not just their perceived political rival but indeed the entire nation. This can be deduced from their consistent refusal to contribute actively and responsibly to the quest for lasting solutions to the nagging national problems that confront government while zealously capitalising on real and imaginary challenges.

An objective analysis of these undesirable tendencies of the ambitious opposition however will convincingly prove that such rascality is the direct result of the glaring incapacity and unsuitability of the ringleaders. For example, Tinubu is today prancing around the stage in the ill-fitting guise of a national leader whereas in Lagos State where he once governed he is regarded as a sharp contrast of incompetence and imprudence vis-a-vis’ the incumbent governor of the state. In fact, the political arena in the state is buzzing with the open secret of Tinubu’s envious ego casting ominous shadows on the greater successes of his supposedly anointed successor!

General Buhari is another opposition character who typifies the sheer unsuitability and incapacity of the political clique blindly seeking to grab power in Nigeria. This is a retired general whose record of draconian dictatorship and pathological hatred for politics is

unmatched in Nigeria’s political history.

Yet, out of sheer inordinate ambition after getting booted out of power by his smarter collaborators, plunged head on into politics of seeking the Presidency at the first opportunity! No wonder he is also emerging unopposed as the worst president Nigeria will never have, according to those who have observed him closely in his here-todaygone-tomorrow brand of barrack politics.

It is logical to go further and conclude that any group of Nigerians who continue rallying round such politically peculiar political prospectors have been fatally inflicted by their maladies such that they are unable to see, think or act with the expected intelligence and circumspection that has convinced the majority of Nigerians to steer clear of failed politicians. This is also highlighted by the peculiarities of the hired crowds who are bussed to their rowdy and risky rallies where crude weapons and menacing slogans take the place of meaningful lectures and voter's education.

But we must live with these liabilities in the name of democracy whereby the good, the bad, and the ugly are said to be equal in exercising civic rights, sadly including the right to be voted for. To ward off the unspeakable implications of a government of misfits descending on our besieged nation, we must fervently pray that the irreconcilable differences and conflicting ambitions of the opposition leaders continue to render their political agenda the huge joke that it has been well beyond 2015. Amen! *Mr. Minjbir, a political analyst, wrote from Kano, Kano State.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013— 19

, Continued from last week

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“

AN negotiation be imposed?

Are there interests that are non-negotiable? The carrot is inducement; the stick is punishment. The insurgency cannot be brought to an end if the interests of either version of the Boko Haram are revolutionary because the aim of revolutionary insurgency is total defeat of the government, its demolition and the construction of another society, government and constitution.

Governor Babangida Aliyu takes a mid-course between Yaguda and Okupe.

“Governor of Niger State and chairman of the Northern States Governors' Forum Babangida Aliyu said after the declaration of the amnesty initiative that governors of the affected states must now bring out the Boko Haram elements for dialogue. On April 9 in Minna while commending the president for heeding the calls for amnesty for Boko Haram, Aliyu said, “I also call on the governor in the north to begin to unmask the ghosts among them so that we will be talking to human beings and not ghost” (ThisDay, The Sunday Newspaper, April 28, 2013).

Amnesty in Aliyu’s view is a strategy to engage the governors to “unmask” the ghosts as a

prelude to the starting of negotiations.

Vanguard Monday April 29, 2013 carries the response of Defence Headquarters that have come under intense international and national accusation of heavy handedness in its response to the Boko Haram attack on the JTF in Baga. Kingsley Omonobi’s story is captioned “Baga Defence headquarters challenges Borno State Government; denies claim that 185 persons were killed.

Abuja- The Defence headquarters, yesterday accused politicians and officials of Borno State government of deliberately inflating the casualty figure in the shoot-out between the military and members of Boko Haram at Baga community in Borno State two weeks ago to discredit the military so that the troops will be withdrawn from the state. It was reported that about 185 residents of the community were killed by the Multi-National Task Force during the shoot out while 2000 homes were destroyed. The Defence Headquarters said in a statement however, that the series of allegations were aimed at discrediting the military, with the aim to put pressure on government to order the withdrawn of troops from Borno, adding that no mass grave was found anywhere after

two days of searching as alleged by the politicians. The statement noted that after the operation to flush out the terrorists from Baga had been successfully carried out on April 16 and 17, “the situation in the town had been stabilised until the arrival of some politicians and government officials who addressed the community on Sunday April 21, making a series of allegations which end up raising fresh tension and campaign to discredit the military. The politicians reiterated their call for withdrawal of soldiers from the state during their address. The statement signed by Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information reads: ‘The defence Headquarters fact-finding team to Baga has returned to present its reports to the Chief of Defence Staff on the outcome of its three-day visit to Baga following the reports on last week encounter between the multinational Joint Task Force, (MNJTF) and Boko Haram Terrorists in the town of Baga

The moral degeneration of Nigerian institutions

BY TOCHUKWU EZUKANMA

I

N theory, Nigerian institutions, like the Church and government agencies, are motivated by the loftiest ideals. Usually, they have mottoes: pithy and poetic expressions defining their guiding principles and objectives. But due to the moral and ethical collapse of the Nigerian society, occasioned by a series of irresponsible, amoral and conscienceless leaders, these institutions generally operate in total contradiction of their professed principles and objectives: at the detriment of the Nigerian people.

Take this story for example. A lady in her early thirties lives with her senior sister. She works as a cleaner in a private school and goes to school part-time. She attends a Pentecostal church. Her pastor, who is also a “prophet”, knows that she earnestly desires to be married. So, he “prophesies” to her.

According to his “prophesy”, she will, in a short while, meet a man whom God has designated to be her husband. In his “prophesy”, he reveals the man’s name and state of origin.

About two months later, a long time friend of the pastor, a shiftless, homeless and jobless man, appears in church. His name and state of origin are exactly as the pastor had “prophesied”. With the flippancy and suave of a con artist, he captivates the lady; and promises to marry her. He admits to be homeless but claims to have a job. She was not overly concerned about the man’s antecedence and the details of his present life. After all, the man was God sent, and

C M Y K

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everything about the marriage and her prospective husband was unfolding according to the prophecy of her 'daddy in the Lord'. She was ecstatic; rejoicing that God had finally answered her prayers.

The man leeched off her and her senior sister. Shortly, the lady is pregnant. With the pregnancy, the next logical step, the lady and her family argued, was marriage. The man, with his slippery and serpentine parlance temporised (on marriage). On the day of her delivery, after a Caesarean operation, and with the woman in a coma and her hospital bills mounting, the “God anointed husband” vanished. Homeless, and of course, with no traceable place of residence, no one could locate him.

After the hospital bills were duly paid by the lady ’s senior sister and the lady discharged from the hospital, he reappeared.

Instead of money and provisions for the new born baby, he brought water in a bottle for the baby. The baby’s mother questioned his insistence on the baby drinking this “special water ”. There was a heated argument between them, and the man vanished for the second and final time.

Disconcerted and dispirited, she adjusted to her new role as a single parent. With time, her daughter starts school. After school, she got a baby sitter, a woman who runs a small store for about two to three hours before she gets back from work, and then, picks her up. One day after school, as the girl (now six year old) played around, she was gang raped by three grown men.

After the rape, as she ran out, crying and

,

Security precedes defence (2)

The President’s 2015 strategy either as a contender or a sponsor entails his bringing to the fore the issue of order in society as the paramount security challenge. There is, therefore, an urgent need for a stakeholders security council level conference

General Edokpayi maintained that the operation was only targeted at stopping the Boko Haram terrorists who had established a pattern of burning buildings and property as a mode of operation in the area lately. He cited instances of how the terrorists employed the tactics of burning properties such as Duguri, Metele, and Kangarwa where they have operated”.

T

he military involved was the Multi National Joint Task Force consisting of troops from Nigeria, Niger and Chad- that suggests that the Boko Haram in Borno was multi-national.

ThisDay, The Sunday Newspaper drew attention to the issue of Foreign Connection in granting of amnesty.

“But the federal government faces a dilemma in its effort to contain the Boko Haram insurgency: the group’s connection with Al-Qaeda and other foreign terrorist organisations, and the ineffective policing of Nigeria’s far-flung border areas in the North-east and other parts of the country. The extraordinary thing about Friday’s bloody clash at the remote Borno Village of Baga is that most of the news got out to the media only from Sunday, more than 24 hours after the violence began. It clearly shows how difficult, it is to police the remote border villages where Boko Haram seems to find sanctuary. It also shows a possible involvement of foreign mercenaries. There were reports that operation to dislodge Boko Haram from their alleged hideout in the area was a joint effort by Nigerian, Nigerien and Chadian troops. This underscores the fears among African countries about the danger and potency of crossborder terrorism”.

The Nigerian Minister for Foreign Affairs has been in the U.S State Department to answer

One day after school, as the girl (now six years old) played around, she was gang raped by three grown men

,

bleeding, her baby sitter realised what happened. She hushed her up and cleaned her up but neither notified the police nor told her mother. The girl told her mother about the rape. But, like many Nigerians, frightened by the inherent wickedness, insensitivity and oppressiveness of the Nigerian system, the mother did nothing.

She did not confront the rapists, question the baby sitter or report the rape to the police. And, most terrifyingly, she did not take the girl for a medical check up because she could not afford it. The girl had a strange cough and complained of waist pain. Still, the mother did nothing.

O

n this given day, the young girl was in a gossip mood and was telling her aunty (the mother’s senior sister) about another aunty. She said that her other aunty is not a “good girl” because she “allows boy to touch her”. At her work place, she was “hugging the boys” that work with her. Her aunty said it was okay for her other aunty to hug boys because she is a grown lady. But, as for her, who is still a small girl, no boy

questions on possible human rights violations by the MNJTF in the Baga operation. The US may mean well but they not only show incomprehension of the nature of the insurgency, they also lack an understanding of the larger context of insecurity of societies in Africa and what make them susceptible to anarchy and terror politics.

President Jonathan has the Boko Haram Tiger by the tail and either way he may come out the loser unless the President is encouraged to address the larger problems of Sahelian Malian Insecurity as a process of getting the US to appreciate the fact that the security of societies in Africa procede their defence. The present chaos in the northern analysis of the Boko Haram Threat is a pointer to the possible chaos of 2015 electoral discourse. The President’s 2015 strategy either as a contender or a sponsor entails his bringing to the fore the issue of order in society as the paramount security challenge.

There is therefore an urgent need for a stakeholders Security Council level Conference today than when the insurgency began.

We can learn from this statement of Bola Tinubu.

“Nigeria must be a prosperous, secure nation that helps weaker nations attain peace and stability.

Instead, we are beset by woe on all sides. Boko Haram falls upon our people in the North. MEND in the Niger Delta falls upon us.

Kidnapping and robbery encircled the nation as criminal misconduct”.

The disorder so well portrayed

by Tinubu above cannot be the context for stable democratic governance now or in 2015. The President must show the world the way out of the present anarchy that he is doing his best to manage.

This is the moment to operationalise the Transformation Agenda.

Concluded

should touch her. She asked her if any boy has been touching her. She replied yes, and told her about the rape. She gave graphic details of the rape, including how one of the men stuck “that dirty thing” with something like milk dripping from it into her mouth and forced her to drink the milk-like liquid.

She reeled out the names of the three “uncles” – that is – the pedophilic rapists.

Her aunty was flabbergasted. She confronted the girl’s mother. The mother defended her inaction on the grounds that she has no money and therefore could not afford a “police case”. The aunty provided money for the girl’s medical check up. The doctor’s report attested to a rape. The doctor notified a staff of an NGO and she called the police. The police moved in and arrested the rape suspects and charged them to court.

Oh wow! Splendid, you will think. At last, the pedophiles, in line with the stipulations of the law, will be prosecuted, convicted and consigned to jail where they really belong.

With the rapists arrested, the girl’s mother was elated. She was animated by a new sense of relevancy and self confidence. Her self doubt and distrust of the police, lawyers and the legal system all disappeared. In her romantic naiveté, she was enlivened by a new found faith in the Nigerian judiciary system. She rebuffed appeals from different quarters (the families of the rapists, the child’s baby sitter and some of her own relatives) to drop the case. She was determined to see the case brought to a conclusive end. And the culprits sentenced to long jail terms for their desecration of her innocent daughter.

Continues tomorrow on pg 18

* Mr. Ezukanma, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Lagos.

20—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Is’haq Modibo Kawu, Northern irredentists and the appropriation of Nigeria In this concluding part of the discourse, Prof. Itse Sagay, SAN, argues that the basis for independent Nigeria is for the country to return to the pre-independence pact by which Regions (States) retained 50 per cent of their natural resources and contributed 20 to the Federal Government

GAMALIEL ONOSODE:

To wear honour like a garment HE house is like any other along the street, without any special adornment. We are in the largely middle-class suburb of Surulere in Lagos. But to my pleasant surprise, the street, which I have not visited for several years, has now been turned into a double carriageway. We get down from the car and enter through a gate leading to a side door. There are flowers along the base of the walls. Past the open garage to the right, where a car is sitting, we climb up a short stairway, and find ourselves in the office, where the neatly dressed Secretary receives us with visible courtesy.

Behind her is a door, and I can hear the man’s voice inside, giving instructions. But we do not wait for long before we are ushered into the inner office to meet him. I look at him again as he hugs my assistant familiarly and shakes my hand. He has not changed in any noticeable way since I saw him last at the Unilag some six months before. He is still dapper and trim, lean and well-kept, with the trademark central parting across his low cut hair. His voice is also the same clear, polished lilt, with its elaborately cultivated diction. As usual his affability is disarming, and his elegance unforced, even in the casual clothes he is wearing.

He leads us on through some doors, past walls that are decorated with paintings, and soon we are back downstairs in his private sitting room. ‘Madam’, whom I still have not met, is not around again today, I learn. The room is filled

PR OF PROF OF.. FEMI OSOFISAN with mementoes everywhere, on the floor, on the walls, on chairs and tables. Photographs, lovely framed, stare at you, some benignly beckoning, some aggressively posturing, others with some statement that is difficult to decipher at once. Most are of children and grandchildren, in-laws and close relations, and of himself and his wife at obviously memorable moments. The room speaks noisily of the biography of a man who has lived an exceptional life. ‘The children don’t like this room,’ C M Y K

he tells us with a chuckle. ‘They don’t feel at ease here; they say it’s like a museum.’ I am thinking to myself that, if I had a magic wand this moment, I would gather all my songs, all my fables, and weave Gabriel Onosode...marking his 80th birthday them into a golden garland, and offer it to him as a birthday present. But sadly, I am cherished siblings, leaving him to carno magician. All I can offer are my ry enormous responsibilities even at an words of good wishes. early age. How then, with such losses My host accepts them with grace. He and so many records of near-fatal enis going to be eighty years old in a cou- counters, has he managed so magnifiple of weeks, this man who has been cently to conquer the terror of death, acknowledged as one the nation’s fin- such that the approach of his 80th birthest gentlemen. But you would never day fills him with no trepidation at all know this by simply looking at him. He about his mortality? Who, simply, is the is one of these fortunate beings who man behind the public image? Does he are blessed with a frame of Adonic bleed like the rest of us? youthfulness. Together with his sprightI decide to be cautious. I begin by ly gait and clean physique, his body asking him about his background. Comoffers a picture that totally belies his ing from what was a lowly rural backage, giving the impression of a much ground, how did he manage to pull himyounger man. But it is not because of self to such a lofty height in our society his looks that I am here today. This is and join the ranks of the elite? But he a man who is more or less a living leg- corrects me. Rural, yes, but his roots were end, with a curriculum vitae that reads not ‘lowly’. “In that community,” he exlike an intimidating dictionary of select plains, “we saw ourselves and we were awards and distinctions. He Who, simply, is the man behind has remained the public image? Does he bleed “simply Mister like the rest of us?

Onosode” by choice and by humility, but it is difficult to think of an important pri- perceived as the elite, okay? I rememvate or public sector business or initia- ber my father used to ‘import’ a bag of tive that he has not chaired at one time rice from Warri, and when I say ‘imor the other in the past fifty years at port’, I mean that it was like God havleast. He is a Fellow or Board member ing come down and brought something. of countless business organizations He probably was the only person who and financial institutions nationally and had a Raleigh bicycle in town… And internationally. we lived in a compound with Zinc roofing, corrugated iron roofing, as opposed Abundant to thatch. The compound was a huge energy square with boundary demarcations.”

This was the vicarage at Oginibo, in And in the educational area, to which what is now the Delta State, where his he seems to have directed much of his father worked as a Baptist priest. The abundant energy in recent years, he conditions were in fact so favourable that has been Pro-Chancellor and Chair- Onosode had an early access to books: man of the Governing Council of sev- “My father had a library. And I thought eral of our leading universities, the lat- it was an enormous library even when est being the University of Lagos, Ako- I was eh... in the secondary school. It ka. I can go on, but how many shall was only much later in life, after I went we count of the teeth in the mouth of to the university, that I discovered that Adepele? It is not to enumerate his this ‘enormous’ library was only actuachievements that I have come either. ally one tiny segment of my library at My mission, among other things, is to 44 Adelabu Street... But to me as a child find out from him the tricks of survival it was enormous.”

He pauses, thinking back with nosin a cruel age such as the one we live talgia. The he continues: “I used to sit in.

In his biography, published ten years there in his chair, in his easy chair ago, one learns of the rather unfair you know this kind of thing where you number of occasions he has been in put this Calico cloth and uh - and pull and out of hospitals and undergone the books out one after the other. There serious surgical operations both here were all kinds there: English Literature, and abroad. Furthermore, he has had Mathematics, even some Science to witness the passing away of the peo- books, theological books, and, ple dearest to him, some of his most uh...poetry, and so on.To be concluded

,

T

BY FEMI OSOFISAN

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,

LL will be quiet on the Federal front and the desperate do or die battle to have the Presidency will abate. Finally, there is no “Niger Delta political elite currently running Nigeria”, as Is’haq wrongly presumes. The President, is from the Ijaw Nation and he has appointed Advisers and Agents who assist him to run the executive arm of the government. There is no Niger Delta incorporated in this Government. The vast majority of Niger Deltans are as distant from it as the disenchanted Arewa group.

It is a Jonathan Presidency, not a Niger Delta or South South Presidency. For most of us outside the Ijaw geo-ethnic zone in the Niger Delta, this presidency is no different from the Obasanjo and Yar’Adua presidencies.

Our demands are yet to be met by any Presidency. These are fiscal federalism including resource control, strong Regions, a loose federation in which the states will control most matters of human interest and relevance whilst the Federal Government concentrates on matters of common interest amongst the States that can only be handled effectively at a pan Nigerian level, e.g., defence, foreign affairs, immigration, currency, customs, banking, aviation, citizenship.

Atrophied states Local Governments and Federation Account must never be featured in Federal Constitution.

Local Governments belong to States 100 per cent and States can create as many local governments as they wish, but they must fund them exclusively. Federation Accounts are an excuse for dispossessing States of their resources, in favour of an unproductive federal government which on becoming bloated with these resources, dominates and controls the atrophied States into submission. The bloated, corrupt and inefficient Federal Government becomes the centre of a titanic and destructive struggle for control. States’ indolence and parasitic tendencies follow, resulting in an unproductive and underdeveloped country. This destructive template must be reversed.

That is the essence of the Niger Delta case.

Any candidate from any part of Nigeria, whose programme contains these elements, will enjoy a massive following from the Niger Delta. For us, there must be an end to one tier of the Federation, appropriating our patrimony, and then handing over a pittance to us with the demand that we must be grateful. Our case is that we must revert to the pre-independence constitutional conference pact by which Regions (States) retained 50 per cent of their natural resources and contributed 20 per cent to the Federal Government and 30 per cent too a distributable fund of which the economically weak Regions, were the main beneficiaries.

That way every state developed itself first, with productive activities, before receiving a little help from richer States as complementary gestures.

There was no parasitic federalism, in which idleness and monthly trips to Abuja to collect dole or state welfare package became the sole source of State existence. States that cannot survive without the monthly trip to Abuja have no right to exist as separate States. They should merge with more viable States. Even better still we need to re-structure ourselves into Regions or zones, using the present six zones as the basis, with minor changes, like Yoruba parts of Kwara and Kogi, joining the Western (Yoruba) Region. We must now revert to our pre-independence pact which was embodied in the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions. That is the basis of independent Nigeria.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 — 21

Multiple taxation threatening growth of mining sector — Operators

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

M

Mr. John Coumantaros, Vice-Chairman, Flour Mills of Nig. Plc (middle); Mrs. Modupeola Babalola, Marketing Manager, Golden Penny Foods (left), Mr. Martin Anyanwu, Group Marketing Head, Flour Mills of Nig. Plc., and some distributors during the unveiling of Golden Penny Sugar, at the customers’ forum, in Lagos.

How Nigeria will benefit from remodelled airports — Oduah

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU

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HE remodelling of the 22 Federal Governmentowned airports across the country, which include Aerotropolis — airport hotels and shopping facilities, will help boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) when completed.

The Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, who said this in her opening speech to welcome President Goodluck Jonathan who laid the foundation stone of the international terminal at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, and also commissioned the remodelled domestic terminal, noted that they would galvanise economic activities and enhance international and domestic travel.

