FG, LASG disagree on new Ebola cases COLUMNISTS: •P.17 •P.19 And then the National Conference's fina

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62214

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

FG didn't sack doctors — Minister

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UK to send 3 jets for search of Chibok girls 8

FG, LASG disagree on new Ebola cases •Five new suspected cases — Lagos; no new cases — FG •Dr. Adadevoh saved Nigeria from uncontrollable Ebola — Idris •213 contacts traced, 62 complete 21-day follow-up •FG allocates N200 million to Lagos Govt

FIRE GUTS NFF ABUJA OFFICE

By Sola Ogundipe, Health Editor, Ben Agande, Caleb Ayansina, Chioma Obinna, Victoria Ojeme, Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsur Olowoopejo

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AGOS—THE Fed eral and Lagos State governments, yesterday, differed on new suspected cases of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, in the country.

While the Minister of Health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu insisted that there were no new cases of the EVD in Nigeria, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health Dr. Jide Idris told reporters that five new suspected cases of Ebola have been recorded in the state.

President Goodluck

Continues on page 5

Impeachment:

Chime operated poultry as I did — Dep.Gov 12

Mr & Mrs NFF FIRE: People watch as Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) office was engulfed by fire at Zone 7, Abuja, yesterday.

Below right: Acting NFF President Mike Umeh looking at burnt documents after the fire. Photos: Gbemiga Olamikan/NAN.

COLUMNISTS: And then the National Conference's finale •P.17

The pepper syndrome and Ebola •P.19

2015: BRF's new political face •P.19

We won't allow masked security men —Jega 9

2— Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

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C M Y K

4— Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014—5

POCKET CARTOON

OSUN ELECTION—From right: Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega; Executive Director, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Clement Nwankwo and Catherine Weiss from DFID during the Nigeria Civil Society Situation dialogue with the INEC Chairman in Abuja, yesterday.

FG, LASG disagree on new Ebola cases Continues from Page 1

Jonathan has approved the release of N200 million to the Lagos State Government to assist in containment of the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, Nigerianowned biotech company involved in the manufacturing, distribution and marketing of Nanosilver, Minerals for Life Limited, has cleared the air over the controversy surrounding the product, saying it never claimed that Nanosilver was a cure for Ebola.

LASG speaks

At a briefing in Lagos, Idris announced that there were five new cases among which were two secondary contacts and three primary contacts with the index (first)

case.

The commissioner said the suspected cases had been put at the Ebola isolation ward of the Mainland Hospital, Lagos, without any application of Nano Silver drug and that they would be monitored for the 21-day incubation period of the virus. “ To date we have eight suspected cases and five of them came in yesterday. We have 12 confirmed cases and on the whole, five have died. We are currently following up 213 contacts and 62 have completed the 21-day follow-up.

‘The Ministry of Health commiserates with their families, co-workers, friends and loved ones on these irreparable losses on the line of duty.”

Making the confirmation in a press statement, the Minister of Health,

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Little alterations we make in our habits and choices create great differences. Live life with care and make the necessary and needed adjustments.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Be present in all things and thankful for all things —Maya Angelou

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EARN from the past and plan for the future, but don’t dwell too much on them. You cannot change the past and you cannot yet live in the future. The only place where you can live and act is in the present. Actually, what you do in the present affects your future.

Reliving past events in your mind and daydreaming about the past or the future, keep the mind busy with endless thoughts, but if you focus your mind on the present moment, you don’t make room in your mind for unnecessary and disturbing thoughts or emotions.

Living in the present means that you direct your attention to what is happening now, enjoying it and making the most of it.

By focusing your mind on the present, you don’t have time or opportunity to wallow in useless and negative thoughts and emotions relating to the past or the future. Wake up to the present moment and live in it.

Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu said as at 7:00 PM today, (Wednesday), there is no other confirmed Ebola Virus Disease case in Nigeria outside the two that are currently under treatment at the isolation ward in Lagos.

No new cases — FG Chukwu said the clarification became necessary following media reports of five new cases in Lagos State. According to him, “This report should be disregarded.”

He reiterated that any doubtful information on the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria should be verified from the Office of the Minister of Health who has the sole authority to announce confirmed cases as far as disease epidemics in Nigeria are concerned.

The minister further reassured the public that any new confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease will be announced by his office promptly.

His words: “The latest death occurred Tuesday evening, and that is the death of the most senior doctor, Senior Consultant/Physician and Endocrinologist at First Consultant Hospital in Lagos, Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh.

“Regrettably she lost her life to Ebola virus. Of course she contacted the disease from the Liberian-American who exported the disease to Nigeria in the course of treating that patient.

“Indeed she had to physically restrain this infected person from escaping from the hospital when the latter attempted to do so, having been communicated that

he was Ebola-positive.

“Indeed, if that index case had escaped hospital at that stage it would have spelt disaster for Nigeria as many more persons would have been very difficult to track; and could have become primary contacts.

“There is no doubt that Dr. Adadevoh was not only a dedicated, committed and competent doctor, but she showed rare courage, rare sense of duty, service and patriotism to her country.”

Chukwu also enjoined the media to be cautious in reportage of Ebola cases in order not to cause unnecessary tension in the country.

“We appeal that when you are inviting anybody who is supposed to be an expert, especially at this time of national emergency, you may do well to seek our confirmation on whether the person is indeed an expert.

“We also want to state that some of the editorials we are seeing even today in some of the national dailies, is an emotional thing quite alright, but we plead with the media to stay the course.

For newspapers to say the Federal Government has been tardy in its response and has not addressed the issues at this time when the World Health Organization, the American government, the US Centre for Disease Control and the generality of Nigerians are commending government, I think it does not speak well of some of our media.

“Inciting the public against the Federal Government because we are emotionally connected to people who are today infected or had been infected of ebola virus disease will not help us as a country.

“The Government of Nigeria has done well, our health professionals even at the risk of their lives are participating in Lagos in managing this situation have done well.

The doctors and nurses who work at First Consultants Hospital Lagos, we praise their courage; they have done well. The least we can do is to encourage others, some of whom intend to volunteer, to continue with the care until such a time this is brought under control.

“So all the editorials today are certainly in bad taste. We know they come from personal feelings but this is not the time for emotional outbursts. There is nothing the government has not done, no stone has been left unturned” he said.

He appealed that those who have been discharged should not be stigmatised because they don’t pose a threat to the

society any longer.

How Adadevoh saved Nigerians from possible Ebola spread — Idris The late Senior Consultant/Endocrinologist of First Consultant Medical Centre, Lagos, Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh, did not only stop the late American-Liberian and index (first) Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, case Mr Patrick Sawyer from attending the ECOWAS meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, but took the initiative to promptly report his situation to the Lagos State Government.

Idris, who disclosed this in Lagos yesterday during a media update, said it was at the instance of the late medical doctor, who was a primary contact to Sawyer and substantially to her credit, that the moderate containment achieved of the deadly EVD in the country is owed.

“It was gathered that Sawyer insisted on being discharged from the hospital, apparently to attend an ECOWAS meeting in Calabar, Cross River State but Adadevoh, widely described as affectionate, insisted he stayed.

“She immediately contacted Lagos State Ministry of Health which took over the case. Had Adadevoh discharged Sawyer according to his wish, he would certainly have infected more Nigerians at the Calabar meeting, if he had managed to make it to the venue.

“He could have infected more people at the airport, on his local flight, in the hotel and at the meeting. This could have led to an unimaginable spread of the disease,” he noted.

Idris who disclosed that five more people with suspected symptoms had been recorded and taken in, described Adedevoh‘s death as unfortunate as she had contact with the Liberian victim, unaware of his status.

“Adadevoh’s prompt action saved Nigeria from a national disaster.

She led the team that attended to the index case.

Her doggedness and commitment to duty saw her personally reviewing the case even though the patient had earlier been seen by another doctor.

“No doubt, she and the other health workers are the heroes and heroines of the day. The Ministry of Health commiserates with their families, coworkers, friends and loved ones on these irreparable losses which was on the line of duty,” he remarked.

Expressing government's condolences to the families of the deceased doctor, he described her as a heroine of the fight against the disease.

Robust secondary contact tracing Idris explained that government was currently shifting from primary to secondary contacts tracing to track down more possible patients.

He said the state government, together with other partners would continue to do its best to ensure effective containment of the disease, saying that more vehicles have been procured as well as personnel.

Idris cautioned against panic but urged the public to take necessary measures against the disease.

The commissioner advised against unprotected contacts with corpses, monkeys and other primary sources of the disease.

Calling for vigilance, he explained that human-to-human transmission was only achieved by physical contact with a person who is acutely ill from the Ebola virus.

Idris said there is no special treatment for Ebola victims as those who had been successfully treated were treated based on the symptoms they manifested.

On why some patients died and others survived, the commissioner said chances of survival depended on the immune systems of the affected people, and the Continues on Page 53

6—Vanguard , THURSDAY THURSDAY,, AUGUST 21, 2014

Court remands 5 robbery suspects in prison

By Ola Ajayi

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BADAN— FIVE suspects, who were charged with robbery and illegal possession of firearms, have been remanded in Agodi Prisons, Ibadan by an Iyanganku magistrate's court.

The suspects whose names were given as Rasheed Adedokun, 23; Ridwan Sulaimon, 23; Idowu Adekola, 25; Ridwan Oladepo, 28 and Sile Opawole, 29, were arraigned on a four-count charge by the Oyo State Police Command.

At the sitting yesterday, presided over by Alhaja F. A. Badrudeen, the prosecutor, Inspector Adewale Amos, alleged that Rasheed Adedokun, Ridwan Sulaimon and Idowu Adekola on June 26, 2014 conspired to commit robbery and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 6(b) of Robbery and Firearms Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

According to him, Oladepo, on June 29, 2014, did allegedly possess one locally cut-to-size double barrel gun without authority which is contrary to Section 27(a)(1) of Firearms (Special Provision) Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Police arrest 2 for robbery in Aba

By By Eric Ugbor

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BA — THE Counter Terrorism Unit, CTU, base of the Nigeria Police in Aba, Abia State in the wee hours of Monday arrested two suspected robbers at Osisioma, along the Enugu/ Port Harcourt expressway.

Vanguard gathered that the two men in their early 30s, Egesie and Frank, who hail from Isiala North and Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Areas of Abia State had snatched a Toyota Corolla car in Owerri, Imo State and headed towards Aba. Following the security alert, commander of the CTU base in Ohanze, Muazu Ismail was said to have immediately mobilised his men.

This swift response reportedly paid off when men of the CTU who were on stop-and-search at the Osisioma junction intercepted a vehicle at about 1.00am and arrested two occupants.

Hoses connected to a vandalised products pipeline (left) and trucks seized from oil thieves set ablaze by joint task force in Ukwa West Local Government Area, Abia State, yesterday. Photos: NAN.

Police nab C&S pastor for raping woman in church ...arrest 2 robbers on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA — THE Ogun State Police Command has arrested one Pastor Segun Alawode, 37, of Eternal Sacred Order C & S Church Sabo, Odogbolu, Ogun State, for raping a 32-year-old lady in his church premises at Odogbolu Ogun State.

The victim alleged that the pastor was in a prayer session with her when he asked her (victim) to hold on to some candle stick and suddenly and forcefully pulled off her wears before he eventually had carnal knowledge of her in the church.

The anti-crime team attached to Odogbolu Division of Ogun State Command apprehended him when the victim and her relations stormed the Police Division to notify the Divisional Police Officer of the pastor’s misdeeds and to seek justice through the police.

According to the state’s police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, "the matter is currently at the Anti Human Trafficking and Child Labour Unit of the Department of Criminal Investigation, Abeokuta and medical reports so far received on the matter confirmed that the pastor actually committed the offence and hec has confessed to the crime. The matter will soon be charged to court."

In another development, the mobile anti crime patrol team deployed to the Lagos/Ibadan expressway arrested two suspected robbers at Danco filling station along the expressway on Monday at about 11.40 pm while blocking the expressway in an attempt to rob commuters and road users of their belongings.

The suspects arrested are Usman Sunday, 28, of Sabo Dantajira area of Sagamu and Richard Olabode, 27, of the same address.

Usman, who hails from Apa Local Government Area in Benue State, is married with two children, and attended Agbele Community High

School,while Richard who hails from Ire, Osun State attended Methodist Comprehensive College, Sagamu and a drop-out of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology,University of Calabar.

Items recovered from them

include one locally-made pistol, live and expended cartridges, a sharp knife, cutlasses, hand gloves and assorted charms.

The suspects were said to have been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Sagamu Division,

CSP Adebowale Lawal, for preliminary investigation before the matter will be transferred to the Department of Criminal Investigation, Eleweran, Abeokuta as directed by the Commissioner of Police Ogun State CP Ikemefuna Okoye.

EBOLA: Sellers eat bush meat publicly in Ibadan •As hunters lament low patronage

By Ola Ajayi

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BADAN — SEVERAL bush meat sellers, yesterday, proved to sellers and buyers at the popular Aleshinloye market in Ibadan that their wares (bush meat) were not infected with Ebola virus as they ate pieces in public to dismiss the claim.

Their action attracted other sellers in the market who empathized with them, saying the sudden spell cast on bush meat was not with good motive. They vowed never to abandon the trade they have been practising for at least 50 years.

This came as members of the National Hunters Association of Nigeria dismissed as non-issue, saying in Africa, nobody eats meat until it is well cooked.

Speaking through the two associations, Iyalode Bush Meat Sellers Association, Alhaja Risikat Odeyemi, aged 67, and Chief Olasheinde Afolabi Ishola said: “After cooking the meat, it is also roasted and dried for several hours, this does not allow any virus to survive.

"Help us ask them to prove to us that after roasting, cooking and drying it on fire, the virus can still survive.

They should stop saying

things they don’t know. If they don’t believe us, let them tell the whole world to stop eating all living things such as fish and meat but depend solely on vegetables so that they would not die.”

Odeyemi said she had been in the business for the past five decades and had never heard of anything negative about their meat which many doctors had previously certified fit for human consumption.

According to her, “it was my great grandmother that introduced me to this business and I have used it to do many good things in life. I can’t leave this business because doing so would tantamount to disobeying my ancestors. We have sold all kinds of animal like the elephant, porcupine, grasscutter, antelope.”

When asked about patronage in this Ebola period, she lamented that they had been living from hand to mouth since the problem started.

According tio her, “before they brought this Ebola issue, many customers would park their exotic cars here waiting patiently until we attend to them. Many a time, we would dress meat newly supplied in their presence. They would queue here waiting for their turn.

"But, now see how silent

this place is. Look at the time now, for the past two weeks, we, including our children, have been eating our meat and nothing happened to us.

But, how many can we eat?

This is why we are pleading with the government and our numerous customers that our meat don’t have Ebola.

"It is the government that should be blamed for the outbreak. If they had monitored our borders well, Patrick Sawyer, who imported the virus, would not have been granted entry into our country. Now, we are suffering for their laxity. It is not fair.”

Hunters lament The hunters too claimed that since the issue came up, the bush meat sellers had not made any demand at all and "if they don’t patronise us, who will buy the meat?"

While corroborating their claims, the Otun Balogun of hunters, Chief Balogun Ege, said: “We are eating bush meat and nothing has happened to us. Since the issue started, business has been very dull. Nothing for us at all and this is the trade we use in training our children.

"Since the sellers are not buying from us again, it is unwise to go for hunting.

Who will buy it from us?"

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014 — 7

Four killed, 9 arrested as hoodlums clash in Lagos

By Evelyn Usman

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AGOS — FOUR persons were, Tuesday, killed in a renewed fight between factions of social miscreants in Otto and Ilopo areas of Apapa, Lagos, while several others were injured.

Some houses were reportedly set on fire by the rampaging hoodlums who also attacked the home of a traditional ruler in the area.

Several vehicles were also destroyed in the fight that forced some of the residents to flee their homes.

Among those hit by stray bullets were an eight-year old boy whose parents were said to be fleeing the war zone and a vulcaniser, who was rushing out of his shop.

Vanguard gathered that Tuesday’s fight was a reprisal by hoodlums from Apapa road on Otto residents. The lingering battle was reportedly power tussle over control of parts of the area.

The attack took residents unaware as the hoodlums, numbering over one hundred and armed with dangerous weapons including guns, reportedly fired sporadically.

A resident, Mr Hyginus Ogbonna said: “They even stormed the palace of the Oloto of Otto, Oba Ganiyu Odesanyan, while he was having a meeting with some of his chiefs.

"Several vehicles parked in the premises were vandalised. Everybody ran in different directions when they started shooting. I even missed members of my family in the process.

By Evelyn Usman

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AGOS— Policemen attached to FESTAC division in Lagos, engaged a robbery gang in a shoot-out, Tuesday, killing one of them while another was wounded.

The robbers, as gathered, were operating around MazaMaza, on Mile Two-Badagry expressway, dispossessing motorists who were trapped in traffic of their valuables and cash.

It was gathered that the robbers, numbering about five were attacking a military personnel when a team of policemen from FESTAC division on patrol swooped on them.

One of the robbers was said to have opened fire on sighting the policemen. But they were reportedly forced to bow to the superior fire power of the police, as they fled the scene. But one of them was shot dead while another was said to have been hit by a bullet.

One of the shattered vehicles.

“They set some houses on fire. They said they were avenging the death of one of their own by hoodlums from Otto. We do not know when this war will end.“ It reportedly took the intervention of conventional and mobile policemen to quell the situation. As at yesterday, most of the buildings and shops were still under lock and key as the owners who fled were yet to return, apparently for fear of being caught in the hoodlums' web.

Contacted, the Lagos State Command Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Lelma Kolle, said: “Nine persons have been arrested in

Abandoned shop connection with fight that led to the death of four persons.

"The situation has been brought under control and

policemen are on surveillance around the areas to nib any likely reprisal attack in the bud.”

Hoodlums storm 4 INEC registration units in Delta •Hijack over 1,301,000 voter’s cards •Police arrest 8 suspects, recover 1,157,000 cards

By Emma Amaize, Austin Ogwuda & Egufe Yafugborhi

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BRAKA—POLICE in Delta State have arrested nine suspected political thugs for allegedly invading three Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, registration units in the state, snatching 1,301,000 permanent voter ’s cards, PVCs, in the last 48 hours.

Vanguard gathered that 503 voter’s cards were snatched at two registration units in Oginibo and 654 at Ekakpamre, both in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state, while 144 PVCs were snatched at Erho Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP

Police kill robbery suspect, injured in Lagos

Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incidents, however, said the voter ’s cards hijacked in Oginibo and Ekakpamre had been recovered and eight suspects already in police net.

According to her, “onSunday at about 4pm, the DPO, Otu-Jeremi Division received information from the electoral officer in charge of Ughelli South Local Government Area, one Uchechukwu Eze, that some faceless elements stormed units 17 and 18 of Jeremi, Ward 2 in Oginibo and snatched about 503 permanent voters cards (PVCs) meant for distribution in the said wards.

“Based on the report, the DPO led a patrol team to the areas where the INEC

supervisor for the wards, one Iweobi Patricia ‘f ’ identified one Bulless ‘m’, Raymond ‘m’ and Josiah ‘m’ as the culprits. The three suspects were promptly arrested.”

The police spokesperson disclosed, however, that the 503 PVCs were later recovered abandoned near the garage in Oginibo town.

She said: “In a related incident, on the same date, at about 5.40 pm, the DPO, Otu-Jeremi, received report that 654 PVCs meant for distribution in Unit 12, Ekakpamre ward, were snatched by one Felix.

“Consequently, the DPO moved to the scene with patrol men and arrested the said Felix and promptly recovered all the 654 PVCs.” The PPRO asserted,

“Investigation is in progress while all the recovered PVCs have been released to the electoral officer for Ughelli South Local Government Area on bond.”

According to her, “in the same vein, on Sunday, at about 5.30 pm, one Egugwu Mulaka, a youth corps member and distribution officer for unit 6, ErhoAbraka, reported at Abraka police station that on 16/08/ 2014 144 PVCs meant for distribution in the above unit were stolen from him by unknown person(s).

“Four persons suspected by the distribution officer have been arrested and are helping the police in investigation while efforts are on to recover the stolen PVCs.”

Police corporal dismissed for robbery

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE — A Police Corporal Omini Nkanu attached to the Ondo State Police Command has been arrested and dismissed from the force for robbery.

Also, a mother of three, Angela Tonye Omieh, arrested in a military uniform four months ago in Akure for impersonation and charged to court but granted bail has been re-arrested for the same offence.

Ondo State police Commissioner, Isaac Eke, said these in Akure while addressing newsmen on the activities of the state police command.

Eke said 32 suspects have been arrested within the last one month.

He explained that one Oretan Oluwadamilare in Akure reported that he was attacked by robbers who snatched his Toyota Camry car marked BD 984AKR at gun point.

According to him, a month later, a team of Federal Highway Patrol in Abia State command intercepted the car in Aba, Abia State and arrested the dismissed police corporal.

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

New Telegraph gets new MD/Editor-inChief, others

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HE BOARD of Directors of The Sun Publishing Limited and Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited have announced management changes at New Telegraph newspapers. Mr.Eric Osagie becomes the Managing Director/Editorin-Chief, while Messrs Gabriel Akinadewo and Felix Abugu would serve as Deputy Managing Directors.

The appointments take effect September 1, 2014.

Other appointments which have since been effected include that of Mallam Suleiman Gaya and Mr. Yemi Ajayi, Managing Editor and Editor, New Telegraph, respectively.

Under the strategic restructuring, Mr. Osagie, Deputy Managing Director/Deputy Editor-inChief of The Sun, is proceeding on sabbatical to New Telegraph.

A consummate professional, Mr. Osagie, is expected to bring to bear on the newspaper his wealth of experience and contacts in the political and corporate worlds.

With a robust journalism career spanning over two decades, Osagie rose steadily through the ranks from staff writer, to chief correspondent, deputy features editor and was appointed features editor of National Concord in 1998.

He was also Saturday editor of National Interest, and had a stint at ThisDay newspaper in 1995.

FG didn't sack doctors —Health Minister ...says only residency programme was suspended within which the resident doctors were supposed to be acquiring the needed skills was being BUJA — THE Minister wasted, since government's of Health, Professor decision to reappraise the Onyebuchi Chukwu said, programme. yesterday, that contrary to media Chukwu, however, said that the reports, the Federal Government suspension of the residency has not sacked any doctor under programme may last for months, its employ. until the committee about to be Professor Onyebuchi told State set up by him, submits its report House correspondents that what for the way forward. the government did was the "They were not sacked, it is a suspension of the residency matter of interpretation. For programme in federal hospitals. example, if someone while still It would be recalled that the working actively dies, or whether Ministry of Health in a press that person resigned or was release by its Deputy Director of dismissed or retired or terminated, all mean different things in the public service.

"But the end point is that the person is no longer working.

"I want us to put things in perspective. Government did not sack anybody, it is true that they themselves have not been working for almost two months, except those in private hospitals.

"Resident doctors in both federal and state hospitals have not been working for almost two months now, and they have not participated in the control of this Ebola Virus Diseas, they have not played any role.

"So even if government had not taken any decision, they are not working and I don't know why SESSION: From left, Assistant General Manager, Ecobank Plc, Mr. Bolaji Martins; DPR Representative, suddenly the media started Engr. Joseph Odiong, MOMAN Secretary-General, Mr. Obafemi Olawore, and General Manager taking interest in them. They are Sale & Marketing, Mr. Babajide Olufemi, during the break-out session, at the first Nigeria Lubricant not part of this success story.

"But what happened is like in Summit Day 2, organised by CMC Connect Limited, in Lagos,yesterday. the aviation industry where when you buy a ticket and you fail to show up, they say, 'no show,' and they even penalise you. So there is no show of the

By Kingsley Omonobi, Uduma surveillance equipment are being resident doctors and even has reported.

Kalu with agency reports Four months ago, Boko Haram, deployed to Nigeria to fly government is still paying abducted more than 200 reconnaissance missions over the them.

RITAIN’S ROYAL Air schoolgirls from the village of region the group is known to operate "Sometimes, we need to RAF, Force will send three Chibok and they remain missing. in. think deeply about what we A Government source told The do to ourselves. government The report culled from Daily warplanes to help locate the Nigerian schoolgirls taken by an Mail, yesterday, said that three Times that the fighter bombers will says, why can't we use this Islamist terror group, the force RAF Tornado GR4s outfitted with help the Nigerian authorities by period to appraise properly the tracking the movements of Boko residency programme and Haram militants. come up with something that According to the report, the can help the country. Training mission is dependent on a nearby of a doctor must be done nation giving them permission to properly. They have an use a runway. allotted time to acquire skills.

"The UK continues to work with Anybody can pass the the U.S., France, Nigeria, its theoretical exams, but has he into the ruling PDP. Senator Adeyemi, who took a neighbours and international acquired the skills? We need Muazu, who received Senator swipe at state governors who fly partners to provide advice and to be honest with ourselves.

Adeyemi and the five members around in private jets, stressed assistance to the Nigerian "If you suspend any course of the House of Representatives, that it was rather unfortunate that Government," the report stated. do you keep students praised the diligence and the governors live in such luxury 'Together with our allies we have redundant? You give them representation of Senator in the face of biting provided continuous surveillance opportunity if they feel you are Adeyemi on the Senate floor, unemployment in the country. support to the Nigerian authorities, wasting their time they can saying the party was proud of He thus charged the governors including satellite imagery. We are apply for other courses." him. to sell the jets and use the still in discussion with partners on He added that Members of the House of proceeds to create jobs for their the deployment of further government's decision only Representatives, who came along teeming unemployed people. surveillance capability.' affects resident doctors in with the senator were Sunday He, however, declined to The RAPTOR pod, substituted in federal hospitals and it is Karimi, representing Yagba mention names of such place of weaponry, is one of the not a permanent thing " I Federal Constituency; Tajudeen governors. most advanced reconnaissance believe we will quickly Yusuf, Kabba/ Bunu Federal Praising the stewardship of the sensors in the world and greatly appraise this situation and Constituency; Tijani Yusuf, national chairman of the ruling increases the effectiveness of the hopefully government will Okene/Ogori Federal party, Senator Adeyemi, who aircraft in the reconnaissance role. resume residency Constituency; Tom Zakari, spoke on behalf of the lawmakers, Its introduction into service gave programme because Dekina/Bassa Federal said that it was his dream that the GR4 the ability to transmit real- honestly we need to train Constituency and Inah Hussein, Buhari and other national leaders time, Long Range Oblique for doctors in the specialist."

Idah Federal Constituency of the APC defect to the PDP. military effectiveness.

Ben Agande

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Press, Alhaji Isiaka Yusuf, said last week that it had to do so after exploring all avenues to end the Nigerian Medical Association's strike, which it said had compounded the health crisis in the country.

The Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, had directed its members nationwide to go on strike on July 1.

“The situation has been compounded by the recent importation of the Ebola Virus Disease into Nigeria on July 20, 2014. Following the presidential declaration of a National Public

UK to send three jets to search Chibok girls

B

Govs should sell their private jets to create jobs —Sen Adeyemi ...says Buhari, Tinubu, Kwankwaso'll soon defect to PDP

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By Henry Umoru

BUJA — SENATOR Smart Adeyemi, PDP, Kogi West, yesterday, upbraided state governors maintaining private jets to sell them and use the proceeds to boost job creation in their states.

Senator Adeyemi, who led a delegation of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP federal lawmakers from Kogi State on a courtesy call to the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu at the occasion, predicted that erstwhile military Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari would in the next few months lead frontline members of the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC,

Health Emergency on Ebola Disease, which has united the entire country in the efforts to contain the disease, it is quite regrettable that the people who should take leadership role in the fight against the Ebola disease are now the most unsupportive,” the statement said.

Explaining the decision, Professor Chukwu told State House Correspondents that it was rather the change in vocabulary from suspension to sack, that might have sent out the wrong signals.

He said that the allotted time

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014 —9

2015: We won’t allow masked security men —Jega ...says Osun election was nearly rigged with software

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said yesterday, that it would not allow the use of masked security agents to safeguard the 2015 general elections, stressing that “any security personnel deployed for the election must be someone identifiable.”

INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who made the position of the Commission known during an interactive session he had in Abuja, yesterday, with both local and international Civil Society OrganiSations, CSOs, involved in monitoring elections in the country, described the emerging trend of using hooded security men for elections as “highly worrisome.”

He said: “In recent times, we have witnessed an increased presence of hooded security operatives during elections. This is an emerging trend which is highly worrisome and which needs to be addressed in good time.

"Security agents who are deployed on election duties should not be masked, the doctrine of transparency requires that they should be identifiable.

“We will not allow such persons during the 2015 elections. Any security personnel deployed for the election must be someone identifiable, such that if anything happens we will be able to know who to hold responsible,” Jega added.

Besides, the INEC boss decried what he termed “overzealousness” of some security agents during the August 9 governorship election in Osun State, noting that some staff of the Commission and nine NYSC members, who were engaged as INEC ad-hoc staff, were erroneously arrested and kept in detention for over 12 hours.

He said that they were arrested around 9p.m., on the eve of the

election while on their way to the Registration Area Centers, RACs, which was provided for them by the Commission.

“They were not released until about 6am the next day, a situation that almost disrupted the distribution of electoral materials in some areas.

“It was sheer luck that we still managed to open the polling units early, otherwise, there would have been disaster. We took a serious view of that and reported the matter to all the appropriate authorities because at a point we became worried that some persons wanted to undermine our effort”.

Nevertheless, Jega, maintained that the perceived over militarization of the just concluded Ekiti and Osun state governorship elections, did not deter electorates from teeming out to vote for their candidates.

“In fact, the two elections proved that there was a high correlation between the massive deployment of security and the willingness of people to come out

and vote.

“Apart from over-zealousness on the part of some of the security men on the field, we discovered that people actually felt more secured to exercise their franchise. The key lesson our politicians need to learn from the two elections is that the era has gone when they relied on corrupt electoral officers or security agents to manipulate elections.

