Drama as APC, PDP Reps test might

...towards a better life for the people

**

VOL. 25: NO. 62063

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

Gusau, Obanikoro, Haruna, 9 others make ministerial list P.45

CBN bars banks from lending more than 25% of public funds P.8

Drama as APC, PDP Reps test might

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

A

•Gbajabiamila’s remark sparks row: PDP now 171, APC 172

•We'll obey court order—Tambuwal

MINISTERIAL NOMINEES

Gusau

Obanikoro

BUJA—THE rul ing People's Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, in the House of Representatives gave a foretaste of their battle for supremacy when their representatives tested their might in the House.

The battle for suContinues on page 5

Wali

Mr & Mrs COLUMNISTS:

•P.19

Haruna

Akon

•P.48

2 — Vanguard, WEDNSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

Vanguard, WEDNSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 — 3

4 — Vanguard, WEDNSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014—5

POCKET CARTOON

BRIEFING— From left: Hon. Samuel Adejare,Chairman House Committee on Judiciary; Ali Ahmed, Minority Leader; APC Leader in the House, Femi Gbajabiamila and Deputy Minority Whip, Samson Osage addressing pressmen at the National Assembly, yesterday, on the court order stopping leadership change in the House of Representatives. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Drama as APC, PDP Reps test might Continues from page 1 premacy was sparked off when the Minority Leader, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos) deliberately referred to the Deputy Majority Leader, Leo Ogor as deputy minority leader, sparking off a verbal war between members of the All Progressives Congress, APC and the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

The uproar followed a motion brought to the floor by Sani Madaki (APC, Kano) under matters of urgent national importance entitled: "The Urgent Need to Save Our Nascent Democracy."

While moving the motion, in which Madaki deliberately referred to Leo Ogor as the deputy minority leader of the House, he asked the Federal Government to sack the Inspector-General of Police, Moham-

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Be the change that you wish to see in the world —Mahatma Gandhi

E

VERY moment is a celebration of life but it feels so beautiful to acknowledge this knowing wh enever we can. Whenever a birthday ap-

proaches for me, it often enhances my attitude and perception of what my purpose in life is about. This calls for greater reflection and how well to impact my life’s purpose for the benefit of all of life in whatever way that will make meaningful difference, however little, and this for me, is the significance of celebrating every waking moment of life.

With every breath comes a silent whisper from my heart; it clearly reveals gratitude for everyone that has impacted my life for we are here as each other’s teacher and sometimes the lessons that are easier for us may be difficult for others and vice versa, but the principle to learn is to accept one another and be less critical and judgemental, for each is on their own journey, and it will be more beneficial to change ourselves because when we do, we will realise that we do not have to change another person. When you take a leap in consciousness, your world and everything around you leaps in this change of consciousness as well.

Just imagine how beautiful life can be if you stopped making negative judgmental assumptions about people you encounter. Learn to look for the good in everyone you meet and respect their journey.

These words of Albert Einstein sum it beautifully: “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking."

med Abubakar and the Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mbu Joseph Mbu over their alleged poor handling of the Rivers State political crises.

Obviously, his statement arose from the impending and controversial change of House leadership due to APC’s numerical strength occasioned by the defection of 37 PDP members to the APC, which has made the former opposition party to have more members than the PDP in the House.

Madaki’s reference to Ogor as deputy minority leader did not go down well with PDP members as he had hardly finished his presentation when the drama started.

The drama

Some PDP members who were irked by his remarks moved towards Madaki, apparently to molest him but the APC members formed a ring around him and started shouting to save him from being mobbed.

Ogor (PDP, Isoko Federal Constituency, Delta) had while contributing to Madaki’s motion quoted Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which provided for fair hearing and insisted that both IGP Abubakar and Mbu should be given the opportunity to defend themselves. He was instantly shouted down by APC members.

It was at this juncture that the Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal gave Gbajabiamila an audience to puncture Ogor’s submission.

Gbajabiamila was trying to buttress his point

when he referred to Ogor as Deputy Minority Leader, thus further heating the charged atmosphere. The remark sparked off trouble.

The House was thrown into a rowdy session for close to 25 minutes as Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal watched in astonishment. The APC members shouted their party slogan throughout the period while PDP members also shouted PDP’s slogan.

However, while the commotion was on most members left their seats to discuss the issue, others like Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi, Toby Okechukwu, Deputy Minority Leader, Kawu Sumaila among others also consulted the Speaker.

At a point, Rep Bashir Adamu, who approached to Gbajabiamila in protest was seen shouting on top of his voice as members around tried to calm him down.

It took great efforts from Tambuwal to calm members and settle the uproar.

The APC members had in a meeting on Monday planned to change the leadership of the House at plenary yesterday, but Tambuwal reportedly pleaded with them not to do so based on a court order restraining them.

Tambuwal saves the day

In dousing the issue, Tambuwal said: “The Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila who is a very senior lawyer and member of the House presented us with a very expensive joke of the New Year.

"We have our rules and procedures. We are aware of the change of leadership issue and the recent court order on that. In fact, we have been served with the order. But be that as it may, whether it was a slip of tongue, there is a court order,” he said.

Tambuwal warned that as lawmakers, they should be the last set of people to disobey a court order no matter the situation.

He cited the 1993 presidential election where he said MKO Abiola was on his way to winning when the election was annulled.

But Gbajabiamila stood his ground on the issue, saying he was only referring to a statement of fact since APC now has the majority in the House.

Citing the House Rules, Gbajabiamila said “the majority shall... and the minority shall... In

reverence to your office and your position Mr Speaker, I now refer to Hon Leo Ogor as Hon Leo Ogor,” he concluded, before moving to shake hands with Ogor. He did not speak further as some members disrupted his explanation once again.

The motion that moved the House

Madaki in his motion had moved that the House should ask President Goodluck Jonathan to remove the Inspector General of Police from office within two weeks, failing which the National Assembly would take appropriate measures in the circumstances.

He also moved that the House should urge the Police Service Commission to dismiss Mr. Mbu from the Police and that the Federal Ministry of Justice should initiate the prosecution of the Rivers State Commissioner of police, Joseph Mbu. He further urged the House to “mandate the committee on Interior, National Security and Police Affairs to liaise with the relevant government bodies to ensure the implementation of the House Resolution on this matter and report back to the House within four weeks.”

However, Tambuwal said the prayers of the motion had some implications and referred it to the committees on Rules and Business, Judiciary and Justice to study and advise the House on what to do.

Defections

Also yesterday, Rep Emmanuel Jime from Benue State defected from PDP to APC while Francis Hananiya of APC, Adamawa decamped to PDP just as Sulayman Konbi defected from DPP to APC, while Ganama Kwaga left APC for PDP. With the new configuration of the House, APC now has 172 members while the PDP has 171.

APC legislators to obey court order

Members of the APC, yesterday said they would now abide by a court order, restraining them from making leadership change in the chamber.

An Abuja Federal High Court had Monday restrained any leadership change in the House, following a suit filed by the PDP praying for the court to stop APC lawmakers from carrying out such changes.

Earlier, the APC lawmakers had vowed to disobey the court order saying it was procured through the black market.

The members had premised their reason for not respecting the ruling on alleged lack of jurisdiction by the court to entertain the matter, as it was purely an internal affair of the Legislature.

But the APC members, after another caucus meeting prior to the commencement of the plenary, yesterday, resolved to abide by the court order until February 3, when hearing would resume on the matter.

Minority leader of the House, Gbajabiamila, said at a press briefing shortly after the plenary: ‘’APC members have now taken a decision to abide by the court’s order for now. Once we study the order, we will vacate the judgment. We want Nigerians to know that what happened today has ridiculed the government of Nigeria because this is the only parliament in the whole world where the minority party retains the position of majority and the majority party remain minority.” He said his reference to the deputy majority leader as the deputy minority leader at the session “ was simply a fact”, stressing that “the slim majority of 171172 is not actual, as the last check revealed that APC has a majority of about 20 members."

6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

Kwara Immigration deports 100 illegal aliens

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

I

LORIN — THE Kwara State command of the Nigeria Immigration Service, said yesterday that it had repatriated over 100 illegal immigrants who were arrested in December 2013 by the command.

The aliens, mostly from Niger Republic, were nabbed at different locations in Ilorin, the state capital while trying to meander their way into the city.

The state Comptroller of the Immigration Service, Mr Nwachukwu Chime, confirmed the repatriation of the aliens in an interview in Ilorin.

According to him,”we have repatriated all of them because they have no business being here.”

He said following a tip-off from the Nigerian army, Sobi, the command acted promptly and arrested the immigrants at various locations in Ilorin.

Chime also explained that his men swooped on the aliens as they were about entering Ilorin.

He said no papers were found on them at the time of arrest, adding that many of them were coming to Ilorin under the pretext of hawking fruits.

The NIS boss said the move was to check the menacing security situation, which was being perpetrated by unidentified people.

FRAUD: EFCC arrests man for cloning Fashola’s wife, Okonjo-Iweala's Facebook accounts

BY SONI DANIEL & IFEANYI OKOLIE

A

BUJA — THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested a Lagos State University graduate for cloning the Facebook accounts of prominent Nigerians and using same to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

Before his arrest, yesterday, Anthony Ezechukwu, 38, had successfully used the names of Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; wives of Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Aisha Bala Mohammed and the Director of the Abuja Geographical Information Systems, AGIS, Jamilah Tangaza to transact his illegal business and smile to the bank.

According to EFCC, Ezechukwu went on to solicit for various forms of business

vised clever baits to lure his victims. Once he successfully opened a Facebook account with the false identity of a Mrs. Fashola, he began to send out messages soliciting for friendship, which yielded enormous responses from innocent respondents, who wanted to seize the moment to be friend to the Lagos First Lady.

But on noticing the stream of friends on the Facebook, the suspect started directing them to ‘her personal assistant’, who in turn demanded for various sums of money from them to connect them with influential people in government and the society.

Also, in the account he opened using the name and photograph Anthony Ezechukwu, the sus- of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, pect.

Ezechukwu claimed that he had job offers and directed interested and assistance that fetched him job seekers to ‘her schedule ofhundreds of thousands of Naira ficer’ (he also doubles as schedafter cloning the accounts of the ule officer) who in turn asked prominent Nigerians. them to make payments into a Findings showed that in each designated bank account. of the instances, Ezechukwu de-

Scene of an accident near police check-point on Mararaba-Nyanya road in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN.

Edo Police parade 60 suspected robbers, cultists, others

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN CITY — THE Edo State Police command, yesterday, paraded 60 suspected robbers, kidnappers and cultists including a 33-year-old man, Justine Oliseh, who allegedly had sexual intercourse with five under aged boys.

Also paraded for child defilement was 60-year old Benjamin Amadin, who was accused of defiling a nine-year-old girl, around Orobator, Benin City.

They were paraded with cache of arms which includes AK-47, 10 locally made pistols, live cartridges and several other exhibits.

The Edo State Commissioner of

Police, Foluso Adebanjo, who paraded the suspect, thanked the people of the state for their support in the fight against criminality, asserting that “2014 will be very tough for criminals in Edo State.”

According to him, “without God, all we do is in vain. I want to thank Him for the achievement we have recorded. I also want to thank the Inspector General of Police.

"Today, we have 60 suspects with us, including armed robbers, kidnappers and others who have committed unusual crimes, including a man who slept with five young males.

“I also want seize the opportunity to warn inter-state rob-

bers to stay clear of the state. Edo State is a challenging state, but we are doing our best to make the state safe for people.

"Also, about the activities of cultists, whether you are a student and because of a fight you go and kill, you will be charged for murder. This craziness must stop. This year will be tough for criminals, we will go after them one by one.

I slept with 4 boys —Oliseh Oliseh, who confessed to sleeping with boys, said he had defiled only four in the past as against five being alleged against him. He said he resorted

to the act after being jilted by girlfriends.

He said: “It’s about four of them. What happened was that when my girlfriend broke my heart, I tried another, it was the same, so I decided to stay by myself masturbating.

“At first, I was doing it on my own before I now started sleeping with the children. One of them is 11, another 12 and the other one is 14 years.

“They always come to greet me and I usually apply cream.

It was on January 1 that I was caught. The community gathered and beat me and took me down to Eyaen Police Station before I was transferred to state headquarters.”

How he met his waterloo But Ezechhukwu met his waterloo when he cloned the Facebook account of Jamilah Tangaza, the current AGIS Director, who is an ICT expert and had served as media director to the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed before her recent appointment.

With his address as w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / agis.jamilahtangaza.9, Ezechukwu set about exploiting the office of the influential AGIS boss to have his cut of the lucrative apple that is Abuja property sector.

His bait came in the form of a message: “In my certified, endorsed and approved capacity, as the Director General of Abuja Geographical Information System, AGIS, officially appointed

by FCT minister (Senator Bala Mohammed) and his administration on presidency acceptance and approvals (sic) to take control of all lands and houses sales (sic) in FCT Abuja.

“Then I warned, using this medium to advised (sic) the general public those who wish to buy land and houses in FCT Abuja to channel all the inquiries, consultation and payment to me...”

The poorly constructed message notwithstanding, some persons who are desperate to own land or houses in the FCT fell for it and began to wire money into his account.

The Facebook account he opened in the name of the wife of the FCT minister, Aisha Muhammed, turned out to be very rewarding.

In a post on the account, he claimed that the FCT had soft loan worth N10 million for disbursement to individuals but offered forms to interested persons at the rate of N100, 000.

Unknown to the public that it was a scam, a certain Usman Ahmed paid N100, 000 into a designed account with a new generation bank.

Ezechukwu was, however, nabbed following a complaint by Tangaza. He is currently assisting investigators probing the scam and will be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is concluded In a statement in Abuja, yesterday, the Acting Head of Media for the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, warned members of the public to be wary of relationships in the social media that come with solicitations of any kind, and to be circumspect in responding to gratuitous offers that look too good to be true.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 —7

3 feared dead, scores missing in fresh Tiv, herdsmen clash

BY PETER DURU

M

AKURDI — THREE per sons have been reportedly killed while several have been declared missing in a clash that erupted Sunday morning between Fulani herdsmen and Tiv natives in Adeke village, which is less than four kilometres from the heart of Makurdi town.

When Vanguard visited the troubled community, yesterday, the inhabitants of the village had fled their homes for fear of being killed by the rampaging herdsmen.

It would be recalled that crisis broke out in Adeke, weekend, after suspected Tiv youths allegedly killed over 30 cows belonging to some herdsmen residing in the area, leading to the break down of peace in the community.

Since the commencement of the crisis, all schools, shops and other business outlets as well as the mammy market near the mobile police barracks in the area had remained closed.

It was also gathered that the herdsmen who had lived in a settlement within the community had since the commencement of the crisis evacuated their children and wives to neighbouring Nasarawa State preparatory to a major onslaught.

A mobile police officer who spoke to Vanguard on grounds of anonymity, said: “There is palpable tension in the entire community. Three persons have lost their lives in this crisis and many are still missing.

No one is sure of the next move of the herdsmen, that is why most families have deserted their homes.”

Reacting to the development, the lawmaker representing

Makurdi South constituency at the State House of Assembly, Mr. Benjamin Adanyi said: “With what we see happening in Adeke, I would not be surprised if the Fulani mercenaries decide to match into the heart of Makurdi town in the coming days.

“I strongly believe this could

be an orchestrated plan by the caliphate to annihilate smaller communities and extend its influence over them.”

On his part, the Benue state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Archbishop Yiman Orkwar said: “A jihad has been declared on Benue State and the Federal Government

Law enforcement agents conveying seized commercial motorcycles to unidentified destination for flouting the ban for their use in the Abuja municipality, yesterday. Over 9,143 motorcycles have been seized in Abuja in six years. Photo: NAN

Y

ENAGOA – A teenage girl said to have been locked up in a wooden cage for about 30 months by her parents over alleged strange ailment attributed to witchcraft has finally been released by members of a foundation.

The rescued victim, a twin, identified as Blessing Olokumo, an indigene of Ayibatari quarter, Opokuma, in Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, according to investigation conducted by the group, was diagnosed with a strange illness.

According to the acting

L

AGOS — THE exChairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, whose party aligned with two others to form the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr Akeem Arowolo Jimoh, has been killed by gunmen suspected to be robbers.

Sources said he was shot dead at his residence on Kelani Street, off Adealu Street, Dopemu in Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, early Sunday morning.

The robbers who stormed the area at about 2 a.m. ransacked his residence but were said not to have found anything valuable in the house.

After about an hour operation, the ex-APGA boss was shot for not having money at home to give them.

It was learnt that the politician, who was well known in the area, died instantly.

It was reliably gathered that the robbers raided eight other houses in the area leaving many people injured.

The late Akeem has been buried accordance with Islamic injunctions.

18-yr-old girl dies of abortion as Police nab lover, quack nurse

BY DAYO JOHNSON

A

KURE — DETECTIVES in Ondo State have ar-

rested a quark nurse over the death of an 18-year-old girl, Omolayo Afolabi, who she helped to terminate a two-

Teenager caged for 30 months by parents released in Bayelsa

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

seems unperturbed and people are being killed by people who have no regards for human lives.”

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent Daniel Ezeala said security had been beefed up in the community to forestal further crisis.

Robbers kill APC leader in Lagos

President of the foundation, Comrade Tonyon Ebitei Robert, the strange illness led to the isolation of the girl by her parents due to her alleged constant incidence of defecation and soiling of the house.

Father of the girl, who is also a twin, allegedly built the cage and locked up the girl to keep her away from the main house.

“She was kept like a rabbit.

She was given food when it is available and was allowed to sleep in her vomit, faeces and urine. She lost weight and could have died,” Robert alleged.

According to her, the group known for its campaign against maltreatment of twin

child in the state, was contacted by concerned indigenes of Okolobiri community where the Olokumo family resides.

The first attempt by members of the group to reach the caged child was allegedly rebuffed by the father but their next trip was fruitful as he handed the child to them.

The rescued child was reportedly taken to the teaching hospital for proper medical treatment.

Though the father of the girl could not be reached for comment as he was said to have absconded from home, some indigenes of the community condemned the act, describing it as callous and wicked.

month pregnancy in Iju/ Itaogbolu area of the state.

Also arrested by the police is Joseph Endurance, the deceased lover said to have been responsible for her pregnancy.

The quack nurse, Favour Adebiyi, was reportedly approached by the deceased to help her abort the pregnancy.

Vanguard gathered that the deceased, who was introduced to the quack nurse by one of her friends, informed her to help them terminate the pregnancy since her boy friend was too young to father a child.

The nurse was said to have given her some drugs to use which, according to information, led to her untimely death.

It was gathered that the drugs taken at night by the deceased later led to some complications.

Instead of seeking medical help, the deceased, according to report, thought she could still salvage the situation until the pain became unbear-

able and resulted in her death some 24 hours after she administered the drugs.

The news of her death later got to her family members following which one of them reported the case at the Iju Police station.

In a swift response, some detectives were deployed to the town and they met the lifeless body of the deceased which they took to the General Hospital in Iju for autopsy.

Contacted, the image maker of the command, Wole Ogodo, confirmed that the quack nurse and the boyfriend of the 18-year-old deceased are being detained.

Ogodo said the two suspects are currently undergoing interrogation.

He noted that the quack nurse had confessed to the crime, adding that they have been transferred to the CID division of the command for further questioning.

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

‘Why service chiefs are yet to wear new ranks’

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

A

BUJA — THERE are strong indications that the newly appointed service chiefs will not wear their new ranks until their appointments are confirmed by the Senate.

The service chiefs are the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Air Marshal Alex Badeh; Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Major-General Kenneth Minimah; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin and his counterpart in the Nigeria Air Force, NAF, Air Vice Marshal Adesola Amosu.

In the past, the appointment of a CDS and other service chiefs was immediately followed by their decoration with the CDS becoming a four-star general, while the others become three-star generals or equivalent.

The decision to defer their decoration with the new ranks followed a recent court action instituted by a lawyer, Festus Keyamo, which resulted in a court ruling that nullified the appointments of the immediate past service chiefs as unconstitutional.

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, 2nd Niger bridge, MMIA gulp N300bn —FG

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

A

BUJA — THE Federal Government, yesterday, said the ongoing Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the second Niger Bridge and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMA, Lagos has gulped N300 billion.

The projects were being undertaken under the Public Private Partnership, PPP, arrangements just as the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, has demanded for list of new projects.

Also, the government said it would, at the beginning of second quarter of 2014, flag off the Bodo-Bonny road and Lagos Outer Ring road projects under the PPP arrangement.

The Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, made these known when he received in audience the Board of ICRC led by its Chairman, Senator Ken Nnamani, in Abuja.

He said: “The three major projects which include the LagosIbadan express way, Second Niger Bridge and MMIA gulped N300 billion and l can assure you that all the projects will be completed on schedule."

Onolememen said the huge infrastructural gap in the country posed a lot of challenges to government even as it had opened windows of investment opportunities for investors willing to take up the advantage.

Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State (third right) and other officials of government inspecting a map of the proposed Enugu Industrial Park, shortly after signing an MoU for its establishment with a Chinese company, Goalmark Group, yesterday.

Earlier, the ICRC Chairman, Nnamani, had commended Onolememen for his good works in the ministry and assured that the commission would partner with the Ministry of Works to make PPP a procurement option that would complement the present administration transformation agenda.

Apart from the three ongoing

projects under the PPP model, Nnamani asked the minister to submit a new list of viable federal road projects to be contracted under the PPP programme.

Nnamani said: “We also hope that with the dwindling budgetary funding, the minister would revisit the proposal to re-

build and manage other key federal roads across the country through PPP. “Early submission of the projects’ list would enable the commission fulfil the provisions in its Act which requires us to obtain and publish such projects along with other projects from all other MDAs."

CBN bars banks from lending more than 25% of public funds

BY EMMA UJAH, ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

A

BUJA — THE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has raised the Cash Reserve Ratio, CRR, on public deposits from 50 per cent to 75 per cent with effect from next month.

The Governor of the apex bank, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who announced the new measure to further tighten monetary policy, in Abuja, yesterday, said the action was necessary to save the Naira from further fall in value.

MPR remains at 12 per cent +/- 200 basis points and liquidity ratio (LR) at 30 per cent while private deposits’ CRR remains at 12 per cent.

He expressed concern over the continued depletion of the Excess Crude Account, ECA, which balance stood at less than US$2.5 billion on January 17, 2014 compared with about US$11.5 billion in December 2012.

“This absence of fiscal buffers increased our reliance on portfolio flows thus, constitut-

ing the principal risk to exchange rate stability, especially with uncertainties around capital flows and oil price,” he said.

Sanusi queries oil revenue On the depletion of fiscal buffers, the committee decried the continuous fall in revenue from oil despite stable price of oil and production in 2013.

Although the committee acknowledged output losses due to theft and vandalism, this could not wholly explain the magnitude of the shortfall in revenue.

As a consequence, accretion to external reserves remained low while much of the previous savings have been depleted, thereby undermining the ability of the Central Bank to sustain exchange rate stability.

He said: “On the depletion of fiscal buffers, the committee decried the continuous fall in revenue from oil despite stable price of oil and production in 2013.

"Although the committee acknowledged output losses due

to theft and vandalism, this could not wholly explain the magnitude of the shortfall in revenue."

As a consequence, accretion to external reserves remained low while much of the previous savings have been depleted, thereby undermining the ability of the Central Bank to sustain exchange rate stability.

The committee therefore, urged the fiscal authorities to block revenue leakages and rebuild fiscal savings needed to sustain confidence and preserve the value of the naira.

Falling reserves Sanusi noted that reserves had fallen to $42.85 billion, representing a decrease of US$ 0.98 billion or 2.23 per cent compared with $ 43.83 billion at end-December 2012, in spite of good international oil market prices in 2013.

The governor, therefore, urged the “fiscal authorities to block revenue leakages and rebuild fiscal savings needed to sustain confidence and preserve the value of the naira.

Widening gaps at forex He expressed concern about the widening gap between the official and the BDC exchange rates, noting that this could precipitate speculation and round-tripping.

“Though, the BDCs represent a small component of the foreign exchange market, the widening spread appeared to have fed into creeping increases in core inflation,” the CBN boss said.

He, however, re-affirmed the bank’s commitment to a stable exchange rate regime while urging the fiscal authority to provide support by reducing fiscal leakages, improving controls around oil revenues and reviewing terms around production sharing agreements with oil companies, while awaiting the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB. According to him, there was need for a complementary monetary policy response to ensure sustained exchange rate stability and convergence of rates in various segments.

CBN, he said, was faced with either of two options: either allowing a depreciation of the Naira to avoid further tightening and depletion of reserves or maintaining our commitment to currency stability while stressing that monetary policy is almost at its limits and needs support from the fiscal side in the form of excess crude savings if currency stability is to be maintained in the future.

In the end, Sanusi said the monetary authorities settled for the later because “the costs of a weaker naira far outweigh the benefits to the Nigerian economy and the core mandate of the CBN.” The CBN boss who presided over the last Monetary Policy Meeting before his exit from the bank pledged to take “immediate steps to redress the supplydemand imbalance in the Bureau de Change segment of the forex, while maintaining its focus on Anti-Money Laundering, AML, activities.”

He, however, tasked the fiscal authorities to immediately act to save the economy, as according to him, the monetary policies were at their limits.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014—9

Africa’s richest man, Dangote mulls buying Nigeria oil fields D

ANGOTE GROUP, urea plant and a petrochemical venture agreement with one controlled by Africa’s factory to produce company, according to Edwin, equity analyst at FBN Capital richest man Aliko Dangote, is polypropylene, used to make who is also the chief executive Ltd., said in e-mailed comments.

“Presently, the focus is more considering the purchase of plastics. The company plans to officer of the cement business.

Nigerian oil fields as expand the refinery capacity by “The countries we’re looking on its expansion across subinternational companies plan to another 100,000 barrels, Edwin at have huge natural resources Sahara Africa, due to the sell onshore assets in Nigeria. and growth,” said Edwin, potentially higher margins and said.

The company, which has Nigeria with about 170 million declining to name the nations, growth that can be achieved across the continent.” interests from cement to sugar, people, relies on fuel imports to so as not to alert competitors.