Also speaking at the occasion, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, George Uriesi, said the income from every remodelled airport is estimated to increase by 500 percent because of revenues that would accrue from the non-aeronautical sources as shops and other business structures that have been expanded at each of the airports.

With improvement of the facilities, more people would be attracted to the airports and

more people would travel.

With the remodelling, it is projected that by 2015, total domestic and international passengers movement in Nigeria would rise from the present 12 million to 16 million, and with better airport facilities, air travellers would increase by at least 10 per ent every year.

The minister said “Nigeria’s aviation industry must take its rightful place in our national life. The industry must become pivotal to the

socio-economic development of our country as it is supposed to be and as we proclaimed in our Vision, we will continue to do what it takes to deliver just such an industry to Nigerians.”

She further said the international terminal and the perishable goods terminal projects in Enugu would be completed in December 2014.

The total cost of the project is N13.3 billion, and the new international terminal, with a total floor area of 25,000

square meters, would have capacity to handle 500,000 passengers per annum.

“On completion of the terminal, this airport will finally answer its name in the real sense of the word “Akanu Ibiam International Airport”, the minister said.

INERS in the country have identified multiple taxations as the bane of the mining sector.

A sand miner, Oluseyi Leigh, said the trend is scaring away investors from the sector, thereby hindering growth.

He stated this in Lagos during an exclusive interview with Vanguard on the challenges and prospects of the mining sector on economic diversification.

“The greatest challenges of operators right now include multiple taxations. We call it multiple taxations because we have so many government agencies that we are paying,” he said.

He identified the different government agencies that operators pay to include: Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront and Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA. He added they also pay to the Lagos State’s new Ministry of Minerals and Energy and the Ministry of Environment which takes the Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA for every operator.

He noted also that another huge challenge that operators face in the sector is that of financing as the business requires huge capital investment and banks have remained skeptical about the business and no longer grant loans.

“We have another huge challenge of finance. Getting financing from banks to fund our equipment is difficult. The interest rate is high and they are always asking for collateral.

The banks don’t believe in the business and a lot of them are scared.

So they would rather finance oil and gas business than a mining business,” he said.

143.7

Nigeria to host African business women’s advocacy forum

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

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ITAL Voices Global Partnership and Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) have announced that they will host the Supporting Public Advocacy for Regional Competitiveness (SPARC) Program and Forum in Lagos.

In a statement signed by Lere Ojedokun, Group Head, Strategic Communications Services, Chain Reactions Nigeria on behalf of the organisations, the one-day forum will hold on May 23, 2013.

During the programme, businesswomen’s advocacy efforts for increased economic empowerment across Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and

Nigeria will be highlighted.

Celena Green, Senior Program Manager, Vital Voices Global Partnership, Africa said, “the forum will discuss the importance of women’s leadership in Africa’s economic growth, and the advocacy efforts that women’s business organizations are undertaking to promote greater investment in women, and improvements in the business environment that will provide equal opportunities for women’s economic participation,” she said. ‘‘Research has shown that gender equality is not only the right thing to do, but also good for business. Companies and governments that diversify their procurement see improved savings and efficiencies by opening the process to new players,” she noted

2,301.00

+7.00

16.86

0.03

104.20 95.48 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYA KRONA SDR

-2.9

154.74 155.24 235.5607 236.3219 199.5991 200.244 159.9215 160.4382 1.512 1.5169 0.2844 0.2944 229.876 230.6191 24.934 25.015 41.2574 41.3907 26.7735 26.86 230.7019 231.4473

+0.42 +0.32 SELLING 155.74 237.083 1200.889 160.9549 1.5218 0.3044 231.3619 25.0963 41.524 26.9465 232.1928

CBN Exchange rate as at 20/05/2013

22— Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

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HERE are many people out there who want to buy shares as investment but they are confused on what to buy. Though stockbrokers are supposed to advise people in this regard, many have however lost confidence in stockbrokers. From this week, we would be providing information that could help investors overcome some of these confusions.

Last week’s edition highlighted the dangers of following the crowd in making investment decisions.

“Profitable investment requires buying or selling based on specific goals and purposes”, it concluded. This implies that you must first determine why you want to invest in shares. That money you want to invest, why do you want to invest it? The answer to this question is critical in determining the shares you should buy.

Assuming your goal is to invest the money for a short period, say less than two years, for safe keeping. That is, you want the money to be out of your reach so that you don’t spend it, then you should buy shares of companies that

Shares you should buy (1) enjoy stable price movement and that you can easily sell.

Note that while share prices always move up and down, almost on daily basis, there are shares that the price movement

overtime always even out, and in fact rises. It may gain 10 kobo today, lose 10 kobo tomorrow, but it would recover.

Also such shares must be one that you can easily sell when

you want to recover your money and utilise it.

The reason behind the stability of the price of such shares, and why you can easily sell them is because the price movements are not manipulated. Secondly, the movements are product of demand and supply. Thirdly, the companies are always doing well in terms of revenue, profit and dividend. Hence, there is always demand for

,

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

One thing you must also note is that not all price movements are product of demand and supply, some are manipulated.

When you see the price of a share rising persistently, beware!

,

their shares. These are mostly referred to as blue chip stocks.

These include GTBank, First Bank, Zenith Bank, Nestle, Unilever, Dangote Flour and Dangote Sugar etc.

The above indicates that it doesn’t really matter when you buy these shares, over the short period you set for yourself, most likely, the price would remain the same or go up slightly. So, you would not lose your money.

One thing you must also note is that not all price movements are product of demand and supply, some are manipulated. When you see the price of a share rising persistently, beware! Ordinarily, price of a share would go up when it announces its result and, it shows profit and dividend or when the company announces it has received a major contract or introduce a new product, indicating the prospect of a more business turnover and profitability. But when there is no such announcement or any development, yet the price of the share is rising almost daily and weekly, it is likely due to manipulation. The same way the price went up, so would it come down persistently, even below its initial level. So beware!!

Top 10 performing stocks

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

A

MONG the top ten stocks that enjoyed investors’ patronage are Courteville Business Solution (CBS) Eterna Plc, UTC Nigeria Plc, DN Meyer, International Breweries plc, Costain, National Salt Company (NASCON), Ikeja Hotel, Livestock Feeds and IPWA Plc. Courteville rallied the most with the share price rising by 57.38 percent or N0.35 to close at N0.96 per share. It opened the week at N0.61. CBS is the only AutoReg company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, and is acclaimed the biggest in West Africa sub-region. For a long time, the company ’s share has traded at per value, but last week, it took a turn for the better after the G r o u p M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r, A d e b o l a A k i n d e l e , strongly posited that CBS was not 50kobo stock. Listed in Computer Based System, Courteville has therefore gained 92 percent year-to-date, having closed the week at N0.96. The company recorded 24 percent increase in turnover for 2012 to N1.06 billion from N855.6 million in 2011. Also, other income grew by five percent to N272.78 million from N259.7 million in the previous year.

E

ternal Plc, listed on the petroleum and petroleum products distributors sector rose by 45.56 percent or N1.23 from N2.70 it started the week to close the week’s trading at N3.39 per share.

The company recently won a N2.2 billion contract for the supply of fuel oil to Egbin Thermal Station belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) as part of the efforts of the government to find viable alternatives to supplement gas supply to the plant for electricity generation. Beginning the year at N1.32, the stock price rose to N4.87, the year high before declining to the Friday figure. It has therefore gained 252.89 percent within the year.

Eterna engages in the manufacturing and sale of lubricating oils, importation and bulk/retail sale of petroleum products including PMS, AGO, LPFO, base oils, bitumen and export of lubricants/ fuels, bunkering among others.

U

TC rose by 41.57 percent or N0.27 to close at N0.92 from N0.65 per share it started the year with. Listed in food products, the share price has risen by 84 percent from year low of 50kobo to N0.92 at the close of transactions on Friday. The latest financial statement showed that it booked 19.3 percent loss in profit for the

second quarter ended June 30 2012. Its profit for the period fell to N32.168 million compared to N39.864 million recorded in the same period of 2011, while turnover also dropped from N1.552 billion in 2011 to N1.252 billion in 2012, representing a drop of 19.4 percent. UTC Nigeria, a subsidiary Leventis Plc, is a leading processor and marketer of baked goods, chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, goat and pork based products.

D

N Meyer, listed in building material sector add ed 30.43 percent or N0.42 to its share price to close as the fourth most patronized stock in the week.

It started at N1.38 and closed at N1.80. Before falling to the present price, the share price had risen by 608 percent from year low of 50kobo to year high of N3.54 per share. The third quarter financial statement for the period ended 31st October, 2012 showed that its turnover slumped by 99.89 percent to N1.05 billion from N939.81 million in the same period of 2011. Its profit after tax fell further to negative N8.53 billion during the review period.

Beverages- Brewers/distillers listed entity, International Breweries, appreciated by 30.43 percent or N6.67 from N22.00 it started the year to N28.67 per share. Just two months ago, the company inaugurated a 26, 000-bottle per hour plant in its Ilesa, Osun State factory. Also, last week, SABMiller, confirmed that the world’s second-largest brewer by volume had invested in International Breweries. The share price has risen so far by 436.89 percent from year low of N5.34 to high of N28.67 per share.

Others are Costain, which appreciated by 18.99 percent or N2.03 to close at N0.94; NASCON gained 18.68 or N2.03 to close at N12.90, while Ikeja Hotel, Livestock Feeds and IPWA rose by 18.67 or N0.14, 18.18 or N0.50 and 16.67 or N0.10 to close at N0.89, N3.25 and N0.70 in that order.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 —23

Understanding share buyback and its rules

By PETER EGWUATU

U

SUALLY companies sell shares to investors. But a company can also buy its shares from shareholders.

When it does so, the company is said to have ‘Buy Back’ its shares. Many shareholders do not understand the concept of “share buyback”. It is simply the acquisition by a company of its own shares from its shareholders.

Generally, where a company buys back its own shares, it effectively reduces its issued share capital by reducing the number of shares held by the public such that even if the profits of such company were to remain the same, the company’s earnings per share would increase.

The expectation of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is that the application of the share buyback (particularly in present situation where the stock price of most quoted companies are depressed), would provide a viable means of revaluing the

Where is Alliance Capital?

My stockbroker is Alliance Capital. I told him to buy shares of Niger Insurance, Dangote Sugar and Flour Mills worth N95, 000. He bought only Dangote Sugar for unknown amount. I called him but he didn’t pick my call and it’s over four years now. (Ajueshi Ochuko) Investors Forum Our investigations revealed that there is no licensed stockbroking firm by the name Alliance Capital. You can write to the Central Securities Clearing System, to ascertain the identity of the broker that was used to buy the Dangote shares in your name . The stockbroker would know the identity of whoever is behind Alliance Capital. Address your letter to: Managing Director, Central Securities Clearing System Plc, 1st Floor, Stock Exchange House,2/4 Customs Street,Lagos, Nigeria. You can also send email to info@cscsnigeriaplc.com. You can also call them on 0702 576 8449 I need DAAR Communications certificate for my son I bought shares for my son at DAAR Communications Plc in 2008, up till this moment, they have only sent me certificate of my shares and still I have not heard or receive my son’s shares’ certificate.

Investors Forum Please contact First Registrars

•Arunma Oteh, SEC, DG price of the stocks quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

In Nigeria, there is a restriction placed on public companies both by Companies and

Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and SEC Rules to the effect that the company can only draw the cash needed for the repurchase of its own shares from a specific source. More-

over, the buyback can only be carried out in a certain manner within a certain time frame and within a certain proportion.

The justification for these rules is seen by reference to the history of company law and their inclusion in the CAMA. Historically, unscrupulous managers and promoters of a company could create an artificial “bubble” or impression of buoyancy of the shares of a company and fuel dangerous speculative trading of the shares by re purchasing those shares with loans. In order to prevent the prevailing incidence of fraud committed on the unsuspecting members of the investing public by those who were running the affairs of the company, rules were developed in the history of corporate law practice, and the CAMA. Particularly (Section 158 to 165) places a bar on companies acquiring their own issued shares or to taking advantage of any loan or financial assistance to acquire their own shares (Section 159

COMPLAINTS & INVESTIGATIONS at Plot 2 Abebe Village Road, Iganmu or call 01-773086, 774309, 270178,2701079 What is the fate of my investment in Afribank?

I bought shares in Afri Bank Nigeria Plc at its public offer in 2007; I got dividend in 2008 and bonus in 2009. Now that the Bank has been nationalised and taken over by Mainstreet Bank, What is the faith of my shares?

Also Zenith Registrars did not send my dividend for 2011, I have written to them twice but I am being ignored, what do I do? (Noel) Investors Forum The nationalised banks no

longer belong to the shareholders. Hence, all the shareholders have lost their investments in these banks. For your Zenith Bank dividend, please contact Zenith Registrars Limited at Plot 89 Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island Extension, Lagos. Tel: 234-1-2708930-4.

E m a i l : enquiry@zenithregistrars.com.

If you want us to visit Zenith Registrar on your behalf, send a formal complaint to vanguardinvestorsforum@gmail.com.

Investors Forum Skye Bank is yet to release its financial statement for 2012.

Fidelity Bank and UBA did not declare dividend

Information of dividend by Skye Bank, two others Kindly supply me the 2013 dividend of Skye, Fidelity and UBA (Damain)

Investors Forum Please contact First Registrars at Plot 2 Abebe Village Road, Iganmu or call 01-773086, 774309, 270178,2701079

No dividend from Fidelity Bank I bought shares from Fidelity Bank Plc in Zaria in 2005, I have only received certificate since 2007.I am saving Soldier, Please help me out. (Dauda Suleiman)

MARKET INFORMATION NSE includes MSCI as Market Data Vendor The Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, has included MSCI as a market data vendor of the NSE’s market data.

MSCI joins a growing number of market data vendors who have recently subscribed to the NSE market data products and services, which continues to improve on a daily basis. ?

The Nigerian Stock Exchange provides realtime and delayed market data feeds directly to financial information providers via its Market Data Feed service. The delivery of market data and associated services is an essential building block in The Exchange’s strategy as it seeks to reach a wider audience to improve market transparency and facilitate informed investment decision making.

Since the launch of this service, The NSE has signed on a number of market data vendors

and plans to on-board other national and global financial information service providers in the nearest future. Other market vendors include: Thomson Reuters, Bloomberg, Interactive Data, Six Financials, S&P Jones, INet Bridge, FactSet Inc., and Direct FN Supplementary Listing 781,017,387 ordinary shares resulting from the merger exercise between Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc and Crusader (Nigeria) Plc were added to the outstanding shares of Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc on 13th May 2013. 23,124,706 additional shares of BOC Gases Plc being bonus shares of 2012 were added to the outstanding shares of the company on 14th May 2013.

Also, 479,955,000 ordinary shares of Okomu Oil Plc resulting from bonus issue of 1 for 1 were added to the outstanding shares of the company on 14th May 2013.

and 160 (1) CAMA). The rule is that in order to avoid the incidence of fraud, a company cannot buy its own shares or assist another to buy it, except there are legitimate circumstances such as those mentioned by CAMA.

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his accords to best international practice and is meant to curb sharp practices of those controlling the affairs of the company (directors and controlling s h a r e h o l d e r s ) .

However, the regulatory framework of SEC under which share buyback can be done is as follows: That a company’s shares are trading below its expected value; that there are no better investment opportunities or better use/ allocation of capital.

The first segment of this rule invites managers of the company’s business to act as good investors by buying the stocks only when they are being traded below expected value. This results in a transfer of wealth or maximising of value from selling shareholders to continuing shareholders.

The second segment addresses the company ’s priorities as a valuemaximising company to fund the highest return opportunity first, which may be re-invested in the business depending on the conditions of the market.

The exceptions to this general rule and their limitative conditions for application are stated in CAMA Sections 158, 160 (2) (3) to 164. “For instance, a buyback will be allowed for the purpose of redemption of redeemable preference shares; For the purpose of settling or compromising a debt or claim asserted by or against the company; For the purpose of eliminating fractional shares; For the purpose of complying with a court order; For the purpose of satisfying the claim of a dissenting shareholder.”

COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS Do you have any challenge with your investment in the stock market or with any company (stockbroker, Registrar Company etc), write to vanguardinvestorsforum @gmail.com OR send text to 08157550673. We will INVESTIGATE AND REPLY

24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Construction of nine private refineries in jeopardy over financing

BY KUNLE KALEJAIYE

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LEVEN years after former President, Olusegun Obansanjo granted licenses to 18 individuals to construct refineries in a bid to open up the country’s downstream sector of the petroleum industry to private investors, there are indications that the government will not achieve its aims, as issues bordering on financing are hindering the construction of refineries by the investors.

Specifically, uncertainty has shrouded the construction of nine licensed private refineries construction in the country.

Construction of six out of the nine refineries and petrochemical plants are yet to commence since August 2010, according to recent update on the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR official website, while three of them have commenced construction.

The fabricated process components of Topping (hydro-skimming) plant owned by Amakpe International Refinery Inc with 12,000 bpd capacity have been duly inspected and certified fit for shipment to Nigeria. Construction kicked off in 2007 and completion of the first phase of the project was done in 2010.

However, the 27,000bpd refining capacity mini-conversion refinery, owned by Antonio Oil in 2010 commenced Civil/ structural works on site. Till date, according to the DPR nothing has been done on the Modularized Portable Topping (diesel-extraction) plant with 1,000bpd refining capacity owned by Niger Delta Petroleum Resources in Ogbelle, Rivers State after it commenced installation of units of the plant in 2009. Since August 2010, the plant status has remained the same.

For the 100,000bpd capacity Complex conversion (cracking) refinery operated by Resource Petroleum & Petrochemicals International Incorporated in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, its project description is yet to be ascertained, however, the design basis has been completed, but awaiting review by DPR and RPII. Another 100, 000bpd capacity Complex Conversion (cracking) refinery owned by Sapele Petroleum Limited in Okpe-Sobo, Sapele, Delta State is yet to be ascertained but configuration and marketing studies have been carried out. Since August 2010, construction is yet to commence.

According to DPR, Rehoboth

Natural Resources Limited that was granted an LTE license in 2008 to construct a Topping (hydro-skimming) 12,000bpsd capacity refinery plant in Immingiri, Bayelsa State revealed that the project execution strategy has not firmed up. But the company has applied to convert ATC to LTE while they are currently working on retrieving commitment deposit. Construction is yet to commence.

The web site also noted that an LTE license was granted to Amexum Corporation to construct 100,000bpd capacity Complex conversion (cracking) refinery in

Ikang, Cross Rivers State. The plant is to be constructed in four phases with each of 25,000 bpd capacity modules. However, lack of financing for project has stalled the kickoff of the project.

Another refinery that is yet to commence construction is the Ipokia, Ogun State 100,000bpd Complex conversion (cracking) refinery by Gasoline Associates International Limited Refinery.

According to DPR’s web site, the project is yet to kick off. DPR explained on its web site that the licensee didn’t attend refiners’ status meeting.

From left: Community Relations officer of Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) Amaka Umeugo; President of Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Dr. Ejiro Umerri; Edo State Commissioner for Special Duties (Oil and Gas) Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo; Senior Special Adviser on Budget to Delta State Governor, Sir Jude Senibe; Community Relations Manager, Seplat Petroelum, Mr. Lucky Obiuwevbi and CRS Manager, Seplat Petroleum, Mrs. Esther Icha during the unveiling of the 2013 edition of NPDC/Selpat Petroleum Development Company’s Free Eyessight Correction Restoration programme in Edo and Delta State

FirstBank parleys PETAN, ANPPA on capacity devt at OTC

BY CLARA NWACHUKWU

F

IRSTBANK of Nigeria Plc said it is collaborating with the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, PETAN, and the Association of Nigerian Petroleum Professionals Abroad, ANPPA, for capacity development in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The bank said the move is to ensure that it produced meaningful partnerships between Nigerian petroleum operators and their foreign counterparts, which it hoped to achieve during a networking dinner organised for participants to the just-ended Offshore Technology Conference, OTC in Houston Texas, USA. First Bank’s Executive Director, Corporate Banking Group, Mr. Kehinde Lawanson, said the event provided a platform to engage Nigerian and foreign attendees on issues relating to the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production and environmental protection.

He said the dinner was a show of the bank’s commitment to promoting and driving far-reaching entrepreneurial and

capacity building activities through support for players and regulatory authorities in the sector.

“As a major financier of oil & gas projects in Nigeria, it is only ideal that we identify with programs that would advance our customers’ businesses and enhance our understanding of the emerging trends in their industry. The OTC also provides us with the platform to share our experiences with existing and prospective customers in the area of oil & gas financing,” he said.

He added that it was also meant to throw up meaningful strategies for maximizing the potential that is abound in the sector, as well as deliberate on generating funding for the sector and boosting local capacity to take advantage of the local content laws.

He said, “In keeping with our pedigree of promoting economic development and growth, First Bank sees huge opportunities in the sector and is confident that the networking dinner will chart a strategic course for growing the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.”

