Why Jonathan fired IGP,Suleiman Abba

...towards a better life for the people

**

VOL. 25: NO. 62389

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Tinubu, Kashamu in war of words: zGo, face your trial in US, Tinubu tells Kashamu 10 zRise above pettiness, Kashamu replies

zDIG Solomon Arase

Why Jonathan fired IGP, Suleiman Abba

zNames DIG Solomon Arase Acting IGP

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North & Kingsley Omonobi

A

BUJA — THE Inspector-General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, yesterday, became the first major casualty of the just concluded general elections, which President Goodluck Jonathan and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lost to the opposition.

The police officer, who was elevated to the post only last year, incurred the wrath of the Presidency on the eve of the governorship and

Continues on page 5

VISIT: LEFT: President Goodluck Jonathan (right) welcoming the visiting President John Mahama of Ghana during a ceremony at the Presidential Villa Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida. and RIGHT: President Mahama (left) being received by the President-elect, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd) in Abuja during his visit, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

EFCC arraigns suspected ECOWAS condemns hacker for N68bn theft xenophobia in S-Africa 7

8 COLUMNISTS:

Anambra evacuates 30-yr-old dumpsite from Onitsha zSEE PULL-OUT INSIDE C M Y K

Statesmanship in Africa, a fool’s prize •P.17

Where cancer feasts: Scorecard for •P.19 Lamentation for •P.19 Jonathan Oronto Natei Douglas administration

Has his sex life died?

•P.40

Mr & Mrs

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 — 3

C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

presentation Another sin of the former IG was his presence at the presentation of the Certificate of Return to Muhammadu Buhari at the International Conference Centre on April 1, 2015, which convinced the Presidency that the IG was actually working for the opposition and it moved quickly against him.

Arase replaces Abba

DIALOGUE: From left: Senior Governance Advisor, DFID Nigeria,

Catherine Weiss; Executive Director, PLAC, Clement Nwankwo and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, during the Civil Society Situation Room Dialogue with INEC Chairman in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida

Why Jonathan fired IGP Abba Continues from Page 1 House of Assembly elections for allegedly arguing with government officials over the directive to recall the Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police in Charge of Zone 6, Tunde Ogunshakin, from Rivers State.

Abba, it was learnt, had deployed Ogunshakin from his base in Calabar to Port Harcourt to oversee the governorship election in Rivers State following complaints by Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, that the police had collaborated

with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the PDP to intimidate APC members and rig the presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

His refusal to pick calls over Ogunshakin’s recall

Another source said the former police boss reportedly ignored presidency official's objection to the deployment of Ogunshakin to Rivers State on the allegation that the police officer

TAKE HEART

T

BY ELLA RANDLE

HE best thing to do when you find yourself in a hurting or vulnerable place is to surround yourself with the strongest, finest, most positive people you know —Kristin Armstrong There’s no faster way to stifle your inner voice than if you’re surrounded by people who don’t get you, who criticize you, who belittle your opinions and smother you with theirs, who make you shrink. This can be particularly damaging if it’s coming from family members and close friends.

It’s hard to hear your inner voice in such a hostile environment. And so you shrink, smother and quiet your inner wisdom instead of working on expanding it.

Surround yourself with people who love, support and nurture you, people who help you stretch and expand and your soul voice will thrive.

Make your decision. Make it from a place of love.

And then let go. Don’t try to move forward while looking backward. Trust in the process of life. Trust that your inner guidance is conspiring with the Universe to get you to go exactly where you need to be. The more faith you put into your decision, the better your outcome will be.

Always ahead, only look forward. See the end in sight and you will continue to conspire with the Universe to get you there.

was sympathetic to Amaechi and his party and would, therefore, not allow the PDP win the state.

A Presidency source told Vanguard that on learning that the IG had defied its order by r e d e p l o y i n g Ogunshakin to Rivers State to supervise the governorship elections, A presidency official called the former police boss to recall the AIG with immediate effect from Rivers State or face the consequences.

The source said the presidency felt slighted when it could not get through to Abba.

The former police boss reportedly told the Presidency that AIG Ogunshakin was a formidable Police officer whom he described as a ‘no-nonsense officer ’ feared and respected in the Police Force hierarchy and capable of ensuring law and order in the place of new assignment.

Vanguard learnt that although the sacked IG reluctantly recalled Ogunshakin from Rivers State, forcing him to quit Port Harcourt by 5 am on the election day, Presidency did not forgive Abba for r e d e p l o y i n g Ogunshakin reluctantly.

Presence at Buhari’s certificate of return

The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, could not also be reached for comments on the development.

Abba’s sack was announced by the president’s spokesman, Reuben Abati, in a statement yesterday. No reason was given for the sack while a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, was appointed to act in his stead.

Abati’s statement read in full: “President Goodluck Jonathan has relieved the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, of his appointment and duties with immediate effect.

“President Jonathan has also appointed Deputy InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, as Acting InspectorGeneral of Police, also with immediate effect.

“Until his appointment as Mr. Abba’s replacement, Mr. Arase was the Head of the Force Criminal Intelligence and I n v e s t i g a t i o n Department.

“Mr. Arase holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Law, as well as Bachelors and Masters degrees in Political Science and Strategic Studies.

“He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence College.”

Mr. Abba, 56, became acting Inspector General on August 1, 2014 following the retirement of his predecessor, Mohammed Abubakar, after 35 years of public service.

He was confirmed substantive IGP on November 4, 2014.

Abba was, until that appointment, an Assistant Inspector

General, AIG, in charge of Zone 7 Command, a position he occupied since May 25, 2012. He was also an Aide-DeCamp, ADC, to the wife of a former military Head of State, Maryam Abacha.

With his removal, Mr.

Abba will proceed on forced retirement, four years before he attains retirement age.

He enlisted in the Nigeria Police as Cadet

Inspector on December 31, 1984 and is actually due for retirement on March 22, 2019.

Ikokwu tasks Jonathan, NASS on restructuring, anti-graft bill

S

By Clifford Ndujihe

ECOND Republic politician, Chief Guy Ikokwu has urged President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the Anticorruption Bill and the presentation of a bill on the restructuring of the polity as ratified by the 2014 National Conference.

He itemised a litany of national issues he said the President must urgently address before handing over to President-elect, MajorGeneral Muhammadu Buhari (retd), next month.

Ikokwu said some of the issues the nation must strategize on right away in a constructive manner as the new government takes over in May this year include

"the military and security situation in parts of the North and the routing of the remaining enclaves in Sambisa where the Boko Haram has depots and heavy Munitions Cells. As promised, this should be done by end of May to a large extent.

"The next is the execution of the anticorruption bill in the National Assembly which the Senate promises to complete this April so that the President can sign it. Many national fraudsters and highly corrupt officials in the political and public domain will be unmasked by the legislative and executive web.

"The new government will be in a quandary to implement it firmly as the world and our people watch. It can be achieved to a large extent by prudence and technocracy."

6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

APGA chieftain, lawyer kidnapped in Aba

By Felix Ogbonna

G

UNMEN have abducted a chieftain of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Abia State, Chinedu Ikenga and an Aba-based lawyer, identified as O. O. Anya.

Ikenga was said to have been abducted along Opobo Road, near Grail Centre, Ogbor Hill, along Opobo Junction at about 9p.m., while he was returning to his house, while Anya was kidnapped at Abayi.

Sources told Vanguard that the gunmen intercepted the APGA chieftain and riddled his car with bullets before whisking him away.

While the gunmen had not established contact with Ikenga’s family, some of the party supporters alleged that the incident was politically motivated.

When contacted, Abia State Commissioner of Police, Joshak Habila, said he was not aware of the abduction of the APGA chieftain, adding that the police had advanced efforts to rescue the lawyer.

Why I prefer to rob at ceremonies— DRUG ADDICT

By Esther Onyegbula

A

50-year-old father of two from Ekiti State, who was arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, has said he preferred to rob during rallies, weddings, burials, house warming and child christening because it was easier.

The suspect, Tokunbo Ojo, who specializes in stealing money, laptops, phones and other valuables from parked vehicles at events, using a master key, was arrested after police received reports of his activities in Lagos and Ogun states.

Ojo said: “I prefer to rob at ceremonies such as political rally, wedding, burial and baby naming; anywhere with a large turnout of people. The larger the crowd, the better.

“My ordeal began when I started mingling with drug addicts. It was one Grema Mohammed that introduced me to drugs. Overnight, my desire for cocaine grew.

Addiction “It was actually my addiction

zBlows N1m on cocaine to cocaine that led me into armed robbery because I need money to satisfy my insatiable cocaine lifestyle.

“I was a painter before I went into local 419. Later, I graduated into full-fledged robbery. I operated as a local 419 for several years. When people come to us with their problems, I introduce them to our leader who poses as a prophet or herbalist depending on the personality of the victim.

“I was arrested because I made a master key, which I use to open people’s vehicles and steal their belongings. I paid a welder N500 for the master key. I am a one-man squad.

Mode of operation “Usually, I attend functions and monitor people, who park expensive cars. Immediately a victim takes his or her seat I move to where the vehicle is parked, open it as if I am the owner and steal all the valuables inside.

“There was a time I stole N3.2 million from a parked

vehicle during a campaign rally in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

I used N2.2 million to buy a Toyota Highlander and then I used the balance N1 million to buy cocaine.

“Although my wife did not know I was into robbery, she got suspicious when I bought

the Toyota Highlander. She kept asking how I got the money for the car, but I shunned her seriously.

“I had my first child, Tunde Ojo, a 26-year-old photographer, when I was in secondary school. My second child is still in primary school.”

Robbers attack Vanguard staff, 13 pellets extracted his fate.

Young picked a stone and hurled it at his assailant. As he went for another, the gunman shot him in the hand, and the money he had gone to withdraw fell.

The gunman was said to have picked the money and jumped onto their operational motorcycle, where his partner was waiting, and they zoomed off, heading towards Berliet Bus Stop, leaving Young halfdead in a pool of his blood.

...LG Chair in Imo

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

W E R R I — UNKNOWN gunmen have kidnapped the Chairman of Njaba Local Government Area, Dr. Theo Ezeala, a member of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Although details of his abduction were still sketchy at press time, Vanguard learned that he was kidnapped in Owerri.

It was also not clear if his abductors have opened communications with either his friends or immediate family members. However, some PDP members said his abduction could be political.

Some party loyalists, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, recalled that Dr. Ezeala worked tirelessly for the party during the general elections.

Efforts by Vanguard to reach the mobile line of the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, for comments on the issue, failed.

Mr. Tokunbo Ojo

No help

ALIVE: Mr. Victor Ahiuma-Young in hospital.

By Evelyn Usman

V

ANGUARD ’S Assistant Labour Editor, Victor Ahiuma-Young, was shot yesterday by gunmen along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, after robbing him of an undisclosed amount of money.

Ahiuma-Young was attacked as he left the Sadiku branch of EcoBank Nigeria Plc, where he had gone to withdraw some money.

The two gunmen were said

to have trailed him from the bank to a newspaper vendor’s stand where he intended to get some of the dailies. As he was about to pick some, one of the gunmen shot him in the thigh, ordering him to give him the money he went to withdraw.

In shock, Young turned to see who the intruder was, only to be fired at a second time. At that point, everyone at the busy bus-stop took to their heels, including commercial motorcyclists, leaving Young to

Despite passionate pleas from him, no one came to his aid. He staggered from the bus stop to May Clinic, located in the area, where kindhearted doctors treated him.

Thirteen pellets were extracted from his thigh, while moves to refer him to Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, were on.

Policemen from Olosan Division were said to have arrived the scene later and began to comb the area with a view to arresting the gunmen.

Police sources hinted that the Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, has directed investigation into the attack and also ordered intensive surveillance with a view to flushing out criminals from the area.

Precedents

Information at Vanguard’s disposal revealed that yesterday’s scenario was not the first in that area. A month ago, a teenager whose father had given an unspecified amount withdrawn from same bank to take home had his wrist chopped off by gunmen operating on motorcycle and the money carted away.

Since November last year, over 15 attacks on bank customers had reportedly been witnessed between Sadiku and Berliet axis of the expressway.

A road side trader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “In one of the attacks, the customer was lucky because anti-robbery policemen on patrol swooped on the gunmen.

“One of them was killed while the rest were arrested with gun wounds. That was September last year. We sell with fear here because of the rate of gun fights.

“Today’s (yesterday) took us unaware because the gunman walked up to his victim in the full glare of everyone and fired some shots. Nobody could help him because they were afraid.

“An attempt to help a victim last December almost cost the good Samaritan his life. We will appreciate it if Police will intensify patrol around here or station a patrol vehicle here.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015—7

Grandmother, 48 others arrested with narcotics in Delta

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA— A 59-year-old grandmother was among 49 persons apprehended, yesterday, by Delta State Command of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at Boji-Boji Owa, Ika South Local Government Area, over possession of hard drugs.

The suspected grandmother,

identified as Madam Francisca Akpena, was said to be ferrying the drugs in a Ghana-Must-Go bag from Boji-Boji Owa to Onitsha, when she was arrested.

Parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, yesterday, state Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Frank Hanachor, said 2,053 kilogrammes of hard drugs

were recovered from the suspects. They include 12 women and 37 men, caught at different locations with different types of drugs.

Hanachor said: “The different types of drugs in their possession include cocaine, cannabis sativa and heroin. So for the first quarter of this year, the command has seized a total of 2,053kg of different types of

hard drugs.

“A warehouse was raided and 240kg of Cannabis Sativa was recovered from one Francis Oji, a 46 years old man and he was immediately arrested.”

Hanachor also told newsmen of how a suspected armed robber (names withheld), who was going to his village in Benue State to fight intruders, was arrested with three pistols.

Taxi driver dies after scuffle at roadside buka zBarber, okadaman arrested

By Esther Onyegbula

A

39-year-old taxi driver was reportedly beaten to death over a space to sit, as he was about to eat his breakfast after taking a sachet of dry gin, at Onipanu Bus Stop, Ikorodu Road, Lagos State.

Vanguard learned that at about 9am the victim, identified as Tunde Odutola, was attacked after he parked his car, bought food from a vendor and asked Esther, the daughter of drinking joint owner, who had earlier sold him dry gin, to get up and allow him sit for his breakfast.

Trouble started when Odutola felt slighted after Esther allegedly refused to leave her seat. He allegedly rained abuses on her till other customers intervened.

Odutola allegedly attacked one of the peacemakers, Taju Adeboye, who used crutches.

This led to a scuffle, which degenerated into a mob attack.

The victim was lynched.

Vanguard gathered that two suspects, identified as Friday Williams and Lucky Aneto, have

SUSPECTS: Friday Williams (left) and Lucky Aneto. been arrested in connection with the death.

Suspects’ account

According to 41-year-old, Friday Williams, a barber from Uromi in Edo State: “I went to the bus stop at about 8am, Sunday, to buy a sachet of dry gin from a local vendor. I was there when Tunde, the taxi driver, came.

“He also bought gin. Later he ordered for a plate of Eba from a food vendor. Immediately he was served, he asked Esther, daughter of the woman who sells drinks at the bus stop, to vacate her seat so he can sit and eat, but she refused.

“Tunde started abusing her till she began to cry. People cautioned him, but he attacked a man on crutches and then I

EFCC arraigns suspected hacker for N68bn theft

Stephen Omaidu.

T

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Monday, arraigned one Stephen Omaidu before Justice M. A. Nasir of Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Jabi, Abuja, on a two-count

charge bordering on theft to the tune of N68.028 billion.

Omaidu, in connivance with Alhaji K. B. Kabiru, Godswill Oyegwa, Ben and Oliver, all at large, allegedly hacked into the server of a second-generation

bank and transferred N68.028 billion into different accounts for personal gains.

The offence is punishable under Section 287 of the Penal Code Act. Following Omaidu’s no guilty plea, counsel to EFCC, S. A. Ugwuebgulam, asked the court to fix a date for trial to commence.

However, defence counsel, Gabriel O. Sanifu, urged the court to admit the accused to bail, pending trial, saying the offence is bailable.

Ugwuegbulam objected to the application on the ground that the accused had failed to honour the administrative bail terms earlier granted him by the commission and could do same if not remanded by the court.

Justice Nasir ordered the accused remanded in the custody of EFCC and adjourned the case to April 28 for ruling on the bail application.

intervened. He slapped and rained blows on me.

“I left the joint and was going home when I met my brother, Lucky Aneto. I was explaining what happened, when Tunde Odutola came after me.

“After Aneto's intervention, Odutola gave me N500 to treat myself and I left.”

Lucky Aneto, a 33-year-old father of one, told Vanguard: “I am a commercial bike operator.

I was working when I saw Friday with injuries all over his body. I asked him if he had suffered his usual epileptic seizure. He said no, that he was beaten by a taxi driver.

“He was still explaining the incident when the taxi driver attempted to attack him again.

I threatened to deflate his car’s tyres if he refused to take Friday to the hospital.

“I left both of them, while they were negotiating as I had to take a passenger to his destination. By the time I returned, the corpse of the taxi driver was lying on the roadside.

“I am innocent. One Tope is among the people that attacked the man, but he is currently on the run.”

Lagos State Police Public Relations officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, said the case which was initially reported at Onipanu Divisional Police Station, was being investigated at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti.

Pastor, 5 others shot in Delta robbery attacks

By Perez Brisibe

U

GHELLI—A 57-yearold Pastor of an Ughelli-based Pentecostal church was among six persons shot in coordinated attacks, last Sunday, by different armed robbery gangs on residents of Uloho Avenue, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

When Vanguard visited Ughelli Central Hospital, where some of the victims were admitted, the frightened victims refused to comment on the incident for fear of reprisal attacks by the gunmen, who, it was gathered, are in their 20s.

Recounting the ordeal to Vanguard, a witness, who gave his name as Victor, said the gunmen started their attacks from Okiki Street, off Uloho Avenue, where they robbed a 57year-old pastor of an unspecified amount of money and shot him in the leg before fleeing the scene.

He said: “They met the pastor outside his house at about 8pm and followed him into his apartment, where they robbed him of the day’s offerings.

“Not satisfied, they hit him in the head with a gun butt, used machete on him and then shot him in the leg before fleeing the scene.”

It was gathered that while the pastor was struggling for his life, a five-man robbery gang accosted Jakabu Avina, who was entertaining a guest by the veranda of his Daniel Umukoro residence, guided him into his apartment, dispossessed him of cash and shot him in the leg with a threat to shoot his sleeping sevenmonth-old baby.

A senior officer of Ughelli Area Police Command, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a similar assault was carried out on Igbo people at a weekly meeting in Dafioghor Street.

“After collecting an unspecified amount of money from the group, the gunmen shot the chairman and another member, who walked into the venue of the meeting, while the robbery was on,” the source said.

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Jonathan snubs Senate over constitution amendment bill

By Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA—FRESH intrigues in the deepening face-off between President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly over the Constitution Alteration Bill emerged yesterday as indications came that the Presidency may not return the copy of the bill as requested

by Senate.

The Senate had, last Wednesday, requested the President to return the bill sent to him stressing that the “signature page” should be returned along with the original copy.

The Senate’s resolution was upon assertions by some Senators that the President had signed the bill, but subsequently recanted after being prevailed upon by some aides and interest groups.

Reliable sources in the National Assembly confirmed to Vanguard yesterday that the President was yet to return the bill as requested by Senate.

The Senate’s request followed the suspension of retreat convened by the Senator Ike Ekweremadu’s led Senate Committee on the Review of the 199 Constitution Amendment to consider options available to the Senate, following the President’s letter to the National Assembly, where he stated his decision to veto the Constitution Alteration Bill.

The Senate committee’s recommendation last Wednesday that the President return the original bill sent to him, including the signature page, was predicated on the belief of several Senators that the President signed the bill before recanting.

The Senate President, Senator David Mark and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, told Vanguard separately, yesterday, on telephone that they were still awaiting the return of the bill from the President.

VISIT: From left— Senator Hadi Seriki, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), President-elect, during Obasanjo's visit to Buhari in Kaduna.

ECOWAS condemns xenophobia in South Africa

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

B U J A — ECONOMIC Community of West African States, ECOWAS, yesterday, condemned the mayhem unleashed on foreign nationals, including Nigerians, by South African youths and tasked South African government to bring the perpetrators to book to serve as deterrent to others.

Chairman of the community and Ghanaian President, Mr. John Mahama, who spoke in Abuja during his commendation visit to Nigeria on peaceful elections, said it was regrettable that the present generation of South Africans have forgotten the roles played by Nigeria and African countries in general to liberate them from the clutches of Apartheid.

The ECOWAS leader recalled that Nigeria particularly provided for the economic well-being of the country despite not being an immediate neighbour to it during the dark ages.

He added that South Africa owed the continent of Africa a huge debt of gratitude for liberating it.

According to him, the government must fish out and bring the perpetrators of the act to justice even as he pledged ECOWAS' cooperation to ensure that such ugly development does not occur again.

He said: “I think it is an

issue that we are all worried about because of the specific circumstances of South Africa and it is most regrettable and most unfortunate.

‘Young South Africans ignorant'

“I think that the young people of South Africa do not know what happened before they gained their freedom. The whole of this continent stood behind South Africa. The whole of Africa stood behind South Africa to fight against Apartheid.

“I remember all of us, growing up as secondary school children, went on marches and were part of the African Youth Command that boycotted classes.

“Indeed, several of the countries whose citizens were brutalized in South Africa are countries called front line states and harboured the freedom fighters of South Africa and gave them safe haven, gave them passports to be able to avoid the clutches of the Apartheid regime, and even Nigeria.

“Nigeria, even though was not a neighbour of South Africa, was considered a frontline state because of economic contribution that Nigeria made helped liberate South Africa from Apartheid. So, it is regrettable that the same people who fought against Apartheid are being attacked.

“The pictures we have seen are horrible. As ECOWAS, we have issued a statement condemning what is happening, and the

unfortunate thing is that this is not the first time.

“It keeps flaring up and so while we are condemning this incidence we must work with the South African government to ensure that it will not happen again.

Free movement

“We are trying to create an integrated continent where our people can move freely amongst our countries. This has not set a very good example for integration and especially for South Africa that has investments all over the countries.

“I think the government must sit up and take strong actions and those that have been involved in these atrocities must be brought to book and must be punished, serving as a deterrent so it does not happen in future.”

On elections

Speaking on Nigeria’s elections after a courtesy call to the President-elect, General Mohammadu Buhari (retd), Mahama said he was in the country to essentially commend President Goodluck Jonathan on Nigeria’s peaceful elections and also congratulate Buhari on his victory at the polls.

He stated that the peaceful elections have made Nigeria a perfect example for other African countries to emulate.

He added that by conceding defeat, President Jonathan had distinguished himself as a worthy son of Africa,

pledging that the regional body would work with Nigeria to bring about Africa’s prosperity.

He said: “Earlier this morning, I called on President Jonathan and also commended him for his maturity and statesmanship that he has shown in terms of conceding before the tally was done and calling Presidentelect, Buhari, to congratulate him.

Example for others

“I think Nigeria has shown a good example for self regime that democracy and good governance have found a firm root in ECOWAS. “The ECOWAS has a protocol on democracy, good governance and elections and I believe that has been properly followed here in Nigeria.

“We have five elections this year and Nigeria has set the pace and we still have Togo that is coming on Saturday. In October we have Burkina Faso.

“We have Cote d’ Ivoire and Guinea. So I think what has happened in Nigeria is an example for other countries in terms of standard electioneering.

“Nigeria is the biggest economy in West Africa and is the most populous and also the biggest economy in Africa.

“Nigeria is a highly-valued member of ECOWAS and we will continue to expect that Nigeria would show a certain leadership and carry her responsibility in terms of the work of west African states.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 — 9

Nigeria losing $55bn investments over low gas price

By Michael Eboh, with Agency Report

P

RESIDENT of the Nigerian Gas Association, NGA, and Managing Director, Oando Gas & Power Limited, Mr. Bolaji Osunsanya, yesterday, called on the Federal Government to increase the prices of gas, stating that the country is losing an estimated $55 billion, about N11 trillion worth of investment due to its refusal to hike gas prices.

Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg Television, Osunsanya said Nigeria has to raise its gas prices to attract an estimated $55 billion of investment needed to plug persistent local shortages.

According to him, the Federal Government’s decision to increase gas prices for power companies in August to $2.50 for 1,000 cubic feet from about $0.50 is not enough.

He said, “These investments are needed to explore for more gas, set up five processing facilities at about $2 billion each and develop domestic distribution channels, he said.

“We should incentivise people with the best reward and encourage people to come into the fold. The strategicness of gas is what I wish Nigeria would take more seriously.”

“We should encourage more exploitation to bring out the gas for domestic. A lot of it needs to come quickly because there’s an existing power side that requires a lot of gas.”

The Federal Government had increased the price of gas for sale to power companies from $0.5 cents per 1000 cubic feet to $1 in 2010, increasing it further to $1.50 in 2011.

It also hiked the price to $2 by 2013, with the last increment done in August 2014, whenthe price was h iked to $2.5 per 1,000 cubic feet.

The Federal Government had described the increase as a pragmatic and creative short term approach to address the issue of inadequate gas supply to thermal generation plants across the country.

However, gas producing companies have been calling for additional increase in the price to about $7, in line with international price for the commodity.

Despite the enormous potential of Nigeria’s gas, the country will have to grapple with

the perennial vandalisation of its gas pipelines across the country.

Specifically, Nigerian Gas Company, NGC, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, had a couple of days ago raised an alarm that the country has lost a minimum of N8.04 billion since January, to the incessant vandalism of the country’s gas pipelines.

The NGC lamented the fact that since the beginning of this year the country has witnessed an unprecedented increase in the spate of gas pipeline vandalism.

The company added that within the last two months, it has recorded three major attacks on its pipeline network, mainly in the

Niger Delta region.

Whenever these pipelines are sabotaged, the company said it is forced to shut down the pipeline, and defer a minimum of 200 million Standard Cubic Feet, SCF, of gas per day.

The NGC put the average price of gas at $3 per unit of 1,000 standard cubic feet (scf), adding that it takes an average of two weeks to repair the damage, and an average of one week to locate the damaged spot and mobilise personnel, equipment and materials to site.

Also, the minimum cost for the repair of a damaged pipeline in the Niger Delta region, according to the NGC, is about N160 million.

To this end, at an average price of $3/1,000SCF, 200 million SCF product loss plus repairs, Nigeria may have lost about N8.01 billion between January and March.

TRIBUNAL JUDGES RETREAT: From left; Justice Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, Justice Abdulkadir Jega, Justice Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, Justice Amiru Sanusi, President Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa and Former President Court of Appeal, Justice Umaru Abdullahi during the Retreat for Chairmen of the Election Petition Tribunal 2015 at the FCT Ceremonial Court Room in Abuja. Photos by Abayomi Adeshida

POLLS: Ghanaian president, Mahama visits Jega, calls on Africa countries to emulate Nigeria distributed and the equipment for consolidated Nigeria’s democracy

By Joseph Erunke

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BUJA—PRESIDENT John Mahama of Ghana, has tasked all African countries to toe the path of Nigeria in the conducts of elections, saying other countries in the continent going to the poll this year must look closely to Nigeria, so as not to fail.

Mahama, who spoke yesterday evening, when he visited the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Prof.

Attahiru Jega, said he was particularly impressed with some electronic devices used by the commission at the poll, saying the continent must embrace the innovation to move forward.

But he said for the support and

cooperation of President Goodluck Jonathan, who he noted, allowed the commission a free hand, the exercises would have been in futility.

“This year, we have several other elections coming up in Cote d’Ivoire, after that in Burkina Faso, after that in Guinea and I think that everybody has been watching as an example what is going in Nigeria here. It sends a very good signal to other countries that are holding elections this year in the ECOWAS sub-region to emulate what has been done here.

“I think that there is a lot that many countries can borrow from you in terms of the roll out of technology, provision of voters identification cards and having

reading those cards in terms of authenticating the voter as who they are actually are.

“There will always be glitches with technology, but I think this is the first step to go for it and we can continue to improve the technology so that we have smoother elections,”he said.

He commended the INEC for what he referred to as its “good job”,saying he was in the country to congratulate INEC and the entire Nigerians for the successful elections.

“In the circumstances you faced, I believed that you have done a very good job. On behalf of all my colleagues, the ECOWAS president I congratulate you, your staff and to ask you to keep it up. We believe that Nigeria has done better and this election has

in the ECOWAS community states.

We would continue to work with you.

“As president of Ghana, Nigerians and Ghanaians are brothers and sisters. We share the same values, we share the same cultures, and so we would continue to share experiences and I believe that this victory of your is much as ours.

“As I said, there is no winner and there is no loser, the winner is the Nigeria people. I think that this is the time in Nigeria that everybody, notwithstanding you political party to your hands on deck to move forward Nigeria. Nigeria has a particular responsibility in our subregion because is the biggest economy and I believe that Nigeria has to carry that responsibility to move our subregion forward,”he further stated.

ZONING: APC meets today

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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HE National E x e c u t i v e Committee, NEC of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is meeting today to resolve the issues outstanding from the zoning of principal office positions in the party as recommended by the National Working Committee, NWC of the party last week.

The deliberation of the party’s highest decision making body is expected to quell rising anxiety within the party over the allocation of party positions that has seen zonal leaders position their interests against those of other zones.

The party NWC had reportedly zoned the position of Senate President to the North-Central a development that has seen two of the major gladiators from the zone, Senators Bukola Saraki and George Akume turning into the front leaders for the contest.

The zoning of the speaker and Deputy Senate President, according to sources is expected to be resolved today or possibly tomorrow by the party hierarchy.

The party NWC had reportedly favoured the Southwest Zone for the office of speaker a decision that subsequently generated controversy as leaders from the Northeast were believed to have also claimed the position besides the office of Deputy Senate President that was reportedly also zoned to the zone.

However, gladiators within the Northeast were yesterday reported to be canvassing the allocation of the DSP position to the Bauchi/Gombe axis in the region given the claim that other states in the region had been satisfied with other positions.

According to sources, the APC has conceded the Chairman of the Board of Trustees to Adamawa/ Taraba axis, Deputy Senate President to Bauchi/ Gombe axis and House Leader to Borno/Yobe axis of the northeast zone.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar according to sources is to be chairman of the BoT of the party putting Adamawa/Taraba axis out of contention in the race for DSP.

10 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

How Ajudua used court registrar to defraud me of $33, 000 – BAMAIYI

Ambode sets up Transition Committee

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By Abdulwahab Abdulah & Bartholomew Madukwe

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AGOS—A former army General, Ishaya Bamaiyi, (Abacha’s Chief of Army Staff) yesterday told an Ikeja High Court how a court registrar, Ms. Rosulu Idowu Oluronke, aided a Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua, to defraud him of $330,000 meant to be part payment for professional fees supposedly charged by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) to handle his case.

Testifying before the presiding judge, Justice Lateef Lawal -Akapo, Bamaiyi explained that he met Ajudua and Alumile Adedeji a.k.a. Ade Bendel at Kirikiri maximum prison, during his remand for alleged attempted murder of the publisher of The Guardian, Mr. Alex Ibru and two others.

It will be recalled that Justice Joseph Oyewole, in a judgment held that Bamaiyi, who had been standing trial since 1999 on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and attempted murder of Ibru, exDirector of Sports in Delta State, Isaac Porbeni, and erstwhile presidential candidate in the year ’s election, Prof. Pat Utomi, should be freed, since the prosecution did not prove beyond reasonable doubt that he was liable to the offence.

Led in-evidence by the prosecutor, Mr. Seidu Alteh, Bamaiyi further told the court that Rosulu (defendant), who was Justice Oyewole’s registrar, visited him three times at Kirikiri maximum prison in respect of the payment for Chief Babalola’s professional fees.

“On November 23, 1999, I was in cell 5 (first floor) at Kirikiri maximum prison.

Later Ajudua and Ade Bendel were brought to the block. I and Ajudua were together in my cell, so we became friends. ''Ajudua told me that he is a lawyer and has studied my case, and found out it is purely a political one. He told me that he was interested in the case and has sent his wife to see the Lagos Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Ade Alabi (retired) and the state Attorney General (AG), Professor Yemi Osinbajo, over the matter. I was told that the CJ was the one in contact with Chief Babalola,” Bamaiyi stated.

CLIMATE CHANGE: From left; Mr Micheal Derus, German Consul General; Governor Babatunde Fashola, of Lagos State; Mr Micheal Drerecren, Head of the Netherlands; Mr Tunji Bello, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment; Mr Martin Joen, British Deputy High Commissioner and Prof Richard Beardsworth, Guest Speaker/ Director of Research, Dept of International Politics Aberystwyth University, during the 7th Year of Climate Change Governance in Lagos State, with the theme'' Celebrating Success Stories, Reviewing Challenges And Setting Future Agenda'' organised by Lagos State Government, at Eko Hotel, Victorial Island, Lagos. Photo by Kehinde Gbadamosi.

HE Lagos state Governor-elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has inaugurated a transition committee to ensure a seamless transfer of power to his government.

The committee is headed by the Deputy Governor-elect, Dr. (Mrs) Idiat Oluranti Adebule.

Other members of the team are, Professor Ademola Abass, Mr. Babatunde Rotinwa, Mr. Fola Olalekan Lasisi, Mrs. Rafiquat Onabamiro, Mr. Tunde Durosimi Etti, Dr. Femi Onanuga, Engineer Ade Akinsanya, Mr. Akeem Sulaimon and Dele Onabokun.

Tinubu to Kashamu: Go, face your drug trial in US L

AG O S — N AT I O N A l Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has blasted controversial businessman and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP senator-elect, Prince Buruji Kashamu.

Tinubu said he does not need praises from Kashamu, saying they are not in the same class.

Kashamu had in an advertisement praised Tinubu over the outcome of the 2015 general elections.

The APC national leader asked Kashamu, a PDP financier, to make a trip to the United States of America to answer drug charges against himself.

“Please keep your peace

until you make your trip to the USA as a Senator-elect. Upon your return we can then have a conversation. We can then proceed with your repudiation of the PDP with a promise that you will stop corrupting and fouling the political system,” Tinubu said in a statement signed by his media adviser, Sunday Dare.

“Our attention has been drawn to the recently advertised letter

by Mr. Buruji Kashamu to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in which he described Tinubu in superlative terms and as his role model.

Kashamu needs to stop this cynical fawning. It will not work.

“The days of false adulation are gone in Nigerian politics. Fake praise singers like Kashamu will find that their particular craft is no longer in vogue. During this

election cycle, their practice has dramatically turned from the way things are to how it used to be.

“Henceforth, there will be consequences for the positions a politician takes and the words they utter.

“Politicians will no longer be able to change direction and loyalties as if they were changing clothes. Those in politics must know that responsibility and accountability shall now follow them. One can no longer walk both sides of the street at the same time. In case Kashamu has not noticed, the politics of principle defeated the politics of posturing.

“That Kashumu undermined the democratic process by buying his victory does not mean he is part of the new Nigeria. He is merely an isolated vestige of a dying past. The man is an extinct

...Rise above pettiness, Kashamu replies Tinubu

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EACTING, Senatorelect, Buruji Kashamu said; ‘’My attention has been drawn to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reaction to the innocuous congratulatory messages that I sent to him and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC). ‘’First, I must say that I doubt if the statement was approved by him. However, if it was, I must state that I am taken aback by the unwarranted attacks against me as if we were still campaigning.

It is unbecoming of someone of his stature and calibre. ‘’It is high time politicians and leaders rose above petty issues and raise the bar in constitutional democracy. We should not just be democrats in words but also in deeds. We should play politics without bitterness.

‘’ It is on record that no Nigerian politician has taken former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the cleaners even as a sitting President like Asiwaju Tinubu did. Yet, Chief Obasanjo forgave him. As for me and Baba Obasanjo, he remains my father and leader, just as I am his son and follower. At no time did I abuse Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. ‘’As a true party man, I campaigned vigorously for my party and its candidates. Now, the elections are over, and as a true sportsman, I thought I should congratulate those who won. ‘’ Short of any praise-singing, what I said in the congratulatory message that they chose to react to a week after it was published was that there was no way anyone can wish away the achievements

of Asiwaju Tinubu in the nation’s political annals, particularly in Yoruba land.

Part of the message also reads: “Although I now belong to the opposition, your achievements transcend political divides and I am not ashamed to publicly acknowledge them.

“I salute your courage, commitment, doggedness, forthrightness and tenacity of purpose even in the face of daunting opposition and challenges.

“By your sheer wit and unwavering commitment to democratic ethos, true federalism and economic prosperity, you led the Alliance for Democracy (AD) from a one-party state to a regional party, and now a national party that is about to form the government at the centre.”

species the realization of which will soon dawn on him.

“For him to liken himself to Bola Tinubu is for a small rut to call itself a mountain. For Kashamu to call Tinubu a role model is Kashamu’s admission that he does not know the meaning of the term. There are no grounds for comparison. There is only contrast. Tinubu has sacrificed years trying to bring democracy to Nigeria. He struggled in opposition to the powers that be. Without this, at times, lonesome fight and singular determination, the great change in Nigerian politics would not have happened as it did. TInubu is an architect of democracy.