“In this era, any politician that intends to win election must reach out and convince the voters, be it through ‘stomach-infrastructure’ or otherwise. The only guarantee to win election now is to let the voters come out to vote for you, which in turn means that you must first of all convince them on your credibility,” he said.

Highlighting some of the challenges the Commission faced prior to the Osun state election, Jega, narrated how some “unscrupulous elements”, attempted to use software to rig the electoral contest.

“We discovered that some

people had invaded our system with software that was reducing age on the register. Thank God that we discovered it before it was too late and had to put aside the register and produced another one, even though it was at a very high cost.

“Despite the challenge, the Osun state election has been adjudged as one of the best we have conducted recently when judged by all variables for assessing a successful election.

Though the election was not perfect, we however did a lot to improve on the Ekiti election.

“It is also worthy to mention that before the Osun election, security agents were able to identify thugs that were imported into the state by politicians. The security men successfully cordoned the building where the thugs were kept and prevented them from leaving the compound until the election ended”.

Jega further revealed that over 70 per cent of the electorates in Osun state collected their Permanent Voters Card, PVC, unlike in Ekiti state where he said only about 64 per cent of the electorates collected.

CEREMONY: President Goodluck Jonathan (right) watches as the new Head of Service to the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, signs the oath book, during his swearing-in ceremony, at the Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida

Ribadu’s fate uncertain as PDP NWC fails to consider waiver

By Henry Umoru

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BUJA — THE prospect of the 2011 presidential candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, contesting the forthcoming gubernatorial primaries of the Adamawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was in jeopardy, yesterday, following the failure of the PDP’s National Working Committee, NWC, to discuss a

waiver for him.

Besides, Ribadu who joined the party this week, others likely to be affected include former military governor of Lagos State, Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd); and Marcus Gundiri, who recently returned to the party.

Besides, Vanguard confirmed last night that 15 aspirants had collected the Expression of Interest form to contest the PDP primaries for the governorship election that was triggered by the impeachment of Admiral Murtala Nyako last

month.

Multiple sources at the meeting of the NWC told Vanguard last night that the issue of a waiver was not discussed at the meeting.

Prior to yesterday’s meeting of the NWC, hopes were high for Ribadu, who had collected his Expression of Interest and nomination forms that the issue would be discussed having applied for a waiver in line with Section 50 of the party ’s constitution.

CONFAB: Deliberations'll be utilised to settle Nigeria’s problems —Sambo As Jonathan closes Confab today

By Henry Umoru

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BUJA — VICE President Namadi Sambo, yesterday, promised that the outcome of the 2014 National Conference will be utilised to settle the problems currently confronting the country.

Speaking, yesterday, at the closing dinner as part of activities to conclude the conference, Vice President Sambo described the 2014 National Conference put in place by President Goodluck Jonathan, March 17 with 492 delegates as the broadest in the nation’s chequered political history where issues were raised and discussed without interference.

The Vice President, who noted that the conference was put in place by the President because of his belief that there was no alternative to dialogue, said, “deliberations of the conference will be utilised to settle the nation’s problems.”

Sambo, who hailed the gift of understanding exhibited by the delegates throughout the period of the conference, said that the country and the government will remain grateful to them, adding that they had succeeded in producing for the country a living document.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan will formally close the Conference today.

10—Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

EBOLA, OTHERS: Fashola signs N11bn adjusted budget into law

By By Olasunkanmi

Akoni & Monsur Olowoopejo

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A G O S — GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, signed the re-ordering (adjustment) of year 2014 budget bill of the state into law.

A total of N11.66 billion of the budget was reordered.

The signing was sequel to approval by members of the state House of Assembly.

The adjustment, according to Fashola became necessary to meet with “sufficiently compelling and cannot wait until 2015.”

The governor had last week sent a letter of request for the adjustment to the state House of Assembly for consideration and subsequent approval.

The letter requesting for adjustment, titled; ‘Year 2014 Budget Reordering of priorities, stated,“ is to take care of emerging issues like the reversal of Lagos State University, L ASU, school fees policy which requires us to make provisions to cover LASU shortfall in projected revenues in order to service the school; the unanticipated but very urgent need to address the threat of the Ebola Virus Epidemic, EVD, and also a need for counterpart funding request that enables us to access developmental funds to install solar power panels in 172 public schools and 11 primary health centres in the first phase”.

The governor stressed that the re-ordering would not affect the original 2014 budget

size of N489.69 billion as, “we have discovered that there are still unutilised provisions by some Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, which may remain so till year end.

The re-ordering, Fashola, noted was proposed from Capital Expenditure Provisions of 10 agencies with a total value of N9.960 billion.

He said; “We have received request aggregating to the sum of N79.302 billion but will clearly be unable to accommodate most of these requests this year.''

The governor, while signing the bill at the Conference Room, State House, Alausa, said the budget analysis showed that adjustment totaling N11.66b did not in any way affect the initial size of the 2014

budget which still remains N489 billion.

According to the governor, “Some hazard allowances and those types of things for people who do

hazardous work and lately the unplanned but now compelling need to improve capacity to overcome the challenge of the imported Ebola Virus.”

...Charges new CJ to uphold rule of law

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

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AGOS—JUSTICE Oluwafunmilayo Atilade of the Lagos High Court, was yesterday sworn in by the state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, as the Chief Judge of the Lagos State judiciary.

This followed the retirement of her elder sister, Justice Ayotunde Philips, as Chief Judge.

Both Philips and Atilade are the daughters of late Hon. Justice James Williams, who was a judge in Lagos State and late Mrs. Henrietta Williams. Justice Atilade, 62 is the 15th Chief Judge of Lagos State as well as the fifth woman to serve in that capacity.

At the ceremony, Fashola urged the new chief judge to adhere strictly to the rule of law in the discharge of her duty, noting that the retired chief judge, Justice Philips kept her promises by reforming the state judiciary during her tenure paving way for the E-filing system, the first in Nigeria.

Fashola said this was the first time in history of the State Judiciary, siblings took over mantle of leadership as Chief Judge of the State, noting that the history made today (yesterday) would be difficult to repeat.

Don't relocate us — OKO-BABA RESIDENTS

By Monsur Olowoopejo

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A G O S — RESIDENTS of the burnt Oko-baba sawmill, Yaba Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Lagos State, yesterday appealed to the state government not to relocate them to another community.

They argued that relocating them would erase the heritage that had existed in the community for several years.

The residents spoke during the visit of the state governor, Babatunde Fashola to the scene of the fire disaster which razed several structures in the community.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014 —11

Fayose, Fayemi disagree over Ekiti's debt profile

By Gbenga Ariyibi

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DO EKITI— INCOMING Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose and Governor Kayode Fayemi, yesterday disagreed over the debt profile of the state.

While the governor-elect claimed Fayemi's administration had thrown the state into a huge debt of over N17 billion, the incumbent government dismissed Fayose claims, warning the governor-elect against unsubstantiated comments against the government.

Speaking while inaugurating a nine-member transition committee towards a smooth takeoff of his government on October 16, Fayose said “the current government of Governor Fayemi has plunged Ekiti into huge debt and our money is being deducted from source. Available records show that Fayemi has taken N25 billion loan and only N8 billion has been paid back. This is very disturbing and worrisome. They

are also diverting the money for salaries to pay contractors that had not been on ground in the last one year, so that they can incur huge debt just for Fayose not to have a smooth sail.

“When I left government, I left N10.4 billion in the coffers, apart from the fact that we did well.

But today, we are inheriting debt.

I have to let our people know because of the expectations in town. Ekiti situation is not promising at all because there is no magic to perform when there is no money. ''So, I plead with Fayemi to pay the salaries of workers.”

Reacting on the debt profile, Commissioner for Information,

Mr. Tayo Ekundayo, cautioned the governor-elect against making any inflammatory statement or unsubstantiated comments against the government.

Ekundayo advised Fayose to stop throwing jibes at the government unnecessarily, saying N13 billion had been paid out of the bond taken by Fayemi’s government.

The commissioner added that the government had not taken other loans apart from the N25 billion that was borrowed from the capital market.

He said, “Does Fayose have the account of the state? We have never hidden anything from the people. He is a governor-elect

and he must not jump the gun.

He cannot be commenting on issue he has no record of. He must stop making comments until he takes over to be able to ask about the finances of the state.”.

Addressing members of the committee, Fayose warned them not to see it as a political appointment.

Admonishing them against engaging in unnecessary controversies with the outgoing government, Fayose said; “You are to work with the government team when it is constituted for fact-finding mission about the state of the state. You are not going to engage them with any unnecessary controversies .”

Members include: Chief Dipo Anisulowo (Chairman), Mrs. Modupe Alade (Secretary), Pastor Kola Oluwawole, Barr Owoseeni Ajayi, Rev Wale Komolafe, Mr Biodun Alasoluyi, Mr Benjamin Komolafe, Mr Seye Alade and Mr. Dayo Ajayi.

Lagos seals three buildings over unwholesome practices

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS—LAGOS State Government, through the Ministry of the Environment has sealed up three houses on Lagos Island to prevent outbreak of the epidemic.

The buildings located on Numbers 42, 48 and 50 Vincent Street, Lagos Island were discovered during monitoring exercise of the environment by officials.

Commissioner for Environment, Mr, Tunji Bello, who disclosed this in a statement, said the occupants of the buildings had earlier being served abatement notices for discharging untreated human faeces directly into public space, leading to offensive odour, capable of causing outbreak of epidemic.

It was also observed during the monitoring exercise that, all the tertiary adjourning drains were completely filthy and with solid waste.

“Upon the inability of the occupants to remediate the observed nuisances, the Enforcement Department of the Ministry of the Environment led

by Dr. A. Afolabi sealed up the premises upon the receipt of an order which granted the closure.” Bello stated.

SWEARING-IN: From right: Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Hon. Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade, new Chief Judge of Lagos State and Justice Adeyoola Philips (rtd), immediate past Chief Judge, during the swearing-in ceremony of the Justice Atilade as the state's Chief Judge at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos yesterday. Photo by Bunmi Azeez.

APC accuses Mimiko of non-performance

By Dayo Johnson

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K U R E — T H E All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State yesterday accused the ruling Labour Party, LP, administration of non-performance since it secured a second term.

APC claimed the second term of Governor Olusegun Mimiko in the state was a mistake by the people.

State chairman of the party, Isaac Kekemeke, in a briefing in Akure, said since the governor secured a second term tenure the state had remained stagnant and the people had been grumbling.

According to him, “We want to express our deep concern about the happenings in this state since the present administration

secured a new mandate.

Government has been on vacation. Government offices are not functioning, civil servants are not doing their jobs because there are no tools to work with. Local governments are not doing any noticeable projects, as allocations are not released to them.

“For 16 months, the Joint Allocation Committee, JAC was not held in the state. Funds are not released to government ministries and parastaltals. There are potholes everywhere, and hospitals are not functioning. We need to cry out because this holiday is getting too long.

Government should wake up and meet the yearnings of the people of the state.”

The party, which also condemned the alleged multiple

taxation imposed on the people by the government under the guise of shoring up its Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, lamented that this had impoverished the people of the state, calling on the government to revisit the issue.

He claimed it had increased unemployment and insecurity.

On the construction of a shopping mall at the premises of the Owena Motel, Kekemek said the party had nothing against investment, but government should come out open on the transaction, saying “Government should lay the cards on the table on this billion Naira project. Had the land been sold, is it in partnership, what is in it for Ondo State? This legacy ought not to be sold by government.''

‘Omisore’s stolen mandate'll be retrieved' ...They are crying wolf —APC

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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SOGBO—TWO of the groups that supported the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the governorship election in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Omisore Youth Solidarity Forum, OYSF and Iyiola Omisore Organisation, IOO, yesterday in Osogbo alleged that the poll was fraught with massive rigging and irregularities by the All Progressive Congress, APC. Describing the victory of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who polled 394,684 to defeat Omisore, who got 292,147 votes as a daylight robbery, the groups expressed optimism that the “election tribunal and court of superior and competent jurisdiction shall do justice” to retrieve the PDP's stolen mandate.

But the APC through its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Mr Kunle Oyatomi said, “It is not worth the bother to exchange words on the last election with the Omisore gang. They wanted Rufus Akeju out as Osun REC, because they thought if he presided the election process, he would rig it for the APC. ''So, against INEC’s own wish, they sacrificed the poor man so that the PDP could win. Now in spite of that and many other horrific things done by the Federal Government to help the PDP, they lost. The next step should be sorted out at the Tribunal, whatever evidence they have should be presented there, and not at a press conference.”

However, at a briefing, the director of IOO, Ife/ Ijesa Senatorial District, Mr Rotimi Adeyenuwo alleged that “going through the reports of our members across the three state's senatorial districts, one could see clear incidence of electoral fraud characterised by thuggery, intimidation of PDP agents and supporters, voting by underaged, ballot stuffing and extension of voting till 8.00 pm in Ejigbo local government.''

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

Uduaghan urged to probe LG Auditor-Gen

By Festus Ahon GHELLI—A group, Anioma Youth Movement, has urged Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State to probe why the embattled Auditor General of Local Government, Mrs. Mary Njokanma, who is allegedly due for retirement since 2008, is still in service.

The group, in a statement by its National Chairman, Mr. Emeka Chinyoye, said Mrs. Njokanma was due for retirement in December 2008, having worked for 35 years, “commencing from November 1973 and by virtue of Chapter 2, Section 8, Rule 9 of the Public Service Rule of Delta State.”

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IMPEACHMENT: Chime operated poultry as I did, says Enugu dep gov

By Tony Edike

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N U G U — E M B AT T L E D Enugu State Deputy Governor, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, continued with his evidence before the impeachment panel, yesterday, revealing that Governor Sullivan Chime also operated poultry and piggery farms at Government House.

He told the panel that the government had since 2011 made annual budget for the maintenance of the poultry, adding that the funds were released and tendered the state’s budget from 2011 to 2014 to back his claims.

The deputy governor, however, informed the panel that the governor’s poultry was hurriedly evacuated shortly

after the panel commenced sitting.

Onyebuchi told the 7-man panel headed by Mr. Uche Franklyn Oraekeiyi, that he had not committed any offence that could warrant his removal from government by impeachment, insisting that the poultry in his official residence and that of the governor were in existence before they came into government in 2007.

The deputy governor, who returned to the panel yesterday after he slumped last Wednesday midway into his evidence, dismissed all the allegations brought against him by the House of Assembly as totally false and baseless.

The House had commenced the impeachment proceeding on the allegations that the deputy

governor operated a poultry farm at his official residence and flagrantly disobeyed the directives of the governor by refusing to represent him at the flag off of the second Niger bridge by President Goodluck Jonathan at Onitsha in March and at the July 6 meeting of South East Governors held in Enugu.

Speaking with journalists shortly after concluding his evidence before the panel sitting at the State High Court Complex, Onyebuchi said: “I have always said that this is a straight forward matter. One is the allegation of operating a poultry farm. We have been able to put the message across that the House of Assembly resolution is not a law and the resolution was not made

Video coverage of 2nd Niger Bridge flag off

FG identifies bane of employment

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—THE Federal Government, yesterday, said that the gap between academia and the industrial world was one of the major causes of the high unemployment rate and insecurity in the country.

It called for concerted efforts to bridge the gap through collaborative research, partnership and shared experience so that the country can create employment opportunities for its teeming unemployed youths.

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Abdu Bulama, represented by the Director of Technology, Research and Assessment, Dr. A. Talaba, made the appeal yesterday in his keynote address at a twoday academia-industry forum at the University of Benin, UNIBEN.

Glo Xchange begins

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OREMOST telecoms service provider, Globacom, will today launch a mobile money agent network, Glo Xchange, in partnership with mobile money operators, Firstmonie, Ecobank and Stanbic IBTC, in Lagos.

The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, is to launch the initiative, alongside other senior government officials, managing directors of banks, captains of industry and other stakeholders.

available to me.

We were able to make the point that there is also poultry at Government House and the poultry at the Government House was evacuated with the commencement of the panel proceedings.''

“Today, I was able to present to the panel, other evidence to show that there was poultry at the Government House. I got copies of Enugu State government budget for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 and in each of these budgets, you have evidence of the allocation for Government House poultry and piggery and amount attached to it and I was also able to prove that the amount was released. If they said there was no poultry, then let’s know why we have all these provisions all these years.”

The oldest traditional ruler of Urhobo nation, Owhorode of Olomu Kingdom (left), praying for Chief Paulinus Akpeki, on behalf of all Urhobo traditional rulers during a consultative meeting at Ughelli.

Police, Agip, Bayelsa community leaders meet over Obama Flow Station

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—THE Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone 5, Benin, Edo State, yesterday, has summoned the officials of Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC, and the representatives of six communities in Nembe

Kingdom in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State over alleged plot by some youths to blow up pipelines linking the Obama flow station.

The meeting, according to security sources, is slated for today.

The meeting is sequel to a petition by representatives of the

aggrieved communities of Obama, Olugbobiri and Ogboinbiri over alleged refusal of Agip to honour a contractual agreement reached on pipeline surveillance and anti-illegal bunkering work on pipelines belonging to the Obama flow station and Tebidaba flow station.

AZIZA: Urhobo group suspends protest over zoning of DELSU's VC zAs Ukwuani mourn

By Festus Ahon

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GHELLI— COALITION of Urhobo Youth Organisation, CUYO, has suspended its planned protest, earlier scheduled for Friday, to Government House, Asaba, against the alleged move to zone the position of the Vice Chancellor of the Delta State University, Abraka to Delta South senatorial district.

Addressing newsmen in Ughelli yesterday, spokesman of the group, Mr. Stephen Ohwokirerhuo, said the

suspension of the protest was to enable members observe the one week mourning declared by the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, in honour of the departed President General of the Union, General Patrick Aziza (rtd).

He explained that the planned protest was aimed at appealing to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to prevail on the Governing Council of the institution to follow due process in the selection process of the university’s VC.

Meanwhile, President of Ukwuani Foundation Union, UFU, Chief Joseph Olise and the entire Ukwuani nation, Delta State, have commiserated with UPU on the death of Aziza.

Chief Olise described the late Aziza as a distinguished military officer, an administrator and a community leader.

The union noted that during his time as the President of UPU, he worked closely with other ethnic nationalities in Delta State, including Ukwuani, to promote peace.

Also responding to the allegation that he refused to represent the governor at the flag off of the second Niger Bridge, Onyebuchi, who played video coverage of the event before the panel, also made reference to the live coverage of the event by the AIT, saying he was present at the event.

The deputy governor said he was never communicated in person, by telephone or by any other means to represent the governor at the South East Governor’s meeting during his vacation.

“He did not communicate to me in person, by telephone or whatever means, he never, while going on vacation that he will pass instructions to me through a third party and like I said, this is a straight forward matter and I believe the ball is in the court of the panel.

“It is for them to decide whether to stand on the side of truth, on the side of justice which most citizens of Enugu State are asking for. If they believe like most people say that might is right, whoever has power is right, we will see by the end of the day. I have not committed offence that will justify being removed by impeachment. I started working with the governor in 2007 and if I was not obedient to him, I don’t think he will nominate me again for the second term to run with him for another four years.

“Even when he was away on vacation in 2012 and 2013, I believe I represented him very well such that the letter he wrote to the House of Assembly when he came back, he commended me.

I also received commendation from so many people; I also received commendation from the members of the state executive as well as members of the House of Assembly. I am hopeful that truth will triumph."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014—13

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14— Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014 — 15

ILOMUANYA: Confusion in Obinugwu as Okorocha appoints new royal father

By Chidi Nkwopara WERRI—THE battle for the soul of Obinugwu autonomous community took a new dimension yesterday, following the appointment and issuance of staff of office to one Stanley Anazionwu Nwagwu as the new traditional ruler of the area

by Imo State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha.

According to a release issued by the Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to the Governor on Media, Mr. Samuel Onwuemeodo, “the new Eze replaces Cletus Ilomuanya, who was recently dethroned by the state government as the traditional

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ruler of Obinugwu Autonomous Community.”

Speaking after the installation, Governor Okorocha said: “The people of Obinugwu have been rescued from tyranny and undue intimidation and harassment.

“The dethronement of the former Eze was an end of a bad era, while the emergence of the new traditional ruler was the beginning of a new era of freedom, peace and unity of Obinugwu people.”

Reacting to the incident, embattled Eze Cletus Ilomuanya said the royal stool

of Obinugwu was not vacant, stressing that “the governor’s action is an abomination, as the said Stanley Nwangwu is a native of Arondizuogu but only settled at Obinugwu.”

While noting that there was a properly laid down procedure for the removal of a royal father, Eze Ilomuanya also maintained that time process must begin and end with the community.

“The removal of the traditional ruler resides with the people of the community and my people are still behind me solidly,” Ilomuanya said.

Reacting in an open later dated

August 19, 2014, and signed by Mr. Uchenna Ohaonu, the leadership of Obinugwu youths distanced itself from the governor’s action.

“The youths of Obinugwu, hereby, call on Governor Rochas Okorocha to desist from the socalled issuance of illegal certificate of recognition and staff of office to Mr. Nwangwu, as we do not know who he is,” he said.

Obinugwu youths, however, maintained that Eze Ilomuanya remained the Obi of Obinugwu and their revered traditional ruler.

Stakeholders raise concern over illegal immigration

By Chioma Obinna AGOS—EXPERTS have raised the alarm over illegal migration among Nigerians to Western countries, noting that the phenomenon had become a source of threat to lives and security in the country.

The experts, who spoke in Lagos yesterday at an event to announce the beginning of awareness campaign on the dangers of migration among Lagos and Edo states’ residents, said there were urgent need for parents to caution their children and wards against illegal migration.

The awareness campaign, aimed at raising awareness for youths, transport companies, security agents and the media on the dangers of irregular migration among Nigerians, is being implemented by the Patriotic Citizens Initiative and Human Support Services, with support from the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS/ Spain Fund on Migration and Development.

Project Officer of the programme, Osita Osemene, stated that while Lagos State was chosen for the project because of its teeming population, Edo State was included in the project because of the yearning among many youths in the state to travel abroad at all cost.

Osemene, who advised youths in the country not to see irregular migration as the best way to leave the shores of the country, stated that several Nigerians have lost their lives to the phenomenon on their way to Europe.

He explained that irregular migrants were often killed by hoodlums, securityagents,andrebelgroups and by natural phenomenon on the high seas.

In October 2013, reports had it thatmorethan360illegalAfrican migrants died in the Mediterranean Sea when a boat conveying them to Europe capsized at the Italian island of Lampedusa.

Osemene, who is also the Executive Director of Patriotic Citizens Initiative, listed other dangersoftheirregularmigration toincludetheriskofbeingdrafted into prostitution, danger of being raped by hooligans, and being usedtotrafficdrugsacrossAfrica.

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16 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

Ben Obi, founding Editor-in-Chief, Insider Weekly dies @46

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A G O S — FOUNDING editor in chief of Insider Weekly, Mr. Ben Charles Obi is dead, aged 46.

A statement by the editor-in-chief of Insider Weekly magazine, Mr. George Mbah, yesterday, said the late Obi died after a brief illness.

The statement said that the late Obi started his journalism career with The Guardian newspapers, and at various times edited the defunct City News, and the Classique magazines. It said that he was among four journalists arrested in 1995 for his exclusive reports in Classique that show-cased the purported coup of 1995 against the late General Sani Abacha as phantom and a ploy by the ruling junta to perpetuate itself in power.

Mbah noted that Charles Obi was

subsequently arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment, and was released along with other political prisoners in 1998 by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, after which he returned to his journalism

profession.

Obi who hailed from Amawa, Ogunike in Oyi local government area of Anambra State is survived by his mother and numerous relations including Chief Bisi Okaro.

Ohakim warns against dirty politics in PDP

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI—THE immediate past governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, has warned politicians in the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, that the party would only loose the next general election, if dirty politics against fellow members did not cease forthwith.

Ohakim, who gave the warning at a press conference in Owerri, also noted that mudslinging was easy

and that anyone could generate multiple materials to taint supposed adversaries.

Ohakim said: “Mudslinging has kept us out of power for over three years, in a state where we are dominant.

It has allowed a rudderless leadership that has brought governance down to a comical level, in a state that was being carefully and methodically guided to prosperity.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014 — 17

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E resumed National Conference last Monday, to be confronted with huge tomes of publications that were reports of the conference. We then got the unrealistic time line of two days to read these reports and by Wednesday, to adopt these as the finale of the work that we did over the previous four months. The standout volume was the third, which was titled “DRAFT CONSTITUTION”.

Now, that volume was to threaten the outcome of the National Conference, because it proved to be the most controversial documentary outcome of the Conference.

The roots of that controversy, on the one hand had been sown even before the Conference and it actually reflected the conflicting views of the different sides in the contestation for Nigeria.

There was a tendency, which was basically Southern, which believed that there was the need for a new constitution as a replacement for the 1999 Constitution, often derisorily described as a military-imposed document that was not reflective of the aspirations of

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And then the national conference's finale National Conference. What rankled most as far as the Northern Delegation was concerned, was that despite the fact that conference consistently defeated every motion which named a new constitution, and the open disputation which occurred in June, when I raised a motion of urgent national importance concerning a surreptitious effort to push what was described as an agreement of geopolitical

Everyone could go back home believing that somehow, no one lost everything, while each person could very well claim to have won something

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the Nigerian people.

Those who had argued for and literally built a public profile on the basis of a long agitation for a Sovereign National Conference of Nigerian ethnic groups (some even say ‘tribes’!) largely took the 2014 National Conference as a triumph for their exertions. And since ethnoregional bodies were given a prominent place in the make up of the National Conference, they saw a new constitution as the logical outcome that will crown their efforts. So from the onset, many members of ethnoregional bodies like AFENIFERE often spoke as if there was a kind of consensus for a new constitution. They would often add that such a constitution would need validation through a referendum. The fact that there was no provision for a referendum in extant laws in the country did not seem to cut ice with the protagonists.

On the other, there was an equally determined opposition to any movement to have a ‘new constitution’ as the outcome of the National Conference. Most strident of the opposition had been presented by the Northern Delegates’ Forum, whose members had also argued from the beginning of the Conference that we did not have the mandate or legitimacy to write a new constitution. So when we received the ‘DRAFT CONSTITUTION’, the worstcase scenario looked like coming to pass. Over the next two days, unprecedented levels of consultations and meetings were held by the various tendencies within the C M Y K

that people have learnt themselves better, thanks to the opportunity which came with the National Conference.

Some of the most angry, irredentist positions were canvassed from the commencement of the Conference, but it was no longer a surprise to see the most embittered representatives of these positions heartily conversing, embracing and discussing, on the margins of plenary or during lunch.

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zones, it seemed we were being taken for a ride. Bolaji Akinyemi, the Deputy Chairman of the Conference had been fingered as mobilizing certain delegates to back a ‘new constitution’; he vehemently denied such a move, arguing that he had always endeavoured to bring various delegations together to break logjams that could threaten the success of the conference. We had accepted his explanation, but people became extra vigilant!

So when the “Draft Constitution” surfaced, the old suspicions just erupted like molten lava. By Tuesday evening, the Northern Delegates Forum addressed a press conference to denounce the ‘draft constitution’ as President Goodluck Jonathan’s “Third Term Agenda”, while arguing that the conference only proposed amendments to the extant, 1999 Constitution.

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he angry delegates had also held a very heated meeting with the leadership of the Conference, where an equally flustered Justice Legbo Kutigi was said to have told the delegates that his team was mandated by President Goodluck Jonathan to produce a draft constitution. This was forthrightly rejected by his Northern interlocutors; and in annoyance, Kutigi was said to have told the Northern group to walk out the following day, because in any case, we were a minority at the Conference!

While I was worried that we might reach an unwelcome denouement the following day on the floor of the conference, by Tuesday night the progressive civil society coalition had also rejected a ‘Draft Constitution’ too, meaning that a much bigger segment of the Conference

might not easily be railroaded into accepting to pass such a constitution.

On resumption the following day, Wednesday, it seemed that the various pressures had paid off as the Conference leadership backtracked and a well-managed process accepted that what we did was to pass emendations to the 1999 Constitution.

All delegates rallied and in a show of the Nigerian ability to pull back from the precipice, backslappings and hugs replaced what we had feared might degenerate into a most divisive, free-for-all! The Conference had somehow survived its most difficult problems, starting from the earliest issues about the skewed composition and modalities for voting, other issues in between and this final disagreement about a ‘Draft Constitution’. Everyone could go back home believing that somehow, no one lost everything, while each person could very well claim to have won something. A feel good factor might seem hopelessly immeasurable, but in a very fractious country, with groups of elite that spend all their lives wondering about conspiracies being cooked up on the other side, it should not be underrated. Despite the huffing and puffing, I believe

Sack 16, 000 doctors, bat no eyelid

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AST Wednesday, President Goodluck Jonathan announced the sacking of 16, 000 resident doctors who have been on strike since July 1, 2014.

Especially against the backdrop of the Ebola crisis in the country, it appeared as if the doctors did not sympathize with Nigerians caught up in that and other serious health conditions. At the beginning of July, four of my children were involved in a terrible accident, while returning from school for the holiday. One had a spinal injury; another suffered pelvic problem; a third’s ear literally cut off while the fourth suffered chest injuries.

The first port of call after being rescued from the wrecked vehicle, was a public hospital, where they did not have doctors to attend to them. We tried a second public hospital in Abuja, and the same situation was confronted. The children ended up in a very expensive private hospital. But I knew far more about the situation

in the healthcare sector to put all the blame on the doctors on strike.

Our country’s healthcare delivery system has been in crisis for decades, and that very much is at the heart of the demands of doctors and healthcare personnel. I have always felt that a serious country can be known largely by the way its healthcare and educational systems function.

Last Friday, Prof. Ishaq Akinola, Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), issued a press release which had some troubling statistics that I feel we should all know about.