Lawanson noted that the OTC, which is widely regarded as the largest gather-

BRIEF Safer mining programme on course in Zamfara — FG

BY NOEL ONOJA

T

HE safer mining programme in Zamfara State necessitated by the lead poisoning incident which occurred in some communities in Anka and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas of Zamfara State in 2010 that led to the death of some affected children is on course.

The disclosure was made by Mr. Obiora Azubike, the Director of Artisanal and Small Scale Mining in the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development at the 12th stakeholders meeting on the lead poisoning incident at Gusau, the Zamfara State Capital yesterday.

Mr. Azubike disclosed that the process for the tendering, bidding and offer of the contracts for the safer mining programme had been completed and the successful contractors had commenced work since.

The Director disclosed that the programme was being implemented with the N158.3 million intervention fund which the Federal Government released to the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development for the safer mining programme in Zamfara State.

He disclosed that the components of the safer mining programme inlude: sensitization on safer mining; procurement and installation of safer mining equipment; setting up of three mineral processing centres in the state; and provision of extension services to Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Cooperatives in the state. ing of petroleum professionals across the globe provided an avenue to network with major global oil and gas players as well as peer reviews that facilitate the strengthening of existing relationships and farming out opportunities for growing global production.

“First Bank will always be at these strategic events, driving thought leadership and far-reaching entrepreneurial and capacity building for players and regulatory authorities in the sector. As a major financier of oil & gas projects in Nigeria, we will continue to provide funding for well thought-out project in line with the principles of sustainable banking,” he added.

He explained that the dinner is meant to facilitate the exchange of ideas on ways to boost local capacity and align the nation’s oil and gas sector with global trends.

First Bank has over the years remained a major player in infrastructure financing in the oil and gas sector. Some of the Bank’s activities in the sector are: Vessel finance facility of $52.0million for the purchase of two jack-up badges to be leased to Mobil Producing for the execution of a Mobil contract.

Vanguard Vanguard,,

TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

— 25

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

PIB and Dodd-Frank 1504 Anti-Corruption Act (2)

Oil & People

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ART one of this article reviewed the legal framework of Dodd-Frank, calling attention to its transparency and disclosure provisions in the global extractive industry.

The greatest challenge to the impact of Dodd-Frank 1504 in Nigeria is not the global extractive sector and its allies, but the political leadership of our nation vis-à-vis its petroleum resources. So far, there has been no indication of a high-level systematic response to Dodd-Frank 1504 by the nation’s legal and regulatory regimes, including the proposed PIB. Furthermore, weak technical capacity in key state institutions responsible for oil and gas industry governance - state regulators and legislatures exacerbates lapses in enforcing disclosure rules. It is doubtful that Dodd-Frank 1504 will stop institutionalized petroleum sector corruption without strong local mechanisms for public accountability and transparency.

Widespread impunity and repression of critical reports such as that of the Ribadu’s committee and Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) will continue to diminish resource rents further. Under-reporting of payments made to governments by Oil rig oil and gas companies is a serious problem in Nigeria – the inadequate information on payAs regards the Nigeria Liqrecent investigation by the ments of signature bonuses and uefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Honorable Minister of Petro- royalties. Also, the Nuhu Ri- joint venture owned by NNPC leum Resources, Mrs. Deziani badu headed Petroleum Reve- (state owned entity) and some Allison-Madueke into the man- nue Special Task Force de- oil majors, the task force obagement of 445,000 Barrel Per signed to enhance probity and served problems with its acDay (BPD) domestic Purchase accountability of the petroleum counting and disclosure methby the Nigeria National Petro- industry discovered that be- odologies, and went on to say leum Company (NNPC) and tween 2002 and 2011, the na- that, “The estimated cumulative remittance to the Federation ac- tion has been defrauded at al- of the deficit between value obcount is a case in point. The most every state of accounting tainable on the international country’s 2006-2008 EITI au- for oil and gas revenues. The market and what is currently dit report found that oil com- task force went on to state that being obtained from NLNG, panies did not comply with signature bonuses and royal- over the 10-year period, guidelines on the assessment ties amounting to billions of amounts to approximately of tax liabilities, and there was dollars have gone unpaid. $29bn.” And that Shell withheld

•FELIX AYANRUOH felix.ayanruohlaw@gmail.com

US$ 946 million in gas sales from a strategic offshore concession in 2009.

The impact of Dodd-Frank 1504 can be further enhanced by the application of related anti-corruption legislation such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act 2010 and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) AntiBribery Convention in our legal regime.

In the aftermath of the DoddFrank 1504 reform, to improve

extractive sector governance, the National Assembly should ensure that, in its deliberations in enacting the Petroleum Industry Bill, the following recommendations should be taken into consideration: · Harmonize domestic legislation and guidelines on the disclosure of oil and gas payments (such as EITI and extractive regulatory codes) with Dodd-Frank 1504. · Honor international commitments on extractive sector transparency, human rights and anti-corruption legislation such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act 2010 and the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention. · Strengthen and enforce Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act (ICPC Act), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, and Money Laundering Prohibition Act among others on erring oil and gas companies and public officials. · Strengthen the capacity of regulatory institutions to monitor petroleum sector companies. · Provide access to information on petroleum industry operations to the general public and civil society, to improve public accountability. · Strict rules on reporting and accountability in the Oil and Gas industry.

Afren, Lekoil sign agreement over 17% stake in OPL 310

A

FREN said it has com pleted a farm-out agreement with Lekoil in respect of a 17.14 per cent participating interest in the Oil Prospecting License, OPL, 310 licence located offshore Nigeria.

Under the terms of the agreement which is subject to the approval of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Afren will receive a total carry of up to US$50 million in respect of an exploration well currently being drilled at the Ogo prospect and a planned side-track well.

According to a statement by the company, the indigenous Nigerian company Optimum Petroleum Development Limited, the named Operator on the block, will continue to hold a 60 per cent participating interest, with Afren providing technical assistance to Optimum in respect of Optimum’s obligations under a Technical C M Y K

Assistance Agreement.

“The Partners’ participating and economic interests are as follows, post the farm out to Lekoil: Optimum — 60 per cent participating interest and 30 per cent economic interest; Afren — 22.86 per cent participating interest and 40 per cent economic interest and Lekoil — 17.14 per cent participating interest and 30 per cent economic interest,” the company said.

Commenting on the deal, Egbert Imomoh, Chairman, Afren, said, “We are delighted to have successfully concluded a farm-out on OPL 310, offshore Nigeria and welcome Lekoil as a Partner in exploring the significant potential of this under-explored region of the West African Transform Margin.”

Also speaking, Mr. Yusuf N’jie, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Op-

timum, said, “This farm in and the associated drilling programme is a major step forward for our operations at OPL 310 and we welcome Lekoil to the team. We look forward to working with them closely to realise the fields full potential over the coming years.”

OPL 310 is located in the Upper Cretaceous fairway that runs along the West African Transform Margin and lies close to the Aje field, which has been declared commercial. Extending from the shallow water continental shelf to deep water, the block represents an exploration opportunity in an under-explored basin with a proven working hydrocarbon system in close proximity to the Tano Basin. Detailed evaluation of the block has identified several prospects lying in the same Turonian, Cenoma-

nian and Albian sandstone intervals that have yielded sig-

nificant discoveries in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

PHCN clears air over fallen poles in Lagos

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

P

OWER Holding Compa ny of Nigeria, PHCN, Ikeja Distribution Company has debunked claims that the collapse of some of its facilities was responsible for the destruction of a number of houses around the Ikeja metropolis.

According to the PHCN, the report, titled, ‘Death from defective PHCN poles worry residents,’ is not a true representation of the situation It was alleged that during a recent heavy downpour, about five electric poles belonging to PHCN collapsed around the Central Business

District, CBD, Ikeja; specifically at Acme Road, causing serious damage to properties around the area.

However, the management of Ikeja DISCO, in a statement signed by the Assistant General Manager, Mr. Pekun Adeyanju, admitted that there was a heavy rainfall followed by thunder storm and lightning within Lagos metropolis on April 18, 2013, that led to the destruction of 34 power installations (High Tension Poles) and some houses.

According to Adeyanju, “The report and the pictures are not the true representation of the situation.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 — 27

Nigeria earns N2.6trn from crude export in 3 months

BY MICHAEL EBOH

N

IGERIA earned about $16.609 billion (N2.641 trillion) from the export of crude oil in three months — between January and March 2013, according to data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Putting the average price of Nigeria’s reference crude, the Bonny Light crude for the period at US$115.34 per barrel, the CBN, in its first quarter 2013 economic report, also revealed that the country earned about $4.671 billion (N742.732 billion) from the sale of 40.5 million bar-

C M Y K

per cent over the 1.55 mbd or 139.5 million barrels recorded in the preceding quarter.

The report added that allocation of crude oil for domestic consumption was 0.45 mbd or 40.5 million barrels during the period under review.

The CBN attributed the increase in crude oil production and export to the repair of damaged oil installations and improvement in security and surveillance of oil installations.

rel of crude oil for domestic con- during the first quarter of 2013, sumption in the first quarter of compared with 2.00 mbd or 184.0 million barrels in the prethe 2013.

Furthermore, Nigeria gar- ceding quarter.

The report further stated that nered about $21.28 billion (N3.384 trillion) from total crude crude oil export was estimated oil production of 184.5 million at 1.60 mbd or 144.0 million barrels in the period under re- barrels in the review period, view, compared to $21.223 bil- representing an increase of 3.2 lion (N3.374 trillion) recorded in the preceding quarter — October to December 2012.

According to the report, Nigeria’s crude oil production, inBY KUNLE KALEJAYE N50, 000 new pre-paid meter cluding condensates and natural gas liquids, was estimated HE Nigeria Electricity scheme, under the Credited Adat 2.05 million barrels per day Regulatory Commission, vance Payment for Metering Imple(mbd) or 184.5 million barrels NERC, has commenced the mentation (CAPMI).

The NERC in a statement made available to Vanguard also mandated Electricity Distribution Companies, (DISCOs) across the country to commence full implementation of the scheme.

According to Dr. Sam Amadi, Chairman, NERC, CAPMI provides a platform for willing customers to pay the cost of the meter into a dedicated account jointly managed by the DISCO and meter Vendor/Installer, adding that once payment has been effected, the customer will have their meter installed within 45 days, by an accredited Vendor/ Installer.

He said, “The cost of the meters was arrived at using the standard market price plus the most efficient installation costs.

The DISCOs submitted data based on costs submitted by the DISCOs during the MYTO review, as well as review of prices supplied by local manufacturers.

“In arriving at a list of meter Vendors and Installers of meters to partake in the CAPMI scheme, the commission followed a comprehensive due process by first advertising, and inviting the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to supervise the process of certification based on the Metering Code.

NERC commences N50,000 pre-paid meter scheme

T

BRIEF Matrix Energy invests N25m in host communities, empowers 340 indigenes

BY MICHAEL EBOH

M

ATRIX Energy Limit ed said it has empowered 340 individuals from its host community while it also invested about N25 million on various infrastructural projects in the community.

According to a statement by the company, the individuals empowered consists of 183 women and 157 undergraduates, while N15 million was spent on road rehabilitation and N10 million expended on addressing the health challenges of its host communities in War ri, Delta state.

M r. A b d u l k a b i r A l i u , Managing Director, Matrix Energy, who presented the cheques to the beneficiaries, said the women were empowered to start their own businesses whilst the undergraduates were awarded scholarships.

He disclosed that the indigenes empowered were drawn from Aja Etan, Ifiekporo, Ijala, Ubeji, and Egbokodo communities in Warri South Local Government, Delta State.

He said, “Our company is one that has a heart for the community, a company that believes in progressive partnership with its host community.

“Matrix’s partnership with the people of Warri goes beyond women empowerment and scholarships. In the area of healthcare, we have renovated the Ifiekporo Health Centre. The renovation included physical facility upgrade, provision of a 15kva generating set and monthly purchase of essential drugs for free distribution, at a total cost of about N10 million.

“Similarly, Matrix has contributed its quota to the development of the road network within its area of operations with over N15 million spent to renovate the Jedo/ Ubeji road. This is just the beginning, as more projects will soon be unveiled by the special grace of God.” Continuing, Aliu, said, “This gesture, which kicked off in 2012, is not about Matrix Energy, but about the widely acclaimed Nigerian spirit of love, brotherhood and support that are essential elements for peace, de-

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Nigerian participants express opinion at OTC 2013

BY SEBASTINE OBASI

T

HE Offshore Technology Conference, 2013 held at the Reliant Centre, Houston,

Texas, United States of America, no doubt drew a wide range of participants from around the world.

Nigerian companies in the oil

PHCN blames transmission station fire on defective transformers STORIES BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

P

HCN Ikeja Electricity Dis tribution Company has blamed the fire incidence that occurred at the Ikeja West Transmission station was as a result of some defective transmission transformers.

Mr. Chris Akamnonu, the Chief Executive Officer of the zone made the clarification at during a media briefing in Lagos.

It will be recalled that on Tuesday, May 14 at about 11 am, fire gutted a power transmission station based in Ipaja, a Lagos suburb, causing fears of likely blackout in Ikeja and its environs.

“We deem it fit to inform the

C M Y K

general public most especially our customer within the axis not exercise any panic about any power outage due to the fire incidence, as adequate measures have been put in place to ensure no place within the axis is left out of supply.

Akamnonu said that the essence of the media briefing is to set the record straight because we have read various versions of the stories from different media which were in accurate.

“The fire incidence resulted in a loss of one out of the five numbers of units that transmit voltage from 33kva/132 which basically feeds customers in Ikeja and part of Ogun State.

and gas and allied sectors were not left out and used the opportunity to express their opinions about the conference: Kabir Gbemisola, Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Fatgbems Group Of Companies, said he came to OTC, to see innovations in the oil and gas industry, as well as get partnerships for his subsidiary, an oil servicing company, Fatgbems Petroleum. He also said he came for the conference to network and make new business friends so as to grow his business. “Most of the people you meet here are not people you see everyday. OTC is all about connection. Fatgbems has a tank farm and petrol stations.

I am here to see new equipment and how to expand my tank farm business” he said. Gbemisola also said that this year’s OTC event was his first attendance, as he became the CEO few months ago, following the demise of his father.

Basil Mbanefo, CEO, Corhzec Nigeria Limited, an oil services, engineering construction and equipment supplies company stated that the OTC af-

forded him the opportunity to see for himself technological innovations in the oil and gas industry. “We are into construction and equipment supplies in the industry. As a specialised sector, one should be abreast of the technology that drives the industry, so as to gain the confidence of the oil companies that give us jobs”, he said. He also said he was impressed with the equipment he saw at the conference, which he hoped to acquire in no distant time to boost his business.

Emelia Orubele, President/ CEO of American-Nigeria International Chamber of Commerce, said she has been attending the conference for some years now. “I have been attending the conference for quite some time. OTC is a veritable platform to organise meetings between Nigerians and the United States of America. People make enquiries about how to invest in Nigeria. At OTC, some of these people come face to face with Nigerians and have first hand knowledge about the country.” She added that after the conference, she would organise a delegation of businessmen to visit Nigeria and consolidate on the gains of the OTC.

BRIEF PPMC MD, others bag IPMAN award

T

HE Managing Director of The Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) Prince Haruna Momoh has bagged the Western Zone of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Most Outstanding Managing Director’s Award, in recognition of his exceptional services in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry.

Speaking at the award ceremony in Ibadan, the Chairman, IPMAN Western zone, Mr. Olumide Ogunmade said that the awardees are people that have distinguished themselves in the sector and have impacted positively on the association.

Ogunmade said that awards were given to individuals in recognition of their contributions to the development of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry and Nigeria at large, adding that it is an honour well deserved.

Vanguard , TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013—29

By Theodore Opara

All-new Suzuki Grand Vitara targets CEOs, the trendy T

HE new Suzuki Grand Vitara is no doubt one of the most powerful sports utility vehicles in its segment. It is trendy and every inch a capable sports utility vehicle. Its comfort level is comparable to high end luxury cars with array of luxury features that are hardly found in SUVs in its class.

With a record that no other sports utility vehicle in its class has - “the desert warrior”, having crossed the Sahara desert several times, the Grand Vitara boasts one of the most powerful engines in its class.

The all-new Grand Vitara which has become the toast of many, the world over, was last week unveiled into the Nigerian market by Suzuki Motor C o r p o r a t i o n representative, C & I Motors at the just concluded Lagos Motor show at Federal Palace Hotel Speaking to Vanguard Motoring at the lauch, Managing Director, C & I Motors, Mrs. Maureen C M Y K

Ogbonna explained that the all-new Grand Vitara is in a class of its own. “It is grandeur blended with power ”, she said.

According to her, C & I Motors is targeting company Chief Executive Officers and those who wants to stand out with the Vitara.

Explaining the strong points of the vehicle, she said, "the all-new grand Vitara is powered by a 2.4 Litre VVT engine with four mode 4 x 4 drive system. It is available with either five-speed manual transmission or five speed automatic transmission.

The fuel distribution system is multipoint injection, making the Grand Vitara one of the most fuel efficient SUVs in its class. Its 66 litre tank capacity covers even the distance most ordinary sedans cannot imagine of.

The suspension system is MacPharson strut with coil spring in front, while the rear is multi-link which makes it very easy for the car to conquer all terrain.

Also, the steering system is rack and pinion while

the brake is ventilated disc both in front and rear.

Built to conquer all terrain, the all-new Grand Vitara comes with either 225/65 R17 or 22/ 60 R18 tyres, which gives it excellent ground clearance.

With seating capacity for five persons, the Grand Vitara boasts of very generous luggage capacity too which is 1386 litres. But when the

rear seat-back folds you get additional 758 litre of space. Also when the rear seat is raised, there is additional 398 cargo space. This is why it is the ideal vehicle for the explorers who crossed the Sahara desert.

Suzuki Motor C o r p o r a t i o n transformation on the all new Grand Vitara was not only on the powerplant, but also on the exterior and interior. The

front has been given a lift to make the SUV look more refined and trendy while the interior has been finished with more quality materials. Noise level has been reduced to the bearest minimum too by the engineers.

In the area of safety, the all-new Grand Vitara boasts of the latest safety features, such as ABS, EBD, multi-air bags, seat belts, etc.. Despite the array of features and

technology applied in the Grand Vitara, Mrs. Ogbonna says that it is competitively priced.

“It is one of the leading SUVs in its class and built in Japan which informs its high quality, yet we are offering it at a very competitive price because we want Nigerians to drive and feel the difference between the Grand Vitara and other competitors,” she said.

Porsche takes off on impressive note D ESPITE a difficult e c o n o m i c environment in Europe, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG has gotten off to a good start in 2013.

Deliveries of the sports car maker picked up by 21 percent to 37,009 vehicles in the first three months of the 2013 fiscal year. Turnover rose by 8.3 percent to 3.28 billion euro in the first quarter.

At 573 million euro, the operating result stood at 8.5 percent above the value of the previous

year (528 million euro).

Lutz Meschke, Chief Financial Officer of Porsche AG, ascribes the sustainably high earning power to the healthy cost structure, among other things, and strives for a result that is on the same very high level as previous year. “The expansion of the Leipzig plant as well as the development of the sports SUV Macan and the super sports car 918 Spyder are incurring high expenditures that will not

yet be compensated by corresponding vehicle revenue. These sales will only be realized in the coming year when our new models are sold,” Meschke explained.

President and CEO Matthias Müller emphasized that Porsche can afford substantial investments in the development of new sports cars and new technologies like the plug-in hybrid “because the fascination of our sports cars guarantees

our success. We want to boost the extraordinarily high level of attractiveness of our model range even further in the coming years,” said Müller. With the launch of the new generation of the Panamera, the new 918 Spyder and Macan models, the sports car manufacturer is setting clear benchmarks as technology leader and is heightening the appeal of the Porsche brand over again.

30—Vanguard , TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Civic returns with more powerful features T

HE Honda Place Nigeria has joined the rest of the world to unveil the ninthgeneration Honda Civic that was recently facelifted to incorporate upscale features such as sleek, energetic and aerodynamic design with new ECON button that adjusts throttle response and air conditioning to improve fuel economy.

Addressing journalists at a product familiarization forum in Lagos, The Honda Place head of sales and marketing, Mr. Deepak Daryanani said he previous-generation Honda Civic had a revolutionary look, but Honda has chosen evolution for this latest model.

The new Civic according to him is also smoother, sleeker shape with curvy arches and longer front and rear overhangs. Inside the Civic Honda adopted a lot of silver lining to enhance the beauty.

This is in addition to the LED lightsthat run across the front anare standard across the range, Mr. Daryanani noted.

The rear of the Civic however retains the split screen of its with the lightincorporated into the split, but windscreen wiper has been added.

On the inside, the cabin material and switchgear has been improved while the digital dashboard is simplified so that it’s easier to read.

Available in –trim levels, LX and EX, the entry level LX come equipped with automatic air-con, USB connectivity and 16inch alloy wheelswhile the E adds luxuries like

cruise control, front fog lights, dual-zone climate control and Bluetoothand panoramic sunroof.

A mock test drive after the product familiarization meeting reveals that the new Honda Civic strikes a good between fun and comfort - hanks to the new electric power steering systemand fluidfilled rear suspension bushes, soaks up mps convincingly.