Kashamu is a failed demolisher of that which Tinubu has strived to build. Under Kashamu’s designs, our elections would be a wholly mercantile undertaking.

“Meanwhile, Kashamu has blown wherever the prevailing winds took him. He stood for nothing and sacrificed nothing except the people’s welfare.

“This same Kashamu rained insults on former President Obasanjo in a vicious campaign of calumny. Kashamu’s party, PDP sponsored defamatory documentaries full of lies and innuendos against me, General Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders of APC. Please keep your peace until you make your trip to the USA as a Senator-elect. Upon your return we can then have a conversation. We can then proceed with your repudiation of the PDP with a promise that you will stop corrupting and fouling the political system.

“That Kashamu would deign to compare himself with Tinubu is a distasteful insult to Tinubu and to anyone who knows Nigerian politics. If he has any sense of propriety, Kashamu should retract the corrupt missive and apologize for this latest lie to the public.''

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015—11

Ondo Assembly serves impeachment notice on deputy gov

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—LAWMAKERS in Ondo State, yesterday, served impeachment notice on the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, for alleged gross misconduct.

Alhaji Olanusi defected to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, 48 hours to the last presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

Some of the seven allegations levelled against him included financial misappropriation, absenteeism from official duties and allegedly causing political disaffection in the cabinet of the state government.

The deputy governor ’s impeachment notice was signed by 20 out of 26 members of the house.

Motion for his impeachment was moved by the Majority Leader of the house, Hon. Ifedayo Akinsoyinu from Ondo West Constituency II and was seconded by one of his kinsmen, Hon. Yinka Banso, from Akoko North West Constituency I. The lawmakers said that their action was in compliance with Section 188 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

At yesterday's plenary, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Jumoke Akindele, said the deputy governor should be served personally, through the office of the Deputy Governor or through his official residential quarters.

Other allegations against Olanusi include false allegation against the state governor, absenteeism and truancy from official assignment and engagement among others.

They allegations include: “That Alhaji Alli Olanusi, being the holder of the office of deputy governor, permitted and condoned the perpetuation of fraudulent activities in the office of deputy governor in that one

CONVOCATION LECTURE: From left: Representative of the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Bisi Balogun; Vice –Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Prof. Adeniyi Gbadegesin, and Pro-Chancellor/ Chairman of the Governing Council, LAUTECH, Prof. Wale Omole, Guest Lecturer at the University’s 25th Convocation Lecture, Prof. Foluso Okunmadewa, at the 25th Convocation Lecture held in Ogbomoso on Tuesday.

Alhaji Bola Idris Olanusi, the younger brother and Special Assistant in the office of the deputy governor procured false LPO with the knowledge of Alhaji Alli Olanusi and obtained from ESHO Resources International Limited, two trucks of AGO with forged documents and for personal benefits, thereby putting the office of the deputy governor into disrepute.

“That Alhaji Olanusi being the holder of the office of deputy governor of Ondo State and having full knowledge that his younger brother, Alhaji Bola Irish Olanusi, who at all material times was his personal staff had engaged in activities unbecoming of an official of government, refused to sanction, query or discipline the said staff, thus bringing the office of the deputy governor into disrepute.

“That Alhaji Olanusi, being the holder of the office of deputy governor of Ondo State engaged in absenteeism and truancy by regularly assenting himself from office, place of work and all other official engagements specifically between April 13 to 17 April and April 20, 2015, without lawful excuse or authorisation but generally acting in a manner inconsistent with the dictates and expectations of the high office of the deputy governor of a state, thus undermining the governance process, an act which amounts to gross misconduct under the constitution.

“That Alhaji Olanusi, being the holder of the office of deputy governor, at various dates, collected various sums of money, N39.9 million between 2009 and 2014, for the purpose of travelling and medical bills when in actual fact, the said Alhaji Olanusi did not travel on the said specified dates or did not travel at all, and

or did not expend the approved medical bills as appropriate, thereby unlawfully enriching himself and or causing loss to the state government. “ They also alleged that he undermined the office of the governor by causing political disaffection and deliberately working at cross purposes with the governor and the state EXCO, with a view to destabilizing the government by openly canvassing for the impeachment of the governor.

The impeachment notice is a nullity —Dep Gov The embattled deputy governor has described the serving of impeachment notice on him as laughable.

A statement by his Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Adesanya in Akure, said: “We are aware of the purported impeachment notice served on the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, by the Ondo State House of

Ekiti Assembly on recess, 7 PDP lawmakers insist

By Gbenga Ariyibi

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DO EKITI—THE seven Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), members in Ekiti State House of Assembly yesterday insisted that the assembly is currently on recess, saying their action was legal and in tandem with the Standing Order of the House.

Speaking in a telephone interview with Vanguard in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, Hon

Ajibola Samuel Oyedele, the Leader of Government Business, blamed the 19 All Progressives Congress, (APC), lawmakers for allegedly absconding from their duty posts since November 2014 without any cogent reason.

When asked whether the Standing Order or Rules of the House allows them to go on recess indefinitely, Ajibola, who is representing Ekiti East 2 in the Assembly, said the

House Rule allows them to go for a month or two months recess in as much as they meet the stipulated number of days which he put as 186 or 189 in a year.

“It is very much in order for us to be on recess. The Speaker, acting in accordance with the House Standing Order could go on recess for a month or two, but the House must have been in session for at least 186 or 189 days," he said.

Assembly.

“The Deputy Governor had written to the Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, on Friday, April 17, 2015, with Ref. No. OBG/A/136/67, that he will be going on routine medical check up outside the country.

“Baba had since travelled out on Saturday, April 18, 2015.

“So it is laughable for the rubber-stamp House of Assembly to have claimed it has served the Deputy Governor an impeachment notice knowing that, the law does not permit it to serve impeachment notice in absentia. The notice is therefore a nullity.

But Alhaji Olanusi while personally reacting to the impeachment notice via a text message, said the Assembly was famous for making resolutions without proper documentation.

The embattled deputy governor who is not in the state, however, promised to react fully if he is officially informed.

He said: “ The Ondo State House of Assembly is noted for making laws and passing resolutions without sitting and recording.

There are many repetitive events in this regard.

“A case in point was the passage of the OSOPADEC budget last year. You will get my full reaction if and whenever I am officially and lawfully informed.”

Madam Osibajo for burial

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ADAM Esther Olufunmilayo Osibajo who passed on, at 92 years, will be buried April 24 2015, after a Christian wakekeep tomorrow at the Osibajo family compound, Ikenne Road, opposite Recreation Centre, and the church service at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikene, Ijebu Remo, Ogun State.

She is survived by children, grand-children and great grandchildren.

Late Madam Osibajo

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Kalabari youths reject Commission of Inquiry probing political killings

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— KALABARI youths have rejected the panel of inquiry set up by Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State to look into cases of political killings in the state, describing the panel as an exercise in futility.

President, Kalabari Youth Federation, Mr Livingston Membere, in a statement, yesterday, said that the governor had a history of not i m p l e m e n t i n g recommendations of commissions of inquiry.

According to the group, if the government had implemented the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission headed by the late Justice Kayode Eso, the killings which he said started since 2013 would have been avoided.

Wondering why the governor suddenly saw the need to set up a commission of inquiry to look into killings that had been going on in the state since 2013 when he had barely 40 days in office, the group said the action of the governor was already being perceived in some quarters as a move to witch hunt political foes.

Membere called on all Kalabari youths to shun the commission, saying that it was another ploy to open up old wounds in Kalabari to set

communities in the area on fire.

He said: “We are aware that Governor Amaechi had set up a nine-man panel of inquiry to investigate political killings in Rivers State.

“While we respect the integrity and calibre of persons in the investigative panel, the Kalabari Youth Federation sees this as another exercise in futility. Politically motivated killings in Rivers State started

since 2013 and has continued unabated and without any investigation or preventive actions until the 2015 elections.

“This attempt to investigate the killings is not only belated but is also widely perceived by many especially those in the opposition party (Peoples Democratic Party, PDP) as an attempt to witch hunt persons who are considered political opponents of the All

Progressives Congress, APC, and Amaechi.

“It is also important to state that KYF foresees non implementation of the recommendations of this panel as Rivers State is known for noncommittal to such recommendations. The 2007 Rivers State Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Justice Kayode Eso Panel) is a very notable example.”

PDP PARTY STAKEHOLDERS MEETING: From right: Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State; his deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd); the SSG, Prof. Edmond AllisonOguru, and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Talford Ongolo, displaying unit results in the just concluded state Assembly elections, during a meeting with PDP Party Stakeholders, at the Government House, Yenagoa.

Dickson blames PDP's loss in presidential poll on disloyalty

By Samuel Oyadongha

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E N A G O A — GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, yesterday, blamed the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s loss at the federal level on what he described as indiscipline and

disloyalty of some party members.

He spoke in Yenagoa at the inauguration of a special committee to examine the performance and conduct of the PDP leaders during the just concluded presidential, National and state Assembly elections.

The committee, which is chaired

by the state Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd), was inaugurated in Government House, Yenagoa and has two weeks to submit an interim report to government.

Dickson said that the committee is also expected to determine and recommend steps to be taken

Esogban of Benin, others bag awards at Ambrose Alli Varsity's 19th convocation

By Simon Ebegbulem & Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—THE Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri; founder of Believers Love World (Aka Christ Embassy), Pastor Chris Oyakhilomhe and Warribased businessman, Chief Lee Ikpea, are among Nigerians to be honoured at the 19th convocation of Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State.

Also, the University will formally instal Prof.

John Osemeikhian, a former Vice-Chancellor

of the institution, as Professor Emeritus of the university during the event.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Cordelia Agbebaku, who addressed newsmen, said the awards were in recognition of the contributions of the awardees to the development of the university and Nigeria as a whole.

She noted that the Esogban, who will be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree, has been a father and a “shining light that our youths need to emulate due to

his doggedness when it comes to issues that

against those who worked contrary to the party’s interests during the general elections.

The governor, who warned that dire consequences await any member of the PDP, who engages in anti-party activities, emphasized the importance of party discipline and loyalty towards achieving success in any political contest.

affect Nigerians and humanity as a whole.”

Pa Itebu for burial

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A Francis Itebu of Oviri-Okpe town, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, is dead, aged 104.

Service of songs will hold at Odiete Road, Orerokpe, Delta State, tomorrow while funeral service comes up April 24, at St. Williams Catholic Church, Orerokpe, followed by interment.

He is survived by eight children, 46 grandchildren and 13

great grand children.

Late Pa Francis Itebu

Delta APC to challenge results of April 11 polls

By Onoja Innocent

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ELTA State Chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, has finalised arrangements with a team of legal experts to challenge the results of the April 11 governorship election in the state. The team of lawyers vowed to use legal means to nullify the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the election.

APC governorship candidate, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, in a statement by his Director of Media and Political Communication, Dr. Fred Oghenesivbe, alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, rigged the elections so as to use Delta State financial resources and contacts in the judiciary to frustrate and/or pervert the course of justice, after its candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa assumes office on May 29.

He said the “Open rigging of the PDP is so glaring that the APC legal team will be able to get judgment by relying on the number of accredited voters captured by the card readers as well as video clips of certain persons including INEC agents caught on video thumb printing ballot papers in favour of PDP and Labour Party, respectively.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 — 13

C M Y K

14—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Zone position of Speaker to us, North East Reps tell APC ...We’ll resist imposition —PDP Reps

By Emman Ovuakporie

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BUJA—MEMBERS of the House of Representatives from the North East geo-political zone of the country, yesterday, said the All Progressives Congress, APC, must zone the position of Speaker to their region.

This came as Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, members of the House vowed to resist any form of imposition on the House by APC in the speakership election in June.

The call of the North East zone for the speakership position was contained in a statement by the arrowhead of the group Rep Ahmed Yerima.

The lawmakers asserted that ”since the position of the Senate president has been zoned to the North Central, for the sake of equity the North East should get the position of the Speaker.

Those, who signed the statement include, Hon. Zakkari Galadima, Hon. Ibrahim Baba, Hon. Jibrin Satumari, Hon. Kamisu Mailantarki, Hon. S. S. Mohammed, Hon. Ahmed Yerima, and Hon. Haliru Jika.

Meanwhile, members of the House of PDP Reps, yesterday, vowed to resist any form of imposition on the House by APC in the forthcoming speakership election.

C M Y K

SENATE PRESIDENCY: PDP plots against

APC .As North East insists on position Stories by Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA——AS the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senators await the leadership of the party on the zoning of positions, especially the principal officers of the National Assembly, there are indications that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is plotting to snatch the Senate President from the party.

The APC has about 60 Senators elected on its platform in the March 28 National Assembly election, while the PDP that before now had the majority, only has 49 senators elected in the election.

Investigations revealed that as the North East and North Central zones are lobbying for the Senate presidency, the PDP, is putting its house in order to come out with a candidate anticipating that the APC might not agree on a sole candidate.

An APC Senator, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, yesterday, expressed the fear that the PDP would likely grab the Senate presidency seat if the APC did not put its house in order.

The Senator also said that for the sake of justice and fair-play, the APC leadership should zone the Senate presidency to the North East that produced the second highest number of votes to the party after the North West.

Besides, he argued that because the North East had been devastated as a result of the insurgency and had been the most marginalised in terms of infrastructure, ceding the Senate President seat to the North East would assuage the zone.

He also said that the North East had never been given the opportunity of occupying the Senate President seat since the Second Republic, adding that the

North Central had always been occupying the Senate president seat.

The APC senator said that since 1999, it was the two states of North East of Borno and Yobe that had been steadfast in the opposition apart from Lagos State, adding that zoning the seat to the zone would encourage the people for their steadfastness.

....Gemade backs Akume

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BUJA—FORMER National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Senator, representing Benue North East, Senator Barnabas Gemade, has given his backing to Senator George Akume becoming the Senate President in the 8th Senate.

Senator Gemade, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning, in a statement, in Abuja, yesterday, said the Senate Minority Leader is highly suited and qualified to be the next Senate President.

Describing the former Benue State governor as the highest ranking Senator from the North Central geo-political zone, he said the rumour in parts of Benue State that he (Gemade) was against the candidature of Akume to succeed his kinsman, Senator David Mark, was

mischievous and unfounded Gemade, who dumped PDP for the All Progressives Congress, APC, described the insinuation as “baseless and absolute falsehood and should be disregarded in its entirety.”

He accused those who lost elections of labouring to sow a seed of discord in the APC by peddling unfounded rumour.

According to him: “My attention has been drawn to the mischievous and unfounded rumour on cyberspace and some newspapers, that I am not in support of Senator George Akume’s candidature for the office of Senate President.

“This is no doubt the handiwork of our political opponents, who suffered defeat at the just concluded elections and can’t seem to get over it, that are now bent on sowing a seed of discord in our party."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015—15

Ebonyi Assembly can't freeze govt account, Elechi insists

By Peter Okutu

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BAKALIKI—AGAINST the backdrop of the resolution of Ebonyi State House of Assembly that the state and local government joint account, JAAC, be frozen over alleged fraud going on in the local government system, Governor Martin Elechi, yesterday, insisted that the lawmakers have no constitutional powers to do so.

According to him, the powers reside in the executive arm of government and not the legislature.

The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Onyekachi Eni, emphasised that only a court of competent jurisdiction could order the freezing of any accounts of government.

Elechi described the resolution of the state House of Assembly as ultra vires and without effect and urged the local government areas and development centres in the state to ignore the resolution of the House and continue to carry on with their lawful businesses.

The governor further reminded the state House of Assembly that its resolutions were only advisory, persuasive and had no force of

law.

According to him, the House of Assembly also lacked the powers to stop the ongoing sale of forms for allocation of stalls at Ebonyi International Market, which

construction he initiated in 2009 and had invested N18.3 billion.

“Of the 7,070 stalls which are the full capacity of the market, a total number of about 5,600 stalls have already been completed

while work is ongoing in the remaining ones. Sale of forms for the allocation of stalls are for the already completed ones and not for the uncompleted,’’ he said.

CONDOLENCE: Senator Chris Ngige, signing condolence register of late Senator Chukwumerije, at the National Assembly, Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan

Obi in South Africa, condemns xenophobic attacks

F

ORMER GOVERNOR of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on South-Africans to stop the attack on foreigners, including Nigerians.

He made the call, yesterday,

while speaking at a meeting of Nigerian Union, an umbrella organisation of all Nigerians living in South Africa, at the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Obi, who commended the stand of the South African government against xenophobic attacks, called on Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and treat one another as brothers and sisters.

ABIA SUPPLEMENTARY POLLS: INEC, military

cautioned against manipulation of results

A

HEAD OF the April 25 supplementary governorship election in Abia State, a socio-political group, South East Progressives Assembly, SEPA, has cautioned against electoral irregularities that might subvert the popular will of the people.

Speaking against an alleged attempt by some politicians to manipulate the electoral process in the affected polling units, SEPA, in a statement signed by Ebere Uzoukwa and Munonye Maximus, President and Secretary respectively, alleged a possible collaboration between the military and some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to award Abia governorship seat to a candidate who the people did not vote for.

It said there were plans to divert the results sheets and fabricate outrageous figures that will award victory on certain candidate at the end of the day, adding that allegations of huge financial C M Y K

inducement by the said candidate to get declared winner at all costs should be thoroughly investigated by security agencies.

The statement read: “We have been alerted of a nocturnal meeting involving a governorship candidate in the state, representatives of the State Returning Officer, a former Chief of Army Staff, a former governor of the state as well as top military brass where a whopping N1

billion has been earmarked for the project, and we are genuinely worried because that is not good testimony for our fledgling democracy which we believe has blossomed.

“We are deeply concerned in what is happening in Abia State, as the actual criminal perpetrators are the ones crying wolf and pretending as if they are the victims."

He said other nationals in foreign land, such as Indians and the Jews, absorbed the catastrophes of life because they were always together, assisting one another.

Explaining that he was in South Africa to assess the situation and offer assistance to Nigerians affected by the attacks, Obi said his coming was beneficial since by visiting the affected areas, he was able to see Nigerians with various degrees of injuries suffered in the attack.

He expressed optimism that the government of both countries would work towards forestalling such attacks.

In their different reports, Nigerian chapters from different provinces gave accounts of the effect of the attacks on Nigerians in their different zones.

....Group urges Jega to be personally involved

By Innocent Anaba

A

CIVIL society group, Consumer Rights Project, CRP, has urged the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega to personally supervise the supplementary election scheduled to hold on April 25, 2015 in Abia State.

CRP in a statement by its Executive Secretary, Mr. Onu Eke

Uche, yesterday, expressed dismay with the high level of brigandage, rigging and violence that characterised the elections, especially in Imo and Abia states respectively.

“Our investigations showed that the role played by the security agencies particularly the Army and the International Observers in some states like Abia was nothing, but short of being biased and compromised in the process

with the aim to tinker with the results of the election.

“The opposition, it was alleged, master-minded the intimidation and oppression of voters. A reliable source also disclosed that both the Resident Commissioner and the Returning Officer for the state were compromised, hence their decision to cancel elections at the polling units already collated and signed by the parties’ agents," Uche said.

APGA threatens court action over alleged poll irregularities

By Enyim Enyim

O

NITSHA—THE All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Anambra State, yesterday, threatened to contest the results of the National Assembly poll declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in a law court.

Addressing reporters at the party secretariat in Awka, state chairman of the party, Chief Mike Kwento, alleged that the election was characterised by all forms of electoral fraud resulting from the collusion of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and INEC. “We have decided after a careful review of the booth to booth results from our party agents to challenge the results of the national assembly results in a court of competent jurisdiction," Kwento said.

Doubts over tribunal sitting in Anambra as JUSUN strike continues

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—ANAMBRA State National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal will hold its inaugural sitting today, but there are doubts over its smooth operation, following the ongoing strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN. Though the tribunal has its support staff, it still requires the assistance of staff of the state judiciary to operate optimally, particularly in the area of logistics.

Worried by the continued JUSUN strike and to ensure a hitch-free sitting of the tribunal, the state government set up a committee, headed by the deputy governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, to resolve the dispute.

It was gathered, yesterday, that an agreement could not be reached between government and the union after a meeting the deputy governor held with the leadership of JUSUN in Awka, Monday.

16—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Anambra GCPSF Commandant held over failure to account for stewardship

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

Anti-xenophobia protests spread to Enugu; protesters call for Jonathan's intervention .South Africa govt given 48 hrs deadline S

CORES OF youths, yesterday, took to the streets in Enugu condemning the killings of Nigerians and other

African nationals living in South Africa.

The youths, under the umbrella of Youth Action for Success, led

by its National President, Mr. Jesechai Okezie, said it was a warning protest and handed down a 48 hours ultimatum to the

O

NITSHA— ANAMBRA State police command has arrested the state commandant of paramilitary organisation, Gallant Community Protection and Safety Foundation, GCPSF, Mr. Alpha Justice, for allegedly failing to render financial account of his leadership since assumption of office over a year ago.

Trouble reportedly started for the state commandant when a delegation of the GCPSF, led by the national vice chairman, Mr. Vincent Emeka Ujuh, from Lagos, stormed the Anambra State Office to demand for the account.

Sources said the commandant was not comfortable with the delegation and hurriedly made a phone call and within two minutes, two men who claimed to be soldiers stormed the office and whisked him away under the pretence that they were kidnappers.

Leader of the delegation said: “The soldiers later ordered us through a telephone call to come to Onitsha Army Barracks and as we were heading there, they directed us to go to state CID, Awka.

“On heading to state CID, they called again and told us to come to under Nkpor Fly-Over; it was then we realised they were straight with us, and I asked the financial secretary, Mr. Okwuchukwu Obi, to go and show them that we are genuine national executive officers of GCPSF.” The financial secretary returned with the state commandant without the two suspected kidnappers that claimed to be soldiers.

“The case was then lodged at Inland Police Station where the state commandant has been detained, and the case has been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, at Central Police Station,” he said.

Asked whether he rendered any account, Mr. Ujuh said: “He gave us a false account; he should differentiate the accounts, he doesn’t have to compile them."

C M Y K

BRIEFING: From left, Mrs. Mary Shenjobi, member of Coalition of Concerned Women for Good Governance, CCWGG, / President Catholic Women Organisation of St. Augustines, Ikeja; Erelu Abiola Dosumu, President/Founder, CCWGG, and Mrs. Patience Duru, Leader, CCWGG, during press briefing by CCWGG, on the way forward for women in the new governmential dispensation, in Nigeria, at Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

South African government to halt all killings, looting of Nigerians' property or face a retaliation.

Addressing newsmen, Okezie said: “We want our President, Goodluck Jonathan, and the President-elect, General Buhari (retd), to address the Nigerian youths on the matter.

“We are really not happy that Nigerians are being brutalised and killed in South Africa. We allowed South Africans to come here and operate freely. They have Shoprite, Multichoice, MTN and other hosts of investments here. ‘’So why are they killing us.

Why are they denying us our economic rights. We love other nationals here in Nigeria and treat them with the highest level of hospitality but this is what we got in return.

“These senseless killings,” he went on, "must stop forthwith. We are giving the South Africa 48 hours to ensure that these killings and looting come to an end, because if we move to the streets again, it will be a moving train and nobody will stop us.”

Ndigbo forum lists demands for Buhari

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

O

NITSHA — NDIGBO Unity Forum, NUF, an Igbo social-political organisation, has set a five-

point agenda for the Preisdent-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), as a means of pacifying Ndigbo in all its ramifications.

Top on the agenda is ensuring the execution of the second Niger Bridge project,

as scheduled; use of reputable persons from the Eastern region in his government, as well as giving the region an additional state.

In a press statement issued, yesterday, in Onitsha, Anambra State, shortly after

...how we lost the opportunity of producing next Senate President — S/E APC

By Austin Ogwuda

E

NUGU—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, in the South East has said that it was regrettable that Ndigbo lost the opportunity of producing the next Senate President because they made the wrong choice of putting all eggs in one basket through the massive votes they gave to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which backfired.

Spokesman of the party in the zone, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, who spoke on the issue, yesterday, also appealed to the people of Imo State to avoid another costly mistake and vote for Governor Rochas Okorocha to retain the only golden egg of Ndigbo in the basket of the New Nigeria, General Muhamaddu was constructing.

“Is it not shameful that the great Ndigbo, one of the tripods in our dear country, out of sentiment, is missing in the national order of precedence

- President, Vice President, and Senate President. ‘’ If care is not taken, we will also lose Speaker and Chief Justice of Nigeria. This lacuna makes it imperative for us to have one of our governors in the Progressives' Governors Forum,” he stated.

He wondered how Ndigbo would explain marginalisation this time around, when they

had the opportunity to join the victory party.

Okechukwu told newsmen in Enugu at the end of a strategic meeting of the party’s caucus that voting overwhelming for Okorocha in the governorship re-run election of April 25, had become imperative, saying Ndigbo could not afford to lose Imo State to opposition party.

its quarterly meeting, NUF also asked the President-elect to reduce accidents on federal roads by constructing a dual carriage way since most of the roads were currently single lane and in a state of disrepair.

According to the group, the President-elect should also implement the national confab report as this will help fortify national unity.

NUF said after examining the outcome and transparency of the just concluded 2015 presidential election, it had no other option than to congratulate the Presidentelect.

“NUF is confident that the President-elect will give Nigerians the desired change that will steer the economic and security situation towards the right direction."

Lawyer chides UPU leader over negative comment on Delta APC

L

AWYER AND public affairs commentator, Jesutega Onokpasa has chided factional leader of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Chief Joe Omene, on recent comments credited to him pertaining to the performance of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the recent elections in Delta State.

Addressing newsmen in Warri, yesterday, Onokpasa upbraided Omene for deviating into matters not connected with the

allegations leveled against him

by Urhobo youths for allegedly supporting Jonathan's presidency.

He said: “One would have expected Omene to restrict himself to defending his political alignment with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the detriment of the Urhobo cause, thereby subverting the Uvwiamuge Declaration; instead, he craftily avoided the issue at stake and perplexingly proceeded to attack APC that won the presidency.

"The action of Omene against the popular will of the Urhobo was his campaigning for President Jonathan, and at the same time for Great Ogboru of Labour Party.

"We had pointed out to him that he was being led by the nose by PDP and at the end of the day we have been proved right.

"Jonathan lost and so did Ogboru. In short, had we towed the laughable line of Omene and co, Urhobo and other progressives in Delta State, would have been entirely short-changed.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 — 17

T

HE leader of the South African opposition, Julius Malema, says President Zuma and the South African state promoted a culture of violence and xenophobia which led to Black South Africans attacking migrants and foreigners whom they blame for their own economic misfortune.

In many cases in Africa, violence is often state sponsored, an idea that prompted many arguments between myself and my colleagues at the London School of Economics and political science (LSE).

From the Sorbonne, which if I am to be honest, cared little about the Black experience, to the LSE where both students and professors often held either antiquated views about Africa, or beliefs which infantilised Africans by blaming only the West for its misfortunes, I would often argue, much to my colleagues’ stupor that there is nothing wrong with Africa or Africans beyond the lack of political will to do right by the majority of citizens, due to the self-interest and greed of the same elitist cabal which has been in power in most countries for decades.

Most Westerners cannot begin to fathom that any government or person of power and means would be so selfish (or crazy) as to engage in factitious activities meant to divide and instigate violence for personal gain.

Not only because such crimes are punishable but because the ethics and code of conduct which public officials are forced to abide by in other climes, are too strict to allow such actions: the public in Europe or America wouldn’t stand for it, talk less of seeking to pardon those who we all acknowledge have wronged us, as it is done here in our very own country, Nigeria.

tprincewill@yahoo.co.uk

Statesmanship in Africa, a fool’s prize do and developed their constituencies rather than promote ethnic bias and fool citizens into believing only a member of their ethnic group can have their best interest at heart. Africa has long since stopped developing statesmen.

We are no longer even breeding politicians. What we have today are con artists who defect to other parties based on whims and lack the courage and determination to develop their countries.

The irony is that PDP dares to accuse the APC of promoting a one party state, forgetting, because it is now in opposition, that the PDP is in fact, the originator of the one party, winner takes all mentality. PDP should perhaps hire historians and strategists to find out how the then ACN survived in a country where the centre is the big-man one must reckon with.

Our politicians support thugs (or become thugs and touts themselves), promote violence or in the case of the infamous Ayo Fayose, turn the state into a hideously divisive (and derisive) freak show.

Forced leaders on the people Julius Malema reportedly said about President Zuma’s call to end xenophobic attacks: “his body language did not suggest a leader ”. He continued: “Your own son continues to say these people must be killed...Your son is such a typical example of a family member you cannot whip in line.”

One would have thought Malema was referring to our own President and his wife whose xenophobic utterances and miscreant demeanor have embarrassed Nigerians, degraded the polity and ultimately cost her spouse his re-election.

One encounters similar situations all over Africa: those called to lead, those forced upon the people, are hardly ever the best.

Rather, they are the result of the sort of alliances and political calculations one would not even need to bother with if politicians simply did the work they were elected to C M Y K

What other way can one rule (the word itself is a problem, politicians are not kings, they must govern) if one has no inkling about policy? I shudder every time Jonathan is called a statesman. Emotion and selective amnesia cannot make anyone claim his actions have ever put him in the league of the Jomo Kenyatta’s, Nkrumah’s, Awolowo’s, Azikiwe’s and Tafawa Balewa’s (or even the Buhari’s and Obasanjo’s) of this world.

Times of strife and trouble In Kenya, shortly after reports of the Garissa University attack, President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed citizens on television.In times of trouble and strife, our own President has been either absent or timid and indecisive, imagining every critic to be an enemy, rather than possessing the humility of a true statesman, that is, the capacity to look at situations objectively

Pardon for Ibori

I

Those called to lead, those forced upon the people, are hardly ever the best. Rather, they are the result of the sort of alliances and political calculations one would not even need to bother with if politicians simply did the work they were elected to do and developed their constituencies

SOMETIMES wonder if some people come from the same planet as the rest of us law-abiding citizens.

The logic here would be: he is not the only corrupt politician, some others (Alamieyeseigha) were pardoned so why not him?

Jonathan has so subverted our judicial process and morals that such ideas can even be entertained. So, if only one criminal is caught rather than a hundred does that excuse the crime? May 29th can’t come fast enough.

Ex-governor James Ibori

and to try to understand the point of view of others.

Blaming everyone except oneself for mistakes is also not in the makings of a statesman.

Now, suddenly, our “statesman” decides he wants a refund: after trillions of naira spent, his loss, clearly, is something he still cannot stomach. Indeed, ministers, aides, state officials who absconded with party funds, should refund said monies in a transparent process; otherwise, it will only be looted again.

However, what is interesting is that Jonathan, yet again, (perhaps intentionally) misses the point. His actions helped cement a system where individuals can make away with state and party funds.

Nowhere else in the developed world, do ministers personally receive funds to “mobilize” support and there should be adequate checks and balances within parties to stop any member, no matter how highly placed, from using party funds for personal profit.

The APC recently sacked party heads it found guilty of such misdeeds. Is the PDP still too big to do the right thing?

Moreover, PDP is not the Nigerian state or the Nigerian government, so where are the trillions from?

The ministry of petroleum?

What sort of gangster’s den or opaque mafia government are we operating? Africa is not doomed to continuously repeat the same mistakes but as a people, we must shun the culture of mediocrity that awards honour where it is not deserved.

In our usual self-deluded manner, a failure presiding as close to a failed-state as one can get without full-scale war, is called a hero for doing nothing more than what many others before him have done.

Sarkozy conceded victory to Hollande who is now the President of France.

Gordon Brown conceded victory to David Cameron, neither of these men was called a hero for doing what is expected of them. History might not even remember them and that also, is accepted as part of life.

Mass poverty Not everyone can be exceptional or larger than life, although living in Nigeria tells you the opposite as even a gateman can develop a God complex, believing he is the best at opening doors.

So, our Presidents are often fooled into believing they are their people’s messiahs although none of their loot serves to develop anyone beyond themselves. One could say, “they are all the same” and that I am wrong to place such faith in the APC and in General Buhari.

But as Oscar Wilde said, “we are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars”.

Rather than be big fish in a small pond of mass poverty, some of us would rather be big fish in an open society, where real competition and opportunities separate the men from the boys. Of what use is being the best if one is never challenged, if one never has to prove that one is the best?

Buruji Kashamu

I

NTERNATIONAL media calls him “the man indicted for allegedly smuggling heroin into the US and who became an elected senator”.

Senator-elect Kashamu

Only in Nigeria! Of course, the Senator-elect claims it was his dead brother. Nigerian politics is a telenovela, a cheap series of painfully embarrassing events where our dignity is mercilessly trampled by desperate individuals.

Jonathan’s perceived protection of Kashamu (as the Nigerian government did not extradite him) and other characters that are equally perceived as dubious, contributed to his loss.

Tabia Princewill is a strategic communications consultant and public policy analyst. She is also the co-host and executive producer of a talk show, WALK THE TALK which airs on Channels TV.

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 THE impeachment saga in Ekiti State is a political culture that escalated during the eight year reign of General Olusegun Obasanjo that might as well have been an extension of military rule.

Impeachments in Anambra, Bayelsa, Ekiti, and Plateau – all carried out under his command – fell short of constitutional requirements for removing a governor. Emergency rules in Plateau and Ekiti were Obasanjo’s legacies.

When Mr. Ayo Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was elected Governor of Ekiti State 10 months ago, All Progressives Congress, APC, contested his qualification. One of its major points was Fayose’s 2006 impeachment. Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the sitting governor, had congratulated Fayose, but APC decided to challenge the result at the tribunal.

The Ekiti State Governorship Election Tribunal on 19 December 2014 upheld Fayose’s election. On 16 February 2015, the Appeal Court ruled in Fayose’s favour, though it condemned the presence of the military which in-

Ekiti’s Impeachment Sagas timidated voters. The Supreme Court also affirmed Fayose’s election, maintaining that his 16 October 2006 impeachment was not a valid ground to disqualify him from the election, as the impeachment was unconstitutional.

Governors have appropriated Obasanjo’s unconstitutional manners, taking control of their State Assemblies, through under-funding, intimidation of members, and exile of those who remain uncontrollable.

In Ogun State, under Gbenga Daniel, the State Assembly could not meet for months, a scenario that wasrepeated in Kogi State. The interven-

tion of the National Assembly did not produce meaningful results. The principle of separation of powers anticipates that various arms of government, in the execution of their duties, would act as checks on other arms.

Legislators have become willing tools for furtherance of illegal political interests.

The Supreme Court in upturning impeachment of deputy governors in Taraba and Adamawa States, alluded to similar illegalities. While impeachment is meant as a check on the executive, in all the cases mentioned, legislators were unwilling to meet the constitutional requirements.

Both sides on the Ekiti impeachment saga should tread softly. The Governor whose legitimacy was confirmed by the Supreme Court drew the first blood when he did an unusual arithmetic of using seven legislators to impeach a Speaker who had majority of 19 others on his side.

The 19 APC lawmakers who Fayose abbreviated their membership of the State House of Assembly last November, want to return. Their immediate ambition is to impeach Fayose who has denied them entry into the Assembly.

It is unbelievable that those who get to their positions through the law, once in office, eagerly abandon the law, if they believe it would inconvenience them. Fayose is a beneficiary of the law. The legislators are a creation of the law, so their actions should be guided by the law.

These issues may finally be resolved by the law, but unfortunately, the pace of justice is so slow that perpetrators of illegalities enjoy their illegal positions as we wait for justice.

OPINION

By Denja Yaqub Continued from yesterday's pg 18

T

HOUGH his spokesman, Mac Maharaj struggled to moderate that statement after some diplomatic skirmishes with the government of Malawi, it however captured the impression of most South Africans.

This is why, in the so called xenophobic attacks, which first occurred in 2008 and left about 60 people dead, the targets are Africans, from other African countries mostly Nigerians, Mozambicans, Somalians, and Congolese.

Most businesses in the informal sector are operated by immigrants from these countries, particularly Nigerians.

There are immigrants also from India, Pakistan and even Britain. In fact, British citizens don’t require a visa to enter South Africa. These category of immigrants are carefully exempted from the attacks. This gives clear indication that it is an extension of afrophobic beliefs of the leadership.

The country’s political leadership seem to have ignored majority of the citizens in economic empowerment as the citizens still see imbalance in the socio economic life of the country.

They are yet to see the dividends of the liberation struggle as the minority white

C M Y K

Xenophobia or Afrophobia (2) population either as citizens or immigrants get the priority in blue chip businesses except in few cases where those who were in key leadership positions during the apartheid era, like Cyril Ramaphosa are involved in telecommunications, minning and service industry. The people see Cyril, the country’s Deputy President as part of their problems. His alleged involvement in the Marikana massacre reminds the people of the emergence of a new bourgeoise class that have privatised the collective benefits of the liberation.