Quoting the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), it was pointed out that there were 65, 000 registered doctors in Nigeria in 2013; only 25, 000 practice in the country, to take care of nearly 170million Nigerians, while 40, 000 Nigerian doctors practice abroad. Similarly, the Abuja Declaration stipulates that African countries should devote 15% of annual budgets

to the health sector, the Federal Government allocated 4% in 2011; 5% in 2012; 6.04% in 2013 and that reduced by 2014. This was N262. 74Billion in 2014 compared to N273Billion in 2013.

So while life expectancy was 82.6 years in Japan, it is 48years in Nigeria! 30million Nigerians are hypertensive; 4 million suffer from diabetes; pneumonia kills 130, 000 Nigerians yearly; malaria kills 4, 500 pregnant women annually; 400, 000 Nigerians suffer from tuberculosis while 32 million are victims of river blindness. In the same vein, 52, 000 Nigerian women die annually from maternal mortality just as malaria kills 300, 000 Nigerian children annually! Surely, these are very depressing statistics which help put in context the agitations and strike of our doctors. To then sack 16, 000 resident doctors in one fell swoop smacks of a very poor appreciation of the crisis in the sector. It is not sustainable!

any takeaways (with apologies to Lagos state Governor Fashola) came out of the Conference that I hope to explore in subsequent weeks from today. I am particularly interested in some of the standout individuals and how they came to help define the National Conference, 2014.

In my view, Bolaji Akinyemi, for example reflected the main controversies of that Conference.

I keenly observed his attitude, especially his manipulative propensities; and it became clear that he was deliberately calling particular individuals to make contributions, often pointing out such individuals to the chairman, or calling same whenever he presided, especially after lunch, when the most vital decisions were often taken. His attitude became much clearer, when Prof. Akin Oyebode, my old university lecturer, told me that Bolaji Akinyemi midwifed the National Conference for government! It was obvious that Akinyemi had a vested interest in an outcome which justified his intellectual labour.

I have nothing personal against the man; I have always felt that Bolaji Akinyemi is a rightwing intellectual, working at the behest of the Nigerian ruling class. His intellectual labours have always been to help shore up the ruling class project in Nigeria. Even when he found himself in NADECO during the years of the Abacha militarydictatorship, it did not vitiate his place as a defender of a particular configuration of Nigerian ruling class interests.

That much was also central to the work which he did at the National Conference, 2014.

That we finally reached a ‘managed’ and peaceful end must be seen as tribute to the tremendous work which he did along with other leaders of the Conference. His diplomatic experience came to play, especially in helping to douse the tensions that threatened the Conference, all through. If there is any negative for me, it was in the way that he and the Conference leadership, overplayed the importance of the ethno-regional groups.

They were given far more importance than pan-Nigerian professional and social organizations who often came with far more patriotic agendas and viewpoints. But given his background, it shouldn’t surprise us that Bolaji Akinyemi and the Conference leadership pressed in that direction. In the long run, it is those who speak for Nigeria that will eventually be able to build the platforms and coalitions to actualize the minimally patriotic resolutions that came out of the National Conference, 2014.

18— Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014 NIGHT travels have been with us since economic activities and exchanges between one part of the country and the other evolved. It intensified in the 1990’s and well into the new millennium when luxury buses became truly more luxurious enough to attract members of the middle class, who felt safer travelling on land than by air.

But night travels started showing more of the flipside when a marked rise in road accidents, robbery attacks and kidnappings became evident. At a point, there were open debates as to whether to ban night travels, but till date neither the federal nor state governments has made such move.

The peril in night travels has increased further, with the rise of terrorism in northern Nigeria. It has badly affected the economic and social life of the people.

More Nigerians are relocating to safer areas in the south. Nigerians of northern extraction have, sometimes raised eyebrows in security circles following the manner in which they move. Large convoys of them have been intercepted in the dead of the night on their way to

By Justus Anyadiora

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ALL him a man of destiny and circumstance or a man of honour, commitment and courage, you wil not be accused of exaggeration because at 62 he has succeeded in keeping a date with history.

While some were born great, others attain or achieve greatness, Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige exceptionally had all from childhood. During our days as pupils at St Patrick Primary School Ogbete Enugu, which we left in 1964, Ngige was an outstanding pupil both in academics and other extra-curricula activities.

He was never found wanting in anything.

So I was not surprised when he made distinction in the school certificate examination at St. John Secondary School Alor in 1972.

I had thought that he would be a lawyer because he had studied Arts and commercial subjects to class four before switching over to science subjects, leaving his younger brother, Mr Emeka Ngige (SAN) to continue with Arts subjects.

As if that was not enough and without much delay, Ngige secured admission to study medicine at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, where he graduated with flying colours in 1979.

This was at a time most of us were still re-taking our school certificate. While in the university, he was actively involved in student union politics, which he did not allow to affect his studies and performance.

There were few of them who were medical students and were involved in it then.

Upon his graduation, many of his colleagues travelled to overseas, while C M Y K

Regulating night travels Rivers, Abia, Imo and recently, the Federal Capital, Abuja. The security agencies justify their action on the need to ensure that terrorists trying to infiltrate other parts of the country do not hide among these nocturnal sojourners.

There was a great uproar recently when 486 of them were nabbed in Abia and dubbed as “Boko Haram suspects”, an event that raised ethnic, regional and even religious tensions, and a media shootout between the governments in Abia and Jigawa States.

Much as we are firmly against the abuse of the fundamental human rights of any

Nigerian, we also call on everyone to be mindful of the importance of preventing the spread of terrorism to other parts of the country as we battle to eliminate it in the north. Travelling in convoys at night is bound to raise security concerns, especially when such travels originate from terror hotbeds. We have to be extracareful, especially now that terrorists have resorted to the use of beggars, women and children as suicide bombers.

We must work closely with the security agencies. Those seeking to travel in convoys to long distances should alert the security agencies to screen, monitor and even provide security where needed. It is when we become evasive and uncooperative that suspicions lead the armed forces and security agencies to take proactive steps for the good of the population at large.

The armed forces, police and other agencies of state protecting the citizenry must remain focused on their sacred duty to safeguard our citizens, and not bow to propaganda and blackmail. But they must remain above board and avoid victimizing law-abiding citizens.

OPINION Ngige, a leader @ 62 others picked jobs in multinational companies motivated by the fat salaries on offer. But not Ngige. Motivated by humanitarian consideration, he had opted for a job at the Federal Ministry of Health where he worked for years, before leaving voluntarily in 1998 as Deputy Director of Hospital Services, Federal Medical Centres and Teaching Hospitals.

While in the Federal Ministry of Health, he was instrumental to the establishment of permanent sites for most of the federal medical centres and teaching hospitals, especially in the South East zone. In continuation of his burning desire for public service, he ventured into the murky waters of Nigerian politics as one of the founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. No wonder he was appointed the protem zonal publicity secretary of the party in the South East in 1998 and later the assistant national/zonal secretary of the party in the South East zone between 1999 and 2002. The same year he was conferred with the national honour of Order Of the Niger, OON, for his diligence and accountability in public service.

It was from there that he emerged the governorship candidate of the PDP in Anambra State in 2003, though his initial ambition was to become a senator but was persuaded by the party stakeholders to run for the office of the governor.

Having been in public service all his life, Ngige is always conscious of Harold McAlindon’s saying: “Do not follow where

the path may lead, but go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”. So from childhood, he never believed in bandwagonism, but in carving a niche for himself in anything he do.

It was for this obvious reason that he redefined governance in Anambra State within the short period he was governor of the state. He set the pace and made the people realise that with sincerity, commitment and transparency, a state government could do much for the people in terms of good governance and provision of basic amenities.

Today, his numerous achievements, especially in the area of infrastructural development that cut across the state, are obvious and unprecedented. And it has become difficult for his successors to equal or measure up to them. As governor, Ngige demystified political godfathers in the state when he took the battle for the soul of the state to them, despite the tremendous backing they enjoyed from the Presidency.

He fought and put his life on line for the liberation of the people of the state, even when he had the option of wooing the godfathers financially in order to remain in office; he resisted it and fought for what was right.

His survival of his political abduction on July 10, 2003 by his estranged godfather in connivance with security agents, was a clear manifestation that God was with him and he has not completed his good work for his people.

The judicial/ presidential conspiracy that

led to his removal from office as a governor was known to Nigerians. His removal was not about winning the election, but his refusal to open the state treasury to the godfathers which was the tradition in the state before he assumed office.

It is on record that between 1999 and 2007, Ngige was the only governor that lost his seat in court, even when it was obvious that the 2003 general elections were massively rigged across the country, especially in the South East zone.

Upon his removal from office, he was given a clean bill of health by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, led by its chairman then, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Ngige left the PDP and co-founded the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, with the likes of Senator Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and others. This was at a time nobody gave his new party any chance of making an in road into the South East zone, but Ngige proved the doubting Thomases wrong as the party has remained a force to reckon within the zone, especially in Anambra State where the party won national and state assembly seats during the 2011 elections.

He worked assiduously alongside others for the successful merger of the key opposition parties that metamorphosed into the All Progressives Congress, APC. Ngige served as the secretary of the first rancour-free national convention of the party that produced the present leadership of the party led by Mr. John Odie-Oyegun. *Dr. Anyadiora , a lecturer, wrote from Owerri, Imo State.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014 — 19

, BRF’s new political face ABATUNDE Raji Fashola, BRF, a barrister, is one of the front liners among the 36 governors, especially the outgoing class of 2007 – 2015.

There are those who like his handling of Lagos, especially his determination to recreate the mega-polis from a sprawling former federal political capital of the 20th century to a new, modern city; a befitting economic capital of the biggest economy in Africa.

This has been the vision of the political platform created by Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, BRF’s immediate predecessor and political godfather. Lagos is a perfect example of how to make a seamless transition from one regime to another within a political movement, with the flow of governance and direction of policy firmly on course. Attempts in other states to achieve the same purpose failed. The case of Abia, where Tinubu’s friend and co-conspirator (during the roughneck days of President Olusegun Obasanjo), Chief Orji Kalu, also handed over the baton to a well-chosen godson, Chief Theodore Orji stands out.

Tinubu dumped the party that brought him to power – the Alli-

ance for Democracy, AD and founded his own Action Congress, AC, when his fellow South West governors of AD decided to dine with Obasanjo on the ground that he was their tribesman needing a home base. Obasanjo flushed them out but Tinubu survived and transferred power to his Chief of Staff, BRF. Almost the same thing happened in Abia. When Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, leader, President Obasanjo decided not to give his party man in Abia, Kalu, ticket for a second term, the latter formed a new party, the Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA and grabbed his second term. He used it to also transfer power to his Chief of Staff, TA Orji. But while Tinubu was able to keep his party and even grow it in the South West, Kalu, after an initial modest expansion to two states, lost both due to greed and inability to know where to draw the line in power and human relations.

Tinubu nearly made the same mistake when he was about to deny Fashola a second term, but he came to his senses just before it became too late.

The reason was that Fashola

went headlong into his assignment and before long won hearts across the state – and the nation at large – due to his ability to produce desirable change. His transformation of Oshodi and opening of the Lagos - Badagry superhighway for integrated road and rail transport impressed me most. I also liked his removal of commercial motorcycles from major trunk roads in spite of the odds, and his unbending efforts to create a new economic zone in the Lekki axis. Even little children sang the praises of Fashola, and it became political suicide when Tinubu contemplated dropping him for second term.

But since Fashola went into his second term, the technocrat started giving way and the politician started showing up. And the new deal wasn’t always a nice one. The decision to deport people

The pepper syndrome and Ebola

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N this part of the world, until recently, there was no scientific explanation for death because all deaths, including those from fatal accidents, were attributed to witchcraft.

All the same, instances of the outbreak of new diseases like the current Ebola are not new. But as they say in the colloquial, “Soldier come, soldier go, barrack remain”.

Different diseases come and go but the human race remains. Ebola, too, will soon pass away.

Towards the twilight of the 1950s, there was an outbreak of influenza, which came with severe fever, dry throat, runny nose, redness of the eyes, etc. Many died and we thought the end had come. One particular religious sect was always there to increase our phobia that Armageddon had arrived.

Schools were closed. Resumption dates suffered many postponements. In the end, we survived.

Barely a decade after we survived the influenza, while the advanced world was celebrating man’s scientific breakthrough to the moon, those of us on this side of the globe were afflicted with the “Apollo”, known in medical terminology as viral heamorrhagic conjunctivitis.

Inbetween, we had the outbreak of birdflu and the mad-cow diseases, which took their tolls on animals and humans; and in the process, ravaged the world out there. In Africa, the fatality rate was not too pronounced.

Come to think of it, Ugbokhokho, which is the local equivalence of the bird-flu, has always been with us. At first, there were no poultries that turned out fowls in their thousands. Native fowls were few and far apart. But once in a while, they were afflicted by the flu and they died. As soon as they died or when they showed signs of distress pointing to death, they were slaughtered and nicely prepared for dinner. They were good delicacies and we survived.

In the early 1980s, the big one, the C M Y K

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Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, AIDS, arrived. It came with all the fears and swept across the world. We kept praying and living with its prescriptions.

But see how the new one, Ebola, has reduced the much-dreaded AIDS to fritters? Suddenly, nobody is now talking of AIDS, all because a bigger evil has arrived.

Enter Patrick Sawyer: He brought himself and his Ebola to Nigeria. Listen to the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu: “We have 11 confirmed cases of Ebola in Nigeria. Out of these, three are dead: Patrick Sawyer, a Nigerian Nurse and an ECOWAS Protocol Officer”. It could have been worse.

God always provides an escape route for His children. That’s why Sawyer arrived Nigeria when the Nigerian Doctors were on strike.

Otherwise, Sawyer would probably have been rushed to a larger health institution like the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, where between the doctors and the nurses; between the paramedics and the laboratory attendants; and between the registration point and the pharmacy, he would have come in contact with hundreds of people and by now, we would have been talking of infected and dead people in their thousands, not the meager figure of one doctor and one nurse that were involved at the local clinic.

With our yearning for Dollars, that expatriate, so-called, who was to pay his bill in hard currency would have been embraced by all, unknown to them that the man was a time bomb waiting to explode.

We think that this singular act of God using the doctors’ strike to avert a catastrophe should impel our doctors to call off their lingering strike.

In all this, we have learnt to obey instructions – curb your appetite; and only eat what you are asked to eat. Doubts and

criticisms might be fatal. After all, only the living can argue.

We must also permit the F e d e r a l Government to wallow in its confusion and inconsistencies.

While we were still dealing with the information that Ebola has no known cure yet, FG announced at the weekend that some

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But since Fashola went into his second term, the technocrat started giving way and the politician started showing up; and the new deal wasn’t always a nice one

from Lagos, a former federal capital built with our commonwealth and sweat really exposed his feet of clay. Fashola clearly allowed himself to be misled by the inner circle whispers that those who call themselves Lagos indigenes engage in, which most of the time, go against the interests of the nonindigenes.

Areas mostly populated by nonindigenes, such as the Ajegunle/ Orile/Amuwo/Ojo/Alimosho, were simply abandoned. Another unwise decision his regime took was the astronomical raising of the tuition fees of the Lagos State University, LASU, an anti-poor policy that put a public institution beyond the reach of struggling Lagosians. The stark reality of Ekiti loss by APC to PDP has forced a number of policy reversals, some of them tending to the other side of the ridiculous. Students had asked for a moderate raise, but Fashola returned to old fees. Now they are rethinking the Lagos Traffic Law, based on which many people who came to look for a means of livelihood in Lagos became victims of a rampaging Lagos State Traffic Management Agency, LASTMA and other task forces, including the one that was used to execute the ignoble “deportations”, Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI. In the past couple of months, Fashola has been competing with Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the APC chief propagandist, in squaring up to the PDP and the President.

He was the inventor of the term: “Stomach Infrastructure”, in an article he wrote on the back page of THISDAY after APC lost the Ekiti election. He berated the Ekiti electorate for the decision

Whereas the Ebola case is almost a death sentence, the candidate for peptic ulcer has a window of opportunity for a second chance by simply reducing his pepper consumption

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of the people originally diagnosed for Ebola have been treated and released from hospital!

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e believe in the geometric theorem, “Things equal to the same thing are equal to one another”. The time has come to treat peptic ulcer like the Ebola disease.

We see them as first cousins. Their victims bleed unto death.

The death, this past week, of the Udo man in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State provides a golden opportunity to take a critical look at our romance with pepper.

The Edo State Government had a hard time explaining that the man died of bleeding from peptic ulcer and not Ebola as earlier rumoured. Actually, the incident that

they made, only for APC states to start deploying “stomach infrastructure” policies in order to retain Osun and prevent the loss of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo. The Lagos action governor also went to Bayelsa and accused President Jonathan of sleeping for three years only to wake up now, hoping to use “rice” to get votes in 2015. That was not vintage Fashola. It is a new Fashola who has fully donned a political toga with nine months to hand over. It is no coincidence that since Fashola became more political, his general perception as a performer and beacon of hope in the APC at the national level, has taken a dip. It does not have to be so.

Fashola has made quite a few avoidable mistakes in his second term in a city-state where non-indigenes have large stakes, including the capacity to change the electoral fortunes of any incumbent. Perhaps, they are only now beginning to realise this, so close to election. What will they do after the elections if they remain in power? That is the question on many lips.

Fashola is welcome to the political turf. But I hope that he, along with people like Waziri Tambuwal, Fola Adeola, Chris Ngige, Chibuike Amaechi, Adams Oshiomhole and other credible intellectual performers within the APC will give that party a future after 2015. By then, Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu might have to take the back seat and allow a new national party, not just a North versus West alliance seeking to dethrone the ruling party, to stand as the alternative to PDP.

led to the man’s death caused a lot of panic in the community. People fled their homes, fearing that the deceased died of Ebola virus.

Our people eat too much pepper, as if it is the main meal. Since we already have enough problems to contend with, including malaria, hunger, measles, diarrhea, etc, we can do with less pepper consumption and live a healthier life.

This is coming from someone who has two left hands in the field of medicine but the truth is constant. A look at the peptic ulcer map of the world shows a direct correlation between the eating of pepper and the incidence of peptic ulcer.

Whereas pepper has no demonstrable nutritional value, research consistently shows that the prevalence of peptic ulcer is higher in the third world countries where it is estimated at about 70% of the population as against a maximum of 40% ratio in the developed world.

Medical Encyclopedia reveals that peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach or intestine. Put simply, excessive consumption of pepper is adding pepper to injury. Whereas the Ebola case is almost a death sentence, the candidate for peptic ulcer has a window of opportunity for a second chance by simply reducing his pepper consumption.

Essentially, people who eat too much pepper are on a kamikaze (a suicide mission) of sorts. Enough of these avoidable deaths!

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY THURSDAY,, AUGUST 21, 2014

Why we reside in shanties — Oko Baba residents ...Blame fire incident on govt’s neglect

BY BOSE ADELAJA

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KO Baba, a slum turned commercial and residential area, is not new to many Lagosians, especially given its proximity to nature. Oko Baba which literally means ‘’Fathers’ settlement’’, was dominated by the Ijaws and Ilajes who were fishermen and timber dealers.

Initially, it was waterlogged but constant filling with saw-

Madam, I am not used to smoking Indian hemp but this is the aftermath of the demolition exercise in year 2009 and I don’t want to go back to my home town

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dust enhanced accessibility until the land was effectively reclaimed from water through sand-filling. Until recently, it accommodated people from all walks of life, hence the popularity which it now enjoys in Lagos.

Curiously the place is subdivided in two parts: One side for the wealthy, while the other for the poor. The former is defined by magnificent buildings while the latter was so known by those who reside mainly in shanties. Investigations by Vanguard Metro revealed a plot of land was sold for N50m as soon as infrastructural amenities were introduced by the State government.

For instance, when VM visited the area on Tuesday, it was observed that most of the roads were tarred, though could do with a better drainage. Also, power supply is better there than most areas in Lagos.

There was also a functional health centre as well as offices and banks. The proximity to the newly commissioned Tejuoso Market is also convenient for residents of the area.

However, the popularity of Oko Baba derives mainly from the sawmill located there. Indeed, it is considered the leading saw mill in the State owing to the fact that it deals on all types of woods and buy-

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ers throng the place on daily basis. However, Oko Baba has over the years suffered several fire disasters, a reason for which the State government has for long considered relocating the saw millers to an expansive land in AgbowaIkosi area of Ikorodu.

The latest and perhaps the most destructive fire incident occurred on Monday. The fire which later erupted into an inferno was said to have

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started in a bungalow near Osholake Street and razed five buildings, part of the sawmill and shanties. Over 5000 people were displaced. One of the areas badly hit was Cole Street which is notable by reason of the high profile individuals residing there.

But walking down the street, one easily perceives the smell of Indian hemp being smoked by street urchins at various spots. When VM demanded to speak with some of them, they looked at this reporter in amazement and chorused in Yoruba: ‘’Omo Fashola l’awa, a si n j’aye ori t’awa ni’bi yii.

*Residents evacuating their personal effects following the inferno at Oko Baba Nigba ti a wa o ti dii eni keni l’owo, a o le gba ki eniyan di wa l’owo. Ti ijoba ko ba le dun wa ninu, a o dun ara wa ninu.’’ Meaning: ‘’We are Fashola’s children and we have pitched our tent here, so nobody should disturb us because we don’t disturb anyone.

Since the government does not take care of us, we shall make ourselves happy’’. After much friendly persuasion, they decided to open up to this reporter; one of them even offered her a wrap of Indian hemp which was politely rejected. ‘’Awa oni nkan alejo o, oun t’a ni ni yii’’; meaning: ‘’We have nothing to offer you but this,...’’ one of them said jokingly.

VM later discovered that some of the area boys who take to menial jobs are also married with children and live in the shanties at Oko Baba. According to them, they were victims of various demolition exercises which occurred in Lagos State before they found their way to Oko Baba and took up accommodation in the shanties.

Some of them said they pay be-

tween N8,000 and N15,000 per annum. ‘’Madam, I am not used to smoking Indian hemp but this is the aftermath of the demolition exercise in year 2009 and I don’t want to go back to my home town, Ilorin, Kwara State,’’ one of them said.

Another, a salon operator, Risikat Ganiyu, said: ‘’My salon was thriving while at the old Tejuoso Market. But I can’t afford a shop at the new edifice built by the government.

That is why my husband brought me here. I pay an annual rent of N13,500’’.

Another resident, a single parent who simply gave her name as Iya Isikilu, said she came to stay at the slum because of the astronomical rent charged by Lagos landlords and estate agents. ‘’I work as a shop attendant.

Nobody collects agency and commission fees here, I only pay a quarterly rent of N2,800,’’ she informed.

Mrs and Mrs Kudus Mustapha, former residents of Anthony Village, have a different reason for seeking accommodation in the shanties. ‘’We have

a joint business which was doing well in Anthony Village but armed robbers were the problem. I remember a particular year when they burgled our shops on five occasions. Each time we reported to the Police, but nothing positive came out of it. A friend brought us here about four years ago, and since then, there has been no robbery attack. It is a pity that the Lagos State government does not cater for the poor. This is unlike what was the case when Lateef Jakande was the governor many years ago. He built houses for the less-privileged, but this is not the case with the present government which only caters for the rich, building ultra-modern structures here and there. How many of these structures are affordable by the average Lagosian? Simply put, can the less-privileged afford paying in millions? Anyway, many of you are to be blamed for not calling the government to order,’’ she submitted with feeling.

Akpabioism: An antidote at last for youth unemployment

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

H

OPE of a better life for the average Nigerian youth may have been rekindled as Akpabioism, an economic summit billed for September this year, is set to turn around their lives for the best. The event which comes up at a time when Nigerians are in dire need of economic direction, promises to be a turning point in the lives of participants, especially the youths, who are mainly the beneficiaries of the summit.

Speaking with journalists during a media interaction in Lagos, the chancellor of the

centre, Pastor Bassey James, who was in the company of some members of the Akpabio Centre for Leadership Development (Akpabioism), believes that the economic summit will go a long way in adding immense value to the lives of many Nigerian youths who hitherto are seen as jobless and hopeless.

According to the chancellor, the summit will be a platform in which the hope of the Nigerian youth will be rekindled and secured irrespective of their educational background. He said: “We want to use Akpabioism economic summit to add value to the lives of our youths,

not just in Akwa Ibom but in Nigeria. It’s for us to sustain the lives of young men, to encourage them into businesses.

“We have decided to use Akpabioism to develop talents, build entrepreneurship spirit in the lives of our people and to refocus their entire thinking and aspiration because the world today is all about business development and capacity building. So we want to build young entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom, in the South-South and in Nigeria.”

Speaking further, he claimed that “the support we’ve had over the few years that Akpabioism have been in existence

has been so overwhelming. So we decided that with this summit, people will also be encouraged to come to Akwa Ibom and realise that God has blessed us with natural and human resources for a viable economic atmosphere and destination”.

According to him: “This summit is also not about religion or tribe. It’s about the Nigerian youth, their growth and success. It’s to give the youth the chance to live a fulfilled life by empowering them with the means to economically thrive in Nigeria and wherever they might find themselves.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014 — 21

Nigeria yet to benefit from $3trn US AGOA market — NACCIMA

By FRANKLIN ALLI

T

HE Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has called for a reappraisal of Nigeria’s participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), saying:“Nigeria has not benefited very much from AGOA.” AGOA is a U.S. preferential trade programme established in May 2000 that provides dutyfree access to the $3 trillion U.S. market for thousands of products from eligible sub-Saharan African countries. As of August 2014, 41 sub-Saharan African countries were eligible for AGOA benefits.

2013 AGOA data published

by US Trade and Commerce Department, showed that Nigeria exported products worth $5,403 compared to South Africa $3,667, 783; Lesotho $320,879 and Mauritius $199,268; Kenya $342,502; Angola $66,000; Cameroun $21,650 and Ghana $34,673.

NACCIMA in its review of 14 years of AGOA and Nigeria’s performance, noted: “For 14 years Nigeria has been on it but what has been the take home from AGOA; who has AGOA made millionaire in Nigeria? I am not saying we should pull out; am not condemning it, however, for Nigeria to continue, we have to assess how did we start; where are we today; are we to go ahead with the old system or there will be some adjustments?

“That is where experts from the private sector and universities have to come in,” said John Isemede, NACCIMA Director General.

NACCIMA, he said, frowns at a situation whereby America is dictating the price of what they buy from us. “If you are taking produce from Nigeria and we can’t meet your stand-

ard, you had better come and investment in Nigeria or bring your own experts to come and teach us the standard. You asked for ABCD products and you have every right to determine the quality and quantity but you don’t have every right to determine the price for what you don’t produce. What is the essence of determining quality

From left: Senior Special Assistant to the Presidency on MDG, Dr. Precious Kalamba Gbeneol; Head of Mobile Financial Services, FirstBank, Mike Ogbalu; Project Manager, MDG Implementation, FirstBank, Folasade Femi-Lawal, and Aishat Sumayin, Relationship Officer, MDG, FirstBank at the launch of the Conditional Cash Transfer programme of the Federal Government in Rivers State.

Forte Oil to upgrade Geregu Power with N14.40bn investment

By PETER EGWUATU & NKIRUKA NNOROM

182.8

-6.1

3,205.00 -54.00 15.46

-0.22

101.35

-0.25

94.80

-1.61

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

154.73 257.3934 206.58 170.633 1.5068 0.2967 235.9907 25.192 41.2558 27.7001 236.3191

155.23 258.2251 207.2476 171.1844 1.5116 0.3067 236.7533 25.2739 41.3891 27.7896 237.0828

CBN Exchange Rate as 21/08//2014

when you have not even worked with our people?”

Meanwhile, recall that AGOA was signed into law by President Clinton in May 2000 with the objective of expanding U.S. trade and investment with sub-Saharan Africa, to stimulate economic growth, to encourage economic integration, and to facilitate sub-Saharan Africa’s

155.73 259.0569 207.9151 171.7358 1.5165 0.3167 237.5159 25.3558 41.5225 27.8791 237.8464

integration into the global economy.

One goal of AGOA is to support sub-Saharan African economic development through trade and investment. The programme offers tangible incentives to sub-Saharan African countries for undertaking difficult political and economic reforms that promote long-term growth and development.

The Act establishes the annual U.S.-sub-Saharan Africa Economic Cooperation Forum (known as the AGOA Forum) to promote a high-level dialogue on trade and investmentrelated issues. At the center of AGOA are substantial trade preferences that, along with those under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), allow virtually all marketable goods produced in AGOA-eligible countries to enter the U.S. market duty-free.

The U.S. Congress requires the President to determine annually whether sub-Saharan African countries are eligible for AGOA benefits based on progress in meeting certain criteria, including progress toward the establishment of a market-based economy, rule of law, economic policies to reduce poverty, protection of internationally recognised worker rights, and efforts to combat corruption. In 2013, U.S. goods imports from sub-Saharan African under AGOA and the related GSP programme totaled $26.8 billion, more than three times the amount in 2001, the first full-year of AGOA trade.

F

ORTE Oil Plc has disclosed plan to commit N14.40billiion (about $90 million) in overhauling its recently acquired Geregu Power Plant, GPP, to fully achieve the 414 mega watts installed capacity of the plant.

Speaking at the company’s ‘Facts behind Figure’ on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Forte Oil Plc, Mr. Akin Akinfemiwa, said the contract for upgrading of the GPP had since been awarded He said that the company is also exploring the possibility of diversifying into the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry through profitable acquisition of upstream assets.

According to him, it would enter into strategic alliance with partners with whom to share the inherent risk in the investment, adding that the company has already identified potential part-

ners for that purpose.

He, however, stated the company would manage its entry into the upstream space carefully due to the level of investment involved, including the financial and technical expertise required. Alternatively, Akinfemiwa stated that its diversification into the upstream space might require the acquisition of set of marginal oil fields and putting them back to operation He added that Forte Oil intends to achieve market dominance through the expansion of its retail infrastructure, commercial business and improvement in its non-fuel revenue, saying, “We have an aggressive expansion plan and we will acquire stations where we have the market, specifically within regions of 3Km and in densely populated areas.

“The expansion plan is a continuous exercise; it has no definitive timeline. It is something we will keep doing; we will capture the opportunity as they come and we will continue to do that.”