Coupled with this is the new Civic slippery aerodynamics that resist wind noise, so it’s pretty quiet on the motorway.

“And “if you’re looking for a car that won’t see the dealer any more than it has to, buy a Civic”, Mr. Daryanani rhetorically affirmed.

The previousgeneration has always performed well in the Driver Power survey and, as lots of technology has been carried over straight from the old car, is expected that the new car do justwell as predecessor.

As for safety, The Honda Place sales and mar-

Greatwall staff pose with one of their saloon cars C M Y K

keting helmsman said Civic has a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating, adding that very Civ-

ic comes fitted with a full of airbags, as well as LED daytime running lights, ESP and ABS as stan-

dard. EX get adaptive cruise control and a Collision Mitigation Braking System, which uses radar to detect imminent colli-

sions at low speeds.

Only the 140bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine with a five-speed automatic system will be availablein the local market, Mr. Daryanani said.

The new Civic has plenty of room for adults in the back– thanks to the car’s generous dimension of 4,300mm long, 2,065mm wide and 1,590mm tall.

“The clever rear bench ‘Magic Seat’ is also still there; means that you can fold the seats flat when you want to carry longer items, or flip the seats up cinema-style when youwant to transport taller loads.

The boot, on the other hand offers 477 litres of luggage space (including 76 litres within an underfloor compartment), which is a massive 161 litres more than competitions,” the sales and marketing helmsman said.

What with running Honda Civic? Mr. Daryanani said “the Civic has always been cheap to run, and this latest version is no different. ll of the engines are economical. ou can the 1.8litre to post /29kmpg andemit 137g/km. And with strong residual values across the range, you’ll get a lot of your money back come resale time,” Mr. Daryanani affirmed.

Greatwall targets 700,000 vehicles in 2013

T

HE Great Wall Motor (GWM) Company Limited experienced enormous growth in 2012, selling 620,000 units of automobiles. The company registered a year-on-year growth of

28.3 % above the average industry level. It also exported 96,500 vehicles, up 16.1 % over the past year. The company sold 281,200 SUVs, a 71% rise, 206,200 passenger cars up by 2.8%, and 137,200 Wingle pickups, a 12.7% increase in year on year sales.

According to experts, GWM’s enormous growth attributed to focus, dedication and specialization, its international distributor partners and continual innovation and product developments. All three of GWM’s vehicle categories (SUV, Passenger Cars & Pick up) showed steady growth. The SUV’s were up 71%, making GWM the best-selling SUV in China for the 10th consecutive year.

The passenger segment was up 2.8% while the Wingle Pick Up was up 12.7 %, securing the Chi-

nese pick-up sales title for the 15th consecutive year.

GWM’s forecast for 2013 is to exceed 700,000 units, further perfecting its existing product lines and introducing 13 new models, some of which are expected to be updates of existing models.

This will include models across all three vehicle categories SUV, Passenger Cars and Pick-ups.

This impressive growth performance has been carried into 2013 where in January; GWM sold 34,000 Haval vehicles, 26,000 Great Wall passenger cars and 12,000 Wingle Pickups, up 176 percent, 84 percent and 64 percent year on year, and exported 5,856 units, up 28 percent year on year. As an outstanding representative of Chinese independent auto brands, GWM has got off to a flying start in 2013

by its superb product quality and favourable market reputation.

GWM attributes its sales success to Great Wall mode: strategy of focusing on three categories, vertical integration and excessive research investment. GWM values quality above quantity in its marketing strategy, persistently builds quality vehicles, and takes customer satisfaction as its most important strategic goal.

Referring to the plan for 2013, Commercial Manager for CFAO CICA Nigeria Limited, authorized distributors of GWM in Nigeria said, “Amid the fierce competition in the current auto market, we should know ourselves, size up the situation and work out practical plans. We aim to increase our sales by 15% in 2013 to continue perfecting product types.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013—31

•Delay in approval could stall a building project like this.

Obtaining planning approval with tears •Architects decry delay in getting building plans approved in Lagos

BY KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

B

uilt environment profes sionals last week, decried the delay in processing building plans approval by the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

They described the delay as the greatest obstacle to urban development in the state. The professionals who brainstormed at the just concluded 2013 edition of Lagos Architects’ Forum maintained that delays in approving building plans have adversely affected the delivery of projects to clients.

The Chairman, Practice Committee of the Nigerian Institute of architects, Arc.David Majekodunmi, an architect and NIA, Lagos who moderated the “Roundtable on Global Best Practices in Planning and Building Approval Processes’’ session posited that the delay in processing building plans and charges demanded by the state government have slowed down development of built environment in the state.

Narrating a personal sordid experience with the approving Ministry, Majekodunmi said it took him about two years to process a building plan. He further alleged that the charges demanded by the ministry are usually higher C M Y K

than the cost of a plot of land in some cases. Buttressing this allegation, Majekodunmi said one of his clients who owns a property on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, was charged N2 million for processing his building plan.

According to him, in some cases, the property in question could be an inheritance from the family which cost might not be up to the charges being demanded by the planning authorities in the state. He therefore called

on the state government to put in place a process whereby approval of building plans is fast tracked for timely delivery of building projects.

Corroborating Majokunmi’s views, the former boss of Post Army Housing project, Brigadier-General Tunde Reis (rtd), stressed the need to look at the real estate sub-sector of the economy and fashion a way to speedy up processes of building plans approval by the appropriate planning authorities. This measure, he said,

will bring about the desired urbanization. He added that delay in processing building plans approval is a clog in the wheel of progress for real estate sector. “We need to speedy up the process of building plans approval in order to build up capacity’’, Gen. Reis said.

Also decrying the delay in processing building plans approval, Arc. Femi Shodunke who is the immediate past vice chairman, NIA, Lagos, said it took him three years to process a particular

building plan from Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. He pointed out that this long process is frustrating to architects and their clients. He therefore called for a process where building plans approval is not delayed unduly.

After listening to the barrage of criticisms, the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Toyin Ayinde, said his Ministry will soon commence pre-screening of architectural drawings to facilitate early delivery of building plans approval. Similarly, efforts are on top gear by state to adopt the e-processing of building plans.

Ayinde, a Town Planner who said approval processes have been improved upon since he assumed duties as the Commissioner, further told the gathering of built environment professionals that he made possible it for a 15-storey building to get approval in three month. In the same vein, another 14-storey building whose documents he is currently working on, will also get its building plans approved within three months.

He attributed the delays to discrepancies and insufficient information submitted by applicants. According to him once the documentation is correct and necessary charges paid, the approval will be given on time.

He explained that a situation whereby a complete drawing of building project is rejected means that the applicant will have to start all over again. This will be however avoided with the pre-screening of drawings which will be done with skeletal drawings.

Giving reasons for the exorbitant charges for obtaining approvals, he noted that it is through these charges the state government can meet up with the enormous challenges of infrastructure development.

LMDGP upgrades facilities in three blighted Lagos communities

BY KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

A

s part of its urban renewal efforts the Lagos Metropolitan Development and Governance Project, LMDGP, has embarked on slum upgrading projects in Mushin, Itire and Ijeshatedo communities. The projects include upgrading of 30 roads and drains, provision of boreholes as well upgrading of primary schools. LMDGP is a World Bank assisted special purpose vehicle put in place by the

Lagos State Government in 2008 to upgrade 10 blighted communities in order to improve liveability in Lagos as a megacity. The upgrading sub-projects were developed in response to the expressed demand of the beneficiaries in nine slums - Agege, Orile Agege, Ajegunle, Amukoko, Badia, Iwaya, Makoko, Ilaje, Bariga and Ijeshatedo/Itire.

The areas were selected following a 1995 comprehensive study of living conditions in identified slum communities in Lagos State.

The areas targeted for interven-

tion by LMDGP are the worst and largest among the identified slum areas. The ten communities cover an area of 760 hectares.

LMDGP officials and stakeholders within the communities told newsmen who inspected some of the projects that 16 road projects had been completed while 14 were nearing completion. Some of the completed roads are Adeola Street, Mushin, Araromi Street, Itire and Babatunde and Baruwa Streets.

Others streets whose roads have been upgraded are Ibidun,

Gbadamosi, Lawani Olayinka, Oluwashina, Omolola , Sarumi, Shofolahan and Alimi. About five borehole project have also been completed and now functioning.

Lauding LMDGP’s upgrading efforts in the areas, Mr. Olatunde Babatunde Adepitan, Chairman, Mushin Local Government Area said the interventionist agency has helped in upgrading infrastructure in Lagos. According to Adepitan, the roads and schools upgraded by LMDGP in Mushin and its environs were of very good standards.

32—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

N5bn Festival Mall ber ths in Festac, set to redefine shopping in the axis

BY JUDE NJOKU

T

he Lagos State Com missioner for Physical Planning, Mr Toyin Ayinde, weekend, laid the foundation stone to flag off the construction of a N5 billion shopping mall located within the expansive Golden Tullip Hotel complex in the Festac Amuwo-Odofin axis.

The mall which is being developed by Messrs UACN Property Development Company, UPDC PLC, would be known as Festival Mall. Mr. Ayinde, a Town planner, eulogised the company for embarking upon the project which would have positive multiplier effects on the neighbourhood.

He said his ministry has made building plans approval faster as a way of encouraging such projects to spring up in Lagos.

The Chairman of the UPDC who is also the group Managing Director of UAC Plc, Mr. Larry Ettah gave an insight into why the company embarked upon the project.

“When UPDC acquired Durbar hotel in 2002 under the privatization programme of the Federal government, our goal was to take over an edifice that was once a national pride and re-create it as a tourist destination that will reshape the entire landscape of Amuwo-Odofin and indeed Lagos state,” he said.

This desire, he said, was partly achieved in July 2011, when Golden Tullip Hotel consisting of 349 rooms and a conference centre was commissioned. According to him, an additional 120 rooms will be added to the hotel in due course.

Artist's impression of Festival Mall, FESTAC Town Mr Ettah stressed the resolve of the company to create a first class mixed development comprising offices, residences, shopping and complimentary recreational facilities within the expansive hotel complex.

His words:” In line with UPDC’s mission of creating comfortable living and business environments for our customers, we believe that

Festival Mall will provide delightful shopping and entertainment experiences to the teeming populace of Lagos especially the residents of Festac Town, Amuwo Odofin, Mile 2, Okotta, Isolo and Satellite Town. The complex, when completed, will also generate further employment opportunities for thousands of people beside reshaping the socio-economic landscape of

FG wwarns arns cons truction ffirms irms ttoo desis om recruiting fforeign oreign labourer construction desistt frfrom labourerss

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

I

NDIGENOUS construc tions companies in Nigeria have been warned to desist from recruiting foreign labourers as this is against the tenets of building local capacities.

The Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, who described the situation as unacceptable when he received Kashim Ali, the President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria ,COREN in his office last weekend, lamented that the development had left many Nigerian youth jobless.

Mr. Onolememen said the Ministry would collaborate with COREN to address the problem, adding that efforts were on to train youths to handle the jobs being done by their foreign counterparts. He said the ministry is working toward curbing the act of employing foreign labour on construction sites in the country by training youth to do those jobs. “ We found out that skilled workers are sourced outside the country. This is not acceptable to us. If we trained the requisite manpower, we will bridge the gab and be C M Y K

able to employ millions of Nigerian youths in this country” He said that to achieve the objective, the Students Industrial Training programme in Engineering skills would be enhanced as it was the key to the realisation of the transformation agenda. He said that when the requisite manpower is trained, it would lead to the employment of millions of youths in the country.

To this end, the minister said that the Ministry has revived its training centres across the country to train enough technicians to fill the skill gap in construction sites in the country.

The minister urged COREN to put adequate measures in place to check quackery in the

profession as well as sanction erring engineers.

He advised the body to start exploring alternative ways of sustaining as moves were on by the Federal government to hands off its funding of regulatory bodies in the country.

“Federal Government cannot continue to pay all the bills alone, there must be some form of sustenance on you part and other regulatory bodies. Start looking forward to making the COREN self –sustaining; it will enable the council to carry out its duties without fear or favour” He advised the body to explore Public Private Partnership, PPP in full or in part as a means developing its infrastructural facilities rather

than waiting now and then on the federal government for funding.

Earlier, Mr. Ali, the President of COREN, had said that one of the greatest challenges of the council was the issue of quacks in the profession. He said that there was need for the Council to establish its presence in all the states to curb quackery in the profession.

Ali further sought the ministry ’s financial support of Students Industrial Training Scheme in Engineering, SITSIE which he said has not taken off in the past 15 years due to huge financial investment involved in the programme.

Architects to discuss impact of oil and gas at forum IL and gas industry -Im A statement by the Chairman competences necessary to O pact on Architecture and of the chapter, Arc. Emmanuel compete in today’s profesEnvironment in Nigeria” will Dike stated that with the sional and business environbe the theme of this year’s Architecture week being put together by the Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, NIA. The four-day event will hold at the Port-harcourt Civic Centre between July 9 -12, 2013.

growing complexity in the building and construction industry and the impact of oil and gas on architectural activities, the programme will equip built environment professionals with current technical skills and business

ment. The statement further disclosed that Governor Chibuike Amaechi will host the nation’s number two citizen, Arc. Namadi Sambo who is expected to grace the occasion as a special guest.

this area of the state”.

In his own remarks, UPDC’s Managing Director, Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran said the project which has 18 months completion deadline, is sited on a 3.3 hectares (33,000 square metres) parcel of land within the premises of Golden Tullip Hotel. The gross building area stands at 12,500 square metres while the gross lettable space is 10,900 square metres. Already two anchor tenants – Messrs Shoprite and Silverbird, have been confirmed by the developers, after what Ogunniran described as a careful selection process.

Giving further details of the project, Ogunniran said the Mall would have 850 car parking spaces, water treatment plant and alternative power supply. “Our vision is to create a mixed-use environment at this site. We are looking at real estate and how to unlock the real estate value of this environment... Our desire is to create a one -stop- shop for shopping and entertainment.

The project has 18 months of construction period, so we intend to open for shopping by god’s grace by November 2014. We want to trade in this mall by December, 2014,” he said.

He allayed fears of delay in delivery due to paucity of funds. “You know that we are UPDC. We have just done a REIT which was highly successful and we have our own internal sources of funds for our projects, so funding is really not a problem to the glory of God. For real estate, you have to have a mixture of debt and equity. For this project, we have our own equity and we also have debt funding. For real estate, you have to leverage and the same thing we will do, may be 50 -50, that is 50 percent equity and 50 percent debt funding,” he said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013—33

By EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

I

N line with its drive to combat desert encroachment in the country, the Federal Government says it has set aside N10 billion to halt desert encroachment in the Northern part of the country.

The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku made this known in Katsina State, during an inspection visit of a tree planting project in Karami area of the State.

The Minister said the fund became necessary to enable Nigeria build a green wall as part of efforts to check desert encroachment, especially in the northern part of the country, which is fast losing their farming lands to desertification.

In addition to this step, Maku said that the Federal government had also set up various committees in collaboration with the state governments to begin a huge tree planting exercise across the country, especially the affected states of the North, a wall that is expected to cut across all over the West Africa.

“The Federal government is about to start the green wall programme, which has been agreed upon by all African countries to halt the advance of Sahara. This programme has been going in several countries and Nigeria has set aside N10b, through the

Desert encroachment:

FG earmarks N10bn for green wall programme

Ministry of Environment for this and has set various committees with the State governments to begin a huge tree planting exercise, which is a wall that will cut across all over the West Africa, more especially the northern Nigeria,” he said.

He commended the Katsina State Government for putting up structures on ground to tackle the menace of desert encroachment in the state and for making it a policy to encourage tree planting across the state.

He also called on the state government to initiate programmes that would engender competition among the people of the state in tree planting and reward those who distinguish themselves by planting more trees.

Maku further urged the state government to interface with the federal government and prepare its people for the green wall exercise to add to what they have already achieved.

“We are happy that since we came

to North West zone, this is the first tree planting project we are visiting. We have been going around the zone and everywhere we went, we have picked up these issues. We are happy that in Katsina, there is a sustainable programme for aforestration to halt the advance of Sahara desert.

Earlier in his address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on tree planting, Abdulahi Ibrahim, said that the Karamni woodlot plantation was established in 2011 to provide fuel wood and sustainable grazing for the people of the state. He statedthat the government of Katsina state had since then placed three planting and aforestration among its priority in the state, particularly in the areas of public enlightenment and awareness campaign.

He stated that the decision was informed by the conviction of the state government that desertification can pose a dangerous threat to the liveli-

hood and survival of people and livestocks and so decided to put structures in place as a way of intervention to desert encroachment and soil erosion in the state, through planting of fertilizer based and other processing plants.

"This was a barren place, but we had to employ over 10500 youths from every local government to carry out clearing, preparation and for tree planting . The plantation is a multi purpose established on sustainable basis. Having realized the importance, People are encouraged to plant trees in the state.

We have forest clubs in over 30 primary schools, where we teach children how to plant trees, so that we can protect our land from forest degradation. Traditional rulers are also helping us in this respect,” Ibrahim said.

EROSION: Ajumoni Estate residents seek LASG’s intervention

By CHARLES GERARD

T

•Wall of trees in Katsina

SURE-P to Nigerians: Our roads are no longer death traps

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

T

HE Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P has assured Nigerians of smooth driving through the nation’s roads as funds are being provided for road rehabilitations.

The Convener, SURE-P/ Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA on Public Works, Dr. Ngozi Olojeme, boasted that Nigerian roads are safe for smooth driving.

“Roads are actively being maintained in the phase one of the project.

Nigerian roads were left in a dilapidated state to the extent that a lot of lives were lost. FERMA is devoting its energy to road maintenance all over the country. We have to work

daily to achieve our mandate. We have been travelling across the states to ensure results are achieved. We are doing it geopolitically and every state will be adequately represented, so that Nigerians can travel on well maintained roads,” she said.

Dr. Olojeme boasted: “Nigerian roads are no more death traps. If you say they were death traps, yes, but now, they are not.”

She spoke while leading SURE-P’s technical partners, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, on an inspection tour of the Abuja-Kaduna highway where workers were patching different portions of the road and clearing the grass along the median.

She also disclosed that five motorised truck slashers have been procured to hasten work on five major

roads. They are Enugu-PortHarcourt, Benin-Ore, Benin-Asaba, Ibadan-Ife, and Abuja-Kaduna highways.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s determination to keep the Federal highways free of potholes all-year round, Olojeme stated that about 5,000 workers youths have been employed so far, and that the figure would be scaled up to 10,000 by year-end in first instance.

The aim, she said, was that they would provide safe, motorable road linkages across the economic zones of the country.

Speaking on cracks that were visible along the roads, she said keeping watch and patching them was the essence of the SURE-P public works programme.

he construction of a link road between Shasha and Akonjo has opened up the area to lots of commercial activities. This development has impacted positively on the lives of residents of these areas.

But the poor drainage system in some part of the area, particularly Ajumoni Estate, is giving residents of the area sleepless nights as they are constantly exposed to the menace of erosion.

The situation gets worsened whenever there is heavy downpour.

Flood water which should ordinarily be channeled through the canal, empties into the street, making the roads impassable.

This development has prompted landlords and concerned residents of the area to call on the the Lagos State Government and relevant agencies to come to their assistance.

The Secretary of Daniel Ebodaghe Street, one of the streets affected by the ravaging erosion, Mr S. Banjo told Vanguard Homes & Property that the residents have made repeated calls on Lagos State Government to come to save them from an impending danger by finding a lasting solution to the erosion problem.

“The residents have made several efforts to draw the attention of Government to their plight but without any success. It is as a result of these failed efforts that landlords and their tenants decided to reach out to Vanguard Newspapers to help in highlighting their plight and possibly get Lagos State to act,” he said.

According to him, the call has become urgent in view of predictions that Lagos would witness heavy rains this year.

34—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 My parents became confused, they called him several times but he did not change his mind. On the fifth day, I was taken to the hospital and sedated.

I was allowed home a week later. That did not stop my crying though. And for months, I stayed at home, waiting and hoping that Duke would call. That he would discover the truth and apologise for not trusting me enough and beg me to marry him. I refused to go out, not even to church.

As I was not working anyway, that left me with much time on my hands to wallow in self pity. In my heart, I felt it was a good thing that I did not have to go out to face people and be forced to explain what had happened over and over again. I refused to see my friends too, believing they would all be laughing at me or feeling pity for me.

Three months after Duke and I broke up, one of my sisters came home with news of Duke’s coming wedding with another lady. From the photographs, she was definitely older than me. A Yoruba girl, she had bleached her skin so much and I was convinced that she must have charmed him. She was nothing like the sort of girl Duke would date,

A world without scruples (2)

Y this time, people had gathered around us and the club owners too had gotten wind of what was happening.

Because Duke was a regular at the club and friendly with the owners, he demanded that the guy be thrown out.

They obliged because of the respect they had for him. At this point, I was still thinking that the guy was either joking or insane.

I turned to Duke thinking he would console me and tell me everything was okay but the look in his eyes shocked me.

He remained rigid, as if stuck to the ground. I made to touch him but he flung my hand away.

He said I should not touch him.