Dangote will delay a planned needs to secure a supply of crude meet most of its needs due to “There are many large players oil and a “substantial amount of mismanagement, poor in that region” that “may easily listing of its cement company’s gas” for a $9 billion oil refinery maintenance and aging try to shut down entry to new shares on the London Stock and petrochemical complex it equipment at its four refineries. players, but there’s still large Exchange until at least next year plans to set up, Group Executive Dangote’s refinery will cut fuel scope of doing business,” he when plants in countries including Cameroon, Senegal, Director, Devakumar Edwin has imports for the country in half, said. disclosed, in Lagos. The according to the company.

Dangote Cement, with a Sierra Leone and Zambia are company also needs energy for Aliko Dangote, who is co- market capitalisation of N3.9 commissioned, Edwin said.

Dangote Cement’s shares its cement plants in the country, chairman of this year’s World trillion ($24.6 billion), has three he said.

Economic Forum in Davos, has plants in Nigeria and plans to closed 2.2 percent higher at N230 “We’re seriously thinking of seen his wealth climb $1.1 billion expand in 13 other African by the market close in Lagos, investing in oil blocks both for in the month to date, making countries, bringing total capacity increasing its gains for the gas and for oil,” Edwin said. him the world’s 27th richest to more than 50 million tons by month to five per cent. The stock advanced 71 per cent last year, “We’ve started talking with person with a net worth 2016. some companies which are estimated at $24.9 billion, The company is also expanding outpacing the 47 per cent gain divesting from onshore,” he according to the Bloomberg in Asia and had signed of the Nigerian Stock Exchange said, declining to name them. limestone mining rights in All Share Index.

Billionaires’ Index.

The sale will probably happen International oil and gas Dangote Cement Plc , Africa’s Indonesia and Nepal, Edwin once investors can “see us as explorers including Royal Dutch biggest producer of the building said.

Shell Plc and San Ramon, materials and Nigeria’s largest “The company’s intention to players outside Nigeria, not just California-based Chevron Corp. company, is looking at expand to Latin America will take as Nigeria champions and that are selling onshore and shallow- expanding in three South some time to fully crystallize,” we can repeat our success story water fields in Nigeria amid American countries and has Tunde Abidoye, a Lagos-based elsewhere,” he said. persistent violence and crude signed a preliminary jointtheft in the Niger Delta, with smaller Nigerian companies taking their place.

Dangote “will require feed stock for the refinery,” Pabina Yinkere, the head of research at Lagos-based Vetiva Capital Management Ltd., said by e-mail today.

With its “aspirations of becoming a global cement name, and the importance of energy in the cement production process, this could serve as a complement in the long run.”

Dangote Group believes it can manage unrest and aggrieved communities in the region with corporate social initiatives, Edwin said.

“We know the terrain much better, we know the risks and we believe that the risks can be managed,” he said.

“The primary risk is people blasting your pipelines. I wouldn’t like to go and invest in a block which is totally inland and then I have to start buying inland pipelines.”

Dangote’s complex will ARRIVAL: From left, the Nigeria Ambassador to Switzerland, Mrs. Fidelia Njeze, include a 400,000-barrel-a-day introducing President Goodluck Jonathan to Nigeria community in Zurich, on his arrival to refinery, a 2.8 million-metric-ton attend the World Economic Summit, in Davos, yesterday. Photo: State House

We'll reconcile all factions in PDP — Mu'azu

BY HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA — NATIONAL Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu said, yesterday, that he would reconcile all warring factions in the party, adding that PDP remains a reality.

He spoke, yesterday, during a short meeting with journalists at national secretariat of the party.

According to Mu'azu, PDP is

the only party in Nigeria that was alive.

He added: “This is an election period and very critical; PDP is a reality, the only party with continuous life; we may have our internal crisis, it is the only detribalised party in Nigeria.

The lost ground will be addressed, we will reconcile all the factions in PDP.“ The crisis in the PDP got to a climax when the party split into two, with former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and

six northern governors staging a walk-out at the Eagle Square, venue of the Special National Convention held on August 31, last year.

Some of those who stormed out of the convention venue were Governors Sule Lamido of Jigawa; Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara; Aliyu Babangida of Niger; Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto; Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano, and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa states respectively.

Following the irreconcilable

nature of the problems raised, Governors Ahmed of Kwara; Wamakko of Sokoto, Kwankwaso of Kano; Nyako of Adamawa and Amaechi of Rivers later dumped the party for the opposition, All Progressives Congress, APC, leaving Sule Lamido of Jigawa and Aliyu Babangida of Niger behind.

Apart from the governors, 37 elected members of the House of Representatives left the party for APC, while some were still waiting to follow suit.

IMF raises global outlook as advanced nations accelerate

T

HE INTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund has raised its forecast for global growth this year as expansions in the U.S. and U.K. accelerate, and urged advanced economies to maintain monetary accommodation to strengthen the recovery.

The global economy will grow 3.7 per cent this year, compared with an October estimate of 3.6 per cent, the IMF said in revisions to its World Economic Outlook released in Washington today.

U.S. gross domestic product will expand 2.8 per cent, compared with 2.6 per cent; Japan will gain 1.7 per cent versus 1.2 per cent; and the U.K. will increase 2.4 per cent from 1.9 per cent, the report showed.

“In advanced economies, output gaps generally remain large and, given the risks, the monetary policy stance should stay accommodative while fiscal consolidation continues,” the Wa s h i n g t o n - b a s e d organisation said in the report.

“In many emerging market and developing economies, stronger external demand from advanced economies will lift growth, although domestic weaknesses remain a concern.”

China, the world’s second-largest economy, is projected to grow 7.5 per cent, faster than the 7.3 per cent seen in October, after 7.7 per cent last year, according to the report.

Central banks in the U.S., Japan and the euro area face inflation levels under their targets while trying to accelerate growth with policies including benchmark interest rates near zero and bondbuying programmes.

The Federal Reserve announced plans last month to taper monthly asset purchases to $75 billion from $85 billion, citing improvement in the labour market.

Olivier Blanchard, the IMF’s chief economist, said in a prepared statement that the fund expects the Fed’s benchmark interest rate will rise in 2015.

Among the new risks to advanced economies, the IMF cited “very low inflation,” particularly in the euro area, as becoming more significant and raising the prospect that longer-term inflation expectations could head lower.

10—Vanguard, WEDNEESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

Gani Adams warns over attempts to sabotage confab

BY DAPO AKINREFON

N

AT I O N A L COORDINATOR of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, Otunba Gani Adams has raised alarm over alleged plans, by those he referred to as unpatriotic Nigerians, to sabotage the proposed national conference.

In a statement, Adams reaffirmed the OPC resolve to support the conference initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan noting that the national dialogue, “will go a long way to solve most of the problems that are presently besetting our nation.”

Adams noted that; “We are also aware that the president has publicly declared that there would be no go areas for the NDC in its attempt to make sure that all the problems that have stood in the way of the country from developing would be discussed.”

N37m rent fraud: Magistrate threatens to strike out case

BY ONOZURE DANIA & CHINYERE ABIAZIEM

L

AGOS — MAGISTRATE Demi Ajayi of an Ebute-Metta Magistrate's court has said she would strike out the case of Alhaji Ishola Salaudeen, who defrauded at least 100 prospective tenants of N37 million, if the prosecutor Osuyi and new defence counsel Mohammed Adamu, do not agree over how to settle defrauded prospective tenants.

At the resumed trial of the case, yesterday, the new defence counsel to the defendant Mohammed Adamu, said he was getting worried with the case file.

He added that he had gone to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions, EFCC, office to see that they settle the matter out of court so that it won’t have to be transferred to the High Cour.

However Magistrate Ajayi, adjourned the case to March 5, 2014.

Lagos approves N284.4m compensation for displaced Badia residents

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

L

AGOS — GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state, yesterday, said

his administration has approved N284.4 million, as compensation to the displaced residents of Ijora Badia, in Apapa Iganmu Local Council Development

Area, LCDA. The land on which the houses will be built was previously inhabited by two communities and was cleared by the state government last

From left, Dr. Jide Idris, Lagos State Commissioner for Health; Hon. Suru Avoseh, Chairman, House Committee on Health, Lagos State House of Assembly, cutting the tape, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Mr. Ayodele Adewale, Chairman, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, and Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, during the official commissioning of the Maternal and Child Health Centre by Governor Fashola, at Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

February, with over a thousand residents displaced.

He said the compensation was approved after he led other members of the State Executive Council to inspect the ongoing construction of 1008 housing units in Ijora Badia community.

The governor, though not specific on the number of residents who have been captured in the last enumeration, but directed the residents to forward their bio data and account numbers to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, who will attend to the displaced residents.

On why meaningful construction was yet to start on the land, he said; “20 years ago, the practice in the state was that contractors would do the mixing at site but today, the practice has changed. Our contractors now mix and construct the slabs off site and after, it is transferred to the construction site. This is also to ensure that vehicular traffic on the roads is reduced.”

N9.8bn fraud: SFU re-arraigns ‘wonder bank’ operators LAGOS — THE Police Special Fraud Unit, SFU, yesterday, re arraigned two persons in a Federal High Court in Lagos, charged with N9.8 billion fraud.

The accused, Fortune Etaba and Godwin Nwaiche, are standing trial alongside their bank, Establishment House Ltd., on an amended three count charge.

The accused were first arraigned in 2010 on a 300 count charge of fraudulently obtaining large sums of money from various individuals.

The case, however, suffered set back, due to the absence of the then trial judge, Justice Mohammed Liman, who was assigned to an Election Petition Tribunal.

The case was later transferred to Justice Ibrahim Buba, in 2011 and the accused were re arraigned.

The second accused (Nwaichie), had pleaded guilty to the charge, while the first accused (Etaba) pleaded not guilty.

Buba granted the first accused bail, but refused to convict the second accused, after a review of the case, due to a conflict in his plea.

The second accused had pleaded guilty to the charge, but maintained that the amount of money he fraudulently obtained, was less than the sum reflected in the charge.

The judge had, therefore,

refused to convict him on his plea and ordered his remand at the Kirikiri Prisons.

At the resumed hearing of the case yesterday, the Prosecutor, Mr Effiong Asuquo, informed the court of an amended three count charge, and prayed the court to re arraign the accused.

Both accused pleaded not

guilty to counts one and two, while the second accused pleaded guilty to count three.

However, Buba, also refused to convict the second accused, due to a defect in the charge.

The judge said that several offences were lumped in the third count, instead of being distinctly charged.

He, therefore, ordered the

prosecution and defence counsel to address the court on the propriety of the charge.

He adjourned the case to Jan. 29 for hearing.

In the charge, the accused were said to have committed the offence between June and December, 2009.

Asuquo told the court that the accused obtained various sums of money, totaling N9.8 billion from a number of people, especially businessmen at the Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos.

He said that the accused falsely misrepresented to inform all her esteemed customers the individuals that they at Agege, Oko-Oba, Abesan, would get back 50 per cent Ipaja, Abule Odu and environs of their deposits after 21 that the current power rationing days. being experienced in their areas The prosecutor said the is due to a major fault on the accused could not repay 60MVA transformer at Alimoso either the deposited sum, transmission substation. or the “multiplied sum’’ as “A team of engineers and represented. technicians at the transmission section are working round the clock to ensure that the transformer is repaired within the shortest possible time to bring back normal power supply to the areas.

“We regret all inconveniences that our valued customers in the areas are experiencing as a result of the power rationing to the affected communities.

“We enjoin our customers to please bear with us as the efforts to put the transformer back is being intensified,” he said.

Power crisis: Ikeja DISCO apologises to consumers

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

T

HE IKEJA Electricity Distribution Company, DISCO, has apologised to its customers over poor power supply being experienced within the network A statement by the Assistant General Manager, AGM, (Public Affairs) of the company, Mr. Pekun Adeyanju yesterday said a team of engineers and technicians at the transmission section are currently working assiduously to ensure prompt repair of the faulty transformer, that is responsible for the poor supply..

He appealled to the affected areas to bear with the company as efforts have been intensify to put the transformer back on track.

According to him; “The Management of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company wishes to

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014—11

Ogun APC crisis: LP wants Amosun impeached zThey are jokers, idle —Amosun

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA — THE Labour Party in Ogun State, yesterday, urged members of the state House of Assembly to commence impeachment process against the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun over the political crisis in Abeokuta and Ewekoro.

The party which said Amosun had demonstrated his irresponsible tendencies through the political recklessness of terror to scare opposition parties, claimed that the governor had failed the people of the state in the area of protection of lives and property.

The Labour Party in its statement jointly signed by the state Chairman, Olabode Simeon and Secretary, Sunday Ogini accused the governor of allegedly sponsoring political thugs to unleash terror on some members of the All progressives Congress, APC, during the two recent violent attacks.

But, in a swift reaction, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategies, Yusuph Olaniyonu described LP members as bundle of jokers, who according to him, are too

idle.

Olaniyonu said that, Ogun "is safer during the Ibikunle Amosun led administration than before when the party’s leader was in power."

Explaining why it called for the impeachment of the governor, the LP said the two violent clashes in Abeokuta and Ewekoro which involved three

Senators and other members of APC where eight persons including policemen were hit by bullets, were enough reasons for the governor to be impeached.

Olaniyonu, in his reaction said: “ We are busy with governance.

Everybody knows that lives are more secure and safer in Ogun State.

“Ogun State is 1,000 per cent

safer than before when their leader was in power. “ They should be busy. We are busy constructing roads, we are busy building schools, we are busy fulfilling the mandate of the people.

“They should provide best alternatives. They are just grandstanding, playing to gallery and taking time in mischief.”

S-West marginalised by President Jonathan's govt — Tony Nyiam

BY GBENGAARIYIBI

A

DO EKITI — AN erstwhile member of Senator Femi Okurounmu led Committee on National Conference, Col Tony Nyiam, (rtd), has said that people of the South West geo-political zone have been marginalised by the Federal Government under President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to him: “The development has stopped people of the zone from occupying the number one to seven in the nations order of

protocol.

While noting the leadership role and the sacrifice the people of the zone had made to the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria in the past, Nyiam called on the President to redress the issue.

Speaking as a lead speaker during a colloquium organised

by Oodua Initiative, in Ado Ekiti yesterday, he condemned how the zone, which he described as the flagship of Nigeria, "is being marginalised in all fronts by the present administration."

Nyiam, who was delivering a

paper entitled, ‘The Imperative of National Conference to the Unity and Development of Nigeria,’ organised by Oodua Intiatives, stated that the trend should not continue.

Speaking earlier, the President of the group, Dr. Olusanya Awosan, however, exonerated President Jonathan of blame, saying the President supported Hon. Mulikat Akande from Oyo State for the position of the Speaker of House of Representatives, which he said some political actors from the zone worked against.

Liaison officers: AP flays Ajimobi OLA AJAYI, IBADAN

O

NE OF the leading opposition parties in Oyo State, Accord Party has faulted Governor Abiola Ajimobi over the appointment of liaison officers, saying it was a ploy to plunder the lean resources of the state.

The party through its state Publicity Secretary, Dr. Nureni Adeniran also said the move was an indication the All Progressives Congress, APCled government would not conduct local government election in the state.

The governor, had appointed 33 liaison officers, who would articulate the needs of the 33 councils of the state and monitor effective delivery of grassroots needs to the people.

But, the party of the former Governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja argued that the appointment could not in any way better the lives of the people in the state and it would not only create heavy financial burden for the council areas, but would lead to fresh frictions in the local governments.

The party noted that any responsible government must accord greater priority to the general well being of the electorate but instead of doing this, the "current administration is only committed to providing jobs for the boys at the expense of the general public."

OGROMA to focus on road maintenance — Amosun

G

OVERNOR IBIKUNLE Amosun has said that the Ogun State Road Management Agency, OGROMA, will no longer engage in construction works but henceforth focus on the maintenance of roads.

Speaking in Sagamu when he led members of the State Executive Council on project inspection tour of Ogun East Senatorial district on Monday, Amosun said this will make the agency conduct regular and timely maintenance of the roads, particularly the new ones being constructed throughout the state.

Amosun expressed satisfaction with the level of work on the various projects and expressed confidence that they will be speedily completed.

Killing of guard: APC, Accord trade blames

I

BADAN — Accusations and counter accusations have greeted the killing of the house guard of the chieftain of Accord Party in Oyo State.

Making reference to alleged accusation by the former Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ayodele Adigun on the killing of the guard, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state said he was merely taking recourse to the politics of the past where lies, untruth are told to make their victims unpleasant in the eyes of the world.

The party, through its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dauda Kolawole said associating the APC with the murder of one of Accord Party’s loyalists whom it said was “inconsequential” to any right thinking government or person, was a gambit that former governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, had perfected and passed down to his loyalists.

Aregbesola addresses British House of Commons today

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

O

SOGBO — OSUN State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, will today at United Kingdom’s House of Commons address a high level gathering of British

parliamentarians and leading experts on the importance and effects of his administration’s Home Grown School Feeding programme, popularly referred to as “O Meals.”

Aregbesola, who was invited by the All Party Parliamentary Group, APPG, on Agriculture and

Food for Development and the Partnership for Child Development, PCD, Imperial College, London, will use the opportunity to make a ten minute presentation on “O Meals” as a supportive tool for educational and agricultural development.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

Ijaw group gives Chevron 14-day ultimatum to reinstate sacked kinsmen

Oshiomhole condoles with Oba of Benin on Queen’s death

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

BY AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

W

ARRI—GRADUATES of Gbaramatu and Egbema Kingdoms, in Warri North and Warri South-West Local Government Areas of Delta State, have given Chevron Nigeria Limited, a 14-day ultimatum to comply with the resolution of the National Assembly to reinstate sacked Okirika Okeoghene and Dateme Gilbert, or face closure of all flow stations in their areas.

The ultimatum, Vanguard gathered, was contained in a letter to Mr John Watson, Chairman/CEO, Chevron Corporation, USA. The graduates vowed to shut down all oil installations in their areas, if Chevron ignores their damand.

The letter, by Mr. Moses Yabrade and Mr. Asoki Victor, Chairman and Secretary respectively, said: “KOMBOT, an umbrella body of Egbema and Gbaramatu Kingdoms graduates in Warri, Delta State, writes to inform you that we are not happy with the degrading manner the leadership of Chevron Mid/Africa Strategic Business Unit, is handling the reinstatement of our sons, Engr. Okirika Okeoghene and Dateme Gilbert, whose employments were unlawfully terminated on February 7, 2011, despite the fact that the National Assembly ordered their reinstatement in a memo signed by the Clerk of the House, Mr Salisu Maikasuwa, dated October 9, 2013.

“It will be recalled that we had written several letters and held meetings with Chevron management on the reinstatement of our sons, to no avail. Prior to the resolution of the National Assembly, a 15-man delegation of kings, chiefs, EGCDF and KOMBOT officials met with Chevron management in Lagos on September 25, 2012 where they promised to reinstate the duo.”

KOMBOT said that their ultimatum was predicated upon Chevron’s denial of promising to reinstate the duo after the meeting in Lagos.

MEETING: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (left) and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame, Atuwatse II (right), during a meeting with the governor over the Ugborodo community crises, at Government House, Annex, Warri, yesterday. Photo: Henry Unini.

UGBORODO: $6m in escrow account —UDUAGHAN ...says fund utilisation stalled by project challenges

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

W

ARRI—GOVERNOR Emmamuel Uduaghan of Delta State, yesterday, said that the contentious $6 million released by Chevron Nigeria Limited for development of the New Ugborodo Town Project was safe in a an escrow account.

The governor was reacting in Warri, Delta State, to Monday’s allegations by Itsekiri leader, Pa Johnson Ayomike, that the money, in addition to the N3.85 billion counterpart funding by the Delta State Government on same project was missing and may have been hijacked by the governor and perceived Ugborodo cronies.

Pa Ayomike, who, at the briefing, accused the governor of allegedly fueling the Ugborodo crisis, also asked him to resign from office for meddling in the community's crisis.

Uduaghan said that the $6 million released in 2008 was kept in trust in an Oceanic Bank account under a Global Memorandum of Understanding, GMOU, in which Chevron, the Itsekiri Regional Development Committee and the state government are signatories.

He said: “The first clarification is that the $6 million is not missing, as I read in some newspapers, quoting Ayomike. The money is intact. The second thing is that it was not paid in dollars. The company paid the

money in its naira equivalent.

I have also asked Chevron to make their clarification.

“Now, on the delay in the use of the fund, which is for putting in place public utilities; that has not been done because there has not been enough sandfilling, as there were also allegations that some of the reclaimed sand had been stolen in the community. That has frustrated the project."

He added that the issue of Ugborodo New Town Project predates his administration, though his administration had also made available N5 million to develop Warri South-

West community, apparently referring to a separate N3.85 billion that Ayomike had alleged was missing.

“We in the government, have also done some of what we have set our funds for. Like I said, there are issue between the contractors and the community, but what we have on ground there is far above the N60 million claimed by Ayomike,” he added.

ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has commiserated with the Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, on the death of his Queen, Oloi Esther.

The governor, who was accompanied on the visit by his deputy, Dr Pius Odubu and other members of the State Executive Council, said: “I learnt, Monday, about the death of our late mother. We have come to condole with your majesty.

We pray that the Lord will grant you the fortitude to bear the loss.

“On a personal note, my mother has asked me to send her condolences because she was in regular contact with the late Queen. She has fond memories of her relationship with the Queen. All of us, your children, naturally feel the irreparable loss of our mother. As we say, we, as ordinary mortals cannot question God. So, we ask God to console all of us because she belonged to all of us and may God grant us the fortitude to bear the loss."

Vanguard, WEDNSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 — 13

14—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

RETIRED DIG MARVEL AKPOYIBO'S PULL OUT FROM THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE IN ABUJA

From left: Chairman, Police Service Commission, Mike Okiro, Permanent Secretary, Police Service Commission, Dr. James Obiegbu, Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Hans Rudolf Hodel and Delta State deputy governor, Professor Amos Utuama.

Retired DIG Marvel Akpoyibo and his wife, during his pull out from the Nigeria Police Force.

Cross section of Commissioners of Police

DIG in charge of investigation, Peter Gana, DIG Atiku Kafur and his wife.

Well wishers from Ughelli, Delta State.

Clerics on the occasion.

Rear Admiral Austin Oyagha, Major-General Ethan and Air Vice Marshal Mohammed, representing the Service Chiefs.

Members of the Police Officers Wives Association, at the event.

Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 —15

ASUP strike: Minister, poly teachers trade words

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE

& FATIMAH KAREEM

A

BUJA—THE seven months old strike by Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, took a dramatic dimension yesterday at a meeting to resolve issues at stake as the union and Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, got entangled in a verbal war over invitation of students and the media for the talks.

While ASUP accused the minister of inviting students to the meeting to undermine it, the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom, said the students and media were invited to know how far government had gone in resolving the lingering crisis.

On his part, National President of National Association of Polytechnics Students, NAPS, Mr. Ogbonaya Sunday, who spoke on behalf of the student body, accused ASUP of using them as a negotiating tool with the government.

Consequently, the meeting hit a deadlock as both parties were unable to resolve issues that led to the strike.

ASUP National President, Dr. Chibuzor Asomugha, expressed regrets at government’s invitation of students to a meeting where issues around the strike were to be resolved, adding that the union expected both parties to have passed the stage they were in with the government But the minister in his response said: “There is nothing wrong in inviting the media and seeing the report in the media before the meeting. Inviting the media is not a new thing, we never listed there things that would be discussed.

“In most cases, on television I watch you say all sorts of things against the Federal Government and how federal government is insincere and how they do not want Nigerian polytechnics to grow. I think we should respect ourselves.”

He said the reason NAPS was part of the meeting was for them to know what the Federal Government was doing.

ALLEGED TORTURE OF MARKET WOMEN IG orders Force hqtrs to take over investigation

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

A

BUJA—THE Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered Force headquarters to take over investigations into the torture of two women accused of stealing pepper in a market at Ejigbo, Lagos State recently.

Recall that one of the women died from injuries sustained from the torture.

Consequently, crack detectives from the Force Criminal Investigations Department have been deployed from Force Annex to commence fresh investigation into the worrisome incident.

Confirming the IG’s directive in a statement yesterday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Frank Mba said: “In a decisive resolve geared towards ensuring the speedy delivery of justice, promoting the rule of law, discouraging impunity and defending the fundamental human rights of Nigerians, particularly the alleged victims of the Ejigbo pepper torture, the IGP, MD Abubakar, has ordered an immediate takeover of the case.

“Also, all suspect(s) and all exhibits related to the matter are to be taken over from the Lagos State Police Command by a crack team of detectives from the Federal SARS, (Lagos Annex), Force

Criminal Investigation Department.

“The IGP wishes to assure all Nigerians, especially the family of the victims and other relevant stakeholders, that the Police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is done in the Ejigbo case.

“The IGP calls on all

Nigerians to continually partner with the Nigeria Police, particularly in the area of providing relevant information, promising to protect the confidentiality of all informants and whistleblowers at all times.

“The IGP has commended the media, members of the human rights community, led

by Joe Okei-Odumakin of ‘Women Arise for Change’ and all members of the public whose patriotism, advocacy and concern led to the exposure of this atrocious crime.

“Their constructive partnership with the Police has had a salutary effect on the ongoing investigation so far.”

MEETING: Vice President Namadi Sambo (4th left), Regional CEO, Marubeni Corporation, Mr. Masataka Kuramoto (4th right), Senior Managing Officer, Marubeni, Mr. Shingeru Yamazoe(3rd left), Director General, BPE, Mr. Benjamin Dikki (right), MD, Marubeni Nigeria, Masamichi Takeda (2nd left) and others, after a meeting at the VP's Office, State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Jonathan moves to raise Diaspora Bond to $300m

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday appealed to the Senate to approve an increase in the amount to be raised through the Diaspora Bond from the international capital market from the existing $100 million to a maximum of $300 million.

According to him, this is to allow for allotments to be made to more Nigerians in Diaspora than would have been possible with a lower amount.

The President said from the engagements he had with Nigerians in Diaspora and from enquiries received since the publication of the request for the proposal, there was a high level of interest in the Diaspora Bond as well as indication that the $100 million could be inadequate, relative to the demand expected from investors for the bond.

“Based on the level of subscription expected, I wish to request for the National Assembly ’s approval to increase the amount to be raised through the Diaspora Bond from USD 100 million to an amount up to a maximum of USD 300,” the President

said in a letter dated January 2, 2014, to the Senate through the Senate President, David Mark.

He explained that the $9,005.69 million approved by the National Assembly in the Medium Term (20122014) External Borrowing Plan, included $100 million Diaspora Bond to raise funds from Nigerians in Diaspora,

for the financing of development projects in priority sectors of the economy.