“We will acquire and lease retail out-

lets because we believe that we can make money through that. We want to make Forte Oil a one-stop-shop for all our customers’ needs. Therefore, any space we in our retail outlets will be fully utilised,” he added.

The Forte Oil boss stated that the company would further strengthen its corporate governance structure as this would give investors the confidence to invest in the company.

Speaking on the half year financial result where the company posted 152 percent surge in profit before tax to N4.19 billion compared to N1.66 billion recorded in H1 2013 and 33 percent increase in gross earnings to N79.61 billion compared to N59.96 billion recorded in the same period in 2013, he stated that the achievement was made possible through the three-year transformation programme initiated by the Board of Directors in 2011, adding that the transformation initiative was focused on repositioning the company as a market leader.

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014 Every successful business around you exists to solve a problem for a large or small group of people. Most people are always willing to pay a price to make their problems go away

,

NAIRA EXCHANGE RATES

,

Find a problem and fix it O

ne of the most common questions aspiring entrepreneurs often ask is: “How can I find a great business idea?”

Here is one of the secrets for finding great and high-potential business ideas – •'Find a difficulty, challenge or problem around you and fix it'.

Every successful business around you exists to solve a problem for a large or small group of people. Most people are always willing to pay a price to make their problems go away. Think about any difficulties, challenges or problems you currently have.

Wouldn’t you pay a reasonable and fair price

Date 19/8/14

for watching Nollywood movies via the internet.

These entrepreneurs are just a few examples of many out there who are finding affordable, more effective and convenient solutions to everyday difficulties, challenges and problems being faced by people in Africa. Because they have found a fix to a pressing problem, people are excited to pay them for it.

People prefer to avoid difficulties, challenges and problems. It’s just human nature.

As an entrepreneur, you must train yourself to fight this human nature.

While people complain and groan about problems, you must be thinking of solutions.

Start making a list of the most common difficulties and challenges that people face around you

,

,

to somebody who has a solution for it?

Following are real life examples that would prove just how well this strategy works.

Tanzania’s Patrick Ngowi built a multimillion dollar solar power business because his products help people to overcome the challenges of electricity shortages, especially in rural areas.

When Jason Njoku noticed the distribution challenges that made it difficult for diaspora Nigerians to access and enjoy Nigerian ‘Nollywood’ movies, he built IrokoTV - the largest, cheapest and most convenient platform

BUSINESS

While they avoid their difficulties, you must confront and crack them until you find a solution.

Everybody wants gold but nobody wants to do the dirty digging.

Entrepreneurs are diggers; that’s why they are the ones who always find the gold.

Start making a list of the most common difficulties and challenges that people face around you. Are there any existing solutions to these? Can you build one that’s better, faster, cheaper, safer etc. Show me a serious problem, and I’ll show you a great business idea.

Culled from smallstarter.com

Currency DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

Buying(N) 154.73 257.3934 206.58 170.633 1.5068 0.2967 235.9907 25.192 41.2558 27.7001 236.3191

Central(N) 155.23 258.2251 207.2476 171.1844 1.5116 0.3067 236.7533 25.2739 41.3891 27.7896 237.0828

Selling(N) 155.73 259.0569 207.9151 171.7358 1.5165 0.3167 237.5159 25.3558 41.5225 27.8791 237.8464

BY YINKA KOLAWOLE, with agency report

I

n the midst of the hustle and bustle of daily business, people often dehydrate under the hot weather and often need chilled drinks to refresh. And with the challenge of epileptic electricity supply in the country, there is a strong demand for ice blocks for cooling which has created a booming business opportunity in the production of ice blocks.

Basic requirements Ice block making is a small business that requires basic raw materials, many of which are readily available.

Following are basic requirements to start the business: Water Water is the most important raw material in ice block production business. Ice blocks are made by freezing ordinary water in a container to a very low temperature (usually below zero degrees Centigrade). So, a good source of fresh and clean water is needed to start the business.

Clean water can be sourced from pipe-borne water or from wells or bore holes. You could also buy your water supplies in areas where water is scarce.

Packaging Ice blocks are often packaged and sold in transparent polythene nylon bags. The bags help to hold the ice both in its solid and melted state. Packaging also enables branding to differentiate one's product from competitors.

Machines Ice block making machines are not complex equipment, but more like deep freezers with a higher cooling/freezing capacity. Some of them have rectangular moulds/ containers that you pour the water into in order to produce ice blocks.

There are both foreign and locally-made brands of these machines and depending on your budget, you can choose from a wide variety of models.

Some of the things you should keep in mind when buying ice

Starting ice block production business block production machines are: Capacity: This refers to the number of blocks that a machine can produce. Some can produce 20, 50 and some over 100 blocks at a time.

Higher capacity machines will likely cost more than small capacity ones. The capacity you choose to buy depends on the number of ice blocks you plan to produce and sell daily.

Freezing time : The amount of time taken by the machine to produce ice blocks is also important. Some machines produce ice faster than others and this will often depend on the rating of the compressors. Note that the longer a machine spends producing ice, the more electricity and labour costs incurred. So, it pays to use a machine that forms ice in a short period.

C o m p r e s s o r s : Compressors are the heart of the cooling system and can affect the quality (hardness) of ice produced and the time taken to produce it.

Compressors are usually rated in Horse Power (HP) and are commonly available in 1.5HP, 2HP, 2.5HP and 3HP. The number of compressors may

also matter. For example, a machine with two 1.5HP compressors is likely to produce ice faster than another machine (of equal size) with just one 2HP compressor.

Also pay attention to the quality of your compressors because fake ones can ruin the business.

After sales support : It•is important to always purchase machines from a manufacturer/seller who can offer after sales support in terms of repairs or maintenance. Make sure you buy from a dealer who has technicians (or can recommend one) to repair and maintain your machines.

Generators Due to unstable electricity supply, there may be need for power generator to reduce dependence on the power grid.

To produce the amount of power to effectively drive the machine's compressors, diesel-powered generators are often preferred over petrol powered ones.

The capacity of your generator depends on the power needs of your ice block making machine. It is best to follow the recommendations of the dealer/manufacturer of

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014—23

,

& YOU

A large number of employees believe the CEO or the board of directors or even the organisation itself is responsible for paying their salaries

PRICE MOVEMENT ON NSE (20/8/14)

COMMODITIES (20/8/14)

Top 5 Gainers (N)

Commodity Light Crude

Last 95.60

Natural Gas

3.81

-0.06

-1.62

Sugar

15.57

+0.10

+0.65

Coffee

180.50

-1.70

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3,233.00

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The last thing you want for yourself in this business is a reputation for disappointing or failing your customers

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your machine. Also make sure to buy a durable generator that doesn't break down often or require very frequent maintenance or repairs.

Tips for success Like every business, there are important tips that give significant advantage over other people in the ice block business, such as the following: Target high density areas: The ice block business is a volume-driven business; the more blocks you sell, the more money you make. Ice block businesses that sell large volumes are usually located in areas that have a high population density and experience a lot of physical, economic and business activities. There is wisdom in locating your ice block business close to where the market is.

Seasonal business : Though very lucrative, it is important to note that ice block business is a seasonal business. During the rainy season, which usually starts around March and peaks in July, there are fewer hours of heat and sunlight. When the weather is cooler, people don't like to take cold/chilled drinks as often as they would under a hot weather. As a result, demand and prices of ice blocks usually fall during the rainy/cooler months of the year. It is therefore advisable to reduce the quantity of ice blocks produced during the

+34.00

rainy/wet season and increase production during the dry/hot seasons.

Target habitual consumers : Habitual consumers are people and businesses that require constant supply of ice block to meet personal, household or business needs. Some of these habitual consumers include event/party planners, restaurant/hotel operators, petty traders and vendors in busy streets and markets.

These consumers will be interested in any ice block maker or supplier who can meet their daily needs for ice block at a price and convenience that makes sense. Retaining this type of consumers as customers guarantees a steady volume of sales in and out of season.

Watch out for competition : Ice block production is a low-entry barrier business, where anybody who can afford the machines can fill up containers with water and start the business. No special skills or knowledge is required. As a result, your competition can enter this business easily. To survive, you need to be smarter than your competition. Ice blocks basically look the same. Price and convenience (location) are usually the only things that will ensure better patronage over other competitors. To remain competitive therefore with your pricing, you need to keep production costs low.

Machine maintenance : The ice block making machine and power generator are the heart of the business. Always make sure that you stick to the recommended maintenance schedule. If your machines stop working, the business stalls and you may disappoint your customers who depend on you for their ice block needs. The last thing you want for yourself in this business is a reputation for disappointing or failing your customers. To avoid any of these undesirable outcomes, keep a technician on hand to take care of any mechanical or electrical faults as they arise.

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Change

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Airservice

2.06

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PremBrew

1.32

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Cornerstone

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Costain

1.14

1.18

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SterlingBK

2.17

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Top 5 Losers (N) 1

RoyalEx

0.60

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Caverton

5.88

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RTBriscoe

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EvansMed

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Livestock

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Organisations reward end-results: Nothing more, nothing less BY ‘UJU ONWUZULIKE

"Well done is better than well said"... Benjamin Franklin here has been an T unending controversy about the inability of

organisations to appreciate the efforts or activities carried out by their employees. This may be akin to a student who has read all through for his exams and unexpectedly did not make it - and was not celebrated by the parents. In the work places, we see employees making comments like: what does my CEO/boss want me to do again?, I have done my best and my manager is still complaining, will I kill myself after doing all I think I could?, my manager does not like my face, my boss really has an issue, etc. Surprisingly, during one of our workshops on Attitudinal Change Transformation, one participant angrily said, •"I think my boss hates me", yes it is that bad. Some employees will go as far as taking it personal with their managers and superiors. But the truth about this unending controversy is that most people in organisations have not known or realised that what keeps their organisations alive is resultnothing more nothing less.

No one can celebrate an unfinished product; it is only when the product is finished that people might find the need to celebrate or appreciate the product. That is the rule of life.

In every typical organisation, the executives are always looking for results to present to the board, the managers are looking for results to present to the

executives, the middle managers are looking for results to present to their managers, and it goes on and on, and nobody wants to fail in this regard. Ultimately, the shareholders expect better results from us. It might not be in our best interest to have the wrong mindset –that our boss or manager is being unnecessary hard on us. He or she is simply trying to feed the organisation with what it depends on – results. I am not a relationship expert as to know whether it is possible for a boss to hate his/her subordinate without a reason.

But even if that is possible, with someone who delivers result it might be difficult to

,

Cocoa

Change ($) +1.12

,

,

We all need to see ourselves as part owners in our organisations

hold him/her down for so long – because excellence will always stand out.

A key •'turnaround' lesson for us is: •people or organisations do not care so much about our intentions, what we have done or justification for failures, but they care about results.

Sometimes, what makes some people fail is not that they don't have the ability or competence to succeed, but because they are not •'keen' to deliver results. Some might not even see the need to go the extra mile and doing things differently in order to achieve different and better results. Our desire for personal and professional growth should be backed by the way we deliver optimal results to our organisations.

Employees must also have a burning desire to justify their pay on daily basis. You are on the payroll because someone wants you to contribute your individual quota (in form of results) to the success of the

entire organisation.

Whenever I ask this important question during any of my training workshops, I'm always taken aback by the answers given to me by some employees. The question is •'who pays your salary in your organisation?'

Unbelievably, most employees do not see themselves responsible for paying their salaries. A large number of employees believe the CEO or the board of directors or even the organisation itself is responsible for paying their salaries. That is a wrong assumption and that is why some people believe that whether they did their best or not their salaries are certain.

What happens when everybody in an organisation decides to have that wrong mindset? That means that organisation may not afford to pay salaries again or as at when due. In the real sense, it is the value that we add in organisations that will pay our salaries. That is a key lesson for everyone.

Final note: We all need to see ourselves as part owners in our organisations. That means we need to move from 'it is not my business' syndrome to •'it is my key responsibility to deliver results' thinking. The directors are not the only stakeholders in any organisation; everyone that earns a salary owns a part of the business, and has a key role to play. That role is achieved by going the extra mile to achieve better results for the organisation. It is also important to know that when a particular organisation is not going the extra mile for the customers, some others are happy doing that. Those that are happy going the extra mile for the customers are likely to achieve better results.

Finally, it's not all that we do for our organisation that counts, what count is the result we have to show for doing what we do.

For your views or perspectives. Email: uju@hainescentre.com Mobile: 09091142093 C M Y K

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

Banks charged to embrace digitalisation

By PETER EGWUATU

B

ANKS operating in the country have been advised to fully embrace digitalisation as a way forward to woo customers and thus improve their profitability.

The guest speaker at the 2014 Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN)) Graduate Induction & Price Awards Day, Mr. Toluwaleke Adenmsoun, who is also Managing Director, Accenture Financial Services, advised banks in Nigeria to respond to changes in financial services landscape to be able remain relevant and sustain the profitability that has returned to the sector after global crises witnessed some years back.

Speaking on the topic titled “Competitive Response to Digital Disruption in Banking”, Adenmsoun said “ Advancement of the digital ecosystem has brought significant impact to people’s financial life in areas traditionally dominated by banks, the question in not if but how fast banks can respond to the challenges.”

To this extent, he stated that it is no longer business as usual for banks, stressing that digitalisation has disrupted the financial services landscape.

“There is clear evidence that consumer behavior and expectations of service and experience are changing. We have 25 banks and a network of some 5,500 branches nationwide. The number of banking customers is between 22 million and 25 million. But there are 127 mil-

lion active mobile connections (71 per cent mobile phone penetration) and 25 million users of Smartphone (a fertile market for digital play) he declared.

Continuing, he said “ Digitalisation is not a future possibility for Nigeria, it is today’s reality. On internet, there are over 63 million internet data subscribers (the highest in Africa, and fourth largest in the world). On face book, there are

11 million users (Largest in Africa) and 4th fastest growing number of users worldwide. For Twitter, there are 1.6 million profiles and Linkedln, there are 1.03 million business profiles and an unconfirmed number of professionals” Adenmsoun, expressed that there is convergent disruption, in the form of new entrants in the sector, adding that it has been a growing factor in the

banking industry.” The take off of e-commerce and the emergence fast rising nline outlets like Jumia and Konga is opening up new avenues for e-payments and data collection” he added.

In this regard, he advised banks to take fresh look at the digital customers with an understanding of the impact of not paying attention to them and the opportunity that abound.

FROM LEFT: Group Head, International Operations, Fidelity Bank Plc, Augustina Akabogu; ED, Lagos and South West Bank, Fidelity Bank Plc, IK. Mbagwu and Divisional Head, Operations, Fidelity Bank Plc, Martins Izuogbe at the graduation ceremony of the bank’s IOPS International Trade Finance Interns in Lagos.

Electr onic fraud: Banks need collaboration — Kuru Electronic

By PETER EGWUATU

F

OLLOWING the rising in cidents of Electronic Fraud (e-Fraud) in the financial sector of the economy, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Bank Limited, Mallam Ahmed Kuru, has called on banks to establish anti-fraud departments as a way of curbing the menace.

Delivering a keynote address titled “When All Goes Wrong: Mediation and Arbitration Best Practices,” at the just concluded August 2014 meeting of the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) in Lagos, Kuru who was represented by Mr. Chuks Ekpunobi, the bank’s Head, Strategy & Corporate Transformation said this was also the time for banks to collaborate to eradicate e-Fraud, which he also described as a “common enemy.”

He said statistics provided by the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) was frightening because it showed that electronic fraud has been in an

upward trend since 2010. He said this is worrisome because the increase is both in terms of the number, volume and sophistication that are driven by high powered technology. Unfortunately, however, he argued that bankers, auditors and internal control officials of financial institutions may not be as knowledgeable as the

fraudsters themselves. Therefore if we are to make progress in this direction, banks need to as a matter of urgency, establish anti-fraud departments with staff that would always be ahead of the fraudsters in every sense of the word.

According to him every financial institution should take the issue seriously because this year

alone, the industry has lost about N2 billion to electronic fraud from the first and second quarter. Should this trend continue, about N5 billion would be the estimated loss by the end of 2014. If this is not checked, the trend will lead to unbearable levels of capital erosion in the system.

CBN biometric project: FCMB begins BVN registration of customers

A

S the pilot phase of Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) registration exercise has ended within which 21 deposit money banks and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS) issued identification numbers to their internal customers, First City Monument Bank Limited (FCMB) has announced that it has commenced full registration of its customers in its selected 44 Branches in Lagos, including its Head Office located in Tinubu Square Lagos.

FCMB has also revealed that in the second phase of the Bank Verification Numbering exercise which has fully commenced, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has selected 1000 Branches from 21 money Banks in Lagos State with First City Monument Bank Limited having its 44 branches already conducting the registration exercise.

Speaking in Lagos, Mr. Nath Ude who is FCMB’s Executive Director, Service Management and Technology said “Our Head Office branch, Wuse Zone 4 branch in Abuja which were both selected during the first phase are fully carrying out the exercise as well as 42 other FCMB branches that are also fully automated with necessary equipment to capture biometric data of customers.”

Mr. Ude said all the bank’s customers, including staff are required to enrol and obtain their Biometrics Verification Numbers (BVNs). The exercise which has been described as seamless only requires a valid means of identification such as National ID, International Passport or Drivers‘ License.

Customers commend Sterling Bank for successful ATM activation

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USTOMERS of Sterling Bank Plc nationwide have commended the Bank for instituting a reward system for users of its Automated Teller Machines, ATMs during the ongoing ATM activations across the country. They expressed the opinion that such an exercise would encourage the use of ATMs in the country in line with the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Already, some of the customers who used the Bank’s ATMs in Lagos (Adeola Odeku, Idimu branches) and in some branches in Port Harcourt were given the one customer experience as they were

treated to what was termed Sterling Exclusive offerings. They include makeovers, photography sessions with celebrities, saloon services, spa /relaxation services, fashion incentives, exotic car rides and refreshment.

Speaking on the modalities for the activation, the Bank’s Group Head, Strategy & Communications Mr. Shina Atilola explained that customers who carry out transactions on Sterling Bank’s ATMs at selected branches will be prompted to experience the OneCustomer treatment of their choice from the list of gifts and activities on offer.

With this initiative, he said that the

Bank will create a conducive environment to interact directly with users of these channels. At the end of the experience, these individuals, according to him, will have a better understanding of the “One-Customer” proposition.

Mr. Atilola said: “As a responsible financial institution, Sterling Bank is committed to projects that would enrich the lives of its customers and at the same time support the laudable initiatives and policies of the CBN, particularly the cashless policy. This initiative will encourage card users to actually transact with their cards while those yet to obtain theirs will have no reason not to obtain theirs”.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014 — 25

*From left: Dr. Julius Faniran, Registrar, Osun State University; Prof. Okesina, Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University; Prof. Samuel Bandele, former ViceChancellor, University of Science and Technology, Ifaki, Ekiti; Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, Chairman, Executive Trainers Limited and Mr Lasisi, Bursar, Osun State University at the just-concluded Higher Education Training for UNIOSUN Principal Officers held at Osogbo campus.

Dons call for state of emergency in sector

Mass failure in WAEC:

BY DAYO ADESULU

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ROFESSOR Oyesoji Aremu, Deputy Director, Aca-demics, Distance Learning Centre, University of Ibadan, has called on the Federal Government to without further delay, declare a state of emergency in the education sector. The call is coming on the heels of the mass failure recorded at the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results recently.

He said: “Given the release of the SSCE results by WAEC, it can again be concluded that the clamour for the declaration of state of emergency in the educational sector is in order.”

According to him, in 2014, the results of SSCE by NECO and WAEC have shown that all is not well with the sector at secondary school level.

Mid this year, he noted, NECO affirmed that the performances of many candidates fell below the national average of 40.6 per cent which was in itself a poor performance adding: “WAEC’s results of May/ June 2014 put the percentage at 31.28, that is 1.6 million candidates that wrote the examiC M Y K

nations.”

Aremu who teaches Psychology in the Department of Guidance & Counselling, University of Ibadan said that a cursory analysis of this shows that just about 500,000 passed five subjects - English Language, Mathematics and three other subjects.

“Prior to this year’s WAEC results, performance has consistently been oscillating between 38.93 per cent in 2011 and 45.52 per cent in 2013.

Poor performance Although WAEC claimed that 31.28 per cent performance recorded by candidates from Nigeria was the best in West Africa, the fact remains that if that is statistically translated given the ‘strength’ of the country and on the face value, the result would be adjudged as poor,”Aremu said.

He averred that the poor performance would rub off on what would be obtained by a good number of these candidates in higher institutions most especially in universities given the preference of majority of par-

ents and their wards.

He asserted that the implications are rife generally on the

Nigerian society, its economy, body polity, social services, health sector and education.

“While stakeholders have dissected causes of this among Continues on page 26

Ebola scare: Attendance drops at holiday lessons

By Amaka Abayomi & Laju Arenyeka

H

OLIDAY lessons used to be an excuse for parents to get their children out of the house, while gearing them up for the next academic session.

For children, it was not just an opportunity to get ahead academically, but to spend time with their friends in a more relaxed environment.

For school authorities and

UNN students wage war against Ebola virus Pg.

27

other educationists, holiday lessons presented an opportunity to make extra money. However, with the recent plague of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, holiday lessons are taking on a whole new meaning—an increased risk of contracting the disease.

Determined to ensure the safety of their children, many parents who spoke to Vanguard Learning are boycotting holiday lessons.

One of such par-

ents is Mrs. Chinyere Chidiadi, who has shelved plans of allowing her children attend summer school for fear of contracting the virus. According to her, “there is no way I would allow my kids go for summer lesson because I don’t know who and what they may come in contact with, especially as the initial symptoms are similar to those of malaria.

Continues on page 26

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Vacancies everywhere in Nigerian universities -2 Pg.

28

Teenage scientists develop cure for halitosis Pg.

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26 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

Mass failure in WAEC: Dons call for state of emergency Continues from page 25 which are: poor attitude to education on the part of the learners, poor funding of the sector, infrastructure decay, unmotivated teaching staff, their inadequacy and politicisation of recruitment of teachers and their competency, not much is being said on remediation.

At this point, it is incumbent on the government at all levels to declare a state of emergency on the sector. More than ever before, the problems confronting the sector should be addressed by all. Nigerian public schools are dead and government policies for addressing this need to be re-appraised given the challenges confronting the sector.

Candidates from private schools While candidates from the private schools are said to be seemingly doing well, same cannot be said of their counterparts in the public schools.”

Dr Adebowale Adeyemi Suenu on his part said: “The mass failure potrayed the decay in the system. Our students are not studying again. The Nigerian environment is hostile to their learning.

The security situation in the country does not allow students to study. It has contrained the movement of our students to learning”Speaking further, Suenu stated that students do not have access to learning material adding that some of our students are not even attending school regularly. Ac-

cording to him, Some of them are now part time secondary students, just as ome of them trade in the morning while some in the afternoon without going to school.

His words: “ Because of the poverty level in the country, some of the students must first hawk for their parents before going to school. They have no time to learn. On the part of the teachers, they are no longer committed to their teaching job as some of them have abandoned the core teaching profession for trading in the school. For me, the solution is to restructure the system. The system needs total overhauling.”

“We must know what the secondary education is meant for, what the primary is meant for and what kind of students we want in the school. The type of country we are building will determine the type of graduates we will have.”

Meanwhile, Professor Comfort Banku-Obi from the University of Calabar UNICAL, in her reaction to the poor result said: “The failure is as a result of students failure to read their books. They rather engage in other non essential things than reading their books.The social media have taking greater percentage of their time. They need to devote more time to dtudying.

Banku-Obi also urged the Federal Government to institute English and Mathematic laboratories saying it will go a long way to help students do well in their studies and by extention in their examination.

Ebola scare Continues from page 25 “I have taught my children to adopt and maintain proper hygiene, part of which is washing their hands often, particularly before and after meals, after using the toilet and whenever they come into the house.

I have also made them understand the importance of not touching or shaking hands with everybody they come in contact with.” Aware that her efforts are part of a whole to the solution, this concerned mother urged school authorities, especially teachers, to make it a point of duty to teach their students the act of proper and regular washing of hand and the use of hand sanitizers.

Another parent, Mrs. Lola Idowu, is also keeping her children away from holiday lessons. “I don’t want to take chances with my children’s health,’ she said, ‘instead a teacher comes to the house for private lessons. I pray that a solution to this virus would have been found by the time school resumes to prevent an epidemic from happening.”

Another parent who did not want his name in print told our reporters that he had withdrawn his son from the holiday academy his mother earlier enrolled him in.

He said: ‘My son was enrolled in a holiday academy without my knowledge; as soon as I heard, I withdrew him from there because I don’t want him relating directly with too many people and increasing the chances of catching the virus.’

Fourteen year old student Chinasa Ikebi, attends summer lessons despite the Ebola palaver. However, some of her teachers are not as courageous.

‘I usually attend lessons organized by my church, but last week alone, about three of our teachers refused to come to teach and when we called them they said that they were afraid of catching Ebola.’ Some other students who spoke to Vanguard Learning said they are attending summer schools but are taking the necessary precautions like regular hand washing, use of hand sanitizers and less hand and body contact with people.

*Engineer Ebube George...There

isn’t anything so scary about mathematics and physics which are essential in science and eventual manufacturing.

Decadence in Nigerian education sector is systemic —Akinsola

BY EBUN SESSOU

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EMBER, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, has described the decadence in the education sector in Nigeria as a systemic problem which crept into the country in a gradual process.

In a chat with a cross section of journalists, Akinsola lamented that the situation is rather getting worse compared to what it was in the past.

The female lawmaker representing Ikorodu, constituency II, said, the issue of decadence in the education sector

was due to the fact that most Nigerians value certificate more than hard work. She added that this has contributed negatively to the quality of education in the country.

According to her, “In the US, a child remains in the playgroup until age five, this is because the child is in his formative years and there is need to bring out the potentials in the child before being occupied with books”.

She said, most students are not exposed to other things besides academics, adding that government should shift its focus to the importance of

education outside the four walls of the classroom. “There are other ways to be educated and be successful in life”.

While calling on government at all levels to live up to their responsibilities and bring back its glory, she said every stakeholder, including the parents, must ensure that the value system is improved upon. ”Parents should put a close watch on their wards because most of them are used to watching pornography. They don’t read anymore and most parents don’t have time for their wards.”

Berkley Academy graduates urged to pursue excellence

By DESTINY ESEAGA

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UTHORITIES of Berkley Academy, Lagos have enjoined the graduating class of 2013/2014 to pursue excellence and avail themselves of the endless opportunities that abound in order to make a difference.

The school, established in September 2008 by a group of America Certified educators led

by Dr. Maria Onyia, celebrated the graduating students for taking giant strides in different areas throughout the school year.

Members of faculty, staff and parents were appreciated for their exceptional performance and consistent demonstration of the highest degree of dedication.

Elated co-founder and proprietor, Dr. Maria Onyia expressed gratitude to God, members of faculty and the graduating class of 2013/2014 for performing excellently, thus giving the school a good sense of pride and reasons to exceed expectations.

Speaking at the Awards/

Teacher Appreciation and Valedictory Service of the school with the theme: Endless Possibilities, Dr. Onyia revealed that the objective of the school is to provide an international standard, students - centered learning environment, thorough the curriculum with emphasis on sciences and instructional strategies that will incorporate research based best practices, academic and social goals that challenge students to become pace-setters in the global economy. She said: “Berkley is

blessed with intelligent and hardworking students, committed and supportive parents and outstanding staff. We have grown from four students, three of them grow to over 250 (full capacity for single campus) with a long waiting lists. Special thanks to our highly committed teachers; they have worked tirelessly to provide a productive and positive learning climate where opportunities for quality instruction, creativity and academic achievement for each student is accomplished.

Some of the students during the competition at the fourth edition of Ose Young talent brain quest.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014 — 27

UNN students wage war against Ebola virus KELECHUKWU RAPHAEL, UNN

NIGERIA Society of Biochemistry Students (NSBS), University of Nigeria, Nsukka on Friday, came out en mass to protest the deadly Ebola virus that has claimed over 900 lives in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

This came after it was reported that 21 persons have been suspected of being infected with the deadly virus in Enugu by a nurse who had contact with the Liberian, Patrick Sawyer who brought the disease to Nigeria.

The rally was staged to sensitize and create awareness about the deadly virus and to do everything to stop the virus from spreading. The students protested round the school, going from one faculty to another, with placards conveying different messages which include, Ebola is real; Please stay alive. Prevent Ebola. Kick Ebola out of Nigeria. Kick Ebola out of Africa!”

In addition to this, NSBS also invited the students and staff of the university to a lecture which included talk

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* Biochemistry students of UNN awareness campaign on Ebola virus.

on Ebola virus and malaria.

The Department of Biochemistry also volunteered to carry out free HIV, malaria, typhoid, sugar level, blood group and genotype tests on people.

There was also administration of Grade A drugs and distribution of mosquito nets.

In an interview with a cross section of the demonstrators who bared their minds on the deadly virus, Anene Collins, a final year student and the

staging

an

outgoing president of the association said the campaign was as a result of the recent ebola disease epidemic in the society. He said: “This is a virus that can kill millions of people and it’s good we know what to do, how to do it and where to start from.”

He further said the students of the association took it upon themselves to have this rally in order to sensitize Nigerians so that the dignity of man will be restored.

VC blames increase in violence on govt, parents

BY Emmanuel Thompson, JABU

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ORAL decadence among youth and increased cases of violence in the country has been attributed to the unsupportive attitude of the government and bad upbringing.

The Vice-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Professor Sola Fajana at a teens’ programme held in the Christ Apostolic Church, Month of Blessing, Yaba, Lagos, highlighted the characteristics of a 21st Century youth and how family and so-

cietal influence largely contribute to a child’s mental, spiritual, academic and social growth.

In his words at the 5th anniversary of the Teens Chapel, "Religious knowledge and civics are no longer compulsory in schools; whereas, the Bible is not silent on many of the social and ethical issues with which we are confronted today.”