That he did not know I was a cheat and a liar. That he was sorry he ever had anything to do with me, let alone asking me to marry him. That he did not know he was dealing with a prostitute.

I was shocked, turning to people I did not know to help me beg him. That the guy was a total stranger to me and I was innocent of all he had said. That

On the fifth day, I was taken to the hospital and sedated, I was allowed home a week later. That did not stop me from crying though and for months, I stayed at home, waiting and hoping that Duke would call and that he would discover the truth and apologise for not trusting me enough and beg me to marry him

,

.

B

the guy must either be mad, or was trying to set me up. But no one helped, they were more interested in the scenario and how it would end. Duke walked away and I began running after him.

When he got to the car, he stopped and told me not to dare step into his car. I just stood and watched him drive off into the night watching the rear of his car.

Suddenly, he started reversing and when he got to where I was still standing, he opened the passenger door and told me to get in. I was so happy. I thought he had changed his mind and decided to believe me rather than the stranger. I was wrong.

He told me he was taking me home to tell my parents all that had happened and that the wedding plans had been called off. I went numb all over and began pleading with him as if my life

,

HI How far will you go to get out of a situation? The story below is narrated by a young, Public Relations executive named Cynthia who after an affair with a charming, young man went into depression for almost two year. How did it happened? Find out as she shares her story below: Dear readers, Please do write and share with us if you or anyone has fallen victim or escaped from the clutches or traps of these Internet predators or fraudsters. From your own experience, how do you think Internet predators can be curtailed? Your contribution might be the saving grace for other unsuspecting Nigerians. Send your contributions to: thehumanangle93@yahoo.com or P.M.B. 1007, Apapa, Kirikiri Canal. I’m looking forward to read from you.

depended on it. That I would die if he left me. But it all fell on deaf ears. That night, Duke woke my mother up to tell her all that had happened and why he would no longer want to continue with the wedding plans. He apologised like a real gentleman, full of all the charm and respect that I admired in him from the beginning, then he walked out.

Everyone wanted to know what really happened and if indeed, I knew the stranger. But I kept telling the same story over and over again. I did not know the guy and I had no idea why he had done what he did to me. I did not sleep a wink that night and so it continued for the next four days. I did not eat, sleep, bathe nor even brush my teeth.

not to talk of marry.

All attempts to call Duke had failed and my parents had barred me from calling and all my siblings from talking about him. I can’t say for how long I held the wedding invitation in my hands but I remember that I kept it under my pillows for a very long time. Long after the wedding in fact. Most of what I recall that I did, are things told to me by members of my family. But I do remember that I was always crying. I was always being administered with drugs to sleep,wake,eat,etc. It was pathetic. Eventually however, I started going out after one full year. Not to the hospital anymore but to church.

Our pastor had come several times during the year to pray with us and so had most of the sisters.

To be continued

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•Edafe, 37, needs a responsible lady that is romantic and loving for a serious relationship that will lead to marriage.08094745480 •Chux,36, a graduate, employed and resides in Port Harcourt, needs a sexy and beautiful under•Dear readers, please note that neither Vanguard, nor Yetunde Arebi will be liable for any error in the publication of requests on the Lovezone that may result in any form of embarrassment to any member of the public.

Also note that we do not run any match-making agency in or outside the country. Any reader who transacts business with anyone claiming to be our agent does so at his/her own risk.

Henceforth, only messages sent through the numbers readers want to be contacted on will be published.

This notice is necessary in order to serve you better in our refreshingly different style. To get your requests published, just text it to the code number 33055. For further enquiries, call 08026651636. Cheers!

Close relationships require sacrifice

BY ONOZURE DANIA

I

N fact, many people include sacrificing in the very definition of what it means to truly love another person.

Research has shown that couples are happier and more likely to remain in their relationships if the partners are willing to sacrifice for each other.

Sometimes, that sacrifice can be life changing, such as deciding to move to a different State in order to be with your partner.

Other times, it might be something small and seemingly mundane, such as seeing an action movie instead of the comedy you would have chosen.

Your spouse comes home from work and excitedly tells you that she was just offered a promotion in another State.

Do you quit your job and move away from your family to an unknown city so that she can pursue her career ambitions?

Should you? Although sacrifice may be inevitable, when the time comes to do it, it’s not always easy.

Often, you may find yourself weighing your needs to be true to yourself and why you should be the one giving up what you want?

Against your desire to be a good partner and do what it takes to make your relationship work, if this is important to him, he should be supportive too.

Sacrifice also raises questions of power.

If you are happy to sacrifice early in the relationship and your partner is not reciprocating, you may find yourself in a situation where you are the one who is always ex-

pected to give up and give in.

Over time, this imbalanced pattern of sacrifice may lead to an imbalance of power in your relationship and a recipe for long-term unhappiness and resentment.

Sacrifice is a two sided thing, while you are deciding whether or not to move across the country to let your spouse take his promotion, your spouse must decide whether or not to sacrifice his promotion in order to let you keep your job.

So as you debate whether or not to make a sacrifice, it’s important to question whether your partner has shown the same degree of commitment and is now going through the same thought process. Has your partner been willing to sacrifice for you in the past or expressed his willingness to sacrifice in the future?

In the current situation, are you working together to figure out what is best, or does your partner simply expect you to change your life to accommodate his?

If your partner assumes that you are the one who must choose to sacrifice, without assuming any of the same responsibility on his end, then think twice.

There is no need to rub your potential sacrifice in your partner’s face, or use it against them, but if your partner is not aware that you consider your act to be a sacrifice, he or she won’t be able to appreciate your selflessness. In addition, by not realizing that you are incurring a cost for the sake of the relationship, your partner might not understand when you want him or her to return the favour the next time a sacrifice is called for.

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Vanguard Vanguard,,

TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

— 35

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

AQUARIUS; This is your day; financial success is closer to you than you think. The more willing you are to keep your secrets the better for your cause.

PISCES; Mercury starts going backward in your Star sign from today meaning that you will need to always re-examine your new ideas more than twice before contemplating execution. Here is a day when friends will assist you.

ARIES; Tomorrow will prove more beneficial. Yet you can make meaningful progress today through your career line. Avoid secretive deal please.

TAURUS; It is better to take practical assistance from your good friends than their advice now when Mercury goes on backward motion in Pisces. Be more ambitious.

GEMINI; Success indicated for you today. But it is important you don’t take for granted competitors emerging along your career line. Be more practical.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

T

ODAY, the issue of broken homes is in the increase.

Everyone who lays claim to being somebody is adducing one reason or the other for such an increase.

Yet, not many

Trail marriage, is it? - 1 people have adverted their minds to the area of the so-called live-in marriage, otherwise known as trial marriage.

The question is: Is

trial marriage a.k.a. (live-in-marriage) desireable? One thing is certain in trial marriage and that is – let me try and if it doesn’t work, to thy tent, we

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

pack it up. Now with such a mindset what do you expect from such a union?

And with such a union producing similar offspring why won’t broken homes be on the increase..?

By Lanre Kehinde

CANCER; Many ideas will compete for prominent place on your mind today but you will need to be more careful with new ideas not capable to stand test of time.

LEO; Those soliciting your support in terms of joint venture may not be telling you everything; that is to say you must guard against deception. Practical approach to your work (hard work) will give you good result.. Take good care of your health..

VIRGO; Although you appear more enterprising, it is the element of luck that brings you success today. It is good to be loving but a bad day to create atmosphere for deep seated jealousy as it can take long time to get over the ripples.

LIBRA; For the next few days you will need to take your health more seriously. As for today you will be willing to give priority attention to happenings within your base.

SCORPIO; Although you will have good new ideas today, let it be known to you that you will need to beware of new ideas that will be coming to you suddenly from tomorrow for the next few days.. Take advantage of your sex appeal positively.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

SAGITTARIUS; Simply because you are able to manage the tension within your base of operation without serious trouble today it does not mean you can continue to lord it over others without negative reaction in the next few days.

CAPRICORN; You will have the needed opportunity to assert yourself to the betterment of your cause.

Unnecessary argument can not help you now.

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

What’s my immediate future?

Dear Joshua, I am into business; sometimes I am alone but the other time I just have to do with some partners. Kindly tell me what my immediate future does have for me, especially between now late July, 2013.

Janet-Delta.

Dear Janet, For your own goodness I appeal to you to take what you will find here-under very seriously so that you will avert very serious business trouble coming through partnership very soon. I wish you the best.

Here is a period that will reverse most of the difficult situation you have experienced in your immediate past period. You are therefore advised to take good opportunities the period will bring. However it is imperative you have it at the back of your mind that next few weeks will bring another round of similar challenges thus you will need to take business you will be able to conclude on or before March 14th when the whole thing favours you, especially as it concern partnership related issues.

The said favourable period will bring you co operation, money, love and emotional satisfaction.

Savour your good time.

Planetary placement and aspects are calling for carefulness on how you manage your relationships with others as some of them may be forced to betray and or disappoint you over MONEY and other important business transactions, consciously or unconsciously.

Either a junior female worker or a lowly rated member of your opposite sex may be willing to tempt you during this period, who you just have to resist whichever way the person comes with antics.

Your health looks fragile. And you are accident prone.

Although the whole of the period calls for carefulness last four weeks can be a little bit sensitive. Please take note that nothing fatalistic is predicted here, you only need to take care so that you will avoid the pitfalls of the period.

VIRGINIA

Commen3

dadadekola@yahoo.com

by Lawrence Akapa

36—Vanguard , TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

LG election: Ebikeme seeks Funkekeme's support

Aginighan tasks FG on devt of N/Delta

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

E

BIKEME Clark, son of prominent Niger Delta leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has sought the support of Solomon Funkekeme, Delta State Commissioner for Works over his (Ebikeme) aspiration to become the chairman of Burutu Local Government Area.

Ebikeme, who paid a consultative visit to Funkekeme in Asaba, said: “Funkekeme has bettered the lot of the Burutu people in particular and Deltans in general based on the massive rehabilitation of existing roads and construction of new ones across Delta State."

Warri refinery boss lauded

S

ATISFIED with the current operational state of the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company, WRPC, the Delta Intelligence and Transparency Group, DITG, has commended the Managing Director of the Warri Refinery, Engr. Paul Obelley, for the effective management of the plant.

In a statement by its Secretary/ Security Coordinator, Mr. Clement Umukoro, the group said it had carried out an independent investigation on the current operational state of the refinery under Engr. Obelley, and notes that the commendation became imperative.

Transition

M

R. John Ezugwu, a lecturer and Civil War veteran, is dead.

May 23 is Christian wake-keep, which will hold simultaneously at his residence in Enugu and his hometown, Adani in UzoUwani L.G.A. Church Service is May 24 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Adani, followed by interment at Udegbe Nwaezugwu compound.

Late Ezugwu.

F

Ongoing dualisation works on Ibadan-Ogbomosho Expressway.

ERA raises alarm over waste dumping in Bayelsa waters

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA—ENVIRONMENT Rights Action, ERA, has expressed concern over what it described as the indiscriminate dumping of sewage/toxic chemicals in swamps and rivers in OpoloEpie, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

The development, ERA lamented, does not only pose grave health danger to the residents, who rely on the rivers for drinking and other domestic uses, but also aggravate the woes of the already fragile environment.

EAR Field Officer in Bayelsa State, Mr. Alagoa Morri, in a report, weekend, said: “The environment is under increasing threat from uncontrolled exploitation of our natural resources and other unsustainable activities that pollute our water and soil.

“There are no approved sewage dump sites, as sewage truck operators have resorted to dumping sewage indiscriminately. Sometimes with the approval of some unscrupulous community folks.

“One community, where this

has been going on is in OpoloEpie, not far from the state government’s refuse dump site on Tombia-Amassoma Road. The untreated sewage

and other liquid chemicals (even crude oil) are dumped into swamps and other flowing bodies of water in the environment."

Ijaw group to Clarke: Leave Ochei alone

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—IJAW people under the aegis of Ijaw Network for Good Governance, INGG, yesterday, frowned at recent call by Chief Edwin Clark that the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Victor Ochei, should be probed by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over the Independent Power Plant, IPP, project at Oghara, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.

The group, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Luis Buidekremo, said: “Chief Clark, who is a South-South leader and a prominent figure in the politics of this country, should not be seen drag-

ging his children into unnecessary controversy in the name of contest.

“We are making this appeal not because we are working for Ochei or that he had declared his intention to contest governorship election in 2015.

"Our reaction arose from the fact that he is a young man with vision and aspiration and it will be wrong if a man we all regard as our father is seen stopping the aspiration of any young man in Delta State.

“Clark is our father, there is no two ways about it. So, we feel that if there are issues between a child and his father, it is the duty of the father to call his child for advise but not in this manner of addressing issues on the pages of newspapers."

Tension in A/Ibom civil service over retirement

BY TONY NYONG

U

YO—THERE is tension in Akwa Ibom State civil service over the decision of government to retain the services of the Head of Service, Mrs. Cecelia Umoessien, the state Accountant-General, Mr. Udo Isobara, and some categories of civil servants, who should have retired in accordance with government mandatory retirement period, but are currently still working at

strategic positions.

These affected staff, which include personnel directors, accountants, cashiers, as learnt had reached their mandatory retirement age and were expected to have given notice of their retirement from service as career officers to disengage their tenured appointment, but government had deliberately kept them, a move, some interest consider to be contrary to extant public service rules.

Extant public service rules prescribes 60 years of age or 35 years of service, which ever comes first, which must be strictly complied with, as the point of mandatory retirement, to make allowance for those who may have risen to such ranks to take over.

The affected officers, whose files had clearly stated their dates of births, and dates of first appointment’s, Vanguard gathered had clocked 60 years of age and 35 years of service.

EDERAL Government has been urged to take advantage of the amnesty programme in the Niger Delta to develop the region.

Former Acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Pastor Power Aginighan, who made the call in Houston Texas, United states of America at the 3rd Ijaw Foundation convention, said there was need to bridge the wide gap between underdevelopment in the Niger Delta region and development in other parts of the country.

He called on the Federal Government to direct its relevant agencies and the Ministry of Niger Delta to take advantage of the peace in the Niger Delta to pursue aggressive development programmes in the region.

Aginighan blamed acts of insurgency witnessed in the Niger Delta at a time on the failure of governments in the past.

NGO advocates hard work, education EMMA ARUBI

W

ARRI—PRESIDENT of a non-governmental organisation, Morgan Smart Development Foundation, MSDF, Dr. Evelyn Urhobo, has advised students to take education and hard work very seriously, as they were the best assurance to legitimate success in life.

She spoke in Warri, Delta State during the 3rd Foundation Award ceremony for the award of scholarship to 17 indigent but intelligent students in Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary classes drawn from public schools in the state for 2013 academic years.

Dr. Urhobo, who noted that MSDF was established over 10 years ago, said one of its objectives was to give scholarship to indigent children to enable them access qualitative education that would enable them compete favorably with children from rich homes anywhere in the world.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013—37

Court frees Ikuforiji’s aide of fraud charges

Jesse Jackson backs amnesty to Boko Haram

A

ENAGOA—RENOWNED American Rights Activist, Rev. Jesse Jackson, has thrown his weight behind the Federal Government's decision to offer amnesty to members of the Boko Haram sect. He described the move as a deliberate step to end insecurity in the country.

According to him, the amnesty offer must be open, honoured, and implemented to include economic restitution and inclusion of destroyed Christian and Muslim structures in affected Northern parts of the country.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, in an interview in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, said the amnesty being offered by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration must be made to work and the conditions fully honoured.

He said: “The amnesty must involve economic restitution and training. On the other hand, within the United States, when there was civil unrest, there was a kind of state of emergency. But I hope the country will soon get back from the battle field to the negotiation table. At the end, matters can only be resloved

LAGOS High Court sitting in Igbosere has struck out the charge filed by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against Oyebode Atoyebi, Personal Assistant to the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji.

Atoyebi was charged for conspiring with an exbanker, Olayinka Sanni, to fraudulently convert N32.5 million, which belonged to Resoucery BDC Limited, to their personal use.

Both Atoyebi and Sanni were alleged to have conspired to commit the crime on June 29, 2011, an offence contrary to Sections 390 and 516 of the criminal code law of Lagos State, 2003.

However, the accused had pleaded not guilty to the allegation and raised preliminary objections to the charge through their lawyer.

After considering the argument of counsel, trial judge, Justice Samuel Candide-Johnson overruled EFCC’s argument as to the timing of the objections, stressing that the objections were not affected or caught by any time bar.

The judge held that at the moment, EFCC does not have the fiat of the Attorney General of Lagos State to prosecute criminal matters in the state.

The judge stressed that the fiat exhibited by EFCC was granted in 2004 in respect of criminal code law and criminal procedure law of Lagos State, 2003, which had since been repealed and replaced with Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2011.

Akuyoma passes on

M

R. Richmond Akuyoma, 79, of the Akuyoma families of Obitugbo/Abiugborodo/ Koko in Warri North LGA and Gegenu/Egbejule in Warri South West LGA, Delta State, is dead.

He died, March 17. Oratory service holds May 31 at Sapele Athletics Club, while lying in state is at his residence in Ajagbodudu.

Interment is 1pm at Obitugbo village in Warri North.

He is survived by a widow, children, grandchildren and other relatives.

C M Y K

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

at the bargaining table. It is not the battle field that wins victory. You cannot battle forever.

“You can bargain and resolve the conflict in the North.

That is why I believe so much in non-violence. Non-violence does not mean fear but courage, it means the ability to figure it out and fight it out.

“You must have the ability to resolve conflict and not fight aggressively. It must not get to killing and being killed.

You see, the United States was

blessed five years ago when Barrack Obama became the President, because America overcame, for the first time, a kind of ethnic tribalism. We chose a candidate whose values and vision transcended racial hidden agenda.

“We live our faith under the law. We need to have strong laws that will protect us against the violation of our democratic rights. And I can say to you that most of the struggle in the Niger Delta and the ones between Chris-

tians and Muslims in the North should be solved with fairer distribution of available resources.

“The amnesty being proposed in Nigeria is hoped to have included the rebuilding of mosques and churches destroyed by insurgents. It is a sign of goodwill that will promote mutual coexistence. We must choose to coexist because we have learnt to stay apart and the insurgency has given us a harder lesson to live better and together."

VISIT: President Goodluck Jonathan (right) and former South African President, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, during a courtesy visit to the President at the State House, Abuja. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Merger: No mandate given to constitute Delta’s IGR merger c'ttee in Delta —Okotie-Eboh hits N5.7bn

BY FESTUS AHON

U

G H E L L I — D E LT A State Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Chief Adolo OkotieEboh, yesterday, said that the leadership of the merging political parties had not given any person or group of persons the mandate to constitute a merger committee in the state.

Okotie-Eboh, in a statement, said: “The attention of ACN,

Delta State chapter, and its Chairman have been drawn to rumours, credited to some so-called party leaders and individuals to the effect that they had been given the mandate from some leaders of the merging parties to constitute the merger committee in the state.

“Let it be known that there are no group of persons or party leaders, who have been given such mandate. ACN is a disciplined party that fol-

lows due process and in line with that, the party in Delta State is awaiting further directives from its national secretariat. I, therefore, as the state party Chairman, urge all party faithful to discountenance all these unfounded rumours as there is no iota of truth in them. The state chapter of the party will come up with a clear statement as soon as we get directive as to the next step to the merger from the national body of ACN.”

‘South Ibie chieftaincy dispute laid to rest'

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—MEMBERS of the Aidonogie-in-Council of South Ibie clan, in Edo State, have declared that the chieftaincy dispute in South Ibie clan had since been laid to rest with the amendment of the law by the Edo State House of Assembly in 2006.

They urged some members of the community to refrain from actions capable of disturbing the prevailing peace in the area.

Reacting to a statement by some members of the community led by Dr. Bello Imam, which claimed that the current

Aidonogie of South Ibie, Alhaji Aliyu Danesi, was occupying the seat illegally, following an Appeal Court ruling which disqualified the two contenders to the throne, Secretary to the Aidonogiein- Council, Abdulahi Audu, after a meeting of the Council, noted that though the Appeal Court disqualified both contenders to the throne on different grounds, it was not the turn of Ogiator branch, which brought the matter to the court, but that it was the turn of the Danesi branch to which HRH Aliyu Danesi belongs.

He said: “The Court of Ap-

peal also observed that the law was defective and as a result, should be amended so as to prevent vacuum in the nearest future when there may be no eldest surviving male child. In compliance with the recommendation of the Court of Appeal judgment, the Edo State House of Assembly amended the law, after which HRH Alhaji Danesi was reappointed and subsequently gazetted on May 25, 2007 by the state government.

“Dr Inasa Bello-Iman and the self-acclaimed prominent chiefs of South Ibie Kingdom are neither members of the Okhokho ruling house nor of Aidonogie in Council."

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

S A B A — D E LTA State's Internally Generated Revenue has hit N5.7 billion as at January this year, a leap from the N1.2 billion recorded in the previous year, Chairman, Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Joel Onovwakpor, has said.

Onovwakpor, at a retreat for the Board members in Asaba, however, called for all hands to be on deck in order to sustain or even surpass the achievement.