The frustration of the economic disempowerment of majority of the citizens gives them the impression that immigrants who control informal sector of the economy are their obstacles. And its easier for them to get at these

The only solution to the phobias, whether it is xenophobia or afrophobia is for the South African people to re-discover and refocus themselves

immigrants as they do business and live in areas easily accessible to the victims of economic exclusion.

To the ordinary South African, apartheid is yet to end. The system only assume a different shape and coloration.

Yes, a black man is in politcal leadership in an alliance with those who should have been leading voices of the ordinary people to lead the country to final liberation.

With ANC in power and in an alliance with the South African Communist Party, SACP and the Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU, two main organisations, aside the ANC who fought apartheid. SACP and COSATU were in the main centre of actions that blew off apartheid.

The alliance worked against apartheid, but since apartheid ended, this tripartite alliance have only worked against the South African people as socio economic and political policies of the government are mostly driven by interests other than those of the majority. Global neo liberal interests drives the way, policies and directions of the government, leaving majority of the citizens widely ostracised from benefits of the bloody struggles of more than a century.

South Africans fought against oppression and exploitation but lost power and leadership to compradors of contemporary global economic warfare, and its sweeter for capitalism when the poor take on themselves. The circumstance that led any Nigerian to leave his/her country for another is the same circumstance that led neglected South Africans to attack immigrants.

Lack of good governance is the father of all frustrations in citizens.

The only solution to the phobias, whether it is xenophobia or afrophobia is for the South African people to rediscover and re-focus themselves. The alliance South Africans need, like most countries, is an alliance of all oppressed people against the anti-people alliance of our various governments with institutions that create the wedge between our governments and our people.

South Africa, like Nigeria and most African countries need a second liberation against second slavery which the alliance between our various governments and global anti people neo liberal institutions represent. If the people live well, they won’t care where the next person comes from.

Concluded *Mr.Yaqub, an asst. secretary at the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Abuja.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015—19 —19

Scorecard for Jonathan administration

A

S the Jonathan administration winds down its activities and gradually goes into the ages, one thing Nigerians cannot balk doing is giving their assessment of the administration.

One area that must get Nigerians debating in their assessment of the Goodluck Jonathan government is the power sector, particularly the issue of power generation and distribution. As far as this sector is concerned, the Jonathan administration has performed far less than it promised. We need not go into quoting statistics that only members of the administration believe to know this. Nothing registers government failure in this regard than the evidence of darkness in which Nigerians are presently enveloped. Power cut has become ever more rampant, especially in the last few weeks since the elections were concluded.

It is as if government has gone to sleep, and is only waiting for May 29 when a new administration comes into office. The present administration, to invert a line of reasoning made famous by General Ibrahim Babangida, may be in government but it is surely not in power. It is shutting down

on both itself and Nigeria as it neither acts nor gives the feeling that it is in power. May 29 appears too long for the president and his team to leave. This government has lost both the battle and the war in the power sector. The government simply does not ‘give a damn’ what Nigerians think or feel about this lost battle. Nigerians could, if they so wish, jump into the lagoon if they cannot endure the thick darkness that is the visible achievement of the government. This is contrary to what we all witnessed not too long ago.

In the weeks leading up to the March 28 presidential election, electricity supply was so stable that one could have concluded that the Jonathan administration had finally got what was wrong with the sector right. It had finally surpassed itself. Or at least that was what it looked like. Not the least because the Administration was, at the time in question, actually taking great strides in its fight against insurgents in the north.

It was taking on the insurgents headlong, seemingly wrapping up in just six weeks what it had failed

to do in six full years. It was, therefore, easy to believe that the near-constant supply of power in the few weeks before the presidential election was evidence that improved power supply was becoming a way of life, something that had definitely come to stay with us.

This was the case in my part of the country and some other parts that I have made random enquiries about. The round-theclock coverage of the elections in the mass media was followed by as many Nigerians as had the time to sit down to it, all thanks to the power distribution companies (?).

But events have since given the lie to the idea that regular supply of power can now be taken for granted. This much is now clear: the constancy in the supply of power was a ruse, a clear attempt at deceiving Nigerians and selling them on the idea that the Jonathan administration was truly and effectively transforming Nigeria. By ensuring relative stability in power supply for a number of weeks at a time in the months of March, President Jonathan and

The power situation has degenerated even further in the weeks since President Jonathan lost the 2015 election

Where Cancer Feasts: Lamentation for Oronto Natei Douglas

F

OR a full decade, we were in touch with each other only sporadically.

Then one smouldering Texas summer evening four years after our last conversation, he called me. He had heard that I was done with my doctoral studies at Cornell and had taken up a position at Texas State University. He was in the US for personal reasons and wanted to congratulate me. And then he mentioned, casually,that he had recently been diagnosed with cancer and was in California for treatment. I cannot tell now if intimations of mortality were behind his impulse to call me.Nor what was for me the greater shock: the awful news be bore or the calm, oh-by-the-way, manner he delivered it?So stunned was I that, ironically, it was he who fell to reassuring me that he would be fine, that he and not cancer would laugh last. I wished him the best of luck and medicine and he in turn wished me a successful career in academia, adding that I shouldn’t tarry too long before returning home as “there is still work for us to do.”

Our communications remained sporadic until July 2013 when,now thinking of returning home, I began sounding out friends and acquaintances.

I recall him now doodling as we spoke in his office. He was delighted. He would do whatever he could to help with any final relocation plan. Unfortunately, by this time the Big C had begun to exact a heavier toll on his health, requiring more frequent trips to the oncologists.

We communicated more regularly now, though primarily by text messaging to husband his energy for work. A man of boundless vitality, he had an infinite enthusiasm for work and good causes.

C M Y K

Which brings me to the first time we met.

In Benin, while I was a law student and Secretary-General of the Students Union.

He had come from Port Harcourt and found a fellow nature and environmental rights enthusiast in Nnimmo Bassey, an architect.

They would soon be joined by Godwin Uyi Ojo and together be the moving spirit behind the Civil Liberties Organisation’s environmental rights project. By the time I began to devote a chapter to minority and environmental rights in the CLO’s acclaimed annual reports on human rights, the need had arisen for the project’s autonomy, leading to Environmental Rights Action (ERA), Nigeria’s foremost nature preservation NGO and partner to Friends of the Earth.In the beginning, Oronto was ERA’s chief field officer and intellectual force. He would team up with Ike Okonta to write the seminal Where Vultures Feast: Shell, Human Rights, and Oil in the Niger Delta, an unanswerable

Certainly, his life long exertions in pursuit of a livable Niger Delta, a free and fair Nigeria, give testimony of his service to humanity at large

the men and women in his government were deliberately setting up Nigerians to be duped.

Theirs was a vote-getting strategy that underlined the calculating and duplicitous ways of an administration that was no longer capable of objective selfassessment. The Jonathan government had become good at being idle, better at claiming non-existent achievements and best at blaming its failures on past administrations. Outside the foregoing the only option left for it in the weeks before the election was to try to deceive the people.

It is true that many of the identifiable failures of this administration are traceable to previous administrations.

Unstable power was an issue the Obasanjo administration promised to eradicate, tried to tackle but failed to conquer. Yet Obasanjo began the process of transforming the behemoth that was the Power Holding Company into the several companies that are now collectively known as the distribution companies or discos. Umar Yar’Adu did his bit before dropping the baton that Jonathan picked. The process of transforming the power sector or building on past efforts did not start with any of the administration before Jonathan’s. It would not end with them. Which means they too could have heaped the blame for their failures on previous governments and/or regimes before theirs. But they were not stuck on past failures.

This is to say that in failing to live up to Nigerians’ expectations of the power sector, the Jonathan government must take full responsibility.

indictment of transnational oil companies’ despoliation of the Niger Delta in shocking collusion with our rentcrazed federal government.

So prominent was Oronto in the self-determination struggles of the Niger Delta, and by extension Nigeria, that when he accepted to be Commissioner of Information and Strategy in his young state of Bayelsa, a debate ensued in the human rights community on the proprietary of rights activists serving in government when the oppressive and exploitative structure of the state remained unchanged. I had argued that to wait for a revolutionary government before good people would enter public service is literally to wait for Godot, as the master of absurdist theatre, Samuel Beckett,might put it. Besides, when good people scorn government, who takes their place and how much better do we fare?

Just one condition would do for me: that the comrade be convinced of making a genuine contribution. And leave when that is no longer possible.

I’m mourning Natei,not scoring his achievements in government, but going by the number of men and women he brought into government, some of them occupying very important positions even now, and the universally good opinion of those who really knew him, he did a lot of good in a very short time, my differences with the governments under which he served the nation aside. Indeed,the first part of my last, unanswered, text message to him on 7 April restates that very point: “Natei, you must be back home? And surely in better shape than when you last went to the US?Just want to say congratulations to President Jonathan for the historic act of statesmanship that

The power situation has degenerated even further in the weeks since President Jonathan lost the 2015 election. Darkness has become more pronounced across the country, with many living with electricity for less than five hours in several days.

This was not what Goodluck Jonathan promised, even as the elections drew closer and closer.

Indeed, as each day brought Nigerians closer to the election day, so did President Jonathan’s promises increased. Many times during his campaign, I wondered how the president hoped to redeem his many made-for-themoment promises that were different from his promises to turn the power sector around. In addition to these promises, there were talks of cutting down the tariff on electricity during the election season. But in the weeks since the presidential polls were won and lost, the talk has changed and Nigerians are now being told that the promised cut in electricity tariffs will not apply to all Nigerians. What does this say of this administration?

No matter the statistics reeled out by Jonathan’s ministers and hangers-on (they’ve all been silent since March 28) on his stellar performance as president, what is obvious from his performance sheet as far as the power sector is concerned is a big F for failure. He cannot run away from this. Which is another way of saying that the in-coming Mohammadu Buhari administration, has its job cut out for it in one prominent sector of the country. As many Nigerians by now know, no meaningful development can be achieved without a stable and effective power sector.

doubtlessly marks a new chapter in our troubled search for nationhood. I was one of his fiercest critics but he deserves nothing but praise for putting country first even in the hour of his defeat. History will be kind to him on that very patriotic act.”

In one of his Dispatches from Tumor town, Christopher Hitchens, another intrepid victim of cancer, quotes Horace Mann, an American educator, thus:”Until you have done something for humanity,you should be ashamed to die.”

Hitchens had wanted so badly to beat cancer that he might do some mighty deed before dying. Yet not many who lived longer than him (Hitchens died at 62) could boast half of his achievements. Oronto was no Hitchens, moreover cancer made a feast of him a full 13 years sooner, but if the report that Bassey gives of his last days and hours is true, then in not being afraid to die, Oronto must have felt he had given a good account of the cruelly short time allotted him on earth. Certainly, his life long exertions in pursuit of a livable Niger Delta, a free and fair Nigeria, give testimony of his service to humanity at large. And he will continually call to us from the black waters of the Niger Delta creeks.

Adieu, dear friend.

20—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

XENOPHOBIA: Mattters arising

By Ebele Orakpo

They killed my brother, stole his corpse from the morgue and set it ablaze —Miracle Alison, brother of slain youth

By Jimitota Onoyume, Assistant News Editor

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ORT HARCOURT: The governorship and state assembly elections have come and gone but some families in Rivers state will continue to be haunted by the very sad memories of April 11 and its aftermath. It was a day they lost their loved ones to electoral violence.

Among those reportedly killed that day was a youth leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government •The late Hope Alison Area, Mr Clever O. Communither ’s house again and set it ty sources said he was shot by ablaze. They also beat my dad suspected political thugs at a ward mercilessly. My father is a title in the area. holder, Eze Alison, the Ochimba In Buguma, it was a similar 1 of Umukwe. He received Nyestory. An aide to a former militant som Ezebunwa Wike when he leader was also shot dead on the came to our place. My dad even election day. Community sources gave him a title, the “Light of Rivgave his name as Iminabo. ers State”. The assassins when In Eche Local Government Area they came demanded for the mon, Hope Alison of the Peoples ey Wike allegedly gave him. But Democratic Party, PDP, was alleg- my father told them he was not edly hacked to death by suspected given any money. They beat him political thugs on the election day. mercilessly. Nobody lives in our His blood brother, Miracle Alison, house now. They said they will said killers of his brother went to not rest until they wipe out my the morgue where his remains entire family. It is only God that were deposited and set the corpse has kept us till date. on fire.

“My brother was killed on April He narrated the story of what 11 at Ochokochi on the day of the allegedly happened to Vanguard election. They killed him because Metro, VM. “God in heaven he was protecting his party ’s knows that my late brother had votes. His corpse was deposited nothing to give me and I had noth- at the mortuary in Iminyi Igbodo ing to give him.

Etche. But those who killed him went to the mortuary where his Coming of the body was kept and burnt it. assassins My brother’s death was political. My brother is not a cultist. My Seeing him as an elder brother mother is alive but not strong. made me happy. That is the only joy I derived from him as my senior brother. His name is Hope Alison.

And my name is Alison Miracle.

“My brother told me sometime ago that he had been receiving threats from people for being a member of PDP. They even offered him money which he rejected. He made it clear to all that he was a die-hard PDP member. They had tried to kill him in the past.

Assassins came to his house, met me and were asking for him but he escaped. This happened in August last year. But something very Miracle said he sad happened that day. Before they left, the assassins hit my was still in hiding brother’s wife with a very hard because those allegobject because she was screaming that the assassins should leave me edly behind his alone when she saw that they were brother’s killing trying to drag me away. She died from what they did. The assassins have threatened to later moved to my brother’s shop come for him and took everything there.

“This year they came to my faC M Y K

•Miracle Alison

•The late Clever Orukwowu My brother was about 32 years when he died; he left a son and three daughters. “ Miracle said he was still in hiding because those allegedly behind his brother’s killing have threatened to come for him. He also enjoined the Governor-Elect, Nyesom Wike and the PDP, to come to the aid of his late brother’s four children.” Things have been very tough for all of us. Ezebunwon and the PDP should assist my late brother’s children. He should not die in vain,” he pleaded.

There have been accusations and counter-accusations among some political parties in the state over the killings. Some killings were also recorded before the general elections which the Police attributed to rivalry among cult groups, but the APC said they were politically motivated Governor Chibuike Amaechi on his part has set up a commission of inquiry to unravel mysteries around these alleged political killings. The 11-man committee headed by Professor Chidi Odinkalu, Chairman National Human Rights Commission, was given 30 days to turn in its report.

According to Governor Amaechi, the commission is to uncover why they were killed, who killed them and under what circumstance.

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AN is the trouble with God’s earth. Since He created man, God has not rested. From enslavement of Africans, to Hitler’s gas chambers, to Rwandan genocide and many too numerous to mention, and now, killing of fellow Africans in South Africa, SA,” declared Patrick in the Apapa-bound vehicle. He was speaking about the xenophobic attacks in SA. “ It’s so sad. How could they turn against the very people that fought and spent resources to liberate them from apartheid regime? The worst part is that the government is not doing enough to stop the attacks. I heard that in some cases, the Police stood by and watched them kill, maim and loot without lifting a finger to save the victims, “ said Franca.

“Their President, Jacob Zuma’s ministry is the ministry of women affairs. He is busy marrying wives and is not concerned about protecting foreigners,” said Beatrice.

“While we condemn South Africans, we should look inwards because such things have been going on right under our noses and we pretend it is nothing. If you’ve been following happenings in Nigeria’s North, you would have noticed that at any slightest opportunity, a certain tribe and their businesses are attacked. Later, the attacks were directed at a certain religion, so you are killed or maimed because of your tribe or religion and nothing happens to the perpetrators. Let’s not be hypocrites. If we can’t condemn it here and punish perpetrators, we have no moral right to condemn others,” said Nick angrily.

Replied Franca: “Sure. If the perpetrators had been brought to book even once, things would have been different now. But the powers-that-be always let them go scot-free, so the cycle continues. Imagine innocent Nigerians losing their lives because of a cartoon in far away Denmark, something they knew absolutely nothing about.” “I think non-South Africans should leave. After all, in Nigeria, instead of dealing with offenders, the victims are advised to go back to their regions,” said Nick.

“Bros, that’s not the solution. Some people will rather fight than give in to intimidation,” said Patrick.

Said Rose: “Apart from that, Nigerians can show their displeasure by attacking SA businesses here.‘Do me, I do you, God no go vex. Wicked and violent people don’t understand any other language except theirs. So pay them back in their own coin.”

Volume of transactions “NO! That will be descending to their level. We must be civil in our response. We can boycott Multichoice, MTN, Shoprite and Standard Chartered Bank for starters. I bet you, they will lose billions. Moreover, it is high time we demanded for our rights. They overcharge us for their services despite having the highest volume of transactions here. MTN and Multichoice treat us like dirt. Once your subscription expires, you are cut off, not even a grace of one hour! Whether you use their services or not, you keep paying unlike in SA where you pay as you go,” said Patrick.

“I think that has to do with our leaders who place selfish interests above national interests. I heard that a former president has huge share in MTN, so he could not caution them when they err. Again, some of them have businesses in SA like refineries which they would not want to lose by fighting SA businesses here. We should look beyond our leaders and do what we can as individuals,” noted Franca.

“This again brings us to the issue of our so-called leaders getting loose with their tongues. The attacks started as a result of a statement by the Zulu king. Such people should be locked up in zoos. If an ordinary man had said that, it would not have elicited any reaction but the king? SA men resent Nigerian men because SA women prefer our men, thus they needed someone to pull the trigger in order to explode. The king did that by his utterance. It was just like what the Oba of Lagos did, threatening to drown a certain tribe in the lagoon if they did not vote for his candidate. I bet you, if his candidate had not won, there would have been serious trouble,” said Beatrice.

“But despite that, some miscreants are exploiting that threat. A friend told me that in Amuwo Odofin, a man’s building materials were stolen and he invited the Police to arrest the thief. Not only did the indigenes stop the police from effecting the arrest, the youths began to attack nonindigenes, asking them to leave; after all they did not vote for their candidate,” said Nick.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

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NLNG remits $21bn to JV feed gas suppliers

By Ediri Ejoh

T

AGM: From left: Director, United Capital Plc (UCP), Emmanuel Nnorom; Group CEO, UCP, Oluwatoyin Sanni ; and Chairman, UCP, Chika Mordi at the United Capital Plc Annual General Meeting, in Lagos.

Nigeria generated 4,226 jobs last three months of 2014 —NBS

T

By Omoh Gabriel

he National Bureau of Statistics yesterday said that a total of 4,226 jobs were created in the last quarter of 2014.

The Bureau in its survey released yesterday said that the jobs were collated from formal establishments in 18 economic sectors that were surveyed. It said that one man business dominated the job creation with 2,725 establishments.

The survey report said “As indicated in the summary finding earlier in the report, the formal sector of the economy generated 138,026 new jobs in the 4th quarter of 2014.

Analysing these new jobs by cadres, the

$141.00

2.30

$2,772.00

-7. 00

12.51

-0.18

.

operatives cadre recorded the highest number of jobs in the 4th quarter, rising from 49,246 employees in the previous quarter to 51,100 in fourth quarter of 2014, indicating an increase by 1,854 new employees or 3.76 per cent. The Managerial Professional and Technical Cadre followed with 32,974 new jobs or 23.89 per cent of the total jobs generated in the formal sector, showing decline in jobs created of 5,707 or 14.75 per cent jobs from the preceding quarter.

“The Clerical and Related Office Workers cadre remained third, with 27,169 jobs or 19.68 per cent of the total. The cadre that recorded the greatest increase in jobs created between third and fourth quarters was the ‘other cadre’, which went from 3,041 new jobs in third quarter to 8,589 new jobs in the fourth quarter.

“A breakdown of the new jobs by economic sector shows that the Education sector generated the most number of new jobs in the fourth quarter of 2014, with 54,729 Jobs or 39,65 per cent of the total, compared to third quarter 2014, in which manufacturing sector had the greatest Jobs created with 54,446 Jobs or 37.43 per

$62.95 -0.50

56.41 CURRENCY DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

BUYING

-0.03

CENTRAL

196 196.5 197 292.4516 293.1977 293.9437 210.3864 210.9231 211.4598 204.5502 205.072 205. 5938 1.6465 1.6507 1.6549 0.3039 0.3139 0.3239 271.0486 271.74 272.4315 31.6237 31.7049 31.786 52.2597 52.393 52.5263 28.1954 28.2673 28.3392 270.6564 271.3469 272.0373

CBN Exchange Rate as at 21/4/15

C M Y K

A breakdown of the new jobs by economic sector shows that the education sector generated the most number of new jobs in the fourth quarter of 2014, with 54,729 jobs or 39,65 per cent of the total, compared to third quarter 2014

cent of the total.

Manufacturing sector ranked the second most dominant employer of new labour in quarter four, with 31.401 or 22.75 per cent of all Jobs. The Wholesale and Retail Trade sector was the third most dominant, with 10,659 Jobs or 7.72 per cent of the new Jobs total.

“The majority of new jobs created in the formal sector belong to the 25 – 35 age group, with 65,683 new jobs or 47.58 per cent of the total jobs created in fourth quarter of 2014.

This indicated a decline of 9,163 or 12.24 per cent from third quarter 2014. Similarly, the second largest age group, 36-44, provided 39,244 new employees or 28.43% of the total in the fourth quarter, showing an increase of 10,604 or 37.02 per cent when compared to Q3. Operatives in the age-group 36-44 had the highest number of new employees, with 24,936 or 18.06 per cent of the total new jobs.

For the age-group 25-35, Managerial Professional and Technical Workers had the most number of new employees with 21,141 or 15.32 per cent in fourth quarter”.

It said “By legal ownership classification, establishments owned by Sole Proprietors, which is defined as a business entity owned and run by one person without any legal distinction between the owner and the business,dominatedwith2,725establishments or 64.48 per cent of the fourth quarter, 2014 total. The survey it said showed a marginal increase of 2.48 per cent points in the last quarter of 2014, when compared to 62.00 per cent share held in the third quarter of 2014.

“The Sole Proprietorship maintained dominance in all other sectors except in Construction; Transportation and Storage; Finance and Insurance sectors.

The second most dominant type of legal ownership status was ‘Private Limited Liability Company ’, defined as a hybrid type of business entity used in many jurisdictions in which the business itself is liable for its debts.

he Nigeria LNG Limited, NLNG, said it had spent over $21 billion as payment to Joint Ventures, JV, feed gas suppliers from inception till date, adding that 55 to 60 percent of this amount went to the Federation Account via its shareholding in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. According to its publication titled, Nigeria LNG Limited: Facts and figures on NLNG 2015, the company stated that it has utilised gas that would otherwise be flared, thus resulting to a significant contribution to the nation’s income while helping to protect the environment.

It further stated that over the years, the company paid dividends of almost $30 billion, out of which 49 percent went into the Federation Account through the NNPC. The company also said it contributed to the wealth and economic wellbeing of the states in which it operates; by ensuring it paid all applicable taxes and tariffs. “However, in 2014, the company ’s corporate income tax amounted to about N220 billion, thus making it the highest tax payer in the Nigeria and Sub-Sahara Africa.”

Upstream companies It added that it converted about 133 bcm (billion standard cubic metres) or 4.68 tcf (trillion cubic feet) of Associated Gas, AG, to exports as LNG and Natural Gas Liquids, NGLs, thus helping to reduce gas flaring by upstream companies.

On Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, the NLNG said through its plant construction, the company attracted a considerable amount of FDI into the country. The project today has assets ranging from property, plant and equipment, worth over $14billion which is financed mainly by the NLNG’s shareholders; with 51 percent stake by International oil Companies, IOCs, and 49 percent to the country through the NNPC. NLG further noted that since 20018, it has contributed about four percent of the country’s annual GDP. Also, with the current rebasing of the GDP, it now contributes about one percent to the GDP. On Domestic LPG supply, the company said it optimised the price of cooking gas from over N7000 in 2007, to less than N3,500 per 12.5kg cylinder today.

In addition, it reiterated its commitment to delivering over 250,000 tonnes of LPG into the Nigerian market annually and has signed Sales and Purchase Agreements, SPAs, with 15 off-takers (all Nigerian companies) for the lifting of LPG for the domestic market.

Furthermore, on its corporate social responsibility scheme, the company had in May 2014, signed an MoU with six Nigerian universities for the development of engineering education with $12 million, to boost education in the country.

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

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African insurers believe that the time has come for Africans to support Africa’s growth by using local engineering insurance skills

Fairfax, AXA invest $61m in Africa Re

By Favour Nnabugwu, with agency reports

A

FRICA Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re) has signed two agreements with two leading global investors, Fairfax Financial holdings and AXA Insurance which paid $61 million to become a new shareholder of Africa Re. Fairfax acquired a 7.15% stake and a seat on the Board of Africa Re on March 25, 2015 while the Reinsurance giant also signed investment deal of $61m with AXA for 7.15% equity on February 20 this year.

The new strategic partnership with Fairfax, after the recent entry of AXA in February 2015, has strengthened Africa Re with $122 million capital. It is also a clear strategic move intended to achieve strong business partnerships with global industry players.

Mr. Corneille Karekezi, Africa Re’s Group Managing Director said, “We will work together to strengthen our positions in the reinsurance market with regard to product development, underwriting expertise, human capacity development, actuarial services, enterprise risk management, corporate governance, claims management and investment.”

He said that it was a great development for Africa Re, demonstrating the maturity of the company, its commitment and ability to strategically position itself in the fast changing and competitive landscape of the international reinsurance industry.

The shareholding structure of Africa Re has changed over time from a pure multilateral institution in the 1970s and 1980s to a diversified shareholding comprising 41 African states (34%), more than 100 African insurance and reinsurance companies (33%), the African Development Bank (8%), IRB-Brasil Re, a leading Brazilian reinsurer (8%), AXA, the global leading French insurer that joined recently with a 7.15% stake and Proparco, a branch of the Agence Française De Development.

Investment horizon Until recently, development finance institutions (DFIs), including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), member of the World Bank Group, DeG (branch of the KfW bank) and FMo (Dutch development finance organisation) constituted the core of the non-African shareholding capped at 25% of the capital of Africa Re. Fairfax has acquired part of the shares put back by those DFIs that invested in Africa Re capital in 2004 and are exiting in accordance with a put option agreement allowing them to exit after the elapse of their investment horizon.

It will be recalled that Africa Re has posted a net profit of $118.50m for the full year 2014 compared to $84.80m in 2013, representing an increase of 39.74%.

The performance was driven by strong underwriting profit and steady investment results and was 7.37% higher than the Corporation’s five-year plan projections.

Gross written premium grew by 7.02% from Us$670.46m in 2013 to Us$ 717.53m. The growth trend continues to be impacted by the depreciation of the major transaction currencies of the Corporation and a competitive operating environment.

The Corporation attributes the good performance to increased income from treaties as a result of additional shares secured during treaty renewals. An improvement of loss experience in almost all classes of business (energy, fire/engineering, life, marine and motor) which led to a drop in the net loss ratio for most production centres, also contributed to the positive results.

Income earned by the Corporation from investment and other sources, including interest on reinsurance deposits and fee income, increased by 8.84% to stand at U$50.50m compared to Us$46.40m in 2013. Investment performance continues to be driven mainly by the equity and bond markets. Currency translation had a negative impact on the investment income. On an annualised basis, the return on investment was 4.78% compared to 4.53% as at the same period last year.

C M Y K

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INSURAN CRe bolsters retention of African premiums in the continent

By Favour Nnabugwu

H

ISTORICALLY foreign r e i n s u r a n c e companies have provided the requisite engineering insurance advisory skills and benefited from premiums generated in Africa.

However, African insurers believe that the time has come for Africans to support Africa’s growth by using local engineering insurance skills as well as fast-tracking the transfer of knowledge and training for insurance companies across the continent to ensure that Africa strengthens its capability to support its own growth.

It is in light of this that Continental Reinsurance Plc launched a new specialist subsidiary, Continental Property and engineering Risk Services (CPeRS) to meet the growing demand for specialist engineering insurance risk advisory services, which is currently driven by Africa’s infrastructure and construction boom.

The firm said that with

Africa’s investment in infrastructure, rapid urbanisation, projected economic growth, rising middle class, focus on regional integration and improved governance in many of Africa’s 54 nations, investment in construction on the continent is on a strong upwards trajectory.

Consequently, the demand for specialist engineering insurance skills is also increasing, according to Mr. Lawrence Nazare, Executive

For this reason, we have strengthened our core engineering capability by enhancing our existing offering

Director of Continental Reinsurance.

Nazare said that there is need for companies to provide the required specialist insurance skills and expertise to support efforts to bolster the retention of African reinsurance premiums in the continent.

He said, “For this reason, we have strengthened our core engineering capability by enhancing our existing offering.”

The four key functions of CPeRS are underwriting of engineering and construction risks in Africa; risk and advisory services; claims handling services; and training for the insurance companies.

Mr. Cassim Hansa, a professional civil engineer and MBA graduate, with more than 20 years’ experience in both the engineering and insurance industries in the US and South Africa has been appointed Managing Director of CPeRS. “Insurance professionals in Africa are hungry for training and unless we step in and fill

From left: Head, Corporate Communications & Brand Management, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Mr. Segun Bankole; Mr. Bayo Adeyemo, Chairman, Puzzles Group and Special Guest of Honour at the cocktail of the 3rd Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc Open Golf Tournament; and Mr. wale Onaolapo, MD/CEO, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

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CE & YOU

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There is need for companies to provide the required specialist insurance skills and expertise to support efforts to bolster the retention of African reinsurance premiums in the continent

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SA Insurance, SA Life to merge into composite company

B

OARDS of Standard Alliance Insurance Plc and Standard Alliance Life Assurance Limited have approved the merger of both companies to form a composite insurance company.

According to the organisations’ spokesman, Mr. Nelson Egboboh, the Boards’ corporate decision of combining the existing strengths of both companies was spurred by their desire to create a bigger and financially strong composite insurance company with stronger capacity to serve its various clients and play a more dominant role in the insurance sector.

He disclosed that the corporate action is being taken with a focus on delivering superior returns to the shareholders, provide much higher level of satisfactory service to clients and to save cost of operations.

He explained that to give the merger plan the necessary regulatory backing, the management has applied for and secured a ‘no objection consent’ from the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, noting that in line with market procedures and pursuant to Rule 228 (ii) of the Investment and Securities Act 1999, the Management has also notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange of the development.

From left: Alhaji Jimoh Are, Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Mathematics Association of Nigeria; Chukwusom Anyesom, student, Grandmate Schools and winner, Grade 5; and Anindya Bhanja, Head, Marketing Information Systems, Edusoft Associates at the maiden edition of the Abacus Smartkids Challenge held at Princeton Schools, Surulere, Lagos.

the urgent need for knowledge transfer in the insurance sector, Africa is at risk of losing the opportunity to foreign firms by not developing its own capabilities,” said Hansa.

CPeRS is committed to facilitating skills transfer and training to develop a stronger specialist engineering insurance sector on the

continent by delivering training sessions in fastdeveloping regions in Africa.

In 2015, CPeRS will conduct training in Harare, Lagos, Maputo, Nairobi, Gaborone and Lusaka.

More than 200 delegates from insurance companies have already attended training sessions delivered by

Continental Reinsurance on engineering and property risk services in 2014, in key regions across Africa, including Lagos, Harare and Addis Ababa.

CPeRS is registered in South Africa and will operate as a full subsidiary of Continental Reinsurance

PenCom, Edinburgh varsity collaborate on capacity building I

N its determination to improve the leadership and managerial skills of its staff, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has collaborated with the Business School of the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, to train some members of its staff.

The training, which held in Abuja between March 16 and 20, 2015; featured presentations and a case study workshop facilitated by leading international experts on leadership strategy and sustainable development.

Participants were drawn from the managerial cadre in the Commission and were equipped with the necessary skills to translate things learnt during the programme into actions in the workplace while facilitators took turns to answer questions on issues raised by participants.

The programme with the theme, “Executive Education Programme: Sustainability Strategy, Leadership and Management for the Public Sector,” was delivered by the Sustainable Business Initiative (SBI) of Edinburgh University, United Kingdom during which participants were granted access to the institution’s virtual learning environment.

Learning environment Participants were taken through some topics including Orchestrating Winning Strategies, Strategic Leadership, Role of Pension Funds in Corporate Governance, Governance of Pension Funds, Regulations of Pension Funds, Sustainability: Overview and Global Trends; Aviation Infrastructure and

Africa’s Development and Environmental, Social and Governmental (ESG) Integration across Asset Classes – an Investor ’s Perspective.

The Director of the Sustainable Business Initiative (SBI), University of Edinburgh; Dr. Kenneth Amaeshi said participants were given insights from researches on Sustainable Development, Pension Funds Management, and Leveraging Pension Funds for Infrastructure Development, Strategy and Sustainable Leadership.

“We have developed tools and training capabilities to equip managers and decisionmakers with the requisite skills to create and implement sustainable strategies, in this way, linking academia with practice,” Amaeshi stated.

Premium Pension introduces mobile application

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ITH a view to facilitating its operations and enhancing customer service and interaction, Premium Pension Limited has introduced a mobile application known as the Premium Pension Mobile.

In a statement, the company said that the move is in response to the evident need for devices that would further close the gap between the company’s operations and its customers on the one hand and the customers and their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) on the other.

“The pension industry is highly technologically driven” said Mr. Kayode Akande, the company ’s Executive Director, Operations and Services. “It is important that we remain at the cutting edge of technological rendition of pension fund administration in the country.”

“The Premium Pension Mobile is a mobile application that is downloadable from the app-stores of Androids, Blackberry, Apple Store and Windows phones” added Moses Kemza Riman, the company’s Head of Information Technology.

The mobile application is loaded with exciting features which include a dashboard view that shows summary of a customer ’s account/fund while incorporating a pie chart for the purpose of clarity. It also includes the history of unit prices and a graphical representation of movements in this regard. The mobile application also offers investment overview, contribution history, customer service information and contact layout as well as information on the company’s branches.

GAINERS FOR EQUITIES

LOSERS FOR EQUITIES

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

The power sector and the incoming Buhari administration

T From left: Managing Director, Kortext Ltd, Mr. Andrejs Alferovs; Business Development Manager, Universal Bipolar Consults Ltd, Mr. Adeolu Adenuga; Managing Partner, Mr. Adewole Afolabi; Chairman, Kortext Ltd, Mr. James Gray; and Chief Operations Officer, Mrs. Nadine Prowse, during the London Book Fair, at Olympia, London.

United Capital grows gross earnings by 2.3% Stories by Peter Egwuatu

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NITED Capital Plc, an investment banking firm in Nigeria has recorded a total assets of N95.29 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014, representing an increase of 20 per cent from N9 .48 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2013 The results show that cash and cash equivalents made up 33 per cent of the Group’s assets, while financial assets made up 61 percent of total assets. Shareholders’ Funds as at the end of 2014 was N 9.31billion and the company’s Return on Average Equity (ROE) was 21 per cent, highlighting continued value creation for share holders.

The company generated gross earnings of N 4.68 billion in 2014, up 2.3 percent from 2013. Total Gross Earnings were driven primarily by Fee and Commission Income (39 percent) and Investment Income (35 percent ). The company also grew Net Interest Margin, which is

income generated from funds under management by 103.08 per cent. Other income also grew 42.5 per cent over its 2013 value and contributed 16.2 per cent of Total Gross Earnings.

The profitability of the company improved over 2013, culminating in Profit after Tax rising by 5 per cent to close at N 1.84billion, up from 1.76 billion in 2013 and a strong Profit Margin of 39 per cent .

The profitability of the company improved over 2013, culminating in Profit after Tax rising by 5 per cent to close at N 1.84billion, up from 1.76 billion in 2013 and a strong Profit Margin of 39 per cent

This profitability level was achieved notwithstanding that the company operates predominantly in the capital market space where the equity market in general posted a negative return of 16.1 per cent.

However, operating expenses (Opex) increased by 18.6 per cent from 2013 to close at N2.4billion in 2014 as against N2.1billion in 2013. In the year under review, the company demonstrated its patriotism and strong commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through significant support to the tune of 150m in favour of the displaced victims of insurgency in the nation. The company’s management is confident of its ability to sweat the growth in assets to achieve greater profitability in future.

Management’s current drive is for a reduction in cost to income ratio through income growth from all the businesses as well as the deployment of recently acquired IT Infrastructure to drive efficiency.

Sterling Bank’s Q1 profit rises by 25% to N3.9bn

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terling Bank Plc has recorded a 25 percent increase in its profit after tax for the first quarter ended March 31st, 2015, demonstrating the lender ’s ability to sustain its growth in spite of industry headwinds.

According to key extracts of the results released today at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), which showed appreciable growth in all key performance indices, the Bank’s profit after tax leapt from N3.1 billion to N3.9billion year-on-year.

Similarly, pre-tax profit rose by 14.1 percent from N3.5 billion to N4.0 billion, while non-interest income grew by 31.9 percent from N6.1billon

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to N8.0 billion, driven by a 51 percent growth in fees and commission, which rose to N5 billion.