President Jonathan stressed that the Diaspora Bond was to be issued in the International Capital Market, ICM, and that the process for the issuance of the bond had since

commenced with the advertisement of Request for Proposal for Transaction Parties for the offering.

The President further explained that if a maximum of $300 million was approved, it would provide the opportunity to invest the funds to be raised from issuance in a project with a higher value.

Gay law: Canada dismisses alleged plans to withdraw aids to Nigeria

BY EMMANUELELEBEKE

A

BUJA—CONTRARY to the speculations making rounds that Canada has withdrawn its aids to Nigeria, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Perry Calderwood, said yesterday that his country was continuing with its $42 million health and economic funding to Nigeria annually.

Calderwood, who disclosed this at the 11th Canadian Education fair in Abuja, said rather than withdrawing aid to Nigeria, Canada was exploring more avenues to deepen its partnership with the country,

stressing that Canada would continue to make the funding available to enable Nigeria fight polio and also create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the country.

“Canada has a specific development programme on health in Nigeria and the focus of the programme is on health and generation of employment.

I can assure you that we will continue with that,” he said.

It will be recalled that the Canadian government was reported to have cancelled a state visit by President Goodluck Jonathan to protest the anti-gay bill he signed into law.

The government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper was also said to have informed the Supervising Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri, that the planned February visit by President Jonathan had been cancelled.

The cancellation followed picketing of Nigeria’s embassy in Canada and harassment of diplomatic staff by homosexual groups.

President Jonathan had announced last week that he had signed the anti-gay bill into law.

The bill bans gay marriage, gay groups or assemblies with offenders facing up to 14 years in prison.

16—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

BRIEFING: From left: Mr. Boyer Aurelien, Project Manager, Affordable Housing Nigeria, Lafarge Cement, WAPCO Nigeria Plc, Mr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, MD/ CEO, LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited, and Ms. Joy Adesanya, Corprate Communications, LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited, during the briefing on 2014 Affordable Mirco Housing Scheme, by LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

BRIEFING: General Secretary, National Union of Textile Garment & Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, Issa Aremu (middle), his deputy, Sylvester Chimeze (left), and National Treasurer, John Adaji, at a briefing on the Rivers State crisis, at the Textile Labour House,Kaduna, yesterday. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

Mu'azu 'll rebuild PDP —TUKUR

BY GBENGA OKE

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B U J A — IMMEDIATE past national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur has expressed confidence that his successor, Alhaji Adamu Mu‘azu would rebuild the party.

Tukur ’s declaration in a letter of congratulation came as the chairman of the Edo State chapter of the party, Chief Dan Orbih said the emergence of Mu‘azu was sending shivers down the spine of the opposition in the country.

Mu‘azu’s election has also been endorsed by PDP chieftain, Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan who yesterday said the party is destined for a new era under a stable leadership.

Tukur wrote: “Your emergence is a clear manifestation of your unique leadership qualities, visionary and purposeful disposition as well as your immeasurable contributions to the growth of the Party.

“This new appointment is a call to serve our fatherland, which bestows great responsibility on your shoulders.

We are confident that you will not only discharge your duties effectively, but will leave an indelible mark in the area of rebuilding the party in line with the transformation agenda of Mr. President.”

Vanguard, WEDNSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 — 17

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18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 IT is obvious the Nigerian economy is in a precarious situation. Is it anything new?

Even oil theft, and the unclear accounts of oil receipts, coupled with corruption that are speedily draining resources available to governments, are not new.

Nigerians do not need a warning from outsiders to know that an economy founded on one product, the proceeds of which are wantonly stolen, is doomed. Years of contemplating what to do with the economy has not thrown up solutions that governments are willing to implement.

Every government’s interest is limited to resources it immediately needs for its projects, most of which are short-term.

A May 2013 World Bank’s Nigeria Economic Report noted that, “Despite the recovery in oil prices, Nigeria expanded its fiscal stimulus significantly, increasing consolidated spending by an estimated 2.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product, GDP, and drawing down the remaining balance of the Excess Crude Account at the same time that many other oil exporters were building back their reserves.”

Nigerians see it differently. While the

NIGERIA WITHOUT OIL THEFTS World Bank worries about Nigeria’s ability to meet its international obligations, Nigerians are bothered that their country has no plans to create an economy away from oil. All the talks about diversifying the economy, some dating more than 40 years, have remained talks, recycled the same way they recycle politicians for appointments, some dating almost that far back.

The saddest aspect of the patch Nigeria is passing through is that once oil revenues climb to levels that can fund budgets, managers of the economy would happily return to their spending sprees.

Oil accounting for 95 per cent of exports and 75 per cent of consolidated budgetary

revenues in Nigeria, is a bigger danger than the volatility of oil prices and thieves who are exploiting weaknesses in the oil production chain.

The end of oil theft, which some see as the elixir to the economy, misses the point again about the importance of the future. Stable oil prices serve the West’s interests. A stable Nigerian economy, with a broad manufacturing base to serve Nigerians would not benefit from the West’s help, which wants Nigeria to be a net importer.

Nigerian authorities should be planning an economy above oil thefts. The only way that would be possible is by diversifying the economy. Oil would still be useful by providing the resources to redirect the economy.

The current practice of consuming all the money the country makes each budget season is another version of oil theft.

Indifference to the future is new slavery awaiting Nigerians. Our governments owe us a responsibility to rescue Nigerians from that blight instead of rejoicing that oil theft is ending.

File: Editorial Wed

OPINION

BY CHUKWUDI ENEKWECHI

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N January 1, 2014 one of Nigeria’s leading newspapers, Vanguard announced winner of its 2013 “Most INNOVATIVE ENTERPRENEUR OF THE YEAR” as Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman of Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing Ltd.,Nigeria’s first indigenous vehicles manufacturer.

Among those that made the Honours list include Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as “AFRICAN OF THE YEAR” and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta state as “MAN OF THE YEAR”.

Obviously, these are deser ving honours for exceptional Nigerians who have carved a niche for themselves by taking their various callings several notches higher.

In the case of the INNOSON boss, Chief Dr. Chukwuma, his faith and patriotism in the Nigerian economy is unsurpassable, for whereas many motor companies concentrated in importing whole vehicles with the attendant capital flight, and zero value to the economy, he saw the need to embark on manufacturing the INNOSON brands of vehicles locally.

Today, his brand has become a household name in the country.

By so doing, the company has created jobs for Nigerians; helped in technology transfer as well as reduced capital flight. Moreover, the “I can do” philosophy of the company will no doubt spur other entrepreneurs to rise to the challenge and think Nigeria.

Garlands of honour for Innosons boss Today, INNOSON brands of vehicles can be seen all over Nigeria competing favourably with foreign ones. As a country, this is the way to go, if we must arrive as an industrialised economy.

On the contrary, if we continue to import our vehicles from abroad, we will simply be creating jobs for engineers and technicians abroad, whereas Nigerians with similar skills will never get a chance to put into practice their training and knowledge.

It is therefore praiseworthy that one of Nigeria’s leading dailies like Vanguard found it expedient to honour Dr. Chukwuma by awarding him the “MOST INNOVATIVE ENTRPRENEUR OF THE YEAR”. By so doing, the beneficiaries will get a sense of fulfillment that their efforts at nation building are being acknowledged and reciprocated. This will further nudge them and the upcoming ones to strive harder, and make Nigeria their investment destination.

Patriotism has been a clarion call by successive administrations, but it cannot be built on quicksand, rather on tangible results as exemplified by INNOSON, and now acknowledged by the Vanguard Newspaper. Government on its part should endeavour to take advantage of the new enthusiasm by the private sector to invest in Nigeria, by providing all necessary incentives.

Gladly, in a bid to unlock the great potentials in the automotive sector, the Federal government last November rolled out a National Automotive Policy, which seeks to impose higher tariff on imported vehicles. This policy is meant to encourage local vehicles manufacturers like INNOSON to attain their maximal level. If this is sustained, our army of unemployed youths will find job openings, and other ancillary jobs will be created.

The recognition of INNOSON as the “MOST INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR” by Vanguard Newspaper appears to be a paradigm shift by the Nigerian society of celebrating real achievers and patriotic economy developers, away from the past era where unknown quantities or moneybags with no verifiable attainments are celebrated in our society.

The award cannot be isolated from the determined effort of the Jonathan administration to create an enabling environment for investors, as well as transform all sectors of the Nigerian economy. With the huge interest INNOSON brand of vehicles is generating in many African countries, it is obvious that the transformation agenda of Mr. President has started yielding desired results.

Perhaps, one aspect that should be addressed is the issue of cost of the

vehicles, and this presupposes that for the vehicles to be affordable to the average Nigerian, government must ensure that all hindrances to credit facilities from financial institutions and other bottlenecks to needed raw materials and spare parts for the local manufacturers are removed. For Nigeria to reach the manufacturere's Promised Land in terms of technology transfer, the need to sustain the current tempo of supporting local vehicles manufacturers cannot be overemphasised. As the saying goes, Rome was not built in a day, and in our own case, it is gratifying that we are now taking the bull by the horn by initiating relevant policies to help drive the economy.

In reality, only the private sector has the capacity to transform any economy, though with the backing of the government which creates the enabling environment for them. All over the world, governments have not been known to be good economic managers and our experience with organisations like defunct NEPA, NITEL and others remain unsavoury news. So, the unbundling and privatisation programme embarked on by the Federal government will no doubt unleash the great potentials of the economy.

*Mr. Enekwechi, a journalist, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARRY 22, 2014— —19

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HE National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that led to the ouster of its beleaguered ex-chair, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, had all the gripping details of a tragic drama.

The exit of Tukur was a tragic melodrama that underlined the superior voice of the majority over that of a very powerful but tiny minority. Alhaji Tukur trusted in the ability of this powerful minority, including the president, over the majority. But in the end that trust turned out a misplaced trust. Tukur had to go but the tragedy of his exit resided in his heroic but failed bid to hold on to power. For a man of his age, his resolute fight to remain in office was both understandable and unexplainable. No PDP chairman has ever left office voluntarily, that is without a desire to stay longer than the circumstances permitted.

Although a figurehead position, the office of the PDP chair is a lucrative egg nest nobody wants to let go too soon. Yet, when the end looked inevitable, it was strange that a man of Tukur ’s age,

experience and wealth, would balk at the idea of leaving in dignity as if the alternative to that was destitution. The office of the PDP chair was suddenly made to look like a career position that should be protected with every ounce of the occupier’s energy.

Tukur fought a long and hard battle that had he succeeded in retaining his position many would have respected his sense of determination. The story surrounding the exit of past PDP chair persons has never been short of high intrigue and drama. It was always an occasion of skullduggery, pain and gunpoint betrayal. All these elements were in full display in the build-up to the last NEC meeting which signaled Bamanga Tukur’s exit.

And the man fought to the bitter end. He heaved, and strained every muscle he could muster into service and vowed never to resign.

Then he sighed. But it was all to no avail. And in the end it took the President, Goodluck Jonathan, to announce his ‘resignation’ even if he was right at the gathering in full control of his faculties. And the

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charade of a dignified send-off, with songs and handclaps, was again played out even as Tukur looked on in defeat. But the question still needs to be askedDid Tukur actually resign?

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t would take a Nigerian just back from out of this planet to believe that Bamanga Tukur resigned. Not only had the man vowed not to resign. He fought hard to retain his position. Even when news of his exit went viral on the internet, Tukur rose like a phoenix to deny it. Still breathing fire, he vowed never to resign as that is never an option for people like him. What Alhaji Tukur ought to have said, really, is that resignation is never an option for a Nigerian, especially a public servant who has clearly outstayed their welcome. His battle to retain

APC and the revolting injustice against Shekarau, Bafarawa

BY MUSTAPHA ABDULLAHI

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ARTIN Luther King, Jr., the American civil rights leader, is reported to have said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” The truth in this quote cannot be overemphasised. As such, I am moved to show solidarity with former governors Attahiru Bafarawa of Sokoto State and Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State over the injustice being meted out to them by the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Following the defection of five governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in late 2013, the Chief Bisi Akandeled interim national leadership of the APC gave the newcomers the privilege to put forward persons of their choice as chairman and five officers each for the state chapters of the party. This flouting of internal party democracy rules is how injustice crept into the APC, a party still at a tender stage.

To be absolutely clear, it is the height of unfairness for the national leadership of the APC to impose Governors Aliyu Wamakko and Rabiu Kwankwaso on APC structures in Sokoto State and Kano State respectively.

And with similar acts of injustice also being perpetrated in Kwara and Adamawa states, it appears as if the Akande-led leadership has been sent on a secret mission to wreck the APC before it has even had a chance to establish itself as a party to be reckoned with. This must not be allowed to happen.

The objection many APC members and sympathisers who believe in justice and fair

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play have raised is similar to what Abubakar Kantoma, a close ally of former governor Bafarawa is also championing. According to media reports, Kantoma said, “We were the founding parties in the state. After all the struggles to form the party you know we can’t accept the leadership of the party to be given to a newcomer on a platter of gold just for being the governor. It should not be so.”

Kantoma’s position is understandable and one which I fully support. As the Roman philosopher Seneca said, “A kingdom founded on injustice never lasts.” The national leadership of the APC must understand that a strong party cannot be built on a foundation of injustice. A person cannot work hard to build the structures of a new party only to have those structures taken away and handed over to a newcomer.

Such political errors are known to be fatal for any party at the polls. Moreover, with specific regards to Governor Wamakko, the APC is taking a huge risk in handing the structures of the party in Sokoto State to him. Wamakko has proven that he cannot remain a loyal party man if party decisions are not in line with his personal interest.

It should be recalled that Wamakko defected from the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to the PDP to achieve his personal ambition not caring about his party’s interest. Today, he has defected once more, this time to the APC. Clearly there is no guarantee that he will not get up tomorrow and defect to another party, or even back to the PDP, if the APC does not advance his personal interest.

his position was very much in character of a Nigerian public officer. The entire battle for his removal was made to look like a turf contest among contending politicians. Not the matter of honour, of loss of confidence that it had clearly become in the many months since he became party chairman. It was, for Tukur and his supporters, a political dispute between him and many of the governors in the PDP ranged against him. He had the President and his wife on his side and there was nothing for him to worry about.

Tukur was as good if not better than his word. He refused to resign and dared anyone to make him do otherwise. In the final battle it was the President himself who announced Tukur’s resignation.

Clearly nobody else could have done it. Tukur enjoyed the President’s confidence and no doubt had the assurances of his full support. It was only proper that when it became apparent that only the exit of Tukur would save the PDP from imminent collapse only his chief supporter could tell him the game was up. Which indeed tells us where the buck stops. It was up to Goodluck Jonathan to save the PDP from itself. His indecision is costing his presidency as well as Nigerians far more than he cares to acknowledge. If he must save Nigeria from the deep morass into which it has fallen, the President must begin by saving himself from complacency. Perhaps, it is waking out of slumber that he took steps to change his military chiefs on the same day he announced the ouster of Tukur.

Jonathan it was who appointed the military chiefs or so it seems.

In any case, the buck stops with him. He must take responsibility for the successes and failures of his political as well as military appointees. This is especially so as resignation, the path of honour

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If Jonathan sacked the military chiefs, did Tukur resign?

In announcing the resignation of Tukur and sacking his top military chiefs, Jonathan seems to have taken the same path he would need to take if he truly needs to breathe life into his lumbering cabinet of nonperforming and corrupt ministers

Let it be stated categorically that the national leadership of the APC must refrain itself from imposing defecting governors over those who worked to build the party from the scratch;Nigerians are eager to see if the APC will trample on the rights of their founding members, knowing that if the party does so, then it would definitely trample on the rights of all Nigerians if it is voted into power

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Virtually the same thing can also be said of Governor Kwankwaso. As several commentators have pointed out, Kwankwaso has demonstrated that his loyalty cannot be relied upon. After he lost his first bid for re-election as governor of Kano in 2003, the PDP government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, nonetheless, still gave him a senior ministerial appointment.

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open to a public officer aware that they have failed to discharge their responsibility- Jonathan must learn to exercise his hiring and firing powers as resignation is not part of the vocabulary of a Nigerian public officer. Like Alhaji Tukur who had lost the confidence of party members, Jonathan’s military chiefs saw no sense in giving up their command in the face of glaring failure to stem the murderous tide of religious terrorists in North-east Nigeria and many parts of the North. Until the change of guard that led to their exit, Jonathan’s military chiefs remained stuck in their military boots even as the terror artists in northern Nigeria appear to be regaining lost ground in their battle with the country’s security forces. In announcing the resignation of Tukur and sacking his top military chiefs, Jonathan seems to have taken the same path he would need to take if he truly needs to breathe life into his lumbering cabinet of nonperforming and corrupt ministers.

Quite a few of these political appointees have grown too big for the President. He has been bearing the albatross of ministers whose moral weight has considerably plummeted in recent times. He must however show that loyalty to the country is greater and far more honourable than loyalty to a clique of political jobbers. It remains to be seen just how effective and clearheaded are his choices of new service chiefs. We will have to wait to know how much of this decision was a result of strategic thinking than political expediency. The persons he chooses to include or remove from the speculated reshuffle of his cabinet would tell us where his mind lies in the final months of his presidency. If he could sack his military chiefs and announce the resignation of Tukur, it should be easy pie sending some of his ministers home.

n 2011, he was once again supported by the PDP when he made a second successful attempt to be re-elected as governor of Kano State. Today, he has defected to the APC and now delights in making uncomplimentary remarks about leaders of the PDP who stood by him in his time of trial. For this reason, it has been widely reported in the media that many members of the political parties who merged to form the APC in Kano are very suspicious of Kwankwaso.

Regarding Adamawa State, the governor, Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako (Rtd), is known to have been imposed on the PDP in the state by former President Obasanjo.

Today, he has decamped to the APC and his former opponent, General Buba Marwa (Rtd), cannot be blamed for being uncomfortable with Nyako’s presence in the new party. Marwa has said that Nyako cannot just come and take over the structures that he and other APC leaders in the state spent years building while facing fierce opposition from Nyako. In fairness to Marwa, it will be sheer injustice to hand over to Nyako something he did not build but actually tried to destroy.

In wrapping up, let it be stated categorically that the national leadership of the APC must refrain itself from imposing defecting governors over those who worked to build the party from the scratch. Party members and sympathisers, nay, all Nigerians are watching closely. For, as the famous Scottish writer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, wrote in his memoirs, “It’s every man’s business to see justice done.” And Nigerians are eager to see if the APC will trample on the rights of their founding members, knowing that if the party does so, then it would definitely trample on the rights of all Nigerians if it is voted into power. *Mr. Abdullahi, a political analyst, wrote from Abuja.

20—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,

JANUARY 22, 2014

Baby David Ikheloa with holes in the heart, needs N2m to live

BY OLA AJAYI, IBADAN

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ATE is partial and cruel. While it smiles to others irrespective of their wicked ways, it chooses to be cruel to some innocent people without any explanation.

What could a six-month old baby, David Ikheloa have done wrong to deserve the unkind treatment that fate has meted to him?

As harmless as little David is, he is forced to cope with the excruciating pain occasioned by two deep holes in his heart. When Mrs. Titilayo Ikheloa was delivered of the baby six months ago, she was grateful to Almighty God for save delivery after nine months of pregnancy. But, her joy was punctuated on 10th July, 2013 when her baby was diagnosed of large VSD with pulmonary hypertension at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Since then, she has been running from pillar to post to find medDavid Ikheloa wth mother Titilayo Ikheloa ical solution to the problem.

According to her, to get the mal and he has stunted growth. ing hospital. problem solved, she needs She pleaded earnestly with Noting that 64 heart specialists N2,000,000 for possible surgery Vanguard Metro to help her ap- came with him from USA to carabroad. Unfortunately, as hair- peal to Nigerians who still have ry out the 14 successful heart dresser, she is financially inca- the milk of human kindness in surgeries, he said the team them to help would also be glad to attend to her raise the all the 200 kids with heart casShe said what she noticed was money as she es. that the heart of the baby was has spent all According to Alonge, the hosbeating faster than normal and she had on pital, in addition, had also conthe baby to ducted the first repair of Tetralhe has stunted growth keep him ogy of Fallot ToF and the first alive.

If God lays it in your heart Coronary Artery Bye-Pass Graftpacitated to foot the bill. To comto help this innocent boy, the ing (CABG).He said, “We now pound her problem, her husmother gave the details of her ac- have facilities for diagnosis and band, who is a surveyor, has not count number. First Bank, Gba- clinical treatment of heart diseasbeen able to respond to this figi. Her account name is Ikheloa es. We are here to serve Nigeria nancial demand.

Titilayo Shaki with account num- populace and it is not easy to Having tried fruitlessly withber 3058447087. fund the health institution alone, out any help, she sat down It is not only Baby David that that is why we are partnering clutching her sick baby at an ofis suffering this agony. Accord- with Tri-State Cardiovascular ficial launching of the UCH, ing to the leader of the Tri- Associate, Delware, United Ibadan intervention cardiology State Cardiovascular Associate, States of America for manpowprogramme. It was her troubled Delware, USA, Dr. Kamar Adele- er, JNCI and Babcock Universilooks that caught the attention ke, 200 children in Oyo State are ty in order to assist them in the of Vanguard Metro, VM. Her in dire need of open heart sur- running of their Cardiology Probaby was a pity to behold. He geries and Cardiac Catheteriza- gramme”. looked emaciated with his two tion procedure.

To make health care delivery pale eyeballs moving to and fro At the programme, the Chief accessible to people, he noted in their sockets. The sickness in Medical Director, UCH, Ibadan, further, “We are conducting our his heart has taken its toll on his Prof. Temitope Alonge hinted that open heart surgery for a subsigrowth. about six open heart surgeries dized rate of N1.5 million as Mrs. Ikheloa explained that within the last seven months against that of N2.5 million in her ordeal started the day her have been performed by the Uni- Ghana, so I do not think Nigeribaby was diagnosed of the disversity College Hospital, Ibadan ans need to travel abroad again ease. She said what she noticed since the intervention cardiolo- for any operation in heart relatwas that the heart of the little gy program started in the teach- ed diseases”. baby was beating faster than nor-

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Uniformed personnel and Lagos transporters

BY EBELE ORAKPO

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HE bus conductor of the Ojuelegba-bound com muter bus was busy calling passengers and collecting fares at the popular Boundary market in AJ city (Ajegunle) Lagos this Thursday evening when a lady in uniform got on the bus. It was a herculean task getting on the bus because of her plus size and the fact that the bus was a small bus. Having struggled to get on the bus and discovering that the space was too small for her, she decided to get down and go to the back seat; that too was a struggle.

After collecting the fares, the conductor discovered that the money was incomplete, one person had not paid and he began to ask for the culprit. Trust Lagos passengers who were already incensed at the conductor for collecting N50.00 above the normal fare.

“Abeg, enter motor make we go. You dey cry because of one passenger. Greedyman. All the extra N50 you collected never do you?” shouted a passenger by name, Tunde. “Don’t mind the foolish man. Give us our money back so we can take another bus if you are not ready to move,” shouted Ben. At this point, a passenger pointed out that it was the officer that had not paid, whereupon the driver asked her to pay.

“Na today? Since when did people in uniform begin paying transport fare in Lagos?” demanded Francis. “Madam, pay me my money or else we won’t leave here,” warned the driver. “I have heard you,” replied the uniformed lady calmly without making any attempt to pay.

“Good for you. If it was an ordinary person like me, you would have dragged him down from the bus,” commented Abu.“Next time, don’t enter my motor oo.

I no dey carry staff. After all, I buy fuel and you receive your salary so why won’t you pay your fare?” demanded the driver angrily.

Talking to the wall The driver could have as well been talking to the wall as the lady never uttered another word.

He was still fuming when he got behind the steering.“Please, take it easy oo. If you are not ready to drive, we can take another bus,” said Tunde.

“You are too greedy. Haven’t you collected enough from us?” asked Bisi. Shouted the driver: “Can’t you see that today’s hold-up tie wrapper?” “Was that not why you increased the fare by N50? Did we cause the traffic?” asked Ben. Yet, we have to pay for it. It’s not only those at the top that are greedy, even those at the bottom are greedy and they seem to be greedier.”

“It’s only in Lagos that uniformed people don’t pare bus fares and that is why you see all sorts of uniforms and berets. Even area boys and miscreants are coming up with uniforms and our people are so gullible that they don’t bother to find out if the uniforms are genuine or not,” said Francis.

“Ah, if you want to know whether they are real or not, what happened to the curious cat will happen to you. Stray bullet will happen,” stated Ben As the bus moved towards Ojuelegba, a commuter observed that traffic was lighter than the previous day and wondered why the increase in fare.

“That is Lagos for you. They seize every little opportunity to make money,” said Funmi. At the bus stop where the uniformed lady alighted, it was another tug of war. It took her almost five minutes to alight and as soon as she got down, some commuters burst into laughter.

“No wonder the driver lost his voice. This is woman mountain. Reminds me of an American lady who killed her husband inadvertently for calling her an elephant because of her size. She had warned him severally to no avail so on this fateful day, he called her an elephant and she pushed him down, sat on his chest and asked her son to call the police. By the time they arrived and she got up, the guy had gone to meet his ancestors. She was charged for manslaughter,” narrated Funmi.

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 — 21

IFC signs $4m investment for microfinance institutions

BY PETER EGWUATU

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FC, a member of the World Bank Group, has signed an agreement to invest N650 million ($4 million) in Nigerian microfinance institution Grooming Centre to increase access to finance for up to 780,000 micro enterprises by 2018.

The project will improve financial inclusion, and promote job creation and growth in Nigeria.

Commenting on the investment, Dr. Godwin Nwabunka, Chief Executive Officer of Grooming Centre said “Grooming Centre’s mission is to empower the economically active low income earners by bringing a range of tailor-made microfinance services to their doorstep using globally-tested best practice methodologies. Our partnership with IFC will help us strengthen the microfinance market in Nigeria, expand our coverage on a sustainable basis, and create greater

income for our members.”

Solomon Adegbie-Quaynor, IFC Country Manager for Nigeria, said, “IFC is supporting Grooming Centre to improve financial inclusion and help grow Nigeria’s economy. This loan will provide local currency finance and empower entrepreneurs and microenterprises that cannot yet access the formal banking sector.”