Speaking further, Professor Fajana urged parents to show love to their children as it would help take their minds off from peer pressure. “Our youth may never directly say

to us, ‘please love me’, but they need to know that we really care for them, and they deserve to be encouraged and complimented for good efforts.”

Fajana concluded that young people in the 21st Century will know more and have access to vastly greater quantities of information than ever before and possibly know more than their teachers, but good examples laid down by the elders and the government, can help influence them positively and put them on the right track.

Embrace education, shun corruption, Ihonvbere tells students KELECHUKWU IRUOMA Secretary to theEdo State Government, Professor Julius Ihonvbere has advised Nigerian students to embrace education and repudiate corruption.

This call was made by the Personal Adviser to Ihonvbere, Mr. Austin Osigwe during his speech at the National Association of Edo State Students public lecture at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) on Friday.

Prof. Ihonvbere said; “if

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SUCCESS RECIPE WITH UDEME ARCHIBONG successrecipe2009@gmail.com 08035095243

children are not sent to school and orientated properly, it will boost corruption in Nigeria.

Education liberates the mind. It frees the human mind and develops the human mind ethically.”

In order not to destroy the image of this country, he advised students to flee from acts of violence and take their education seriously. “Education is good for the wellbeing of the people. Education is not the end to a means, but the means to an end.”

He, however, said; “the government is doing everything

possible to reduce unemployment but note, government does not directly employ people, but creates avenues for employment.”

With about 95 per cent of educated civilians ruling this country and the cancer of corruption still growing rapidly, Osigwe said; “Nigeria’s political system needs a revolution. Classical corruption being practised by Nigerian politicians is threatening our nation’s foundation. Even our educated elites who are supposed to fight against corruption have engaged in it.”

NCE upon a time, there lived a farmer who was barely surviving. Although he owned a large amount of land, a recession and a drought were wreaking havoc. Circumstances took a downward turn, and in a bid to provide for his family, he started selling parcels of his land.

One day, an oil company executive informed the farmer that there might be oil on his property and agreed to pay him royalties for drilling rights. The farmer consented. The oil company went to work on the land. Guess what? They hit a gusher. In actuality, over a hundred thousand barrels of oil flowed before they were able to cap and control it. What happened to the farmer? He became an instant millionaire or what do you think?

Here’s the catch, the farmer had been a millionaire ever since he acquired the property. But until the land was explored and oil was discovered, brought to the surface and placed in the marketplace to cash it in, the essence of the true value of the land was depreciated and undervalued and this resulted in the farmer being buffeted with poverty when he had abundance with him all the time.

Most people drift through life just like the farmer did in the story above. They wallow in poverty when there exists infinite wealth within them; they look for help on the outside when all they will ever need to succeed have been packaged on the inside. When gold is mined, several tons of dirt must be moved to get an ounce of gold; but in order to see the gold, one doesn’t go into the mine looking for dirt-one goes in looking for gold.

Napoleon Hill revealed: “More gold has been mined from the minds of men that have ever been taken from the earth.”

Wow! That’s amazing. However, many from their childhood up to their adulthood have seen dirt in their lives rather than gold; even people around them are more than willing to show them the dirt in their lives all because they are all looking for the dirt.

Masterfully crafted masterpiece We all have gold-mine within but just as the gold lies deep in the earth and covered with dirt, our own treasures lie deep within us, covered with weaknesses, flaws, fears, doubt and ignorance. To get to the gold, you need to look for the gold. To mine the gold, you need to deal with the dirt and get past the dirt focusing on the gold.

You have something special. You are not an assembly-line product, neither were you mass-produced. You are a customized product. You were distinctively designed. You are a masterfully crafted masterpiece. Let’s authenticate the validity of these statements.

Since the inception of time to the infinity of time, no one has or will ever be like you. No one has the same finger-print and foot-print like you. Your sound frequency is unmatched by anyone. We all speak at different frequencies and think at different frequencies. All these have been scientifically proven.

Wow! You are a unique breed.

The big question is; how can we live out our uniqueness and maximize the infinite greatness within? Someone once said there are two great days in a person’s life: the day you were born and the day you discover why. Here’s the rub, the day you discover why you were put on earth is the day you start living rather than existing. Your unique purpose on earth which taps into your gifts and passion is the key to unraveling the gold-mine within and living a fulfilled life.

It is disheartening to observe people, who do not really have a sense of direction in life; people who do not know what they would like to do; people who know what they would like to do but don’t do it because they are held captive by fear; selfdoubt or they just do not want to pay the price. There are few people who know what they would like to do and do it.

What would you like to do if you knew you would not fail?

What do you love doing? What can you be willing to do for free and at the same time could be paid for it? Take some time alone and enumerate your assets; your strengths; abilities; gifts and talents and go to work on yourself.

Investing in your growth is the key to maximizing the essence of your true value.

28—Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

Take-a-girl child-to-work initiative: MultiChoice inspires undergraduates on hard-work Vacancies everywhere in Nigerian universities (2) “Those having torches will pass them on to others.” Plato 427-347 B.C.

Continues from last week

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*Fashion Entrepreneur, Mai Atafo, addressing UNILAG students during the "Take A Girl Child to Work" initiative organised by South African High Commission in partnership with MultiChoice Nigeria held at MultiChoice Head Office in Lagos.

BY DAYO ADESULU

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ultiChoice Nigeria has urged female students in tertiary institutions to prepare themselves for hard-work on the completion of their studies to ensure their success in life.

The General Manager, Mr Martin Mabutho gave this charge to 20 final-year female students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) during the Take-a-Girl-Child-to-Work initiative done yearly in partnership with the South African High Commission and the University of Lagos. The girls were selected from various disciplines ranging from law, economics, mathematics & statistics, engineering,

English, among others.

The one day visit, said Mabutho was to introduce the students to MultiChoice’s work culture, which he said was anchored on hard-work, honesty, integrity and team effort. He noted that MultiChoice is an employer of equal opportunity and prides itself as a champion on the empowerment of the girl-child.

He said:“As you set your eyes on graduation, it is important that you begin to think about your career and what you will like to do with your life once you start working. Remember that hard work and honest dedication to your calling will pay off in the long run.”

Meanwhile, Caroline

Oghuma, Public Relations Manager, MultiChoice Nigeria who had earlier briefed the girls of the company’s expectations lauded them for their enthusiasm and urged them to make the most of the day being a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Said she: “We are glad to be a partner in this initiative because it concerns the future of the girl-child. When you train a girl, you empower a generation. When you expose a girl to the work environment, you assist her in her career choice, future life and engagements.

The family, society and the country become the ultimate beneficiaries of this type of initiative.”

Education is for patriotism, says don

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DON at the University of Lagos, Professor (Mrs.) Ayoka Mopelola Olusakin of the Guidance and Counselling department has said that education should be for patriotism and development.

She spoke to our correspondent in Lagos after her lecture as guest speaker at the 16 th Graduation ceremony of Grace High School Gbagada. She noted

that lack of patriotism among the political class is the real reason why bad leadership, corruption and mismanagement have become impediments on the way of national advancement and progress.

She added that Nigeria needs to a create curriculum that will expose students to the core values of high moral integrity, discipline and love of fatherland.

* Students of Datforte International School presenting a dance during their valedictory service in Lagos.

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Her words:” We need to re-create our educational system to incorporate patriotism, discipline, integrity, and those core values and traditions of our people which in the past contributed to the emergence of our nation’s founding fathers who served the country meritoriously. The present situation where there is widespread debasement of our value system is really an embarrassment.”

Olusakin observed that corruption has become so rampant at all levels of government because leaders are not patriotic. She also said that it is possible that the kind of education available is not promoting patriotism. ”That is why we are saying that we need a new curriculum.

We need curriculum review to address social ills like corruption and other criminal activities going on all around the nation. She advised the 53 graduating students to work intelligently by having a plan because "he who fails to plan, plans to fail.”

BVIOUSLY, the insistence by the National Universities Commission, NUC, that all Nigerian universities must include entrepreneurship in their syllabus has created several vacancies in most universities which are not being filled in safe states and now unsafe areas.

One of the lasting impacts of the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northern states might eventually be acute shortage of lecturers in any discipline in those universities. Universities situated in or near state capitals are hard pressed enough to get people now to teach their students those in remote areas are experiencing an erosion of academic and non-academic staff on an unprecedented scale. Two cases came to my attention recently and they portend dire consequences for university education in some states.

The first was from Yobe State, a lecturer in agriculture – who had taken up the job because it would make it possible for him to receive rapid promotion and perhaps become Head of Department faster than at established universities.

Everything went according to plan for three years – until late last year when two senior staff members resigned their appointments fearing that the war would get worse. Rapid promotion came even faster than the lecturer expected. Early this year, another resignation made him Acting Head of Department.

Search of students Nothing could be better. While others ran for dear life, he decided to “ wait and see.” A month ago, he was driving with his family – wife and two kids – when terrorists struck on the road. They barely escaped with their lives but could not go home until the next day because there were rumours of the insurgents lurking around in search of students and lecturers. Now he is no longer waiting; because he had seen enough. Furthermore, he vowed that once he manages to evacuate his family and as much of their possessions as he can, he will never again return to that state.

There is now a whole department where there are numerous vacancies but nobody is interested in taking up the jobs.

There are two lessons here – one for students seeking admission and the other for lecturers seeking employment.

The case of this university, name withheld, which is becoming prevalent in certain sections of Nigeria, indicates that for a long time, there mught be vacancies which nobody will apply to fill and students will be well advised to avoid some universities which have a long list of vacancies for academic staff. They could gain admission only to discover that there are no teachers.

The Nigerian university environment is rapidly becoming an unsafe place for students in many respects. They could be paying for services not rendered and they could suffer incredible bodily harm. They could also find themselves in an empty classroom.

The second case involves a lecturer in a university in one of the southern states. Like the first lecturer, he had taken up the job because of the possibility of rapid promotion. His own dream turned to a nightmare very quickly. He arrived the campus a week before the university was to resume last year and was eager to meet his new students. He went to the Head of Department; who asked him to wait for the list of students admitted for the courses. Two days to commencement, he noticed that the campus was still very quiet. Another visit to the HoD produced the same answer.

On commencement day, the faculty was told that only nine people had applied for admission to read the course; three were completely unacceptable; one was marginal; that left only six students for a faculty of five to teach….

Now who says there are no vacancies in Nigerian universities?

Visit: www.delesobowale.com or Visit: www.facebook.com/biolasobowale

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34—Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

BITS Bits

THE Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has announced the appointment of Dr Peter OzoEson, its Chief Economist and Head of Research Department of the Congress as its substantive General Secretary.

The appointment was part of decisions reached at National Executive Council, NEC, of the NLC, held at Enugu, Enugu State.

However, the effective date was not stated.

In a communiqué signed by NLC President and Acting General Secretary, Abdulwaheed Omar, and Chris Uyot, respectively, the NEC-in-session informed that the next delegates conference of the Nigeria Labour Conference would take place in Abuja from February 912, 2015. It announced the appointment of a substantive General Secretary in the person of Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, who until his appointment was the Chief Economist and Head of Research Department of the Congress.

“The NEC-in-session noted the up-coming general elections in 2015 and also took congnisance that some of our colleagues are preparing to go into party politics to actualize their political ambitions. The NECin-session expressed its general support and encouragement to comrades with such intentions."

FG moves to formulate national policy on skills development TOWARDS bridging the gap in skills development efforts of the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity is set to formulate a National Policy on Skills Development.

Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, made this known, in Abuja, while receiving on courtesy visit the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, led by its President, Engr. Kashim Ali. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Clement Illoh, the Minister said “There is a lacuna in our skills development efforts in this country. There is no National Policy on Skills Development and no country can have meaningful development without Policy on Skills Development. We need a road map on where we want to be.”

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Adopting new strategy In her remarks, Ondo State chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Bosede Daramola, lamented the rising rate of unemployment in the country, saying the recent unemployment report released by the Federal Bureau of Statistics, FBS, put unemployment rate at 42.4 percent.

According to her, “those of us that are lucky to have employment, have no job security as such, we have to do our best to protect our SEMINAR: From left, Douglas Adiele, General Secretary; Boniface Isok, President jobs. There are increasing cases of of NUCFRLANMPE and Samuel Ajayi, representing Chemical and Non-Metallic unfair labour practices in the world Products Employers' Federation, CANMPEF, at the seminar. of work. Hence, I can say the theme of your seminar is very apt.

Increasingly, employers and government are coming out with antilabour and bad policies. We have to fight these policies to ensure a better living condition for all of us.”

She decried the increasing use of strike as a tool by workers and unions in the fight against perceived injustice, saying it is becoming very monotonous and no Unfair labour practices

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG longer achieving its desired purpose.

Speaking on increasing cases of unShe said “strike is becoming monotoETWEEN August 11 and 15, mem fair labour policies and practices, Com- nous. It is no longer achieving result. We bers of the National Union of Chemrade Isok said, “It is quite sad to say that need to go back to the drawing board and ical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Nonin the year 2005, the Federal Govern- rethink to come out with a more effective Metallic Products Employees, NUCFRment introduced casual, contract or tem- strategy.”

LANMPE, gathered in the ancient city of porary staffing into this country thereby The NLC chairman also lamented the Akure, the Ondo State capital to examine placing Nigerian workers under bond- worsening power supply and its negative Emerging Challenges in Industrial age of slavery. How can Federal Gov- impact on the socio-economic wellbeing Relations Practice: Chemical and Non-Meernment encourage casualisation when of the citizens.” tallic Sector Experience. there is outcry of "no job" in the country?

The programme, being the 23rd Annual Those in the corridors of power should Declining manufacturing sector Industrial Relations Seminar, attracted not look after themselves but think of the Speaking, Executive Secretary of leaders of union at all levels across the citizens who elected them into office. At CANMPEF, Mr. E. F. Ali, represented by country. It also had employer’s federation, this point, I will like to give kudos to the Mr. Samuel Ajayi, said “The importance human resource practitioners among others House of Representatives for the success- of the manufacturing sector (within the in attendance. ful passage of the second reading of a “Chemical and Non-Metallic” sub sector Addressing the opening ceremony, Presbill to provide a time frame for the operates) to an economy cannot be over ident of the union, Comrade Boniface Isok, Regularisation of Casual or Temporary emphasized in the modern world; manureminded participants that the seminar was Employment to Permanent Status by all facturing sector is regarded as a basis for not a jamboree or a carnival but an aveemployers of labour in Nigeria. This determining a nation's economic efficiennue to equip and upgrade members and shows that our elected It is quite sad to say that in the leaders for optimal productivity as regards officers can feel the pulse understanding the dynamics of Nigerian of the masses if they year 2005, the Federal Governeconomy. choose to.” ment introduced casual, contract According to him, “Challenges in industrial relations are numerous and it is New cement policy or temporary staffing into this quite worrisome that they defy the known NUCFRLANMPE’s country thereby placing Nigerian theories of industrial relations. There are President lamented that challenges arising from internal and ex“the proposed new ceworkers under bondage of slavery ternal environment with the latter having ment policy is quite worrisome, the proponents of the cement cy (Amakom, 2012). However, after the overbearing influence in shaping and dicstandardization failed to put so many discovery of crude oil in Nigeria in the tating industrial relations practice in the things into consideration. The intention late 1950’s, the nation has shifted from world of work. This is simply because the of government to phase out 32.5 grade its pre-eminent developing industrial proexternal factors include socio-economic and cement based on the frequency of duction base and placed heavy weight on political policies and legislations under building collapse in the country is not crude oil production, it also aggravated which industrial relations thrive. in the best interest of the country because the Nation’s level of unemployment. For “Moreover, it has become a herculean government failed to take into consider- instance, the manufacturing sector of the task to expand the membership base of the ation the fact that cement is not the only economy contributed only 8.02 percent to union through recruitment while it is also component in building construction. the new Gross Domestic Product (GDP) difficult to keep the existing members due Government should look into the type data out of the total 2013 GDP rebased largely to closures or relocation of factoof iron rods, granite and other inputs in estimate of N80.22 trillion ($510 Billion). ries and routine redundancy exercise owThough this was an improvement over the building construction.” ing to shrinkage in the operations of He decried government's lack of plan- figures recorded in the last one decade, industries in the sector. Economically adning, saying “the years of grace for ce- nevertheless, when compared to the invanced reasons given by the employers ment plants to be upgraded to meet with ternational communities, the percentage have resulted in the promotion of casual the production of 42.5 ‘grade of cement contribution of the Nigerian manufacturand out-source employments which are fast is completely ignored. The problems for ing sector to total GDP is very low. replacing the normal regularized job-stathe planners and executors of any project tus.”

Labour worries over emerging trends in industrial relations practice B

,

NLC gets new scribe, plans delegates' conference for Feb 2015

are compounded when overzealous influential individuals manipulate the policy to their favour and the government dances to their tunes.”

,

Vanguard,THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014—35

NLC bids to enforce group life assurance policy for workers

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG NIGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, has said it will compel employers of labour to maintain group life assurance policies for their employees with a minimum benefit of three times total emolument in line with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2014.

This was part of the

decision reached at the National Executive Council, NEC, of the NLC, held at Enugu, Enugu State.

In a communiqué released by NLC and Acting General Secretary, Abdulwaheed Omar, and Chris Uyot, respectively, “The NECin-session resolved to get all employers of Labour to maintain a group life assurance

policy for their employees with a minimum benefit of three times total emolument in line with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2014, Section 4 (5).

The NEC-in-Session noted with concern the delay by government in implementing the 33.3 per cent increase in pension payment approved by stakeholders and vowed to secure

its implementation; National Pension Commission, PenCom, has on several occasions sounded a note of warning to employers on the need to have group insurance policy for their workers.

In a notice to all employers of labour, the commission said “This is to remind all Employees in the public and private sectors covered by the Pension Reform Act 2004

(PRA 2004) that it is their right under Section 9(3) of the PRA 2004 (now amended) to have Life Insurance Policy taken on their behalf by their employers for an insured amount of not less than three (3) times their annual total emolument.

Employees are also required to ensure that all pension contributions deducted from their salaries and/or contributed by their employers are remitted

to the Pension Fund Custodian (PFC) by the Employer not later than seven (7) working days from the date of payment of their salaries.

Employees are therefore advised to report to the Commission where the employer fails to take the minimum required Life Insurance Policy in their favour; submit the evidence of compliance with life insurance policy to the Commission and to the applicable Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) of the staff; and remit the deducted pension contributions into their RSAs.” Earlier, PenCom has issued a guideline on the policy to employers, saying “In accordance with the provisions of Section 9(3)of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2004 and Section 5.5of the Guidelines for Life Insurance Policy for Employees, Employers of labour covered by the PRA 2004 are required to submit copies of the Insurance Certificates with the schedule of benefits to the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) where the employees maintain their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs).

The Insurance Certificates should state that all employees are covered up to an amount not less than 3 times their respective annual total emoluments (ATE).

“Employers that have not yet submitted copies of Insurance Certificates for the current year to the Commission and Employees’ PFAs are therefore advised to do so before 31 March, 2011 failing which the National Pension Commission would consider such employers in default of Section 9(3)of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2004.”

It added that “the Guidelines for Life Insurance Policy for Employees can easily be assessed and downloaded from the following website address:www.pencom.gov.ng/ guidelines/guidelines for Life Insurance Policy.”

36—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

NBA Conference: Lawyers divided over Ebola members are still holding meetings.

So, there is relatively no reason why it should be postponed.

Our executive should just make sure that adequate preparations are made. There should be medical arrangements on ground in case of any incidence.

BY INNOCENT ANABA, ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH, ONOZURE DANIA & BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

T

HE Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has scheduled its annual general conference for August 24, 2014 in Owerri, Imo State.

The association’s conference, often has in attendance, over five thousand lawyers from across the country and outside the shores of the nation.

But with the landing of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)in Nigeria, courtesy of the Liberian-American, Mr Patrick Sawyer, who died some few days afterwards and the four other reported deaths recorded so far, there are concerns over the propriety of the August event.

The ebola virus is also ravaging some other West African countries, namely: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

It will be recalled that the World Health Organisation, WHO, had on August 8, declared the current outbreak of the EVD in West Africa, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, PHEIC. On the same day, Nigeria’s Federal Government proclaimed a nation-wide pub-

*A gathering of lawyers. some lawyers have raised concerns, that just like other major gatherings have been put on hold for now, that the NBA should postpone its Owerri annual conference.

Chief among those making the call is the Chairman of

,

Between the day that Ebola broke out in Nigeria till today, I am sure that over 2000 people have died of malaria, than the Ebola virus that has claimed the live of four people. So, it is not as much a danger as people make it to be

,

lic health emergency for the same reasons. Among the control and prevention measures, both the WHO and the Federal Government discourage large gatherings during this emergency.

Ebola, according to experts, is highly infectious and contagious.

As efforts are being made in Nigeria to contain the virus, before it becomes a major health disaster in the worlds most populous nation, Nigeria,

Governing Council of National Human Rights Commission, HNRC, Prof Chidi Odinkalu.

Aside his public statement on same, he went further to argue that if the Heads of State of Africa at the African Union can defer a regional summit because of Ebola, he saw no justification with the leadership of the NBA, insisting on going ahead with the Owerri conference.

Vanguard Law and Human Rights, sought the views of

lawyers on the development.

Excerpt: Dr Olisa Agbakoba SAN“From what I know, the NBA, has not postponed the conference and has not issued any statement to that effect, it means that it will still hold, as they are yet to issue a statement. In my view, the NBA, should send advisory to our members, if its still going to hold, the best the NBA, can do for now, is to send advisory to members that there would be sanitizers at the venues of the conference and put some ground rules on how the entire conference will go.

The organisers must make sure there are enough sanitizers there, and precaution has to be taken.

Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN It must hold. Anybody that does not want to come should not come. It is the view of an anarchists that the conference should not hold. But then, they should be careful because whatever we start in this country we forget that other people are

Justice K.O. Anyah (Rtd): The last of the titans is late — Pg 38 C M Y K

watching from outside the country.

We should stop playing politics with very important things. Between the day that Ebola broke out in Nigeria till today, I am sure that over 2000 people have died of malaria, than the Ebola virus that has claimed the lives of four people.

So, it is not as much a danger as people make it to be. It is not even something that should be subjected to a debate.”

Mrs Funke Adekoya, SAN “I don’t know if the NBA conference has been postponed, but I think it should be postponed in my view, because of the security and health issues in the country right now, the same reasons should make them postponed the conference, but if its not postponed, I will attend.

Chief Joseph Nnwobike, SAN I think the conference should still go on. The Redeemed Christian Church of God held a conference, and it went on,

Chief Morah Ekwunoh If the whole world microcosm of activities, even in Liberia where Ebola is most widespread, is in constant motion, notwithstanding the outbreak of Ebola epidemic, there is no compelling, convincing and coherent reason why the allimportant Annual Bar Conference should be shelved or suspended on the alter of Ebola.

All we can do is to studiously emulate Aso Rock, Churches and other bodies and organisations by crafting, inventing and perfecting, as done by them, our own mode of greetings and, generally, interacting with their added benefit of comic relief while the conference lasts, instead of the unwholesome and unreasonable act of throwing away the baby with the birth-water, as implicit in the suggestion for postponement or abortion of same. After all, necessity is the mother of invention.

Mr. Yinka Farounbi, Chairman, Ikeja bar “We understand the extent to which the disease has spread within the country. However, it has not been as terrible as we are trying to paint it. For instance, it has not turned to be a national calamity of any sort to warrant the cancellation of the national conference of the NBA backed by our bye laws.

Continues on page 37

Corruption and Human Rights Law in Africa by Dr. Kolawole Olaniyan — Pg 39

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014—37

NBA Conference: Lawyers divided over Ebola disease Continues frompage 36 There were several conferences and congregations that have come up since the outbreak of the disease in Nigeria, that did not make the organisers to cancel their programmes. There was a congregation of over 2000 people supporting the second term of the president, that has not made them to suspend the programme.

“We have less than 10,000, members participating in the conference, so why must that be an issue? As far as I am concern, we do not need to suspend or cancel the conference.

The irony of it is that the disease can catch anybody, anywhere. We are exposed to the danger no matter where we are.

We have not heard of the break out of the disease in Imo State, where the conference is holding. My advice is for the organisers of the conference to put stringent measures in place

*Okey Wali

I do not think that Ebola is something that should be creating fears in Nigeria.

I do not think the NBA meeting should be postponed because of Ebola. Are people not eating, are churches not going on with their prayers? We should not think like those who do not believe, let us trust in God. NBA should have confidence in God. Mr Ogunye Jiti I am expected to participate

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I will say that the NBA should postpone the conference, pending when the Ebola Virus is contained

to protect participants against the eventual outbreak of the disease.

They must be adequately prepared by upgrading the health facilities and also for members to step up our personal hygiene. They must provide sanitizers, screen those participating in the conference and ensure that there is medical team on ground in case of any eventuality.

Unless and until there is serious outbreak of the deceased of Ebola in Imo State, there is no reason for the cancellation of the conference.”

Mr. G.O. Ekisola Why should the NBA conference not hold because of the Ebola virus? People are just talking the way they like about Ebola. After all, in cases where it has been said to exist, precautions have been taken. So,

EDITORIAL TEAM Innocent Anaba ( Head) Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri Dayo Benson (Supervising Editor) 08056180119 dayobenson@yahoo.com

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in a conference in September at Abuja and lots of people were expected to attend the conference as well, but the conference has been called off because of the out break of Ebola, even though we have not gotten to September.

If we use that as an example, I will say that the NBA should postpone the conference, pending when the Ebola Virus is contained.

That conference was called off because a lot of people are coming from outside the country and all over Africa. The Lagos State Government issued a statement to congregation of Churches and other gatherings that there should be no gathering, but quickly withdrew same.

In any case, may be as a lawyer, I know that the NBA conference has become a ritual that

*Chidi Odinkalu

when all what is discussed and is used in our constitution, if there is a good reason for us to call off the conference, it should be called off.

Mr Wale Ogunade - The government is on top of the situation, I don’t think that the conference should be postponed because of Ebola, the government is seriously on top of the matter. I heard a governor of a state yesterday, saying that people should stop eating bush meat, so if you eat bush meat, stop eating it. Ebola shouldn’t stop the conference.

Mr Monday Ubani- Former NBA Chairman Ikeja branch, The outbreak has been contained, I don’t know why people did not stop the political rally on Saturday and that of Abuja? People are still selling in the market, people still go about their daily businesses, people walking the roads, the point is that the government is containing the matter. Let’s not give any bad impression to the outside world about our country.

I don’t see any reason, why the conference should not hold, if any says it should be called it off, I think that person, is not being fair.”

But the President of NBA, Chief Okey Wali, SAN, in a statement, reassured lawyers of their safety and of preparations and measures adopted to en-

sure that Ebola virus is far from the venues of the conference in Owerri.

He said “On Ebola Virus Disease, measures NBA has taken so far are as follows: purchased hand bacterial and viral sanitizers which will be given to every conferee for usage throughout the conference; Latex gloves and masks for our service providers deployed to man registration, Marshalls (if necessary), etc; Non-contact laser guns for temperature monitoring and screening of participants; Public installed, Standing dispensing non-contact hand sanitizers in select public places, with refills.”

Others include Dettol Antibacteria hand wash for the various restrooms +mobile toilets; NBA Owerri branch has secured the collaboration and services of Nigerian Medical Association NMA, Imo State Chapter to provide ambulances and other medical equipment and personnel; Education and enlightenment of mem-

bers. Example is to avoid shaking of hands and physical body contact.

“We will partner FAAN and Aviation Ministry for Airport screening on landing and surveillance at the Airports; We urge our members to please maintain higher standard of hygiene. Note that Imo state is not one of the states that have been flagged as location where potential victims have been sited.

“Please further note that all the conference participants do not gather at the same venue at the same time. They are usually spread out in different sessions going on simultaneously. It is on record that ever since the outbreak of Ebola, there have been larger gathering of people at the same venue at the same time like Churches, Mosques, Religious Crusades, Political rallies. At this gatherings, they always experience the minimum number of 5, 00 people at the same time. There is no NBA session at the annual general conference that has more than 2,000 persons at the same time. Therefore, the 2014 conference in Owerri, Imo State is safe.”

ESQ Legal Practice to honor outstanding law firms

L-R: Miss Adekemi Edema, Head, Legal; Mr. Lere Fashola, CEO/Publisher and Mr. Oluwaseun Adeboye, Head of Administration, all of Legal Blitz, at the ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards Press Conference, held in Lagos.

E

SQ Legal Practice Maga zine will September 18 honor outstanding law firms and legal professionals in Nigeria and in the diaspora.

The outstanding law firms and legal professionals would receive Award for their contributions in key business transactions, practice areas, strategic growth, excellence and innovation in client service, advancement in technology and support to the growth of the le-

gal profession at large.

Speaking on the awards in Lagos, CEO of Legal Blitz Limited, Mr. Lere Fashola, said: “As globalisation of legal services reinforces the need for standardisation of practices and systems, the legal profession in Nigeria continues to witness greater changes and innovative achievements far higher than many other sectors in the economy."

38—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

THE SAN'S PULPIT with Awa Kalu, SAN Justice K.O. Anyah (Rtd): The last of the titans is late I

N mythology, the Titan is thought to be one of the 12 children of Heaven and Earth, ancient gods of Greece, probably of the pre- Hellenic population according to the New Webster ’s Dictionary of the English Language, International Edition, In conventional usage, a Titan is someone or something of very great strength, size, intellect or importance, also named after the Titans in Greek mythology who belonged to a family of giants. I have no doubt that the late judge and jurist, Hon. Justice K. O. Anyah (Rtd), belonged to a family of giants, at least having regard to his pedigree and the company of legal and judicial brethren that

Prime Minister, (both deceased) were of his class. Upon his return from England, he had a short stint in private practice as a legal practitioner. He found immense satisfaction in legal practice and this took him through the Southern Cameroons before his preferment to the lower Bench as the first Magistrate from the present Abia State.