In the same breadth, net operating income inched up by 6.1 percent from N15.3 billion to N16.2 billion on the back of a growth in noninterest income and a 10.4 percent reduction in impairment charges.

Net loans and advances also increased by 5.7 percent from N371.2 billion to N392.4.0 billion due to the lender ’s “selective approach to asset creation.”

Besides, shareholders’ funds increased marginally by 4.3 percent from N84.7 billion to N88.4 billion due to profit

accretion, while total assets excluding contingent liabilities advanced by 2.1 percent from N824.5billion to N841.9 billion.

In the bank’s quarterly update to investors and analysts, Yemi Adeola, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive, stated: Our first quarter performance was in line with expectations having recorded a 25 percent growth in bottomline earnings. This was driven by non-interest income, which rose by 32 percent to N8.0 billion on the back of a 51 percent increase in fees and commission.

hese are solemn times in Governor Fashola stated that the Nigeria. Nigerians want IPP on the Marina in Lagos their national government to would be expected to provide the succeed but we are uncertain power for the operations of the as to whether the government rail service between the Marina would have the will and the and Okokomaiko on the Lagos capacity to succeed. Hence, to Badagry expressway. This there has been a flurry of IPP currently serves the Lagos suggestions addressed to General Hospital, the Island President-elect Buhari.

Maternity Hospital, the High The All Progressives Court and Magistrate Court Congress, APC, has included Complexes at Igbosere. the construction and operation The incoming Federal of small power plants in its Government can, as a first manifesto. In the first place, the project, get the Central Bank of generating equipment to be Nigeria and the Bank of provided at these power plants Industry to lead a consortium should be able to use as fuel that would build another power both diesel and natural gas if plant on Lagos Island. Other the APC manifesto is to have members of the consortium immediate impact. Availability should include the Nigerian of gas for the various power Stock Exchange, First Bank, plants across Nigeria would Union Bank, United Bank for take several years to Africa, Wema Bank, Shell accomplish. In the second Petroleum Development place, capital C o m p a n y, funds for these and other The act of power plants companies on should be put limiting loan the Broad together as joint Street – ventures that capital on Marina axis. would include a projects would T h e power plant consortium operator, the make the would partner members of the projects with a power communities plant operator which the power readily and the Eko plant would feasible given Electricity serve, the local Distribution the high electricity Company. d i s t r i b u t i o n interest rates company, the in Nigeria The Escravos government and to Lagos gas with the loan pipeline was finance kept to a barest built initially to supply natural minimum not exceeding 25% of gas to what is now Egbin Power the total funds required.

Plc. The pipeline has been The act of limiting loan transformed into the West African capital on projects would make Gas pipeline by its extension the projects readily feasible through Otta in Ogun State, given the high interest rates in Badagry in Lagos State and in a Nigeria. Power purchase subsea pipeline to Ghana. From agreements between the power time to time, there have been plant owners and the local reports of the vandalisation of the electricity distribution company Escravos to Lagos pipeline and could be an area of difficulty. with these reports there have The power plant should make been drops in the power available a profit and the local in the national grid. communities would want to The power plants at Egbin pay competitive rates for the Power Plc can use low pour fuel power supplied. oil as an alternative to natural The involvement of the gas. We should, as a strategic power consumers as step, ensure Egbin Power Plc is shareholders in the power working at full capacity all the plant venture would make it time and we should adopt the low easier to resolve some of the pour fuel oil for use at Egbin all difficulties encountered in the time. putting together a power Whatever gas is available on purchase agreement. the Escravos to Lagos pipeline The Lagos State could be put to use at the other Government, LASG, has been power stations at Omotosho and able to implement a number of Olorunsogo and at various Independent Power Plants, industries.

IPPs, which are exclusively for the use of the LASG. Recently, To Be Continued

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 —25

DIARY zICT Africa Cape Town, South Africa July 15-16, 2015 z eLearning Africa 2015 Lagos, May 20-22, 2015

‘Why Nigerian software programmers abroad should think home’

Mr. Anderson Osagie, Founder, Listuwa

Preview ICUPooch solves dog separation anxiety

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HIRTEEN-year-old Brooke Martin developed a machine that lets you video chat with your dog and dispenses treats remotely. ‘iCUpooch’ launched a kick starter campaign in 2014.

The invention includes a container to house the treats, and a screen on the front. The prototype seemed susceptible to canine claws, so Brooke worked with her instructor from the competition to further protect the screen.

Brooke Martin is an ambitious 13 year old entrepreneur that entered a science competition called Startup Weekend Spokane. She immediately began working in her garage in Spokane, Washington on prototypes. She developed this idea because her golden retriever had severe separation sickness.

Brooke signed for a patent in March 2013 with the help of Spokane based patent law firm, Lee & Hayes.

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By Prince Osuagwu & Laju Iren

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IGERIA has fared a bit better in technology advancements, particularly in the area of telecommunications. It all started with the deregulation of the telecom sector where the nation’s carrier, NITEL held sway for decades of telecom underdevelopment.

However, by 2001 when the first set of mobile licenses were auctioned, ushering in the Global System for Mobile communications, GSM operators, the stage for revolution and the possible explosion experienced at the moment was set.

A country with over 150 million people yearning to talk to one another in most convenient way without hindrances, it was little wonder why, in less than a decade, the sector leveraged the country to overtake major world powers to become one of the fastest growing telecom economies in the world.

Today, with over $32 billion investment, over 142 million active mobile subscriptions and over 80 million internet subscriptions, it wouldn’t surprise many, why Nigeria has become the haven of world investors.

But with all that flambouyant credentials, the country still lags behind in one of the areas that matter most- local software content. Foreign investors could

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build infrastructure and other components that help drive the economy but a nation that desires to hold its own must have an appreciable local content base.

That is a lapse a Nigerian-born American citizen, Mr Anderson Osagie discovered and is planning to fix it. Osagie is not deceiving himself to have the ability to do it all alone, but he believes that if the scores of Nigerian software engineers traversing the length and breadth America, Europe and other developed nations would think home, the country would be greater in technology.

Meanwhile, Osagie, an American trained software programmer, Founder and Principal Engineer of Listuwa, a company which focuses on analytics, security, big data and

Internet governance: Stakeholders demand passage of digital rights, freedom bill

PAGE 26

advertising, is home on a fact finding, exploratory mission. He has been a software engineer in the United States for about fifteen years and his ideas to equip young Nigerians with the power

Building local technologists would be much easier in the area of software than hardware

Afrinvest gives stock investors mgt power with mobile app PAGE 26

to create wealth with software programming are worth listening to.

“There is somewhat of a stigma against Nigerian technologists because of the erroneous belief that majority of people here are scammers. But the country can build its own army of local software developers. The way to go is targeting people who show some kind of interest in software engineering whether in schools or churches, educating and empowering them with personal computers. Building local technologists would be much easier in the area of software than hardware. For hardware, the infrastructure has to be there.

But for software, it’s very accessible. You can learn programming in a week; all you Continues on page 28

Samsung steps up Galaxy series with S6, S6 edge PAGE 27

26 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

SOCIETY & SOCIAL MEDIA

By Agbolade Omowole @iamagbolade

The five laws of engagement on Twitter

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HE rules of engagement on social media have changed. You cannot bank on the archaic, no-more-relevant techniques to build a loyal following and engage your followers on Twitter. If you care to take your engagement to the next level, here are some tips.

1. Ask questions: The easiest way to connect with other people on social media is to ask an intelligent question. Chances are, if you ask the right question, you will get the right answer. After a thoughtful post, asking a simple question like ‘what do you think’ or ‘do you agree’ will make engagement skyrocket.

2. Retweet Meaningful Posts: Equity theory is a theory that attempts to explain relational satisfaction in terms of perceptions of fair/unfair distributions within interpersonal relationships. The belief is that people value fair treatment which causes them to be motivated to keep the fairness maintained within the relationships.

Implementing this on Twitter means you have to retweet those people who you want to get to retweet your own content.

By retweeting someone’s content, you are creating a psychological imbalance that will favour you. The other person will feel indebted to you and find a way to retweet your own content to restore balance.

3. Use hashtags judiciously: A hashtag immediately expands the reach of your tweet beyond just those who follow you, to reach anyone interested in that hashtag phrase or keyword. Some hashtags are viewed by 100 people every 5 minutes.

That is incredible.

A recent research revealed that tweets with hashtags receive 2x more engagement than those without hashtags.

Tweets with one or two hashtags have 21 percent higher engagement than those with three or more hashtags. Tweets with one or more hashtag are 55 percent more likely to be retweeted.

4. Tweet at the right time: While it is convenient to tweet when you feel like it, you can use a service or software to schedule your tweets to appear in the evening.

A recent research by Dan Zarrella’s revealed that engagement rates are 18% higher on Thursdays and Fridays. He found that engagement was 32% higher on weekends, so the end of the week is definitely a good time to increase engagement.

Twitter engagement for brands is 17% higher on weekends according to Dan Zarrella’s research.

5. Tell your story in pictures: Photos add glamour to your tweets. Since each Tweet represents an opportunity to show your voice and strengthen that relationship with your followers, it is imperative to add glamour to it.

One research proved that photos give verified users a 35% bump in retweets, compared to what they would get anyway.

To each Tweet can now include multiple Twitter images, offering you more opportunities to showcase visuals that represent your brand or product. Up to 4 images can be added to a Tweet, and will then be displayed in a very shareable preview collage.

Internet governance: Stakeholders demand passage of Digital Rights and Freedom Bill

By Emmanuel Elebeke & Caleb Anyansina

From left: Director of Operations, Rack Centre, Ezekiel Egboye; Managing Director, Rack Centre, Ayotunde Coker; Group CFO, Jagal, Richard Turner at Rack Centre stand at the Nigerian Oil &Gas Conference and International exhibition, Abuja.

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HE growing concerns and the global debate on internet governance and internet polices took the front burner at a stakeholders conference held in Abuja last week.

The conference, which is a Coalition of 14 different Civil Society Organisations, CSOs and experts, attended, were of the view that Nigerians and the relevant stakeholders in the Information, Communication and Technology, ICT, sector need to throw their weight behind the speedy passage of the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill.

Recall that the campaign for the Digital Rights and Freedom bill started in 2014.

It covers innovative ways in which issues such as right to digital privacy online, anonymity, and data stored in the cloud among others are managed.

In his address at the occasion, the Chief Operating Officer of the Paradigm Initiative Nigeria PIN, Tope Ogundipe, underscored the importance of the bill, saying that the passage of the bill is very imperative, in the light of growing concerns and the global debate on internet governance and internet polices in general.

Ogundipe said that the bill would “promote freedom of expression and

association online, promote access to development through technology, encourage technology for innovation and wealth creation, safeguard the digital liberty of Nigerians now and in the future, support the participation and engagement of Nigerians in public life, contribute to democracy and advance Nigeria’s leadership in Africa on technology, ‘In a nutshell, it is to ensure the applicability of offline rights online,” she added.

Citing Kenya and South Africa among African countries that had achieved the free rating in 2012, Ogundipe noted that a free digital environment in Nigeria would not only ensure compliance with established rights and freedoms, but would also guarantee active participation of citizens towards socio- economic

development.

She disclosed that everything had been done to ensure that “the bill is legally and technically sound.”

She stated that the coalition was now set to present the draft bill to the 8thparliament as soon as they resume, calling on the general public to support the bill for smooth and speedy passage.

Her words: “The first press conference on the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill held in November, 2014. Since then, there has been a great deal of work done by the NetRightsNG coalition with extensive consultations and review with technical and legal experts both locally and internationally, in order to produce the first ever Digital Rights and Freedom Bill in Nigeria".

Afrinvest gives stock investors management power with mobile app

By Prince Osuagwu

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HERE are well over 50 million internet users in Nigeria today.

Most incidentally, a great majority of these users do so through their mobile phones. This creates a market opportunity which only the innovative could easily identify.

Apparently trying to be the most innovative stock broking company, Afrinvest Securities Limited has cashed on the opportunity of robust mobile internet penetration to introduce an online equity trading mobile application, tagged Afrinvestor.com application.

The mobile app allows client’s mobile access to their brokerage accounts and portfolio data.

Group Managing Director of the company, Mr Ike Chioke, while unveiling the app to the media, said that the company was motivated by a lot of factors which all favours mobile internet penetration in the country.

Chioke noted that mobile internet penetration which accounts for a larger proportion of the 50 million internet users in Nigeria has made it inevitable for forward looking business people to think online.

He cited example of the last general elections, saying that it reinforced the fact that, through the mobile internet, even people in diaspora are becoming more interested in what is happening in Africa and indeed Nigeria.

He therefore claimed that an app that

can easily link them to activities, particularly in the financial sector, was highly necessary.

According to Chioke, all these factors motivated the company to develop the application which is currently running on IOS and Android platforms respectively.

The app is credited to bringing real time online transparency in stock market activities and eliminates all brokerage bottlenecks investors were hitherto having with their brokers. It hands the user the power to know, real time, the availability of shares on offer, and create market for the ones on sale.

It also gives informed and accurate, real time market price movement for users willing to sell or buy shares. The innovation follows the launch of the

It also gives informed and accurate, real time market price movement for users willing to sell or buy shares

firm’s online trading portal, Afrinvestor.com, in September 2014.

At the launch of Afrinvestor.com, Managing Director of the company, Charles Egbunonwo, had said, “Afrinvest has always placed a premium on the use of technology as a business enabler, and the introduction of Afrinvestor.com is to empower clients to take more control of their investments, supported by sound investment advice and professional guidance.”

Portfolio performance Egbunonwo also stated, “ with Afrinvestor.com, our clients and investors will not only be able to initiate and execute trades online; they can also view and edit their account information and portfolio performance, access a wealth of in-depth equity research as well as market data and intelligence on companies, key sectors and the broader Nigerian economy, all from the comfort of their homes or offices or on the go.”

Head,Corporate Communications at Afrinvest, Oladipo James, explained that a user must register on Afrinvest’s portal in order to be able to use the app “Existing clients of Afrinvest Securities Limited can request for their login credentials by sending an email to us while new clients need only complete our simple online account opening form and upload required documents, no minimum account opening balance is required,” he added.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 —27

NCC leads operators to NITRA’s innovation seminar

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L-r: SEPLAT CEO, Austin Avuru, FBN Capital Deputy Managing Director, Taiwo Okeowo, SEPLAT's Chief Finance Officer, Roger Brown share a joke at the signing ceremony of the USD700 million secured seven year term loan raised

by FBN Capital, First Bank Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC, UBA, and Zenith for SEPLAT in Lagos, yesterday

Samsung steps up Galaxy series with S6, S6 Edge

By Prince Osuagwu & Emeka Aginam

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T appears Samsung Electronics is not prepared to surrender its leading position in the mobile device eco system. At least it proved so at the weekend when it launched two advanced models to its Galaxy series of mobile devices.

The two additions, Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, succeeded the Galaxy S5 which was released in 2014.

The new smartphones, according to Samsung, are a blend of premium components with the most advanced Samsung technology.

They are imbued with incredibly intelligent cameras, with architectural designs that reflect craftsmanship and performance.

Managing Director of Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim, while unveiling the products, said that the new Galaxy S6 edge and S6 duos highlight the most refined phone experience ever by combining the latest technology that users expect from Samsung’s Galaxy series.

Kim said the company was committed to fulfilling its brand promise of inspiring the world and creating the future by bringing new and outstanding innovations to the doorstep of consumers. The Galaxy S6 edge has dual

curved edge display with intelligent camera, futuristic design and super-fast charging. The Galaxy S6 duos is the dual sim version of the S6 which has flat style screen.

Some of the exceptional features of the Galaxy S6 Edge include People Edge, Edge Lighting and Information Stream. The people edge and edge lighting work simultaneously. While the people edge allows users assign different colors to up to five favorite contacts making it easier to identify a caller, the edge lighting feature kicks in, lighting up the edge of the screen in the corresponding colour when notifications from the selected contacts are received including when the phone is placed face down.

camera captures in about 0.7 seconds which is super-fast.

Users can easily launch the camera app by double clicking the home button, while the volume keys can be used as a shutter button. Combining that speed with the quickness of launching the camera with a double tap of the home button delivers an all around great experience.

Both devices support built in

Information stream Users can easily dismiss the call or send a default message simply by touching the heart rate sensor on the back.

The information stream feature allows users choose from a selection of feeds that will steadily scroll along the edge display The devices’ 16-megapixel rear-facing camera and the 5megapixel front-facing camera are equipped with F1.9 lenses and high resolution sensors that enable users capture every precious moment with friends, even in the dark. The

Combining that speed with the quickness of launching the camera with a double tap of the home button delivers an all around great experience

Qi wireless charging where you can charge your device wirelessly using a wireless charging pad. It’s an impressive set of charging feature that supports the nonremovable battery capacities.

With the super-fast charging feature, the device run for four hours on just ten minutes of charging, and charges to full battery in about 85 minutes. home button also doubles as a fingerprint reader, users no longer need to swipe; just place your finger on the button and it is recognized.

The glass body, made out of a fusion of Corning Gorilla 4 (which is 50 percent stronger, tougher and more durable than any other Gorilla Glass) against sharp contact damage, which is the primary reason that mobile devices break and also gives the devices a dynamic reflective aura.

Director of Hand Held Products for Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas described this range of Galaxy smartphones as a testament to Samsung’s leadership and innovation in the smartphone market.

TAKEHOLDERS in the nation’s telecoms sector are set for an industry seminar aimed at charting the way forward in deepening the level of local innovations development in the nation’s telecoms industry.

The event, a brainchild of the Nigeria Information and Communication Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA), is the maiden edition of the Quarterly Telecoms Seminar Series of the association.

With the theme: “Engendering Local Innovations in the Nigeria’s Telecoms Sector,” the event is scheduled to hold on Thursday, April 30th 2015, at Westown Hotel, Ikeja Lagos by 10 a.m.

Sponsored by the country’s innovative telecoms company, Etisalat Nigeria, the event is also enjoying the supports of other players such as Visafone, MTN, Airtel, Glo, Zinox, Signal Alliance, MainOne, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, Teledom Group, Omatek, Nigeria Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), among others.

Vodacom links customers to IXPN

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ODACOM Business Nigeria has connected its global network to the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN). The IXPN platform allows several Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and network operators in Nigeria to exchange traffic between their networks by means of peering agreements based on transparency and confidentiality.

Vodacom Business Nigeria says by this development, it has become the first enterprise solutions provider connected to the newly created IXPN exchange point in Ikeja, Lagos.

Connecting to IXPN not only reduces internet transport costs and network latency but also ensures faster access to local content as traffic is exchanged locally.

The real value of an Internet exchange is in encouraging a maximum number of local ISPs to connect across the IXPN peering points.

Chief Technical Officer of Vodacom Business Nigeria, Vernon Van Rooyen, said that “with our connection to IXPN we have improved on our ability to connect locally and with a large number of the world’s internet networks directly. This improves latency times and reliability, for all our customers.

28—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Check Point introduces threat extraction for zero malware

BlackBerry Leap targets young professionals, enterprise users

By Emeka Aginam

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ANADIAN phone maker, BlackBerry Limited has announced the availability of BlackBerry Leap in the United Kingdom and roll-out in major markets including Nigeria.

The new device targets young professionals who want to get things done and companies looking for enterprise fleet renewals.

The product, according to the smart phone maker was also designed for consumers who value security and privacy while pushing their productivity to the next level The device will continue to roll-out over the next few weeks across countries including Germany, France, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and India.

Speaking on the product, Ron Louks, President, Devices and Emerging Solutions at BlackBerry, said: “With an alltouch screen, the BlackBerry Leap rounds out our portfolio of BlackBerry 10 devices,

offering an affordable choice to mobile professionals who require a smartphone that safeguards sensitive communications and keeps them productive.”

Specifically, the features the latest BlackBerry 10.3.1 operating system, a brilliant edge-to-edge five-inch HD display and more than a full day’s battery power.

BlackBerry Leap was designed with the highest standards of security in mind to protect users privacy. It is equipped with support for encryption, plus built-in malware protection and back-up, wipe and restore. All, to give control and help secure data against costly cyber attack.

With up to 25 hours of heavy use, the BlackBerry Leap will power through even your most demanding day. The impressive 2800 mAh battery and optimization of power consumption in BlackBerry 10 gives users more than a full day of productive usage.

Keyboard Type faster and more accurately on a touchscreen keyboard that learns

By Emeka Aginam

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•Blackberry Leap how you write. With superior error correction, multi-language support, customized adaption and flow, BlackBerry’s touchscreen keyboard helps to reduce the mistakes and missteps that can hold you back.

BlackBerry Leap comes preloaded with the new BlackBerry 10.3.1 operating system, offering a fresh look that incorporates updated icons and an instant action bar so that users’ most commonly accessed functions are in the center of their screen.

‘Why Nigerian software programmers abroad should think home’ Continues from page 25 need is a computer. You can continue harnessing those skills and providing those skills to businesses within the community and nation. It’s one of the most accessible professions you can get into. There isn’t much investment except your time and education”.

Even on the perceived infrastructure challenge plaguing the country, Osagie said “I know that when the mobile operators came here, they had infrastructure issues and had to even build on their own, but like I said, that was hardware issue. It is quite different from the issues I would have to face initially because my specialty is in software engineering; Meaning that it’s already built on the backbone of that infrastructure that mobile carriers and satellite carriers had provided. There still definitely going to be investment in the future, but for initial stages, we can piggyback off the infrastructure already provided.

•Osagie In America, Amazon provides web services, infrastructure and cloud services across the US, but they have also expanded to Ireland and London. Recently, I spoke with the IT manager of Konga who told me that using the mobile infrastructure, they are able to locate

their servers overseas and still be able to access them”.

But, is Mr Osagie forgetting that the US is somewhat a stabilized economy where even disruptive technologies can thrive better than here with challenges of spectrum, leadership and right policies. Does he think he could replicate his success in the US here?

“I agree that there are certain obstructions here. We built our company in America based on the infrastructure that they had, as well as the politics and the economy. I think where I can be of value, especially many years from now, would be to accelerate Nigeria’s progress towards having that infrastructure. For example, accountability in the budget could be followed up by using technology to automatically analyze who is spending what on what. That is just one example where we may not already have the infrastructure, but we can accelerate our path towards that infrastructure by creating accountability through technology. We need to build infrastructure that enriches our lives past the basic necessities."

We need to build infrastr ucture that enriches our lives past the basic necessities

O ensure that documents are well protected against virus attacks in organizations, pure-play security vendor, Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., has introduced Threat Extraction, a new security approach that proactively ensures documents are delivered to a network with zero malware in zero seconds.

According to the Check Point 2014 Security Report, 84% of companies downloaded an infected document in 2013.

Companies, according to Check Point need to implement stronger defenses against these attacks. The only way to ensure complete protection is to preemptively remove threats by reconstructing documents with known safe elements.

Active content, embedded objects and other exploitable content, according to the company are simultaneously extracted, and the document is then reconstructed without potential threats to provide 100% safe content.

With Check Point Threat Extraction, organizations can protect themselves against both known and unknown threats.

If competition, particularly those already established decides to muscle his ideas out of reckoning?

“Those, big giants, the Goliaths to my David all exist in America as well. What we on our team realised is that it’s not a sum-zero game where they take away and I lose or vice versa. If there is not enough of the pie to share, then we expand the pie. My associates are usually busy because there is always a need to meet.

Also, these big companies don’t necessarily have ties to the market. But that’s different for me. Although I am in the US, most of my relatives are here and they have ties to the market. They know the environment as opposed to just seeing the country as a market to benefit from, but not to interact with. I have that edge and I’m willing to use it to tailor products to fit the special needs of the environment.

This initial trip I have made is a fact finding, exploratory mission where I am talking to as many people as possible, asking them to interact with me so that I can tailor services to meet their specific needs whether theirs is a large, medium or small enterprise. Instead of thinking of solutions that I can push to people, I try to think of problems they have.

Any findings so far?

The top two problems I’ve seen are information integration: there are different silos of information in different industries within Nigeria that have no sense of each other and no connection at all. If this information was integrated, it would be very beneficial to everyone involved.

Imagine if from my cellphone I could have all the information I need regarding a certain industry or business? The second thing is the issue of security consulting in general. To make sure that your systems within your organisation is not attacked by outside parties.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 — 29

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30 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

•Women pouring water at the Malokun shrine to appease the god in Irele

Ondo deaths: Conflict between traditional beliefs and science

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

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HAT happened in Irele, a remote and agrarian community in Ondo State, last week can best be described as a conflict between traditional beliefs and science.

Over 20 persons died mysteriously in the two communities of Ayadi and Irele within a period of five days but the state government claimed that 18 casualties were recorded.

Ever since the ugly incident happened, there have been discordant of reasons adduced by government, the World Health Organisation, WHO and the natives of the community.

Traditionalists blame death on desecration of shrine: However, the conflict between tradition and science manifested when government insisted that the mysterious deaths in the community would be tackled scientifically, but the natives and the traditionalists disagreed.

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of their fore-fathers to appease the angry god whose shrine was allegedly desecrated.

Vanguard Features, VF, learnt that the perpetrators of the alleged desecration were middle aged boys who are desirous of getting quick money to enjoy life outside the community. They reportedly ignored the repercussion and dared the god of the community

The whereabouts of the objects are still unknown while none of those the god struck dead, confessed their involvement before dying

who was said to have, like lightning, fought back, killing over 20 persons in quick succession.

The corpses of the deceased were not allowed to be buried within the community but in a far away forest in order not to further anger the god.

The victims, however, succeeded in carting away some sacred objects which they allegedly sold to some foreigners who moved them out of the community. The whereabouts of the objects are still unknown, while none of those the god allegedly struck dead, confessed their involvement before dying.

The god, according to a source in the community, first made the victims blind before striking them dead.

But the Ondo State government would buy none of this unscientific theory. Medical reports which emanated from samples forwarded to relevant

health bodies, according to government sources, showed that those who died were mainly young men who operate commercial motorcycles (Okada riders) in the town.

Ondo State Commissioner of Health, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, said weekend, that those who died were mostly Okada riders who were believed to have consumed ethanol poison in the community.

Government is therefore saying that the strange disease which ravaged the community is not contagious and not the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease, EVD. They attributed it to the consumption of locally distilled Continues on page 31

•The desecrated Malokun Shrine in Irele

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 —

31

Irele death: conflict between traditional beliefs and Science Continues from page 30 liquor (Ogogoro) by the deceased which contained poison.

But the natives and the traditionalists have faulted this submission. According to them, the ugly development in the community is beyond science and would be best tackled traditionally because those who allegedly desecrated the Malokun shrine were subsequently dealt with to show the potency and efficacy of the god.

VF learnt that the community took some measures to stop the calamity while government busied itself looking for the medical reasons and remedies to be applied.

Community seeks God's intervention: One of the measures taken by the natives include the invitation of a 19year-old Prophet Kelvin Akintan, who was said to have predicted the ugly incident few weeks ago, to seek the face of God on the matter.

Heavy downpour A source said that a crusade was organised and held at Methodist Primary School. It was attended by virtually everybody in the town, including the traditionalists.

A heavy downpour shortly after the crusade was seen by members of the community as a good omen. According to them, the symbolic rain signified that the calamity has been washed away.

Before this, the traditionalists reportedly instructed owners of all the houses in the community to volunteer a person each who will fetch a bucket of water to be poured at the Malokun shrine.

The Chief Priest of the community, High Chief Lemo, said the cause of the death was the desecration of the Malokun shrine by some unknown

persons. He said that the ugly incident was the first in the history of the ancient community, noting that the god was angry with the invasion of the shrine.

He, however, pointed out that the god has been appeased in a bid to halt the death that visited the community.

Also speaking with VF, a traditionalist, High Chief Akingboye, confirmed that the god has been appeased. He said this was why no death has occurred in the last few days.

The Health Commissioner, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, said he would not want to join issues with traditionalists.

Post-mortem examination He insisted that preliminary investigations into the mysterious deaths showed that it was a case of ethanol poisoning.

"Findings from post-mortem carried out on the victims and other laboratory tests revealed that the disease was neither epidemic nor contagious. The preliminary report shows that ethanol poison was found in the systems of all the victims. Our investigations have also revealed that the victims, who, interestingly, were all Okada riders, gathered at some local joints to consume alcoholic substance mixed with roots and some other local herbs on the eve of the outbreak of the disease. I can assure you that the disease is in no way contagious. The fact that none of the caregivers has contracted the disease has greatly underscored this point.?

Therefore, the fear of spread does not arise and should be discouraged. We strongly suspect ethanol poison, and in view of this, we have ordered for another toxicology test for surviving victims,” he told VF. The commissioner who said

•One of the traditionalists in Irele, High Chief Akingboye C M Y K

that there had been no report of new cases in the last three days, explained that 23 people were affected in all, out of which 18 lost their lives.

Dr Adeyanju pointed out that the cases of five other survivors, who have gone blind, had been referred to the University Teaching Hospital, UCH in Ibadan for further examination and monitoring.

The Commissioner declined joining issues with traditionalists who attributed the outbreak of the disease to some youths who allegedly broke into the shrine and stole artifacts, an action which angered the gods of the community.

Dr Adeyanju pointed out that his job goes beyond explaining the action of a god as he was expected to back up his claims with available evidence.

He, however, said that the dead persons would be buried in body bags to curtail the spread of the disease.

•Malokun Chief Priest- High Chief Lemo

WHO recants Giving an update on the mysterious deaths, the World Health Organisation, WHO also made a U-turn, saying investigations on Irele mysterious disease point to ethanol poisoning The WHO Coordinator in Ondo State, Dr Akinola Fatiregun said the organisation has dissociated itself from the earlier report that it was caused by pesticide. “The State Commissioner for Health advised citizens to desist from taking local gin called Ogogoro and anyone with herbal mixture. The state governor, Dr Mimiko, said the state government is on top of the

Findings from post-mortem carried out on the victims and other laboratory tests revealed that the disease was neither epidemic nor contagious

•Dr Segun Ayodele- of the Irele General Hospital situation assuring that the final report on the investigations into the mysterious deaths would soon be made public. The death toll remains 18, while five people are receiving treatment at UCH Ibadan,” he said.

Mimiko reacts: Meanwhile, the Governor, in a state wide broadcast on the mysterious death in the area state, said the state has witnessed in the last few days a major health challenge.

According to him: ”A yet-tobe-named ailment whose causative agents, diagnosis and cure are also yet to be determined struck in locations in Irele Local Government Area of our State, killing 17 people and stoking panic and fear.

"I am, like you, saddened by these losses and the attendant fear of what looks like an epidemic.

"I can only bring words of consolation to the families of the deceased and words of comfort and assurances to the good

people of our dear State.

"Our prayer at this hour is that God grants rest to the dead and fortitude to the living.

"Amidst conflicting and confusing information, the investigating team of experts sent by government to the area gathered that all the casualties died within hours of affliction.

"We use this opportunity to appeal to citizens and residents to report any suspicious case with blurring of vision, incoherence or related symptoms to the nearest health facilities.”

The traditional ruler of the town, the Olofun of Ode Irele Oba Olanrewaju Lebi is coordinating the Chief Priest and other traditionalists to allay the fears of the people in the community.

This was sequel to the mass movement of the people of the community to neighboring communities like Okitipupa and Ore.

32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Beach W/Cup: Blame NFF for Sand Eagles failure – Mana

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world cup again on the Nigeria Football Federation, saying the the Country ’s football administrators have not learnt from the past.

Manna said : “I was not disappointed by the performance of the team in its self, but the problem is that we don’t learn from history and particularly in football where pedigree seems to matter a lot. Its rather unfortunately that we don’t build on our past glories.

The former arbiter also argued there much Nigeria could learn from Countries with a rich history in aspects of Sports where it has struggled. “ Senegal has been in that sport for quite a long time and have been very good. We should learn from some of those countries. Even when we could record a greater degree of success we just don’t seem to learn, we never learn to do the correct thing and that has been our bane for quite a long *Sand Eagles time.”

he Super Sand Eagles have missed participating in the Beach Soccer World Cup for the second consecutive time, following their 3-4 defeat to Senegal at the semi finals of the just concluded CAF beach soccer championship in Seychelles.

The Nigerian team then defeated Ivory Coast 10-1 in the third place match of the tournament, winning Bronze.

Meanwhile, a former FIFA licensed Referee, Dr Sule Manna has blamed the Sand Eagles failure to reach the

Ogun wins Nat. Junior Cricket championship

O

gun state repsentatives, Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro has won the 19th National Junior Cricket Championship in Ughelli,Delta state.

Competing with twelve other schools representing different states of the federation, the Ogun-state flagbearers beat Onitolo Community High school, Surulere, Lagos by 7 wickets to emerge champion.

Onitolo boys batted first, scoring 34 runs all out in 7 overs. I reply, Comprehensive High School, Aiyetero scored 35 runs for loss of 3 wickets in 7 overs.

Ambrose Alli University Staff S e c o n d a r y School,Ekpoma,Edo state came third.

Aside from emerging winners, Adeleke Olumide of Comprehensive High School won the Man of the Match Award. He also bagged the

Batsman and Man of the Series Awards.

Receiving the team after their victory, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Moyosore Olowonmi praised the cricketers and their handlers for doing the state proud at the junior national competition.

She said their victory was a testimony to Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s huge investment in sports development in the state.

In the meantine,the Badminton Federation of Nigeria BFN has invited Dorcas Ajoke Adesokan from Ogun-state as part of Team Nigeria to the forth coming 2015 Badminton World Cup Team Event- the Surdiman Cup scheduled to hold in Dongguan, China from the 10th to the 17th of next month.

LMC fines Sunshine Stars’ Odunlami, Aggrey

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he Sunshine duo have been suspended and fined for their bizarre goal celebration in Sunday ’s Nigeria Premier League game The League Management Company has handed Sunshine Stars’ Ebenezer Odunlami and Prince Aggrey a one-match ban and also fined N50,000 for their weird goal celebration against Dolphins in Sunday’s Nigeria topflight game.

The duo celebrated their side’s winning goal against the Port Harcourt based outfit

by pulling off their jerseys and shorts to the dismay of the league organisers.

“Sunshine FC “strippers”, Prince Aggrey and Ebenezer Odunlami face one-match ban and N50,000 fine for MD4 dopey show ” The LMC wrote on their Twitter handle.

With this sanctions, both players will miss the Akure Gunner ’s top of the table clash against league defending champions Kano Pillars.

U-20 World Cup: A

FTER failing to properly shake off a knee injury there are doubts that Manchester City ’s teen star, Kelechi Iheanacho, might miss the Under-20 World cup in New Zealand.

With less than 40 days to the start of the showpiece the 18year-old is yet to begin full competitive training after close to two months out injured.

Even though he might eventually make it to camp there are fears he might not be fit enough to clinch a spot in the 21-player list because competition for spots will be fierce.

“We are optimistic he will be in camp but they are lingering doubts about his fitness and match sharpness, he has had a stop start season since impressing at Man City Pre season tour,” a team source said.

“Aside from not been a regular during our qualifiers he failed to make it to the AYC that is to say for the last two years he has being out of the team.

“He has to force his way back,

Doubts over Iheanacho we know of his qualities when fit but now we have a team that everyone is not guaranteed a shirt due to competition”.

Iheanacho only started light training this week after picking up an injury in February during Manchester City UEFA youth champions league tie when he went off injured after coming on as substitute against Schalke 04.

The injury was his third of the season and aside from training with the main team of the English Champions, He has only played three competitive games all year due to the injury and work permit issues.

Moses wins Goal of the Month Award

ALSO IN THIS EDITION

VOL. 1 NO 29

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Enugu lawmakers say no to water concession, sale of land PAGE 3 N220bn CBN FACILITY:

Skye Bank woos S/E SMEs operators PAGE 4

Reptiles, weeds take over courts PAGE 5 in Aba

Marine agency to stop illegalities on waterways PAGE 8

A dumpsite in Anambra

Anambra evacuates 30-yr-old dumpsite from Onitsha

BY OBIALUNAMMA NWADIOGBU

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KWULOBIA— ANAMBRA State Government has flagged off the operation to evacuate heaps of solid waste deposited at Okpoko, a suburb of commercial city of Onitsha.

The mountainous heaps of waste had been in existence for over 30 years and had for long posed environmental health hazard to the inhabitants of the community.

The Head, Public Relations/ Media, Ministry of Environment, Awka, Emmanuel Ifesinachi, made this known in Awka, the state capital, saying that the irony of the situation or the dilemma of the people of the area was C M Y K

that the waste dump was located near the Community Hall, Community Health Centre and in-between two primary schools, thus posing health hazards to the environmental health of the people of the area.