He said: “If the Delta Beyond Oil policy of this administration must work, we need the cooperation of all Deltans.”

Also speaking, the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, directed that henceforth, all internal revenues accruing to the state government should be collected solely by the Board of Internal Revenue, faulting the current practice, where revenues were collected by different ministries, parastatals and agencies by officials, who are not staff of the Board.

38—Vanguard , TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Doctors task N- Assembly on appointment of chairman for MDCN

FCT minister threatens to revoke land if...

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE

M

EDICAL doctors have called on the National Assembly to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan to appoint a substantive chairman for the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN. This came on the heels of seeming inability of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, to sanction erring medical and dental practitioners due to absence of leadership.

Briefing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, President, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, said it had become imperative for the House to review some Acts not to further negatively impact on the delivery of health care in Nigeria.

He said: “The Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Act (MDP Act; CAP M8 LFN 2004) provides that only the Chairman of Council shall preside over the tribunal which has the status of a high court.

Emergency rule 'll tame Boko Haram — ADC

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

A

FRICAN Democratic Congress, ADC, has described the state of emergency imposed on Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states by President Goodluck Jonathan as the most creative way to tame the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, which had been terrorising Nigerians in the past three years.

National Chairman of the party, Chief Okey Nwosu, made this observation in an interview with Vanguard.

He quoted the President as saying that the growing insecurity in the troubled states compelled him to exercise his powers as enshrined in Section 305 Subsection 1 of the constitution, which empowered him as the chief security officer of the country.

Nwosu noted that President Jonathan has set a new democratic paradigm by last Tuesday’s declaration of the state of emergency.

He said: “Nobody is in doubt of the security situation in those states; its a creative way to tame the monsters.

“Jonathan has set a new democratic paradigm. This is a model that can be applied in any troubled region of the world".

C M Y K

A

SYMPOSIUM FOR LATE ACHEBE—From left: ANPP National Chairman, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu; UNESCO Country Representative, Prof. Hassana Halido; Representative of Niger State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Kuta; and former President, Association of Nigerian Authors, Dr. Jerry Agada during a symposium for Late Chinua Achebe at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Ogidi agog for Achebe as Gov Obi inspects facilities

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—OGIDI, home town of the late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe, is set to receive the body of their illustrious son, who would be buried in the community on Thursday.

Various groups and organisations have been meeting to put finishing touches to the programme as the town is expected to host visitors from many parts of the world.

The state governor, Mr. Peter Obi, and members of his cabinet, have been shuttling between Awka and Ogidi to ensure that everything was in order.

While in the town, the governor inspected St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Akpakaogwe, Ogidi, where the burial service would take place on the May 24, 2013.

He also inspected Achebe’s country home and his final resting place which is under construction.

It was gathered that there was

a redesign of the graveside to serve as a mini museum to house all Achebe’s literary works.

Obi said Anambra State government was fully prepared to

accord Achebe a befitting burial and the state would not relent in honouring people like him, both dead or alive, who contributed positively to the advancement of the society.

AIG warns officers over accidental discharge

BY ANAYO OKOLI

A

BA—THE Assistant In spector General of Police in charge of Zone 9, Umuahia, Abia State, Alhaji Tambari Yabo Mohammed, has warned officers and men of the state police command against accidental discharge, saying it amounted to carelessness.

He also warned policemen against meddling in civil matters, such as land and marriage issues, noting that policemen had no powers over such mat-

ters but the court.

The AIG, gave the warning when he went on a tour of the Aba Area Command, also warned his men against unlawful detention, saying it could cost the police a lot in form of payment of damages.

He said: “I have warned that there is need for us to go back to the olden days of policing, by ensuring that work ethics are properly obeyed.

“Officers must be punctual. The tradition in the force is that officers must be prompt at their beats".

No crisis in NAUTH, by management; disowns CPP

BY VINCENT UJUMADU & ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA—MANAGE MENT of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, Nnewi, has dismissed the purported leadership crisis in the hospital.

This came as the newly inaugurated board of the hospital promised to reposition it to make it a centre of excellence.

NAUTH also dismissed as faceless a group, Concerned Progres-

sives Professionals, CPP, which claimed that there was leadership crisis and called on the public to ignore such claim.

The group had called on President Goodluck Jonathan to resolve the alleged leadership crisis over the appointment of the NAUTH Chief Medical Director, CMD. But the institution through its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kris Ngige, dismissed the call, insisting that there was no crisis in the hospital. He said the emergence of the new CMD was through due process.

He alleged that the group was being sponsored by politicians and enemies of the hospital with the aim of causing disaffection in the institution.

Ngige said; “The interesting thing about the call was that those names behind it are non existent and not staff of the institution, the names are pseudo names that cannot be traced in the teaching hospital.

“Secondly ,of all the contestants to the office of the CMD, none has complained that the process of selection was faulty so the CPP should be ignored".

BUJA—MINISTER of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, has threatened to revoke the land allocated to genuine operators of parks should they fail to develop such parks.

Bala gave this warning in a meeting with some officials of the FCT Parks and Recreation Department.

He insisted that efforts must be made to develop the parks in accordance with the conditions they were leased to them.

He said: “It is highly advisable that any park operator that earlier had genuine documents through public bidding or ministerial approval, should endeavour to develop them under the conditions within which it was granted or risk being revoked. Such offers were made with certain conditions attached, which must be conformed with.”

Burial of late Sen Obi's wife: Awka traders to close markets

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—MEMBERS of Awka branch of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Union, ASMATU, are planning to close markets in the state capital in honour of the late wife of Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Inter Party Affairs, Senator Ndii Obi, during her burial on June 7 this year.

Public Relations Officer of ASMATU, Comrade Obi Ochije, said yesterday, that a meeting would be held with the chairman of Eke Awka Market, Mr. Baby Agunmadu and other leaders on the plan this week to take a final decision on the matter.

According to him, the decision to honour the senator’s wife is to show appreciation for the good things Obi has been doing for Awka people.

Vanguard , TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013—39

CONVENTION: From left: Mr. Nicholas Okoye, MD, Anabel Group Inc; Mr. Robert Ikazoboh, MD, Dragnet Solutions Ltd; Chief Ernest AWARD: Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State (left), receiving the 2013 Ni- Shonekan, former Head of State and Chief Lugard Aimiuwu, Piogeria Arise Award as Best Governor in Good Governance, North Central Zone from neer President and Chairman, Governing Council, Chartered Instihis Special Adviser, Special Duties, Mr. Yinka Aje, who represented him at the award tute of Marketing of Nigeria, CIMN, at the annual convention and exhibition of the Institute of Directors in Lagos. ceremony.

PRESENTATION: From left: Mr. Onyema Offoedu-Okeke, Author; Mr. Robert Mbonu, Executive Director, Heritage Bank; HRM Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe; Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, Special Guest of Honour and Professor Emeritus, Prof. JP Clark, at the public presentation of the book entitled, ‘Artists of Nigeria' in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

PROMO: Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, MD, Nigerian Breweries Plc (3rd left); Mr. Funsho Ayeni, Senior Brand Manager, Legend & Life, Nigerian Breweries Plc (right), in a group photograph with some of the first set of winners of the Legend Dubai Shopping Spree in the on-going Legend Real Deal promo in Lagos.

FACILITY TOUR: From left: Bjorn Stauch, Head, Private Banking, UK and Jersey, Standard Chartered Private Bank, SCB; Benedict Ajayi, Medical Director, Eleta Eye Institute; Toyin Afolabi, a blind beggar who got her sight back through the Eleta Eye Institute, and Mr. Stephen Richards Evans, Head, Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia and The Americas, SCB, during a voluntary service and facility tour of Eleta Eye Institute by the bank in Ibadan, Oyo State.

FLAG OFF: From left: Mr. Bolaji Balogun, GM, Lagos State Agricultural Inputs Supply Authority; Mrs. Bamtefa Olufunmilayo, Director of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperatives, presenting a gift to Mr. Adegbola Olushi, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Mr. Omirin Adeyinka, GM, Agric Land Holdings Authority, during the flag off of 2013 Growth Enhancement Support Scheme, at the Fish Farm Estate, Odongunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos.

AGM: From left: Mrs. Ifeyinwa Akpan,Treasurer; Mr. Teslim Busari, President and Chairman of CounAWARD: From left: Country Head, Olam Nigeria, cil and Mr. Dele Togunde, Registrar/CEO, at the 39th Annual General Meeting of the Institute of Mr. Mukul Mathur; the awardee, Mr. John Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Ni- Anyanwu and his wife, Chinwe Ayanwu, at the Olam geria, ICSAN in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye. Nigeria 2013 long service award in Lagos.

C M Y K

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Adewumi Adesina (left); Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, Prof.

Adebiyi Daramola (right) and Registrar, Dr. Modupe Ajayi, admiring a loaf of FUTA bread, after the 2013 Foundation Day lecture delivered by the Minister, at the university.

40—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Respect patients' rights, don urges medical doctors

CAN, ACN seek tighter security in Bauchi

BY SUZAN EDEH

B

AUCHI—THE federal and Bauchi State governments have been asked to provide adequate security to discourage Boko Haram insurgents escaping from either Adamawa, Borno or Yobe states from using Bauchi State as their sanctuary.

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, made the call at separate interviews with Vanguard in Bauchi, yesterday.

CAN said that apart from Bauchi, the security agencies should also beam their searchlights on the other northern states where there is no state of emergency to prevent fresh crises in those places, saying that miscreants should be stopped from making life difficult for law-abiding members of the society.

The state Secretary of CAN, Rev. Joshua Rai Mains, who reacted to the on-going military campaign in the three states said that residents of Bauchi State expected tight security in the state to prevent criminals from infiltrating into it.

The state Chairman of the ACN, Alhaji Bappa Daffida also said that the declaration of state of emergency in the neighbouring three states had triggered movements of people from the affected states to the nearby states, hence security ought to be beefed-up in Bauchi State among others.

He said "I would advise security agents to increase their survelliance because some of these terrorist groups would feel uncomfortable and migrate to neighbouring states".

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

I

VISIT—From left: Group Managing Director, Mrs. Florence Seriki; President of the Institute of Directors,Thomas C. Awagu; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Sir Sunny Nwosu and Chairman of Omatek Ventures Plc, Dr. Timothy Farinre; during Obasanjo's visit to the new Omatek factory in Lagos on Sunday.

NASARAWA MASSACRE:

Arrested policemen still under investigation — IG

BY EVELYN USMAN

L

AGOS—THE InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, weekend in Lagos, described the arrest of some policemen in alleged connection with the killings of policemen two weeks ago, by members of the Ombatse cult group in Alayko village, Nassarawa state, as mere allegation, until ongoing investigation proved otherwise.

This came as President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed satisfaction over the ongoing renovation of the Police College, Ikeja.

The renovation work is expected to be completed in two weeks and handed over to the Nigeria Police.

The IG who was on a visit to the Police College Ikeja, to inspect the level of ongoing renovation work, said so far, it had not been proven that the policemen gave in-

Atiku urges Nigerian leaders to imbibe good management skills

BY MICHAEL EBOH

L

AGOS—FORMER Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has declared that Nigerian will never be taken seriously among the comity of nations unless its leaders embrace good management practises in all their dealings.

Atiku who spoke when management of the Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM, paid him a visit in Yola, Adamawa State capital said: “If we want to be taken seriously in the comity of nations, it is high time we embraced good management practises in all our dealings as indiC M Y K

viduals, organisations and a nation because good management practices breed good governance and a working economy.”

He maintained that efficient management of man and materials has been identified as a key factor to the success and continued survival of any organisation and sustainable national development.

He said: “Just like efficient management of both men and materials is critical and key to every organisation’s continued survival in business, it is even more germane to a na-

tion’s economy and general outlook.

“Management is life and we cannot divorce it from our daily lives as individuals beginning from the home front to our businesses, leadership positions in both private and private organisations and the nation. Since we cannot but continue managing at different levels always, we have no choice than to embrace good and efficient management.”

Atiku commended the NIM for its contributions to nation building.

formation to the cultists, assuring that if there was concrete proof to that effect, the Force would not hesitate to expose the men to the world.

“It is still an allegation. And as a security agency, when one thinks someone has done something against the law, we question him. In this case, it has not been proven that they gave any information to anybody. We are still investigating that. And if we have concrete proof that he has done it, we will tell the world.

Until we have proved that he has done it, it is assumed an allegation.”

Meanwhile renovation of the Police College Ikeja, Lagos will be completed in two weeks. This was disclosed by the Commander, Army Corps Engineers, Major-General Funso Owonibi during an inspection visit by President Goodluck Jonathan and the Inspector-General of Police, weekend.

During the inspection, Major General Owonibi, informed that the renovation of the 35 buildings was 95% completed.

The Corp, he said, was given a marching order on February 8, 2013, by the president, following the revelation of its dilapidated state.

LORIN—MEDICAL doctors in the country have been urged to respect the rights of their patients as they discharge their duties in the health sector.

Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Dr. Sunday Oladipo Sotiloye said this, yesterday, while delivering a lecture at the 29th professional initiation of the 2013 medical graduands of the University of Ilorin.

At the ceremony, 104 newly qualified medical doctors were initiated into the profession after the Registrar of the Nigeria Medical Council administered the Hippocratic Oath on them.

Sotiloye said: ”You should please note that patients are no beggars or prisoners, they have their rights, which you as their doctors must respect. Without the patients, the doctors can neither exist nor operate”.

He also explained that patients’ awareness was increasing in the country and counselled the graduands not to think that their mistakes would continue to be buried as people used to say about medicine."

Thanksgiving The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Agbala Agbara Itusile, Jibowu Estate, Abule-Egba will hold its 15thYear Anniversary Thanksgiving Service with the theme: God of Possibility on Sunday May 26, 2013 at the Church Auditorium. In a release by the Publicity Chairman of the Anniversary Committee, Mr Tunde Awe, the pro gramme of the day will feature sermons by the Host Minister, Prophetess E.M. Ogunlade, praise worship, awards, religious drama/music and entertainment of guests.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 — 41

42 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Vanguard, TUESD AY, MAY 21, 2013 —43 TUESDA

Lagos closes gap in knee replacement surgery

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

R

AFATU Arowolo, a 62 e a r – old petty trader used to have great difficulty walking as a result of pain in her left knee.

She could no longer cope with challenges of her trade. Her illness denied her family the crucial support she provided in the home.

But when Rafatu could not move again, it became her clear to her husband and family that her health required major intervention.

“At this point, we began to seek treatment in other hospitals but to no avail,” said her husband, Arowolo.”When we came to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, we were told she need required a total knee replacement surgery. But we y

were scared because we were told that the treatment could only be done in abroad and the money required was huge.

“Where do I get such amount of money? I am a civil servant, how much is my salary? I only manage on what I earn to feed my children and manage the home.”

There and then, it was cleared that I needed help because I cannot imagine my wife being crippled all of a sudden.

Finally, we were directed to the Lagos State Coordinator, Free Health Programme.” The rest is history The story of Rafatu Oyelakin is just as pathetic. The 52 year – old woman was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis of the knee.

Her case began like with pain but progressively worsened to the deformity of her right knee (K- leg) making it extremely

• (L-R) Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon LASUTH Dr Ladipo Adewale; Permanent Secretary LSMoH Dr Femi Olugbile; Mrs Rafatu Oyelakin, a beneficiary; Commissioner of Health Lagos State, Dr Jide Idris; Mrs Rafatu Arowolo (beneficiary); CMD LASUTH, Professor Wale Oke and Coordinator Limb Deformity Correction Surgery Programme Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, at the presentation of beneficiaries of free total knee replacement surgery last week.

difficult for her to walk.

Rafatu visited LASUTH for three years as an out- patient without a solution.

“My condition did not respond to non operative treatment using medications

and physiotherapy. I was also offered total knee replacement broad but was unable to afford the cost of the prosthesis.

“My husband and children did all they could but we were not able to afford it until we

When women survive, families and nations thrive — JILL SHEFFIELD It’s simple really: investing in girls and women pays dividends.

A

HEAD of the Women Deliver 2 0 1 3 International Conference which opens in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia May 27, the health, wellbeing and survival of girls and women the world over, have been identified as critical factors for global development.

In a call for improved and sustained investment in the health and wellbeing of girls and women all over the world, Jill Sheffield, President/Founder of Women Deliver - a global advocacy organisation working to generate political commitment and financial investment for fulfilling Millennium Development Goal 5 - asserts that investing in girls and women pays.

Sheffield, in a chat with Sola Ogundipe, said girls and women are critical for development without which the health and wellbeing of society cannot advance. Exerpts:

Investing in girls, women

We have seen time and time again that investing in the health and wellbeing of girls and women benefits development broadly. We know that when women have access to maternal and reproductive health services, they can plan their pregnancies, stay in school longer, contribute to the workforce, and are better able to care for their children. Communities thrive, societies stabilize and economies flourish.

We must ensure that the High-Level

Girls and women as global priority

• Jill Sheffield Panel develops a 2015 post-MDG framework that recognizes girls and women as the agents of change that they are. Girls and women are critical for development and we cannot advance the health and wellbeing of society without them. When women survive, families, communities and nations thrive.

Driving force behind Women Deliver

All girls and women, everywhere, should have access to the maternal and reproductive health services that they want and deserve – and at Women Deliver, we strive to make this reality.

Effective advocacy encourages people from all backgrounds and sectors to come together for a common cause. First in London and then in Washington, D.C., Women Deliver did just this by gathering countless of advocates and global leaders to pledge their commitments to girls’ and women’s health and rights. This May, we will host our third and most influential global conference yet – Women Deliver 2013 – in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Women Deliver 2013 will convene thousands of advocates, policymakers and civil society members from over 140 countries to ensure that girls and women remain priorities for years to come.

Together, we will call on global leaders to increase political and financial commitments to girls’ and women’s health. We will encourage grassroots organizers and community leaders to advocate for greater access to the quality reproductive and maternal health care and family planning services that all women deserve. And, most importantly, we will call on international leaders to make girls’ and women’s health and wellbeing priorities in the post-MDG framework, which will be decided within days of Women

Continues on page 44

were directed to partake in the Lagos State free knee replacement surgery.”

Experts say Nigerians with knee problems is on the increase. A community based study on Prevalence and Pattern of Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis in Nigeria published by the Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice showed that osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability, affecting 6070 percent of people aged 60 years in Nigeria. Researchers from the study concluded that one out of every five adult Nigerians aged 40 years in rural community has symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, with a female preponderance in the ratio of 1.2:1.

Corroborating this view, Consultant orthopaediatric Surgeon, Ladipo Adewole explained that osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, often called wear-andtear arthritis.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of the bones wears down over time. It can damage any joint in the body.

Adewole who spoke on the official presentation of two beneficiaries of the Lagos State Free Total Knee Replacement programme last week in Lagos noted that even though, some form of surgeries like the knee replacement surgeries exist only a few hospitals have capacity to do so and most times patients cannot afford cost of treatment put at not less than Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, regretted that most hospitals including

Continues on page 45

44—Vanguard, TUESD AY, MAY 21, 2013 TUESDA

Doctors react to alleged detention of patients in hospitals

I

personnel in the surface of it, it is not right to detain a patient but what we normally do is to do a quick social economic assessment of those patients.

There are two categories, those who can afford to pay and simply don’t want to pay and those who in the real sense cannot actually afford to pay.

From the assessment you will discover what the reasons are.

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

N recent times, there have been several reports of Nigerian hospitals holding patients hostage following inability of the latter to settle their treatment bills. This practice, which has been observed in public and private hospitals has elicited concern among health watchers and the populace to a far extent.

Good Health Weekly sought views of medical doctors on professional ethics. Excerpts

It is abnormal

— Dr. Anthony Omolala, National President Association of Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria A hospital runs as a business and also as a social service, especially private hospitals are self sustaining. If that hospital hasn’t got provision for social responsibility, it can work out terms and arrangement. If there is a good social system, or family support, social workers can actually get in

• Dr. Anthony Omolola

• Dr. Osahon Enebulele touch with the family of the patient.

It cannot be called detention but it is keeping the patient for sometime hoping that relatives will bring money. But to keep a patient for two months is unwarranted and quite abnormal.

It is not unethical

— Dr. Osahon Enabulele, President, Nigeria Medical Association This has nothing to do with ethical conduct, if anything all, the bridge of ethics would have come into place if a patient came into the facility and was not attended to, especially if it was an emergency. This is certainly ethical bridge; the first responsibility is to save life.

It does not bother so much on ethical issues. What I expect the professional to do as a way of sorting out issues like this is to go the extra mile to inform local authorities or the state government where the patients come from and put the case

before them or even religious bodies and expect them to come to his aid. I will not put the blame squarely on the professional but he has done his duty ethically by saving a life.

Is it lawful for a patient to come into the hospital without paying his bills? Keeping of the patient is the consequence of an action of the patients which is failure to pay the Bill of the man who has provided services.

People should also put themselves in the shoes of the providers of care otherwise what you are going to do is to discourage a lot more Nigerian professionals from offering free services and you will now come back to the era where people will now want to demand as a matter of compulsion the payment of certain fees before they can now allow you into their facilities.