IFC’s local currency loan will help Grooming Centre offer increased finan-

cial services to economically active low income earners engaged in small-scale trading and productive microenterprises. Grooming Centre will use IFC’s funding to reach entrepreneurs in more than half of Nigeria’s 36 states, including those in remote rural areas largely unserved by other lenders.

Grooming Centre provides access to finance for entrepreneurs at the base of Nigeria’s economic pyramid. It currently serves over 300,000 member clients with loans as small as N30,000 (about $200). The organization has built a NGN 7 billion loan portfolio and employs over 1,200 people.

India’s export to Nigeria triples to $11bn

BY VERA SAM ANYAGAFU & PRISCA SAM-DURU

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TRAINING: From left: Chief Operating Officer, Tom Associates Traning, Ms Oluwatoyin Osibogun; Digital Communication Practitioner, Muyiwa Familoni and HR expert/Guest Speaker, Mrs Titilayo Akinsanya at the 20th annual trainers’ clinic of Tom Associates Training, in Lagos.

E-commerce: Konga to sue Rocket Internet over domain name … Writes lawyer, decries threat to local firms’ survival

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

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IGERIA’S online retailer, Konga.com, has said it is set to drag German based Internet conglomerate, Rocket Internet to court over domain name ownership.

Rocket Internet is the parent company of Nigeria’s popular online retailer, jumia.com.

Konga has alleged that Rocket Internet registered Konga related domain names in ten different countries, areas that it would possibly establish should it decide on expansion outside of Nigeria.

According to a document made available to Vanguard, the list of the domain names and the countries they are registered include: Konga.cd for Cote D’Ivoire, Konga.cm for Cameroun, Konga.ly for Libya, Konga.mu for Mauritius and Konga.ma for Morocco. Others include: Konga.mw for Malawi, Konga.sc for Seychelles, Konga.sh for

Saint Helena, Konga.co.ke for Kenya and Konga.co.za for South Africa.

Speaking on the development, Konga’s Public Relations Strategist, Ifeanyi Abraham told Vanguard that Rocket Internet intentionally registered the domain names in order to effectively ensure that Konga does not come effectively into the orbit of their competition.

He said that Konga having exhausted all options to retrieve the names would engage Rocket Internet in litigation. He noted that Konga would follow all legal procedures and alternatives there are in all the jurisdictions that those domain names have been registered. According to him, “We are going ahead with legal actions in the different jurisdictions where these domain names were registered.”

Vanguard obtained a letter by Konga’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sim Shagaya to his Lawyer, Opeyemi Agbaje.

According to the letter entitled: “Destructive foreign competition in the

internet industry,” Shagaya wrote: “I hope you can take this up fairly because I think it is necessary that people understand what’s happening in the internet industry. Jumia is wholly owned

by Rocket Internet GmbH. It is not indigenous.

“Rocket owns a range of businesses including Camido, Jovago, Kaymu, Vamido, EasyTaxi and HelloFood. Each of these operations is seriously hurting a local operation with the same business model including Cheki, Private Property, BuyAm, Tranzit and CityChops respectively. These local companies will die if not supported. It is that simple. Konga has at least been able to withstand the onslaught and even beat them back.

“In addition, Rocket Internet, the parent company of Jumia, has proceeded to buy and sit on the domain names of Konga across the continent. This action speaks to an intention to drown out indigenous innovation and frankly our government does not know any better.”

HE Head of the Lagos office of In dian Embassy Rani Malick, has disclosed that India’s export to Nigeria during the past few years has tripled to the tune of 11 billion dollars due to a robust bilateral trade relationship existing between the two countries.

Malick who made the disclosure during the opening of a three-day Indian Products and Services Exhibition (IPASE) organised by the India High Commission, which is the 4th edition of the annual event after three successful editions, noted that the exhibition was aimed at promoting Indian products and services in Nigeria as well as bringing together all stakeholders and encouraging them to increase synergy in business development.

As part of the successes recorded, she disclosed that “India has long been Nigeria’s privileged business partner in various sector and the engagement is outstanding. Today, Nigeria is India’s largest trading partner in Africa with 16.67 billion dollars in bilateral trade.

During the past few years, India’s export to Nigeria has tripled to the tune of 11 billion dollars.

-1.2

117.15

2,695.00 -58.00 15.25

-0.2

106.71 +0.96 94.32 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR 154.74 STERLING 254.1914 EURO 210.6476 FRANC 170.4748 YEN 1.4836 CFA 0.3034 WAUA 237.1462 RENMINBI 25.5925 RIY 41.2585 KRONA 28.2238 SDR

237.4331

155.24 255.0127 211.3282 171.0257 1.4884 0.3134 237.9124 25.6756 41.3918 28.315 238.2003

+0.36 SELLING 155.74 255.8341 212.0089 171.5765 1.4932 0.3234 238.6787 25.7588 41.5251 28.4062 238.9675

CBN Exchange rate as at 21/01/2014

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

BRIEF Company responsible for W.Va. chemical leak files for bankruptcy

F

reedom Industries, responsible for the chemical leak that left portions of West Virginia without water for days, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Friday.

The filing indicated the company ’s assets and liabilities as “unknown,” the Charleston Gazette reported. Chemstream Holdings Inc. of Stoystown, Pa., was listed as the owner.

The documents indicated Freedom owes $3.66 million to its top 20 unsecured creditors, led by $648,221 owed to Atlantabased FloMin Coal Inc. An estimated 7,500 gallons of the chemical 4methylcylohexane methane, used in the coalcleaning process, leaked from a storage tank at Freedom Industries and into the Elk River in Charleston Jan. 9. More than 300,000 residents in nine West Virginia counties were advised not to use their tap water because of concerns about possible contamination. On Monday, the West Virginia American Water customers began flushing home plumbing systems on a zone-by-zone basis so they could begin using their tap water. Eastman Chemical, maker of the chemical that spilled into the Elk, is owed $127,474, the bankruptcy documents indicated.

Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection allows a company to reorganize and maintain operations.

Freedom Industries owes more than $2.4 million in unpaid taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, which filed at least three liens against Freedom, demanding payment, the Gazette said. The West Virginia Bureau of Employment Programs placed at least two liens on Freedom’s property for roughly $4,000 in unpaid u n e m p l o y m e n t compensation insurance.

Eastman, Freedom Industries and West Virginia American Water were named in a federal lawsuit filed this week.

Freedom also was named in about 25 lawsuits filed in Kanawha County Circuit Court.

C M Y K

From left: President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, NCRIB, Mr Ayodapo Shoderu; the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo; Deputy President of NCRIB, Mr Kayode Okunoren and Mrs Ekeoma Ezeibe, a Boad Member of the NCRIB, during the visit of NCRIB President to the Iyaloja in Lagos

NCRIB extends olive branch to aggrieved brokers Stories by ROSEMARY ONUOHA

P

resident of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, NCRIB, Mr. Ayodapo Shoderu has expressed dissatisfaction on the current division masterminded by some aggrieved brokers in the

insurance industry.

Shoderu said they will make effort to bring the aggrieved brokers under one umbrella body which is the NCRIB. Shoderu who made this known while addressing media men in Lagos recently, therefore, called on the brokers who broke-away from the body to embrace dialogue

in order to move the broking fraternity forward.

Shoderu said that NCRIB is poised to listen to the aggrieved brokers in order to address their misgivings and resolve all issues amicably. He added that the council has reached out to some key members of the faction, but they are yet to embrace the invitation extended to them.

He said NCRIB will not hinder individuals from associating as they have the fundamental right to associate, adding that NCRIB remains the only body empowered by law to register brokers in the country.

Shoderu said, “I appreciated the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, for ensuring sanity in the broking sub sector through the harmonization of provisions of the law regarding NCRIB registration and NAICOM licensing.

“This collaboration should continue for the benefit of the insured and the overall growth of the industry. The day is gone when unscrupulous brokers hide under either of the two bodies and by so doing mislead the insuring public.

“On the part of my team, I pledged to do all within our powers to ensure maximum cooperation with NAICOM and to ensure that no charlatan breaks the ranks of insurance broking anymore.”

It will be recalled that the splinter group broke away because they felt their interest is not protected by the leadership of NCRIB, which they considered to be too loyal to NAICOM. To actualise their desire, they have gone to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to incorporate a body known as Association of Professionals and Practicing Brokers of Nigeria, which they hope would help defend the rights of brokers in the country.

Insurance operat or egise ffor or 20 14 operator orss strat strategise 201

I

nsurance industry operators have said that they would embark on two major strategies that would help them drive their present quest for bumper patronage and harvest of premium in the 2014 business year. The two major strategies, according to these operators, are education of the public and awareness creation to sensitize Nigerians on the relevance of insurance to their daily living.

Both the President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, Mr. Fatai Lawal and the President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, NCRIB, Mr. Ayodapo Shoderu said their primary focus during the year would be on mass education and awareness creation on insurance.

While Lawal said he is targeting the youths through dissemination of information on insurance in schools, Shoderu said he is targeting

market women, artisans and rural dwellers through their traditional rulers.

All these efforts, according to the presidents of both bodies, are geared towards

spreading knowledge of insurance among the people which will in turn shape their thoughts about insurance.

However, Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel,

has said that the best thing the operators would do to sustain the interest of the public is to pay claims with little or no delay to prove to the people that insurance is real.

Okla. insurance agent arrested for exploitation of the elderly I

nvestigation by the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Anti-Fraud Unit has led to the arrest of Tulsa insurance agent Presley Keith Dennis. He is accused of defrauding a Muskogee couple out of nearly $300,000.

“A crime like this is inexcusable,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak. “As the victims’ longtime friend and agent, they trusted Mr. Dennis. But he violated their trust and wiped out their life savings. I commend the Anti-Fraud Unit, the Muskogee Police Department and the Muskogee County District Attorney’s office for their hard work on this case.”

The victims, an 80-year-old man and his

68-year-old wife, told investigators that Dennis convinced them to withdraw $300,000 from their annuities and invest it in his company, Dennis Investments, an unlicensed investment firm. They also said Dennis persuaded them to create a joint checking account with him so he could access the money to make investments. Instead of investing the money, Dennis allegedly spent it on past due child support, country club memberships and restaurants.

Dennis is charged with one count of exploitation of the elderly. He surrendered to Muskogee County authorities Tuesday.

His insurance license is currently expired.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 — 23

Insurer o ffak ak e br own car d Insurerss lose o ovver $70m tto ake bro card

I

nsurance managers across the Economic Community of West African States lose about $70 million to the menace of fake brown cards operators, Secretary General, Nigerian National Bureau, ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme, Mrs. Henrietta Anyanna has said.

Anyanna who stated this while addressing the media in Lagos recently attributed the loss to low level of awareness which has been the bane of insurance growth in most countries across the region.

She noted that in the Nigerian Market, Brown Card Premium Income has skyrocketed from N3.5million in 2010 to N8.5million in 2012 and about N10million in 2013, adding that other member states have recorded significant rise in premium income figures thereby enhancing the liquidity and increased the capacity of the National Bureaux to meet their financial obligations.

She said the scheme was designed among others to, guarantee victims of road accident within the sub region fair and prompt payment for damages including bodily injury caused to Nationals of a West African country by non -resident motorists from other ECOWAS member states; promote trade and cultural integration among the countries in the West African sub region; develop international links and

exchange as well as the extension of the insurance market within the sub region; establish a common system for claims settlement which will lead to harmonisation between the member states, laws and regulation governing motor insurance and offer a scheme similar to the successful International Insurance Schemes in force in Europe (Green Card Scheme), in Central African sub region (Pink Card Scheme) and in the Arab Countries (Yellow Card Scheme).

“The Brown Card Insurance

Scheme is basically a Third Party Liability Cover whereby members undertake to provide compensation for accidental damage to property, bodily injury and death arising from the use of motor vehicle within the sub region. Property include motor vehicles, buildings, and belongings of third party accident victims.

“The level of awareness is still very low. A lot of people do not know where to procure the document. As a result they fall into the hands of fraudsters from whom they

collect fake certificate and end up being caught and sent to jail in neighboring countries “The National Bureaux in various countries have made substantial contribution towards raising public awareness. Enlightenment for the scheme is actually a continuous process. We believe that greater awareness for the scheme can be achieved if ECOWAS Brown Card becomes compulsory as it is in the francophone countries,” she added.

From left: Mr. Mufutau Oyegunle, Director; Dr. Anand Mittal, Managing Director: Mr. Jethro Adewole, Director, all of Prestige Assurance Plc during the 43rd Annual General Meeting of the company in Lagos recently

Ghana insurance industry to embark on another recapitalisation exercise

T

he Ghanaian National I n s u r a n c e Commission (NIC) said it was set to jack up the industry‘s minimum capital base to the cedi equivalent of US$5 million, ($5million).

This was disclosed in a

statement obtained from the Ghana Insurers Association (GIA).

In the last recapitalisation, the NIC had based on 2006 legislation, directed every life and general insurance company in the country to

have a minimum of US$1 million in core capital.

Prior to this proposed recapitalisation, the NIC had earlier raised the minimum capital for general insurance firms that wish to engage in underwriting policies in the

Insurance employment outlook improves

I

nsurance, financial services and real estate employment is forecast to improve this quarter as the sector leads labour market growth, according to a hiringintentions survey by recruitment group Manpower.

The number of employers in the sector expecting to increase staff in the period is a net 16 per cent, up six percentage points on the final three months of this year.

Employment intentions are relatively stable compared with a year earlier.

The survey questioned 1507

employers across seven sectors, asking how they anticipate total employment will change.

“Employers in six of the seven industry sectors expect to grow staffing levels during the next three months, with the strongest labour market forecast for the finance, insurance and real estate sector,” the report says.

Overall a net 7% of Australian employers plan to grow staff levels, based on results showing 20% intend an increase and 13% a decrease.

Globally, Manpower

surveyed 65,000 employers in 42 countries and territories, with Taiwan, India and New Zealand reporting the strongest hiring plans.

“Despite continuing economic challenges and widespread uncertainty in the global labour market, the firstquarter research reveals the majority of hiring managers will continue to add to their workforces by varying degrees,” the report says.

Italy, Ireland, Finland and Spain forecast the largest decreases in hiring intentions.

oil and gas industry to recapitalise further to a minimum of US$5 million.

Ghana Commissioner for Insurance, Lydia Bawa, said the industry is presently undergoing transformation that will usher in growth and developments.

She noted that having been an underwriter for 31 years, in the Ghanaian insurance industry, she is abreast of all the issues in the sector and pledged to reform the industry. She said perception and mistrust has been the bane of the industry, adding that most people believe insurers take premium and do not pay claims; hence, they do not really trust insurance.

She called on insurers across Africa to intensify awareness about insurance, adding that the apathy on insurance can be changed through proactive awareness creation.

She said the insurance penetration in Ghana is about 1.5 per cent, stressing that the country is working towards introduction of Takaful.

BRIEF

Swiss Re earns Moody’s upgrade Moody ’s has upgraded Swiss Re’s insurance financial strength rating and senior debt rating.

It says the move to Aa3 from A1 reflects the reinsurer ’s improved profitability and financial flexibility, plus an excellent market position and strong business diversification.

Swiss Re’s “good profitability has continued, with a reported return on equity of 13.6%”, the ratings agency says.

“We now see little uncertainty and very small potential cost implications regarding legacy exposures related to former financial services activities that significantly affected the group’s results in 2008.” Operational debt has fallen since 2010 and earnings coverage last year and this year has been relatively high.

Swiss Re’s financial flexibility continues to be enhanced by its access to capital markets, according to Moody ’s. Return on capital and return on equity are expected to remain good “but not at the same level” as last year and this year.

“Swiss Re, like other reinsurers, currently faces a difficult trading environment, with low investment yields a feature, while reinsurance pricing, especially for catastrophe business, is generally under pressure,” Moody ’s says.

The reinsurer faces a credit challenge managing its pre-2004 US individual life portfolio, which has made losses since 2007.

“In light of this and the group’s catastrophe exposure, we expect Swiss Re to show some volatility in its results going forward.”

24 — Vanguard,WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

Sterling Bank’s rights issue records 103.3% subscription S

TERLING Bank Plc has recorded 103.3 percent subscription in its just concluded rights issue of 5.89 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each.

According to a statement from the bank, the rights issue, which was sold at a unit price of N2.12 per share was oversubscribed following support from the existing shareholders. The offer opened on June 24, with total valid applications received totaled at N12.9 billion, representing 3.3 percent above the expected N12.5 billion.

The new shares were listed on Monday on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange,

NSE following which Sterling Bank became the 31st most capitalised stock (from 38th position) with a market capitalisation of N52.9 billion.

Speaking on the rights issue, Yemi Adeola, Manging Director, Sterling Bank, said, “ We are pleased with the outcome of the rights issue and the success rate reflects shareholders’ confidence in our strategy and execution capabilities.

We are also in the process of concluding a private placement of US$120 million to further strengthen our capital position.

“These are part of our US$400 million capital raising plan comprising US$200 million each in tiers

one and two capital respectively. The US$200 million tier two capital will be raised through a multi-currency debt issue expected to come through this year.

“Our goal this year is to increase our capital position to an excess of N100 billion, with the funds deployed to support our growth plans. We will invest in information technology, distribution outlets and alternative delivery channels; while leveraging the enhanced capital position to support lending. We are very optimistic about our capital plans and would continue to deliver superior returns to shareholders.”

MEETING: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Bank Limited, Mallam Ahmed Kuru (2nd right); Executive Directors, Mrs. Louisa Uduak Olaloku (right); Mr. Aminu Ismail (left) and Mr. Audu Ibrahim Kazir (2nd left) at a recent management meeting of the bank, in Lagos.

Costain completes liquidation of FBN debt

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

C

OSTAIN (WA) Plc said it has fully liquidated the trade debt it owed First Bank of Nigeria Limited over which a Receiver Manager was appointed by the later against the company in 2013.

Costain had on November 6, 2013 notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, that an order of the court for appointment of a Receiver Manager was obtained by First Bank against it in respect of a trade debt that arose in the normal course of business.

The company noted that payment was made to partially liquidate the debt and both parties entered into agreements for complete liquidation of the debt.

Costain further stated that at no time did the Receiver Manager act on behalf of Costain pursuant to the court order and upon Terms of Settlement being reached, adding that it did not envisage the implementation of the order of Receivership.

The company noted in the notice to the C M Y K

NSE that, “The Board of Directors of Costain remains in control of the management of the company and have assured its stakeholders and clients that Costain remains in business.”

In a statement yesterday, Cosatin observed that the final installment of the concessionary sum was paid through its letter to First Bank of Nigeria Limited dated 13th January 2014 and First Bank’s acknowledge of the sum paid via its letter dated 15th January 2014.

“First Bank of Nigeria Limited has confirmed that based on this development, Costain (West Africa) Plc is deemed to have discharged its obligation to the bank on this facility. The bank also stated that steps are being taken to discharge the receivership at the Corporate Affairs Commission and all relevant authorities will be notified as appropriate,” the company added in the statement.

Understanding electricity tariffs paid by consumers

T

he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has put into operation a Multi-Year Tariff Order, MYTO, for the determination of the cost of electricity sold by distribution/retail companies for the period June1, 2012 to May 31, 2017.

There is a specific tariff for each of the 11 electricity distribution companies, discos.

The tariff covers each year of the five-year period, namely, June1, 2012 to May 31, 2013, June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2014, June 1, 2014 to May 31 2015, June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016 and June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017.

The charges are in two parts: there is a fixed monthly charge and there is a charge for electricity consumption, the energy charge. Consumers are charged in different categories, namely, residential, commercial, industrial, special and street lighting.

We give below the charges for residential consumers using single phase or three phase meters, category R2, as a large proportion of consumers fall into this group.

We will also consider the charges in respect of Benin DISCO, Ibadan DISCO and Ikeja DISCO. For Benin DISCO, the fixed monthly charge for residential R2 category is N500 in 2012 - 2013, N750 in 2013 - 2014, N1500 in 2014 - 2015, N1800 in 2015- 2016 and 2016-2017.

Electricity consumption is measured in kiloWatt-hour, kWh, and the energy charge is N11.37 per kWh in 2012 - 2013 and 2013 - 2014, N11.94 per kWh in 2014 - 2015, N12.54 per kWh in 2015 - 2016 and N13.16 in 2016 - 2017.

For Ibadan DISCO, the fixed monthly charge for residential R2 category is N500 in 2012 – 2013 and 2013 - 2014, N625 in 2014 2015, N781 in 2015 - 2016 and N976 in 2016 - 2017 while the energy charge is N12.30 per kWh in 2012 - 2013, N12.91 per kWh in 2013 – 2014, N13.56 per kWh in 2014 - 2015, N14.23 per kWh in 2015 - 2016 and N14.95 per kWh in 2016 - 2017.

For Ikeja DISCO, the fixed monthly charge for residential category R2 is N500 in 2012 2013, N750 in 2013 - 2014, N895 in 2014 - 2015, N1067 in 2015 2016 and N1273 in 2016 - 2017 while the energy charge is N12.45 per kWh in 2012 - 2013, N12.83 per kWh in 2013 - 2014, N13.21 per kWh in 2014 - 2015, N13.61 per kWh in 2015 - 2016 and N14.02 per kWh in 2016 2017.

We notice that there would be increases in the charges from one year to the next year and that the charges differ from one disco to the next DISCO. What is important is that NERC has stated the basis used for the determination of these charges and the basis for the review of the charges.

Each of the DISCOs came under new management towards the end of 2013 with the new management having majority shareholding and the Federal Government of Nigeria, FGN, having the minority shareholding.

There has been public disquiet about the available electricity supply since the new managements were put in place.

The DISCOs have indicated that they are not receiving as much power as they expected to receive while there is public concern about deteriorating service from the discos. NERC has indicated

,

By PETER EGWUATU

The new managements for the DISCOS were put in place so that they can make a change in the fortunes of the DISCOs

,

that the tariffs were fixed in such a manner that they are fair to consumers and that the tariffs are sufficient to allow the discos to finance their activities with reasonable earnings for efficient operation.

The new managements for the DISCOS were put in place so that they can make a change in the fortunes of the DISCOs. Limited supplies to the discos from the national grid would limit the revenues of the DISCOs. However, the DISCOs have to take steps to guarantee their revenues by having their consumers on pre-paid meters.

The new managements have taken loans from the banks for the acquisition of their majority shareholdings in the DISCOs. The new managements are concerned that the revenues may not give them enough profit to apply towards meeting the terms of the loans they have taken.

However the DISCOs are also expected to have investment programmes for reduction of losses and these investment programmes should start with the provision of pre-paid meters to the consumers.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 — 25

DIARY

Select ICT events zTelecom CEM World Congress 2014 April 2014, Venue TBC, London zhong Kong ICT Expo 13 – 16 April 2014 Hong Kong. z Cards & payment Asia holds in Singapore 23-24 April 2014. zTransport Networks for Mobile Operators 2014 13 – 14 May 2014 London.

Preview

New inventions shaping life and living

The House that walks

A

new prototype house walked around the campus of the Wysing Arts Centre in Cambridgeshire, England.

The eco-friendly house is powered by solar cells and minature windmills, and comes with a kitchen, a composting toilet, a system for collecting rain water, one bed, a wood stove for CO2 neutral heating, a rear opening that forms a stairway entrance, and six legs.

I N S I D E

Can 2.3GHz auction set stage for broadband revolution?

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

TWELVE years after lib eralisation, the telecommunications sector in Nigeria has transformed into a money spinner and arguably one of the country’s known economy boosters .

The mobile segment being the most active and fastest, has also shot the country into limelight among world’s most prospective technology economies.

With a subscriber base of about 121.3 million and a penetration/teledensity of 86.62 percent as at the end of the third quarter of 2013, there could just be insignificant arguments against the country’s status as a world leader in terms of technology.

This is most particularly, when judging from its position in 2001, with about 400, 000 fixed lines and a teledensity of about 0.73 per cent. However, a peep into the secrets of other world economies that have sustained their successes over

EU drums support for NIMS project

decades, shows that data segments have also grown side by side with voice segments.

But in Nigeria, while the voice growth experiences astronomical growth, the data segment only manages a mere crawl. As at 2004, Internet penetration, based on percentage of Internet users per population, was at only 3 percent. As at the end of 2011, it climbed to about 28 percent.

In 2012, percentage of internet users moved to 32.9 and as at the end of December 2013 it

,

,

zCritical Communications World 27-29 May 2014 BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand

still low. There is also a wide gap when comparing 121.3 million active telephone subscribers with a paltry 55 million people connected to the internet, in a population of about 160 million It becomes more worrisome against the backdrop of massive investments in international submarine/ fibre cables, which has seen over 10 terabytes of bandwidth capacity available but under-utilized in the country.

Both MainOneCommunica-

But in Nigeria, while voice growth has experienced astronomical growth, the data segment only manages a mere crawl

was pitched at 36 percent, judging by the over 55 million people connected to the internet.

On a rough estimate, the average growth rate has been on 6 percent and at 6 percent growth, internet penetration is

Smart phone that gives privacy protection to be unveiled at MWC

tions, Glo One and the West African Cable Systems which make up that capacity are yet to use ten percent of their huge capacities respectively.

Chief Executive Officer, Main One, Ms Funke Opeke, in a recent chat, specifically la-

Appropriate technology must drive the electric power system

mented that due to hurdles in the process of last mile broadband deployment, the MainOne cable capacity was yet to see off more than 5 percent of its total capacity.

She argued that other operators suffer same, if not worse fate. For her, the 95 percent of capacity lying fallow in the shores are not only her company’s loss but greatly a disservice to the country which would have leveraged on these huge capacities to deepen penetrations.

Faced with these challenges, the Ministry of Communications Technology and the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, are battling with strategies to keep the ship afloat.

First, they came up with a self target of raising the 6 percent internet penetration by five-fold by 2017.

Secondly, they have decided that the actualisation of that target depended on the auctioning of the the remaining 2.3 GHz spectrum available to a preferred bidder who will use the resources to beef up penetration.

From available information, the auction has earnestly taken off and Nigeria’s telecoms industry will witness another revolution, but this time around, not on the voice market but in data and broadband areas.

Continues on page 27 C M Y K

26 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

EU drums support for NIMS project

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

T

he European Union, EU, through its Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Michel Arrion has pledged support to Nigeria’s National Identity Management system, saying it has the potentials to boost the country’s economy.