The move to remove the heaps of refuse by the government was part of the effort to promote good health and improve the sanitary condition of Onitsha.

pathetic circumstances the community found itself gave rise to the decision by the

Sanitary condition Speaking while flagging – off the waste evacuation exercise at the Okpoko, Onitsha – North Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Environment, Chief Evarist Uba explained that the

The Okpoko Community would wear a new look at the end of the

state government to direct that the waste dump should be dismantled and relocated to the permanent dump site at Onitsha – Owerri Road, Obosi.

Uba added that the refuse in the present location had jeopardised the health of the people and therefore condemned the location of sensitive institutions like health centres near the dump site, assuring that the heaps of waste would be relocated where they would be used for the waste-to-wealth programme of the state.

The Commissioner hinted that the state government gave the consultant handling the exercise between three and four weeks to complete the assignment, pointing out that the removal of the heaps of waste would be a big relief

to the community as congested and highly populated as Okpoko.

He promised that the refuse would be evacuated and the area beautified, stating that the Okpoko Community would wear a new look at the end of the exercise.

In his own comment, the representative of the consulting company, Mr. Victor Udeh said that all logistics and equipment like pall-loaders and tippers had been mobilised to enable them remove the heaps of waste from the present location, assuring that they would complete their assignment within the time frame.

Members of the community expressed joy and happiness to the state government for responding immediately to their communal request.

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 after this 25th April Ofala this month, in this Ire Inwelle shrine, the Igwe will be produced”, he hinted.

The Ofala, he said will unite the people and make them to love themselves for the emergence of a king that will be a wealthy youth.

“On that day people who have been blessed by the gods will come with all manners of gifts as thanks-giving for being blessed.

How Anambra oracles, deities got APGA victory—Chief Priest

By OBIALUNAMMA NWADIOGBU

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KWULUOBIA— STRANGE information is coming out from Ire-Inwelle Ogidi community, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra state.

The chief priest of all the shrines and oracles in Inwelle Ogidi community, Chief Felix Obika hinted that Governor Obiano is a traditionalist who respects the ancestors and believes in the efficacy of the spirits, oracles and deities which earned him victory for All Progressive Grand Alliance, in the state House of Assembly.

Transition for the better

He said the spirit world did it for Governor Obiano as a way to enable him relax and continue in his infrastructure development of the state.

Obika said: “On assumption of office the Governor vowed to sack

Chief Felix Obika hinted that Governor Obiano is a traditionalist who respects the ancestors and believes in the efficacy of the spirits, oracles and deities

•Chief Felix Obika kidnappers and armed robbers who have been terrorising the state and he had the support of the gods that helped him to clear them.

Obika who will celebrates his second Ofala festival come next Saturday April 25 revealed that

it would mark the end of Igweship crisis in Ogidi and commencement of the installation of a new traditional ruler for the people.

“Ogidi refused to know their ancestors and it is the reason why they have no traditional ruler but

Some promised to build houses, purchase vehicles, cows, sheep and other gifts as a reciprocal to what the gods did to them”, he disclosed.

In their various remarks, the legal adviser to Ezechumagha, father of Ogidi –Inwelle, Patrick C. Agbata and Chief Obi Anyansi Ezenwamadu, said that the Ofala is a transition for the better adding that the Igwe to be would be a wealth, educated youth.

“The contest for the Igweship position will be thrown open for those who are equal to the task as it is not for selfish people,” they stated.

Enugu lawmakers say no to water concession, sale of land

By AUSTINE OGWUDA AND FRANCIS IGATA

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NUGU—THE axiom that: water has no enemy played out last week on the floor of the Enugu State House of Assembly as members in unison vowed to resist the water concession arrangement being orchestrated by the outgoing governor, Sullivan Chime. The concession is for a period of 25 years.

It has been a battle of wits since the water concession issue, among others broke out, pitching the lawmakers against the governor.

One of the issues that put asunder to the cordial relationship between the Executive and the Legislature in the state was the request for additional loan of N11 billion which the House reportedly turned down. Before the request for a fresh loan of N11 billion, Enugu was owing over N13 billion, making it the most indebted state in the South East.

The alleged refusal by the House to endorse the loan was said to have provoked the governor to allegedly withhold the allowances of the law makers in a bid to arm twist them.

However, at its plenary last week, the members saw it as an affront to gather that despite its March 15 resolution, which put the all transactions relating to the water concession on hold, the state executive had continued to act on the matter.

It noted with disgust that there was already an order to the Enugu Water Corporation to hand over all water facilities in the state to the private firm, AG Gold Trust Limited, describing C M Y K

the situation as “unacceptable.”

The legislators took their turns to point out the implications of privatising water, if the concession was allowed to go on, wondering also, why the state government was going on with impunity despite the caveat.

One of the members noted that when fully in place, residents would be buying water at N8,000 for a tanker of water instead of the current price of between N4,000 and N5,000.

Even the member representing Udi South Constituency, (the governor’s place), Hon. Chika Eneh joined her colleagues in condemning the move.

According to her, “I rise to speak on behalf of my constituency. We condemn it because water would be unaffordable by the arrangement. It means that even the N18,000 minimum wage cannot even provide water

for the people by the calculation.”

Meanwhile, the state House of Assembly has expressed dismay over the sale of land within the Enugu International Conference Centre, ICC, situated at the three-arm zone, Independence Layout, Enugu.

The construction of the ICC

The House of Assembly also expressed dismay over the sale of land within the Enugu International Conference Centre

A structure being erected by private individuals on ICC land, Enugu

which is bordered by both the Government House and Michael Okpara Square was initiated by former administration of governor Chimaroke Nnamani at the cost of over N2 billion.

Construction work at the site had reached 90 percent completion before it was abandoned by the Sullivan Chime’s administration.

Incumbent Governor Chime had vowed not to touch the ICC noting that there was no documentation of the project handed over to his administration by his predecessor and former political god father. It was further learnt that, money allegedly earmarked for its completion was diverted to private businesses of some political gladiators.

Land sale by Chime: Although the ICC was located very close to the seat of power in the state, residents were however surprised as structures started

springing up in the expansive ICC premises which was meant for the construction of a five-star hotel befitting the massive structure of the proposed centre.

However, the state House was said to be worried that the Chime-led administration, which would end in about six weeks time, embarked on the sale of the land to political associates and cronies. Dependable source told South-East Voice that a plot of land in the ICC premises goes for N25 million.

Private individuals The House had during its last sitting, adopted a motion condemning the allocation of land within the ICC to private individuals warning those who benefited from such allocations to stop further development of such land as the allocation would not stand.

It also condemned the privatisation of the State Water Corporation to AG Gold Trust Limited describing the action as unacceptable and against public interest, The House furthermore, warned the AG Gold Trust Limited to desist from further going ahead with such deal as there was no law backing the alleged privatisation.

Other areas of disagreement between the Assembly and the administration included the allocation of an open place adjacent to the Assembly Complex for the building of a shopping mall as well as the allocation of lands in the old Eastern Nigeria Industrial Layout along Zik Avenue, Enugu.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 — 3

How vet surgeon was allegedly murdered by political thugs

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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HE 2015 general elections may have become history but some of the scars left behind would remain evergreen in the minds of some Nigerians who were affected by the activities of political thugs.

Among those who would not forget the elections in a hurry are family members of the Emereonye of Akatta Community in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.

Their son, Dr. Ugonna Emereonye, was reportedly murdered in cold blood, in his family house by a two-man armed gang, on the eve of the governorship election in the state.

Emereonye, a graduate of Veterinary Medicine and alumnus of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, vigorously campaigned for the election of Chief Emeka Ihedioha, after extracting a commitment from him that he would reinstate the sacked beneficiaries of the Ikedi Ohakim’s 10,000 Job Scheme Programme in the state, if elected.

The Emereonye family said that their son was killed on the eve of the April 11, 2015, elections, at about 10.30p.m., adding that the deceased was shot by two persons, believed to be members of the vigilante group, who had earlier robbed him of some money.

The family also said that the aspect of collecting money from

the deceased was simply crafted to make the crime look like a robbery attack.

They recalled that the two attackers came on a Yamaha motorcycle with registration number, Imo QD 415 WER. The South East Voice was also told that the suspects also tried to kill the hapless mother of the deceased with a knife, since they had expended the live cartridges in their possession, as they suspected that she had recognised them.

It was alleged that an alarm raised by members of the family attracted the neighbours to the scene of the crime, forcing the suspected killers to quickly scamper into safety.

•IGP Suleiman Abba

Many of them use their wares to obstruct free flow of traffic. Others display theirs on drainages, using their improvised

Chief Ohakim reacts The immediate past Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, described Ugonna’s murder as “pathetic, crude, inhuman and a huge loss to Imo youths.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Andrew Enwerem, could not be reached on his mobile phone for comments as at press time.

Triple honours for Prof Godwin Onu, Oko Poly Rector

By VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA—PROFESSOR Godwin Onu, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State was recently honoured with three awards in recognition of his contributions towards the growth of the polytechnic and service to humanity.

The occasion was indeed a celebration of sort as eulogies were poured on the man, popularly described, as Digital Rector among students and workers of the polytechnic.

The awards came from the United States of America, USA, chapter of the Oko Polytechnic Alumni Association, the Aguata Students Association and Orumba South Students Association.

Among achievements credited to Professor Onu since he assumed office as Rector of the Polytechnic by those who gave him the awards, include massive infrastructure development of the institution, sanitising the academic environment such that Oko Poly has become a no-go area for cult activities, introduction of computer– based examinations, expansion of academic programmes in the three campuses of the polytechnic and facilitating linkage C M Y K

programmes with renowned tertiary institutions abroad.

President of USA branch of the alumni association, Mr. Baron Luggard, said during the presentation that the former students of the polytechnic began to have interest in the development of Oko Poly because of the excellent leadership qualities which Onu had exhibited over the years.

According to him, the alumni association in the Diaspora made it a point of duty to visit the polytechnic every year to interact with the management with a view to finding out areas they could be of assistance, adding that Onu has cooperated with them in their annual home-coming.

He said that it was because of the marvellous work the Rector was doing in the school that informed their decision to donate large quantities of books in all fields of learning, computers and other items.

He said: “We have taken time to review developments at Oko Polytechnic and we believe that if somebody is working very hard, he deserves commendation. By this award, we are appreciating your contributions towards improvement of knowledge in this part of the world.”

To the Orumba South Students Association, which happens to be Onu’s local government, the award was to encourage him to continue to make his people proud by

•Prof Onu, receiving one of the awards

We have taken time to review developments at Oko Polytechnic and we believe that if somebody is working very hard, he deserves commendation. By this award, we are appreciating your contributions towards improvement of knowledge in this part of the world

doing more.

“We want to appreciate you for being the first son of Orumba South to be appointed Rector of a polytechnic and the first son of Ezira to become a professor,” the students said before presenting their award.

In the same manner, the Aguata Students Association said Onu will be remembered for turning Oko Poly around and improving the image of the institution such that it is the most sought after polytechnic in the country by those seeking admission into polytechnics in the country.

In his speech, Onu, who was elated by the awards, expressed joy that some people somewhere were recognising his little contributions to make Oko Polytechnic one of the best in the country.

He said: “Before assuming this office, I wrote my mission statement and I thank God that we have been striving to build a modern polytechnic within the limits of available resources.

“Most of the funds we use here are generated through our personal efforts, particularly monies donated by our friends and we always ensure that we use the money judiciously so as not to disappoint those who made the donations.”

The Rector said that in addition to developing the permanent site at Oko where over 15 high rise buildings and a magnificent auditorium have been built, the Polytechnic Library, which is one of the biggest in any tertiary institution in Nigeria, would soon be completed.

4 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

American couple trains 50, targets 200 for Enugu community orphanage

BY CHINENYEH OZOR

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SUKKA:—OPI, a community in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, has attracted international attention with the arrival of an American couple and missionaries Rev. and Mrs. Joseph Starling, who came to care for orphans and the physical challenged people in the country.

Dr. Starling spoke to South East Voice at Ibeku Opi, his residence with about 50 orphans in his ministry.

The orphanage home was established eight years ago by the couple. Among the children at the orphanage were those born with HIV/AIDS, epilepsy and other deformities.

The orphanage is being managed through donations mainly from United States. Some Americans do visit the orphanage from time to time to assist both in cash and kind.

Starling told South East Voice that he planned to have about 2, 000 children in the orphanage even as he also planned to establish more of such orphanages in other parts of the country.

The missionary disclosed that his wife was brought up at the Temple Baptist Church Orphanage Home in the United States, adding that, she only discovered her biological mother, precisely five years ago.

Biological mother According to him: ‘’Nigeria records about several million orphans, according to UNICEF figures.”

Rev. Starling explained that after visiting tsunami victims in Thailand, Siri Lanka, India and Myanmar, he planned to visit other countries in Africa where they could help orphans and the lot fell on Nigeria, Nsukka and Enugu State.

According to him: ‘’My findings showed that there are several millions of orphaned children in Nigeria. So, we became so much interested and we started looking at various organisations, which were doing what we determined, we realised that this is the place -Nsukka.

"After looking at organisations, they did not fit our model; they did not suit our religious beliefs and other things. We are from United States and we started off the ‘Place of Hope International,’ we started fund raising in United States.

"We came to Opi, to live in the village, children can be taught

here to farm, so we decided this is the place we wanted. Some of the local people made land available for the project and so, we spent four months, initially, learning the culture, learning how people behave and interact, learning Igbo language. The Igbo language that we speak is Nsukka, we did not learn any other dialect than Nsukka. After some time, we were given some children their parents died of HIV/AIDS and we started raising those children.

"We met the local chiefs (Ezes), the elders (Onyishi) to inform them we have not come here to

Rev and Mrs. Joseph Starling, with some of the children. take their children from them, unless on agreement.

"Today, we have up to 50 chil-

Today, we have up to 50 children. We have children from different tribes and states

dren. We have children from different tribes and states. We have children from Plateau, Kano, Edo, Benue states. At present, we have five children with HIV/AIDS. We have volunteers, they come from the United States; they come to join us for a week, a month, two months.

"They raise money and come here; we have a Nigerian staff here who manages the children and trains them.

"These children are African children; they need to be raised in that context. However, there are some positive things we can bring from the Western world to help them in their lives here in Nigeria.

"Most of all, we are not teaching them American culture, we are Christians and our concept is that the Bible has enough guidelines on how truth and honesty should be upheld.”

N220BN CBN FACILITY: Skye Bank woos

S/East SMEs operators

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA—TO assist small and medium enterprises, SMEs, in the five South East states nurture and grow their businesses with the N220 billion provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for the benefit of businesses in this sub –sector, the SKYE Bank Plc has educated them on the best way to maximize the fund.

At a seminar organized for the businessmen in Onitsha, officials and customers of Skye Bank enjoined the small business operators not to shy away from accessing the CBN loans, especially as it attracts single digit interest of just nine percent.

The federal government set aside the N220 billion special fund for SMEs, which is to be accessed through some commercial banks, including Skye Bank and the Onitsha seminar was aimed at assisting the prospective beneficiaries to know how to obtain and invest the loans.

As officials of the bank stated, all the 36 branches of Skye Bank in the South East would be actively involved in the disbursement of the loans, in addition to giving them expert advice on investment and repayment modalities.

The South East 1 regional director of Skye Bank, Dr. Charles Udogu said the idea of the Onitsha seminar was to create awareness among businessmen in the zone, who operate small and medium enterprises.

According to him, SMEs constitute about 85 per cent of businesses in the country, adding that they include artisans, agric business chain operators, traders,

small scale manufacturers, among others.

Udogu said: “Businesses in this sector constitute the soul of the country’s economy. The aim of the seminar is to make Nigerians change the way they do things, with the assistance of commercial banks. We created this forum to enable our bank and its customers rub minds and evolve ways of forming networks that will be of great benefit to those concerned and the Nigerian economy.

“There are many people in this category who have great ideas, but do not know how to bring such ideas into fruition and we therefore have to help them nurture such ideas.

“With the N220 billion set aside by the Federal Government for SMEs, with low interest rate of nine per cent, we believe that the ability of the operators in this sector to access the fund would help to ignite industrialisation.”

Also speaking, the head of small business group of the bank, Mrs. Ayo Oloyode, observed that in most cases, obtaining loans may but be the problem, but knowing what to do with the money, adding that Skye Bank would help this group of businessmen articulate their programmes and proposals to enable them achieve their objectives.

With the N220 billion set aside by the Federal Government for SMEs, with low interest rate of nine per cent, we believe that the ability of the operators in this sector to access the fund would help to ignite industrialisation

President of South East branch of Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, NASME, Mr. Chinedu Anyaso said there is need for people to belong to organisations that could enhance their businesses because it is always difficult to fund their business ventures without external assistance.

Anyaso advised businessmen to investigate properly before taking any loan in order not to regret in the long run.

Lead speaker at the seminar, Mr. George Umobi, who is the managing director of Dilimson Holdings Limited, warned that one the greatest impediments to business growth and development in Nigeria is insincerity, noting that “once the banks and those you are dealing with observe some kind of dubious actions, they will cut you off and that may be the end of the business.”

From left, Anambra State Chapter President, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Mr. Chinedu Anyaso; Regional Director, South-East 2, Skye Bank Plc, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze; Duruiheoma V, Obi of Otulu, Imo State, HRH Eze, Festus Ifeanyichukwu Orji; and Head, Small Business Group, Skye Bank Plc, Mrs. Ayo Olojede; during the maiden edition of the Skye Bank Business Seminar series, tagged “Nurturing Businesses for Growth, in Onitsha.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 — 5

Reptiles, weeds take over courts in Aba

•As lawyers lament

BY FELIX OGBONNA

A

S A result of the lingering strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Abia State chapter, weeds and reptiles have taken over court premises in Aba, the commercial hub of the state.

Court buildings now serve as abode for birds, reptiles and other wild animals as JUSUN leadership were yet to heed the call of stakeholders in the judicial sector to call off the strike.

JUSUN in the state had been on strike for several months now over the nonimplementation of the judgement of the Federal High Court on their salaries and allowances, leading to the closure of courts across the various judicial divisions of the state.

When South East Voice visited Magistrate Court 1, Aba

South, the gates were firmly locked even as traders had converted a part of the entrance to a semi-market. It was the same situation at the Aba North Magistrate Court 1, adjacent the Business Office of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, on the Ikot Ekpene Road.

At the Aba High Court complex, which shares boundary with the Nigerian Prisons, Aba, cars were used to barricade the gates of the premises even as the premises of the various high courts as well as other uncompleted court halls had all been overgrown with thick bushes.

A book seller at the Aba High Court premises, Victor Nkemakolam said the strike action had inflicted hardship on both himself and his family.

According to him, “my family lives on what I make from selling books at the High Court, but things have been very difficult since the strike began.”

Speaking on the situation, an

•A High court building in Aba

At the Aba High Court complex, cars were used to barricade the gates of the premises even as the premises of the various high courts as well as other uncompleted court halls had all been overgrown with thick bushes

official of JUSUN, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said his union would not call off the strike until their demands were met. He, however, said that meetings were being held between the stakeholders in the Judiciary and the leadership of the union with a view to resolving the matter.

In a chat with South East Voice in Aba, a legal practitioner, Chief Ogbonnaya Dike accused JUSUN of pursuing their interests.

“JUSUN members are being paid while they are not working.

So, who is cheating who? The Bar has met and asked JUSUN to go back to work but they have been adamant. The courts should be opened because it is only the lawyers that are suffering while

judicial workers are being paid their monthly salaries.

"Lawyers, who earn their living from the courts are being starved.

So, it is unfair. We support the decision of the Federal High Court, but JUSUN in Abia is insisting on something different.

Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Aba branch, Chidozie Ogunji also, told South East Voice that it was regrettable that the courts were shut down, describing it as a thing of great pain.

He further said that the five Bar branches in Abia State; Aba, Isiala Ngwa, Umuahia, Ohafia and Ukwa hosted a meeting of the stakeholders with other leaders of the Bar in which some decisions were reached to resolve the matter.

Tansian varsity reaffirms zero tolerance for cultism, hooliganism •matriculates 201

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

O

N I T S H A — AUTHORITIES of Tansian University, Oba/ Umunya in Anambra State have reaffirmed their zero tolerance for cultism, immorality, vandalism, drunkenness, hooliganism and other social vices on campus.

Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Chima Iwuchukwu, who stated this during eighth Matriculation Ceremony of 201 students, also reminded the students that indecent dressing and other forms of shameful behaviour remained outlawed in the institution, adding that the students’ handbook should educate them fully on these and other matters.

He, therefore, enjoined the new students not to be deceived or distracted by individuals, who may in one way or the other, make them derail from their primary mission of academic, social and moral development.

He pointed out that a balance between academic achievement and moral development was a highly desirable condition for a graduate of the institution to be found worthy both in character and learning.

Stating that the university was

striving to impart knowledge for global competitiveness and wealth creation, Iwuchukwu said that it was for these seasons that the units for entrepreneurial studies, religious practices as well as social engagements of the university were available for the students to develop into well groomed individuals, who would competitively thrive successfully under any circumstance they might find themselves in future.

On its current status, Iwuchukwu noted that as at now,

...A balance between academic achievement and moral development was a highly desirable condition for a graduate of the institution to be found worthy both in character and learning

the institution was firmly on the ground and running two major faculties, including those of natural and applied sciences and management and social sciences, adding that all the programmes in the two faculties were accredited by the National Universities Commission, NUC. He also said that the Faculty of Education, with 12 programmes would start academic operations before long, adding, “it is our hope and assurance that in this new dawn, the number of candidates applying to study in this university will be on the increase.”

He disclosed that the institution’s Information and Communication Technology, ICT, study centre, at the permanent site, Umunya, was a world class outfit for engagement in ICT, even as the authorities were preparing to establish detailed facilities for JAMB/UME computer based tests, CBTs, system, not only for external but internal examinations.

He expressed gratitude to the founder and chancellor of the institution, Monsignor John Akam for being faithful and relentlessly aiming at perfecting the establishment of the ICT and CBT systems.

On it infrastructure developments, the VC noted that

many structures like the spacious hostels, libraries, lecture halls, and theatres and the relevant administrative blocks were fast springing up at the permanent site, adding that recreational and games facilities such as malls and plazas had already been

Professor Chima Iwuchukwu

approved in anticipation of the new dawn.

In his speech, the Founder and Chancellor of the institution, Monsignor Akam, expressed satisfaction that the vision, mission, philosophy and objectives of the institution were gradually being accomplished as most of their former students who had graduated in flying colours and left the institution were now occupying various strategic positions of authority both in and outside the country.

Akam, however, blamed the various governments for neglecting private universities in the country, contrary to what was obtained in foreign countries where government funded both private and public universities at the same time because it is to the credit of the government of the day to have private universities that would take care of the growing population of youths in such a country.

6 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

The centre would also help the sick, who cannot afford their bills for the treatments, raise funds for charity and donate gifts, clothes, food items and cash to motherless babies' homes

Hope rises for destitutes, less-privileged in S/East ...as foundation’s N10m skill acquisition/ rehab centre's construction progresses

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

A

N10 million skill acquisition and rehabilitation centre being constructed at Amagunze in Nkanu Local Government Area of Enugu State, by Hope Onyemaechi for the rehabilitation and training of destitute and other lessprivileged ones in the society is now nearing completion.

The centre which is now at the roofing stage, would when completed, harbour more than 100 inmates who would be trained in various skills and provided with soft loans that would lead them to a brighter future.

Coordinator of the Helpless Foundation, which is constructing the project, Okenwa Kennedy Onyema who spoke in Onitsha, Anambra State, said the

foundation, non-governmental, voluntary and charitable, would touch lives and change the world for better for the needy, adding that apart from serving as a rehabilitation and skills acquisition, the centre would also help in the advancement of God’s interest and service for humanity.

He noted that although the project was expected to be

The skills acquisition/rehab centre, before its roofing stage now. completed before the end of this year, the foundation members were already visiting hospitals, paying medical bills for the down-trodden and doing other charity works.

He pointed out that so far, they had visited the sick at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, Nnewi and other public and private hospitals where they

By OBIALUNAMMA NWADIOGBU

E

KWULOBIA— THOUSANDS of people from 10 communities in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State have chosen the Chairman of Nestoil Plc and Obijackson Foundation, Dr. Ernest Obiejesi as their leader.

Spokesman for the 10 communities and President General/ President ..., Chief Ken Mmadukor decried the attempt on the life of Obiejesi by unknown persons

By OBIALUNAMMA NWADIOGBU

E

C M Y K

homes.

"We also support them with good counselling and advice.

This programme has helped a lot of people,” Okenwa said.

He, therefore, hoped that public spirited individuals and groups would partner with the foundation and support its programmes through donations, among others.

10 communities in Ihiala decry assassination attempt on Obiejesi

‘Rojenny Stadium N100m Tartar tracks ready soon for producing world champions'

KWULOBIA—THE Proprietor of Rojenny Olympic (multi-purpose) Games Village and Stadium, Oba, Idemmili South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, has embarked on renovation of the facilities at the games village to make it a breeding ground for Nigerian athletes.

This is coming as he had even taken delivery of a five container-load of rolls of tartar tracks and drums of adhesives meant for the tartar track lanes in the stadium and other items for installation worth several millions of Naira.

Ezeonwuka said that the items and their installations including track stone-base, work and arc mapping/ pinning, had been contracted out to both a sports consultant and an engineering firm at the cost of N100 million.

He assured that the stadium would produce ‘’top ranking athletes in the world,” within three years.

The proprietor noted that the facility, when installed in the next two weeks, would be a breeding ground for the abundant athletes in Anambra, Imo, Abia, Delta,

paid bills for the sick.

“The last Sunday of every month is our hospital visitation day. We visit hospitals and motherless babies' homes in the society.

"We help the sick, who cannot afford their bills for the treatments.

We also raise funds for charity and donate gifts, clothes, food items and cash, among others, to the children in the motherless babies'

•Rolls of tartar tracks and drums of adhesives being offloaded at Rojenny and Edo states due to the strategic location of the stadium.

“It is good that the tartar track had arrived, and you can mark it and the installation will commence any time from now.

“Once the installation is completed, I give Nigeria three or four years; Olympic champions will be produced from this stadium.

“This stadium would definitely produce champions that would dominate others like Jamaica and USA. “We are going to re-channel the orientation and pastimes of our youths to athletics which will help to reduce to the barest minimum the issue of vices and use of hard drugs among them,” he said.

According to him, Michael Jackson was a street dancer, who was converted to an international dancer; likewise

Mike Tyson, a street fighter, later became a world boxing champion.

“Therefore, this stadium will be the starting point of many budding athletes in Nigeria,” he said.

Former Governor Peter Obi and his successor, Willie Obiano have invested and supported the sports project and it would be recalled that the stadium management had waited for the tartar track items from China for over four months.

Once the installation is completed, I give Nigeria three or four years; Olympic champions will be produced from this stadium

Led by their different towns' union presidents-general, the communities gathered at Obiejesi’s compound, denouncing the activities of some people whom they described as fake Igbo leaders, whom they said were out to snuff life out of their leader, warning that they would avenge any aggression meted out against Obiejesi.

Obiejesi, who returned to his country home in a helicoptre, met the large crowd who had waited for over seven hours before his arrival.

Immediately the chopper carrying Obiejesi landed, there was a thunderous ovation and various solidarity songs by different groups that came for the solidarity welcome.

Spokesman for the 10 communities and President General/President of the Presidents in Ihiala Local Government Area, Chief Ken Mmadukor decried the attempt on the life of Obiejesi by unknown persons.

They prayed God to continue to protect him and guide him against his traducers and election riggers.

Solidarity songs The villagers chanting “Osuofia!” “ Osuofia!” Obiejesi’s pet name, carried placards with inscriptions: “Osuofia, you are our leader; Osuofia, carry go, no shaking; "...Ubah, you are banned from entering Ihiala.’’

They also carried an effigy of one Mr. Ubah, just as they rained all sorts of curses on his person.

Chief Madukor of Azia and Chief Mike Ejezie of Ihiala were among the people that stood by Obiejesi, a.k.a Obijackson.

Addressing the crowd, Obiejesi said he was overwhelmed to the

point of embarrassment over the large crowd that came on the solidarity visit as well as prayers for God’s protection. ‘’I am overwhelmed and humbled by this great support and solidarity. I did not expect this. I am really grateful and humbled. I want to thank you very for coming to visit me and pay homage.

He also, decried the impunity by an unnamed Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, who reportedly ordered the shooting of innocent and helpless people in the area.

He lamented that “they kept heaping lies against me when I was the one they attacked... They went to newspapers and social media, attacking my person and businesses.

“Let me assure you that Nigeria is changing for good, so the policeman giving the order, “Kill them!” Kill them!” must be brought to book as the law will take its cause.

"I am a supporter and promoter of good things in the society. And I won’t allow criminality to thrive. You do not need to do anything criminal to win election... You must be prepared to either lose or win. I am not a politician and may never be one, but I will stand for truth to prevail at all times."

•Dr. Er nest Obiejesi, addressing his supporters

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 —7

E

KWULUOBIA—THE management of Federal College of Education, Technical, Umunze, Anambra State in collaboration with National Commission for Colleges of Education, NCCE, has organised a three-day capacity building workshop for Teacher Educators on Early Childhood Care and Education in the college.

The workshop followed public outcry over the poor quality of Nigeria Certificate in Education, NCE, graduates, who are alleged to be incapable of effectively delivering teaching instructions at the primary school level.

The workshop, with the theme, “Towards Enhancing Quality Standard of Teaching and Learning in Colleges of Education,” was aimed at building the capacity of the teacher educators on the best global practices of training using Indigenous Early Childhood Care and Education Modules to support the successful implementation of NCE’s Early Childhood Care and Education,

College holds capacity building workshop for teachers •reviews College of Education standards/curriculum ECCE curriculum.

Speaking on the occasion, the Head, Quality Assurance, QA, Unit, NCCE, Abuja, Dr. A. Y. Abdulkareem, noted that the workshop would enable the participants understand the structures, contents and methodologies of the new NCE curriculum as well as the implications of restructuring of the Colleges of Education.

Abdulkareem added that the participants would be guided to

NCCE officials, management and staff of the College shortly after the workshop.

The objective is to build the capacity of our teacher educators on the best global practice of training indigenous early childhood care and education modules in support of NCE minimum standards and ECCE curriculum

identify the most effective ways of transforming the QA Unit into effective organs in the college, so as to guide and support them in articulating the most effective strategies to promote a culture of quality and mainstream standards.

He said the Commission had reviewed its teacher education curriculum by aligning it with that of basic education to make it more relevant to teaching at the basic education level.

He also said that the review had led to expansion of NCE Minimum Standards to include five new level specific NCE programmes, including Primary Education Studies, ECCE, Junior Secondary School Education, Adult and Non-Formal Education and Special Needs Education to produce specialist

teachers for each of the five focal areas.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Provost of the College, Professor Josephat Ogbuagu, said the workshop was aimed at building the capacity of early childhood teacher educators in the country.

“The objective is to build the capacity of our teacher educators on the best global practice of training indigenous early childhood care and education modules in support of NCE minimum standards and ECCE curriculum.

“This is in line with regional efforts in ensuring a culturally relevant early childhood education approach that is both African in orientation and affordable to the local population in Africa,” he said.

23 Anambra teachers, MoE administrators jet out to Singapore for vocational/technical training

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

A

S PART of efforts to revamp the 11 vocational and technical colleges in Anambra State, the state government, has sponsored 23 teachers, including principals, and administrators from the Ministry of Education, MoE, on a study-trip to Singapore.

South East Voice gathered that the training became necessary in a bid to enhance the four pillars of the administration of Governor Willie Obiano, through technical and vocational education.

Massive development

Speaking, some of the teachers and principals selected from the 11 colleges, expressed optimism that the visit would go a long way in bringing about massive development in the state, especially in the area of producing the needed and qualified manpower among the students, after the courses.

The Vice Principal (Administration), Nigerian Science and Technical College, Nnewi, Mrs. Uzoma Okeke said: ‘’When I get to Singapore, I expect to see how technical and vocational trainings are run according to best global practices. I hope to bring back the knowledge to improve our school system. '"Most importantly, I want to see how the institutions we are visiting run the theoretical and C M Y K

practical aspects of their curriculum, so that when we come back, we can introduce same in our schools.’’

Also, the Head, Department of Technical College, Umunze, Simon Nwafor, said: ‘’My expectation is for us to see and learn what we need to improve the technical and vocational educational system.

"We have had remarkable improvements since the present administration came in, especially in terms of human capacity building, staff welfare, provision of equipment needed to enhance teaching and learning in our colleges. So, with this study-trip, I feel it is another step ahead for better things to come.’’

Also, in the team are the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oby Okeke; Commissioner for Education, Professor Kate Omenugha; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education,

Dr. Beatrice Okonkwo; Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, ASUBEB, Nzeemeaka Olisa; Chairman, Anambra State PostPrimary School Services Commission, ASPPSSC, Lady Joy Ulasi; Coordinator, Anambra State Economic Think-Tank, ANET, Mac Attasie; the Project Coordinator, Anambra State Education Programme Investment Project, ASEPIP, Charly Okeke as well as the Director, Higher Technical/ Vocational Department, Dr. Laz Okafor, among others.

Speaking to South East Voice, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Omenugha, said that the visit was necessary to give the technical and vocational educational system a facelift. ‘’We are taking teachers of the Anambra State Technical College on a study-visit to Singapore.

When Governor Obiano assumed office, we noticed that technical

One of the technical colleges in Anambra

and vocational education were at the lowest ebb in the state.

Among the 11 technical colleges,

The idea is that when these teachers are exposed to international best practices, they will be able to impact same to the students, thus producing graduates who are employable

not even one had accreditation with the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE. "So, we are now developing the needed human resources through the development of our technical colleges, so that the products of these colleges will be ready-made to take up employments.

"Again, we noticed that the standard of the students cannot be higher than that of their teachers, so we kicked-off serious human capacity building programmes for the teachers.

"We have done a lot of local trainings for them in the last one year, and now, we are taking them to Singapore to ensure best practices in technical and vocational education.

"The idea is that when these teachers are exposed to international best practices, they will be able to impact same to the students, thus producing graduates who are employable.’’

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Kiara College, Endi Ezengwa, whose firm consults on technical and vocational education for the state, said Singapore was chosen for the study-visit ‘’because it is a very good example in the world on Technical and Vocational Education, TVED. They have working systems that are worth emulating all over the world.

When we get to Singapore, we will visit the ITE Educational Services, an institution in-charge of technical and vocational educational services in Singapore.’’

8 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Broken-down vehicles endanger road users in Aba

BY FELIX OGBONNA

A

BA ROAD users in Abia State are going through pains occasioned by indiscriminate parking of broken down vehicles on busy roads.

This was even as a young driver of a Toyota Jeep was feared dead in the commercial hub of the state, after his vehicle rammed into a broken down truck at Bata Junction on the ever busy Factory Road in the city.

South East Voice had on its February 18, 2015 edition warned about the dangers posed by broken down trucks on various roads in Aba where these trucks are allowed to stay as many as two weeks on the roads, causing gridlock without the FRSC or police traffic personnel towing them away.

The injured driver, who was said to be the owner of a leading

fast food restaurant in Aba, was cruising home at about 9 pm when he crashed ran into the stationary truck.

When South East Voice visited the scene of the incident, sympathizers were seen discussing the situation.

Eyewitnesses told South East Voice that the driver was still in coma as he was rushed to an undisclosed hospital at Abayi, along Aba - Owerri road by some good Samaritans.

However, some of sympathizers who spoke on the issue blamed the accident on the failure of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, and police to tow the truck away, adding that if they had been alive to their responsibilities, the accident would have been averted.

“This broken down truck has been abandoned here for some days now. Look at the distance of the truck from the junction where police traffic wardens and FRSC personnel direct traffic.

•Sports utility vehicle rams into a broken-down vehicle at Bata Junction, Aba.

The board has so far spent about N20 million for the renovation of school blocks in the school

‘’If they had been alive to their responsibilities, they would have seen to it that the truck was towed away from the road and this accident could have been avoided. ‘’Broken-down trucks are allowed to stay on the road; sometimes for one or two weeks without caution signs to other road users. These broken down vehicles cause traffic gridlocks without the FRSC and police personnel caring to tow them away,” one of them who gave his

name as Okechukwu told South East Voice.

In a telephone interview with South East Voice, the Assistant Route Commander, FRSC, Aba Unit, Joshua Igwe attributed the cause of accident to over speeding by the driver.

“There was a caution sign left on the road by the truck driver which other vehicles had smashed. If the man wasn’t on a high speed, he would have noticed that the truck was stationary,” he said.

Marine agency set to stop illegalities on Anambra, Kogi Delta waterways

By OBIALUNAMMA NWADIOGBU

T

HE MARINE Equipment and Oil Suppliers, MEOS, branch of the National Union of Petroleum and National Gas Workers, NUPENG, has warned members against indulging in illegal activities such as illegal oil bunkering, adulteration of petroleum products and other sharp practices on the waterways.

The Warri Zonal Chairman, MEOS, Monday Tenkumor, stated this during the flag-off of the Lower Niger field Unit at Amaenye Village Hall, Abagana in Njikoka Local Government area of Anambra State.