It is a social issue. Is it ethical for a hospital to dispense drug

It is a social issue

— Dr. Francis Faduyile Chairman, NMA, Lagos State branch

It is not right

• Dr. Jerry Oguze to a patient in need who does not have money? You see, a patient who is dying and you used what you have to treat the patient and the patient is not able to pay and you allow the patient to go and then you have another patient that does the same thing.

Private hospitals are at liberty to operate in terms of charges and payment. Whatever they have to do to be able to get their money paid to them, they are entitled to it. There is nothing unethical about asking a patient to pay about asking a patient to pay for services rendered and if that patient is not able to pay, keeping that patient in the

Hospitals liberty

are

Uniqueness of Women Deliver 2013

Women Deliver 2013 is the only international conference to focus solely on girls’ and women’s health and rights.

It is expected to be the largest and most influential gathering of the decade – particularly because it is taking place at such a critical time. The 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDG) deadline is quickly approaching and the High-level Panel on the Post-MDG Agenda will finalize its framework just days after the conference.

At Women Deliver 2013, we will have one last great opportunity to take action and ensure that girls and women are top priorities in the Post-MDG framework.

Additionally, Women Deliver 2013 will be taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This is the first time one of our conferences will convene in Asia and in a predominantly Muslim country, which will be a unique opportunity to engage regional and religious leaders on issues of maternal and reproductive health.

Pushing agenda of women and girls’ health

Women Deliver 2010 provided a global

At that level the doctor comes in with oath of professionalism to decide. But remember at the end of the day, the doctor must pay the health workers and other staff of the hospital apart from paying for the consumables procured to save the life of that patient.

Ordinarily it is not right.

Once you have performed your own duty as a doctor, it is reasonably expected that patients should pay as a compensation for what you have done.

at

— Dr. Jerry Oguze, Past National Chairman, ARD

• Dr. Francis Faduyile

hospital until payment is made; there is nothing unethical about it. Ordinarily when you look at the social services that we render as doctors or health

Women, families and nations survive Continues from Page 43 Deliver 2013.

— Dr. Jimmy Arigbabuwo, Chairman, AGPMPN, Lagos branch

stage for participants to share new strategies, workable solutions and announce major commitments to girls’ and women’s health. Melinda Gates made an unprecedented $1.5 billion pledge to maternal and child health. In 2010, we were able to deliver solutions for girls’ and women’s health and wellbeing and we expect to do the same in Kuala Lumpur this May. As we learned in 2010, our conferences have the potential to empower advocates, motivate global leaders and generate new commitments to girls and women’s health. Our goal at Women Deliver 2013 will be to use our collective energy and power to call on leaders and ensure that girls and women remain priorities in the post-MDG framework and beyond.

Priority for 2015 post-MDG framework

The MDGs have advanced development and spurred unprecedented investments in girls’ and women’s health and rights globally. In many cases, the MDGs galvanized governments to prioritize girls and women in their development plans and, most importantly, budgets. As a result, we’ve made tremendous progress across the MDGs, including MDG 5, which aimed to reduce maternal mortality and improve access to reproductive health services. Remarkably, the MDGs have

contributed even more to girls and women than this – they’ve changed minds. Now, more than ever before, global leaders are recognizing that girls and women are essential for development. I’ve always said: ‘Invest in women, it pays,’ but now, global leaders are listening and acting.

MDGs and future of girls' and women's health and rights

The MDGs gave the world universal targets with tangible, measurable goals, but missing these targets does not mean that these countries have “failed.”

Because of these targets we have initiated investments in girls’ and women’s health that would not have been made otherwise. While there is much more to be done, we have laid the foundation to ultimately achieve these goals – and we won’t stop until we do.

Continuous advocacy

We must continue to advocate for policies and commitments that accelerate the progress we’ve made, especially in countries that have met the MDGs. The future for girls and women depends not only on what we have done, but what we will continue to do in the coming years. Our work will not be finished until every woman, everywhere, is living a safe, educated and healthy life.

• Dr. Jimmy Arigbabuwo

Foundation takes heart health to Lagos schools

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

W

ORRIED about the growing incidences of cardiovascular diseases among Nigerian youths, experts have taken the campaign for early cardiovascular education among teenagers to secondary schools in Lagos.

Addressing students during the second grassroots cardiovascular health programme organised for students of Herbert Macaulay Senior Girl’s High School and Birrel Avenue Senior High School by Chike Okoli Foundation, COF, the experts maintained that early cardiovascular education among teenagers would drastically reduce burden of heart diseases and its complications.

The programme was designed to reach 10,000 students in selected Secondary Schools in Lagos State with messages about the prevalence of heart disease and ways to live healthy.

In a lecture entitled: “Heart Disease and Hypertension”, a Cardiologist from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Dr. Oluwatobi Taiwo, called for immediate introduction of heart health Continues on page 45

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013—45

Experts seek improved manpower for child health care

BY EBUN SESSOU

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•Participants during the 2nd grassroots cardiovascular health programme organised for students of Herbert Macaulay Senior Girl’s High School and Birrel Avenue Senior High School by Chike Okoli Foundation, COF, in Lagos recently.

EALTH experts have called for heightened efforts to tackle malnutrition in children, through enhancing and improving childcare manpower base in the country by training and re-training of primary healthcare providers and paediatricians.

At a 3-day international conference put together by Sub Saharan Health Solutions Nigeria in partnership with paediatricians from the Imperial College, London, the experts pointed out that the training programme was to further strengthen child healthcare manpower provision in Nigeria. Speaking at the event, Managing Director, Sub Saharan

Lagos closes gap in knee replacement surgery Continues from page 43 government - owned hospitals in Nigeria lack capacity for knee replacement surgeries.

“The State Government started free knee replacement surgeries in realisation of the high numbers of patients who applied to the state government for financial assistance to travel abroad usually India to have the knee replacement surgery procedure done at high cost.

“As a government we thought it wise to discontinue the trend of taking our resources abroad for surgical exercise that can be done in the country. We felt by starting this exercise, we would not only discourage patronage of overseas treatment, but we would build local capacity for surgical procedures like this.

“It is also an avenue for training resident doctors aspiring to become certified specialists as well as nursing staff and physiotherapists who will be responsible for patients’ nursing and rehabilitation management.”

According to the Commissioner, so far, 12 people have benefitted. “This way, the surgeons, nurses and physiotherapists get to manage such cases frequently and therefore become more proficient.

“Also, less fortunate Lagosians, who would otherwise have been unable to afford this treatment would be the ultimate beneficiaries of this exercise”, Idris said.

“Both patients had severe osteoarthritis of the knees, a condition characterized by worn-out cartilage at the ends of the bones that come together to form a joint. The

worn-out cartilage and some of the underling bone is surgically removed and replaced with prostheses during total joint replacement.”

Health Solutions Nigeria, Dr. Dayo AjayiObe, who is a consultant paediatrician at Hammersmith Hospital, London said it has become imperative to enhance child healthcare manpower provision in Nigeria, by exposing mostly primary health care doctors and paediatric trainees to high quality child healthcare education in a bid to impact on the Millennium Development Goals, designed towards reducing infant and child mortality rate in the country.

“Efficiencies of the doctors depends on facilities available as aspects of improving mortality rate in children has not been duly touched by major stakeholders in the country,” Ajayi-Obe remarked.

She said henceforth, the Imperial College London, Paediatric department along with the Imperial College London Continuous Professional Development (CPD) unit will be running a CPD course in Lagos, on paediatric and child health allergy (asthma), infectious diseases, nutrition and emergency paediatrics to help in reducing morbidity and mortality in Nigeria.

Foundation takes heart health to schools Continues frompage 44 in schools. Taiwo said Nigerian youths, need to protect their heart from diseases.

He stressed need for teenagers to work on modifiable risk factors such as reducing body weight, avoiding fatty foods, eating less salt as well as exercising regularly.

Project Director, COF, Ms. Beauty Alfred who spoke on behalf of the Founder, Dr Stella Okoli said COF was set up in 2006,

in furtherance of the ideals of late Chike Edward Okoli, who died of an undetected coronary artery disease five days after his 25th birthday.

“The vision is to ensure that every young Nigerian becomes aware of cardiovascular diseases and is further equipped with entrepreneurial skills for the building of a healthy and prosperous nation.

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46 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

INSECURITY:

Lagos remains vulnerable as CCTV goes moribund • It’s not abandoned – Govt

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

I

T seems residents and visitors to Lagos State, will have to wait a little longer for the commencement of the multi million naira contract for the installation of Close Circuit Televisions, CCTVs, in the state aimed at addressing perennial security and traffic challenges.

The electronic devices with capacity to capture and register images and events metres away, also aid effective surveillance of the environment in events of criminal and emergency activities such as motor accidents, burglaries, robberies, car thefts, fire outbreaks, civil disturbances, collapsed buildings, suspicious movements and kidnaps, which are tracked and processed for quick response by those concerned.

The state government, about three years ago announced plans to install CCTV cameras across the metropolis but till date the project is yet to fully commence.

CCTV launch: In 2009, the state government launched a pilot phase of CCTV only in three locations in the state. They were on Falomo Bridge, Third Mainland Bridge and Eko Bridge.

Effectiveness of concept The project, which was by all standards successful, was to check the effectiveness of the concept.

Before then, the Federal Government had intimated the state government of its intention to control the installation and running of the project with Abuja and Lagos, selected for the first phase.

The Federal Government under its National Public Security System Programme, planned to install a thousand cameras in Lagos for a start but 906 were effectively installed. The devices were located on major roads, which include: Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Amuwo-Festac Link Road, Apapa, Festac Town, Ikeja, Victoria Island, among other strategic areas.

Challenges: Some of the challenges confronting the project, which is being solely financed by FG, it was gathered,

apart from the finance, were sites for permanent location, vandalisation as well as non availability of accurate data-bank of citizenry and biometrics. It was learnt that all the cameras installed on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway had been removed because of the ongoing road expansion along the axis.

Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Adebiyi Mabadeje, while reacting to the development, expressed confidence that the project would soon see the light of the day. He explained: “FG approached the state government that it was installing the CCTV in Lagos and we later said the state government will not have to spend tax payers’ money on what the FG has concluded to do in the state.

The FG said that it would roll out a thousand cameras in the state for a start. They have done 906. This represents the number that the state government has physically seen. And we have been working with the central government on this. “The cameras will not be everywhere now but we know that the intention of the central government is to deploy it to all the nooks and crannies of the state later. It will eventually reach other remote areas of the state.

“The project started with urban areas. Contrary to wide spread

comments that the project was moribund, the project has not been abandoned. It is in phases.

The FG has not directed the state government to stay action. All they said was that they needed access to the right of way in the state, for the installation of the CCTV cameras. Right now, the project is on. We have seen the pictures they generate. It is not just a CCTV camera, it also act as a communication project that also provide voice and video for the security agencies in the state.”

Ayobo-Ipaja: Contractor, residents disag

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

T

HERE is a raging controversy between Plycon Construction Company Ltd, an indigenous construction firm and residents of the area over the delay in the reconstruction

Ayobo-Ipaja road

of Ipaja Ayobo road.

While the contractor is giving all kinds of excuses for its inability to deliver on schedule, the residents insist that the delay is caused by sheer incompetence and lack of equipment to execute the job.

A resident, Mr Adebola Adebiyi, an engineer, said: “How will you explain a civil engineering firm using shovels to mix concrete for the building of a dual carriage way?

They don’t have a single concrete mixer, for example, they had to rework some sections of the median up to six times. Each time they joined the cast with the poorly mixed concrete they discovered that they would have fallen apart the following morning and they will have no choice than to repeat the process.”

Horrible link road: Ajegunle, on verge

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

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JEGUNLE, popularly known as the ghetto city is located in the Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State. It has a dense population of about 555,000 people and 335 streets. It is bordered on the west by Apapa Wharf and Tincan, two of Nigeria’s biggest sea ports from where over 70 percent of imported goods come into the country.

The ghetto community formally falls under the Badagry Division, with major settlements like Aiyetoro, Ogbowankwo, Okorogbo, Tunkarimu, Alayinka, Arumo, Opeleye, Babani, Agausa, Orodu, Tolu, Ashafa, Wowo, Mensah, Taiwo, New Road, Kirikiri Rd, Amukoko, Alakoto, Apeno, Temidire, Ebunoti, Mokoya, Adeolu, Ojoku, Wilmer Crescent, Yaya Crescent, Oyikere, Muyibi, Idewu, Oluwa, Ladega, Bale, Uzor, Cardoso, Mba, Ilaje and Alaka.

Ajegunle is a city that has survived

attempts to wipe it out through negligence of those in position to use its resources for development purposes. The current Council Chairman, Hon. Kamal Ayinde Bayewu, has often claimed to have brought rapid infrastructural development since coming on board in 2008.

Palliative measures However, with the rains here again, residents of the community have appealed to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, to come to their aid, by providing palliative measures especially to the dilapidated Ottor-Wharf/Awodi-Ora Road, a State road, which links the community to the ever-busy Oshodi/Apapa Expressway. According to them, this call became necessary as the condition of the road worsens, making it inaccessible for motorists, motorcyclists and other road users.

Speaking to Vanguard, a commercial bus driver, Kingsley Amadi, said: “This road is the worst in the community. It has been like this for long and government has never cared to do anything about it, despite what we suffer, especially during rainy seasons.

For more than 10 years now, Julius Berger (JB) construction company has been the one resurfacing this road, but they have refused to do anything this time around.

We are suffering here. I urge Governor Fashola to come to our aid, just like he has been doing for other local government areas.”

For Kehinde Badamosi, a commercial motorcyclist, “Our passengers do complain that we charge them high, but they fail to understand that this bad road is the cause of it. I urge the concerned authority to repair this road, or is it when one of these container-loaded trailers fall on this road and kill people that they will fix the road?”

However, when contacted, Sunday, to

Vanguard, TUESDAY,

MAY 21, 2013

— 47

Jason Onyegbadue: A ‘tight’ friendship

project The destroyed Lagos Close Circuit Television, CCTV Photo

by Adekunle Aliyu

The late Pini Jason

TRIBUTE

By Eddie IROH, OON

M

No doubt, the slow pace of work on the road reconstruction, has become a source of worry to road users and residents of Ayobo and IgboIlogbo, in Ipaja-Ayobo Local Council Development Area, LCDA. The road is the only major strategic route linking over 10 communities in the area with the metropolis.

Even the promise of a respite that the project will be delivered unfailingly in November is taken with a pinch of salt by the residents and road users in the area who say the contractors had ample dry period to do meaningful job but were waiting for the rains to set in to give them some cover up for their incompetence. The project which was awarded in May 2011 by the state government, is a dual carriage way with length of about 7.5 km and 16.0 in width.

The scope of work is to include drainage and culvert construction, median, walkway, earthwork, crush stone base course, paving stone,

provision of streetlight, fire hydrant and beatification among others. For years, residents have resorted to either abandoning their vehicles at home or relocate their parking spaces at more accessible places far away from their abode.

Those who are not fortunate enough suffer the pain of exorbitant fares as commercial vehicles jerked up the fares due to the bad road.

Seriousness and commitment

However, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Femi Hamzat, while reacting to the development, assured residents of the state’s government commitment to delivering a standard road at the end of the day as the situation is receiving the attention of Governor Babatunde Fashola who is interested in early completion of the project.

To further demonstrate his seriousness and commitment on early completion of the project, about two weeks ago, comment on why the repair of the was switched off. Also, he failed Governor Fashola paid road is being delayed, the Council to respond to text messages sent an unscheduled inspecboss, Mr. Kamal Ayinde Bayewu to him by our reporter yesterday. tion of the project and gave an ultimatum to the could not be reached, as his phone contractor to deliver the project as soon as possible without further delay.

Speaking last weekend, the Project Manager for the contractor, Mr. Leke Adeniji, agreed that the delivery period for the project had passed explaining that the company had some challenges and constraints which either show that it is not competent to handle the magnitude of the job or it did not do its homework before embarking on the all-important reconstruction job.

Ottor-Wharf/Awodi-Ora Road in Ajegunle...in a bad state

e of isolation

,

gree over delayed job

ANY of you knew Pini Jason.

Indeed hundreds of thousands did: as a writer, a courageous commentator on our country’s many troubles, a public officer, a father, husband, community activist, and amiable personality; as friend, colleague and associate to many more.

Such was the man that his diverse passions brought him in contact with hundreds of thousands of Nigerians who can never forget his impact, and who will mourn his passing with great grief.

But not many outside his family and close friends knew Jason Onyegbadue the man behind the legend. I am one of those privileged to know the man. We met first in Enugu sometime after the civil war through my cousin Mary Mbagwu. I think he was still with the Customs and Excise then. The vivacity of the young

in either homestead.

Because my mother was from Mbaise like Jason, it conferred on him a certain cultural seniority which required me to defer to him as my Nnam-ochie and I as his Okele. But he was always Pini J to me. When I relocated to Lagos to work with the NTA in 1979, Jason was already in the city, and our friendship was quickly rekindled, growing even “tighter ” as it expanded to include our families years later.

Jason’s first child Amamdi, and my first Njideka, even as mere toddlers, were infected by the pleasurable virus of their fathers’ friendship and bond.

Jason would often drive over to our home in Awuse Estate, Opebi, Ikeja, and play his usual games with Njideka. He would carry her astride his shoulder, dance around the living room, and do the he-goat song: Nwaeghu nwa-eghu, Mmeeeeh mmeeeeh! (Bleating like a goat!). Njideka loved the game, a lasting poignant

The name Pini was just a nickname from his favourite pop-star. But as journalism took over his career it became the name he was to be known and loved by countless Nigerians who read Pini Jason

man, his robust laughter (something we had in common right from the go), his acute intelligence and fearless opinions - these were the instant building blocks of a beautiful friendship. As Amos Tutuola would put it, Jason and I became “tight” friends. Soon Mary was sidelined as our strong bond propelled Jason and I towards our common destiny of journalism. The name Pini was just a nickname from his favourite pop-star. But as journalism took over his career it became the name he was to be known and loved by countless Nigerians who read Pini Jason.

Jason Onyegbadue and I had a lot more than career and personality in common. His home town in Mbaise is a crow’s flight away from my own home of Ikenanzizi. And indeed from the junction of Achingali that links both towns you could hear the sound of pestle and mortar as women pounded yam

,

reminder of her “Uncle Pini.”

Later my younger children were to demand that I play the hegoat game with them, and it became a family tradition. Such was Njideka’s closeness to and affection for Jason that I have still not had the courage to tell her that her beloved Uncle Pini has passed away.

When the late Dr Stanley Macebuh personally invited me to join him and others in founding The Guardian newspaper in 1983, it was only natural that I in turn asked Jason to come along, not merely because he was my friend, but also because he had already established himself as a voice of reason in the Nigerian media, and would blend well with the highly erudite and talented Editorial Board of the paper as well as continue his abiding passion as a columnist.

The rest, as they say, is history.

But for me, Jason’s life and achievements will always be current affairs.

48 — VANGUARD, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

EMERGENCY RULE: Senate: Dicey decision today As Nigerian senators gather to deliberate on the president’s proclamation of emergency rule on three Northeast states, the matter of loyalty to party, faith and region could come into play.

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

C

ONSIDERING that Nigeria is not just a multiparty democracy but a secular and multi-ethnic nation, there are fears that the things that divide the nation may play out on the senate floor this Tuesday, when the lawmakers vote on the state of emergency proclaimed on three states of the Northeast.

So, expectations are high as the Senate sets to deliberate on the desirability or otherwise of the state of emergency slammed on Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states last Tuesday,

by President Goodluck Jonathan, following what was seen as ceaseless and senseless killings of people in the affected states by Boko Haram Islamist group.

The upper legislative chamber had slated Tuesday, as a day for deliberation and subsequent voting to ratify or reject the president’s action.

The Constitution stipulates that the proclamation be

from some parties and the Northern Elders Forum.

The Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, had in swift responses, condemned the president’s action and urged all their adherents not to support the proclamation in any form, saying the president’s action was not without link to his perceived 2015 presidential ambition.

Affront on the zone Also, some Northern elders represented by former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, and the North’s umbrella body, the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, described the proclamation of the emergency rule as not only a direct declaration of war on the entire Northern region but an affront on the zone, saying they would challenge the action.

,

Eyes would especially be on Senator Ali Ndume, PDP, Borno South, given that he is the highest profile public official presently under trial for collaboration with the Boko Haram

approved by two thirds of the whole Senate and the House of Representatives, failing which the proclamations and actions taken under the proclamations lapse immediately.

It was against this backdrop that the Senate President, David Mark, announced during last Thursday’s plenary that all members of the chamber must turn up for today’s sitting so they can form a quorum to handle the issue of the day.

But as the nation anxiously waits to see how the Senate will handle the issue, there are anxieties in some sections of the polity, given the mixed response to the proclamation

,

So it is not surprising that there is trepidation that the proclamation could face a challenge when the Senate votes on it today.

However, emerging indications are that many senators may shelve their personal or party interests and rather, focus on what they consider “common cause” paramount to national interest.

Eyes would especially be on senators belonging to the CPC and ACN whose parties have disagreed with the president on the proclamation.