After his appointment to the Magistracy, Justice Anyah rose steadily through the ranks and became the first lawyer of Abia State extraction to be appointed a Chief Magistrate. A short while later, he was entrusted with the office of Chief Registrar of the High Court of Eastern Nigeria.

On the 15th of March 1966, he

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Up until he passed on, Hon. Justice Anyah was still actively involved in the affairs of his local community, Amaekpu, Ohafia, and was a member of the Abia State Council of Elders

he kept in his active years in the service of the law. I have referred to him as the last of the Titans because two of his contemporaries departed this sinful world a little earlier. His friends for a long time, Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa who retired as a Justice of the Supreme Court and The Hon. Chike Ofodile SAN, one-time Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, were definitely in that family of giants. Go a little further back in time, several other names come to mind- Hon. Justice Mbanefo, erstwhile Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Phil-Ebosie, Hon. Justice Aseme are some of his contemporaries, now deceased.

Eminent dignitaries Hon. Justice Kalu Okpan Anyah is aptly regarded by many as a ‘man of many firsts’. He is the first son of Ohafia and the third from the old Bende Division of Abia State (after the late Barrister E.K Uku of Arochukwu who was called to the Bar on September 14, 1949 and late Barrister Echeme Emole of Abiriba who was called on September 2nd 1952), to become a lawyer.

Late Dr. Jaja Anucha Wachuku (who was called to the Bar on the 1st October 1947) was the first person of Abia State extraction to become a lawyer.

Called to the English Bar on February 11th 1954, and enrolled as Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on March 27th 1954, Hon. Justice Anyah shared illustrious company in his set. Notable and eminent dignitaries such as Chief Kehinde Sofola, SAN, and Margaret Thatcher, former British

,

was elevated as judge of the High Court of Eastern Nigeria (vide Eastern Nigeria Gazette 1966 No. 36 Vol. 15 page 376, Eastern Nigeria Notice No. 525; Bench and Bar in Nigeria by Gani Fawehinmi, page 78).

Upon the creation of the defunct East Central State, he became a judge of the High Court of that state and was subsequently inherited by the High Court of Imo state when that state was created in 1976.

Retirement from judicial service Happily, other Bende sons were to join him on the bench much later. To name but a few of these gentlemen: Abai Ogbonaya Ikwechegh was appointed a Judge of the High Court of East Central State on 3rd February, 1972 (vide Nigeria Official Gazette 1972 No. 6 Vol. 59 page 201, Government Notice No. 379; Bench and Bar in Nigeria

by Gani Fawehinmi, pages 136, 137 and 89 respectively). Several distinguished judges of Abia extraction have also joined the roll of honour. A goldfish has no hiding place. Consequently, Hon. Justice Kalu Anyah was later translated to the Court of Appeal in 1977 as a Justice of that Court. His distinguished career saw him catapulted later to far away Borno State as its first indigenous Chief Judge, on secondment from the Court of Appeal Bench. He later retired from his position as Chief Judge in 1985.

His retirement from judicial service did not afford him any respite from public service.

Consequently, he served as Chairman of the Governing Councils and Pro-Chancellor of

is still holding his own in public service while his other daughter, Mrs. Odide Okoro, is a chartered accountant. His longevity, of course, rewarded him with the good fortune of seeing several grandchildren qualify in different fields including law, economics, politics, education and the sciences including architecture. The great grandchildren are multiplying by the day and are showing signs of dominance in the near future. Surely, the preservation of his legacy is assured.

To cut a long story short, prior to his sojourn abroad to study law, Kalu Okpan Anyah joined the Police Force as a Constable in August, 1940 and served until 1951 when he left the shores of this country for further studies.

He passed out as best all-round recruit from a squad of 56 and won the Best Stick. He is one of eleven officers who opened the Police College, Ikeja in 1949 (which started as the Police Training School, Enugu). He lectured in Criminal law, Evidence and Police Duties and was a contemporary of a proud son of Nigeria, Chief Etim Inyang, who ended his distinguished career in the Police Force as the Inspector-General of Police.

Hon. Justice Kalu O. Anyah (Rtd) as would be expected, is survived by several children, grand children and great grand children. His widow, Elder Mrs. Margaret Eke Anyah is a wellrespected octogenarian, a celebrated homemaker, church leader, community leader and a mentor of several generations of notable mothers. Hon. Justice K.O. Anyah’s departure is a huge loss to the Ohafia community, Abia State and the entire nation. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

the University of Benin, Benin Ohafia, and was a member of the City, Imo State University, Abia State Council of Elders- a Okigwe and Abia State forum where elder statesmen anUniversity, Uturu. While in alyse the policies of government judicial service, he acted as and offer wise counsel. The Chairman of several Tribunals of Bende Forum and the Bende Inquiry. The most notable was the Consultative Assembly are orInvestigative Tribunal into the ganisations through which Juslate Fela Ransome-Kuti’s Kalaku- tice Anyah was able to give ta Republic. As the reader would service to the State and exercise clearly recall, the report of that his intellect. It is difficult to chronPanel generated so much icle the track record of a man who controversy that has not returned to the country as a altogether abated. lawyer in 1954- just about sixty Hon. Justice K. O Anyah years ago. recalled the sittings of the Panel In recognition of his immense with nostalgia and believed that and rich contributions to his comthe controversy was generated by munity, the state and the entire those who never read or studied nation, Hon. Justice Kalu Anyah the report. At any rate, he has been rewarded with several believed that the life of most great honours. men is dogged by controversies.

Perhaps it was this belief that en- Several tangled him with politicians honours during his tenure as the Chief Judge of Borno State. An attempt For instance, he was the Okpeto remove him unjustly from zue of Ohafia and is recognised office by the Governor, acting in by the Abia State Government as collusion with the House of ENYI ABIA- a title reserved for Assembly was vigorously chal- those eminent sons of Abia State lenged through the courts who have dedicated their lives culminating in an appeal to the to unrelenting public service.

Court of Appeal, Kaduna. The full Perhaps, it is fitting to note that court in a landmark decision held Hon. Justice Anyah was the that the Chief Judge of a State proud father of many successful could be removed under the children five of whom are lawyers Constitution of the Federal in their own right- Mrs. Ngozi Republic of Nigeria, 1979, by the Afocha Ibe (nee Anyah) being on Governor of the state on the record as the first female lawyer address supported by two-thirds from Ohafia, Abia State. The rest, of the House of Assembly in in order of seniority are Mrs respect of proved inability to Egoro Awa-Kalu (nee Anyah), discharge the functions of his Anyah Kalu-Anyah Esq., Nnenappointment and established na U. Kalu-Anyah and Mrs. and proved misconduct or con- Nwaobiara Ugenyi-Kalu. His travention of the Code of Conduct first daughter, Mrs. Grace Iruobefore the law courts and the ha majored in the physical Code of Conduct Tribunal sciences while Nnoke Anyah Esq respectively (see The Hon. Justice Kalu O. Anyah vs Hon. AttorneyGeneral of Borno State & Anor 1984 5 NCLR 225). His tenure as a judge is clearly borne out by his lucid judgments in the Law Reports particularly East Central State Law Reports and the law reports containing judgments of the Court of Appeal during his tenure.

Up until he passed on, Hon. Justice Anyah was still actively involved in the affairs of his l o c a l c o m m u n i t y, Amaekpu, *Austin Alege, Okey Wali, Wale Babalakin and Obi Okwusogu

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014—39

BOOK REVIEW Corruption and Human Rights Law in Africa by Dr. Kolawole Olaniyan:

IMPEACHMENT: Open letter to State Chief Judges (2) A coming of age story of the anti-corruption movement

BY YUSUF AHURAKA

BY ABDUL TEJAN-COLE

T

HOSE suspended were Justices Chi ka Okoli (Anambra), Ya’u Dakwang (Plateau), and both the Chief Judge of Ekiti state, Justice Kayode Bamisile and the former acting chief judge of the state, Justice Jide Aladejana”.

Chuka Okoli, former chief judge of Anambra State, will not forget in a hurry the powers of NJC. He was placed on suspension by the council for what is considered to be his inglorious act in the controversial impeachment of Peter Obi as governor of the state. Before Governor Virginia Etiaba effected the decision of the council to appoint an acting chief judge, Okoli even tried to give instructions to other judges as if NJC does not matter.

Justice Kayode Bamisile, his Ekiti •Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar State counterpart, was also sanctioned (CJN) for similar misconduct. The former chief judge allegedly compromised himself by Chris Ngige, who was then the governor of Anambra State. Nnoruka Udechukwu, the state attorney-general The latter is one of the and commissioner for justice, petinine judges so far retired tioned the NJC, complaining that the ruling was in bad faith and against the for endorsing code of conduct of judicial officers. unnecessary ex-parte Nnaji was probably encouraged by the applications. They are not reluctance of the federal government to implement a similar decision of the the only casualties of council on Wilson Egbo-Egbo, anothpolitical cases. Five others er high court judge, for granting an injunction directing Ngige to stop pawere implicated in the rading himself as the governor. But 2003 Election Petition shortly after Nnaji committed his own misconduct, Obasanjo approved EgboTribunal in Akwa Ibom Egbo’s retirement. The latter is one of State the nine judges so far retired for enappointing on the investigation panel dorsing unnecessary ex-parte applicapersons believed to be cronies of sus- tions. They are not the only casualties pended Governor Ayodele Fayose, to of political cases. Five others were improbe the alleged misconduct of the plicated in the 2003 Election Petition governor. But Jide Aladejana, who Tribunal in Akwa Ibom State. They stepped into Bamisile’s shoes without adjudicated on the petition against the due process, goes with his boss in line re-election of Governor Victor Attah by with the council’s recommendation. Ime Umanah, candidate of the defunct Justice Ya’u Dakwang, the acting chief All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, at the judge of Plateau State, also lost his job election. By the time the NJC concludbecause of his reluctance to be guided ed its job, Matilda Adamu, a judge of by law in his participation in the proc- the High Court of Plateau State, Chrisesses leading to the removal of Gover- topher P.N. Senlong of the Federal nor Joshua Dariye. Before them were High Court, Lagos, and James Isede, Okechukwu Opene and D. A. Adeniji, a chief magistrate in the Edo State juwho were indicted for taking bribe on diciary, had earned themselves disthe matter of the senatorial election in missal from the judiciary. D. T. Ahura Anambra State. While Opene alleged- of the High Court of Plateau State and ly took N12 million, Adeniji was said A. M. Elelegwu of the Customary to have collected N15 million. Though Court of Appeal, Delta State, were recAkin Olujimi, Senior Advocate of Ni- ommended for suspension. The federgeria, SAN , and then federal attor- al government, after approving the ney-general, advised President Oluse- verdict of the council on the higher gun Obasanjo against their dismissal, officers in February 2004, sent their the President upheld the decision of case files to the Independent Corrupt the NJC. Olujimi based his advice on Practices and other Related Offences the procedure adopted by the council Commission, ICPC, for trial. in determining the case.

It is on these grounds, judges and They are not the only judicial offic- Chief Judges, who are involved in varers who fell victims to the political cri- ious political cases, especially as the sis in Anambra State. Stanley Nnaji, 2015 general elections approach, are then a judge of Enugu State High advised to learn from the eventualiCourt, was suspended in March 2004 ties which befell those of the past by for wrongly assuming jurisdiction on doing justice in accordance with their a matter outside his state. The judge oath of offices. had ordered Tafa Balogun, then in- *Yusuf Ahuraka wrote in from Abuspector-general of police, to remove ja.

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,

I

T is a huge honour and privilege to be invited by Dr. Kolawole Olaniyan to review this timely contribution to the human rights conversation in Africa. This book represents a scholarship that responds to the urgent governance need in Africa; a provocative endeavour that casts a different light on the understanding of corruption and an ingenious exposé that elevates corruption to an existential threat to human rights in the continent. The ability of author to weave this compelling narrative is both profound and commendable.

Each year, international anti-corruption day precedes human rights day, but in all other ways, the developing struggle against corruption follows the path laid by the human rights movement. In his seminal work, Corruption and Human Rights Law in Africa, Dr. Kolawole Olaniyan argues convincingly that anticorruption efforts would be best progressed by relying not only on the shoulders of national criminal law systems, but also thorough recognition by and integration into global and regional human rights law, norms and practice.

Norms and practices The 368 paged book painstakingly considers the many faceted perspectives of this proposition from a review of existing treatment of grand corruption schemes in domestic criminal law settings to a look at the wide-ranging scope of human rights protected by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international treaties impacted or violated by corruption, to the theoretical bases for applying the normative human rights framework to a problem which has proven too vast to handle through criminal law alone, results in a reference point for lawyers, judges, elected leaders and civil society alike to take the movement forward.

Dr. Olaniyan concludes with a proffering of several next steps which will undoubtedly provoke thoughtful debate in the years to come.

The conceptualization is that of a twoway street: anticorruption movement needs certain strengths the human rights law framework has established, and human rights, to be realized, must root out underlying causes of corruption.

In answering the question, why look to human rights law to address grand corruption, Dr. Olaniyan highlights several key points from moral to legalistic. In the early chapters of the book, he discusses the potential of depoliticizing and internationalizing the problem, and attaching an appropriate level of moral imperative to it.

It’s not just an abstract, victimless crime or tool for political revenge.

It’s a central cause of human suffering and poverty, and real people are real victims, everyday. He laments the fact that the victims are largely neutralised (and virtually anonymous) in the criminal process, with no access to human rights

remedies.

Education, health, development, and basic freedoms to information, association and life, fair trials and private property rights all languish in the hands of a governance structure laced with corruption.

Just as in human rights discourse, the socially and economically vulnerable suffer the most.

But where can we, the people, the “victims of corruption” go for redress? Who will hear our cries for help when we know all too well that our treasuries are being pilfered while public services – from physical infrastructure to fair criminal justice systems and humane, equal treatment of our populaces – are routinely denied?

Compellingly, Dr. Olaniyan discusses three key developments in human rights law that start to unlock the blockages currently encountered in attempts to seek adequate redress for corruption: limitations on the concept of state sovereignty, expanded notions of standing of complainants, and rejection of strict rules of causation which dominate national criminal legal systems.

As long as instances of grand corruption continue to be treated solely as particular criminal acts of individuals, various immunities will protect wrongdoers from sanctions and the argument of state sovereignty will politicize instantly international efforts at accountability. The human rights normative framework, however, has succeeded in limiting otherwise unchecked state power by imposing the duties to protect, respect and fulfill human rights, in effect, realizing a concept of public trust.

The state is entrusted to operate for the benefit and security of the people, not to take what it will from the people’s national coffers.

The human rights framework concludes that law protects people, not states; the power of the state is not absolute and cannot be used as a veil for abuse by its agents, but rather is responsible for their acts.

The application of this framework to grand corruption is clear, as is Dr. Olaniyan’s clear advice that sticking with a strict adherence to traditional norms of state and sovereign immunity of national criminal law systems will always keep us from touching the lifeblood of corruption. Looking instead to other frameworks, he spends considerable time with Article 21 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which evinces a clear intent to protect the peoples’ exclusive right to “freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources.”

While he discusses many articles of the Charter which are violated by acts of corruption, Article 21 stands out as uniquely positioned to address massive theft of public assets and money-laundering plaguing much of the continent. But how can people access the protection of Article 21 and the spectrum of human rights provisions, especially when “spoliation” or wasting away of what naturally belongs to them is indigenous?

To be continued.

40—Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

T

he question of who succeeds Governor Isa Yuguda has become the topical issue in Bauchi State among political stakeholders.

Apparently constrained by new political permutations arising from the emergence of his predecessor, Adamu Muazu as national chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Yuguda seems determined to hold his succession desires to his chest.

BY SUZAN EDEH

T

HE emergence of Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu as the People's Democratic Party national Chairman, the political equation of the governorship race in the state seemed to take a turn. Until this year when Muazu returned from political oblivion, Yuguda was largely seen as the major determinant on who would get the governorship ticket.

That has not stopped many aspirants to come out to show interest in the contest. Besides displaying their posters at every nook and cranny of the state metropolis, they are also consulting with key stakeholders in the state who have the power to influence the electorate and turn things in their favour.

It was, however, gathered that just as the governor and some of his associates were keeping their plans for 2015 close to their chests, some of the gladiators are also bent on

•Mu'azu

*Yuguda

Twists and turns Bauchi 2015:

around is to consolidate and have strong party structures.

They need to have internal party discipline and at the same time prepare ahead of time so that the injustice that was meted on them in the judicial system during 2011 general election does not reoccur". Buba said One of the burning issues that

,

Recently, the state was abuzz with the rumour that the governor may have settled for Ahmed Ibrahim Dandija, the current Secretary to the State Government (SSG), as his anointed successor

ensuring that the governor is not allowed to choose his successor on his own. Those in this league are also mapping out strategies on how to actualize their dreams.

The coming of the All Progressives Congress, APC as the major opposition party in the state, has been a help to those in this category, more so as the APC has started gathering momentum through intensified political activities.

A political analyst, Buba Abdullahi, however, lamented that the lack of unity and factions within the party could pose setback as was the case during the 2011 general election in the state.

"What APC needs this time

,

has been generating controversy among stakeholders is rotation of the governorship seat among the three senatorial zones: Bauchi South, Bauchi Central and Bauchi North.

Bauchi North and South have produced governors in the past leaving only Bauchi Central.

Bauchi South alone has produced the two governors in the current democratic dispensation while Bauchi North produced four deputy governors, Abdulmalik Mahmud, Garba Muhammad Gadi and Babayo Garba Gamawa and the incumbent Sagir Aminu Saleh, while Bauchi Central produced three secretaries to the State Government, Muhammed Nadada Umar, Alhaji Shu'aibu Ahmed and Barrister

Ahmed Ibrahim Dandija. The position of Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly was shared among Bauchi North and Bauchi Central while Bauchi South always gets the deputy speaker.

Recently, the state was abuzz with the rumour that the governor may have settled for Ahmed Ibrahim Dandija, the current Secretary to the State Government (SSG), as his anointed successor.

The SSG from Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi Central Senatorial District, who is perceived as Yuguda's most dependable associate in many quarters, has been in office since Yuguda's emergence as governor in 2007.

Associates of the SSG say he has declared his governorship ambition to his supporters and political allies, seeking their support to help him prevail on the governor to endorse him. But contrary to insinuations that the governor may have secretly endorsed a particular person for the job, the governor seems to be finding it difficult to make up his mind over who to support among his array of allies and political associates.

Sources close to him say he is under immense pressure from many quarters over the

issue.

"In all these, I can tell you that the governor is yet to endorse anybody. He is studying the situation critically with a view to determining what is best for the state. Those saying he has endorsed them are merely flying political kites," an associate of the governor said.

The inability of the gladiators to reach an agreement on how the zoning issue should be approached has given rise to a scenario where all the three zones are currently fielding aspirants who are viewed as serious contenders for Yuguda's job.

Adamu Tatari, a chieftain of the ruling party and a leading campaigner for one of the aspirants from the southern zone said that it is wrong for the central zone to say it has never produced a governor for the state. "Dahiru Deba from Old Bauchi Central, now Gombe State, was governor in 1983 in the old Bauchi State. He was elected as governor when Gombe was still part of Bauchi Central. This fact must not be swept under the carpet. This is why we are saying all the zones have had their fair share and it is time to start all over again," he said.

In spite of producing both the incumbent governor and

his predecessor, Bauchi South is currently parading aspirants that include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed; Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu Lame, a former Minister of Police Affairs; Senator Abubakar Maikafi and Mallam Ali Wakili.

From Bauchi North are Senator Babayo Garba Gamawa; Alhaji Muhammadu Garba Gadi; Alhaji Baba Tela; Alhaji Yayale Ahmed,;Dr Musa Babayo; Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; Senator Nazif Muhammad Gamawa; Engineer Sadiq Mahmud and Engineer Nuhu Gidado. Bauchi Central Senatorial District has in the race: Alhaji Ibrahim Makama; Deputy Senate Leader, Abdul Ningi (PDP); Barrister Dandija and Alhaji Nadada Umar, amongst others. Offering what analysts say may be the mindset of the ruling party in the state, a state official of the PDP in Bauchi State, Alhaji Bashir Bukar Rimin Zayam, said it is wrong to zone the position to one zone.

According to him, the party must avoid repeating the mistake made by former Governor Mu'azu in 2007. "Although we have not started talking about 2015, the best interest of democracy is to allow whoever is eligible to contest from any zone because Tatari Ali, who ruled in 1979, came from Bauchi North and ruled under the then NPN. After him, Dahiru Deba from Old Bauchi Central, now Gombe State, was governor in 1983 in the old Bauchi State.

Mu'azu and Yuguda are from the south," he said to further compound the many uncertainties about 2015 in the state.

While the inability of the governor to make up his mind about who succeeds him and other issues within the ruling party are directly or indirectly responsible for the cloudy nature of politics in the state ahead of the 2015 general election, feelers have it that the emergence of the APC as a formidable opposition party is another factor currently heating up the political landscape of Bauchi State.

Already, chieftains of the opposition party are vowing that the APC has what it takes to dislodge the ruling PDP during the next election. According to Nasiru Ibrahim Darazo, spokesperson of the party in Bauchi State, whatever is the calculation within the PDP, the party will not win the election in 2015 because the party has failed the people.

"PDP has failed to address the problems of insecurity, poverty, water, electricity, infrastructure, unemployment during its 16-year rule. So, Bauchi people need positive change in 2015," Darazo said.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014—41

Rivers 2015: Why Bonny deserves to produce Amaechi's successor — Hart

A

HEAD of the 2015 elections, a major thorny issue in Rivers where Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s successor should come from: Upland Rivers or Riverine Rivers. In this interview, Mrs Abie Atedoghu Bob - Abbey Hart, a lawyer, one of the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a member of Rivers Mainstream Coalition speaks on Why Riverine Rivers especially Bonny should produce the next occupant of the Government House.

Excerpts:

By Clifford Ndujihe

H

er take on the emergence of about 20 governorship aspirants for the race on the plank of the PDP It is a healthy development that must be checked in other not lose its flair. The Party leaders should moderate what happens in this regard to ensure that what is an advantage does not become a disadvantage due to the inability to contain the quest for governorship. Among the aspirants are known foremost politicians with pedigree and penchant for excellence who have tested the waters and have

the goodwill of the people in Rivers State.

The issue is critical and crucial because becomes governor of a place has a lot to do with the development of the state; we would be wasting a total of 24 years if make the wrong choice.

We must discourage sectional development or no development and advancement at all. Good governance can only be achieved when we remove sentiments to position the person who has the capacity, experience and exposure to provide unbiased leadership capable of growing the state.

On who should produce the next governor between Upland and Riverine Rivers There is no argument about the side of the two to produce the next governor, it is the Riverine Rivers. The Upland Rivers have produced governors consecutively, for 16 years. It is the turn of the Riverine. It is important we maintain the arrangement of the Upland and Riverine divide because it has worked for us. In the last 15 years and above, we have produced deputy governors.

The question is should we still produce a deputy governor? The Upland should produce the deputy this time. Particularly, the Ikweres have dominated the judiciary for 18 years and are still poised to keep it without any argument. The judiciary is one arm of the three arms. It is

therefore most unreasonable and inequitable for one ethnic group to keep two arms out of three and allow the rest to struggle to share one, the legislature between the Kalabaris and the Ogonis.

After producing two Ikwere governors in about eight years, another group should be considered in accordance with the zoning provisions of the PDP Constitution 2012 as amended in Chapter (1) section (7) sub section (3) item (c) under aims and objective of the Party, which provides for “adhering to the policy of the rotation and zoning of Party and public elective offices pursuance of the principle of equity, justice and fairness”.

It is indeed honourable for party leaders, members and all people to learn to respect the ideals and policies of the party and to try to accommodate others.

On which part of Riverine Rivers should benefit first This is the turn of Bonny by all know qualifications, including divine intervention and or arrangement. Bonny has for as long as Nigeria existed, participated in elections where their votes counted, but are negotiated out because every other community or group have a fair share of power except Bonny. And this is disturbing because Bonny is carrying the country’s economic burden and is saddled with problems of gas and crude oil-related processes exposing us to death from

*Hart inhaling the lowest quality of air and pollutants, terminal and untimely death and health issues.

Bonny has the lowest life expectancy rating of 30 years. We have never been part of any government; we have never produced a senator, chief judge, speaker, deputy speaker, deputy governor or governor. No position at all in any of the arms of government. Bonny people are well educated and have qualified people in their numbers to serve the state. That Bonny has not been considered in these matters is a misnomer and a major setback for the people of Bonny. The leadership should allow party policies and principle to prevail.

On her past governorship aspiration Today, I am an elder and a leader in the PDP. I aspired to

Edo North’s unsettled pair: Shagadi BYUSMANABUDAH

B

Y tradition, I am not a pol itician, but nearly made a slip to join a political party over a year ago and I will explain my reasons for daring such a move: I saw the developments that were going on in my senatorial district by the state government and just retiring from the Federal Civil Service, I had thought that to identify with the progressive government from my ward level, would create a platform to enhance my contributions, but I had a shocking experience which quickly put me on the reverse gear.

The shock came from a blood relation whom I had assigned to handle the booking of chairs and canopies and when I telephoned

him to ask how I can go about my registration at the ward level, he let out the shock: “you have to see our leaders back home before registration”. I ignored his message and asked: “where is the ward register and are you not the one to effect my registration?”

“Yes, but the leaders have to be seen?” he repeated.

“Who are they?” I asked.

“Shagadi is one of them”, he said.

“But he is from Ward three (3)” I replied.

He was quiet.

I did a quick calculation.

Shagadi and I know each other very well, and indeed, I am compelled to reveal here that he was once in the palace of the late H.R.H. M.J. Momoh, who was

the Otaru of Auchi Kingdom and was also a member of the Western Regional House of Chiefs and Shagadi, amongst his palace assignments used to be in the Otaru’s entourage to Ibadan. He is in a better position to reveal how he got the name “Shagadi”, which of course cannot be traced to his family line.

Severally, stories in the media originating from Alhaji Usman “Shagadi” and Hon. (Engr.)

Abubakar Momoh (presently a federal legislator (Etsako Federal Constituency) and of recent on page 13, Vanguard of Friday, August 8, 2014 a story credited to “Shagadi” titled – “Edo North Election between Oshiomhole, PDP” was quite revealing in expressing the mindset of the duo

contest for the governorship of the state under PDP in 2011 after 13 years of being elected to the Federal House of Representatives and waiting to be remembered. That mandate was unattended following the twist of tragedy and I had to allow the Party leadership’s decision for the choice of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to prevail over my interest.

And so dropping from the contest in PDP, I supported Mr. President for the very obvious reason of keeping my structure intact and my supporters with me.

This very action has come to add value to PDP today, as my group has enlarged the PDP family tremendously. I have since after the election continued with service to my party at various levels and capacities, and I feel good about it.

and Momoh

who defected from APC back to PDP. My main hobby amongst others is to watch and relate with politicians whose deceitful belief makes them think they are extremely clever and smart.

When they are not prepared to be led in any gathering, they will certainly not be followed when their time in leadership come.

For Hon. Abubakar Momoh, his political activities started as a councillor, then Local Government Council Chairman, State House of Assembly, and presently he is in the House of Representatives and aspiring to the Senate. Perhaps if he gets to the Senate, his next pursuit will be the governorship position.

It is a glaring fact that the duo of Shagadi and Momoh have lost

followership on ground at home.

Publications of stories in newspapers as the one credited to “Shagadi” doesn’t unfold the reality on ground over there.

Usman “Shagadi” would recall my last call to him suggesting to him to stay where he was in order to sustain his waning reputation rather than defecting to a party he once prepared a carton coffin, buried it and proclaimed that the PDP is dead and buried.

I don’t know of any community where coffins are exhumed and life is put back into the carcass of the long ago buried corpse.

*Usman Abudah, a Journalist and Founder, Afenmai Heritage and Cultural Studies, Auchi, Edo State.

Email: daggashabudah@gmail.com 08023397100

42—V anguard 42—Vanguard anguard,, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

Nigerian content, LADOL, and the Transformation Agenda (2)

2015 Guber: How PDP Caucus zeroed in on Abia South—Ukpai Agwu Following the controversy raised by the Abia State’s Equity Charter which zoned the 2015 governorship slot to Abia South Senatorial Zone through the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Vanguard went to Umuahia, Abia State to speak with Chief Ukpai Agwu Ukpai, one time SSA to Gov Theodore Orji on Security, Transport Commissioner, on the intrigues and intricacies behind the zoning. Excerpts

By Uduma Kalu

H

OW was the Abia 2015 governorship zoned to the South Senatorial District arrived at?

The governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji, in his wisdom, told us that he is a product of zoning, and that is why he has to maintain zoning.

Because if there were no zoning, may be, he wouldn’t have been a governor. Because he is a beneficiary of zoning arrangement, he decided to maintain that. Now, the essence of zoning is to defuse political rancour, bickering and political violence in the state. Abia North was the last to produce executive governor, which was Orji Uzor Kalu. Now, the thing moved to Central which is where we are now, which is Governor T.A. Orji.

It is just clear and fair and justifiable that the next the governor should come from South, which means the three senatorial zones in Abia state have had their own share of the governorship arrangement.

I wouldn’t know why anybody would like to challenge such arrangement. After that suggestion, the PDP Caucus, which is the highest body in all PDP arrangements in the state,

•Ukpai Agwu Yes, we don’t expect everybody to go home after the decision. It is true that when Orji Uzor contested, people came out for governor. But the party stood and said it would go to the North. The party zoned it to the North. The Central, the same thing. People also came out to contest. After that, the party said it would go to Central. The party has also said it must go to South. It didn’t stop anybody from contesting. If you say you can challenge the decision of the party....Remember

,

We are not doing ethnic politics here. If you are talking of ethnic politics, that is where you can talk of marginalisation

met here in Umuahia and they rose to declare that the governorship position has been zoned to Abia South. Thereafter, PDP stakeholders met and affirmed the same position. And the PDP in Abia state as a party also met and affirmed that the next governor would come from Abia South. If the party structure has zoned her governorship position, I don’t know who will be challenging that. And we who are the politicians here believe in the party, you know party is supreme. Party decision is final.