He maintained that MEOS which was affiliated to NUPENG in 2012, was aimed at undertaking the business of rental of marine equipment and supplies of vessels in the country’s territorial waters as well as engaging in other areas of oil and gas industry, including marketing and distribution of refined petroleum products, adding that the lower Niger field unit comprised of Anambra, Kogi and some parts of Delta states.

Tenkumor, who was represented by the zonal secretary, Kess Okeligho reminded the newly inaugurated coordinators that it was not within their constitutional responsibility to go after vessels carrying foodstuffs or other non-oil products.

“NUPENG will deny any member that indulges in sharp C M Y K

From left, Zonal Ex Officio, Stanley Idehe; Zonal Secretary, Kess Okeligho; Unit Chairman, Bashir Maaj; Maj Ibrahim T.O and Igwe Obalim, after their inauguration of Marine Equipment and Oil Suppliers. in Anambra. practices that are not in line with the Federal Government policies on the maritime industry. So, do not apprehend any vessel that is not carrying crude or refined oil product. We will collaborate with security agencies as well as the petroleum and maritime regulatory agencies to curb the menace of host communities and petroleum workers’ conflict,” he said.

On some of the activities that were beneficial to MEOS customers and clients, Tenkumor explained that MEOS in conjunction with foreign concerns were into the leasing and management of various sizes of vessels for wet cargo, related marine equipment for upstream services and other marine support services, even as he revealed that MEOS had a robust financial base

Alex Akaorah said the essence of the flag-off was to create awareness that the unit was now into full operation and to as well remind those who still do illegal businesses in Anambra, Kogi and Delta waterways to steer clear

for all equipment per day/trip, which he said, was paid to the coffers of MEOS. A NUPENG-Marine member and Patron, Alex Akaorah said the essence of the flag-off was to create awareness that the unit was now into full operation and to as well remind those who still do illegal businesses in Anambra, Kogi and Delta waterways to steer clear as there will be no hiding place for any of them.

Akaorah, however, noted that they cannot do the work alone without the cooperation of the security agencies in the states even as he advised members to play the game according to the rules.

Earlier, the Lower Niger Unit Chairman of NUPENG-Marine, Bashir Maaji, said the association

would strive to discourage and eradicate outdated equipment, illicit petroleum transactions, oil theft and vandalism of critical assets of the petroleum sector, stressing that constructive enlightenment programmes of activities across the petromaritime and shipping sectors was still required among members to enable them inculcate the appropriate practice direction in line with the government policies.

The Commander, 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, Col. Mohammed Bello, who was represented by Maj. Ibrahim T.O. congratulated NUPENG for the flag-off and urged all to collaborate and cooperate with security agencies by adhering strictly to the rules and regulations guiding NUPENG. “It is very important to note that security is a collective responsibility of every Nigerian.

I want to seize this opportunity to urge the newly inaugurated coordinators to ensure that they adhere strictly to the rules and regulations guiding NUPENG. "Let your conduct not be selfish.

Whatever you do, you owe allegiance to NUPENG. Seek knowledge as it relates to the maritime equipment and conduct.

“We are all working together for the good of this nation. We will give you the necessary protection to enable you perform optimally.

We will not sleep, so that you can sleep,” he assured.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 — 33

Rodriguez predicts ‘great’ Real, Atletico clash

Morata: Juventus don’t need superstars to win C/League

A

LVARO Morata believes Juventus can go all the way in the Champions League even without the presence of superstars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Turin giants have one foot in the semi-finals after last week’s 1-0 win over Monaco in Turin and will hope to wrap up the last-eight clash at the Stade Louis II today.

Morata won European club football’s elite

competition with Madrid last year alongside Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, but he feels the lack of superstars at Juventus is not necessarily a bad thing.

“Look at the past editions of the tournament, even last season’s one. Some teams went far in the competition and they weren’t made of just superstars.

Sometimes dedication and a strong spirit can be enough,” Morata told Tuttosport.

“Juventus have an extraordinary team spirit.

When I arrived here, I was

R

*Morata amazed in discovering how great players like Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo made a big effort to make me feel welcome".

NSSF boss reads riot acts as 8 teams vie for Etisalat’s N2 Million

P

resident of the National School Sports Federation (NSSF), Mallam Ibrahim Mohammad has vowed to sanction any coach and school over age discrepancies in this year’s Etisalat U-15 football tournament.

Speaking at the media briefing Monday, heralding the tournament, Mallam Mohammad said any coach or school found wanting would be banned for two years and will automatically lose their job The eight teams that qualified for the group stage of the Etisalat U-15 football tournament were drawn into two groups of four team with the winner of the tournament carting home N2 million, while each of the players in the team gets N50,000 scholarship.

Drawn in group A are Rimi College, Kaduna, Winners College, Akure, Green Springs Secondary School, Lekki, Lagos Stage amd Government Secondary School, Owerri. Group B teams are Army Day Secondary School, Sokoto, Washington Grammar School, Onitsha, Asegun High School, Oyo State and the Government Model School, Bida, Niger State.

The top two teams in each group after a round robin format will qualify for the semi-final.

Group winners will play the

second placed team in each group in a knockout format with the winners playing the final on Saturday. Losers will play for bronze also on Saturday.

The second place team will win N1 million with each of the players getting N30,000 worth of scholarship with the third place team winning N750,000, while each of the players will win N20,000 worth of scholarship.

Earlier in his speech, the Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Francesco Angelone said, Etisalat U-15 School Cup is a competition designed to connect, engage and promote talents of teens and young adults, on a distinctive platform that will provide an opportunity to achieve a successful career in football.

He also promised to ensure that the tournament was not rubbished with over age players featuring.

(L-R): President, Nigerian School Sports Federation, Mallam Ibrahim Muhammed; Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat Nigeria Angelone Francesco and Director, Brands & Experience, Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye, at the press conference/match draw of the Etisalat U-15 School Cup, held at Four Point By Sheraton, Victoria Island, today, Monday, 20th April

I

njured Super Eagles’ striker, Vic tor Moses has won Stoke City’s Goal of the Month Award for March.

The goal was voted by Stoke City fans through the club’s website.

The winger, who is on loan at Stoke City from Chelsea, scored a sublime header against Everton as he backpedaled but managed to still generate enough power to beat Tim Howard in the Toffee‘s goal to give ‘The Potters’ the lead from 15 yards out.

The former Wigan star received 72% of the vote, beating both Mame Diouf efforts against Crystal Palace (28%) and Everton (0%).

He scored three goals in the league for ‘The Potters’ before his most recent injury setback.

Enyeama linked with Besiktas

S

uper Eagles number one goalkeeper, Vin cent Enyeama, could seal a potential move to Turkish Super Liga side Besiktas during the 2015 summer transfer window.

Latest reports coming in from Turkey claim that Besiktas are set to table an offer and are in advanced negotiations that could send the 32-yearold Lille man to Istanbul if both parties come into final agreement.

Just recently, Saint Etienne, Liverpool, Newcastle and Olympique Marseille were been linked with the reliable shot stopper, who is the skipper of Nigeria.

A potential move for the former Enyimba star will see him as the fourth ever Nigerian to play for the Istanbul club after Ike Shorunmu, Daniel Amokachi and Michael Eneramo.

EAL Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez expects a tough Champions League quarter-final second leg clash against city rivals Atletico Madrid today Keeper Jan Oblak was Atletico’s hero in the first leg as he denied Real a priceless away goal as the clash at Vicente Calderon ended 0-0.

The 22-year-old Slovenian pulled off two vital first-half saves, the first of them at point-blank range, to deny Gareth Bale and enable Atletico to extend their unbeaten record against Carlo Ancelotti’s men this season to seven games.

Atletico have beaten their neighbours four times and drawn against them three times in their bid for revenge for last season’s Champions League final, which Real won 4-1 after extra time.

“We have to show intensity, be completely focused, play well, [we must] all stick together. I think that if we do that we’ll come away with an excellent result,” Rodriguez told the club’s official website.

Madrid derby: Bale, Benzema, Modric injuries won’t affect Real — Kroos

*Benzema

*Modric *Bale

T

oni Kroos has insisted that Real Madrid’s in jury problems should not be an excuse as they prepare for today’s Champions League encounter with Atletico Madrid.

The reigning European champions had to settle for a scoreless draw at the Vicente Calderon in the first leg of the quarter-final tie and they will have to make do without firstteamers Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Gareth

Bale due to injuries picked up in the past week.

Kroos remains confident, though, and feels Carlo Ancelotti’s men have what it takes to end their seven-game winless streak against Atletico. “It’s not good to have so many key players injured, but there is no point complaining about it.

There is no doubt that Modric is an important player for the team but we have to focus on winning the game,” Kroos said at a press conference.

Berbatov: Monaco can beat Juventus ONACO striker Dimitar semi-final is within our M Berbatov is confident his reach,” the 34-year-old said. side can beat Juventus to “We can do it against Juvenqualify for their first Champions League semi-final since 2003-04.

Despite suffering a 1-0 first leg loss in Turin last Tuesday, the Bulgarian believes the Ligue 1 side can overturn the deficit in the second leg at the Stade Louis II tonight.

“The Champions League

tus. We’re a good team, we’ve already shown that both against Arsenal, and a week ago in Turin.

“We absolutely did not deserve to lose and in the first half we should have had a penalty: if the referee had given it, it would have been a different game".

34—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 2015

Speaking up against rape helps the victims get justice — Esther Ijewere Kalejaiye In an attempt to raise awareness on sexual violence, and put an end to the scourge of rape incidence in the society, Rubies ink,an advocacy organization that champions the cases of rape victims is planning the fifth edition of her annual advocacy walk.In this interview, the coordinator of Walk Against Rape, Esther Ijewere Kalejaiye reveals why rape victims must speak up, the motivation behind working with celebrities to drive home the message,among other issues.

By Kehinde Ajose

W

HAT inspired Walk against rape?

My passion for humanity, injustice and my inability to withstand any form of violence against women inspired this movement.So far; it’s been a worthwhile journey.

How long have you been doing this and what are the milestones?

We have been organizing the walk for five years now and we can boldly say a lot has changed since we started, now victims not only report cases of rape, but also use their story to encourage several victims to speak up

•Esther

and break the silence. In addition, stigmatization is gradually becoming a thing of the past as people are beginning to understand how to relate with victims of rape.

How does what you do contribute to nation building?

It contributes to nation building because our work gives voice to several voiceless women in the society and a creates a platform for them to express themselves and be heard.Imagine what will

happen if the victims don’t get justice.

What drives you?

The joy of knowing I am a solution to someone’s problem and putting smiles on the victims faces is enough motivation for me to keep doing this.It’s not been easy, but the impact out weights the challenges.

What inspired the celebs you selected for Walk

Why are you working with celebrities to drive home your message?

Celebrities are vehicles of social change and part of their social responsibility is to use their position to inspire, educate and promote good values in the society, hence our reason for always walking with celebrities.

Tell us about your rape handbook?

My rape handbook Breaking the silence - is an information handbook on rape that informs and educates the society on the scourge of rape, it also provides information about different help centres and help lines across Lagos.

Sexual violence

Walking with celebrities In the past, we have worked with the likes of Alibaba, Kate Henshaw, Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi.This year we will be working with celebrities like Desmond Elliot, Joseph Benjamin, Monalisa Chinda, Kehinde Bankole and others.

Do you think they are the right channels ?

Celebrities are not the only people we are working with; every sector of the society is coming out to lend their voice to the cause. We use celebrities to drive home the message because a lot of people look up to them in the society

Against Rape this year?

We picked celebrities who are not only passionate about this issue but those who have openly shown their dissatisfaction to violence against women

Esther

The joy of knowing I am a solution to someone’s problem and putting smiles on the victims faces is enough motivation for me to keep doing this

We also have our College Acquaintance Rape Education project which we organize in partnership with the Lagos State Government and the Domestic and sexual violence response team . It’s a 3 months inter secondary and primary school sensitization workshop on rape which kicked off in February.

Why do rape victims need to speak up?

Speaking up against rape makes it a reported case and helps the victim get justice.It also encourages silent victims to see a reason why they should break the silence.

Were you once a rape victim?

No, but I have heard testimonies of several people I have counseled in the last five years who have evolved from being victims to survivors.

BEHOLD the amazon transforming the performing arts industry in Nigeria! Mrs Sarah Boulos is grossly immersed in the business of helping talented Nigerians find business opportunities in music, dance, theatre and visual arts. Sarah who is of Lebanese and French heritage has particularly grown the art of dancing into a money-spinner for many who now own their own production companies.

Though famous for her selfless work at the Society for Performing Arts in Nigeria, SPAN, which she kick-started ten years ago, the mother of four is also Managing Director at SCOA Nigeria Plc., a subsidiary of her father’s conglomerate, Groupe Fadoul Afrique.

Sarah tells more as SPAN clocks ten

By Josephine Agbonkhese

H

OW would you rate dance in Nigeria between when you started and now in terms acceptability as a profession?

Ten years ago, parents didn’t think their children could make it in dance until they began seeing reality TV shows where people were carting home millions for their dance skills. In fact, they were beating their children for coming to dance in SPAN. But I tell you today, no reality TV show is born in Nigeria without SPAN. Maltina Dance Hall for example is run by SPAN’s teachers. This includes Dance234, the Guinness Street Competition, Celebrity Takes Two, and many more. Even Kaffy’s Production sends all of her students to SPAN. I have a long list.

Companies that wouldn’t brand youths and the performing arts are now putting their money into the performing arts and branding shows.

Dancers are respected now as professionals as well. We’re just starting now to see that the dancer can dictate his price like the comedians and all, and it will be respected.

*Performers at SPAN C M Y K

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015—35

Give me National Theatre, I know what to do with it —Sarah Boulos, Founder, Society for Performing Arts in Nigeria Now, dancing which was usually a forgotten part of the arts is now being taken as serious business. Also, people now know it’s hard to put up choreography.

But are you insinuating that our universities teaching the performing arts aren't doing enough?

Of course we have universities teaching the arts in Nigeria but SPAN has a different scope.

Unlike universities, we are very practical. The most amazing is that many of our students are university graduates who feel they have not achieved the needed skills to excel in the industry.

Above all, what we do is provide opportunity for people who can’t afford university education. These people come to us, are thought for free and are able to earn a livelihood because they become very good performers.

What kind of dance do you teach?

We have different branches of the dance arts: contemporary, African, westernised dances like Ballroom and Latin, Ballet, creative dance movements, jazz and then modern dance movements which is starting in September. We’re also working on developing tap dance classes.

We’re working with international dance institutions to achieve a system that will become like a full university.

But do you still have to put up

a university?

Yes, an institution that will also have something like an academy where people from all over the world would gather to watch great shows.

I believe it is something that is necessary for Nigeria; we have very many talented young people in search of platforms to horn their talents! I always tell people: SPAN can do it; give me the National Theatre and I know what I’ll do with it.

You see, the problem of the National Theatre is that operators could not identify that it was for Nigeria.

Beautiful building It was just a beautiful building where people were appointed without a clear direction of what performing arts was. Look at the Muson Centre. If tomorrow Chief Akintola Williams is no more, that centre will carry on.

That is what I’m doing with SPAN; building it with a strong team of dedicated staff so that it can be managed when I’m gone.

Your father is an international business tycoon; why did you decide to teach the performing arts instead of giving orders in one of his highprofile offices?

That’s an interesting question. I used to be Director at SCOA Logistics in Kirikiri, Lagos, when the inspiration for SPAN came.

I graduated with a degree in Biology and got a Masters in Public Health. I actually moved to Nigeria in 1996 when we bought SCOA Nigeria Plc. Personally, I own La Point Grocery Store in Victoria Island.

At a point, I knew something was missing in my life. I started going to Bible studies and in my Bible studies, I discovered my purpose and understood very well God’s calling upon my life. I

•Sarah Boulos didn’t know what performing arts was; I had only danced from age 3-15.

We’re just starting now to see that the dancer can dictate his price like comedians and all, and it will be respected

In 2003, the message came again.

All that didn’t trigger me to start, though. Six months later, 2003 Christmas precisely, my uncle and aunt left candle on their Christmas tree and it caught fire and they died.

Within 24-hours, my mother, brother, brother’s wife and her dad and my mother’s cousin left the house to attend the funeral in Lebanon but all died in a plane crash.

Few days before this incident also, I had met the Spirit of David by coincidence. So, at the end of the day, we all combined forces and I was driven to start something for Nigeria and live a more purposeful life.

36—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

closeness to the former to profit from the state governorship race billed for November.

What observers posit as the major fallout of Jonathan’s defeat is that the political space will be thrown open for all to test their popularity.

Given the APC tsunami at the recent general elections which led to the ouster of the PDP in its once dominant strongholds, many are confident that the power of incumbency has been demystified and that the opposition parties are ready to bite.

The situation in Bayelsa is even made more intriguing given the surging popularity of the APC and the concomitant disarray in the PDP. Meanwhile, some politicians in the state, especially those whose political careers have been in limbo are now back to the trenches, strategizing on their next move.

Political sagacity •Jonathan

Changing fortunes in Bayelsa THE Peoples Democratic Party PDP has been the dominant party in Bayelsa State since the return of civil rule in 1999. That dominance got to its peak after the election of its most famous son, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as president. Now, the loss of the president in the last presidential election is leading to new permutations in the riverine state.

By Samuel Oyadongha

I

T was believed that the defunct All Progressives Party, APP, would have clinched the 1999 governorship election in the state if it had taken place as those in other parts of the country, given the overwhelming support it then enjoyed.

But given the victory of the PDP in the earlier elections in other parts of the country, it was not surprising that the pendulum, swung the way of the party. The people of the young state were apparently not prepared to start democratic life on the side of the opposition.

This, however, may change in the wake of the defeat of the PDP at the centre and with the outgoing President, Goodluck Jonathan an indigene of the state who as leader of the party has wielded enormous influence in the affairs of the state.

He was instrumental to the shutting out of former Governor Timipre Sylva from the PDP

C M Y K

•Patience: Opposed Dickson

•Dickson: Free of Patience pressure

primary that threw up Seriake Dickson. Speculations were also rife in town that had Jonathan won, Dickson would have been given the Sylva treatment on account of the alleged frosty relationship between him and Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of the President.

The seeming face-off between

the First Lady and the governor, was allegedly responsible for the former quitting her position as a Permanent Secretary in the state civil service even though she was not assigned any ministry.

Also, the outgoing President is bound to lose the privilege of being the sole ‘godfather’ of

BAYELSA'S LEADING POLITICAL ACTORS

•Dr. Goodluck Jonathan •Gov Serikae Dickson •Mrs. Patience Jonathan •Mr. Timipire Sylva

Bayelsa politics, a position he currently enjoys.

The defeat of the incumbent president is a big blow to many especially to the people of the Niger Delta many of whom had thought Jonathan’s second coming would bring massive infrastructural development to the blighted region as well as those waiting to exploit their

But that is not to say that the Jonathans will be wholly ruled out of relevance, not with the political sagacity of Mrs. Jonathan whose political empire may have been now reduced to Baylelsa and her native state, Rivers State.

The 2016 governorship polls will open more variables and intrigues, and will be keenly contested.

The people through their votes will determine who their next governor will be rather than the anointments that have characterised past elections since 2003.

Indications of a keen contest was shown in the recent House of Assembly election in the state when the opposition APC made inroads into the once stronghold of the PDP when it picked two seats in the 24 member House including the unexpected defeat of the incumbent Deputy Speaker.

It could even have been worse for the ruling party, but PDP toughies faced with the embarrassment of losing much ground to the APC in the party’s home state were called in to straighten things up.

In Brass Constituency, the base of former Governor Timipire Sylva, the state APC leader, they were, however, matched by Sylva’s own toughies who resisted the PDP guys.

With the PDP toughies losing the cover under which they have long operated, the scenario in the next few months when the governorship election comes up would be a much more difficult one for many PDP enforcers, including even for Mama Peace, the state’s most famous daughter-in-law.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015—37

PDP is paying the price of arrogance — SEN NDOMA-EGBA SENATOR Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, is the outgoing leader of the Senate. In this interview, he reviews the lot that recently befell his party Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the internal schism in the local chapter of the party in his native Cross River State and life after the Senate. Excerpts:

By Emmanuel Una

T

HERE are rumours that you’ll be defecting to the APC any moment from now. Is it true?

If I were defecting, I would have come out openly to declare it. Anything you hear about my purported defection remains a rumour. One thing I found very amusing in Cross River is that anybody who leaves PDP to any other party is Ndoma Egba’s supporter. Whereas the story before now was that I have no supporter. So, where are those ‘supporters’ coming from?

There is an oversimplification of dynamics of politics in Cross River. We are no longer thinking deeply, we are no more analyzing issues the way it should be.

We are becoming mentally lazy, when mental laziness comes in, it breeds impunity, and impunity breeds arrogance. That is where we are, and we are paying a very high price for impunity which has now become a culture in our party.

But is there pressure from your friends and supporters to defect due to level of that impunity which you just spoke about?

The pressure, actually, is not only from my supporters but from every quarter but it is now left for me to reflect on it.

Corresponding traffic I will like to make this point.

After the so-called primaries of last year nationwide, there was a lot of movement, but that movement was in one direction, and that was where we were supposed to listen to alarm bell which was ringing.

The situation was that people moved from PDP to other parties, but we did not see corresponding traffic of people moving from other parties into PDP. Furthermore, the crisis in the PDP over the primaries were more pronounced in states that were ordinarily PDP strongholds.

The crises were more pronounced in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Nasarawa, Adamawa. With this, the party was weakened long before the elections and with our own complicity.

I will advise that for us to move

forward, political parties should be owned by members of the parties and not individuals no matter how powerful there are.

What advice do you have for your party men who are defecting en mass to other political parties?

The party that is coming into power at the federal level survived as opposition for 16 years. Even though what has happened to PDP is a selfinflicted situation, we should see what has happened as a Godsent avenue to recreate the PDP to be owned by members of the party and not by barons.

Mental laziness breeds impunity and impunity breeds arrogance and every situation reinforces itself. If you have small impunity today if you don’t do anything about it, the impunity would grow and if you have small arrogance today and you don’t do anything about it, it would re-enforce itself by growing so the PDP is paying a price for our own conduct and this is a God sent opportunity for us to wake up and think and I also hope that the APC will learn from what has befallen PDP. What next after your exit from the Senate in the next few weeks.

Outside politics my profession is still there and as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and I have not earned a kobo with that rank because I have not gone to court and the rank was given to me while I was in the Senate so the options are many but I still remain to serve- that much I can guarantee you.

The President last week refused to assent amended constitutions. Is there any

these tedious processes, these issues suddenly popped up?

It is a rather unfortunate development. When you withhold assent to a bill, the practice is to return the original copy of the bill but what we got was not the original copy but a photocopy, and from that photocopy, the President’s signature was not there.

We can only be categorical when we receive the original copy and that was why, by resolution, we demanded that the original copy be sent back to us.

I can tell you that the National Assembly is not happy about that development, and I will not be surprised if they resort to the other constitutional solution to situations like this.

Constitutional solution

•Ndoma-Egba: What happened to PDP is a self-inflicted

situation

friction between the National Assembly and the Presidency over this?

Let us look at the history of constitutional amendment in Nigeria. From 1960 to the sixth Senate, we never actually succeeded in any constitutional amendment in a democratic setting. The only time we succeeded was in 1963 when there was an amendment to the then constitution to allow for the creation of the then Mid-west region, but beyond that we never succeeded. That jinx was broken in the sixth senate when we passed the 1st, 2nd and the 3rd amendment to the constitution.

Constitutional amendment is

not an easy process. It is a very tedious and elaborate process which requires not only the normal procedures on the floor of the senate but requires the involvement of the State Assemblies but also public hearings at the national, zonal, state up to the federal constituency level.

The essence of public hearing is to allow the public make their own inputs and the public at large include governments, Governments also send representatives to each stage of these public hearings.

How come these issues were not raised at that point. How come that after we had gone through

The constitution is very clear that within 30 days of the bills being sent to the president for assent, if the president withholds his assent, the National Assembly can override his veto by subjecting the bill again to the normal process of lawmaking.

These scenarios had happened before when former President Olusegun Obasanjo refused to give his assent to the bill creating the Niger Delta Development Commission. That bill was passed into law without the presidential assent.

What would be your role at both the State and federal levels after your tenure expires?

My role would depend on the PDP in the State. For almost three years, I have not been invited to any PDP meeting in Cross River.

If I am shut out, I will play my role from outside and if the doors are opened, that would define the role I play too. But, the body language I see is that they prefer me outside the house than inside.

During the campaign, they ran their campaign throughout that period and I was not consulted or contacted. Anybody who was suspected of having any sympathy for me was excluded.

I am waiting, watching, hoping and praying.

How APC de-robed PDP in Kogi

By Boluwaji Obahopo

We should see what has happened as a God-sent avenue to recreate the PDP to be owned by members of the party and not by barons

B

EFORE the 2015 general elections, most people expected the All Progressives Congress (APC) to give the ruling Peoples Democratic (PDP) a good fight. However, only a few expected the APC to win the presidential polls in Kogi, the three senatorial and six of the nine House of Representatives seats.

Since 2003 when the PDP took over from Prince Abubakar Audu

of the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP, the party has remained in firm control of Kogi State boasting at a stage that there is no opposition in the state.

The just concluded general elections have changed all that with the opposition APC giving the PDP the political beating of its life.

While many were surprised by the APC conquest, most political analysts were not. To them, it was a disaster waiting to happen in view of the actions and inactions

of the state government led by Capt. Idris Wada.

Why APC won The administrative logjam that greeted Wada’s emergence, perceived poor performance of the state government and botched post-primary reconciliation efforts among other factors spelled doom for the party at the polls.

The inability of the PDP to resolve the logjam over who was its authentic candidate in the 2011 Continues on page 38

38—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

TARABA GOV: Continuing suspense and intrigues THE governorship election held on the 11th of April in Taraba state was widely peaceful although there was pockets of hitches in some selected areas.

By John Mkom

T

HE hitches were mostly cases of over voting against the number of accreditation, snatching of Smart Card Readers and other electoral materials among other acts of violence.

Though eleven political parties contested for the governorship seat of the state, only three candidates were reckoned to be have serious prospects in the contest.

The trio included Dickson Darius Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Aisha Alhassan of the All Progressives Congress, APC and David Sabo Kente of the Social Democratic Party, SDP. In the end it turned into a two horse race of the PDP and APC candidates.

The Returning Officer for the governorship election in the state Prof.

Muhamed Kyari at the end of the polls, declared the election inconclusive on the ground that the number of cancelled votes was higher than the gap which PDP gave to the APC candidate.

The cancelation affected 10 out the 16 local government areas of the state, the areas affected were -Bali-20 Polling Units with registration of 14,187. Donga- 165 Polling Units with registration of 85,657.

Jalingo- 1 Pooling Unit with registration of 1,185. Karim-Lamido-9 Pooling Units with registration of 5,176. Kurmi- 1 Pooling Unit with registration of 753.

Others are- Takum-12 Pooling Units with registration of 11,441. Ussa- 4 Pooling Units with registration of 3, 085. Wukari4 Pooling Units with registration of 3,460.

Yoro- 1 Pooling Unit with registration of 1,043. Zing- 1 Pooling Unit with registration of 738.

There was wide condemnation on the cancelation on the 165 pooling units in Donga Local government area and the 5 pooling units in Takum.

The Returning Officer in Takum presented the local government result and told the state returning officer that only a pooling unit was cancelled in the local government area.

He further told Prof. Kyari that though there were complaints by the APC agent on about five other pooling units, he, however, affirmed that the complaints were not taken as serious and as such dismissed.

“I adviced them to get reasonable evidence and forward their complaint to the state office of INEC", the Takum local government returning officer told Muhamed Kyari while presenting the local government result at the Collation Center in Jalingo” The results were already submitted by the Takum returning officer but the state returning officer Prof. Muhamed Kyari ordered that the result from the 5 pooling

•Alhassan units be deducted from the already submitted result of Takum local government area.

In Donga local government area, the returning officer said there was cancelations in 5 pooling units, the state returning officer therefore ordered that the 165 pooling units be cancelled.

The development sparked heated argument between the PDP agent at the state level and the state returning officer.

After the cancelations of a total of 127,123 ballots across the 10 local government areas, the PDP led with 317,198 as against APC’s 262,473 votes.

PDP chieftains have complained that the areas mostly affected by the cancellations were their strongholds like in Donga local

How APC de-robed PDP in Kogi Continues from page 37 governorship election has continued to witch-hunt the party and affected its fortunes at the last elections.

Though most of the court cases instituted by the Jibril Isah faction was resolved in favour of the governor, the two factions could not reconcile their differences and continued to play hide and seek.

First, the deputy governorship candidate of the Isah faction, Clearance Olafemi (a former Speaker of the House), decamped to the APC with his supporters in Kogi Wast Senatorial axis.

Though Jibril Isah (Echocho) himself did not formally leave the PDP, his foot soldiers and party admirers did.

The fallout of these grievances led to the Abuja group of politicians, the Kogi PDP Elders Forum, moving against the governor and by extension the PDP structure in the state. It was therefore not surprising that the party imploded.

But before the implosion, the PDP Elders forum escaped and defected to the APC. One of the Kogi PDP Elders, Senator Alex Kadiri, in a recent interview,

•Ishaku government area where the party scored 37,069 as against APC which scored 10,087.

The election in Donga local government area may be the deciding factor in the rerun because the whole of the local government was cancelled. The area politically has been under the control of Sen. Bwacha a PDP Senator.

PDP also defeated APC in Wukari, Kurmi, Karim-Lamido, Takum, Zing, Yoro,Kurmi, Ussa. In Bali local government area where APC defeated PDP , Suntai Ward, the base of the ailing governor, Danbaba Suntai was also found to have ailed in the conduct of the election leading to the cancellation of the polls in that area.

known as Liaison officers for the 21 local councils. Most of the officers were nominated by his predecessor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.

But barely a year after, Wada disbanded the liaison officers and organised an election in which the State Independent Electoral commission, SIEC, declared his party as winner of the 21 councils.

Shortly after, Wada started having running battles with the chairmen.

Running battles •Gov Wada

•Audu

gave insight into their defection.

“If there is a situation that you don’t like and you complained to the those you believe can cause a change that could make you continue to be in the system but they do nothing about it, then you have two options: to remain there to continue to make the mess or to opt out.

Never in the history of the state has the party or any party faced the level of defections that hit the PDP and many who thought the governor will find a way to reconcile the aggrieved were all disappointed. The governor couldn’t find a means to resolve

the irreconcilable differences between him, the Echocho group and the Kogi PDP Elders Forum who were hell bent on bringing him down.

Wada, at different fora, attributed the slow development in the state to the numerous court litigations that he said served as a setback for him.

The most unlikely mistake that finally give the state away to the opposition is the total collapse of the local government administration. Immediately Wada assumed power, he appointed caretaker chairmen

Some attributed the problem to the chairmen’s open loyalty to the former governor, who they consult before carrying out the directives of the sitting governor.

First to taste the bitter pill of the grievances was Mohammed Ali, the Dekina chairman (the governor’s council boss), who was impeached immediately.

Not done, the court case instituted by one of the APC stalwarts, James Ocholi challenging the legality of SIEC chairman, Ayo Olaniran to conduct the council election because he was a card-carrying member of the PDP, resurfaced suddenly when many thought the case had died. The case was

decided in favour of the APC and Wada without appealing the case immediately carried out the order of the court, sacked the chairmen and dissolved the council executives.

Many still hold the opinion that the governor had a hand in the sudden reappearance of the court case. The governor had earlier accused the chairmen of financial mismanagement which he said affected the payment of council workers’ salary.

Controversial primaries The PDP did not manage its primaries well. For example, the Eastern Senatorial primary where Isaac Alfa was leading only for thugs to disrupt the exercise was one case in point.

The party failed to hold another primary but the name of Senator Attai Aidoko, who is seeking a second term, was pushed forward by Senator Ahmadu Ali, the director general of the illfated Presidential Campaign Council.

The complaints of others were treated with kid gloves and the governor seemed not bothered about reconciliation. This development was also recorded in many primaries of the party.

Unlike the PDP, the APC, which also had some grievances during its primaries was able to manage its crises better.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015—39

2015 gov elections: Turning Abia into a sore point

By Sopuru Uwadiegwu

Okonjo-Iweala has run a good race

By Dan Osofisan

always will.She is an example that hard work pays off. When she joined the J o n a t h a n administration, she had a local and international reputation that few people can boast of.

The accolades, awards and commendations have increased since then.

She will leave with her reputation intact because despite all

I

AM often times baffled at the way some so-called intelligent Nigerians express their frustrations, play out their fantasies and reveal their dark thoughts.

In the days following the release of the results of the presidential election, all sorts of opinion articles have been published, most revealing the inner workings of the minds of their writers. Most of these op-eds focus on whom to blame for President Jonathan’s narrow loss to General Buhari at the elections. Some have made fanciful commentaries here and there, whilst certain others have stooped to derogatory remarks which, by all accounts, are uncalled for. But, that is not where I am going with this piece.

The first is a reaction to the socalled list of people who caused the president’s alleged downfall.

There are desperate attempts by some jesters to reduce the eminence of Okonjo-Iweala by roping her in the scandalous activities of the likes of Diezani Allison Madueke and Mama Peace. Now, isn’t that ridiculous?

If there is anything an unbiased analysis of the Jonathan’s administration would acknowledge, it is the fact that Okonjo-Iweala added legitimacy, respectability, zest, as well as local and international acceptance to the GEJ administration.

May I mention the billions of dollars that flowed into the Nigerian economy from Direct Foreign Investments (DFIs) under the watch of Dr. OkonjoIweala? This is unprecedented in the entire history of Nigeria’s economy.

Friendly policies Can we even enumerate the number of businesses that started, blossomed and are thriving because of the friendly policies she put in place to drive the growth of cottage, small and medium scale enterprises in this country?

While it may not be a bad idea to begin to reel out the long list of local and international awards she has received in the last four years, I will spare my readers the trouble and go straight to the point.

Madam Finance Minister remained committed to her passion of seeing the Nigerian economy bloom, even to the point of it being acclaimed the largest on the continent and one of the most promising in the world. This she did regardless of various attacks from vested interests who are averse to the structures she put in place to block leakages and pilfering in the system, whereas some of them are simply jealous of her portfolio as Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

I wonder if any of those writing these articles have ever read Mrs Iweala’s profile. Do they know anything about her academic and

•Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala professional background before she became minister? Do they imagine that heading the Nigerian finance ministry is the highest office she has occupied, or that her earnings while serving as minister are anything compared to what she was being paid before? Some may not have the answers to these questions, and I have decided to take it upon myself to fill in the blanks for them, thus ending their ignorance.

Madam Okonjo-Iweala came into the Nigerian polity at a time when the nation’s economy was badly in need of restructuring.

And President Obasanjo sought out the best head for the job. She came in with a mouth-watering reputation, was widely renowned as a developmental economist to the thrill of us all, then she delivered and she left. Did her career end there? No. She went on to become Director at the World Bank and was at a time considered for the World Bank presidency. When she leaves her office as Coordinating Minister of the Economy on May 29, 2015, I can assure you, it will not be to sit in some corner biting her nails and scheming how she might publish some ten-pager as to relaunch herself back to reckoning like the Soludos of this world. She was born to shine, and shine she

While we may be subjective here, biased even, there are tons of records to prove that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is in a class of her own

the best efforts of her political enemies to mar her stellar reputation, the international community and those that know better are not deceived; they know a gem when they see one.

When someone lends her talents, skills and even put her reputation on the line to manage her country’s economy, posterity will forever remember her for good for selfless service to fatherland. While we may be subjective here, biased even, there are tons of records to prove that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is in a class of her own.

Selfless service I think her haters are just scared that some other government, institutions or organisations who know her worth will quickly grab her off the market; thus further skyrocketing her career, and ultimately prove them wrong or reveal them for whom they really are: haters!

Secondly, some of our people have this very abominable habit of always looking for whom to blame when things go wrong.

Jonathan lost, so people must be blamed. May I ask at this point, has Jonathan told you he blames anyone? If the President is mature enough to move on with his life rather than looking for whom to blame, I think we should all borrow a leaf from him. Mind you, these jesters are not looking for accountability here. They are rather more interested in the drama that results from throwing dirt.

I am all for people having opinions and enjoying the freedom to express them, but I have found that some Nigerians are too fond of dishing out uninformed opinions which and then passionately carrying on with it in order to make a name for themselves as social commentators. As annoying as it is, we will forgive them. And, why not? After all, in a few short years when Dr Mrs OkonjoIweala adds more laurels to her already intimidating list of recognitions, we are all going to be saying, “That’s our woman.

She is doing Nigeria proud.”