Remarkably, senators from the PDP controlled Adamawa State may be tempted to vote against the proclamation

•Crunch time for many Senators

especially those who may see the inclusion of their state as not only unnecessary but a political vendetta aimed at getting to the state governor, Alhaji Murtala Nyako, who, is well known to be in the bad book of the PDP chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

On the other hand, the senators from Borno and Yobe states, the two states •Mark: at the heart of the Boko Haram insurgency may not wholeheartedly support emergency rule.

Eyes would especially be on Senator Ali Ndume, PDP, Borno South, given that he is the highest profile public official presently under trial for collaboration with the Boko Haram.

Shortly after the proclamation of the emergency by the president, he had said: “We are hoping that this thing is built positively and we hope that whatever the government is doing, bearing in mind that the government of democracy is government of the people and for the people, the people involved and the states involved or the civilians involved are not exposed to further hardship than the one they are going through”.

But irrespective of the inclination of the senators from the three states, there is optimism that senators of other various political parties, namely, PDP,DPP LP ACN and

ANPP in other states like Kano and Zamfara states will forget their political differences to give the president’s proclamation a huge support.

Some senators of the affected parties, who spoke with Vanguard on the issue, said there was need for all members to support the president’s action, given that it was done in the general interest of the nation.

Senator Ganiyu Solomon, ACN, Lagos West, told Vanguard that although, he was awaiting full detail of the proclamation, he believed it was done primarily to restore peace which he noted, had eluded the three states.

“Until I go through the details I cannot say anything much. But I think if the action of the president will bring peace in the states affected by the state of emergency, why would one not embrace it?

It is a good development, given that all elected structures are in place. We should sit and pray that the desired peace is

achieved in the affected areas at the end of the day. I can’t speak further than that”, he said.

On his part, Senator Ademuyiwa Adeniyi, ACN, Ekiti South, said: “In as much as I support the president’s action against the backdrop of increased senseless killings of innocent people in the affected states, I will advise that the state of emergency should not be used as instrument of oppression of perceived political opponents. Again, the president who has the power and authority to control the military must ensure that they strictly follow the rules of engagement”.

Display of statesmanship A CPC senator from North Central who spoke on the condition of anonymity: “Given the spate of violence that we have so far witnessed in these affected states, we can’t afford to go against the action of Mr President.

I believe everybody is affected in one way or the other in what has happened in these states in the past.”

“I think what is expected of us at a moment like this is utter display of statesmanship by standing against those very things that tend to threaten the continuous cooperate existence of this entity called Nigeria.

It is not a matter of party, religion or culture here”, he insisted.

So, as seen, consideration of party, faith and region may not fail to play up but these will be captured, leaving national interest to thrive above all.

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 — 49

NASS DECIDES House: Populism rules the day The House of Representatives is expected to follow its populist inclinations today when it considers the proclamation on the state of emergency in the three states of the Northeast.

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

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HE proclamation by President Goodluck Jonathan formally declaring a state of emergency across three states in the North-Eastern part of the country would be debated by the legislators today. Today’s debate would be in fulfillment of section 305 of the amended 1999 Constitution which provides that the President must inform the National Assembly about his decision not later than two days after it had been published in a Federal Government gazette.

In anticipation of the letter the leadership of the House of Representatives had refrained from listing the issue on the order paper during plenary sessions which held between Tuesday and Thursday last week.

Members had also followed the hint of the leadership by refusing to raise the development under “matters of urgent public importance.”

Periods of normalcy Indeed, the plenary session last Tuesday was a departure from the past as no single member raised any issue under that sub-head contrary to the tradition of the House during periods of normalcy. Another strange dimension which has unfolded since emergency rule was declared in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states is that many lawmakers have become tight-lipped over the situation.

Many of them have so far refused to comment on the development. It was gathered that among many legislators from the Northern part of the country, the fear of Boko Haram is the beginning of wisdom.

A certain lawmaker from Jigawa State who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity appealed that “the press should no longer seek for my opinion on this matter.”

He continued: “You should know I am from the North and if I say what they don’t like, they could come after me”. That indeed has been the attitude of

several members from the North who have shied away from commenting on the development.

These notwithstanding, multi sources have confirmed that President Jonathan’s proclamation had the backing of the National Assembly leadership.

Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs Hon. Afam Ogene said as much while briefing journalists on the activities of the House last Friday.

“The President consulted with the leadership of the National Assembly before he declared the state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. It was due to the input of the leadership of the National Assembly that the democratically elected state structures of government which include the offices of state governors and the various Houses of Assembly were not sacked,” Ogene said.

“One thing that has been realised within this period is the need for cooperation between different arms of

•Members have followed a populist streak

government.” He said the President had not yet breached the constitution.

He further stated that the executive and legislative arms of the Federal Government were working together to ensure that government runs smoothly despite whatever differences we may have.

Hon. Ogene further stated that the National Assembly had been very concerned about the security situation in the country recalling that the House had invited President Jonathan for briefing about the situation since last year adding that the Senate invited the nation’s

•Tambuwal: security chiefs for the same purpose sometime ago.

Watchers of the National Assembly believe that the endorsement given President Jonathan’s action by the leadership of the federal legislature may be an indication of the outcome of today’s deliberations in both the red and green chambers.

In addition to this, members of the Lower House who have already built a tradition for adopting populist positions on major national issues are likely to continue along that line.

And the general feeling amongst Nigerians is that “enough is enough”.

ECOWAS Parliament Backs State of Emergency …Calls for Central and West Africa Security Summit

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN

T

HOUGH it has no constitutional role to play in the declaration of emergency rule in any one of its member countries, the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS is throwing its weight behind the proclamation.

The parliament’s moral backing for the state of emergency declared by Nigeria’s president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was given by ECOWAS parliament, speaker, Senator Ike Ekweremadu. Ekweremadu, who is also deputy president of Nigeria’s senate spoke at the closing of the 2013 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja yesterday.

“We support the Nigerian Government in taking every necessary and legitimate

measure to contain terrorism in the country,” Ekweremadu declared. “We believe that Nigeria is at the forefront of the fight against terrorism in the subregion and she must as a matter of fact wage successful war against terrorism in her territory to be able to assist fight terrorism and insurgency in other parts of West Africa.”

Terrorism and insurgency Ekweremadu also called for greater security cooperation between ECOWAS and the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, CEMAC, to contain all forms of insurgency and terrorism in their member States. “Because these are transnational crimes, a Summit of Heads of State and

Government of both sub-regional Communities has become imperative to appraise the security situations and build better synergy in combating our common enemies”, he said.

He expressed fear that unless collaborative measures are taken by both sub-regions to secure their common borders, terrorists and insurgents could elude security agencies by slipping into neighbouring countries when the heat is turned on them, but only to return to their dastardly acts when it is conducive again.

“Therefore, the two blocks must work together and simultaneously, to smoke the insurgents out and make sure they have no safe harbours in the whole of both West and Central Africa”, Ekweremadu emphasised. He warned that the parliament remained opposed to

•Ekweremadu: Speaker! “every form of forceful takeover of government, impunity, militancy, terrorism, and insurgency in the sub-region.”

Addressing the Parliament in plenary, the Miss ECOWAS Peace Ambassador, Zirra Banu expressed the support of the youth and women of the subregion for the every necessary efforts to arrest the tide of insurgence and terrorism in the sub-region.

50 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 — 51

52 —

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

I asked to be left out of Mexico friendly — Ahmed Musa S

UPER Eagles wing er Ahmed Musa is not bothered that he was left out of the team that will play Mexico in an international friendly game on the 31st of this month in the United States.

Coach Stephen Keshi left out the CSKA Moscow forward from the friendly game but has since said the pacy winger was still part of his plans and the player remains in the 30-man squad penned for the two FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Namibia and the FIFA Confederations Cup, all in June.

Musa says he is in constant touch with the Nigeria Football Federation and the Super Eagles.

“I have been in con-

tact with the team secretary of the super eagles and told him that if my club qualifies for the Russian cup final, I will not be available for the friendly and when we eventually qualified the secretary called me again to confirm if I will still be able to come and I told him it wasn’t possible,” he told Brila FM. Musa however revealed that he will be joining the Stephen Keshi led side in the Germany training camp on the 2nd of June after the Russian cup final on the 1st. Musa, who over the weekend emerged as the Russian champions with his club CSKA Moscow, has been in blistering form this season in the Russian top flight scoring 11 goals in 25 league appearances.

16 schools for Channels National Kids cup

BY JACOB AJOM

S

Bye Bye Mourinho!

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HAT’s been com ing for a long time is now official.

Jose Mourinho’s threeyear tenure at Real Madrid has a finish line.

He will leave the Spanish giants at the end of the season.

Madrid’s president Florentino Perez confirmed in a press conference yesterday “The time is right to bring our relationship to an end.

Nobody has been sacked, it is a mutual agreement.” Perez also added a token of appreciation, saying, “On behalf of the directors, I would like to thank Jose Mourinho for his hard work over the last three years.”

Mourinho will remain in charge for the club’s final two Primera Division matches against Osasuna and Real Sociedad.

Because the “Special

One” has mutually agreed to terminate the contract, he is forgoing the €20 million ($26 million) compensation clause in the event he was sacked.

• Ahmed Musa

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:

MasterCard plans big for Nigerian soccer fans

BY JACOB AJOM and UCHE UDEH

T

HE 2013 UEFA Champions League final will mean different things to different Nigerians as MasterCard, the official sponsor of UEFA Champions League, has elaborate plans to celebrate the final of Europe’s most lucrative club football competition.

In a show of appreciation to Nigerian card holders whose passion for football is very high, MasterCard, the technology company in global payment gave them the opportunity through their various banks to win tickets and watch the 2013 UEFA Champions League final live in London. at the legendary Wembley stadium.

Four lucky winners have

already emerged and will be on the plane with their partners to Wembley for the May 25 final.

Omokehinde Ojomuyide, Vice President and Area Business Head, West Africa MasterCard also announced that 500 double entry tickets have been picked to watch the game at the exclu-

Salem University honours Larry Izamoje

I

N recognition of his con tribution to Sports Journalism and pioneering Sports Radio in Africa, Chairman of Sports Radio, 88.9 Brila Fm, Dr. Larry Izamoje has been conferred with a Doctorate Degree in Information technology by Salem Uni-

versity. In his address during the ceremony, the Chancellor of Salem University, Archbishop Sam Amaga said the renowned sports entrepreneur has served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities and equally at some of the most critical periods of

its history. “Today, your numerous achievements in sport journalism and public service ring a bells nationally and internationally”, Archbishop Amaga told the audience.

In the same vein, the Vice Chancellor of the Universi-

ty, Prof. Joseph Adeola Fuwape, speaking for the university council says the institution decided to confer the honour on Dr. Izamoje in “recognition of his numerous and meritorious contributions to the field of sports journalism in Nigeria”.

sive UEFA champions league viewing event in Lagos. This has been slated for Eko L’Meridien, Victoria Island, Lagos on the day of the final.

The tournament is one of the most prestigious and richest club competition in European football and the world. The 2011 final remains the most watched to date .

In the present format, it consists of several stages which begins mid July with three knockout, qualifying and a play off round, which will lead to eight group winners and eight runners up and later knockout phase which leads to final in May . The winner of champions league qualifies for UEFA super cup final and FIFA club world cup.

IXTEEN schools from various states of the federation will be participating in the 2013 Channels National Kids Cup kicking off Wednesday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere Lagos.

Speaking at a preevent media briefing in Lagos on Monday, Chairman and CEO Channels Television, John Momoh said, for the first time the competition was going national and schools participating in the week-long competition will be coming from Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Delta, Anambra, Akwa Ibom and Niger states.

Other states’ representatives include Jigawa, Kaduna, Edo and Rivers.

He explained that host state, Lagos will be presenting four schools to make it a sixteen team competition.

The competition which is supported by Delta State, Lagos State Football Association and Indomie will witness strict adherence to the age barrier which is 13 as the organisers promised to screen every player before okaying their participation.

•Lam

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 — 53

Rangers upbeat despite slim win R

ANGERS are confident they will reach the league stage of the Confederation Cup despite a slim 1-0 home win over CS Sfaxien on Sunday.

Ugonna Uzochukwu scored the only goal of the match in the 87th minute, but the defender will miss the reverse fixture after he was sent off for a second looking in the dying minutes of the encounter.

The third round return leg in Tunisia is in a fortnight and Rangers striker Oghogho Oduokpe told MTNFootball.com the Enugu club hope to get a result on the road so as to make it to the mini-league phase of Africa’s second-tier club competition.

“What matters now is that we won. Though it was a narrow win, we can go to Tunisia and get draw or even beat them. We will work harder ahead of the second leg,” said Oduokpe, who watched the game from the stands due to injury.

CS Sfaxien will host Rangers in the weekend of May 31June 2.

T

Action recorded during the first leg of the Confederation Cup match between Rangers and Sfaxien in Enugu.

fiesta, a decision, which Ogunjobi feels is justified in the present circumstances.

Speaking to Sports Vanguard yesterday, Ogunjobi said that the NFF have no reason to meddle with the team list of a serving national team coach, adding that if they had any misgivings with some players, they should call Obuh to explain his reasons for such players inclusion.

“My own take is that if it is true that his list was tampered with, then it is bad for football. It is never done. The coach should get the free hand to choose his players. If the NFF have any misgivings, they need to call him to explain.

HE 2013 Delta Governor ’s Cup is nearing its climax with two semifinal matches slated to hold this Thursday, May 23 in two centres, Agbor and Oleh.

In Agbor, Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogwashi-uku confront Adjekuta Secondary School in a match which holds high promises going by the way both teams have played in their previous matches.

Both teams have been quite a delight to watch since the start of the competition, strictly designed to develop football in Delta State schools.

Taking to the field in

Maigari, Obaseki tip Elegbeleye to succeed

P

RESIDENT of Ni geria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari and former Chairman of the Nigeria Premier League, Chief Oyuiki Obaseki has thrown their weight behind the newly appointed Director General of the National Sports Commission, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye to succeed in his new post.

Elegbeleye was announced as the new DG

Ogunjobi Continues from BP

Delta Gov’s Cup semifinals hold tomorrow

Obuh must have done his home work properly and he should be given the benefit of the doubt”, said Ogunjobi.

Continuing, the former NFF scribe told Obuh to resign if he feels that the omission of the players was going to derail his plans for a successful outing at Turkey 2013.

“A good coach worth his onions will have to take a firm position.

Obuh is in a good position to take the best decision on this matter.

He knows what he wants and if he has absolute belief in these five players and so much believes that that he cannot make any headway at the tournament, without these players, then he should quit”, said Obunjobi.

NSC last week Wednesday by President Goodluck Jonathan during the Federal Executive Council meeting who said the appointment was with immediate effect and reactions have been pouring on the appointment of the former Deputy Chairman, House of Representative

Committee on Sports since then.

The Nigeria Football President Alhaji Aminu Maigari lauded the appointment of Elegbeleye as the DG NSC while reacting to the appointment from Germany where he is overseeing the camping exercise of the Super Eagles who are prepar-

Amodu Continues from BP the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers which is more important.

Amodu who was at the glasshouse headquarters of the NFF with the duo of his assistants Kashimawo Laloko and James Peter on Monday told Vanguard Sports that the expectations of Nigerians would be very high as the Super Eagles confront other confederations cup winners at the FIFA Confederation cup competition in Brazil next month but noted that there will be no benefit from winning the competition without qualifying for the World Cup. The former Super Eagles Coach noted further that the world cup qualifying games are more crucial than the confederation cup and as such the Super Eagles should concentrate more

on their remaining qualifying games than the confederation cup which has nothing at stake other than prestige.

He maintained that the confederation cup should serve as a testing ground for the team since Coach Keshi is still building a formidable team adding that with the invitation of new players to the team, the team needs time to blend and a competition like the confederation cup can readily serve that purpose.

Amodu regretted that Nigerians would mount pressure on the team to win the confederation cup as African champions but argued that the country should do away with the win at all cost syndrome as the Super Eagles do not have anything to lose by not winning the confederation cup.

ing for both 2014 World Cup qualifiers and the FIFA Confederation Cup.

the other semifinal match at the Oleh Stadium will be Domingoes Secondary School and Aleogho Secondary School, who have shown promises of being one of the teams that could emerge champions in a the t o u r n a m e n t conceptualised by Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan just one of the legacies he wants to leave behind in the area of sports development. Both semifinal games hold at 2pm The losers of the two semifinal matches will play the losers final on May 24 in Sapele while the final match of the tournament comes up on May 28 at the Warri Stadium, with Governor Uduaghan expected to be in attendance to give out the cup to the winners.

Odemwingie Continues from BP Barclays English Premier League club, Hull City.

The 31-year-old drew the ire of the WBA supporters after attempting to force a move to Queens Park Rangers in January.

He has not started a game since then for the Baggies but his stormy relationship with the club appears set to come to an end with reported interest for his services

from the Tigers.

British tabloid, the Mirror, claims that the Nigerian will be sold by West Brom after being omitted from Sunday’s squad for the 5-5 draw against champions, Manchester United for criticising his teammates during a dressing room inquest.

The striker reportedly added to his unpopularity at Albion by moaning in the dressing room after the 4-0 defeat to Norwich.

Sidney Sam Continues from BP struggled to satisfy all the requirements for the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder to switch allegiance from the country of his birth.

“We are still working on Sidney Sam and we are aware that Germany have invited him for non-competitive games,” NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire told BBC Sport.

“Some officials have been mandated to handle this and they’ve intensified their efforts since last week.

“The Super Eagles are at present camping in Germany and our officials have been in touch with Sam to fasttrack the process.

“We are optimistic he will play for Nigeria whether he turns out for Germany now or not.”

BBC Sport understands Sam is keen to try out his options without committing himself to either country at this stage - and Germany’s friendly matches give him the chance to do so.

54 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 — 55

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Amodu cautions Eagles on W/C qualifiers •Says confederations Cup should be a testing ground

BY BEN NWACHUKWU Abuja

Ogunjobi carpets NFF over Turkey 2013 list

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

A

former SecretaryGeneral of the Nigeria Football Federation, Taiwo Ogunjobi has carpeted the NFF for meddling with the provisional 30man list of Coach John Obuh for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which kicks off June 21 in Turkey.

Obuh we learnt, was understandably livid with the omission of five players, Lukman

Dimiyo, Moses Epele, Bobby Ikpeazu, Ezeugo Samson and Uzoma Maduako, who he had listed in the team but was shocked to discover that their names had been left out by the football ruling house.

We gathered that Obuh said that Nigerians should not hold him responsible if the desired results were not achieved by the team at the Turkey football

N

EWLY appointed Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF Amodu Shaibu has warned the Super Eagles not to put all their strings to win the FIFA Confederations Cup and lose focus on Continues on Page 53

Nigeria still hopeful on Sidney Sam N

IGERIA still hope they can persuade Sidney Sam to play for them despite his call-up to the Germany squad for two upcoming friendlies.

Sam was born by a German mother but his father comes from Nigeria so he could represent any of the countries.

Germany are set to try out the 24-year-old against Ecuador on 29 May and against the United States three days later.

But Nigeria are “optimistic” Sam has not shut the door on them.

The Nigeria Football Federation has been pursuing Sam since last November but has Continues on Page 53

Continues on Page 53

Odemwingie set for Hull switch

W

EST Bromwich Albion forward, Peter Odemwingie appears set for a lifeline from newly-promoted

Continues on Page 53

•Obuh

•Sidney Sam

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

•Amodu

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Outcome (6) 5 Cease (4) 8 Elector (5) 9 Vehicle (3) 10 Principal (4) 11 Revolve (4) 12 Sharp (5) 13 Bat tree (6) 16 Bellow (4) 18 Discharge (4) 20 Animal (3) 22 Fitting (3) 23 Wand (3) 24 Observed (4) 25 Pour (4) 28 Dedicate (6) 30 Damp (5) 32 Greedy (4) 33 Expel (4) 34 Sick (3) 35 Scale (5) 36 Victim 4) 37 Mendicant (6)

DOWN 1 Abuse (6) 2 Hopeful (8) 3 Timber (6) 4 Combined (9) 5 Colonist (7) 6 Genuine (4) 7 Gasp (4) 8 By way of (3) 14 Detestable (9) 15 Concealed (3) 17 Imitate (3) 19 Driving (8) 20 Obtain (3) 21 Wicked (7) 26 Spirit (6) 27 Cashier (6) 29 Incline (4) 30 Rodents (4) 31 Bath (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS

How to Play Sudoku

ACROSS: 3, Flood 9, Myopia 10, Winner 11, Tried 12, Rage 15, Glen 17, Treated 20, Elk 21, Remit 23, Aped 25, Loss 26, Reign 28, Egg 30, Nemesis 33, Peak 35, Rock 36, Death 38, Collie 39, Easter 40, Grind.

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: Smart 2, Forge 3, Fit 4, Lander 5, Owed 6, Did 7, Angle 8, Drunk 13, Arrange 14, Eager 16, Elastic 18, Deign 19, Oil 22, Tower 24, Den 27, Neaten 28, Epoch 29, Gable 31, South 32, Skirt 34, Beer 36, Dig 37, Had.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

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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