Arrion who paid a courtesy visit to the National Identity M a n a g e m e n t Commission NIMC’s office In Abuja recently, noted that the mandate to create a Unified Identification System in Nigeria will help bring real and recognizable benefits to Nigeria and other countries across the globe.

According to him, Identity plays a key role in the growth and development of any economy and the NIMC’s quest to create a paradigm shift from the Identity Card issuance to the National Identity Management System (NIMS) is a great potential for the country.

He said: “I see potentials for the NIMS project; the NIMC objectives and mandate,

when fully implemented will boost the nation’s economy and help drive foreign investment.”

“The European Union (EU) also has links with the INEC, the EFCC, and other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and will together with the NIMC, create a database of all Nigerians who do business with members of the European Union (EU),” he added.

Arrion however cautioned the Commission to be careful with human rights issues and protect data captured from citizens and legal Residents of the country with every sense of authority and discipline.

The Director General of the Commission, Barrister Chris E’ Onyemenam, in his welcome address to the Ambassador, maintained that the Commission since its new mandate of creating a National Identity Management System (NIMS) in 2007, has made conscious efforts to establish relationships with International Institutions in order to tap into the vast experiences and resources of these Institutions.

Unitel, Ericsson demonstrate Africa’s first LTE-advanced technology

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

I

N a bid to achieve the target of entrenching evolution of high-speed mobile broadband services into the system, world leading networking giant, Ericsson, together with Angola’s l e a d i n g telecommunications provider Unitel, have successfully demonstrated LTE Advanced, LTE-A Carrier Aggregation technology.

The demonstration was done on both 1800MHz and 900MHz spectrum bands on a commercial network, using a commercial terminal, and took place on December 18, when Unitel transferred data across its live network in Luanda, Angola, carrying commercial traffic.

LTE Carrier Aggregation is the first time in Africa and next step in the evolution of high-speed mobile broadband services, C M Y K

enabling operators to make the most of their existing spectrum assets by combining multiple spectrum bands to enable higher mobile broadband download speeds.

LTE Advanced technology was designed to help Unitel match its spectrum assets, while enabling higher data speeds to increase network capacity and enhance end-user experience Speaking on the innovation, the Deputy CEO of Unitel, Amilcar Safeca, said, “Unitel is always innovating to enhance the customer experience. With the global leap toward higher data access speeds for sophisticated video and mobility services, we are enhancing our network to ensure we continually provide high-quality services to our highdemanding subscriber base. With this demo, we are well on the way to launching the most advanced mobile network in Angola and perhaps Africa in the near future.

We are working with Ericsson to make this happen.”

Smart phone that gives privacy protection to users to be unveiled at MWC S

ILENT Circle and Geeksphone has announced that a new Switzerland-based joint venture and its inaugural product, Blackphone, the world’s first smart phone placing privacy and control directly in the hands of its users will be unveiled at the 2014 GSM Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, next month.

Blackphone, powered by a security-oriented Android build named PrivatOS, is a carrier and vendor-independent smartphone giving individuals and organizations the ability to make and receive secure phone calls, exchange secure texts, transfer and store files, and video chat without compromising user privacy on

the device.

It is the culmination of several careers worth of effort from leading figures in the industry, including Phil Zimmermann, creator of PGP; Javier Agüera and Rodrigo Silva-Ramos cofounders of Geeksphone; Jon Callas, co-founder of PGP Inc. and CTO of Silent Circle; Geeksphone; and Mike Janke, CEO of Silent Circle and former US Navy SEAL. “I have spent my whole career working towards the launch of secure telephony products. Blackphone provides users with everything they need to ensure privacy and control of their communications, along with all the other high-end smartphone

features they have come to expect.” Phil Zimmermann, creator of PGP, said.

Geeksphone is a young and dynamic Spanish Company headquartered in Madrid and specializing in the development, promotion and commercialization of “open source” mobile telephony solu-

tions. Geeksphone pioneered the industry by becoming the first European brand to launch an Android smartphone in 2009, and launched the world’s first Firefox OS -powered smartphone in 2013.

Silent Circle is a global encrypted communications service headquartered in Washington D.C. providing a revolutionary peer-topeer platform for encrypted voice, video, text and file transfer on mobile devices via a secure, proprietary network, software and mobile apps.

CWG trains over 50 Nigerian MBA students at CBS

By EMEKA AGINAM

A

T the just conclud ed Columbia Business School (CBS) MBA Information Session, sponsored and hosted by the Computer Warehouse Group, aover 50 potential MBA students received thorough class room training and hands-on mostly on IT disciplines.

The session provided the participants information on the CBS MBA program, students’ experience, university resources, application criteria, and global alumni network from which MBA students at CBS benefit.

CBS, situated in New York City, is a global leader in providing quality business training for people from different parts of the globe.

According to Glenn Hubbard, Dean and Russell L. Carson Professor of Finance and Economics, the school presently has over 40,000 alumni from over 100 countries. Having foreseen the business

opportunity available within the African market and the quality of MBA applicants from Africa, including Nigeria, CBS has increased its recruitment and curriculum within the Africa region.

This year, CBS students visited eight different African countries as part of CBS’ practical curriculum. In each country, CBS students worked directly with established African businesses as well as local entrepreneurs to learn more about doing business in Africa

and to build professional networks for future employment. CWG also understands the impact of quality education on every economy and, hence, has collaborated with CBS on the MBA Information session in Nigeria.

Austin Okere, the Group Chief Executive Officer of CWG while speaking on the subject remarked that CWG is passionate about improving educational system at the higher institution level in Africa and this has resulted to the

establishment of CWG Academy where fresh graduates receive thorough class room training and hands-on mostly on IT disciplines.

The CWG Academy which commenced in 2010 in Nigeria, he said has produced over 300 graduates who are currently working in worldclass companies like MTN Nigeria, IBM, CWG, KPMG among others while some of them have started their own ICT businesses.

It has also been extended to Ghana.

From left: Mr. Sunny Snr Manager Afmobi, Jack Guo, GM, TECNO Nigeria, App challenge winner {Platinum} Kunle Fadiora and his partner , DGM TECNO , Chidi Okonkwo and Director of CCHub, Tunji Eleso during the TECNO challenge award ceremony held recently in Lagos. PHOTO

BY EMEKA AGINAM

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014—27

Can 2.3GHz auction se or br oadband re volution? sett ssttage ffor broadband revolution?

Continues from page 25

The auction has been touted as having the intensity to lead a broadband explosion that would make high-speed internet services more accessible to Nigerians, government and it’s businesses.

However, a few knocks have trailed the auction plan with some industry stakeholders believing that making the spectrum free for serious operators would signpost government’s renewed vigor in seeing an explosive broadband Nigeria. But

the Commission seems unfazed by the criticisms.

It holds dear to its determination to auction, saying it represents the only “fair, transparent and efficient process of assigning the spectrum.”

It also clarified that throughout 2013, it embarked on wide consultations on the best approach to license the remaining block of the 2.3 GHz spectrum in a way that will produce maximum economic value for government and the telecoms consumers. Besides, NCC may have

also considered how best to yield to several demands by operators for additional spectrum in the 30MHz of the 2.3GHz spectrum, without being accused of favoritism.

According to the NCCreleased Information Memorandum, the auction is in furtherance of the objectives of the Federal Government, as set out in the Nigerian National ICT Policy 2012 and the National Broadband Plan 2013, towards driving broadband penetration. Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr.

Eugene Juwah, said, “Based on the positive outcome of the consultations, and the direction of the National Broadband Plan, the Commission has decided to undertake an auction to award a spectrum license to build and operate networks in this spectrum band to provide Wholesale Wireless Access Services, WWASL, in Nigeria.”

Spectrums given on auction In any case, since the

deregulation of the telecoms sector, the NCC had chosen auction process as the transparent and fair way to allocate spectrum, and not through arbitrary allocation.

In 2001, the Commission licensed three digital mobile operators through an auction process that is widely adjudged to have been highly successful and transparent. This was followed by the licensing of a second national carrier and the fourth digital mobile operator in 2002.

By the end of 2004, there were two national carriers, four digital mobile operators and 24 fixed telephony providers of which six were Fixed Wireless Access operators.

In 2006, the NCC introduced the Unified Access Service Licensees, UASL, regime, to enable operators to take advantage of convergence in services and technology in order to offer better services.

In 2007, the Commission awarded a further UASL and spectrum licence to Etisalat, bringing the number of parties with national mobile licensees to five. Also in 2007, the Commission awarded licenses to Visafone in the 800MHz band; Alheri Engineering Company Limited in the 2100MHz; Celtel Nigeria Limited (now Airtel Nigeria) in the 2100MHz band; Globacom Limited in the 2100MHz band and MTN Nigeria Communications Limited in the 2100MHz band.

In 2008, the Commission issued International Submarine cable Infrastructure and Landing Stations Services licences to Main One Company Limited and subsequently to MTN as Leader of West African Cable systems, WACS project, in 2010.

In 2009, the Commission awarded the 2.3GHz spectrum to Spectranet Limited and Mobitel Nigeria Limited.

Auction time table Already, the NCC had released the timetable on the auction process, which actually began last year with the issuance of Public Notice on Novem-

ber 15, 2013 and continued with the release of the Information Memorandum, inviting parties to participate.

In the line of process, the licensee of the spectrum is expected to emerge by March 14, this year.

Meanwhile, the NCC had placed a minimum offer price of $23 million (about N3.6 billion) on the spectrum band to be auctioned to a sole provider of wholesale broadband services this year.

The commission says that it does not take only licensed operators in Nigeria to qualify for bid, apparently, meaning that the door is open for foreign investors. The tenure for the WWASL license will be 10 years, subject to renewal.NCC promised that “all additional information including the answers to questions raised during the process will be made available on its website as part of the information memorandum.

The spectrum is considered to be a valuable national resource for which commercials opportunities exist. According to the timetable the opening bid will be determined by the Commission as a reserve price plus the bid increments for the first round. The opening bid shall be the minimum acceptable bid for the license in the opening round of the auction.

On completion, the successful bidder will be deemed to have been awarded a provisional license. The successful bidder will, then, be required to pay the balance of the spectrum license fee to the Commission within 14 days from the date of the Award of the Provisional Licence on March 14, 2014.

Ensure fair auction, stakeholders warn Meanwhile, different stakeholders, including leaders of industry Associations like the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, Association of Licensed telecoms Operators of Nigeria, ALTON and the Nigeria Internet Group, NIG agreed that auction is a better way of allocating such resources but warned NCC to ensure that the process is fair to all bidders.

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28 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,

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JANUARY 22, 2014

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 29

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30— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

Appropriate technology must drive the electric power system — OWOLABI

we have on ground will not make the companies survive the business because when the companies FEMI Owolabi is managing director/chief come for inspection executive officer of Fembosco Engineering Ltd, they see normal eleca firm that specialises in electrical controls and tricity connection, technical products, with head offices in Lagos. and when they leave, After cutting his teeth at SCOA Nig Plc where the bypass is rehe rose to become a department head, he left effected and power the transnational in 2003 and opened his own theft continues. business, Fembosco. In the interview below, So there should be Owolabi speaks of the electric power sector in a computerized Nigeria, averring that appropriate technology system in their must drive the electric power distribution offices that they can detect a metre that is system for the nation to achieve uninterrupted bypassed. With that, power supply. In addition, he is of the opinion the investors can that the infrastructure of electric power distriachieve their bution needs massive investment by the new business objectives, owners. Excerpts: so I suggest the to achieve efficiency in present pre-paid

BY ADEKUNLE ADEKOYA, distribution, these metres be scrapped, GENERAL EDITOR materials that are oband opt for solete and computerized HO are you? metres to stay in I am Femi Owolabi, substandard must be business.

MD/CEO of Fembosco changed. That will take What does your Engineering Ltd. I worked with time. This is because c o m p a n y , SCOA Nig Plc from 1990 to 2003, for these materials to Fembosco Engirising to become head of be manufactured neering do? department. I left in 2003 to start outside the country, it Fembosco Engias Fembosco, using industry ex- needs time. Time will zFemi Owolabi, MD/CEO, Fembosco Engineering neering Ltd is a perience in electricity and power also be needed for transportation from company that deals control systems. in electrical control It’s a great thing that power has one point to the other, Out there, there are systems and technical products been privatized in the country. If like from manufacturers to the transformers and feeder pillars and we source our products from allowed to work, in the next five ports in Nigeria, time to clear it and other machines that have Europe where quality is from the ports and time to prepare years, we should achieve at least been installed and in use for the enforced.

Our major 75 per cent of supply without site for the installation, also time past 15years to 20years, which manufacturers include global interruption because that period to install. are due for replacement. Even So, we should not expect is enough to stabilize the factors, the defunct PHCN cannot get reliable, uninterrupted power install what is to be installed as spare parts for them, and when well as change, and competition too soon? they contact the manufactures of To the best of my knowledge, I is vital to test abilities of the these equipment, they are told various companies. In our don’t believe it can work that they are no longer in production. soon.

The inputs we need for the country presently, the power apWhat we have on ground would paratus is aged and requires power distribution system need not make us achieve our targets. time to be manufactured, complete replacement.

Nigerians have complained of especially because they have to being ripped off through By EMEKA AGINAM exorbitant bills alleged to be inTake a 100 watts bulb for instance. New consistent with power supplied.

HEAD of it 2014 technology has reduced its energy consumpWhat is your own national conference, the tion to 11watts and its brightness remains the understanding with the Nigeria Computer Society metering system?

(NCS) has reemphasized its same. There now is LED technology where It’s either you set out to make commitment to facilitating the lighting consumes less electricity power money from the public or emergence of a knowledge measure accordingly what you based Nigeria.

Is that in the area of be customized. Customized, gave to people in terms of power To provide the strategies and distribution or generation? supplied. When NEPA staff went solutions NCS will be organizbecause they have to be In both generation & manufactured to our own voltage round to read metres and bill ing its 2014 flagship conference distribution. For example, a system and climate in Nigeria, accordingly, it was okay. But the under the theme, “Building a transformer is one of the so these things need time which way things are now, for me, we Knowledge-Based Economy in apparatus that is required to I don’t think could be done in a still don’t have a standard Nigeria: The Role of IT. augment distribution. Most of year. measurement for electricity 2014 is another year for the these transformers are very old consumption.

Are you saying the entire delivery of value to the and at the consumption end, distribution system needs It was thought that pre-paid Nigerian economy and society electricity does not get there. If complete overhaul? metres would solve that by the IT profession and you go to a particular unit today, problem, when we would buy industry, and for NCS the With what we have now, power the transformer is blown or bad. companies generates power, recharge cards, like what we do With priority focus on In addition, our power cables are then transmission takes place. for our mobile phones. building a knowledge based also old and what’s more, ninety These are high voltage and they If you have prepaid system, the society, Jide Awe Chairman, per cent of the installation appa- are properly installed but when power companies should test Publicity, Events and Trade ratus are substandard, even from it comes to the downstream and calibrate the metres before Services said that Nigeria’s source. giving them out to consumers, developmental challenges of segment, the consumption level From where they were sourced, where we have all our overhead because you can as well do it in unemployment, poverty, some of them were specifically cables, you see that many of them a way that sets the metres to rip disease and low quality of life required to be manufactured have been joined together here people of their money. In the were daunting and must be rebelow standard to save cost. For and there, and are thus no longer same manner, the pre-paid solved. This according to him, the new owners of the genera- in a condition to carry the remetres in use now can be urgently calls for vision that is tion and distribution companies quired load. bypassed. So, the prepaid metres both audacious and innovative.

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industry giants like Legrand of France, ABB, Schneider Electric, and others.

Apart from product manufactured by these electrical giants, do you also take electrical contracting jobs?

We do installations, but as much as possible we work to satisfy our customers, we have contractors that come to buy products from us, so we educate them and sell products to them, except on products that are not known, in that case we need to do the installations ourselves to avoid malfunctions.

From experience in electricity distribution in Nigeria, a building may have electricity at “full current” and the next to it has “low current.” At what frequency do we distribute electricity domestically?

Each day what we think of is how do we rebuild consumption, because consumption is growing every day, Nigeria is growing so also consumption. There is now what we call energy saver. Take a 100 watts bulb for instance.

New technology has reduced its energy consumption to 11watts and its brightness remains the same.

There now is LED technology where lighting consumes less electricity power. We must embrace LED technology in lighting our homes and offices to save money on energy.

Building knowledge-based economy, the NCS way

, C M Y K

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Achieving social and economic development, he stressed requires the building of a knowledge economy through significant IT driven change in finance, education, health, agriculture, governance and other critical sectors.

For NCS, 2014, according to Awe is a year of innovative vision and opportunities requiring strategy and action to connect IT to growth opportunities for job creation, income generation, enterprise development, capacity building and export.

Focus areas to enable such growth in 2014, he informed include mobile apps, egovernment, social media, software education and entrepreneurship, local content development, youth innovation, among others.

In line with the vision of NCS the solution lies in actively facilitating the development of an inclusive, globally competitive and prosperous Nigeria that is significantly information technology-based and knowledge-driven.

Vanguard, WEDNSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 — 31

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32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

CHAN Q/FINAL:

We’ll maul Morocco — Obanor

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UPER Eagles de fender Erhun Obanor and his teammates are happy to have reached the African Nations Championship quarter-finals and can’t wait for Saturday ’s clash against Morocco in Cape Town.

The defender made his debut for Nigeria in their 3-1 over

•Obanor

We’re here for the trophy, Eagles declare

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uper Eagles midfielder Abdullahi Shehu has declared the best is yet to come from him and his teammates in the on-going African Nations Championship (CHAN) where they will face fastpaced Morocco in the quarterfinals. The Kano Pillars player in a message to Nigerian fans assured that the team are in South Africa with the sole aim of lifting the CHAN trophy.

“Tell them they have not seen anything yet, we are here for nothing but the trophy and we have shown that with our game against South Africa,” the player is quoted to have said.

“But I must say that is not our best match, the games ahead will show our true quality,” the hard working midfielder assured.

Nigeria face Morocco on Saturday after the North African country beat Uganda 3-1 to top Group B and qualify for the next round.

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South Africa on Sunday when he came on as a second half substitute.

He reiterated that they would do everything possible to beat the Moroccans and march on in the tournament as they target winning the CHAN trophy for the people of Nigeria.

“We thank God first that we qualified but now we need to give our best starting with Morocco on Saturday to bring the trophy back home,” he said.

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi praised the defender after Sunday’s performance. “We brought 23 players here because w e believe that any of them can fit in when a crisis arises and Obanor demonstrated that on Sunday.”

“Other players in the League, whether amateur, national or Premier League should have the belief that they can make the national team once they are good enough, because Obanor has proved it and there are no biases if a player is good,” he added.

MATCHES TODAY Burundi vs RD Congo 06:00pm Mauritainia vs Gabon 06:00pm

Keshi dangles World Cup carrot F

OLLOWING his side’s 31 demolition of Bafana Bafana in their final group A fixture of the African Nations Championship in Cape Town on Sunday, coach Stephen Keshi says a number of his young players have put themselves in contention for a spot in his squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil later this year. “That’s what I’m really looking [for]. Giving these kids the opportunity to play in a tournament like this and if I can pick one, two, three players from this tournament, already they have a little bit of experience,” Keshi said.

“This is the reason why I’m here. Yes, I’m looking forward to that, hopefully we gain two or three players that will make the home-based players

proud.”

Christantus Ejike was one of Keshi’s troops who made a real impact, opening the scoring in the 22nd minute against South Africa, before Ifeanyi Ede scored the second from the pen-

alty spot.

The visitors held a comfortable half-time lead before Ejike completed his brace on 64 minutes. Bafana managed to reduce the deficit as Bernard Parker scored from the spot.

Ede roars for more goals S

uper Eagles striker Ifeanyi Ede has said that he’s yet to hit his form at the 2014 CHAN. The Enyimba of Aba striker has netted twice in the tournament, but he has insisted he is far from his true form. ”I am happy with my contribution to the team so far, but I have yet to reach the kind of form I expect of myself,” said the striker, who scored eight goals in 24 appearances for Enyimba last league season. ”I have scored two goals so far, but I know I can do more.

So, personally I am not satisfied with my showing so far. ”Overall, I am happy that the team is winning and that is what is important, it is better for us to keep winning and progressing even if I don’t score.”

•Keshi

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 — 33

Ronaldo

Fletcher fit for Sunderland’s Man United battle

aims for World Cup glory R

• Francis

Special drills for FFrancis, rancis, Uzochukwu BENJAMIN Francis and Ugonna Uzochukwu were put through special fitness drills on Tuesday while the rest of the squad took the day off.

Heartland defender Francis is recovering from an ankle injury, Enugu Rangers defensive midfielder Uzochukwu, who gave away a penalty against South Africa, has declared that he is 95% fit for the Morocco game. ”We had a private session today. Myself and Benjamin to test out fitness level and I must confess I am 95% fit for Morocco game,” Uzochukwu said. ”And one thing I know is that I will be 100% fit before that game because we have at least three more days to train before the encounter. ”I miss playing for the squad, but I am happy that am fully back and I am ready to give my all to ensure that we do not only get to the finals but win the cup for Nigerians.”

EAL Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he wants to match his personal success with the Portuguese national team, targeting either the World Cup or the European championship.

“Winning the World Cup is a dream and would be the greatest moment of my career,” said the 28-year old. “I hope I can win the World Cup or European championship with Portugal one day.”

The Madrid forward was recently awarded one of Portugal’s highest honours

by Portuguese president

Anibal Cavaco Silva at a ceremony in Lisbon’s Presidential palace.

Ronaldo was given a medal and ribbon, making him an official of the Order of Prince Henry, adding to the Ballon d’Or he won last week.

“My objective is to win individual prizes and team trophies,” said the Portuguese captain after receiving his award. “I want to go down in footballing history.”

And Ronaldo says he hopes to continue to add to his trophy-laden cabinet “I hope to continue winning big trophies for the rest of my career”, he said.

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•Ronaldo

Bolt set for Paris meet

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sain Bolt will race at the Paris Diamond League meeting on July 5, organisers have announced.

The world record holder will line up in the 100 metres at the Meeting Areva.

The meeting is just over three weeks before the start of the athletics competition at the Commonwealth Games. The Jamaican has yet to announce whether he plans to compete in Glasgow.

Bolt has recently spoken out in support of WADA’s declaration that they intend to test the hair follicles of athletes in a bid to clamp down on drug cheats in sport. “I think that any way you can crack down on drug use in sports, I have no problem with it, he said. Bolt, who has won six Olympic gold medals and holds the world record at 100m and 200m, signalled his approval in Kingston last week.

“If it’s a new rule and it’s a better way to clamp down on this, then I welcome it.”

Jones remains confident United can salvage poor club’s season starting D

•Jones

AVID Moyes’ difficult debut season at Manchester United could be dealt a further blow in today ’s League Cup semi-final second leg.

Moyes’ men have been off the pace in the Premier League, going down 3-1 at Chelsea on Sunday to leave the defending champions seventh, while United were also knocked out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle by Swansea City in a poor start to 2014.

The UEFA Champions League and League Cup are Moyes’ only realistic hopes of further silverware this term and his charges will need to come from behind to progress in the latter, having been beaten 2-1 by Sunderland in

the first leg at the Stadium of Light.

A Ryan Giggs own goal and Fabio Borini’s penalty handed Gus Poyet’s men the upper hand a fortnight ago and Moyes will be desperate to add the League Cup to the United trophy cabinet - the Scot has already won the Community Shield - and lift some of the gloom around Old Trafford.

United have lost four of their last seven home games in all competitions and will likely need to be on top form for the visit of Poyet’s men, who have lost just one of their last 10 outings.

Despite Sunday’s setback at Stamford Bridge, Phil Jones remains confident United can

salvage something from the club’s season - starting on Wednesday against Sunderland. “I don’t think we’re a long way away from the teams at the top (of the Premier League),” Jones told the club’s official website.

“Now we have to bounce back and we have an important game on Wednesday night.

“We’re not a million miles away, I’m telling you, but we need to stick together if we’re going to turn it around.”

One of the main threats to United’s progression is likely to be former Manchester City winger Adam Johnson, who has five goals from his last four games.

TEVEN Fletcher is ex pected to be passed fit for today’s Capital One Cup semi-final second leg at Manchester United.

The Sunderland striker was restricted to a substitute’s outing in last weekend’s draw against Southampton after struggling with an Achilles injury.

But Fletcher has trained for the last two days and is likely to feature at Old Trafford tomorrow night, as Sunderland look to reach the Capital One Cup final.

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet said: “The injury is fine.

“We were very good with the way we dealt with the initial inflammation of the Achilles.

“He trained yesterday and today with no problems.

“It was a very difficult situation for Steve to be part of the (Southampton) game with the problem with the Achilles. He stopped after the warm-up practically.

“But after talking to the medical staff and the way we wanted to play, it was important for him to be part of it “I was trying not use to him, but you saw what happened.

“But he didn’t damage his Achilles in those 20 minutes and was alright after having Sunday off.”

Meanwhile, Poyet refused to be drawn on stories in the Sunday tabloids over offthe-field incidents involving Fletcher.

“We’re not going to comment on the Sunday news,” he added.

• Fletcher C M Y K

34—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

Ogun APC: The trouble that was foretold THE emergence of Senator Ibikunle Amosun as the gubernatorial flag bearer of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN in 2011 predicted trouble for the status quo. It didn’t take long for it to burst.

T

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

HE simmering crisis in the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC had been predicted after the controversial entry of Senator Ibikunle Amosun into the fold of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria and his eventual emergence as the party candidate prior to the 2011 general election in the state.

His announcement as gubernatorial flag bearer in 2011 was followed by violence as supporters of aggrieved governorship aspirants in the party threw caution to the wind as they damaged fittings and furniture at the party secretariat located along Abiola Way in Abeokuta that day.

Before Amosun’s entry into the defunct ACN, many aspirants had jostled for the governorship ticket, among whom were Remilekun Bakr, Lekan Tejuosho, Gbenga Obadara.

However, political exigency projected Amosun above them all. His unique selling points were his capacity for grassroots mobilization and his intimidating structure on ground.

However, despite these advantages, he was faced with the looming fatherly figure of the former governor of the state and leader of the party in the state, Aremo Segun Osoba.

Amosun, formerly of the All

•Akande: APC national chairman

•Amosun: Says legislators do not like him

Dipo Dina, but the party declined and presented him with Prince Segun Adesegun.