And a loyal, good party man has to obey the party’s decision. The party has said the governorship of Abia state has been zoned to Abia South.

But some say there was no zoning when North, Central produced governors. That contestants also came from other zones. Why this zoning that bars others?

,

the party holds the machinery for election. If you think you can challenge the party machinery, oh, good and fair. The governor has not told anybody you should not contest. But he has told you that their position is that they will go to South and pick their candidate.

If zoned to the South, made of Ukwa/Ngwa, what happens to the Ngwa people in the Central? Are they not being marginalised?

No, they are not marginalized.

The Ngwa in the Central, their geography is just the central. We are not doing ethnic politics here.

If you are talking of ethnic politics, that is where you can talk of marginalisation. But the Ngwa in the Central belong to Central.

And are part and parcel of this governor that is in the office right now. So, they cannot claim marginalisation. The man is representing them and they are

there. For in instance, I am from Ohafia. I will now say we have Nkporo, Abiriba and Ohafia-Ohafia North and South. So, if something is coming to Ohafia North; and I am in the South, will I now say I am marginalized?

No. If it goes to the South, will Abiriba say it has been marginalized?

No. By geography, they belong to the same constituency. There are no two ways about it. Nobody is being marginalized.

I saw Gov Orji’s posters rooting to become senator for Central where Sen Nkechi Nwogu, an Ngwa represents at the Senate. Now, with the zoning, what happens to her?

She can’t be senator. She can’t be governor.

No, she is free to contest the position that is zoned to them which is where she is. The governor says she can contest whatever position she wants.

People have asked the governor to come out, given the way he has run his office. He has impressed everybody from the South, in fact the entire Abia. And people from the Central are saying, “We will give you our support through prayers...to lead our senatorial zone.” Because has impressed everybody and they asked him to come out and contest. And anybody is free to also contest the office. This is democracy. It’s government of the people by the people and for the people. Anybody you like you vote.

If the zoning formula works, what about the Senatorial and Rep positions as I have heard that Chukwumerije who has been there for about eight years wants to go back?

Why we are not bothered by all these other positions is that the executive, which is the governorship, is the man who holds the leadership of the state.

To think of it, since the creation of Abia state, an Ngwa man has not been governor. And the only way we can make them feel they are part of Abia is to give them the opportunity to produce governor.

This is the concluding part of this article which was first published on Tuesday addition to giving them

By Umaru S. Abdullahi training opportunities. The Egina FPSO Project in simple language, was therefore a UT Nigeria seemed to poster boy of the Nigerian have abdicated her Content Law. responsibility to the youths. And The Samsung team soon as a former united Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan commenced work at the LADOL premises and this puts it, “A society that cuts off from its youth, severs its life project with a huge promise seemed irreversibly on. But line”. the cold harmattan month of The urgent need to create jobs December brought with it and importantly strengthen chilling news.

Nigerian companies to increase The Samsung team had their employment capacity and suddenly stopped work and capability explains easily the left the construction and deafening ovation that greeted fabrication site. Reason? the signing into law of the Samsung told LADOL that it Nigerian Content Act by had received a letter from the President Goodluck Ebele Ministry of Transportation, Jonathan on April 22, 2010.

Four years after, this law with through the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) ordering it to oil and gas thrust is yielding stop work at the site claiming massive results and actualizing that LADOL’s Freezone was one of the hey issues in no longer suitable for the President Janathan’s construction and operation of transformation agendaan offshore fabrication yard employment and empowerment of Nigerians. Indigenous oil and FPSO integration facilities.

But contrary to Samsung’s service companies and even those in the upstream sector are claim, NPA has since affirmed that it never sent any letter to today employing tens of Samsung asking it to stop thousands of Nigerians. They work. To clear any iota of doubt are joining hands to reinforce over its position, the NPA the efforts of government to raise the brave torch of wrote a letter to SAMSUNG requesting it to return to opportunities and hope that LADOL’s site at Tarkwa Bay to illuminates the way to a future of continue with the execution of promise. the construction and fabrication job as agreed with LADOL. Brave torch of Not only that, NPA further opportunities reaffirmed its confidence in LADOL and the capacity and This quest for a robust hope and an unwavering march into capability of the indigenous organization to live up to a peerless future which the expectations as far as this Nigerian Content Law project was concerned. epitomizes, received a major boost when on March 15, 2013 Redress Samsung through a joint in court bidding with LADOL, a world class indigenous oil service LADOL has since gone to company, standing as its Nigerian content partner, won court to seek redress. Close watchers of the oil and gas the contract for the construction industry are of the opinion that and installation of Total’s Samsung’s termination of the US$3.8 billion Floating partnership constitutes a huge Production Storage and obstacle to a potentially Offloading (FPSO) unit massive corporate partnership. otherwise known as the Egina More importantly, they hold FPSO Project. LADOL had the opinion that the Federal executed world renowned Government must intervene to projects including supporting ensure that LADOL is not the final installation of FPSO short changed in the Egina unit for Chevron’s US$11 Project because of the huge Billion Agbami deep water employment opportunities it field, currently producing about holds for Nigerians. Said a 250,000 barrels of crude oil per petroleum engineer who day. declined to be named, “One of LADOL was therefore poised the core transformational for the Egina FPSO project. The job was familiar and the agenda of President Jonathan is employment and memorandum of agreement empowerment of Nigerians, was clear and specific. And it is and that is what the Nigerian the development, construction, Content Law is about. For me, and operation of an offshore the LADOL/ Samsung contract fabrication yard and FPSO at LADOL’s Free Zone at Tarkwa from Total exemplifies the very essence of Nigerian Content.

Bay, Lagos. There is also a The Nigerian government provision of US$214 million and Nigerians must therefore allocated in the contract for the support LADOL and creation of a legacy facility in the encourage the firm. It is a form of an FPSO Integration company that all Nigerians Facility at LADOL. and government in particular This singular contract will must support. Government empower LADOL to employ must also support companies over 50,000 Nigerians apart giving jobs to Nigerians, the from already existing staff, in youth in particular.

B

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014— 43

C M Y K

44 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

Veg diet versus Ebola and other zoonotic diseases

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ONDERING what 'zoonotic disease' means?

If you think of zoo then you are pretty close. Yes: animals! More precisely, diseases we human can catch from animals.

Zoonotic diseases are common and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungus, parasites and other agents, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Influenza, or flu, is one example of a zoonotic disease. You can blame the flu largely on ducks, though pigs and other birds can also host the virus. Animals make ideal hosts for these viruses and most do not get sick from the viruses they carry. But health officials worldwide worry every year that new, mutant strains of zoonotic diseases may cause a global pandemic, wiping out millions of people, like the 1918 Spanish flu, which killed between 50 and 100 million. The Great Plague had even wiped out as many as 200 million people in the 1300s carried by fleas. So the current outbreak of Ebola, as scary as it is, has not yet by far reached catastrophic numbers compared to other zoonotic diseases.

Now what has a Veg diet to do with that? At least two links: a direct and an indirect one.

First the indirect link: My

Hakeem Jimo’s

Ve ggie Victory

veggienaija@gmail.com

•Reduce risk of Ebola and eat what it is in the background of the picture. colleague, the Vanguard health editor, Sola Ogundipe and others published earlier this week an interesting quote by Derek Gatherer, a researcher of bio-informatics at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom, who studies viral genetics and evolution: “If a person’s immune system can stand up to this initial attack —

meaning their immune cells are not as depleted in the first stages of infection — then they are more likely to survive the disease (Ebola).”

How do we boost our immune system? We need to improve the function of our white blood cells which we achieve through betacarotene not in pills but in the carrots, spinach, kale, and the

likes. More about 'Veg Diet and Boosting the Immune System' in a later column. Studies of white blood cell samples from vegetarians have shown them to have more than double the malicious cell-destroying ability of their non-vegetarian counterparts.

Second, the direct link of a Veg diet to Ebola: The fashionable habit of eating exotic meats also has health agents concerned, as previously un-eaten or rare species can carry strains of bacteria and viruses that can be dangerous or lethal to humans.

The 2002 outbreak of the SARS virus may have derived from the consumption of wild civets – a nocturnal mammal native to Africa and Asia.

Approximately 8,000 people were infected with SARS, possibly thanks to that culinary experiment, and 774 died.

Even conventional meat eating can go wrong, as in the case of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a form of spongiform encephalopathy derived from cattle. The disease turns human brains into something akin to Swiss cheese. Large-scale breeding of livestock can cause rapid distribution of pathogens, spreading throughout animals due to crowding and exposure to blood and feces. Eventually, infected animals can infect us.

Avoiding this meat in the first place and following a vegetarian diet can eliminate a great deal of the risk of contracting zoonotic diseases.

Don’t neglect the physically challenged

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TAKEHOLDERS have decried neglect of talented physically challenged persons in Nigeria, saying that, “unlike their counterparts overseas, they are being swept under the carpet” Speaking during a special talent hunt competition, for the disabled, recently by Interactive Plus in collaboration with Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria, DSFN, Chief Executive, Interactive Plus, Dr. Oparaugo Udebiuwa, noted: “The challenged children in the United State are assisted in showcasing and putting their talent into use.

People like the Great Newton, we also have so many such people in Nigeria, but you don't know until you assist them to display what they can do” “One of the things our organisation does is trying to deal with people with disability, today we are trying to bring out the ability in disability of special needs individuals. The audition was done recently, and today is the finals, where we award them with trophy’s and gives them certificates. We want to encourage these people who have been neglected for a very long time, show the world that there is ability in disability.” he stated.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

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ELLO everyone and welcome. This week features a continuation of our new product discussions for adult sexual health and wellness.

Today we are kicking off with two new condoms, namely Cobra Smooth Condoms and Anacondom. Both latex condoms are aggressively themed to suggest that the user/receiver is in for a wild time. Cobra Smooth Condoms are slick and strong while ensuring sensitivity. Anacondom on the other hand is quite roomy and specifically designed for men with bigger organs. It is also smooth and does not sacrifice penile sensitivity.

Of course condoms in general are great for pregnancy and disease prevention so Cobra Smooth Condoms and Anacondom come highly recommended.

The next set of products on our list is designed to improve female sexual enjoyment and enable women reach orgasm easily. They are Climax Intensify Orgasm Gel and Marcus the Doctor Realistic Vibrator. Unlike men, women find it more difficult to enjoy intercourse especially because many men experience premature ejaculation. But thanks to the above products, women can finally supplement whatever sex they are getting for a more satisfying end result. Marcus the Doctor 8 inch Vibrator is really nice and is guaranteed to thrill while the Climax Intensify Orgasm Gel is an effective lubricant and clitoral sensitizer for women of all ages.

We also have a new gel that stops premature ejaculation called the Kamasutra Delay Gel. When applied on the penis during intercourse, this ointment enables men last much longer than usual for the benefit of their sexual partners and their own self-esteem as well. So if you are looking for a solution to premature ejaculation, the Kamasutra Delay Gel is an option. It is easy to use and body friendly.

But if erection loss is the problem that you are experiencing, the new supplement Epic Nights will get that sorted out within minutes. Some men cannot get an erection while others have to endure

erections that are so week that penetration is impossible. Whatever the case may be, Epic Nights erection supplement is effective in restoring erections and multiplying the performance energy and overall sexual ability of the user. Like all of our supplements, Epic Nights is an all-natural herbal supplement and is suitable for adult men.

But often, it is not premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction that bothers men but the size of one’s penis. This major male concern can go a long way in affecting a man’s self-esteem, performance and relationship. That is why today, we are also introducing Shane’s Monster Meat Thickening cream. As the name suggests, this product is an instant penis enlarger that quickly thickens the penis for a few hours to enable the user have the kind of intercourse he can be proud of. I have got to admit that the names of some of these products can be quite naughty and funny sometimes but that is the nature of adult products and what matters most is that they work.

And finally for today are three novelties for our female audience. The first is a strap on for women called the Passion Grooved G Spot Strap On. It is a new and exciting toy for women that is curved at the tip to enable G Spot stimulation and squirting orgasms. It is really nice and what is the point of having sex if you are not going to have an orgasm? Our last two products for today are lingerie for women. They are the House Bunny Set and the Nurse Top and G String Set. These lingerie are more of costumes for women that love a little bit of kink and role playing and there are many more like them too. For more information on similar products, please visit the lingerie section on www.zeevirtualmedia.com.

That is all for today. We will discuss more new products next week. Adults in need of these treatments/ novelties can call 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

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Security operatives on receiving end in fight against insurgency — Sen Ndume

NGO trains women, girls on ICT in Jigawa

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By Umar Yusuf

OLA—THE Senator representing Borno Southern Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Ali Ndume, has said Nigerian security operatives have been at the receiving end in fight against insurgency in Nigeria, especially in the North East.

The Senator who spoke in Yola, yesterday, during a visit to Madagali, Mubi, Uba Askira, Gulak, Bui and Gombe, alongside Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, to console indigenes of Borno State taken refuge in the internally displaced refugee camps in these areas.

“The fact of the matter is that as at now the Nigerian security agents on the receiving end and we are at the losing end”, the Senator lamented.

But, Ndume was quick to add that “the hope is not lost, because we are always giving hope and we are always living in hope and praying that the insurgency will soon come to an end.”

While thanking Adamawa and Gombe state governments for their hospitality, he said: This is not the first time in

By Aliyu Dangida

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UTSE—NO fewer than 40 women and girls will benefit from a two-week training programme on Information and Communication Technology, ICT, organised by an NGO, Centre for Information Technology, CITAD. A statement by the CITAD’s programme coordinator, Isyaku Garba said the training was organised in collaboration with the CITAD and Women Enhancing Technology, WeTech.

According to him, the gesture was aimed at building the capacity of female teachers of secondary schools as well as that of the female students in ICT, adding that as “the world is going globally on IT, there is need for the programme as it will enhance their capacity building.”

The statement pointed out that the training was equally designed to empower women to reduce the level of unemployment as well as encourage small scale enterpreneurship among young female entrepreneurs in the state.

The statement read; “The focus of the training was to support programmes that would involve more women and girls in computer science related opportunities.”

history that the insurgency attack is happening, pointing out that it had happened before, only that the way the country is handling it is quite different. ''We have learnt from our mistakes of handing the insurgency problem. If the right things were done, it would not happen in the first

place, but since it has happened, there is no point apportioning blame on any person or group, but this is time to look for its solution.”

According to him, “nobody can give accurate figure of the displaced persons except that everybody in Gwoza with a population of over 50,000 people has deserted the town.

The only people left in the town now are either the person has nowhere to go or he is too old or too young to runaway.

“Everybody is running, running with their loved ones, little property and heading to unknown destination, even as the enemies continue to chase them and smite any person insight.”

VISIT: Abia State Governor, Chief Theordore Orji (right), welcoming the Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Mr. Peter Igoh, when the latter led a strong delegation of NCC management staff to the Governor's office in Umuahia.

2015: Suswam backs Ortom's guber ambition

By Peter Duru

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AKURDI—THE Governorship aspiration of the Minister of State for Trade and Investments, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has received a boost following the endorsement of his candidature by political stakeholders, youths and women groups in the state.

The stakeholders who converged in Makurdi, the

Benue state capital, to endorse Dr. Ortom included former National and State Assembly members, former council chairmen, former members of the Benue State executive council, party executives, elders of Iharev extraction from Guma, Makurdi, and Gwer West, as well as women and youth groups.

Speaking on behalf of the various groups, Justice

Sylvanus Agagbe (rtd), John Tarzoho Azulo, Bem Belagu Moji, Joseph Chia, and Clement Akpe, as well as Mrs. Theresa Bai, appealed to the other governorship aspirants to jettison their aspiration and support the Minister rather than make the race a crowded affair.

Spokesman for the coalition of 32 Iharev youth groups, Mr John Jov, maintained that, “of all the governorship aspirants, the Minister is the most seasoned

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

politician with the requisite experience at all levels of governance who over the years had proved his mettle in politics and the management of resources. His conduct and relationship with all manner of people reflected the fear of God which is a quality that has endeared him to the people across the state, as such, he is the most easily marketable and acceptable in the contest.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On Ebola crisis

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E have been stoolling, vomiting, coughing etc. before Sawyer introduced Ebola to Nigeria. Why is it that anybody having these symptoms is attributed to Ebola? We just like fueling matters in this country. Ms. Deborah Onyema- Student

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O contain this virus, ur gent professional attention is needed, no blaming games, or snapping at anybody. Within a week of deploying foreign medical care givers, the virus will be contained and the cost will be minimal. Mr. Martin Dickson- Businessman

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HE main question is when will this drug be available to Nigerians?

Even the vaccine from Canada is going to be shipped to Liberia and Guinea first and not Nigeria. Nigerians cannot just wait while our citizens die and do nothing.

Ms. Awodi Deborah- Communicator

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LTHOUGH I am not im pressed at the instant refusal of Nigeria’s request to have the experimental trial drug Zmapp by American Govt. The UN has labelled this epidemic a global emergency. Ms. Anasithesia Ezeka- Worker

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E will try our own ex perimental drugs. If they work, fine. If they don’t, we would have made an attempt and we would have learnt something. Personally, I believe that there are better leaves or herbs here that can handle Ebola. Ms. Nenye Anyambuba- Worker

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VEN without the ex perimental medications, a small percentage of people do survive. Supportive care means that if they are dehydrated due to vomiting or diarrhea, you give intravenous fluids. If they bleed out, you transfuse blood. Mrs. Ujunwa Ezenwa- Businesswoman

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014 —47

Delta NLC hails Uduaghan over devt in education sector

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ELTA State Council of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has commended the pragmatic initiatives by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of the state towards the development of the educational sector and ensuring that every child gets access to education in the state.

Chairman of NLC, Mr. Williams Akporeha, spoke when he received the Students’ Union Government, SUG, of the Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka led by its President, Obaro Ohwojero, on a solidarity visit to Congress Leadership at the Labour House, Asaba.

He said: “Our Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has made education in Delta State a hitch-free journey towards the realisation of your future ambitions with the provision of free primary education, payment of NECO and WAEC fees and payment of undergraduate bursaries.”

Commending the government on the introduction of EDUMARSHAL, Akporeha contended that the government was on the right direction towards setting a standard in Nigeria within the global quest for illiteracy reduction.

He said: “I must say that the introduction of that programme by the state government will not only blaze the trail in the Federal Government’s effort on illiteracy reduction but also measure up to the provisions of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as the United Nations Child Rights Act.” Akporeha insisted that the government had laid the tracks for students to secure their future with the provision of the post graduate overseas scholarship scheme, imploring students in the state to shun unnecessary distractions .

He congratulated the DELSU SUG on its successful elections and inauguration in office and wished leaders fruitful and peaceful tenure.

Earlier, President of the SUG, Obaro Ohwojero said they were in Labour House to identify with the state NLC under the leadership of Akporeha, whom they described as a man whose tenure had given voice to the voiceless and hope to the workers and masses in Delta state.

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APC lauds INEC over successful distribution of PVCs

By Demola Akinyemi

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LORIN — THE All Progressives Congress, APC, Kwara State chapter, has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, its Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega and the Kwara State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Chief Timothy Ibitoye, over the successful handling of the just concluded Permanent Voter's Cards, PVCs, distribution in Kwara State.

APC in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari, said: “In spite of hitches, the PVCs distribution exercise was successful and

satisfactory. We commend INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, the Kwara State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Chief Timothy Ibitoye and the commission for, in spite of hitches, the INEC conducted a successful and satisfactory exercise.

"The exercise is commendable, even tough, there is room for improvement. INEC remains the hope of the common man in the quest to enthrone credible leadership in Nigeria.

“INEC should ignore the call for extension of PVCs distribution exercise in Kwara State, the call for extension cannot stand in the face of huge resources required

by INEC to fund the 193 wards, in terms of manpower and logistics, for additional days.

"The turnout of voters was impressive; it shows that our people are active participants in this democratic journey. We applaud APC leaders, elders, women and youths who turn out en masse for the PVCs distribution exercise.

“We urge our party members who are yet to register or have issues with their voter's cards to take advantage of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise that will hold between Wednesday, August 20 and Monday, August 25, 2014.”

From left: Keith Lloyd, Travel Manager, Peacock Travel & Tours UK Ltd; Jayne Costagliola, Branch Manager, Barclays Bank Plc Twickenham; Luke Ponikwer, Business Manager, Barclays Bank, Twickenham and Lisa Rudkin, Retail/Travel Consultant, UK & Europe, Peacock Travel & Tours UK Limited, during a joint business promotion by Barclays Bank and Peacock Travels in London.

SAP earmarks $500m to upgrade local African talents, drive innovation

By Emeka Aginam

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OHANNESBURG — SYSTEMS Applications and Products, SAP, in Johannesburg, South African announced plans to invest $500 million to up-skill local African talents and drive sustainable innovation and growth in five African countries.

The African countries that will benefit from the pilot programme will include South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Angola and Morocco.

The goal is to establish the African region as one of the company ’s top-five growth markets globally. Much of the direct investment will be outside South Africa, where SAP already has a solid footprint.

The investment, according to SAP, is part of its vision of helping make Africa run better and improve the lives of Africans.

This was disclosed in a world press conference addressed

by Robert Enslin, member of the Executive Board of SAP SE and president of Global Customer Operations, and Pfungwa Serima, Chief Executive Officer of SAP, Africa.

The new development is part of long-term commitment to regional expansion, sustainable growth and skills development for Africa.

Accordingly, the investment is expected to up-skill the next generation of IT leaders and professionals by training up to 10,000 consultants by 2020 in close collaboration with local governments and universities.

The development, according to SAP is to build on 22 years of experience, commitment and close collaboration with customers, partners, governments and universities throughout the African continent.

Giving details of the

investment in the five African countries, Enslin said: “The African market is unique in its growth potential and readiness to innovate."

“The SAP Executive Board strongly believes that now is the right time to take our engagement and commitment to expand in Africa to the next level.

"SAP’s additional investment in the continent reflects SAP’s vision to help the world run better by delivering leading-edge innovation.

"In Africa, we plan to engage and invest in even more markets while helping build the appropriate talent base for the IT industry, and support our customers and partners by actively contributing toward crucial technology and business skills-sets and new employment opportunities in Africa.”

Otubu proffers solution to Boko Haram

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AGOS — PROFESSOR of Medicine and a cleric, Joseph Otubu, has called on Nigerians, both Christians and Muslims, to turn unto God for immediate solutions to Boko Haram and other teething problems through fervent, genuine prayers and supplications.

Delivering a sermon at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Sub international headquarters, Sanctuary Auditorium, Ajah, Lagos, on Sunday, Otubu said Nigerians needed to pray that God should touch the hearts of Boko Haram sect members to stop killing innocent people and destroying their property because God created them.

Otubu traced the foundation of Aladura churches to the founder’s belief in efficacy of prayers and also gave conditions through which prayers could be answered by God, using Philippians 4:6 in the Bible as his guide.

The spiritual leader stated further: “Praying with open

ARCHBUILT 2014: EMEL exhibits products

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BUJA— Emel Building Materials, a member of Emel Group is to unveil three new products, Stanley Commercial Hardware and Security Systems, Associate Decor Chipboard and Milano Sanitary Ware at the forthcoming 2014 Archbuilt Exhibition in Abuja.

The exhibition is an annual international forum organised by the Nigerian Institute of Architects,NIA. According to the Managing Director of the Emel Group, Mr Mahesh Asnani, “the introduction of three new brands, forms part of our strategy to become Nigeria’s leading one-stop shop for building materials solution provider. It also reaffirms our commitment to introduce topquality products with a view towards advancing the Nigerian construction industry.”

Asnani further said the main aim of introducing the new products at once was because "Emel Group realised the urgent need of ensuring that a vacuum where substandard products are king in the market becomes a thing of the past. That is why we decided to plug this vacuum by Providing high quality, yet affordable products for the benefit of Nigerians."

48—Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

ANNIVERSARY: From left; General Secretary, Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Dr. Israel Akinadewo; Secretary General, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Lagos Chapter, Revd. George Amu; General Evangelist, Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Prof.

MEETING: From left; Executive Director, Project Alert, Mrs. Josephine Effah; former Speaker, Joseph Otubu and Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Lagos House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na'Abba; President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr State, Dr. Sam Ogedengbe, during the church's Golden Jubilee Joe Okei-Odumakin and Country Director, Ford Foundation, Prof. Friday Okonofua during the Anniversary Thanksgiving Service in Lagos.

National Stakeholders’ meeting on gender-based violence affecting young persons in Abuja.

MEETING: Chairman, Yoruba Obas Conflicts Resolution Committee, Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Obateru Akinruntan and Secretary, Sabigana of Iganna, Oyo State, Oba Soliu Oyemonl, after the obas'meeting on the outcome of the Constitution Conference in Ibadan. Photo by Dare Fasube.

AWARD: Ugoeze Julie Odum, (right) with mic, giving Mrs Lucy Kalu Uduma the Isiugwu Ohafia Women Association Ezinne award during the group's August Meeting in Ohafia, Abia State.

COMMISSIONING: From left; former Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Kunle Ogunbela; All Progressives Congress, APC Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Toyin Salau; the sponsor, Senator Gbenga Ashafa and the Bola Tinubu Estate Chairman, Engr. Adesesan Adekoya, during the official commissioning of a motorised borehole and accessories at Bola Tinubu Estate, Odo-Nla, Ikorodu North LCDA.

BRIEFING: Mrs Elizabeth Awagu, Special Assistant to DG, NAFDAC, Mrs Iguo Ukoh (left) and 1st Vice President, ADVAN during a media briefing by the Small Business Support Desk of NAFDAC for stakeholders in the advertising sector in Lagos.

FORUM: From left; Prof Lawrence Ezemonye, Ag Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin); Prof.

Mrs Obehi Okojie, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics); Chief Edoho Eket, representing the Chairman, UNIBEN Council; Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, Vice Chancellor, University of Benin and Prof Kirk Semple, presenting the Vice Chancellor, Lancester University, Lancester, UK, at a two-day Industry Academics Forum, held at the University of Benin, yesterday.

SUMMIT: From left; Dr Francis Alaneme, Deputy Director, representing Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Engr Jani Ibrahim; Chairman of Summit, Mr Gbenga Koku, representing Minister of Petroleum Resources; and Mr Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, CEO, CMC Connect (Perception Managers), BRIEFING: From left; Mr Christos Gianno Paulos, CEO/Chairman, Thermocool during the opening of 2-day Nigerian Lubricants Summit 2014, themed PZ Cussions Ltd; Mr Panos Katsis, MD, Thermocool and Mrs Bola Alaba, GM, ''Nigerian Lubricants Industry: Opportunities and Challenges'', organised Administration, Thermocool during a press briefing on the 40th anniversary, and by CMC Connect, Department of Petroleum Resources, held at Oriental plans for customers, held at Victoria Island, Lagos. Photo by Kehinde Gbadamosi. Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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50— Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014—51

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52— Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014—53

L-r: Dr. Wale Ahmed, Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties; Dr. Jide Idris, Commissioner for Health, and Mr. Remi Ibirogba, Commissioner for Information and Strategy , during the press briefing on the Ebola Virus Disease in Lagos, yesterday.

Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

FG, LASG disagree on new Ebola cases Continues from Page 5

timing and quality of treatment.

“The survival of patients depend on how early the patient is able to access treatment and that is why we keep begging people not to hide at home, do not keep yourself as soon as you start developing symptoms.

“Apart from this the chances of survival also depend on the innate immune system of patients, and the efficacy of immunity is also dependent on the age.

"A 27year-old person is in better position to fight any disease than a 50 year-old and a 60 year old because of age.

“Ebola is not a death sentence, if patients come in for treatments early, they stand a higher chance of survival. I encourage the private health sector to further co-operate with the government and promptly report any suspected case. The need for basic universal precaution and barrier nursing should be uppermost.

The government is also prepared to ensure that your businesses enjoy an on-going concern status.”

FG allocates N200 million to LASG Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the release of N200 million to the Lagos State Government to assist it in containing the spread of EVD. This is coming on the heels of the donation of 30 body scanners by the

US government to the Nigerian government to check body temperatures at the country’s various ports of entry.

Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu who disclosed these at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting yesterday, said government was considering technical opinions on whether or not some scheduled ceremonies like the OsunOsogbo Festival and the national conference of the Nigerian Bar Associations would hold or not.

He said: “Mr. President has approved the release of N200 million to Lagos State as FG’s direct support for Lagos State's efforts to fight Ebola virus.

“Mr Atedo Peterside through his Foundation donated N100,000 per bed per day to affected private hospitals. The first beneficiary is First Consultant Hospital, Lagos where the index case was managed. The hospital has 40 beds and so will receive N4 million from that foundation.

“This is to aid the hospital to continue to pay its staff who have all been asked to stay home and the hospital closed as a result of the confirmed case of Ebola virus. The hospital will have to be decontaminated. All staff in the hospital who were around during the first index case are all under survillence and so are not working,” he said.

Further, Chukwu said that “as at today, Nigeria has had a total of 12 cases of Ebola which include the index case, the Libe-

rian American, Patrick Sawyer, 11 Nigerians who were primary contacts with the one index case.

“Of this 12, the total number of successful cases who have been discharged stands at five but the total number of deaths including the index case stands at five dead. Currently, the total number of cases in Nigeria are two, made up of one doctor and one nurse who had managed the index case and they are presently on treatment at the isolation centres.

We didn't claim Nanosilver cures Ebola — Minerals for Life Nigerian owned biotech company involved in the manufacturing, distribution and marketing of Nanosilver, Minerals for Life Limited has cleared the air over the controversy surrounding the product, saying it never claimed that Nanosilver was a cure for Ebola.

In a press statement issued in Lagos and signed by the Coordinator, Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Adetunji Fadayiro, the company stated that its brand, Nanosilver is classified as a dietary supplement.

According to Fadayiro, Minerals for Life caters for numerous customers who utilise Nanosilver Solution as an immune booster in a number of health situations.