•Osofisan writes from University of Jos

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FTER the rain, a popular adage has it, comes the shine. With the statesmanship of President Goodluck Jonathan dousing the heavy downpour of crises largely envisaged across the world as a foregone result of the 2015 general elections, one would have expected the shine on Nigeria not just to become brighter but longer.

Our democratic processes should have been the better for it.

Alas, that appears not to be, as some bad eggs seem hell bent on undermining the exemplary leadership of President Jonathan, as well as the organizational expertise and strength of character displayed by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Atahiru Jega, by placing their selfish motives/ambitions above that of the nation/ wishes of the electorate. The desperation of few politicians has almost taken the shine off what is arguably one of the best general elections in Africa, achieved by a combination of the meticulous care of INEC, the bravery of young Nigerians particularly youth corps members and most importantly, at risk of sounding like a scratched CD, the exemplary sportsmanship of President Jonathan.

Genuine show of patriotism With results in a few states, including Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Imo States having been declared inconclusive, informed minds are beginning to ask questions.

The stakes are very high and pardon us, our expectations have been raised by the genuine show of patriotism

by President Jonathan and the dispassionate actions of INEC. Nigerians ought to be proud of themselves, as they can now boast that democracy is finally taking roots in Africa’s most populous country.

Interestingly, this is probably not what the majority of keen followers of general elections in Africa expected, what with former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo alarming the world with insinuations that President Jonathan might do a Gbagbo, in reference to former president of Cote d’Ivoire, Laurent Gbagbo whose pursuit of power plunged his country into crises. Nigeria and indeed the world should be grateful to President Jonathan for disappointing cynics like his mentor, Chief Obasanjo.

It is a major cause of concern that having come this far and sacrificed so much the INEC would still find itself having to declare elections

inconclusive! What if the presidential election was for any reason declared inconclusive?

The repercussion is anybody’s guess!

This is why INEC has to quickly and decisively address the issues before the people resort to self-help in making their votes count, which might breed violence.

Unfortunately, given what INEC had achieved with the 2015 general elections in Nigeria this would amount to one bad apple spoiling the whole basket or as my Igbo people would say, one finger touching the oil and its spreading to the other fingers. Incidentally, one of the most worrisome cases in the gubernatorial elections declared inconclusive by INEC is in Igboland, Abia State to be precise.

Several issues add to the confusion created by this declaration, which is heating up the political space in Abia State. Word of mouth in Abia has it that the INEC might have been hoodwinked by a candidate to post his family and friend to supervise the election. The Residential Electoral Commissioner for Abia State, Prof Selina Okoh, stories have it, is a cousin of the gubernatorial standard bearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, for the April 11, 2015 election, Dr Alex Otti. Curiously, the Returning Officer for the same election is Prof V.C. Ozumba who is also the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, UNN. It is common knowledge that the UNN under the vice chancellorship of Prof Ozumba conferred an honorary doctorate degree on the APGA candidate, Dr Otti.

Feelers from political circles in Abia State indicate that Dr Otti shopped for this doctorate degree as part of efforts to shore-up his personality profile in preparation for political battles such as this. These two curious angles, in addition to desperate efforts

by Dr Otti to claim nativity of Ngwa, the zone to which the governorship has been zoned prior to the elections, are serious issues touching the sensitive membrane of the Abia political landscape.

It is my sincere thought that these high standing individuals, particularly Prof Ozumba ought to have voluntarily stood down as Returning Officer in an election that has his close ally as candidate. My reason is simple. The relationship between these three actors is enough to compromise the outcome of the election, as it contradicts the principles of natural justice.

•Uwadiegwu, a public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos

40—V ANGU ARD, WEDNESD A Y, APRIL 22, 2015 40—VANGU ANGUARD, WEDNESDA

Is my friend envious of this relationship?

I don’t want my wayward sister as my bridesmaid Dear Bunmi, All our growing years, my youngest sister was a nuisance, always breaking my things, and nothing like our other four siblings. She’s nine years younger than I am and since she was a teenager, she’s tried to steal my boyfriends, and succeeded with two of them.

It was a relief when I went away to the university and was able to have a life of my own. I was an idiot to allow her to stay with me when I finally had my own bedsit because she ended up sleeping with my then fiance.

Now I’m about to get married to someone new and she wants to be my chief bridesmaid. I will cause a family bust-up if 1 refuse, but I’m greatly tempted.

Nifemi, by e-mail.

Dear Nifemi, You need to weigh the satisfaction of getting back at your sister by saying no, against the hurt it will cause.

Would it be worth it? As the youngest, it seems your family

has always encouraged her to act like a spoilt brat selfish, without conscience or empathy. Every time she acts up, she gets the reward of attention, which in a family of six children is to be fought over.

Every time you act the older sister with her, scolding or complaining or fighting, that view is reinforced. You need to sit her down and have an adult talk with her. Tell her

Has his sex life died?

Dear Bunmi, My husband is in his mid 50s and I am 48. It’s over three years since we made love and I’ve suggested that he sees a specialist but he won’t, he shrugs that the specialist will only say that at our age, that type of thing stops.

I know that sex is not the element of relationship but it is an important part. I find myself being flippant and sarcastic with him and this leads to arguments. My husband said that if sex meant that much to me, I should have an affair if I

I feel insulted by her request Dear Bunmi, I’m in my mid twenties, and I have become very friendly with a girl who recently moved into the neighbourhood. She’s two years younger and has a nice enough boyfriend. We often go out to clubs from time to time. Then, out of the blues, this girl wanted to know if I would like a threesome with her and her boyfriend. I was shocked and horrified that she could think that was something I would want to do.

Now I wonder if she became friendly with me just because she saw me as a potential sex partner for her boyfriend’s perversion. I don’t know why she would think I would be interested in that sort of thing.

I’m not a prude, but it is definitely not my scene at all - never has been and never will be. Now I feel very awkward around her and find it hard to talk to her, which is difficult as we live virtually next door to each other.

Ifeanyi, by e-mail.

Dear Ifeanyi, You need to clear the air by letting her know that three-

you don’t want any embarrassment with your new man, and let your fiance know the type of girl she is.

Your wedding is your choice and if you’d prefer to have no bridesmaids or friends in that role, or agree to have your sister if she obeys the new rules, it’s your call. She needs to know that future contact won’t be based on past patterns.

somes aren’t your scene, and then forget about it.

She probably asked you because you are good friends and she trusted you with her secret. She may even have been pressured into it by her boyfriend. Some people go for unusual sex - that’s their problem. Only, there’s no reason why you and she shouldn’t be friends once she knows the scores.

You need to clear the air by letting her know that threesomes aren’t your scene, and then forget about it

could find someone and if I could be discreet about it. Well, maybe I should! I love my husband but I refuse to live a celibate life for the rest of my years.

Ladunni, by e-mail.

Dear Ladunni, Impotence can be an early indicator of disease, so it is really important that you consult his doctor. He can prescribe Viagra or some other medications that will help maintain an erection, if that seems appropriate. Ask him to seek medical advice to protect his well being as well as your marriage.

Although the frequency with which we make love declines as we leave our 20s, men and women in good health can have sex far into their old age.

If it turns out that love making is something you and your partner will never again or seldom be able to enjoy, both of you need to come to terms with that reality in a way that deepens your loving bond.

A couple may face this challenge at any age. Despite his bravado, your partner fears that you’ll have sex with another man and leave him.

He is afraid that if he can no longer make love to you, he may be rejected as inadequate and worthless. You too fear being abandoned and the end of your marriage. Despite your rationalism and the sense that you miss having sex, your need is only for reassurance that you have not become undesirable to men or to the man you married. Accept that you will not part. In the meantime, find ways to share intimacy that won’t depend on sexual intercourse.

Sex is a tide that ebbs and flows in a relationship. Even though sex life dies, a couple needs to constantly re-affirm their sense of love, loyalty and companionship.

Dear Bunmi, A couple of years ago, my friend’s boyfriend dumped her yet again and went off with somebody else. I spent endless nights consoling her and when he came back and bad-mouthed her and hit her, I did my best to comfort her. Only, she never listens when I said she was worth so much more and should finish with him.

Now I’ve met someone myself who’s so nice and kind, he makes me laugh and he looks after me.

My friend was okay until her boyfriend left again, but now she goes on at me to dump my guy, saying he’ll only abuse me and I should cut and run.

Suzie, by e-mail,

Dear Suzie, For a start, why not laugh at her suggestion and point out she never took your advice, so why should you take hers? She may be understandably cynical about men, having finally come to her senses about her ex. In which case, you need to be kind and supportive of her, but ignore her advice. Or she may be pursuing the ‘misery loves company’ option, trying to bring you down to her level. In which case, I’d avoid her.

Friendship should be about give and take, and it sound to me as if there’s a lot of taking on her part and a lot of giving on yours at the moment. A real friend would rejoice that you’re in a happy relationship.

My dad’s girlfriend runs his life!

Dear Bunmi, I’m in my early teens and my parents are divorced. Last year, dad got a new girlfriend who has two children and they can see their father whenever they want.

But my dad’s girlfriend won’t let him anywhere near my mum and me. She’s always finishing with him for the flimsiest of reasons, even when he called to give me a birthday present. Whenever she dumps him, my dad phones mum and talks for hours, and my poor mum ends up crying. They are currently back together and my dad had changed his phone number, so I can’t phone him any more.

When he visited last Christmas, we were together for only a few hours and he was on the phone to his girlfriend most of the time.

He hasn’t phoned since. A few days ago, I was out with my mum

when I saw him with his girlfriend, and he just looked at me. I love my dad but his girlfriend won’t allow him in my life. What should I do?

Faith, by e-mail.

Dear Faith, I’m sure your dad loves you too but he’s currently too wrapped up in his own problems with his girlfriend he doesn’t realise how sad he’s making you. Write him a letter telling him how much you miss him, and hopefully it will prick his conscience so much he’ll get in touch. If this fails, then you must get some of your older relatives to have a word with him, after all you’re his flesh and blood. Grown-ups can be very selfish when it comes to relationships. Only know that, whatever happens, none of this is your fault.

He wants me as his bit-on-the-side!

Dear Bunmi, I am over 25 and haven’t been able to find a suitable boyfriend for close to two years now and I feel sexually frustrated. A few months ago, I met a man at work and I was immediately attracted to him. One Saturday morning he turns up in my flat and we had mind-blowing sex! Soon after, he got a better job and relocated outside Lagos. He confessed when he called that he now lives with his girlfriend but made it clear that he still fancies me. I don’t want to break up the relationship with his but if he’s hell-bent on being unfaithful, why shouldn’t it be with me when I want him so badly?

Tara, by e-mail.

Dear Tara, Don’t even think about it! This man is living with someone else.

Popping round one morning for a quickie is no basis whatsoever for any kind of satisfactory relationship. Nothing is purely physical. You’re both human beings with hearts, soul and all sorts of emotions. Don’t imagine you can indulge sexually without your feelings becoming involved. This is a recipe for a heartache and heartbreak, for you and for him.

Why not spend some time looking inwards? Try working out the reason why you haven’t had a boyfriend in two years. Pin down the problem and apply your energy to finding a man of your own instead of tinkering with someone else’s.

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

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015—41

24 hr tragedy: How 1100 in three boats mishaps ‘died like rats’

ed: ‘With the water temperature so cold at midnight they wouldn’t have survived more than half and hour’ .

How we survived-Migrants Survivors have told of how they clung to their comrades’ corpses as night fell in the dark waters. ‘We held onto the dead so we wouldn’t sink to the bottom,’ said one pair, found among the dead when rescuers arrived at the boat late last night. They were saved when

By Uduma Kalu with agency reports

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ROUND the sea scenes was chaos. And dozens of men battled to drag other survivors from the treacherous waves. But not all were lucky.

A short distance away, a tiny corpse was carried to land, his woolly hat dripping salt water.

These were the harrowing scenes on the shores of Europe today as up to 11,000 migrants are feared dead after three separate disasters between last Friday and this Monday.

More than 900 mainly African migrants are believed to have perished when a 75 foot fishing boat capsized off Libya in one of the worst maritime tragedies since the Second World War. Survivors claimed up to 300 people including women and children ‘drowned like rats in cages’ after being locked in the hold by callous traffickers. In a frantic fight for life, they clung to their dead bodies to stay afloat.

Another two boats are thought to be in danger off the coast of Libya with Maltese and Italian coastguards tending to them.

Twenty are already feared dead aboard one of the vessels, both of which are carrying more than 100 people.

Three people died after a boat carrying dozens of migrants ran aground on the Greek holiday island of Rhodes. Beach-goers were among the first to come to survivors’ rescue as emergency services off the coast of Libya continued to survey the horror of an earlier disaster.

Earlier disaster A dead child was among t drownws on the Greek island of Rhodes after a wooden sailing boat carrying dozens of people ran aground, killing at least three people in one of a number of tragedies involving migrant vessels over the last two days. Video footage showed a large, wooden double-masted boat with people packed on board, just metres away from the Greek island of Rhodes in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. An international aid agency spokeswoman has compared the scale of deaths in recent shipwrecks to the death toll in the sinking of the Titanic luxury liner more than a century ago.

Sarah Tyler, a spokeswoman for Save the Children in Catania, Sicily, said more than 1,000 people have died in the waters of the Mediterranean in recent weeks.

She added: ‘That is almost as many as died in the Titanic, and

•An African lady being rescued from the capsized boat in Greece, Monday.

31 times the number who died when the Costa Concordia sank.’

If the latest deaths are confirmed, the number of people who have died trying to reach Europe for a better life will have topped 1,650 so far this year more than 30 times higher than the same period last year.

Traffickers charge $10,000

How the boats tragedies occurred In Greece, the vessel capsized after hitting rocks off the coast, causing dozens of desperate migrants to fall in to the choppy waters with Greeks and holidaymakers watching on in horror. On Sunday, the accident happened in Libyan waters – 130 miles off the Italian coast of Lampedusa. It is thought the

Italian authorities are now investigating whether the aforementioned merchant ship collided with the fishing boat

War 11 are said to have been taken for burial. Meanwhile, Ethiopian officials have revealed that the 30 Christians filmed being beheaded and shot by Islamic State militants in Libya are likely to have been desperate migrants trying to reach Europe. The 29-minute video released yesterday is titled ‘Until It Came To Them Clear Evidence’, and shows dozens of militants butchering two separate groups of men in the north African country.

Italian media said a 32-yearold Bangladeshi brought by helicopter to hospital in Sicily told police there had been 950 passengers on the boat, which sank when people on board rushed to one side to attract attention from a passing merchant ship. ‘There were also 200 women and 50 children with us. Many were shut in the hold. They died like rats in a cage,’ he was reported as saying by La Sicilia.

He also told La Repubblica: ‘Me and others survived because we were on the deck, others drowned and many others were prisoners in the hold of the boat because the traffickers closed the portholes to stop them from coming out and they have finished at the bottom of the sea.’ He has been interviewed by prosecutors and is currently being treated in a hospital.

•Rescue operation on one of the capsized boats. boat capsized after migrants on board all flooded to one side of the boat as a merchant ship approached.

Rescuers lament: Francesco Gallo, an officer on board the Guardia Finanza police boat Monte Sperone, told of the harrowing moment he picked up the lifeless body of a small boy.

He told Corriere della Sera: ‘We approached in the rubber dinghy and in my heart I prayed that he was alive, but the hope died soon after. He was a little black boy. He would have been about ten. I held him in my arms as if he were my own son. We are afraid to think about what we will find underneath us.’

The ship’s captain Paolo Zottola said his team would not stop until they have found everyone - dead or alive. He said: ‘It’s a hard job, our job, but we have to do it. Unfortunately we can’t work miracles. But you never get used to the pain.’ He add-

the coastguard heard their tired screams. ‘While we searched through the sea filled with corpses we found two people alive among the dead,’ one responder said. ‘They were weary and tired and shouted with their last strength when they heard the noise of the engine. ‘Thankfully we were able to locate them and save them otherwise they would not have lasted much longer. The small numbers of survivors make more sense if hundreds of people were locked in the hold, because with so much weight down below, ‘surely the boat would have sunk,’ said General Antonino Iraso, of the Italian Border Police, which has deployed boats in the operation.

Burial: Already, more than 900 people – including 200 women and up to 50 children – feared dead after the boat overturned in the one of the worst maritime disasters since the end of World

People traffickers say the EU’s decision to stop search-andrescue operations in the Mediterranean has done nothing to stem the flow of migrants trying to reach Europe. The Italian operation called Mare Nostrum was abandoned late last year despite rescuing tens of thousands of people.

European chiefs believed the move would stop migrants and smugglers from making the perilous journey if they thought there was less chance of them being saved.

But one trafficker named Ahmed, who is based in Tripoli, Libya said business was still flourishing. He told The Guardian’s Patrick Kingsley,he didn’t even know the operations had ended, adding: ‘Many people would go on the boats even if they didn’t have any rescue operations.

‘It’s simply not going to stop... there ‘s always going to be an appetite for it.’

Some traffickers charge as much as $10,000 (£7,000) for an entire journey from their country of origin to Europe. Italian authorities are now investigating whether the aforementioned merchant ship collided with the fishing boat.

Rescuers recovered 24 bodies from the sea following the disaster, which took place off Libyan waters, south of the southern Italian island of Lampedusa, shortly after midnight on Sunday.

42—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Another fire outbreak hits Bayelsa oil trunk line

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—ANOTHER leak/fire was reported on April 20 on the Kolo Creek– Rumuekpe trunk line in Bayelsa State, where an excavated ditch was discovered at the fire point, about 5kms from the manifold operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC. Meanwhile, the Joint Investigation Visit, JIV, at the Kolo Creek Manifold spill in Bayelsa State, which occurred on April 15, 2015, has attributed the leak to sabotage.

But a concerned stakeholder from the host community who pleaded anonymity, insisted that if the cause of the spill was sabotage as contained in the JIV report then it was a fallout of negligence by surveillance staff of SPDC. The facility owned by SPDC, is located along the strategic Edepie-Otuasega-Imiringi Road linking Ogbia Local Government Area to mainland Yenagoa.

According to Shell spokesperson, Joseph Obari, the report of the investigation team, which visited the site on April 16,

Delta community prayer fellowship assures on positive impact

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Lagos-based management consultant, Sir Vincent Omovusu, has said that the prayer session being organised by the Oleh Community Development Union, OCDU, Lagos State branch, scheduled to take place on Saturday at Christ Triumphant Assembly, Achakpo, Apapa, Lagos, will have positive impact on the fortunes of the Oleh community in Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State.

Speaking to newsmen in Lagos, Omovusu called on all indigenes, friends and well wishers of the community residing in Lagos and its environ to take the prayer session, with the theme Divine Intervention, as a challenge, because according to him, the oneday prayer fellowship will having a lasting effect on the lives of Oleh indigenes in Lagos and at home.

disclosed that unknown persons had cut out a section of the metal protection to the manifold, removed components of the pressure control system and opened the isolation valves, resulting in a spill.

According to the report, “The volume of spilled oil was estimated at 27 barrels, affecting mainly the manifold grounds and part of the surrounding vegetation.

“The investigation was led by the regulators (NOSDRA and DPR) with representatives of

Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment, host communities and SPDC.” Obari added that SPDC stopped the leak soon after it occurred, deployed effective containment and began the recovery of oil.

According to him, “No chemical dispersant has been applied. The containment and oil recovery activities involved the use of booms, absorbent pads and vacuum truck for evacuation of recovered oil.

“Oil spill response activities are continuing while remediation will commence after initial clean-up

has been done.”

“Meanwhile, another leak/fire was reported Monday (April 20) on the Kolo Creek–Rumuekpe trunk line, about 5kms from the manifold.

“The fire has been extinguished.

Site observation confirmed a recently excavated ditch at the fire point.”

The company which expressed concern at the brazen damage of its facilities in parts of the Delta, commended the Bayelsa State Government for its support and called on communities and other stakeholders to join hands in the efforts to discourage the trend.

BRIEFING: From left: Chairman, AC Okocha Motors, Chief AC Okocha; former federal permanent secretary, Chief. A.O. Okafor; Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties (Liaison Ofice), Mr. Joel Bisima and the Coordinator, Deltans Resident in the FCT, Chief Patrick Fufeyin, during a media parley in Abuja to review the last general elections in Delta State. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida.

Buhari’s victory divine, say Delta APC youths

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—ISOKO youths, under the aegis of All Progressives Congress, APCIsoko Youths Voice, have described the victory of President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, in the March 28, presidential election as divine.

Noting that the victory was resounding, the youths, in a statement by their president, Mr Philip Onyeke, said that the victory reflected the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians in sustaining democracy in the country.

Urging the president-elect to evolve an all-inclusive programme with a view to ensuring the protection of human rights in the country, the youths asked Buhari to fight criminality and corruption in the country to a standstill.

They decried the marginalisation of Isoko youths in the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme and appealed to the incoming

government to address the issue by carrying Isoko youths along in the programme.

Meanwhile, Director General of Chief Ferguson Onwo campaign organisation, Mr Emmanuel Ekebe, has called on the Independent National

Electoral Commission, INEC, to cancel the House of Assembly election in Isoko South II, Delta State.

Chief Onwo was the House of Assembly candidate of the APC, in Isoko South II in the April 11 House of Assembly elections.

Group rejects Ndokwa East gov, Assembly polls results

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DOKWA Youth Coalition, NYC, has rejected the result of the April 11 governorship and Assembly election results in Ndokwa East due to alleged massive rigging by the ruling Peoples Democracy Party, PDP. Spokesman to the group, Mr Emeka Ifeanyi, in a statement called for a cancellation or rerun of the April 11 elections in Ndokwa East and other parts of Delta State due to massive rigging and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC not deploying the use of card readers in the just

concluded elections.

He said that Charles Olise of the APC, and the party ’s governorship candidate, Emerhor O'tega, have all it takes to win the House of Assembly and governorship seats, but the ruling PDP, and their agents allegedly robbed the region of such opportunity by massive rigging the election.

He accused INEC of biase for not releasing the total numbers of those who collected their permanent voters cards, PVCs, before the election in Ndokwa East and Delta State in general.

N-Delta activist lauds FCT Minister for supporting Jonathan

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Niger Delta activist and member, Directorate of Youth Mobilization, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Campaign Organisation, Afoke Okporua, has commended the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, for the role he played as a senator in ensuring that President Jonathan, then Vice President, emerged as acting President and subsequently President.

Okporua, in a statement, said: “It is on record that the famous doctrine of necessity that made Jonathan acting President and subsequently President of Nigeria was moved by Senator Mohammed while serving as senator representing Bauchi South senatorial district.

“His loyalty and patriotism to President Jonathan was further played out as he stood by Mr. President despite the challenges and conspiracies against the president."

Archbishop Nwator dies at 74

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RCHBISHOP Friday Nwator of Ogale clan, Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, is dead, aged 74.

A statement by Dominic Nwator, said the late Archbishop Nwator was a philanthropist, an Adviser on Health Matters to former President Shehu Shagari, National President of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA and Founder, Health Services Department, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt.

He is survived by a widow, four children and six grand children.

Burial is fixed for May 23, 2015 in Ogale, Eleme.

Late Archbishop Nwator

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015—43

XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS: Agbakoba asks

ENUGU AG ARREST ORDER:

Jonathan to recall ambassador to SA

House fails to sit, amid allegation of compromise

By Ikenna Asomba & Bartholomew Madukwe

F

OR WHAT he described as the weak response of the Nigerian authorities in curtailing the loss of lives and property of Nigerians, following

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—THERE are fears that Enugu State House of Assembly may have compromised its stance on the contract probe of N3.6 billion initiated on Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, ENSUBEB. This came as the House failed to sit, yesterday, having ordered the arrest of the state Accountant General, Pascal Okolie, for refusing to appear before it to explain the delay in the release of their allowances.

When Vanguard contacted the Clerk of the House, Mr. C h r i s t o p h e r Chukwurah, he said: “I am confused. I came to the House as early as 9a.m. I did not see anybody.

“Your guess is as good as mine. I cannot speak for them. We are hoping that the picture will get clearer.”

The Speaker, Mr. Eugene Odo, did not respond to calls and SMS sent to him for a reaction.

Meanwhile, a dependable source revealed that prominent politicians in the state might have intervened with financial inducement in the brewing face-off between Governor Sullivan Chime and the House.

the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, former President, Nigerian Bar Association, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, yesterday, called on President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately recall Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr. Martin Cobham.

Agbakoba, who in a statement condemned the unprovoked attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, said: “There can be no excuse for this outrageous behaviour, especially in the context of good neighbourly relations between South Africa and Nigeria.

GOV POLL: Coalition demands cancellation

in Abia

By Dapo Akinrefon

A

COALITION of Civil Society Organisation and Election Observers, yesterday, called for cancellation of the governorship poll in four local government areas in Abia State.

The local governments include Obingwa, Osiioma, Ugwunagbo and Isia Ngwa North.

While giving report on the Abia governorship election, the coalition called for total cancellation of the election and accused the state government and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of interference and malpractices in the polls.

The coalition, led by David Anyaele of Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, CCD, accused the PDP of thumb-printing ballot papers in their homes and snatching ballot boxes.

Anyaele, who urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to redeploy

all erring INEC officers found culpable in the controversial election in the state, said: “We demand for total cancellation of the four local government areas, Ugwunagbo, Osiosioma, Obingwa and Isiala Ngwa North; not some pulling units or wards in those areas because reports from our teams of observers show there was no election in these areas.

“With negative public perceptions of the elections in the state and ahead of the rerun, INEC should take every necessary step to protect the integrity of the election as a way of strengthening the trust of the electorate in the voting process and should guard against interference by the incumbent and other political and public office holders.”

....LASEDI sues for adequate security in home towns of candidates

By Ikenna Asomba

A

GAINST THE backdrop of violence witnessed in the home town of one of the candidates in the April 11 governorship elections in Enugu State, the Legal Aids and Self Development Initiative, LASEDI, an observer group, yesterday,

advised security agencies to provide adequate security, especially in the home towns of candidates in subsequent polls.

LASEDI in its preliminary report on the April 11 governorship and state assembly elections in Enugu State, said that during the polls, it observed that accreditation started early

Oshimili North LG stakeholders petition IG over thuggery, killing

S

TAKEHOLDERS and other prominent personalities of Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State have cried out to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, to urgently bring to book all those involved in thuggery perpetrated in the residence of

‘’Nigeria stood by their South African brothers and sisters at their greatest hour of need during the apartheid years. This is no way to repay us.

“It is shocking that President Zuma of South Africa has not made a clear statement. I feel the response of the Nigerian government has been very weak.

The Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa should be recalled. ‘’Our Foreign Minister should summon the South African Commissioner in Nigeria to convey our disappointment at the behaviour of some South Africans.

“The South African government must know that xenophobic behaviour of its people is not acceptable to Nigerians and it will have the gravest consequences for Nigeria-South African relations, unless they stop their inexcusable behaviour.”

a popular indigene of Ibusa and husband of a politician (names withheld), which eventually led to the death of one Emeka, employed by Tony Azuya, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, House of Assembly candidate in April 11 poll.

At an enlarged meeting, the

heads and people of Ibusa condemned in strong terms the alleged continuous threat to lives of the citizens by the popular indigene, his wife and their cohorts, including a former council chairman and a serving councillor.

enough in most polling booths but noted that the card readers malfunctioned, resulting in manual accreditation.

The election group also said that collation and counting of votes started early in most polling units in an open and transparent manner, adding that counting was done in the full glare of all the political party agents.

The report signed by Dr. Ugwuanyi, read: “LASEDI fully observed the elections in Enugu State. Accreditation started early enough in most polling booths. By 8.00a.m., voting materials had got to most of the polling units and accreditation had started. ‘’However, in most polling boots, the card readers were not functional and could not be used.

Subsequently, accreditation was manually done and this resulted to delay in the accreditation."

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On Ekiti lawmakers move to impeach Gov Fayose

G

ov. Fayose should be careful not to allow history to repeat itself. If this man is a man of peace, why all the violence? If it continues, he may likely be edged out through the instrumernt of impeachment.

Let peace return! -Mr. Usman Omuya, Self-employed

W

hy can’t those calling for the impeachment of Ekiti State governor accept defeat? If GEJ can concede defeat, after all the manipulations, rigging and under age voters in the North, why won't APC do the same. -Mr. Jacob Emeka, Businessman

A

PC spokesman had said the matter at hand was not about partisanship, but about the abuse of the constitution. They should leave Fayose alone and stop their impeachment. I believe it will be good for them to just accept defeat.

-Mr. Damilola Amisu, Selfemployed

T

he mandate given to Fayose to govern Ekiti State for the next four years was freely given and the 19 APC lawmakers should not try to trample upon it. If they do, they have incurred the wrath of the people of Ekiti. -Miss Bidemi Olowofela, Student

E

kiti people have spoken thrice and their voices have been one chorusing in unison; Fayose is the man they want. God in His infinite mercy will surely deliver Ekiti from war mongers, Amen. That is all I have to say. Mrs Maggie UnuaneGraduate

T

he truth is that there are ways of expressing grievance against a governor, which have nothing to do with employing Okada riders to start constituting nuisance on Ekiti roads.

Moreover, there are courts where elections can be challenged. -Mr. Chinedu Chinweoda,Businessman

44 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Suswam tackles Gemade at election petition tribunal

Gusau residents groan under acute water shortage

By Peter Duru

M

A K U R D I — GOVERNOR Gabriel Suswam of the PDP has challenged the declaration of Senator Barnabas Gemade of the APC as winner of the Benue North East Senatorial District election, at Benue State National and State Houses of Assembly elections petition tribunal sitting in Makurdi, the state capital.

Suswam’s Counsel, Mr. Andrew Wombo, filed the petition on the grounds that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, failed to abide by the provisions of the electoral guidelines in the conduct of the election.

Confirming the decision of the Governor to challenge the outcome of the March 28, senatorial election, Wombo told reporters yesterday in Makurdi, that the action was premised on the fact that INEC omitted to collate all the results of votes cast at certain levels in the area.

According to him, “after the polls, we applied for the inspection of the election materials and INEC availed us the certified true copies and after going through we discovered that the actual winner based on what transpired at the polling units was Suswam and not Gemade.

“We discovered that at three wards in Logo Local Government Area, elections were conducted and the results from the said polling units entered in the relevant INEC forms duly signed by the electoral officers in the said wards, but to our greatest surprise the results were not entred in the final result that INEC declared.''

By Salisu Maradun

G

GOV AHMED RECEIVES CERTIFICATE OF RETURN: From left; National Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commissioner, INEC, (Kwara, Niger, Kaduna and FCT.), Dr. Chris Iyimoga, Kwara State governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed and Kwara State Residence Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Emanuel Omucheyo during the Presentation of Certificate of Return to Governor Ahmed at INEC office, Ilorin, yesterday.

I'll rule with fear of God —ORTOM

By Peter Duru

M

AKURDI—BENUE State governor-elect, Samuel Ortom, has promised to rule with the fear of God and also ensure that corrupt government officials were punished in a bid to curb corruption in the state.

He also pledged to provide purposeful leadership so as to galvanize stability, sustainable growth and development in the agrarian state.

Ortom who spoke during a church service at NKST, Yina, in Makurdi, the state capital, noted that one of the ways to

conserve scare resources and confront financial challenges presently confronting the state would be to decisively tackle corruption in line with the principles of the Presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari’s administration at the federal level.

The former Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, said that, at personal level, he had forgiven those who offended him as an individual during the campaigns but that he would allow the law to take its course for those who offended the state.

“I therefore enjoin

Zamfara APGA gov candidate rejects April 11 polls

By Salisu Maradun

G

USAU—THE Zamfara State governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Alhaji Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi yesterday rejected the results of the April 11, governorship and House of Assembly elections held in the state, describing the development as electoral coup.

Shinkafi, who spoke to Vanguard in Gusau, the state capital, saying what happened on April 11, 2015 in Zamfara State would never qualify to be described as elections as they were characterised by fraud.

He alleged that the electoral coup was executed by the Governor Abdul’Azeez Yari Abubakar-led All Progressives Congress, APC-controlled administration in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and supported by security agencies in the state.

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“The APGA and the Wambai Campaign Committee, WAMCACO- 2015 has rejected the results of Zamfara State Governorship and State House of Assembly elections as declared by INEC. “The outcome of the election results is unacceptable, this is because there were widespread fraud, conspiracy and collusion between INEC, the police, the Military and Abdul’Azeez Yari

regime, which led to criminal and large scale rigging,” he said.

Shinkafi also alleged that in majority of the areas in the state the Card Readers were not used which allowed for the manipulation of the elections by the Yari-led administration.

“The election was a charade, because there was intimidation of voters, destruction of election results and other coordinated crimes by thugs.''

politicians across the divides and indeed all citizens of our state to be civil and to exercise decorum in their conduct and speeches and also eschew violence but take every step to accelerate the process of healing and unification.”

He said his administration would also provide a conducive environment for the private sector to thrive and appealed to those with creative and viable business ideas to bring them forward for funding to be sourced from within and outside the country.

According to Ortom, “I will also implement the manifesto of the All Progressives Congress, APC, which provides for free and compulsory primary and secondary school education in the state.”

Earlier in his sermon, the Resident Pastor, Kur ugh Antyev, had commended Ortom for coming back to show appreciation to God and asked him to reconcile at the personal level with people as he said, but retrieve state funds and property illegally acquired by individuals.

Antyev and elders of the church later presented a copy of the Bible to Ortom and also prayed for his successful tenure.

Gov Ahmed roots for Saraki as Senate's top man

I

LORIN—GOVERNOR Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State yesterday, drummed up support for his predecessor, Dr Bukola Saraki as the next Senate President saying he was the most qualified for the position.

Ahmed spoke his political godfather, while receiving the Certificate of Return for his reelection at the Independent

National Electoral Commission’s, INEC’s, office in Ilorin, the state capital.

He said that Saraki was the best man man for the job given his sacrifice to the success of the All Progressives Congress, APC, through out the country in the just concluded general elections in the country as well as his rich political profile since he joined active politics.

He said, “We are grateful for our our political leader in the state for guiding us aright. Indeed most of what we are witnessing today in the state and other parts of the country happened because our leader and others chose to stand up for change at a critical point in time in Nigeria. I am confident that when the time comes, Insha Allah you will emerge as the next number three man in this country.''

U S A U — RESIDENTS of Gusau town, the capital of Zamfara State are currently facing acute water shortage.

The water scarcity which had entered into its fourth week has forced some residents to relocate to some nearby villages where the water was available, and those who remain had to buy the essential commodity at exorbitant prices.

Investigations by Vanguard revealed that some residents now trek for several kilometers to fetch a buckets of water, while those who were well-to-do among them use bicycles, motorcycles and use mini trucks to travel far for water from some semi dried earth dams around the town for their daily needs.

Hundreds of people irrespective of ages, sexes and location of areas of residence, were seen carrying different types of water containers on their heads trekking long distances in search of the scarce commodity.

UNIJOS matriculates 6,700 fresh students

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

J

OS—THE University of Jos, UNIJOS, has matriculated 6,700 fresh students recently admitted into the various degree programmes of the institution for the 2014/2015 academic session with a caution for them to shun all forms of illegal activities.

Addressing the students on the occasion yesterday, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof.

Hayward Mafuyai said the university which was established 39 years ago had been known to be peaceful urging that the trend should continue.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015—45

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CHARITY: Mr. Shehu Sani, Senator-elect for Kaduna Central (right) during the presentation of wheel chairs to the physically-challenged at their colony in Kaduna. PHOTOS: Olu Ajayi.

SOLIDARITY: Mr. Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State (3rd right middle), with Nigerian victims of xenophobic attack in Johannesburg, South Africa, yesterday.

AIRTEL: From left— Mr. Wole Abu, Airtel Regional Operations Director, North; Mr. Suleiman Hashimu, who walked from Lagos to Abuja, and Mr. Lyda Umeh, Airtel Business Manager, North, during the presentation of gift to the Mr. Hashimu. PHOTO: Abayomi Adeshida.

ETISALAT: From left— Angelone Francesco, Chief Marketing Officer; Enitan Denloye, Director, Brands & Experience, and Modupe Thani, Head, Events & Sponsorships, all of Etisalat Nigeria, at a briefing on Etisalat U-15 School Cup, in Lagos. PHOTO: Akeem Salau.

FOR LIFE: From left— Mr. Enogide Duke, Managing Director, Duke and Wet Gulf Ventures Limited; Mr. Osey Sylvester, 2nd winner, Bajaj RE Speed to Lead Mechanics contest of Ikosi Ketu Mechanics Association; Mr. Adesina, Chairman, Lagos State Keke Association, and Mr. Veeramani Munuswamy, Regional Manager, Lagos DAG Motorcycles, during the grand finale of the contest in Lagos.

PRIZE: Mr. Adam Nuru, Executive Director, Abuja & North, First City Monument Bank, FCMB (right) presenting the prize to Mr. Jide Adebulehin, winner of Category 2 at the Captain's Cup Golf Tournament 2015, organized

by IBB International Golf and Country Club, sponsored by FCMB, in Abuja

BUDGET: Mr. Emmanuel Egbabor, Chairman, Isoko North Local Government Area (left), presenting the N2.252 billion 2015 budget proposal to Mr. Felix Ogonah, Leader, Isoko North Legislative Arm, at Ozoro, Delta State.