He allegedly swallowed his pride but not without a little protest thereafter, when he objected to the party’s refusal to grant slots to the majority of his followers who came along with him from the ANPP. At one point Amosun reportedly decided to quit ACN and move to the the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) but he was allegedly prevailed upon by former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

during the revalidation exercise for party members, held in Abeokuta. The crisis began when members of the SIA group allegedly insisted on registering first, thus breaching the order with which the membership register should follow that should have seen older members who were already on the list, registering first.

The recent troubles: At the centre of recent troubles in the party is positioning by elected office holders for the APC ticket in 2015. National and state legislators not belonging to the SIA group are apprehensive that they could be shortchanged for the 2015 party ticket.

,

,

National and state legislators not belonging to the SIA group are apprehensive that they could be shortchanged for the 2015 party ticket

Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP went with a large chunk of that party into the ACN. However, no matter what he came along with, he was rewarded with only the gubernatorial ticket and all his associates, many of whom had aspiration to the National Assembly and the state House of Assembly were denied.

It was a wound that touched Amosun and which time has refused to heal.

The first troubles: The first sign of trouble was the choice of a running mate. Whereas Amosun was alleged to have desired a female as a running mate, and reportedly desired the wife of the late politician,

Consequently, Amosun then retraced his steps, accepted the number of candidates given to him by the party.

Fortunately for Amosun, the ACN swept the polls in the state and he was subsequently sworn in as the governor of Ogun State on May 29, 2011.

It was thus not surprising that the governor who rode to office under the banner of the ACN started having series of battles with the leadership of the party that took him to power few months after he was inaugurated.

The first point of real trouble was in the State House of Assembly where all ACN

members were aligned to the party structure. Agents of the governor were alleged to have helped to create a division in the unanimity in the ACN caucus and drawn the six opposition members to the governor's camp to create a comfort zone for him.

How it began: In the 26- man House of Assembly in the state, the defucnt ACN had 17 members, the PDP six members and PPN three members .

Out of the 17 ACN members, only one was originally from the Amosun group while the others belonged to the party mainstream.

But in the lobby and scheming for who controls the leadership and structure of the House of Assembly, Amosun decimated the ACN mainstream and reportedly lured over, the six PDP and three PPN members, and thus was able to stop the ACN elders’ choice of Adijat Oladapo-Adeleye as deputy speaker and instead put his man, Tola Banjo in that office.

The APC in Ogun State is now split into two with one tendency known as the SIA group, an acronym of Senator Ibikunle Amosun and the original ACN members most of whom were loyal to the respected party leader, Osoba.

The SIA group is believed to be “taking everything and locking out most of those who do not belong to Amosun’s camp.”

Crisis almost came to a head

Ambivalent attitude Governor Amosun has himself expressed dissatisfaction with the ambivalent attitude of the old guard towards his administration as he accused them of doing everything to put a distance to his administration.

The only exceptions are Senator Adegbenga Kaka representing Ogun East and Adekunle Adeyemi a member of House of Representatives from Ifo/Ewekoro.

To show their grievances to the governor, the National Assembly members stayed away from the recent launch of the APC, leaving Amosun to dance alone at the unveiling of the party.

Many party elders including the state leader of the party, Osoba were absent at the launch. Less than 24 hours after the event, the speculation that Amosun might have been dumped by the party played itself out as the posters of the former general manager of Guaranty Trust Bank, Fola Adeola, who is believed to be inclined to the old guard, flooded major streets in Abeokuta.

A normally reliable source confided in Vanguard that Adeola remains a trump card the old guard could throw up.

According to the source, Adeola is an Egba man, a Muslim and a technocrat who is sellable for the plum job.

With that threat has also come suggestions that Amosun is himself considering dumping the APC for either the Accord Party or All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA should the current troubles continue.

The recent endorsement of Amosun for second term and the counter reaction by the other group showed that Amosun and his political party are on collision course on many issues and things are already falling apart between the governor and the party.

The violent attack at the party secretariat at Ewekoro where about ten members of the party almost lost their lives when some political thugs invaded the function further manifested the crisis in the party.

It was a crisis that was long ago predicted only that no one then could have predicted the scope of the troubles.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014—35

Without Goodluck Nigeria would have disintegrated— Smart Adeyemi SENATOR Smart Adeyemi, was a former president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ before his entry into the political arena. Senator Adeyemi who represents Kogi West Senatorial District is also the vice-chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, NSF. In this interview on the fringes of an empowerment programme for constituents, he talks about his people, his passions and his politics. Excerpts:

BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

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OES being a journalist put a burden on you in the political arena?

Of course it is a burden because people will always remind me to say ‘you are the people criticising’ and so I must make the difference. All that I am trying to do is to make the difference in the lives of the people and to justify the fact that I am coming from a background that criticize bad governance, which should be a strength to me. I am always conscious of what the people will say about my representation on the floor of the National Assembly. I must strive to do beyond the ordinary, so that my colleagues in this profession can be proud of the fact that they have an ambassador at the National Assembly.

What is the content of the empowerment materials that you are giving out?

I came from the US with about seven container loads of medical equipment. There are twenty-two ambulances that I paid for, not donation. Each of them cost me over 450, 000 thousand Naira to clear it from

bed hospital there. In Ogale, I am doing, a ten bed hospital there.

All these equipment are meant to be shared not only to these hospitals but also to other hospitals in the state. I have about four hundred hospital beds and mattresses. I have stretchers, wheel chairs, surgical equipment. It might interest you to note that I’m donating two of the ambulances to Central and East senatorial districts.

Business interest I am equally donating to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital because this district used to be part of Old Kwara State. As I speak to you, we still have hundreds of thousands indigenes of Kogi West living in Kwara State. More importantly, my wife is from Kwara State, I also have substantial amount of business interests in Kwara State. So, we have to let them know that Kwara is home to us.

Do you have a governorship ambition?

No! All I am doing is to complement their (state

,

The problem of terrorism is enough to collapse the economy. If we didn’t have the government of Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria would have broken up

the port. I never allowed them to be driven here, I hired trucks to carry them and I paid one hundred and eighty thousand Naira to get each of them here, each of them cost me fifteen thousand dollar, excluding the cost of freight. I have all other kinds of medical equipment that I brought from overseas. I have spent over seven hundred Dollars on empowerment interventions.

Presently, I am constructing four cottage hospitals in place like Odo Iri where I am doing a thirty bed hospital. In Igbaruku, I demolished the cottage hospital there, which the Sardauna built in 1962. I got there and I shed tears because that is still the only building that they call their hospital. I just demolish it. I am roofing the new building now as I am speaking to you. That is twenty five-bed hospital, in Igbagu, I am constructing a 15

,

government’s) efforts, there are other people who can do that (become governor). What I am doing now is to let the people see what you mean when you say that you are representing them.

Could this be the reason why some of your people are urging you to go back to the senate for the third time?

You see, as a Christian, I always believe in the saying that what happens tomorrow is in the hands of God. If human or government power or machinery is what is required to win an election and is capable of stopping somebody, I should not have been a senator today but when I was fighting the former administration people asked if I could return to the senate and I said my second term was in the hands of God. My take is to tell the people to allow me do this job well so that my

•Adeyemi : North is not against Jonathan conscience will be clear that I have served like Baba Awolowo served, like Ahmadu Belloe served. Those are the people I see as role models.

You have a lot of confidence in the Jonathan administration. Why? Tell me the government that has ever ruled this country that has had the challenges of administration more than Goodluck. Tell me the government in Nigeria that has faced worse social disorder in any nation than Goodluck Jonathan.

Challenge of terrorism There is no government in Nigeria that has had the burden and the pains of carrying the challenge of terrorism than Jonathan. The problem of terrorism is enough to collapse the economy. If we didn’t have the government of Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria would have broken up.

Why do you think Nigeria would have disintegrated?

Let me tell you, the humility and simplicity of Jonathan at the time of serious challenge that requires maybe to the thinking of some people that

government should use force on Boko Haram, if you use might in a complex and diverse country like Nigeria, the consequences would have been worse. Government is not the way people see it.

The complexity and diversity of our nation with the burden of governance, I know it now more than before. When people talk, I keep quiet, because I am aware they don’t know the obstacles and hurdles, the consequences of comments and actions that could break up this country.

Jonathan came at a time in this country when God wanted him to preside over Nigeria. If you have had a president that people say action government, the situation today would have being worse.

But people say his responses are weak?

Last year (2013), we voted N935Billion for security, as at that time we had archaic, outdated security equipment.

But today, the equipment available are far better, and that is why they are able to curtail the challenges emanating from terrorism. When you say the President is weak, you have forgotten that government is not by drastic action. Good

governance is not through drastic action but putting in place the requirements that are needed to confront challenges of good governance.

Do you know why many of those who are ganging up today are ganging up?

Everyone of them have personal reason not collective reason.

There are some that believe that Goodluck administration has affected their source of economic power. There are those who are nursing ambition to be president. There are those who feel that some people that are nursing ambition won’t get it, let them hang somewhere maybe they would be considered. Let me tell you, we politicians know ourselves. I pity Nigerians because they don’t know those who are committed to their wellbeing. Is it those who tell you that we are progressives?

Go and investigate them, they are putting the people in slavery. I don’t want to mention names because the time has not come for us to start throwing stones. When the time comes, we will mention names.

What is the reason for this gang-up against Jonathan by some elements in the North?

It is wrong to say gang-up by the North because there are many northerners who are in support of this government. I have said it that my brothers in the North should not concentrate on fighting for power because we have had power for 30 years. What should be the priority is how to liberate the North from poverty and oppression.

Political power Go and tell the northern governors that if you have political power without economic power, the person that has economic power will ground you and collect it from you.

The Southwest didn’t fight with oil during June 12, they used Lagos port to paralyse Nigeria. Tell me what the North can use to paralyse Nigeria if we have cause to disagree with other parts of the country.

If the south-south people decide that they want to paralyse this country today, thirty minutes is enough. You will have fifty thousand naira in your pocket and won’t be able to buy petrol.

Let me tell you if you will report it like this to the Yoruba people; Awo nwo oju, Ogberi nwo inu awo....Awo mo wipe majele wa ninu awo sugbon Ogberi ko mo. The message from that is that people with different ideologies are pretending to each other but an intelligent man knows what is happening - man that can see beyond his nose.

36 —Vanguard, WEDNSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014—37

2015: Group makes case for Delta North to produce governor

Tecno Talk & Clean campaign kicks off Jan 23

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BY FESTUS AHON

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G H E L L I — D E LTA Progressives, a political pressure group, in Delta State, has appealed to the people of Delta South and Delta Central senatorial districts to allow Delta North senatorial district to produce the governor of the state in 2015.

President and Chief Adviser of the group, Mr Ogagaoghene Otikpo and Dr Innocent Ojefia, in a statement, said: “We appeal to Delta South and Delta Central senatorial districts of the state to give Delta North the necessary support to produce the next governor of the state.

“Delta Central has produced Olorogun Felix Ibru and Chief James Ibori as governor for about 10 years, Delta South has also produced Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, who will complete his second term of eight years as governor by May 2015.”

The group said the issue was well discussed at its Ughelli meeting, adding that “in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice, Delta North should be supported to produce the next governor of the state, come 2015.”

....as Ughelli youths back Oyibode for Delta guber

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HEAD of 2015 Delta State gubernatorial election, youths of Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state have declared their support for Ambassador Gabriel Oyibode as governor.

In a statement, the National Coordinator, Ughelli Youths Development Forum, Blessed Odjugo, praised Amb. Oyibode for the various developmental projects he executed in the state, which include youth development programmes, peace building, scholarships and infrastructural development.

The group added that Amb. Oyibode, who hails from Ezionum in Ukwani Local Government Area of Delta North and also from Delta Central senatorial district is widely accepted as a unifying candidate in state's 2015 governorship race.

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CROSS RIVER PRAYS: The General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, flanked by Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State (left) and wife Obioma, at the construction site of the Calabar International Convention Centre after inspecting the facility prior to the Cross River Prays/Holy Ghost Service event in Calabar, Cross River State.

Edo Assembly orders out lawmaker for improper dressing

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—MEMBERS of Edo State House of Assembly, yesterday, walked out the member representing Oredo Constituency II, Mr Patrick Osayimen, over his alleged improper dressing.

The action led to a shouting bout between Osayimen and the Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Philip Shaibu, who informed the lawmaker that his dressing contravened the rules of the House and so, he should leave the chambers.

But Osayimen, who wore coral beads on a French suit, argued that there was nothing wrong with his dressing, saying that the Majority Leader lacked the powers to discuss the issue of dress code with him.

Consequently, majority of the lawmakers condemned his action and insisted that he must leave the premises, just as they urged the Speaker, Mr Uyi Igbe, to wield the big stick, so as to serve as deterrent to lawmakers, who engage in improper dressing.

To douse the tension,

Speaker Igbe called for a vote on the issue. Majority of the lawmakers voted against Osayimen, after which he was ordered out of the premises.

The incident was particularly surprising, in view of the fact that all the lawmakers involved are members of All Progressives Congress, APC. But the Majority Leader, Shaibu, saw it differently, saying “yes, because we are all in the APC, we must show good example. We don’t have to behave like others and that was why we decided to call a spade a spade.”

NEPC plans pre-shipment incentives to boost export

S

MALL and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, involved in non-oil exports now have a cause to cheer, as plans are underway to establish a Pre-shipment Incentive Grants that would stimulate activities in the sector and boost the country’s non-oil exports.

Executive Director/CEO of Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, who made the disclosure while receiving the Chief of Party, USAID/Nigeria Expanded Trade and Transport, NEXTT, Mr. Alf Monaghan, in his office at Abuja, observed that over the years, the council had focused more on administering postshipment incentives, especially the Export Expansion Grant, EEG. He said efforts were now geared towards providing invest-

ment opportunities in the sector for SMEs that would guarantee employment and wealth creation through the Export Development Fund, EDF, which is a pre-shipment grant to boost exports.

“Given the huge population of Nigerians in some major cities like Johannesburg, London, Atlanta Georgia and Houston Texas, the council intends to promote the creation of Nigerian towns in these cities to facilitate the export of local products and foods by Nigerian entrepreneurs,” he said.

On his part, Mr. Monaghan implored the council to open up trade offices in some countries, which are major importers of Nigeria’s products as it would help facilitate trade between such

countries and Nigeria.

He noted that part of the problem of promoting Nigerian exports abroad was inadequate funding of Nigerian embassies and high commissions to drive the trade and investment programmes of government, coupled with the fact that the commercial attaches were not sufficiently trained to handle trade and investment matters as they were more concerned with political and diplomatic issues.

Awolowo, responding, said that plans were underway to establish regional trade and investment offices in some major cities of the world, including Brazil, London, United States of America, USA, and the Middle East.

ELEPHONE makers, Tecno Telecom Limited, is set to launch the maiden edition of its CSR campaign tagged Tecno Talk & Clean. The exercise, which is planned to hold across Lagos, will commence January 23, at Computer Village, Ikeja.

Tecno intends to contribute to maintaining clean and healthy environment in Lagos with the programme.

Speaking on the essence of the campaign, Deputy General Manager of the company, Mr Chidi Okonkwo, said Tecno Telecom Ltd believes that a clean environment was very vital to the health and longevity of a business and its owner.

“Tecno wishes to pass the message, through this programme, that it is important to maintain a clean and healthy environment while doing the business of talking. Achieving a clean environment should not be left to government alone, but the private sector should assist in this task. Tecno has decided to complement the efforts of government in achieving clean environment Lagos. We encourage people to desist from littering the streets and gutters with used recharge cards, empty phone packs, waste phone accessories and such similar items," he said.

Delta community inaugurates exco

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ARRI—COMMUNITY leaders in the Niger Delta have been urged to imbibe the culture of handing over the reigns of power peacefully at the end of their tenure, in order to avoid problems that could lead to chaos, and unwarranted bloodshed.

Newly inaugurated Chairman of Abigborodo community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr Monday Agbeyi, gave the charge after his inauguration for a 3-year term by the out-going Chairman, Mr. Francis Maku-Eyituoyo, Special Project Director, Sapele/ Abigborodo Road project, during a hand-over ceremony, Abigborodo Agbeyi promised to build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor.

38—Vanguard , WEDNSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

CISLAC wants NASS to push PIB

BY EMMANUELAZIKEN,

POLITICAL EDITOR

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AGOS—THE Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, has enjoined the National Assembly to put the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, and other people-oriented bills awaiting consideration at the top of its legislative agenda this year.

While commending the two chambers for progressing through a scandal free 2013, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa, in a statement heralding the resumption of the two chambers from the yuletide break, urged the legislators to redouble their efforts towards ameliorating the burden on the citizenry.

CISLAC particularly charged the legislators to use the 2014 appropriation bill as a platform to address the high cost of governance.

He said: “The level of poverty of ordinary Nigerian has not shown any remarkable improvement, even as the rate of unemployment continues to be high.

“Further to this is the poor performance of the budget resulting in delayed passage of the appropriation, infrastructural deficit, high level of wasteful government spending, duplication and the inability of the national budget to meet with international standards on social sectors such as health, education and agriculture.

Apostle Rosa Abonta dies at 87

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POSTLE ROSA Nnenna Abonta, 87, of Akwete-Ndoki, Ukwa East LGA of Abia State is dead.

Late Apostle Rosa who was a school mistress during the colonial era retired as headmaster, special class, and later rose to the rank of senior reverend in her church.

She will be buried in her home at Akwete-Ndoki on January 24. She is survived by five children, including Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta.

Late Rosa Abonta

ALLEGED MULTIPLE REGISTRATION: APC wants Obiano prosecuted

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, applied for leave of the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and Inspector General of Police to prosecute the governor-elect of Anambra State, Obiano Maduabuchi Willie, for the offence of multiple voters registration.

APC, in an affidavit of urgency filed before the court, said it had secured three separate voters’ cards issued to Obiano prior to the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State.

Specifically, APC alleged that Obiano was issued a Voter Registration Number (VIN) 90F5B88377091121 at 2:18pm on August 21, 2013, and another Voter Identification Number (VIN) 90F5B15E7D378200332 at 10:25am on September 3, 2013.

According to APC, “further investigation revealed that Obiano Maduabuchi Willie had earlier registered at Ifako/Soluyi Ward 2, Polling Unit 060-Junction of Ramot Oluwakemi Street, Kosofe

Local Government Area of Lagos State, with a Voter Registered Number (VIN) 90F5B12B01296204172, with a serial number 461.”

The applicant, however,

decried that though it had by a letter dated November 21, 2013, four days before the Anambra poll, invited both INEC and IG to investigate and prosecute the allegation

of double registration, “the 1st and 2nd respondents have ignored, failed and neglected to prosecute Obiano Maduabuchi Willie upon the facts and evidence of multiple voters registration”.

VISIT: Mr. Alf Monaghan, USAID Consultant on Nigeria Expanded Trade and Transport (left), receiving a souvenir from the ED/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, during a visit to the NEPC in Abuja.

Alleged theft: Protest greets arraignment of 4 youths in Awka

A

VINCENT UJUMADU

WKA—HUNDREDS of indigenes of Awka, Anambra State, yesterday stormed the Magistrates Court premises in the state capital to protest the arraignment of four youths over alleged stealing and destruction of property.

The case was instituted by the state police command against the youths for allegedly stealing and destroying property worth millions of naira belonging to a property developer, Rockland Nigeria Limited.

Bu the protesters said their action was engendered by the expropriation of their land by the company.

Some of the placards read: “Ezinano is telling Eze-uzu to leave their land for them and their children”; “He is a disappointment to the people” and “Our king is licking a pot of soup alone”.

Those arraigned before Magistrate L.C. Okoye on eight-count charge include Anayo Chinwuba (35), Daniel Udeke (39), Ifeme Keluo (27) and Arinze Udekwe (22).

The protesters pointed accusing fingers at their traditional ruler who, they claimed, connived with the company to deprive them of

large expanse of land in Awka on the guise of developing a housing estate in the area.

The protesters were led by the state coordinator of Transform

Nigeria Movement, TNM, Comrade Obi Ochije.

When the charges were read, the accused persons pleaded not guilty and were granted bail

by the court with two sureties each and N200,000.

They were also directed to submit their passport photographs to the court.

Defected govs 'll return —ORJI

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA—ABIA State governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has expressed confidence about the return of his colleagues who defected to All Progressives Congress, APC, from peoples Democratic Party, PDP. According to him, efforts are in progress to ensure that they returned to the party.

Governor Orji also expressed confidence that

the new PDP chairman would re-engineer the crisis–ridden ruling party and ensure that it remained first among equals.

Orji, who spoke to journalists at Government House, shortly after returning from Abuja where the new PDP national chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, was inaugurated, said he had confidence that the new chairman would restore the party to its glory.

The governor said: “The new

chairman has already set his priority to re-engineer the party so that it still maintains its status as first among equals, and then for the party to win elections because the ultimate aim of any political party is to win elections.

“He will do all those things that will make the party win and bring back our aggrieved colleagues.

“We are reaching out to them; the party is making effort, the governors are reaching out and there is hope that they will return to the fold.”

Police warns against use of unauthorised number plates The command also frowned Relations Officer, Mr. Ebere

E

BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—ENUGU State Police Command has expressed dismay over the use of PILOT as vehicle number plates and illegal covering of same by some members of the public, warning that such unlawful practices would now be dealt with.

on the incessant use of sirens, vehicles and motorcycles without registration numbers as well as vehicles with tinted glasses without obtaining necessary permit.

According to the command, operatives have been mandated to arrest and prosecute offenders.

State Police Public

Amaraizu, made this known in a statement in Enugu yesterday.

In another development, the command announced the resumption of a new Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, newly posted to the state.

“He is DCP Adejo Adaji. He relieved DCP Abdulahi Chafe redeployed from Enugu State to Osun.

Vanguard,WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014—39

MEETING: From left, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Hajia Zainab Nyako, wife of Adamawa State Governor; her Ekiti State counterpart, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Interim National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor, and wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs. Funso Amosun, during the inaugural meeting of the APC women leaders at the party's headquarters, in Abuja. Photo: Ekiti State Government House

CONFERENCE: From left, Chief Nat Bunuju, Regional Advert Manager, SouthSouth, Vanguard Media Ltd; Mr. Soriwei Dubamini, and Famous Warisuwotei, at a press conference, addressed by Mr. Dubamini, the father of Gabriel Soriwei, the 20year old student of Cyrus International University, who was killed by a drunk woman driver July 13, 2013, in Cyprus. Mr. Dubamini called on young Nigerians to carefully weigh decisions to school in Turkey since they have so far shown no regard for human life, as seen in his son's case. Photo: Barnabas Uzosike.

WEDDING: From left, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd); bride's mother, Chief CONDOLENCE: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (right), during a condolence Folashade Diya and her colleague, Chief Josephine Diya, singing at the visit to the Oba of Benin, Omo n'Oba Erediauwa, on the death of his Queen,Oloi Esther wedding service of Mr. and Mrs. Oluwadamilola Salawu, at the United Erediauwa, yesterday.

African Methodist Evangelical Cathedral, Abule Ijesha, Lagos.

TRAINING: From left, Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Hayward Mafuyai; Secretary to Plateau State Government, Professor Shedrack Best, and Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mr. Ignatius Longjan, at the information technology training for Plateau government top officials, in Jos, yesterday.

INAUGURATION: From left, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, Engr. Umar Ibrahim; National Trustee, South West, Mr. Michael Ategbero; President, Mr. Akuso Yusuf, and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Cornelius Nnaja, all of ALGON, at the inauguration of members of the Association, in Abuja.

CONFERENCE: From left, Speakers of Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji; Ogun State, Suraj Adekunbi; Kano State, Gambo Sallau, and their Kwara counterpart, Razak Atunwa, during APC Speakers Conference, in Lagos.

PRESENTATION: From left, Miss Efe Obiomah, PR Manager, GOtv, presenting a gift voucher to Mr. Oluwatobi Emmanuel of SportsDay, to pay for his food items, and Mr. Tosan Edema, Marketing Executive, GOtv, during prize presentation to the winners of GOtv GO Carry Am promo, at SPAR Mall, Lekki. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

PROMO: From left, Category Manager, Oral Care, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Oiza Gyang; winners of Close-Up Herbal Naija Smile promo, Obi Oluvia, Idowu Azeez, and Assistant Category Manager, Oral Care, Grace Onwubuemeli, at the prize presentation ceremony, in Lagos.

40—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

NOA boss tasks Bauchi residents on peace

CAN chairman, NACOMYO laud Jonathan on same-sex law

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AFIA—BISHOP Milla Maza, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Nasarawa State, yesterday, commended President Goodluck Jonathan for signing the same-sex marriage prohibition bill into law.

Maza told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lafia that signing the anti-gay law would go a long way in saving the country from the health and moral implications of same-sex marriage.

He said: “To us, it is devilish, there is no place in the scriptures that says man can marry a man or a lady can marry a lady.

Also, the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisation, NACOMYO, yesterday lauded President Jonathan for signing the bill into law.

However, the CAN Chairman, Maza said, “so, what the National Assembly did and the approval by President Jonathan are prayers answered. Same-sex marriage is devilish and such a thing should not even be mentioned in Nigeria.”

Corroborating Maza’s stance, a Muslim cleric in Lafia, Imam Shaibu Ismael, said “gay negates efforts for the sustenance of the human race.

“If a man marries another man, there will be no procreation. The same applies to a woman getting married to another woman.”

He added that “homosexuality is a heinous crime in Islam and we must all say no to such devilish behaviour."

Chief Chukwunonso Ezedinma, the Special Adviser to Gov. Umaru Al-Makura on National Integration, said the same-sex prohibition law was in tandem with the beliefs and cultures of the people of Nigeria.

“For the fact that the laws or constitution that govern a country emanates from the culture and norms of such people, it is not expected that we have same sex marriage in Nigeria".

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From right: Founder Al - Ahmany Islamic Organisation Worldwide, Sheik Sulaiman Farouq Onikijipa; Chief Missioner, OMU Islamic Organisation Worldwide, Sheik Yusuf Murtador and Ambassador Kabiru Suyuti, during the Birthday celebration of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ( SAW ), organised by Al - Ahmany Islamic Organisation Worldwide, at Police College, Ikeja, Lagos State on Monday.

AUCHI—THE Bauchi State Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Hajiya Jummai Bello, yesterday called on the people of the state to imbibe the spirit of peaceful co-existence.

Bello said this in Bauchi during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN. She said that no meaningful development could take place in an atmosphere of rancour and hatred.