He expressed worry that their clientele have in recent days drawn their attention to a claim

that Nanosilver solution which is marketed for human consumption and ingestion is a pesticide.

“Stating that it is therefore pertinent to address the information in the public domain, he said: “Nanosilver is approved by the USA Department of Agriculture and Food, with a pesticide registration. Nanosilver is also approved by the same USA Department of Agriculture and Food with Food Establishment approval. Amongst other approvals, Nanosilver is approved for purchase by the USA Government Veterans Hospital Association (both as a disinfectant and supplement). Nanosilver has well over 15 government approvals for various uses.

“Minerals for Life Ltd in keeping with its goal of preserving life, donated our Nanosilver immune booster (which currently has the status of a food supplement), to assist the patients of the current Ebola pandemic because of the history of the use of Silver Solution. Minerals for Life Ltd did not claim Nanosilver is a cure for Ebola,” he explained.

He further congratulated the Federal Ministry of Health and the Lagos State Ministry of Health for their proactive approach in fighting the Ebola disease, that has resulted in the recovery of some patients treated with antibiotics and a cocktail of immune boosters.

“Minerals for Life looks forward to the total containment of the Ebola disease and a healthy population of Nigerians,” he stated.

A relative speaks A close relative of the late Adadevoh who alleged that her case was mismanaged, said, no attempt was made to provide her with any of the experimental drugs that were said to be available for the management the disease.

The relative, who spoke anonymously, expressed dissatisfaction over her death, saying that she would have survived had any of the experimental drugs been administered on her.

Blaming the Federal Government for failure to procure a suitable experimental drug, the relative who claimed to be one of the secondary contacts currently being monitored by government, argued that by virtue of the fact that the World Health Organisation approved that other experimental drugs be used for Ebola patients

due to the magnitude of the problem, why did the Federal Government refuse to heed the recommendation? If they had used all they had at their disposal to treat her, she would have survived.”

A consultant at the First Consultants Medical Centre, described the deceased as diligent and thorough.

“She was very particular about the standard of medical services in the country. She was never ready to compromise the management of a patient.

I'm not surprised that she did not discharge Sawyer, and that she alerted the state health authorities. Not many doctors would have done that,” she said.

A gallant death and big loss to the nation — Omolola Reacting to the news of the death of Dr Stella Ameyo Adedavoh , National President, Association of General and Medical Private Practitioners, AGMPN, Dr. Anthony Omolola described her death as gallant, adding that her exit was a great loss to the medical profession and the nation at large.

Omolola said: “We are not happy losing our colleagues. Again, we are happy at the circumstances because it was in the process of saving a person she did not know was having Ebola that she picked the virus.

"It was in swift reaction to the emergency to keep the patients alive that she picked the virus which was imported into the country. But again, it was a gallant death. She will still be remembered for her efforts and that she died while carrying out a humanitarian duty.

“It is a big loss to the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA because it is very painful when you lose a senior colleague who has put in so many years of meritorious service to the profession in the country and beyond.

It is a big loss to the medical profession and to this country,” he noted.

He further urged Nigerian government to prevent such occurrence by ensuring that healthcare workers are applying the standard Universal Principle to attend to patients.

It is unfortunate — Balogun In his response, the Chairman, Board of First Consultant Hospital, Obalende, Dr Wale Balogun who declined to speak on Ebola issues however, described her death as unfortunate.

“It is unfortunate that we lost her. What we did in an emergency meeting about three weeks ago is that reactions on Ebola since we are easily excited people that the Commissioner for Health and the Minister of Health should be communicating to the public and that is the way I want to see it.

"As an individual, I feel very unhappy about it. I have never met her but from what I have heard and read in the newspapers it is very unfortunate that we should lose such a senior consultant with such an experience.

Any other communication outside this should be directed to the minister or commissioner,” he stated.

Lagos seals 3 buildings over unwholesome practices In a related development as part of measures to prevent spread of EVD, and ensure a cleaner and sustainable environment in Lagos, the Lagos government, through the Ministry of the Environment has sealed three houses on Lagos Island.

The three buildings, located on Nos. 42, 48 and 50, Vincent Street, Lagos Island were discovered during monitoring exercise of the environment by officials.

In a statement, the state Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello said occupants of the buildings had earlier been served abatement notices for discharging untreated human faeces directly into public places leading to offensive foul odour capable of instigating outbreak of epidemic.

It was also observed during the monitoring exercise that, all the tertiary adjoining drains were completely filthy and silted with solid/ fecal waste.

“Upon the inability of the occupants to remediate the observed nuisances, the Enforcement Department of the Ministry of the Environment led by Dr. A. Afolabi sealed up the premises upon receipt of an order which granted the closure,” Bello stated.

It could be recalled that, at the last train-the -trainers workshop organized by the Ministry of the Environment to train Environmental Heath officers and Scientific Officer across the state to educate members of the public on preventive measures to reduce the spread of the Ebola disease, the commissioner warned residents to shun open urination and defecation as well as engage in best hygienic practices in order to reduce the spread.

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‘How FG's devt schemes in N-Delta can be realised'

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ARRI—PROJECT Director of Niger Delta Environmental Restoration Project, NDEREP, Prince David Omaghomi has said that the only way the tripod legacy projects of the Federal Government in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dockyard, the Shipyard, Nigeria Maritime University, NMU, and the Export Processing Zone, EPZ, Gas City Projects can be realised in Delta State is if the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration continues in office beyond 2015.

Omaghomi, an environmentalist, who spoke in Warri, Delta State at the maiden launch of NAIG FOCUS, a magazine published by the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates, NAIG, called on Itsekiri and Ijaws of Warri South-West Local Government Area to desist from the media war with regards to the EPZ Gas City Project, and accommodate each other’s interests.

National President of NAIG, Alero Tenumah, said members of the association shall remain unruffled in the face of intimidation in the interest of Itsekiri nation.

Edevbie mourns Aziza

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ELTA State governorship hopeful, Olorogun David Edevbie, has condoled the members of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, and the entire Urhobo people over the death of UPU President General, Major General Patrick Aziza (rtd.).

In a condolence message, the governorship hopeful said the death of Aziza was “great loss to the Urhobo nation at this crucial time in our history.

“General Aziza’s wisdom and courage were an inspiration to all who knew him. It behoves on us to continue to honour the legacy and impact he had on the Urhobo nation by faithfully pursuing his dream to emancipate our people politically.”

NAIG FOCUS: From left— Mr. Ernest Ekpoto; Mr. Robinson Ariyo; Mr. Pius Aguma; Mr. George Okotie; Prince David Omaghomi and Alero Tenumah, at the launch of NAIG FOCUS magazine in Warri, Delta State.

Transporters reject A-Ibom policy on motor parks zPrivate operators take govt to court

By Tom Moses

U

YO—MEMBERS of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Akwa Ibom State chapter, have protested the perceived harsh regulatory measures by the state government on the location of private motor parks in the state.

The protesting workers, under the aegis of Private Transport Owners Stakeholders, faulted the ban on all motor parks operations within Uyo metropolis.

They complained of the difficulties members face as a result of relocation of commercial inter and intrastates parks by the state’s Ministry of Transport to the government approved parks in Itam, an outskirt in Uyo. Under the new transport regime, the state government approved specially designated areas where NURTW activities would be tolerated within the capital, but the private transport owners are not comfortable with it.

Meanwhile, owners of Transit Favour Transport Limited, TFTL and Promised

Land Transport Limited, PTL, have sued the Ministry of Transport for the alleged refusal to grant the companies the rights to operate from their private parks located at Monsignor Akpan Avenue, Ekit Itam Industrial Layout in the outskirts of the Uyo metropolis.

They are praying the court to

hold that their rights to operate a private park must be protected since, according to them, it was not within the prohibited areas.

Also, in a protest letter copied to the Commissioner of Police, Umar Gwadabe, the Director of Department of State Services, DSS, Toma Minti

FERMA fails to meet deadline on Illah-Ebu Bridge

By Austin Ogwuda

A

SABA—RESIDENTS of Illah, Ebu and neighbouring communities in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, who were earlier assured that the collapsed Illah-Ebu Bridge will be fixed by July 20, have had their hopes dashed following the inability of the construction firm to meet the deadline.

Managing Director of Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, Mr. Gabriel Amuchi, had while on an inspection visit to the site in company of the Delta State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Funkekeme Solomon last

month, assured that the work was in progress and would be completed soon.

One of the residents, who pleaded anonymity, told this reporter yesterday that “work on the bridge is slow because modern equipment were not deplored. That is why it going at snail speed.”

On his part, the Illah community youth President, Mr. Henry Adimabua, who had been in the vanguard of ensuring that the project was fixed, said “the work is going on,” but did not apportion blame.

None of the construction workers agreed to speak to Vanguard.

I 'll run an all-inclusive govt— OMO-AGEGE

By Festus Ahon

U

GHELLI—FORMER Secretary to the Delta State Government, SSG, and governorship aspirant, Obaisi Ovie Omo-Agege, has promised to run all-inclusive government when elected governor of the state in 2015.

Speaking when he paid a consultative visit to the executive and leaders of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West Local Government areas,

Omo-Agege said: “How do you think I will run a government without an input from Chief Godswill Obielum, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and other aspirants? It is not possible.

“My administration will carry all stakeholders along. I will ensure that they have an input; our government will be a participatory one. I have quality ideas that will move the state forward, if I get to Government House, Asaba.

“I want to make something very clear here. I am not running

because I am an Urhobo man; I am running because of my passion to serve Deltans.

“My agenda is pan-Delta. So, I am not running on the basis of the numerical strength of the Urhobo, but on the basis of being a Deltan, who has genuine passion for service.”

He said his government will tackle the issue of insecurity and unemployment of youths through the establishment of Community Security Marshalls that will provide security intelligence to security agencies.

and the state Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Pedro Ibeba, the transporters stressed the need for their rights to be protected, having fulfilled the necessary requirements to operate their parks away from the prohibited areas.

‘Ignore pressure to negotiate with Boko Haram’

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been told to ignore pressure to negotiate with the Islamist sect, Boko Haram.

The former Secretary, Rivers State Government, Mr. Gabriel Pidomson, who spoke to newsmen in Port Harcourt, said the Federal Government should continue to explore the twin approach of job creation and education programmes for youths in the North as enduring solution to the activities of the sect.

Pidomson, who said insecurity was largely promoted by illiteracy, called on President Jonathan to run for a second term.

He said: “Boko Haram members must be engaged. This does not mean that they should be negotiated with.

“One way of tackling insecurity in the country is by providing good governance the way the President is doing presently.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014—55

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56—Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

New Onabrakpeyas, Grillos emerge at LIMCAF 2014 Lagos exhibition T

HE objective is to devel op the young talents by creating a platform for youths to express their creativity, and this was displayed last week when LIMCAF organised its Lagos zone of the 2014 exhibition at the National museum, Lagos.

It was indeed a display of their artistic skills and visual dexterity as over 51 upcoming artists mounted their works , while interpreting the theme, engaged in all sorts of medium and imaginative exploration.

Their presentations took viewers to the world issues as observed in their city. As the theme connotes,

ous objects of operation was employed by this artist: the dagger knives, broken bottles, guns etc., while surrounding the weapons are some stimulants; the alcoholic drinks, cigarette and hard drugs.

Below the elevated weapons placed on a wooden stand with glass on top was evidence of their ruins.

The debris of what seems a once bubbling life of innocent people sniffed out of existence by this agents of discord, hence, the littered foot wears, undies and pieces of identifiable belongings. A look at bloodstains and sizes of materials rightly indicates that the perpetrators spares no age in this dastardly act of killing.

This chilling scene was packed in a neat art form that gives you

,

The festival is an avenue for the youths to express themselves, there are a lot of works here, most of them are very good and interesting, I commend the organisers

the works invokes a volume of philosophical soul search in a less visual perception about their immediate environment. Less could be in size as more can be comprehended in the thought provoking intent.

The exhibition which was declared open by Prince Yemisi Shyllo, founder of OYASAF featured about 71 works by the 50 participating artists. This initiative by LIMCAF and Alliance France Network in Lagos enables the young artists to express themselves on the state of their environment through visual art representations.

Various medium were employed to execute the project which was rendered in drawings, painting, sculpture, textile, graphics, photography, multimedia and installation art while vibrant colours media, oil and acrylic and all sort of materials were extensively used to achieve visual effects.

Looking at the arrays of works on display gives you that eccentric feeling of painstaking renditions done by these young artists picked from Lagos zone. Some are practicing studio artists while some still in college. The perception within is hard work and creativity with majority of the works in paintings and sculpture.

An installation art which though to some extent is not in common within this sphere was on ground to project the current ills and menace of the insurgent in the society.

This work titled “They were here”

by Francis Njoku, depicts nostalgic scenario of typical kidnappers and ritualist’s den. In a true fashion of there modus operandi, vari-

,

less to see and more to comprehend. It is an emotional installation that keeps you in awe for a long pause and leaves you with deep feelings of what goes on in those dens. Installation art is not an in-house decorative piece but ratherasortofsculpturalpiecewith

materials rendered in a way of representing mood, idea or message.

Most of the works represents the Festival theme in different form. The style and approach equally depicts the artists ‘attitude •Some of the works on display towards material usage. In one of the work “Clarion tration at the Southern zone where Call” by Onadipe Luke, he por- the oil is explored. The crop of rultrayed the need for recycling cul- ers we have today and their goverture in the society. Used polythene nance style are just like the termites bags are the base materials twined that devour the nation and leaves and assembled in a net form to por- nothing for the masses to lean on. tray a feel of togetherness. This coAll the works have strong meslourful large work of 274cm square sage for the society and this shows done on board depicts the volume success of the project. Alliance of achievement when all hands join Francaise is relentlessy supporting together. the course of art promotion in NiAnother work of interest is one geria. This, they do through prodone by Ahamefula Magnus, ti- viding assistance, facilitating logistled, The Hypocrite” a mixed me- tics in every city the event holds. dia installation on sac canvas sus- The grand finale of these festival pended with strings on frame. The come up on October in Enugu, approach is uniquely done with Enugu State after all the selection fresh peanut material tampered of the best art works from various with chemical for preservation. Ac- center where prize will be given to cording to him, I saw a lot of indis- the overall winner. cipline, corruption and loots going Spealing at the opening, Prince on in the society. I represented these Yemisi Shyllon, who declared the ills with termites ravaging the en- exhibition open said,the festival "is tire nation with a massive concen- an avenue for the youths to express

themselves, there are a lot of works here, most of them which are very good. They are interesting. I commend the organisers for putting up such programme to develop the young ones so that they can take over from the out going Grillos, Onabrakpeyas."

Continuing, he urged all to support the festival, "Everywhere possible, we must look at how we will assist the programme because the objectives are more like that of OYASAF, which is to catch them young and develop the young talents." For Professor Albert Lavergne, "I am enjoying the work, the synergy with a lot of passion. It seems they have a very strong sense of awareness of the things within their environment. It talked about issues of life experiences as represented by them. Is beautiful."

Oyetade's secret of wealth creation unveiled

By PRISCA SAM-DURU

W

ITH the main objective of creating wealth in the minds of Nigerians, two books; ‘Inspired keys to Successful Achievement’ and ‘Inspired Keys to Financial Freedom’, were presented during the 6th Anniversary of the Club Inspirati held on Saturday at the Centre for Values in Leadership, Lagos.

The books authored by the President of the Club and Editor, Sunday Newswatch, Deacon Lanre Oyetade emphasises on wealth creation as key to our sustenance as individuals and as a nation and so, remains the panacea for poverty While unveiling the books, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, OFR, commended the author for writing such life changing materials adding that there is gross insanity ravaging the world as well as too much confusion such that individuals need quality materials to guide

their steps.

Describing his books as collection of the best articles written over a decade in different newspapers starting from Daily Independence to Nigerian Tribune, National Mirror and now Sunday Newswatch, Oyetade said it was by “Divine inspiration that I came out with these books.” “I began with my area in Ikorodu, and was motivated to write columns, to talk to people in addition to experiences from the envi-

,

By JAPHET ALAKAM& CHRIS ONUOHA

•Hauwa Audu, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, Dr Christwealth Kolawole, Lanre Oyetade, Fela Durotoye and Femi Awoyemi at the book launch in Lagos.

reason for starting this Club on August 02, 2008.The whole idea is to create wealth in the mind of Ni-

There is gross insanity ravaging the world as well as too much confusion such that individuals need quality materials to guide their steps

ronment.” stressing that “I expect any reader to become a better individual after reading the book.” About Inspirati Club, Oyetade explained that “It started six years ago. We saw so much mediocrity that we wanted to address in the land, hence the

,

gerians,” Also speaking, Mr. Ajani Omotosho Salau, a member of the Club, commended the President for his foresight, and added that the Club had impacted a lot on members. His words: “Club

Inspirati is geared towards impacting wisdom for successful living and best personal finance practices in members and those they influence, and today is another landmark in its history.”

Salau further hinted that The Inspirati Academy would soon take off, and urged more people to join.

In his lecture tittled, “Success keys to my life’s story”, Professor Pat Utomi, founder, Centre for Values in Leadership, said that one of the things that has impacted on his life as an individual is the teachings of the late Stephen Covey, who wrote the book: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014 — 57

Umeh Continues from BP football house insisting that the development was surprising because it happened during the office hour when members of staff were on duty.

Umeh who has refused to recognize Alhaji Aminu Maigari as the president of the NFF arrived the scene in the company of another board member Dr. Shehu Adamu described the fire incident as an at of sabotage adding that the continuous stay of Maigari in Nigerian football is only but a sign of desperation which he said must not be encouraged in any way.

A visibly angry Umeh wondered why the fire incident will happen just few days after the impeached president returned to office adding that time has come for a thorough audit of the account books of NFF. “This type of strange fire is suspicious because it happened during the working hours and every staff

was on his duty post, it looks more like a sabotage, the fire did not start in the night when you can say there was nobody to act fast and we were told that one of the big men, the general secretary was standing there watching the fire as it raged.

“The fire completely destroyed the accounts department and the office of the general secretary, all the files cannot be recovered and that shows you exactly what we have been saying that a lot of corruption is going on in Nigeria Football Federation. That is why we have distanced ourselves, we were not part of the meeting they held yesterday (Tuesday) because nobody can perpetuate himself in power, it is not done because what they did is just to buy time, we will have our election on august 26, if they like let them burn down the whole of Abuja” Umeh stated.

Also reacting to the inferno, the proprietor Nembe City FC, Chief Rumson Baribote said there is every need for

security agencies to do a thorough investigation of the fire incident which he said is akin to what could happen only in a place where there is a restaurant.

According to him those who were in the office at the time the fire started have a lot of explanations to make because people ought to have noticed the fire in time to put it off before it could get out of hand.

“The truth is that both the security agencies and the staff on duty have a lot of things to tell Nigerians because this is not a restaurant where this type of fire can just rage without anybody doing something to contain it.

Even as I don’t want to apportion any blame on anybody yet, coming at a time when people are calling for probe that would require a lot of documents, then it needs to be investigated because it means that there is something fishy”.

Baribote whose ban from all football related matters was recently lifted said this is the first time that Nigerian football was witnessing the level of destruction.

Afcon, FIFA U-17 trophies rescued from fire T

HE Nigeria F o o t b a l l Federation has declared that it was able to rescue some of the trophies won by the national teams from its offices after a blaze swept through the building on Wednesday

morning.

Among the trophies saved were the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations trophy won in South Africa and the 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup trophy won in the United Arab Emirates.

•Yobo with the Afcon trophy

However, thousands of records and financial documents were lost in the flames which started around 9:30am from a spark in the office of the Accountant.

The fire according to the General Secretary Musa Amadu emanated from the left wing of the third floor of the NFF Secretariat.

The inferno burnt down all the documents in the accountant’s office, swept through the office of the general secretary and destroyed most of the documents in the office and in the offices in the left wing of the building.

Amadu described the incident thus: “I think the fire may have started from a power upsurge. We tried as much as we could, but it was quite unfortunate.

58— Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014 — 59

Muller: I snubbed Man U B AYERN Munich for ward Thomas Muller has admitted to rejecting a lucrative offer to join Manchester United.

The Germany international, who tasted World Cup glory in Brazil over the summer, is reported to have been identified as a top target by Louis van Gaal after he inherited the managerial reins at Old Trafford.

An approach was made, with United eager to bring world-class talent into their ranks as they seek a reversal in fortune.

•Muller Muller admits a move would have been of financial benefit to him, with the money on offer ‘astronomical’.

He has, however, taken a decision he believes will be of greater benefit to his long-term career, with the 24year-old happy and settled at Bayern.

MTN WGC Eastern qualifiers: 13 for national finals

T

•Dzeko

Dzeko pens new four-year City deal E

DIN Dzeko has signed a new fouryear contract with Manchester City, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2018.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini was keen to tie up a long-term deal for Dzeko who played a starring role in his side’s Barclays Premier League opener at Newcastle on Sunday.

“I’m really happy here at City, it’s a second home to me, so It was an easy decision to stay for the long term.

“I knew from the beginning when I started here that I wanted to stay for a long time – I can’t see any place than here.

“I’m settled perfectly to life here, I know my team-mates, the club, the team very well and I feel like can improve even more.

“Over the last threeand-a-half years we’ve made history together but I feel like we are only at the start of something really special."

“There are still so

many objectives and goals that I want to reach from my career in the game and I believe that I am in the perfect place to achieve them all.

“The fans have al-

ways shown so much faith in my ability and I feel so much love, both from supporters inside Manchester and from those all over the world.

“I hope I can continue to

repay this unbelievable support over the coming season and beyond.”

HIRTEEN players from Port Harcourt Golf Club have qualified for the national finals of the MTN World Golfers Championship billed for Akwa Ibom in September.

The excitement and buzz created by the tournament engulfed the entire Garden City as over one hundred players filed out with their respective teams to the tee – off point, throwing banters at each other while

cleverly vying for a slot at the Eastern Regional Qualifiers.

The gentlemen’s passion for their favourite game came to the fore as scores of business and political bigwigs teed-off to compete for the 15 slots up for grabs at the qualifiers. There were three spots for each of the five categories with handicaps from 0-5, 6-10, 11-15, 16-20 and 21-25.

Serena top seed for US Open

number one No Liverpool contact WORLD and two-time defending US Open chamover Balotelli pion Serena Williams

L

IVERPOOL have not approached AC Milan about a move for Mario Balotelli, according to the Serie A club’s CEO Adriano Galliani.

Balotelli, 24, has regularly been linked with a return to the Premier League since leaving Manchester City for Milan in January 2013.

Recent reports have suggested Liverpool, who are still looking to fill the attacking void left by Luis Suarez’s departure, have contacted the seven-time European champions about a potential £17.5 million transfer.

•Balotelli

has been named the top seed in the women’s singles for this year ’s tournament which starts next week.

This is the third time that Williams has been the number one seed at the US Open.... she won the title on both prior occasions (2002 and 2013).

Romanian Simona Halep, the 2014 French Open finalist and Wimbledon semifinalist is the number 2 seed, followed by Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic, who won her second Wimbledon title this year.

Agnieszka Radwanska, of Poland is 4 and reigning French Open and 2006 US Open

•Serena champion Maria Sharapova is seeded fifth.

Victoria Azarenka, of Belarus, who has reached the US Open, women’s final each of the last two years, is seeded No. 16.

Two-time US Open champion Venus Williams is seeded No. 19, 2004 champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, of Russia, is seeded 20th and 2011 champion Samantha Stosur is seeded 24th.

60 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

Fire which many analysts say

Continues from BP opened the door to the office where the fire was already raging under a table and it was put off with a fire extinguisher but soon after it was noticed that the fire was still raging but this time the said staff was nowhere to be found and forced the breaking of the door but before then it was too late because the fire had already escalated.

The fire affected the accounts offices, ICT office, marketing department, part of protocol department national competitions as well as the office of the director of technical and it took the combined efforts of a team of officers from the fire service, Federal Road safety Corps, NFF internal security, staff as well as officers of the Department of State Security Services (DSS) who have been reporting to the glasshouse since the return of Maigari to contain the inferno.

But findings by Sports Vanguard showed that all the fire extinguishers in the office had expired since 2012 which probably was the reason why the fire continued even after the extinguishers were used to put it off.

The intensity of the fire was so high that it took nine fire fighting trucks to fight the inferno both from the front of the building and its rear

was why the second wing of the building was saved.

Addressing the media after examining the extent of damage, president of the NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari said the incident was regrettable and unfortunate adding that he was grateful to God that no life was lost even as he urged the security agents to investigate to find out what led to the fire.

He said the board will be meeting immediately to decide on the next line of action because such an ugly development has never happened in the history of Nigerian football even as he called on members of Nigerian football to join hands with him to find a way out of the present situation.

“Yes the board will e meeting to decide on the next line of action because this the very first time we are witnessing this type of ugly development in our football, I am also hopeful that we will get over this situation and that is why I want to urge everybody again to bury their hatchet and let us together develop this game that Nigerians love so much” Maigari stated.

But for the leader of the Nigeria Fire Services team that intervened, Ime Eyo the staff of the NFF did not respond in time by calling the fire service even as he re-

Maigari Continues from BP House Wednesday morning.

“We are grateful to God Almighty that no lives were lost in the fire

Police Continues from BP office of the NFF in Abuja in the morning (Wednesday).

“We have not made any arrests but we hope to ascertain what caused this fire among other things.”

The offices of the NFF general secretary as well as that of the chief accountant were gutted by fire.

It took more than an hour before fire fighters

could put out the inferno.

“The fire started from the chief accountant’s office as I was told,” said NFF general secretary Musa Amadu.

“I just arrived the office and saw the smoke and was not allowed to go upstairs obviously for safety reasons.

“Staff members would have been able to reduce the impact of the damage, but could not gain access into my office.''

gretted that the barricade at the entrance of the office further hindered their pace which aided the fire to also escalate.

Eyo, who equally called for a thorough investigation into the incident said he was shocked to find out that his men saw only fire extinguishers that had expired since 2012 at the glasshouse.

But commenting on the incident, the deputy controller in charge of operations, Omopetusin Julius said his men responded promptly because it took only about 15 minutes for them to reach the secretariat due to the heavy traffic in the morning. He also said that from what was noticed, the fire fighters were not invited early enough. He equally said it was very early to determine the true cause of the fire even as he urged the NFF to demand for an investigation into what actually happened.

“For now nobody can actually determine the cause of the fire, I have heard people saying it could have been due to an electric spark but if they want the Fire Report, they can send a request to our office and we will ascertain the real cause of the fire. If not for our quick intervention, the entire building would have been razed but we thank God that we were able to save a part of the building” the fire service official said. incident, we are optimistic that we would get over this incident, and I am sure that the security agencies would step in immediately to investigate what had happened,” Maigari told media.

Maigari only returned to work at the Glass House on Monday after several months of intrigues which saw him impeached by the board over allegations of fraud but he was reinstated under the orders of Fifa.

Insinuations are rife that the fire might have been caused in order to destroy documents as members of the NFF board are still at loggerheads.

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VANGUARD, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

Police probe NFF fire P

OLICE have begun investigations into the fire which gutted the office of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Wednesday morning.

Assistant police

Razed NFF secretariat

commissioner Abubakar Baba said at the scene of the fire incident: “We have begun investigations into the fire that broke out at the

Continues on Page 60

•Abba

S-A-B-O-T-A-G-E! Mysterious fire guts NFF secretariat •Accounts dept, SG’s office badly affected

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

T

Umeh inspecting burnt documents yesterday.

HE confusion rock ing Nigerian football took a rather shocking dimension yesterday when a mysterious midmorning fire completely

Umeh, Baribote call for probe FIRST vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief

Mike Umeh has called for a security investigation into the

strange fire that gutted some offices of the Continues on Page 57

gutted the accounts department and the office of the general secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barr.

Musa Amadu.

The fire which started about 9.15 am was not contained until about 10.20 am when fire fighters from both the Abuja Fire Service as well as construction giants, Julius Berger gained entry into the complex which also houses the FCT Command of the Feder-

al Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

Sources say immediately the fire which be-

gan from the accounts department was noticed, an unnamed staff Continues on Page 60

We ‘ll get over it, says Maigari NFF President Aminu Maigari has thanked God that no lives were lost in the fire incident at the Glass Continues on Page 60

Maigari

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Thick (5) 7 Obscure (5) 8 Filleted (5) 10 Call (5) 12 Immerse (3) 13 Advantage (5) 15 Child (7) 17 Division (6) 19 Regret (3) 20 Subdue (7) 23 Obstinate (4) 25 Cease (4) 26 Revoke (7) 30 Tank (3) 31 Neater (6) 34 Determined (7) 37 Poetry (5) 38 Friend (3) 39 Material (5) 40 Irrigate (5) 41 Wanderer (5) 42 Line up (5)

DOWN 1 Near (5) 2 Quilt (5) 3 Reviser (6) 4 Aperture (4) 5 Deity (7) 6 Repulse (5) 9 Nothing (3) 11 Flood (7) 13 Away (5) 14 Scrub (5) 16 Owing (3) 18 Responded (7) 21 Step (5) 22 Scanty (5) 24 Derided (7) 27 Sorrowful (3) 28 Plunging (6) 29 Reimburse (5) 32 Devil (5) 33 Composition (5) 35 Feline (3) 36 Trade (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Allow 2, Tell 8, Except 9, Leapt 11, Did 13, Per 15, Eden 16, Pea 18, Tree 19, Fiancee 20, Alto 22, Asti 23, Raccoon 25, Look 27, Hay 28, Ague 30, Toy 31, End 33, Shore 36, Revise 38, Wreck.

DOWN: 1, Fetid 2, All 3, Lea 4, Wet 5, Act 6, Spree 10, Plea 11, Default 12, Destroy 13, Presage 14, Resided 16, Pinch 17, Annoy 18, Tea 21, Oak 24, Oath 26, Oozed 29, Undid 32, Bid 33, Sew 34, Ode 35, Elk.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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