Bello said the agency was committed to sensitising the people of the state on the need to use cultural diversities as a tool for development.

Jonathan appoints Tukur Chairman Nigeria Railway Corporation

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

A

BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, appointed the immediate past Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chairman of the Nigeria Railway Corporation.

This was contained in a statement issued by Mr Sam Nwaobasi, the Special Assistant to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

The statement also indicated that Dr. Ghaji Ismaila Bello had been appointed as DirectorGeneral, National Population Commission with effect from

January 8, 2014.

It would be recalled that Tukur had last week resigned from office as Chairman of PDP after a stormy internal party wrangling which earlier led to the defection of five governors and 37 members of the House of Representatives to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC. President Jonathan had while announcing Tukur ’s resignation, declared he would soon be given a “tougher assignment”.

The defection had reduced the number of governors within the PDP fold from 23 to 18. The party also lost its

majority status in the Lower House of the National Assembly from 208 to 171.

Ripples of the internal party crisis has continued to rock

Unijos to build capacity for proposal writing

BY TAYE OBATERU

J

OS—IN line with her dream of becoming one of the foremost research-oriented institutions in the country, the University of Jos

Kaduna Govt, FG to construct new dam

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ADUNA—THE Kaduna State Government, yesterday said it was collaborating with the Federal Government to construct a new dam to generate power and boost water supply in the state.

The General Manager of the State Water Board, Mr Kabiru Rufa’i said in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Kaduna that the dam would also be utilised for irrigation purposes.

He said the dam, to be located at Itisi in Kachia Local Governmet, would generate 36

megawatts of electricity and open up 35, 200 hectares for irrigation.

“Already, the state government has done the preliminary design for the dam while the federal government has concluded the detailed engineering design.

“The contract will hopely be awarded after the passage of the 2014 budget.”

The general manager said the state government would also evacuate water from the dam to boost supply to residents of Kaduna metropolis.

the ruling party as rumours have continued to persist that more governors and members of the National Assembly would defect to APC.

According to him, the state government is ready to support the project every way possible because of its enormous socio-economic benefits to the people.

He stressed the determination of Gov. Mukhtar Yero to improve water supply services across the state, saying various expansion programmes were being undertaken in that respect.

“The government has initiated programmes to expand water supply; water supply is a capital project".

plans to build capacity for proposal writing to equip staff with skills to produce fundable research proposals.

Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Hayward Mafuyai who disclosed this at a press briefing, yesterday, said this informed the decision of the institution to bid for the hosting of the 7th International Conference of the West African Management Association (WARIMA) which comes up from March 2 to 7, 2014.

He described Plateau State as a hub for research considering the number of tertiary and research institutions located within the state, adding that a lot of benefits would accrue from hosting the conference which was last hosted by Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. “The benefits of hosting the conference are huge because you’ll have a lot of researchers from all over the world."

Vanguard, WEDNSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 — 41

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Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 —45

Jonathan nominates Gusau, Obanikoro, Haruna, Wali, 8 others as ministers zAsks Senate to confirm service chiefs

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA—PRESIDENT G o o d l u c k Jonathan,yesterday, sent names of 12 ministerial nominees including four women to the Senate for confirmation.

Jonathan also, for the first time in the history of the country, sent the names of newly appointed service chiefs to the Senate for confirmation.

The service chiefs are Air Marshal Alex Badeh, Chief of Defence Staff; Major General Kenneth Minimah, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin, Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice Marshal Adeola Amosu, Chief of Air Staff.

Two of the ministerial nominees are from Kano State.

The ministerial nominees, after confirmation, are expected to be deployed to fill the vacant positions created following the sack of 11 ministers by the president late last year and the

resignation of Dr. Mohammed Pate, as Minister of State for Health, last year.

The nominees are former National Security Adviser, NSA, General Aliyu Gusau, rtd, Zamfara State; former governor of Adamawa State, Mr. Boni Haruna, representing his state; current Nigerian Ambassador to China, Aminu Wali (Kano) and former Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro (Lagos State).

Others are Hon. Mohammed Wakil from Borno State, Alhaji Abduljelili Oyewale Adesiyan from Osun State, Hajia Jamilla Salik (Kano), Mrs. Akon Etim Eyakenyi (Akwa Ibom), Mrs. Lawrencia Labaran Mallam (Kaduna), Dr. T.W. Dagogo (Rivers), Asabe Asmau Ahmed (Niger) and Dr. Khaliru Haruna (Sokoto).

Jonathan, in his letter dated Monday, January 20, 2014, said he acted in line with Section 147 (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended on the ministerial nominees while his second letter

entitled, “Appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” which asked the Senate to confirm the service chiefs was in compliance with the provisions of Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap.A.20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The Senate President received the two letters yesterday and

Hon. Mohammed Wakil

Profile of the ministerial nominees

BY EMMANUELAZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR, GBENGA OLARINOYEAND JIMITOTA ONOYUME BUJA—THE 12 ministerial nominees formally presented to the Senate yesterday cut across various political interests and tendencies in the polity. In making the nomination, the president has gone for a combination of political carriage and gender equity.

Jigawa State lost to Kano the privilege of producing the minister for the North-west geopolitical zone. While Rivers State retained the slot for the South-South geopolitical zone, the feminine gender which held that position lost the position as a man was nominated from the state apparently to add more muscle to unfolding political dispute between Governor Rotimi Amaechi and his enemies in Abuja.

Most of the nominees were made without the inputs of the governors with the notable exception of the nominees from Akwa Ibom and Niger States.

Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Bola Ige in his Ibadan home in 2001.

Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan, Osun

Mr. Boni Haruna, Adamawa

A

Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan, from Osun State was a Commissioner for Education under the administration of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola from 2007 to November 2010 when the Court of Appeal, Ibadan upturned the April 14, 2007 election and announced Mr. Rauf Aregbesola as the winner of the election.

A close associate of Senator Iyiola Omisore, Alhaji Adesiyan was fingered in the murder of former Minister of Justice and

Senator Musiliu Obanikoro Lagos

Senator Musliu Obanikoro is a leading member of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State and was the party’s gubernatorial candidate in 2007, following which he was appointed the country’s High Commissioner to Ghana.

Obanikoro was recently appointed chairman of the board of the Industrial Training Fund.

Popularly known as Koro, Obanikoro started his political tutelage as chairman of Lagos Island Local Government Area, the council housing the headquarters of majority of the country’s banks. Following that, he was appointed Works Commissioner in the Alliance for Democracy administration of Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu and served in that capacity till 2003 when he was elected to the Senate to represent Lagos Central Senatorial District.

Haruna, a former journalist was governor of Adamawa State between 1999 and 2007. A one time very dependable associate of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, he left the PDP alongside Atiku to join the then Action Congress, AC at the inception of that party in 2006 but subsequently returned to the PDP few years ago as he sought to carve an independent political landscape for himself. He is

expected to bring the weight of his former office to bear in the contest of political power with the incumbent governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako who succeeded him in office.

Gen. Mohammed Gusau, Zamfara

General Gusau, former Chief of Army Staff, severally National Security Adviser and renowned intelligence guru, Gusau is representing Zamfara State in the federal cabinet.

Gusau left his last appointment as NSA in 2010 to seek the approval of the Northern Political Leaders Forum, NPLF in the run up to the 2011 presidential election.

A respected intelligence chief, he is held in high reputation locally and internationally and is expected to bring much stability to the Jonathan cabinet especially given the fact that he is largely expected to take charge of the defence portfolio.

In that position, he is expected to strengthen the arms of the military in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency, which the new defence chief, Air Marshall Badeh promised will end by April.

Dr Tammy Danagogo, Rivers

Dr. Tammy Danagogo was twice a Commissioner in Rivers State in the administration of Mr. Chibuike Amaechi when he served as Commissioner for Urban Development and before that, as commissioner in the

subsequently read them at the plenary. The President asked the Senate to give expeditious consideration to the two letters.

Last September, the President dropped nine ministers-six senior and three junior in what was considered a major cabinet reshuffle.

They were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru; Minister of Education, Professor Ruqqayat

Ruf ’ai; Minister of National Planning, Samsudeen Usman; Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ama Pepple; Minister of the Environment, Hajia Hadiza Mailafia; and Minister of Science and Technology, Prof.

Bassey Ewa. The ministers of states affected were those of Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada; Agriculture, Alhaji Bukar Tijani; and Power, Alhaja Zainab Kuchi.

Alhaji Aminu Wali ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs.

He resigned his appointment last year from Amaechi’s cabinet following the burgeoning political crisis in the state arising from the division in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Danagogo who holds a masters degree in law was Executive Chairman of AkukuToru Local Government Area, Abonnema from April, 2004May, 2007. After his full term, he was a lecturer in the Faculty of Law at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt from June, 2007October, 2008.

Alhaji Aminu Wali, Kano

Alhaji Aminu Wali is the outgoing ambassador of Nigeria to China and one of the leading figures of the PDP in the country and in Kano in particular. He was Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on National Assembly Matters between 1999 and 2003.

Hajia Jamilla Salik, Kano

A lawyer and one of the leading activists for women rights in Kano State, Salik is married to Ahmed Salik, who was the All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP leader in the House of Representatives in 2007.

A one-time associate of Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, she contested for a seat in the Kano State House of Assembly

in 2007 on the platform of the PDP with Kwankwaso’s support but lost in the election. She is, however, reported to have become estranged from the Kwankwaso camp and is now known to be in the antiKwankwaso camp in Kano.

Asabe Asmau Ahmed, Niger

Until now, special adviser to the governor of Niger State on Investment, she was at one time a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC from where she ventured into private business.

She is a daughter of the pioneer vice-chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, FUT, Minna, Prof. Jonathan Ndagi. She was nominated by Governor Babangida Aliyu.

Akon Eyakenyi, Akwa Ibom

Mrs. Ekanyenyi a seasoned teacher was a commissioner for culture and tourism during the Victor Attah regime. She was recently appointed chairman of the State Technical Education Board.

Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, Sokoto

Dr. Alhassan is a staff of the Sokoto State Ministry of Health and has had no political experience. His appointment is his first venture into the political arena.

Hon. Mohammed Wakil, Borno

Mohammed Wakil, a lawyer was the first majority leader of the House of Representatives at the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999.

46 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

By IFEANYI OKOLIE

T

HE sudden death of a middle-aged woman, Faith Adakole, wife of a Police Constable, Daniel Adakole, attached to Mopol 23, Lagos, is currently stirring controversy among residents of Agokome Village, in Badagry area of Lagos State, as they accused the husband of allegedly beating his wife to death.

Some residents, under the aegis of Concerned Citizens of Agokome Village, Badagry, have written a petition to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, asking him to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the woman, who is a native of Adoka, in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

They alleged that, PC Adakole, a native of Edumoga in Okpowu Local Government Area of Benue State, has been in the habit of beating his wife for long, but he ran into trouble on January 9,2014, when his wife gave up the ghost few hours after another beating.

In the petition which was signed by one Mr. Badalola Awogi Amosu, the residents urged Manko not to allow a cover up of the matter as the Police Constable is capable of doing such.

According to the petition, “We the Concerned Citizens of Agokome

Community urges Lagos to probe death of constab Village opposite Badagry wish in pains to write to the Commissioner of Police of the murder of late Mrs. Faith Adakole by her husband PC Daniel Adakole attached to Mopol 23 PMF Sqd Lion Building Lagos.

“That on January 9, 2014 in the evening time. We don’t know the actual time the incident occurred.

One of their neighbours heard shouts and screams from PC Daniel Adakole’s apartment so she went into the room and she met the deceased crying and saying my husband has killed me.

The neighbour asked two of their children, Wisdom and Destiny Adakole, who she met in the room with their mother, what was happening and the children said their father hit their mother in her stomach and pushed her to the bathroom before she started crying for help. PC Daniel Adakole rushed her to a nearby chemist when he knew that he could no longer control the situation and was advised by the chemist,

•Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, to take her to the general hospital Badagry for further treatment.

The next day, at about 3am the woman died.

“Sir, PC Daniel Adakole, has also ordered his senior son Wisdom Adakole not to talk to any-

body about the cause of the death of their mother. But the second son by name Destiny can give details of the death of their mother.

“Sir, as we went further to inquire, one Cpl Sebastine Okwru-

do, who serves at Morogbo Divisional Police Headquarters, Lagos, went to the scene and he can also testify on what he saw at the scene.

“Sir, PC Daniel Adakole is from Edumoga in Okpowu LGA of Benue State while the late wife Mrs. Faith Adakole is from Adoka in Otukpo LGA of Benue State. Sebastine may not like to open up because they are from the same village.

“We were told that the corpse will be taken down to Benue State the home town of the deceased on coming week for burial. Sir, if quick action is not taken, there is likelihood that the murderer will boot away. He is already noticing that people have known the role he played in the death of the wife.

“Sir, no day of the week that this man will not beat his late wife, it has become a weekly routine that he must beat the woman and we always advised him against his action. He will threaten us that we should know that he is a Mopol man and he always moves with gun into the house, so we are all afraid not to be killed or

EFCC arraigns lawyer, two others for fraud T

HE Economic and Finan cial Crimes Commission, EFCC on January 13, 2014 arraigned the trio of Vitalis Anopue, Chigbu Paul and Amalaha Augustine before Justice Onuoha A. K. Ogwe of the Abia State High Court sitting in Aba, on 15-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence.

The accused persons were alleged to have obtained money from unsuspecting Nigerians under the pretext of soliciting for money for the defunct Anti-Corruption Revolution Campaign (ANCOR) programme of the EFCC. Count three of the charge reads, that “Vitalis Anopue and Chigbu Paul on or about the 12th day of September, 2012 within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Abia State, Aba Judicial Division with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of three Hundred and Seventy-Six Thousand Naira Only (N376,000.00) as contributions from some purported patrons of Anti-Corruption Revolution (ANCOR), through Chigbu Paul under the pretence of soliciting for

funds on behalf of the EFCC and ANCOR, which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence”.

The three accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the 15 count charge when read to them.

L. C. Onumajure, counsel

to the accused persons said he had filed an application for bail for the accused and urged the court to grant them bail as the alleged offence was bailable.

The prosecution counsel, Arumemi Moses did not oppose the application but asked the court to grant operatives

of the EFCC the power to screen the sureties to be presented by the accused persons.

Justice Ogwe admitted the first accused person, Vitalis Anopue, a lawyer, to bail on self recognition.

The second and third accused persons, Chigbu Paul

and Amalaha Augustine, were granted bail in the sum of N500, 000.00 (Five Hundred thousand Naira) and one surety each. The sureties must live within the jurisdiction of the Court.

Justice Ogwe adjourned the case to 6th, 10th, 17th and 31st of March 2014 for continuation of hearing.

ANCOR, ABIA Chapter officials in court. Left to right Amalaha Augustine, Paul Chigbu and Anopue Vitalis.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY22, 2014

Police boss ble’s wife shot with his gun.

“Furthermore, we were reliably informed that he is due for promotion course. Also he has some Senior Police Officers and army Officers and some very Senior Civil Servants even from the area with the Minister of Interior so that is our fear now, if justice can be done because of the influential people behind him.

Also we learnt that his unit Commander is from Idoma too, in case of any cover-up.

“Sir, we count on you that we will not be disappointed to wade into this case so that justice should be done, also the doctor’s report will determine the cause of death.” It stated.

When Crime Alert contacted PC Adakole for comments through a phone number attached to the peti-

tion, he threatened to kill this reporter for accusing him of killing his wife. He also insisted that this reporter must visit him at Badagry if he wants to get his own side of the story. “ You must come to Badagry with a copy of the petition and you must produce the man who signed the petition. If you don’t come to Badagry with that petition, I will trace you through your phone number and when I track you I will make sure I send you to your grave. You can come to Badagry with soldiers and policemen, if you think you are not safe but I can not meet with you in any other place, even at the State Command Headquarters Ikeja,” he threatened.

— 47

Convicted counterfeiter jailed 4 years J

USTICE B. O Quadri of the Federal High Court, Gombe has sentenced one Muhammadu Chubado to 4 years imprisonment on a six count charge of conspiracy, forgery, and unlawful possession of counterfeit Nigeria currency notes.

Chubado, a member of a syndicate involved in the printing and circulation of counterfeit Naira currencies in Yola, Adamawa state and environs, was first arrested in March 2009 by the Department of State Services and later handed over to the EFCC North East zonal office in Gombe for further investigation and prosecution.

The accused person was first arraigned at the Federal High Court, Gombe in May 2009.

In his judgment on Wednesday January 15, Justice Quadri convicted Chubado on counts 1, 2, 3, and 4 bordering on conspiracy and counterfeiting of Nigeria bank notes, and unlawful possession of counterfeit bank notes. He was sentenced to 1 year imprisonment on each count charge without an option of fine. The sentences are to run concurrently from date of conviction.

•Chubado

Police arrest 4 for murder in Enugu ...as notorious kidnapper is apprehended

By IFEANYI OKOLIE and LINDA AMALU

O

•CP Enugu, MUhammed Adamu

PERATIVES of the State Crimi nal Investigation Department of the Enugu State Command, said they have commenced investigations into the alleged murder of a middle-aged man Uche Abonyi, who was killed at Umuodu Umuogwu village Isi-Oroto Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of the State.

It was gathered that the deceased, who met his untimely death after he was allegedly stabbed by one Christopher Agada, during a fight with him and two of his brothers identified as Godwin Agada and Francis Agada.

The Spokesperson, Enugu State Police Command, Ebere Amariazu, who made this known to Crime Alert said, a serving military officer, Joseph Okoro, was also involved in the fight which cause is yet to be unravelled.

Meantime, the killing sparked off

Man gets 7 yrs in prison over N.8m fraud J

•Monday Agha

USTICE M. L. Shuaibu of the Fed eral High Court Enugu, Enugu State on Friday January 17, 2014 convicted and sentenced one Monday Agha who was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a four count charge of obtaining money under false pretences to seven years imprisonment.

Justice Shuaibu convicted the accused and sentenced him to seven years imprisonment on counts one, three, and four without option of fine, but discharged him on count two.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

Agha, a serial fraudster who is also facing trial on an 8-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence before a Federal High Court, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, defrauded one Paul.

O. Ezema, a teacher at the University

of Nigeria, of about N805, 000 when he claimed to be a dealer in electrical rings used for pipeline protection by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

One of the charges against the accused read, that “You Monday Agha, Engr Chris Ezea, (at large) Nwadike a.k.a papa (at large) and Engr. Benson Banigo (at large) on or about 11th August 2012 in Enugu within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria with intent to defraud obtained the sum of three hundred and fifty thousand naira (N350, 000.00) from Paul. O. Ezema by false pretence that you were selling to him an electrical ring used by NNPC for pipeline protection which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1 (1) (a) of Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1 (3) of the same Act”.

violence as angry villagers revolted and burnt a car believed to be one of the suspects and was about to expand their action when police operatives intervened quickly to save the situation and escalation of violence.

Amariazu added that the suspects have been apprehended and they are assisting the operatives in their investigations. The corpse of the deceased has been deposited at Ikem General Hospital for Autopsy.

In another development, operatives of Oji River Police Division, Enugu have arrested a notorious suspected kidnapper who is also wanted for murder over his nefarious activities in the area.

The suspect, Chukwuka Uzoma, a native of Nkpagu Village, Ugwuoba, Oji River Enugu, is said to have been on the wanted list of the police for kidnapping and other crimes.

Sources disclosed that the suspect was involved in the kidnap of one Veronica Ogugor of Orjinator, Ugwuoba, Oji River Enugu, in 2013 and the murder of one Fredrick Onwuka of Nkpagu village, Oji River Enugu.

Amariazu, who confirmed the arrest said the suspect ran to Lagos where he spent some months after committing these crimes and he returned to Enugu, not knowing that he was being monitored by eagle-eyed operatives who apprehended him.

Amariazu also added that the suspect is now helping the police in their investigations.

48—VANGUARD,WEDNESDAY,JANUARY 22,2014

My ex’s wife resents my daughter Dear Bunmi, HEN I broke up with my ex two years ago, I left with our daughter who is now five. She used to have a good relationship with her father until he got married early last year and his new wife became hostile towards my little girl. As a result, she became reluctant to visit and said that the woman had hit her. When I tried to talk to her, I got nothing but insults.

I told my ex that unless he could guarantee that our daughter would not encounter his hostile wife whenever she visited, he would not be allowed to see her except I was with her.

That was some few months ago and my daughter has not seen his dad since then.

She is happier and seems more confident and I believe I have done the right thing.

Do you think so?

Apinke, bye-mail

W

I want us to be more than friends have found someone who is such a soul- mate and whom you also find attractive.

When it comes to love, women often call the shots through body language and subtle come-ons. As many men are terrified of rejection, you must be the one to make a move. If you don’t you’ll always regret it wondering what might have happened. And you keep him at arm’s length if he may one day turn up with a girlfriend. I’m sure you’ll find this devastating judging

by how you now feel about him.

So when next you go out together in the evening stay alert for any signals that his interest in you is not really platonic and make sure booze is not high on the menu. Try flirting a little to see if he is willing to follow your lead. At the end of the evening, you may invite him for a proper drink. If he does not respond as you would like, you won’t have harmed your friendship.

Dear Bunmi, HERE IS this male colleague at work with whom I am very friendly. We see and chat with each other every day. We are both single and so far, the relationship has been purely platonic, except for once or twice that we had kissed when slightly tipsy.

Lately, I have been having erotic fantasies about him. I am not sure he feels the same way and I am worried an affair might ruin our relationship. How do I make the first move without making a fool of myself?

Doyin, by e-mail.

I don’t owe dad any obligation

Dear Doyin, Friendship is believed to be the best possible soil in which love can take root, grow and flourish. By contrast an affair, which begins like a bolt from the blues, is often a danger of burning out fairly quickly when passion dies and both suddenly realize that they have very little to offer each other beyond lovemaking.

It is a good thing you bonded well with your male friend and that probably depends as much on your support as you do so on his.

Someone who knows you at work know the real you; the way you behave on bad days, the way you look when you are tired and the way you react under pressure. And you know him just as well.

You are therefore lucky to

Dear Bunmi, NTIL A couple of months ago, I had not seen my father since he went back to the village to set up home with a new wife ten years ago. All of a sudden, he showed up in my office with tales of how our mother drove him to do what he did.

He was so wretched looking that I gave him money. He seemed to forget that I was not that young when he left and he only showed up because our mother had died.

Now he shows up fairly frequently with tales of woes and I told him not to come to me for money again as I have my own family to look after. My other siblings do not want anything to do with him. Yet short of telling security in my office not to

T

U

let him in, I do not know what else to do to stop him from hunting me down.

Jade, bye-mail Dear Jade, You gave your father money because you had it. Now he has become nothing but a pest, you have to tell him outright you can no longer afford to give him money-and mean what you say. It is not fair that your father should burden you with his responsibilities when he was not even there for his children when they were growing up.

He made his bed with his new wife, now let him lie in it.

Blackmailing you with the honour-thy-father tactics would not work. He was the one who left, why should it be you who should pay for his indiscretion?

Did I make this married woman pregnant?

Dear Bunmi, OME THREE years ago, I moved into the boys’ quarters of a house as a tenant.

My landlord is in his early 60s and a friend of my dad. He lost his wife about ten years ago and married another one shortly after. Unfortunately, the new wife was still childless when I moved in. She had a thriving shop in the heart of Lagos and often gave me a lift to work.

About a year after I moved in, she started sending food to me, claiming they were ‘leftovers’ she did not want to throw away.

Whenever the husband was away and she had to attend a party, she took me along for 'security,’ I found myself falling in love with her because she was quite sophisticated.

When I jokingly told her I was beginning to have naughty thoughts about her, she encouraged me and we started

S

making love. It was the most mind-blowing experience of my life.

She got pregnant early last year and that was when the rumours started flying that the husband was impotent, that she must have gotten pregnant with another man’s baby.

Even with her pregnancy, we continued to make love until she had her baby girl. The girl does not look anything like me.

But what if she is mine? I know I cannot claim her but I would like to be part of her life. By the way, the love-making is still great with me and she still gives me food which my friends allege she spiced with love portion.

Kenneth, by e-mail Dear Kenneth, You might think you are on to a good thing sleeping with an older woman, who is married

to your landlord - a friend of your father’s! You must be awarded a ‘most daring’ medal but believe me, you’re playing with ‘fire’ and one of these days, you’ll get burnt.

Rest assured that if the whole neighbourhood suspects your landlord is impotent, then some ‘well-meaning’ people must have given him a hint on what is going on between you and his wife. Impotent or not, he might be relieved that someone else might give his wife the baby she desired and get her off his back.

But most important of all, as you’ve discovered yourself, there is no lunch that is really free.

The earlier you found an alternation accommodation, the better for all of you. Your mistress might discourage you at first, but you would quickly be replaced if she is as erotically starved as you said she is.

Dear Apinke, You’re right

to

be

concerned when your girl felt intimidated by his father ’s wife.

As unacceptable as that was, your action is equally rash.

A child needs to feel the love of both parents. Your girl may seem happier now but she needs to develop a strong relationship with her fother too. A mother needs to encourage her children’s bond with both parents, as well as with the rest of the family.

It’s obvious you value a man who cares for his child.

So encourage your ex to do just that. Keeping him apart from his child is unkind.

Apologise to him for threatening the separation you have now imposed. Let him feel he is needed in his daughter’s life and ask him to find his own way to protect your daughter from the hostility of his wife. With time, your ex will value time spent with his daughter more than in the company of a disgruntled wife.

It’s obvious you value a man who cares for his child. So encourage your ex to do just that. Keeping him apart from his child is unkind.

Apologise to him... Let him feel he is needed in his daughter’s life and ask him to find his own way to protect your daughter from the hostility of his wife.

My kids are being side-lined by his parents Dear Bunmi, Y HUSBAND’S parents used to see a lot of our four children and they all adored their grand parents. In the recent past, it looked as if they had become too busy with their daughter’s new baby and the two children from my husband’s first marriage. As a result, they seem to have lost interest in our children.

I am terribly upset because my children now get second rate treatment and they do not get to stay over at their grand parents' home as before. This I believe is unfair and my husband has refused to tackle his parents. Do you think I should?

Nkechi by e-mail

M

Dear Nkechi, It is very unusual for grand

parents to simply switch off a cordial relationship with their grandchildren, and prioritise one set completely over another for no reason. My bet is that something else is going on here, I would advise you visit your in-laws without the children in tow, and have a quiet word with them.

Explain how much their grandchildren miss them and ask what is gone wrong. But you should be prepared to hear things you do not like such as their objecting to something you had done; or your children had done. Just do your best to build bridges.

Remember, if there has been a rift, they would be probably just as eager as you are to start rebuilding the relationship with their grandchildren.

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos. or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

V anguard Vanguard anguard,, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 — 49

NEWS BRIEF

Al-Qaeda group claims attack on Beirut suburb

A

World leaders arrive Geneva for Syria's peace talk A S Syrian and international delegates were arriving in Switzerland yesterday on the eve of peace talks that few believe can succeed, there appears to no sign of abating the three-year-old civil war and geopolitical acrimony.

Opponents of President Bashar al-Assad, pressured to attend today ‘s first direct negotiations by their Western backers, cited new, photographic evidence of widespread torture and killing by Syria’s government in renewing their demand that Assad must quit and face an international war crimes trial.

War crimes lawyers said a vast, smuggled cache of images from a Syrian military police photographer gave clear evidence of systematic abuse and murder of some 11,000 detainees. One of three former international

Thailand imposes state of emergency over unrest

T

French Foreign Affairs Minister, Laurent Fabius, ( C ), Ahmad Kabar , Leader of Syria Opposition National Coalition, (L), US Secreatray of State, John Kerry, ® and German Minister, Frank-Walter Steinmier (3rd Right) during a news conference at the French Foreign Ministry during friends of Syrai meeting ahead of Geneva 11 peace talk I Paris last week. war crimes prosecutors who signed the report compared the images from Syria to the “industrialscale killing” of Nazi death camps.

The delegation from Damascus, led by Assad’s foreign minister, was briefly held up at Athens due to an argument over whether EU trade sanctions permitted

refueling the plane. Assad has insisted he may be reelected and says the talks should focus on fighting “terrorism” - his term for his enemies.

EU to deploy 500 military troops to CAR

T

HE European Union has said it would send troops to help stabilise Central African Republic, deploying its first major

army operation in six years, but the force will be smaller than originally expected at around 500-strong.

Bangui’s mayor Catherine Samba-Panza

The EU has been spurred into action by communal bloodshed in Central African Republic that led a senior U.N. official to warn last week of a risk of genocide there without a more decisive international response.

France, which sent 1,600 troops to its former colony last month to stop massacres between Muslim and Christian militias triggered by a March coup, welcomed the EU’s move, which follows French lobbying for stronger European support for French and African efforts to halt the violence.

“This means that in

cooperation with the U.N. and with the African forces, Europe will militarily support Central African Republic, as we asked,” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told reporters.

But Fabius said the size of the force under discussion was just 500 soldiers, smaller than the contingent of up to 1,000 soldiers that EU officials had earlier suggested could be dispatched.

Few EU countries have so far come forward with firm offers of troops, and some of the EU force could be French soldiers, EU diplomats said.

Russia warns against Ukraine's unending crisis

R

USSIA, yesterday told European governments to stop meddling in Ukraine’s political crisis, sayingb that events could be spinning out of control in Kiev after violence that left vehicles burning in the streets.

Moscow, which sees its fellow former Soviet republic as part of its traditional sphere of

N al-Qaeda-linked group has said it carried out a suicide car-bomb attack killing at least four people in a Beirut suburb known to be a Hezbollah stronghold.

Yesterday’s attack at 11.10am local time in Shiadominated Haret Hreik ignited a library close to other government and residential buildings.

A group calling itself Jabhat al-Nusra in Lebanon, believed to be a branch of Syria’s al-Qaeda faction, said it carried out the attack.

It said on Twitter: “With the help of God almighty we have responded to the massacres carried out by the party of Iran [Hezbollah]... with a martyrdom operation in their backyard in the southern [Beirut] suburbs.”

influence, has watched nervously as protests against President Viktor Yanukovich’s decision to shun a trade pact with the European Union have turned violent.

Scores of police and demonstrators have been hurt since Yanukovich, who received a multi-billion dollar bailout package from Moscow after he spurned the EU deal, angered opponents by signing sweeping laws to curb public protests.

Criticizing “members of certain European governments” for visiting the protesters in Kiev, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said: “We would prefer that some of our European

•Putin colleagues refrained from acting unceremoniously over the Ukrainian crisis.

“It is just distasteful,” he said, adding that such action had helped encourage the protests.

HE Thai government, yesterday imposed a 60-day state of emergency in the capital, Bangkok, and the surrounding provinces to cope with unrest.

The decree gives the government wideranging powers to deal with disorder.

Anti-government protesters have been blocking parts of the capital to try to force PM Yingluck Shinawatra to resign.

They accuse the government of being run by exiled former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, the brother of the current prime minister.

Ms Yingluck has refused to resign and has called an election on 2 February to pacify the protesters.

The state of emergency was announced after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday and comes after a spate of attacks with explosives and firearms on the anti-government protesters blockading central Bangkok for which the government and the protesters blame each other.

Obama visits Vatican to discuss poverty-fighting agenda

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RESIDENT Barack Obama will meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican in March, the White House said on yesterday, a visit that will allow the U.S. leader to highlight a shared interest in addressing the gap between rich and poor.

Obama, a Democrat, made lifting up the middle class and fighting income inequality in the United States a key priority for his second term and a top campaign theme during his 2012 run for re-election.

The president’s first meeting with the pope will give Obama a chance to align himself with a religious leader who has focused on fighting poverty - and who has said the Roman Catholic Church must shake off an obsession with teachings on abortion, contraception and homosexuality.

Rwanda prepares to mark 20 years of genocide

A

S Rwanda marks 20 years since its 1994 genocide, the government is seeking to stress the strides the country has made since those dark days, despite international concern over its hardline leader.

Fiercely proud of its legacy, Kigali is displaying a country at peace, enjoying some of the best security on the continent and hailed by global financial institutions for its pro-reform, businessfriendly agenda.

But the seemingly hardening stance of strongman Paul Kagame, Rwanda’s president, is casting a shadow over the country’s relations with the outside world.

Accused of backing rebel warlords who recruit child soldiers in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and suspected of eliminating exiled dissidents, Kagame now appears to be suffering a backlash.

50—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

House flays Police handling of Rivers crisis •Anti -Amaechi protesters shut down PH •Police confirms arrest of two local govt boss over Sunday’s shooting in Bori •Anarchy looms in Rivers as President sits idly by, APC warns

BY FUNMI KOMOLAFE, JIMITOTA ONOYUME, EMMAN OVUAKPORIE & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

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ORT HARCOURT—FOL LOWING the crisis in Rivers State, which led to the alleged shooting of Senator Magnus Abe on January 12, the House of Representatives, yesterday, considered a motion, calling for the sack the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, and Rivers Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu. The House urged its committees to examine their alleged poor handling of the crisis.

Meantime, Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State, was shut down, yesterday, as no fewer than 1000 youths took over the ever busy Aba Road, chanting antiGovernor Rotimi Amaechi slogans. The protesting youths, who said they were drawn from Ikwerre, Emohua, Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas of the state, threatened to shut down activities at the international airport and oil flow stations/ facilities in their councils, if the Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mr Joseph Mbu, was transferred on account of calls by some indigenes of the state.

Far reaching consequences The All Progressives Congress, APC, equally warned of the impending anarchy in Rivers State that may have far-reaching consequences beyond the state, unless President Goodluck Jonathan urgently calls his supporters to order.

Meanwhile, the state Police Command, has confirmed the arrest of the chairman of Khana Local Government Area of the state, Chairman, Mr Greg Nwidam, and his counterpart in Gokana Local Government Area, Demua Demua. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ahmad Muhammad, told Vanguard that they were picked Monday night, adding that they would be released after questioning.

On its part, the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has called on the IG to ensure the arrest and prosecution of political thugs who aborted January 19, Save Rivers State Movement rally in Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area of the state, where children were allegedly killed and media professionals attacked. Vice President of NLC,

Mr. Issa Aremu, urged the IG to call the Rivers State commissioner of police to order by ensuring that the commissioner abides by the Code of Conduct of the Nigeria Police Force. He warned that the police should not take the people for granted.

The motion for the sack of the IG and Rivers CP, was moved by Rep Sani Madaki, APC, Kano under matters of national importance. In the motion entitled, ‘The Urgent need to save our nascent democracy,’ Madaki had moved that the House should call on President Goodluck Jonathan to remove the Inspector General of Police from office within two weeks, failing which the National Assembly will take appropriate measures necessary in the circumstances.

He also moved that the House should urge the Police Service Commission to dismiss Mr. Mbu from the service of the Police and that the Federal Ministry of Justice should prosecute Mbu. He urged the House to “mandate the Committees on Interior, National Security and Police Affairs to liase with the relevant government bodies to ensure the implementation of the House Resolution on the matter and report back to the House within four weeks.”

However, Speaker of the House, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal said the prayers of the motion have implications. He referred the motion to Committees on Rules and Business, Judiciary and Justice for them to study it and advise the House on what to do.

Protection for the protesters Meanwhile, protesters who thronged major areas in Port Harcourt, under the aegis of Ikwerre Peoples Assembly, caused a major traffic on the Aba Road. Some of the placards read “Thank you I-G for leaving Mbu for us,” “We have a brother in Jonathan,” “A South South Man Cannot Betray His Brother,” “Tinubu Enough is Enough,” “We Will Not Support Impunity,” “Leave CP Mbu Alone,” among others.

The Police provided protection for the protesters. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ahmad Muhammad, said the protesters sought the permit of the state Commissioner of Police, before embarking on the exercise.

Chima Boms, who spoke to newsmen on behalf of the protesters, said that Police Commission-

•Protesters in support of CP Mbu demonstrating on the Aba road in Port Harcourt, yesterday Photos: Nwankpa Chijioke, NAN

•Pro-Mbu supporters protesing

Ikwerre youths demonstrating

er Joseph Mbu was performing creditably well in the state, adding that he should not be transferred.

He said, “CP Mbu in our estimation has performed creditably well and deserves commendation. We therefore, request that he continues to serve in Rivers State for the good of the people. Consequently, the Ikwerre Peoples’ Assembly will resist any attempt to redeploy CP Mbu as commissioner of police Rivers State as such move will take us back to the dark era. The resumption of Mbu as commissioner of Police Rivers State has effectively put to an end the reign of impunity, lawlessness, harassment and the abuse of the fundamental rights of the citizens by Governor Amaechi.

“Mbu since resumption of office, has demonstrated an uncanny zeal, dexterity and enthusiasm in the art of policing the state, hence the peaceful and serene atmosphere pervasive today in the state which ironically and indeed inexplicably does not go down well with the governor of the state.

Rivers people and indeed Nigerians will recall that prior to the resumption of Mbu as commissioner of police in Rivers State, there was indiscriminate arrest and illegal detention, harassment and abuse of the fundamental rights of the citizens by Governor Amaechi.”

The state Police Command, also confirmed the arrest of the chairman of Khana council of the state, Mr. Greg Nwidam and his counterpart in Gokana council, Demua Demua. The state Police Public Relations Officer, told Vanguard that they were picked

Monday night, adding that they would be released after questioning. He said they were arrested in connection with the shooting in Bori, headquarters of Khana council on Sunday, a situation that aborted the rally of Save Rivers Movement, a pro-Governor Rotimi Amaechi group in the area same day.

Chairman of Save Rivers Movement, SRM, Mr. Charles Ahonlu, who spoke to newsmen called for the unconditional release of the council chairmen, adding that the political crisis in the state was man induced.

Partisanship in operations He said that the Police were contradicting themselves on political situations in the state, stressing, “Let the Police remove partisanship in their operations.

This is not acceptable to SRM. Chairmen of the councils have nothing to do with the crisis.”

Meantime, Governor Amaechi has said he would attend a rally in Bori on Saturday. The governor spoke while inspecting vehicles smashed by hoodlums in the aborted rally in Bori on Sunday.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state, yesterday, pleaded with the governor not to push the Ogoni to war. In a statement by the media aide to the state PDP chairman, Mr. Jerry Needam, the party said the governor should pursue the path of peace in Ogoni area. He said, “Rather than threatening to go ahead to hold a rally in Bori, and provoke the people to another round of crisis, he should talk and

for once act like a governor by seeking ways to bring about peace in the area and the State, before he proceeds on rally to Bori or any other part of the state.”

NLC, which condemned the crisis in the state, reminded the state police commissioner and the IG that “The code also demands that “all citizens will be treated equally with courtesy, consideration and dignity. Officers will never allow personal feelings, animosities or friendships to influence official conduct. There is no doubt that Mr. Mbu’s activities in Rivers State depart from the spirit and content of the adopted Code of Conduct. In a democracy, contestation and cooperation among political parties and actors are normal. The job of the police is to protect civil liberties and not be an obstacle to self expression of some stakeholders.”

It called on the IG to “urgently remind his state commissioners as well as the Divisional Police Officers throughout the country to obey the police Code of Conduct and discharge their responsibility to all stakeholders in the Nigerian project with fairness and justice.”

APC on its part, said in a statement by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, that "having lost confidence in the ability of the police to protect them and keenly aware of the President’s deliberate refusal to allow peace to reign in their state, the patience of the people of Rivers is wearing thin, and there is an increasing possibility that they may resort to self help, which can only result in a blood bath."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 — 51

Berdych reaches semifinal

th

No 4 title for Djokovic ...As Wawrinka dethrones champion S

TA N I S L A S Wa w r i n k a brought a dramatic end to Novak Djokovic’s quest for a fourth successive Australian Open title in the quarterfinals yesterday when he finally found a way to beat the Serbian in a grand slam five-setter.

The pair held a packed Rod Laver Arena spellbound with four hours of top quality tennis studded with breathtaking rallies before the Swiss emerged a 2-6 6-4 6-2 3-6 9-7 winner to snap a 14match losing streak against the second seed.

Wawrinka had come close to beating Djokovic in a five-hour epic in the fourth round here last year and another five-set thriller in the semifinals of the US Open last September - only to fall agonisingly short.

“He’s an amazing champion, he never gives up. I’m really, really, really, really, really, really happy,” said Wawrinka, whose path to a first grand slam final is blocked by Czech Tomas Berdych.

“After losing two times against him in grand slam in five sets, I’m really happy to take that one. It’s great for me.”

Berdych

D

AVID Ferrer’s bid to reach the semifinals of the Australian Open for a third time were ended Tuesday by world number seven Tomas Berdych, who won in four sets to set up a final-four meeting with Stanislas Wawrinka.

Berdych has never before made the semifinals in Melbourne and in doing so completes his set of Grand Slam last-four appearances. It was also the first time he had won a match on the Rod Laver Arena, having been knocked out at the quarterfinal stage in the last three tournaments.

Ivanovic upbeat despite loss *Wawrinka

19 year-old Bouchard draws rave reviews HE has a very “S bright future.”

*Ivanovic NA Ivanovic has remained upbeat despite her quarter-final exit to Eugenie Bouchard. The former world number one was beaten 7-5 5-7 2-6 as teenager Bouchard reached the last four of the tournament. ”If at the beginning of the summer someone told me this would be the outcome of it, I would agree to it. I had some really good wins and a lot of positive things came out of it.”

A

That’s the consensus surrounding Eugenie Bouchard, the 19-yearold Canadian who has sprung to prominence at this year ’s Australian Open with her careerdefining run to the women’s semi-finals.

The Canadian played without a shred of nerves, or at least it appeared that way, as she took down former world No.1 and former Australian Open finalist Ana Ivanovic in her first Grand Slam quarterfinal.

“She’s a very good athlete, she has good focus, and she has other factors. She feels comfortable on a big stage, which helps,” her coach, Nick Saviano told the New York Times.

Wawrinka ready for 'tough' Berdych battle

S

TA N I S L A S Wawrinka has conceded that he will have to overcome a “tough battle” with Tomas Berdych to reach final of the Australian Open. ”It’s for sure a big chance. Berdych is playing well since the beginning of the tournament. He’s going to be a tough player to beat. He already made one final in a Slam. He already made the semifinals in every Grand Slam. He’s really close to the top, top guys. It’s going to be a tough battle,” he told reporters.

Gallagher battles heatwave with shaved head

O

*Bouchard

“When you watch Nadal or Federer or Serena Williams or Sharapova, they make

little adjustments, but basically you’re seeing them impose their game on other people, and

that’s the mentality I want you to see from her,” he said.

H, to be a fly on the conference room wall when Liam Gallagher ’s “people” dreamt up this bizarre tennis-related PR stunt.

The former Oasis frontman was seen serving up aces in the searing Melbourne heat at the Australian Open yesterday.

Gallagher was later p h o t o g r a p h e d swaggering into the play at the Grand Slam tournament where he revealed who his favourite tennis player was.

It’s Ana Ivanovic, in case you were wondering.

“I like her, she’s cool,” he said. “She’s just been beat, though. I’m gutted for her, but she’s cool.”

52 —

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY JANUARY 22, 2014

I’m worried about Moses, says Keshi S

UPER Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has expressed concern over the continuous bench-warming spell one of his World Cup hopefuls, Victor Moses is experiencing at Liverpool.

In a chat with Sports Vanguard in Cape Town where he is leading the home-based Eagles campaign at the ongoing African Nations Championship, Keshi admitted, ‘’Moses’ case worries me because he is one of our best players in the national team. But it all boils down to Moses himself. ’’He is on loan to Liverpool, one of the biggest clubs in England. He has to work hard and prove his worth at the club. I don’t really know what is going on there, but I am not really happy that he is not playing.’’

On the general expectations by Nigerians on the World Cup, Keshi said, ‘’there is nothing wrong with

M

President Zuma defends Bafana Bafana

P

•Victor Moses them expecting the team to do well at the World Cup but I urge them to be realistic. Only the best teams in the world qualify for the World Cup.’’ He asked Nigerians to

pray for the CHAN Eagles ahead of their quarter final clash with Morocco on Saturday. ‘’They should pray for the team because this competition is also important for both the team and the players.’’

RESIDENT Jacob Zuma has defended the South Africa team after their African Nations Championship group stage exit.

The side of locally based players was called “useless” and a “bunch of losers” by the country ’s sports minister Fikile Mbalula.

Zuma told a South African radio station: “The fact that the team lost, that doesn’t mean anything as other teams lost as well.

“Some want the team disbanded. It has improved greatly and needs support.”

Hosts South Africa were knocked out of the tournament after they

lost 3-1 to Nigeria in Cape Town.

It led to a furious outburst from Mbalula, who called on the country to “forget this generation of players” and build a new team.

The early elimination puts pressure on coach Gordon Igesund, who has had a tough first year in charge of the national team.

He could only guide the hosts to the quarterfinals of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, missed out on qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, lost in the semi-finals of the regional Cosafa Cup and has now suffered a firstround exit in the CHAN competition.

N4.8m at stake for Lagos International Scrabble Classics

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HE organizers of the Lagos International Scrabble Classics have staked N4.8m ($30,000) for the tournament holding at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

With top players from United States, England, Ghana, Scotland and Kenya already confirmed for the four-day championship, with the star prize pegged at N1.2m ($8,000), while winners in each category will smile home with mouthwatering prize money.

Winners in the intermediate and opens categories will get N.5m and N1m respectively, while the top 10 players will get

Ghana Continued from BP Group with Libya who drew 2-2 with Congo in Polokwane in the other final group match held simultaneously.

Ghana and Libya will today know their quarterfinal opponents when the final

City sign ‘Nigerian Neymar’

cash reward.

Aside countries like United States, England, Scotland, Ghana and Kenya that have confirmed their participations; Ethiopia is the latest nation to join the fray for the championship.

Confirming this yesterday, Chairman, Lagos State Scrabble Association, Dayo Alao, said Ethiopia is the latest country although Uganda has signified interest to be part of the tournament also.

Among the top players expected at the competition include Nigeriaborn United States’ Sammy Okosagah, a two-time winner of the Akpabio tournament as well as Nipreliminary matches involving teams in Group D matches are played.

Burundi confront D.R. Congo while Mauritania confront Gabon for a place in the last eight of the 16-nation tournament holding in South Africa

geria-born Scotland Lukmon Owolabi.

Also, a special invitational category for professionals who are expected to pay participation fee of N50, 000 will be part of the event while the proceeds going into a developmental programme.

“We are not only looking at the tournament

United Continued from BP pressed into selling the 28-year-old to recoup a fee for him unless the terms suit.

While United have not yet made an official move for Mata, Chelsea are braced for a bid from the champions, with the west London club valuing the playmaker in the £35m to £40m bracket.

As José Mourinho is keen to revive last summer’s failed move to sign Rooney, the Chelsea manager could attempt to use the Spaniard as leverage to secure the

alone, but to look at how we can develop the sport at grassroots level and that is why we will be having the special category for captains of industry with the proceeds from the participation fee going into a developmental programme in schools.

The winner of this division will decide the Liverpudlian’s signature, as he did previously.

Mourinho was convinced he had secured the transfer of Rooney before the Portuguese realised that United’s determined stance that the forward would not be sold to a domestic rivals would not change.

Mourinho’s comments last week, when he claimed that Rooney would be sold abroad at the end of the season, may also have been part of the Portuguese’s strategy to encourage the forward to make the move to Chelsea happen.

school that will benefit from the initiative. For us, we are trying to encourage support from this professionals,” Alao said.

Alampasu Continued from BP difference between the U-17 and the Super Eagles. It is tougher here in the Eagles, but I am happy with what I have learnt here although I know this just the beginning for me,’’ he said.

The promising goal tender said he will remain patient until his moment will come when he will be asked to man the post. ‘’I am the youngest and I am happy learning from my seniors. But if the opportunity knocks, I will not disappoint,’’ he promised his fans.

He said he was stunned when he was invited to the national team and eventually got picked for the CHAN tournament. ‘’I know it

ANCHESTER City have reached an agreement to sign Chidiebere Nwakali, a player dubbed the “Nigerian Neymar.”

A report by Colin Harvey in the Daily Star claims that the 17-yearold will sign a four-year contract with the Premier League side.

His agent, Babawo Mohammed, is quoted by the newspaper as saying: “Nwakali has passed Manchester City medical and he has signed a four-year contract with them.”

He continued, “It is a good move for him and I am sure in no distant time, he will blossom with the club.”

As reported by BBC Sport, Nwakali was part of the Nigeria side that won the FIFA Under-17 World Cup for a record fourth time in 2013.

Uzoenyi Continued from BP Super Eagles winger said, ‘’the only thing I am thinking now is Morocco. Although I have not really watched them play, I don’t care about them because what I know is that we will stop them on Saturday.’’ is everybody’s dream to play in the national team but I never knew mine will be as fast as it turned out.’’

He regretted the absence of his two other colleagles from the U-17 team, Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi who were also invited to the Eagles camp. Alampasu believes Iheanacho would have made the team if he stayed iin camp. ‘’I am sure he would have proved his worth. But it was Awoniyi’s dropping that affected me so much because he is one player we understand eachother and have played together for long.

I felt sad the day he wasmdropped but the coach knows best, it can’t be possible for everybody to be in the squad.’’

Vanguard, WEDNSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 — 53

C M Y K

54 — Vanguard, WEDNSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 — 55

C M Y K

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

Today’s matches Burundi Mauritania

v v

DR Congo Garbon

6 pm 6 pm

RESULTS Congo Ethiopia

2 0

Libya Ghana

2 1

It’s tougher here than in U-17 —Alampasu

We'll stop Morocco — Uzoenyi S

UPER Eagles manof-the-moment, Ejike Uzoenyi has vowed to do everything possible to stop the Atlas Lions of Morocco in Saturday’s quarter final match of the African Nations Championship here in Cape Town.

Morocco eliminated hard-fighting Cranes of Uganda 3-1 in the last group B match on Monday to set up the fixture against the Eagles.

In a chat with Sports Vanguard at their Garden Court de Waal Hotel, Cape Town, the PRIVATE PAIN... South Africa’s Tshabalala shouts in pain as Eagles’ Daniel Akpeyi tugs his shorts during their match on Sunday..

Continues on Page 52

A

W A R D WINNING FIFA U-17World Cup goalkeeper, Dele Alampasu has described his stint with the Super Eagles as an eye opener but insisted that he is cherishing every moment of his stay in camp. ’’There is a big

Continues on Page 52

United rule out Rooney/Mata swap M ANCHESTER United remain resolute that Wayne Rooney will not be sold to Chelsea as part of any prospective deal for Juan Mata.

Although Rooney will have only a year remaining on his contract in the close season, United are determined not be Continues on Page 52

Ghana, Libya qualify

G

*Victor

HANA last night advanced to the quarter-final of the 2014 African Nations Championship after a 1-

0 win over Ethiopia to finish top in Group C .

The Local Black Stars progressed from the Continues on Page 52

I’m worried about Moses, says Keshi — Pg 52 QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

Across 1 Agitate (4) 4 Equality (3) 6 Ridicule (4) 9 Boring-tool (3) 10 Entire (8) 11 Smack (4) 14 Lump (3) 16 Unsuitable (5) 19 Seemed (8) 21 Spree (5) 23 Crippled (8) 24 Stratum (5) 27 Cover (3) 31 Trial (4) 33 Supplied (8) 34 Born (3) 35 Paradise (4) 36 Aye (3) 37 Otherwise (4)

Down 2 Implement (4) 3 Mature (4) 4 Ready (8) 5 Stagger (4) 6 Stone-worker (5) 7 Bird (3) 8 Clutch (5) 12 Waterway (5) 13 Sprig (5) 14 Fighting (3) 15 Satan (5) 17 Fish (5) 18 Deal (5) 20 Wishful (8) 22 Youth (3) 25 Correct (5) 26 Consumed (5) 28 Nimble (4) 29 Blaze (4) 30 Minus (4) 32 Observe (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Across: 1, Proper 5, Wither 8, Admitted 9, Page 10, Mob 12, Sober 15, Err 17, Ash 18, Orb 19, Tot 20, Assay 21, Ban 22, Oar 23, Ace 24, Run 26, Petal 29, Due 33, Pier 34, Terrific 35, Sniper 36, Wander.

Down: 2, Radio 3, Pail 4, Ratio 5, Wedge 6, Torn 7, Eager 10, Motor 11, Baton 12, Sharp 13, Beset 14, Royal 15, Ebbed 16, Range 25, Union 27, Enter 28, Arrow 30, Unite 31, Trip 32, Sign.

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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