DOD WOMEN: From left— Mrs Tara Fela Durotoye, a guest, Apostle Busola Jegede and Rev. Obi Harry at the DOD women conference in Lagos.

46—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Our response to Ebola was slow, insufficient — WHO alia, the initial WHO response was slow and insufficient, we were not aggressive in alerting the world ... we did not work effectively in coordination with other partners, there were shortcomings in risk communications and there was confusion of roles and responsibilities...," it said.

The statement listed eight lessons learned, including areas where the WHO's response to Ebola could have been better, such as information sharing and communication.

Some critics have said that its reluctance to declare the outbreak an emergency were major factors in allowing the epidemic to balloon into the worst Ebola crisis on record, with more than 25,000 cases and 10,000 deaths.

•Margaret Chan, Director General of the World Health Organization

By Gabriel Olawale with agency reports

T

HE World Health Organization, WHO has admitted serious failings in its handling of the Ebola crisis and pledged reforms to enable it to do better next time, its leadership said in a statement seen by Reuters on Sunday.

"We have learned lessons of humility.

We have seen that old diseases in new contexts consistently spring new surprises," said the statement, attributed to the WHO Director-General Margaret Chan and the deputy director-general and regional directors.

"We have taken serious note of the criticisms of the Organization that, inter

We have learned lessons of humility. We have seen that old diseases in new contexts consistently spring new surprises

The statement also spelled out the WHO's plans to reform so that it would be prepared for similar emergencies in future.

"We can mount a highly effective response to small and medium-sized outbreaks, but when faced with an emergency of this scale, our current systems - national and international simply have not coped."

In January, the 34 countries on the WHO's executive board adopted a resolution seeking major reforms of the WHO, the U.N.'s public health agency.

The planned reforms include the establishment of a 1,000- strong emergency reserve force, a contingency fund and a rapid-response force, as well as a stronger command structure at the WHO and stronger international health rules to make sure every country is up to standard for disease preparedness.

The WHO statement said its leaders also promised to improve communication and transparency at the Geneva-based organization.

The statement was dated April 16 but it was unclear when it was posted on the WHO's website. Unlike most Ebola news, it was not communicated by email or via the organization's busy Twitter channels.

Also on recently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its guidelines on Ebola transmission and sex. It recommended that survivors of the Ebola virus completely abstain from sex "until more information becomes available," or to use condoms every time, while it had originally recommended they abstain for three months.

NMA tasks Buhari on encompassing health policies

By Chioma Obinna

A

HEAD of the handing over ceremony billed to hold in Abuja, the incoming government has been urged to run an encompassing policy that will not only move the health system forward but improve the health of Nigerians.

Making this charge in an exclusive interview with Vanguard, former Lagos State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Prof. Edamisan Temiye alleged that despite the importance of health sector in any country, none of the country's political parties had a defined agenda that will benefit Nigerians for the sector.

Temiye who lamented the continued neglect for the lives of Nigerians expressed hope that the incoming government of President Mohammadu Buhari would as a matter of urgency investigate the enormous problems in the country's health sector and address them accordingly.

Temiye who is also a Consultant Paediatric,

Haematology Oncologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, queried why children should be dying because their parents have no money to pay for their treatment cost.

"How can I have one child and I am not sure if that child will live up to adulthood? I am not trying to have 21 children were only five out of them will survive.

Why should women go into labour and due? Why infants should be dying like fowls.

Why should a child die for a deadly disease? Shouldn't there be a place or a fund to sustain the child? Why should a Nigerian citizen die because he has no money to take care of himself?"

Temiye recalled that before the elections the NMA came up with a road map on health and send to the various political parties and unfortunately, not one responded.

"NMA had given a road map, that we felt it will benefit the health sector there was no response.

Many of the politicians believed that it is only the poor

that use public hospitals and that is enough for the public not to vote for them. We made efforts when we found out that none of the political parties have anything tangible that would improve the health sector.

Systemic failure "The national health scheme was first suggested to the government by the NMA in the 60s but the government never paid attention. Many governments do not have time to see doctors. They have forgotten that 99 percent of their families, brothers, cousins etc will not jump into the plane with them but they have to access the health here.

“What they are saying is that they don't care for their families too. It is an insult on our system to be accessing the health systems of other government that have spent their money to improve their health system to sustain them and their people."

"When we contacted them that they did not put anything

on health, they never Thank God for the Yahayale answered. All they said is that Ahmed committee this has we pay your salaries. given guidelines on how a My salary does not give us health system should be run." satisfaction. What gives me He blamed the majority of satisfaction that I can work the problems on the fact that with my hands and brain and most governments are working can be challenged and can in isolation. "One of the improve the health system. problems is that we try to push Salary alone cannot give everything to the Federal anybody any satisfaction and government. the incoming government should do something about it.

How can you say a healthcare provider should take care of emergency cases with his resources and there will be no refunds? And taking care of emergency is very expensive.

"Thank God the outgoing government left behind a National Health Act whatever may be the error in it there is • Professor Edamisan Temiye, Consultant some good things we can Paediatrician Oncologist, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos. use from it.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 — 47

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48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

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Sam

Eyoboka

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015—49

WARRI CHORAL SOCIETY HONOURS PA AYOMIKE AT 88

.com gmail @ a k yobo sam.e

By

Adeboye, Meduoye, Abidoye task politicians on nation building •Congratulate Buhari, INEC •Hail Jonathan

By Sam Eyoboka, Wole Mosadomi & Olayinka Latona

T

HREEweeks after the declaration of winner of the just concluded presidential elections, three eminent Nigerian Christian leaders, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, Rev. Felix Meduoye and the Spiritual Father of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, (AYO NI O), Most Rev. Samuel Adefila Abidoye have urged politicians to ensure that they fulfill all the promises they made during their electioneering campaign.

The threesome congratulated all the winners of the elections including the president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), stressing that the onus is on them to hit the ground running to justify the enormous confidence reposed in them.

Sportsmanship conduct The clerics also used different occasion to commend President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat to the President-elect, Gen. Muhammad Buhari, noting that the President’s sportsmanship conduct in congratulating Gen. Buhari after the presidential election should be emulated by other politicians in the country.

Speaking through his Special Assistant on Administration and Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola, Adeboye reminded the president-elect about his pledge to fight corruption and ensure the security of lives and property, urging him to live up to his promises.

Adeboye further called on Buhari to address the problems bedeviling the power sector, health system, education system amongst others.

In his words: “The politicians should fulfill their campaign promises and be truthful. The people have voted according to their conscience. We prayed and God had answered our prayers because whatever we see now is answers. So, we are expecting change in all areas:- Infrastructure, governance, change in the endemic nature of corruption in Nigeria. We need change in the way we deal with our brothers, change in unifying Nigeria," he added.

Continuing, Adeboye said: "I have witnessed different elecC M Y K

tions in the country, the 2015 general election is the best even with the pockets of violence here and there. The INEC chairman, Prof.

Attahiru Jega also brought his experience, qualification and maturity to bare. Even the opponents of INEC are commending them now for a job well-done."

Addressing newsmen during the international conference for ministers and leaders at the Foursquare Gospel Church’s campground in Ajebo, Ogun State, Rev. Meduoye stated that Gen. Buhari must, as soon as he is inaugurated, hit the ground running to justify the enormous confidence reposed in him by Nigerians.

Meduoye said Buhari had no choice but to fix the nation and deliver on his electioneering campaigns to retain the support of Nigerians.

While congratulating Buhari for his victory, Meduoye said: “I will tell him that he is an answer to prayers. The victory places on his lapse a lot of challenges and the expectations of the people are high.”

Buhari’s emergence, he argued, was because of the quest for accountability and performances among Nigerians; adding “Nigerians have proven that they are watching their leaders and their performances. They voted out a government and de-

*Warri Choral Society recently honoured Pa. J.O.S. Ayomike with a musical concert on his 88th birthday celebration at his residence in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State. A cross section of the Warri Choral Society during their presentation cided to pitch their tent with Gen. Buhari because they feel he can make a difference.

“Now that he has the mandate, I will advise him to deliver on his promises. He has to really change this nation because that is what Nigerians voted for.

“He has to fight corruption in high and low places and fix our infrastructural deficiencies. Regardless of what happens, Nigerians want results, not excuses,” he stressed.

Meduoye said other elected political office holders have no choice but to also deliver on their electoral promises because Nigerians are now better enlightened and ready to hold their leaders to accountability.

“They all have to sit down and look at their manifestoes again.

They have to find ways to implement all the promises they made because I think Nigerians are beginning to hold leaders accountable,” he noted.

Massive voice vote Meduoye, who was re-elected by a massive voice vote for another term of five years during the conference, assured that he was poised to take the church to the next level.

This, he said, informed the decade of multiplication vision, which he claimed to have shared with leaders for massive soul winning and infrastructural development in the church.

“We attribute everything to God. He has not left us and I’m sure He will give us the grace to do greater works. We are humbled by the mandate and we pledge to stop at nothing, by His

*Miss Aninoritse Ayomike presenting a birthday card to Pa. Ayomike on behalf of the Warri Choral Society at his residence in Warri. Photos: Akpokona Omafuaire grace, to take the church to where God wants it,” Meduoye stressed.

Most Rev. Samuel Adefila Abidoye said if Nigerians were so orderly and peaceful in the last elections contrary to the expectations of most people, the same Nigerians should also exhibit the same maturity in order to prove our maturity to the entire world.

"The journey towards the last elections has been tortuous and full of challenges for Nigerians.

Enemies of progress from within and outside busily played and are still playing the music of religious and ethnic intolerance. Many others encouraged the break up of the country, yet throughout these, Nigerians displayed maturity and forged ahead and spoke with one voice through the ballot box and came out more stronger," he remarked.

Abidoye therefore called on politicians to reciprocate this gesture by the electorate by fulfilling their electoral promises saying, "Nigerians are expecting im-

proved power generation and supply, functional refineries, access to soft loans by small scale entrepreneurs, revolution in the Agricultural sector and economic transformation among others."

He called on all Nigerians to join hands with the outgoing administration at all levels for a violence-free transition and pray for the incoming administration for a successful tenure.

Also, the pastor-in-charge of RCCG Testimony Parish, Akute, Pastor Goke Aniyeloye commended the chairman of INEC, Prof. Jega, for the successful conduct of the 2015 general elections.

Pastor Aniyeloye who specifically praised the INEC chairman for the introduction of the Smart Card Readers (SCRs) stressed that out of all the elections Nigeria ever conducted, none can be compared to the 2015 general elections in terms of credibility and fairness.

Anglican Church calls for unity to defeat terrorism

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I have witnessed different elections in the country, the 2015 general election is the best, even with the pockets of violence here and there

RIMATE of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Rev. Dr Eliud Wabukala, has called for unity in order to defeat the terrorist threat faced by the country.

The Anglican Church of Kenya is a member church of the World Council of Churches (WCC).

Wabuka-la’s remarks came in a pastoral letter following the alShabaab attack on April 2, at Garrissa University, Kenya, that killed nearly 150 people, including many Christians.

In his letter, Wabukala said:

“Let us resolve today that these deaths, and those of other Kenyans who have died previously at the hands of al Shabaab, will not be in vain. We call on the government to do all in its power to protect the lives of its citizens and we call on the world community to recognize that this latest outrage is not just an attack on Kenya, but part of an assault on world peace. The time has come for the world to unite as never before in defeating this growing menace,” Wabukala added.

Wabukala said that while government has a vital role to play in dealing with terrorism, the hearts and minds of ordinary people are even more important.

He said, “Let us covenant together before God that we will never ever surrender our nation or our faith in Christ to those who glory in death and destruction.

We will not be intimidated because we know and trust in the power of the cross, God’s power to forgive our sins, to turn death into the gate of glory and to make us his children for ever.”

50 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

PISCES; Young-at-heart may be greatly excited today and for the next few weeks; if you take good decision on your love life you will enjoy it.

ARIES; Here is an ambitious day for many of you.

The more practical you are about your reasonable desire the better for your cause. Be more family minded.

TAURUS; Good luck will knock at your door.

Although it is good to plan ahead, you have to take advantage of now that presented good opportunities.

GEMINI; Keeping both your personal and other people secrets will do you lots of good today. Then tomorrow is your big day; prepare yourself accordingly CANCER; Here is a day when your closeness to the influential people can be source of assistance to both yourself in particular and your group in general. And then your love life is getting better. Exhibit maturity.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

F we look at the many challenges of life, we would be tempted to conclude that life is unfair. But the holt writ says His thought towards us are thought of

Is Life Fair? (2) good, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give us an expected end.

God’s plan for us is that we prosper.

God does not plan disaster for us.

TERROR MUDA

Is life fair? Life is not about fairness. It is about finding a reason for the challenges of our life. The late reggae maestro Bob Marley sang

in “Never say goodbye”

‘’Every thing in life has a purpose” what you should be asking yourself is how can I benefit from this?

Life is like examination. Examination is not about fairness.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

LEO; Take your health more seriously than before.

However that is not to say you have to ignore your responsibilities at work. Respect your senior colleagues VIRGO; The influence looks more favourable for you now. You will certainly become more enterprising to the betterment of your cause. Right now nobody can ignore you.

LIBRA; Those of you who are more observant within your base of operation will have more to gain.

Prepare to take good advice from the veterans within your base.

SCORPIO; Although your personal ideas are very reliable and capable of bringing success, you will need to be as co-operative as possible to achieve your desire.

SAGITTARIUS; It is important you take your sources of making money very seriously. Both hard work and element of luck will work favourably for you.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

CAPRICORN; Influence of the Moon will encourage you to become a little bit aggressive; here is a day when your leadership ability will assist many.

AQUARIUS; The Moon placement can force agitation on the minds of some of you but if keep your head above the cloudy atmosphere you will not have anything to fear.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat tr ological datee and place of bir th ttoo the As Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Are they right time?

Dear Joshua, I want to know everything about myself. Many people are looking up to me for one assistance or the other and when I tell them true situation they don’t believe me and some times I wonder if they are not unfair to me, or could they be right?

Julius, Abuja.

Dear Julius, To you personally, you see yourself as a struggling and hard working person but to the outsiders you are one of the fortunate ones around. And Astrologically you are a lucky person; if you look back, you will agree with the fact that you have been lucky more than three times where others have gone. This is because of your final depositorlucky Jupiter (that is the most influential planet at home when you were born).

Preponderance of planets in cardinal Star Sings during your birth hour pointed to you as a person who strongly desire and deserve prominence. Although you are the emotional person as indicated by many heavenly bodies in water Star Signs, planets in mutable and intellectual related air Signs are indications of your being equally intelligent and adaptable.

As you were born when the mighty Sun (indicator of inner/ conscious self) and the Moon (indicator of emotional/ sub-conscious self) were placed in Cancer and Sagittarius respectively, you are mainly a Cancer and partly a Sagittarius born person. And that is to say basic characteristics of the two Star Signs are highly pronounced in your inner-self.

It is important to guard against over sensitivity which can make you a victim of dupe who knows how to play on kind hearted people’s emotion.

Because of unstable nature of the ruler of Cancer (I mean the Moon) your emotion too is not always stable In fact, you are a mysterious creature to some people who find it difficult to understand the force behind your being confident and joy radiating person one moment but become timid and moody the next.

The reason is the phases of the Moon; new Moon makes you look like a beginner while the full Moon makes you feel your normal self. Thus, you are confident rearing to go during the full Moon.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015—51

Planned conduct of LG polls in Rivers ill-conceived —PDP

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT—THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State has described the planned conduct of council polls in 22 local government areas of the state, as illegal, provocative and a waste of resources.

State chairman of the party, Mr Felix Obuah, in a statement, yesterday, by his media aides, rejected and dissociated PDP from what it called the “arrangement by the Governor Rotimi Amaechi-controlled Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, under Prof. Augustin Ahiazu,” adding that “accepting to organise such illegitimate and doubtful exercise at the 11th hour of the termination of the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government in the state does not present the Chairman and his Commission as responsible, honourable and unbiased."

RSIEC, has slated the council elections into the 22 out of the 23 local government areas for May 23.

Chairman of the commission, Professor Ahiazu, Monday night, said that parties have till April 24 to file their expression of interest forms for the election.

He said his commission was relying on relevant sections of the state electoral laws to conduct the elections.

Obuah, continuing, said: “In as much as we believe that officials off RSIEC are abreast with the provisions of the Electoral Law and guidelines, particularly as they relate to the

conduct of the council polls, we still wish to bring to their attention the section that stipulates 90 days notice to political parties before the conduct of any election.

“The anxiety, suspicion and distrust which the rush to conduct council polls is generating since Monday shows that the state is not ready for another gamble by Amaechi's election now. What the governor ought to be doing now is to constitute May 29 Transition Committee and to ask for submission of handover notes from his aides and Executive Council members as is being done at the centre by President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Our analysis of this development points to the fact that hurrying to conduct elections before the end of Amaechi’s tenure (about four weeks) is done simply to justify the desires of the out going governor, including causing political crisis in the state for the incoming governor to contend with.

“Morally, it would be out of place to contemplate plunging the state into another phase of election at a time the tension that arose from the last elections is still at our door step.

“The PDP is surprised by such sudden realization to hold this exercise, wondering why

Amaechi did not give attention to it long before now when he had the opportunity and time since the tenure of the elected chairmen and councilors elapsed over a year ago.

“Governor Amaechi and the APC leadership should explain to Rivers people their genuine motive for holding council polls now other than using it as a means of siphoning state resources, fomenting crisis in the state and putting in known elements at the various local government areas that will act as a cog in the wheel of the laudable development programmes to be initiated by the incoming government in the state."

VISIT: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (right) and NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, during the governor’s visit to NLC President in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

AFBA urges FG to fish out killers of NBA Chair in Ughelli

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—THE African Bar Association, AFBA, has called on the Federal and Delta State Governments and security agents to investigate the murder of the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Ughelli branch, Delta State, Mr Austin Ichege.

Ichege was killed in front of his residence in Ughelli, Delta State, last Thursday by gunmen suspected to be hired assassins.

Condemning the murder in a statement, yesterday, the President of AFBA, Hannibal Uwaifo, described Ichege's killing as too hard to comprehend by any person with good conscience.

He said: “We in AFBA are appalled by this sad and bizarre murder of Mr. Ichege who was a legal practitioner of note. Therefore, the perpetrators of this murder

must be fished out to face the full weight of the law as nothing should be left to chance to ensure the security of law abiding citizens.”

Commiserating with the family of the slain legal practitioner, Uwaifo enjoined the citizens to be vigilant and

cooperate with security agencies to check the criminal activities of hoodlums in the society.

Appealing to relevant authorities to find the killers of their colleague, he assured that the association will partner security agents and

relevant agencies to find the killers “because this murder must not be swept under the carpet. We must make this society safe for citizens to practice their profession legitimately without any form of intimidation and harassment.”

APC chieftain to Buhari: Don’t appoint politicians with questionable characters

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—A Chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State, Chief Richard Kpodo, yesterday, asked the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, not to appoint politicians with questionable characters and those not cleared of corruption charges by the anti-corruption agencies into his proposed

cabinet.

According to him, any wrong appointment made may send the wrong signal about his administration.

Kpodo, a former Bayelsa Chairman of the defunct new PDP and ex-Security Adviser to the Bayelsa State Government, said though the zero tolerance status of the president-elect was known to Nigerians, the need to move with caution and verify the

status of any would be political appointees was important for the proper take-off of the change needed in the various sectors of the nation’s economy.

Kpodo, at an interactive session in Yenagoa, noted that the president-elect must stand by his campaign promises on zero tolerance to corruption by appointing technocrats and credible politicians devoid of sentiments, and corrupt past.

Okunbo urged to rise above political differences to transform Benin Kingdom

A

Benin group, Assembly of Benin Aborigines, ABA, yesterday called on a prominent businessman and politician, Captain Hosa Okunbo, to rise above political affiliations and continue to build on his leadership in the struggle to liberate and transform Bini ethnic nationality.

ABA, made up of Binis at home and in the Diaspora, noted that Okunbo had, in the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections, mobilised support for his friend, President Goodluck Jonathan and candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Edo South, ensuring that Jonathan and the candidates for the federal legislature won in Edo State.

Rivers election tribunal receives 17 petitions

T

HE Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Tuesday said that it has so far received 17 petitions from the 2015 general elections.

The Tribunal Secretary, Mrs Deborah Musa, who did not give the breakdown, made this known in an interview in Abuja.

It will be recalled that the tribunal relocated to Abuja following security threats.

Musa, had in a statement, said that the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, approved the relocation of the tribunal to Abuja.

She, however, said the tribunal would be sitting at Court 20 and Court 23 of the Apo High Court complex in Abuja.

52 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 — 53

C M Y K

54—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Accept defeat, Mutu's aide tells APC

B

OMADI—A member of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Bomadi Local Government, Mr. Philip Gilor, has denied allegations that a House of Representatives member, representing Bomadi/ Patani Federal Constituency, Mr. Nicholas Mutu and Chief Oluwole Karetimi hijacked electoral materials in ward 7, 8 and 9, Akugbene.

Gilor, who is the Personal Assistant to Mutu, called on Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ignore calls for cancellations of the April 11 polls in the council area by All Progressives Congress, APC, House of Assembly candidate, Mr. Preye Okaba, saying the allegations were unfounded.

He averred that the APC candidate could not win his unit and Kpakiama ward, maintaining that what was said about the Akugbene wards were figments of his imagination.

He said: “Akugbene is PDP stronghold and nothing would make us to deviate from that. He should accept his defeat in good fate.”

WINNERS: From left — Chidiebere Michael, Soyinka Johnson, Nelson Apaya, Ali Gafara and Ubaka Ogochukwu, winners of Star Football Superfans Episode One, during the TV show in Lagos.

ADP President: Buhari makes case for Agric Minister, Adesina

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

B U J A — N I G E R I A’ S President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari(retd) has requested the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to support the candidacy of Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, as the next President of African Development Bank, ADB. Buhari made the call yesterday in Abuja, when he shared his thought on Adesina’s candidacy with the Chairman of ECOWAS and Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama, who visited him in Abuja.

A statement from Buhari’s campaign organization said his support for Adesina was beyond being a Nigerian.

He said the Minister had proven his worth as a competent hand.

Buhari said: “Dr. Adesina has a proven track record in a career that predates his position as Nigeria’s Minister for Agriculture and Rural

Development.”

The President-elect added that Adesina had years of experience working in Francophone and Anglophone countries, stressing his passion in helping to eradicate poverty in Africa by reducing unemployment and inequality among African youths.

ENATOR Okowa’s emergence as Governorelect of Delta State has been described as the divine will of God to transform the state.

This was contained in a statement by Mr. Friday Osanebi, member representing Ndokwa East state constituency in the state House of Assembly, and Deputy Chief Whip.

The lawmaker, who reemphasized the need for

the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2011, he was the Vice President, Policy and Partnerships Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa, AGRA.” Buhari said Adesina had also held senior leadership positions in a number of agricultural institutions in the world.

Chukwumerije's burial for May 22

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA—THE Senate President, David Mark yesterday said late Senator Uche Chukwumereije will be buried on May 22 in his country home, Ngodo Isuoche, in Abia State and will be given a heroic burial.

The date was contained in a letter from the family of late Senator Chukwumereije, which was read on the floor of the Senate, during plenary.

The disclosure of his burial plans came as Senator Bassey Ewa-Henshaw, Chairman of

Okowa's victory divine, says Osanebi

S

Speaking further on the Minister’s profile, Buhari said that “Adesina is also an agricultural development expert with 24 years of experience in developing and managing successful agricultural programmes across Africa.

“Until his appointment as

peace in the country’s nascent democracy, challenged all Deltans to eschew violence, as no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour.

He said the majority Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lawmakers in the state Assembly will provide a comfortable platform for the incoming Okowa administration “to transform Delta to the state of our collective dream.”

the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, hailed the late Senator over his intellectual and physical athleticism, which he said were transferred unto his children.

Following the disclosure, the Senate closed down and Senator Mark led senators to the family's residence where he said the late Senator was a national hero and an unrepentant crusader for the respect of human rights and rule of law.

He remarked that late Chukwumerije was an astute, firm, fearless voice for the voiceless, adding “he was an advocate of the masses who stood for justice, equity and fairness to all.”

Senator Mark announced that the Senate had set up a burial committee to liaise with the family to give the Senator a befitting burial.

He said Senator Chukwumerije was an intellectual of very high standing and a parliamentarian per excellence, who contributed immensely to the success of the 5th, 6th and 7th Senates.

He also said late Chukwumerije was a patriot in every sense, adding “he left a positive legacy that the family, Abia State and the nation can always be proud of.”

NTI, Kastina partner on teachers' training

T

HE National Teachers’ Institute, NTI, and Katsina State Government are partnering to upgrade the quality of teachers in the state through Pivotal Teacher Training Programme, PTTP, offered by the institute.

The PTTP is a remedial programme for students intending to further their studies in education and the teaching profession.

NTI started PTTP in 1999 due to the need for a large number of qualified teachers to meet the population explosion in primary schools as a result of the introduction of Universal Free Primary Education, UPE.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 — 55

3 things I’ll do for north east — BUHARI

By Ndahi Marama

M

AIDUGURI—THE President-elect General Muhammadu Buhari, rtd, Sunday said his administration would accord priority to ending the Boko Haram insurgency to bring stability in the north east geopolitical zone as well as focus on re-activating the Lake Chad.

Buhari however said that his third priority would be to deploy the enormous resources in the region through vigorous search for oil along the Chad Basin and parts of Borno State.

He spoke at his residence in Kaduna while responding to requests made

by Governor Kashim Shettima, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi and some elders of the state who formed the delegation from Borno State that travelled to pay him a congratulatory visit.

Buhari said he was very much aware of the problems of the north east region and would not waste time in resolving them one after the other.

On Boko Haram, he said his administration will enhance collaboration with neighbouring countries governments will handle the matter frontally as the Lake had the

potentials to create millions of jobs through irrigation and many other commercial uses it had been associated with over the years.

Buhari said he had suggested many years ago, the need to take the search for oil in the north seriously not only to

increase the export potentials of Nigeria but also to balance cross regional perceptions and manage agitations so as to enhance the stability of the country. He promised to pay special attention to the economic potentials of the northeast so as to make it

attractive for investments.

Governor Kashim Shettima who led the delegation had earlier said that they visited Buhari to congratulate him over his historic victory at the polls. and to also remind him of problems affecting Borno State which he already knew.

MEETING: From left; Ebonyi State Governor-Elect, Mr. Dave Umehi, Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr Sam Egwu 3rd from right, and other Leaders from Ebonyi State, after a Close Door Meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida.

‘Hausa, Yoruba conspiracy against Jonathan must be addressed before May 29'

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN CITY—THE South South Voice, a pressure group

in the Niger Delta, has described as unacceptable the way and manner the North and the West truncated the second

IMO RERUN POLL: Group wants Okorocha re-elected

N

ATIONAL Coordinator of Mass Movement for National Change and Southeast Movement for Change, Mr. Uche Iheakanwa, has called on the people of Imo State to ensure that the incumbent governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha is re-elected to prevent the state from being placed in the hands of those opposed to positive change.

Iheakanwa in a statement cautioned the electorate against making what it described as the mistake of the past, noting that a vote for the All Progressives Congress, APC, would consolidate the gains the state had recorded in the past four years.

His words: ‘’With gratitude for what you have already done in supporting Owelle Rochas, we ask you to please complete it on the 25 so we can purge ourselves of the real enemies of our democratic development. A vote for Owelle Rochas Okorocha therefore is a wise vote to retire selfish, cash in the bag, pay and play politicians who think nothing good of us the true masses of Imo State. Let us therefore, please continue to match forward with the change movement taking place all over the nation by positively voting

APC and Owelle Rochas Okorocha to continue as governor. ‘’We in Imo State may have made mistakes in the past. It is with humility that I plead with the remaining 144,000 voters who will vote in the supplementary election scheduled for this Saturday to please vote APC and deny the PDP, the opportunity to once again govern us.’’ ‘’We also know that during the campaign, there were insinuations and comments questioning the faith of our governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. As a committed Christian and a man of faith, I boldly ask, who among the candidates can praise and worship God as Rochas Okorocha does? Who amongst the candidates has knowledge of the word of God as Rochas Okorocha does and indeed who amongst them can manifest and declare that word of God as Rochas Okorocha? The truth is, none of them can as I have observed in my close personal encounter with most of them over the years.’’

term ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan and warned that the nation may face another round of crisis unless issues relating to alleged conspiracy against the people of the South South is addressed.

In a letter addressed to President Jonathan, signed by its National Coordinator, Mr Victor Tamarapreye and Michael Akpodore made available to Vanguard, it alleged that President Goodluck Jonathan was manipulated out of the contest therefore it will be unjust to hand over power to Gen.Muhammadu Buhari “who is a beneficiary of the Hausa,Yoruba conspiracy”.

According to the letter“ We the under signed for and on behalf of numerous concerned people of the South South geo-political region of Nigeria, wish to inform you that, we are not happy with the way and manner the election was conducted and it will be wrong to hand over power to the wrong person.

“The election was rigged massively to favour Gen.Buhari and we will not accept such result. Even though we are heading to court but we want to warn first so that Nigerians will understand where the trouble is coming from when it commences.

“Secondly, You Mr President was coaxed and intimidated to accept the outcome of the election by the International Community and the so called peace makers

Committee in Nigeria.

“There was a gang-up against you from the Northern part of Nigeria irrespective of party line, as well as the issue of under-age voters which we all saw in several northern states. You have performed more than any Nigerian president has ever produced in your first term in office.''

PDP chieftain hails Okowa, Otuaro's victory

W

A R R I — A member of the Media/Publicity Committee of the Delta State PDP Campaign Organization, Mr. Michael Tidi said yesterday that the resounding victory recorded

by Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Barrister Kingsley Otuaro at the April 11 governorship poll represents the true wishes of Deltans, particularly the youths who yearned and prayed fervently for the victory of the duo.

According to him, ”theperformance of the Nigerian Police force and other security agencies which ensured a largely credible and peaceful general elections, devoid of widespread violence was superb, notwithstanding that the Nigerian elections are now a perfect example for other Africa countries to emulate”.

He also congratulated Deltans for their commitment to democracy.

His words,” as youth, we have implicit confidence in Senator Okowa’s ability, commitment and burning desire to make Delta State a greater place for us and generation unborn, thus, I feel very glad that our Governor and Deputy Governor-elect were able to overcome the hurdles to be elected, and we expect them to consolidate the development Dr. Uduaghan commenced so commendably”.

Forum to showcase Kaspersky endpoint security for business

O

NE of the Information Technology providers in the country and a Partner to Kaspersky Lab, Zenith Technology Limited has concluded arrangement for hosting Kaspersky Lab Partner event targeted at showcasing the advantages of Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business to prospective enterprise clients.

Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business, according to the Product Manager, Zenith Technology, Olamide Odeneye offers a complete security solution, designed by the world’s leading security experts.

The forum slated to hold first week in May 2015 at The Sheraton Hotel, she assured would give participants the opportunity to meet and discuss with industry leading experts and existing enterprise clients of the solution here in Nigeria.

She explained that Kaspersky End Point Security is the industry ‘s first security platform, built from the ground up.This makes it easy for customers to see, control and protect their work environment.

According to Olamide, Kaspersky boasts a comprehensive list of technologies all working together from the same code base and further assisted by the cloud-based Kaspersky Security network(KSN) to give customers the world-class protection needed.

“IT professionals remind us everyday that their occupation is becoming increasing difficult and they need a new, uncomplicated way to deal with these changes and threats. Kaspersky’s new suite of business solutions can make their job easier.''

56—WEDNESDAY Vanguard, APRIL 22, 2015

By Kelechi Azubuike

A

MARRIAGE ceremony in Abia State, recently, turned bloody after one of the policemen detailed to provide security at the venue shot his colleague dead.

The incident which shocked guests and well-wishers at the ceremony to their marrows nearly marred the ceremony as the visibly shaken bride and bridegroom and their relations were dumbfounded, wondering the fate that befell them on such an important day in their lives.

On a common mission The policemen who are attached to Isuikwuato Divisional Police Station in Isuikwuato, Abia State, according to sources, never exhibited any sign of love lost among each other until that fateful day.

They were said to have been sent on a common mission of ensuring that peace and security reigned at a traditional marriage at Otamkpa, a community also in Isuikwuato when the unexpected happened.

Three months after, as the entire Police Command tries to unravel the mystery behind it, the slain policeman, Oliver Ibegbunam’s body is still lying in the mortuary pending final investigations while the assailant, Yusuf Yawale, is cooling off behind bars.

Family reacts The elder brother of the deceased policeman who simply identified himself as Okezie said all the family is asking for is justice.

He told Crime Alert: “I rushed to the scene and later to the police station after the sad news was broken to the family on December 26, 2014.

He was my younger brother, a constable and we are from Achi in Oji River, Enugu State. He was just 32 years old and actually lived in the same house with his assailant, Yusuf, a corporal who hails from the Northern part of the country.

At the Police station ‘’When I got to the police station, I met the DPO, Bello Tambowa who also hails from the North. Despite the noticeable pain, anger and frustration in me as one that was devastated by the loss of a dear one, he was rather not forthcoming in his reply as to what actually transpired there which led to the loss of such a precious life.”

How policeman murdered colleague at marriage ceremony •Father dies of heart attack •Family seeks justice as investigations continue

According to him, the much the DPO could tell me was that the killing may have been done in error. ‘’He claimed that the assailant who is currently being detained at the State Criminal I n v e s t i g a t i o n s Department,CID, Umuahia, maintains that bullets went off the gun and killed him when he wanted to hand it over to the deceased. But how can eleven bullets go off from a gun when it was merely being handed over to someone? It means that he also pulled the trigger as he did that?”

Okezie continued: “I wanted to see the suspect, to know what he looks like and ask him why he killed my brother who worked and lived together with him but the DPO turned down my request.”

Family to pay bills Another discouraging treatment by the Police Division he complained about was the order and insistence that the family of the deceased should pay the bill for the autopsy which Okezie said he had no option than to comply with.

“The result showed that the bullets entered his head and shattered everything in it. His corpse is still lying in a mortuary at Umuahia and what it means is that after the

already prolonged investigations, we may also be asked to cater for the ambulance that will convey

•The slain Cpl. Oliver

the corpse, pay the mortuary bill s i n c e December and burial costs.”

Government must intervene and do the right thing.

Government employed him and the same government killed him

Lamentation Okezie further lamented that the brutal murder has taken a toll on his family already, including the death of their father who fell ill immediately he heard the sad news and died a few weeks later.

“We want justice and will not sleep until that is done.

Let the law take its course.

Government must intervene and do the right thing.

Government employed him and the same government killed him. I know that the entire world is hearing our plea now. The culprit must not go unpunished,” Okezie added.

Police reaction Efforts made by Crime Alert

to ascertain the extent of investigations by the Investigating Officer through a phone call failed as he r u d e l y referred us to the State Police P u b l i c Relations officer. A call was also placed to the Divisional Police Officer in Isuikwuato, CSP Bello Tanbowa, and apparently afraid that the matter has taken another dimension, he tried to shy away from it. ‘’The case is with the State Criminal Investigations Department now,” he replied and cut off the call. Like the deceased policeman’s brother feared, ‘’he may not even be given a befitting burial by the authorities,” he stated.

WEDNESDAY Vanguard, APRIL 22, 2015—57

I masqueraded as a soldier to impress my father — SUSPECT •Says dad paid N400,000 for his enlistment into the Army

BY CHINENYEH OZOR

T

HE relative peace and tranquillity hitherto witnessed in Amaja community in Igbo-Eze North local government area of Enugu State was truncated Monday, following the unprecedented visit of stern-looking policemen from Nsukka Police area command.

The operatives’ port of call was Felix Eze’s compound, where his 21 year-old son, Felix James, was arrested in full Army uniform and whisked away in a police van whose screeching tyres left a haze of billowing dust.

While everyone was trying to fathom the cause of the arrest, news later filtered in that James was arrested for masquerading as a soldier. Recovered from his apartment were two pairs of Army camouflage and face cap, one long-sleeved shirt , two pairs of Army T-shirts and a face cap.

The suspect and other fleeing members of his gang were alleged to have been terrorising the University environment in

the last three years. They were also accused of rape and other social crimes within and around the locality.

But none dared to report their alleged atrocities to the concerned authorities, apparently out of fear of being intimidated by James whom they believed was a soldier. But with the arrest he was discovered not be one after all.

In a conversation with Crime Alert, the suspect claimed he bought the army uniform from a son of a retired colonel for a sum of N80,000, after several attempts to enlist into the Nigerian Army failed.

According to him: “I have made several attempts to join the Nigerian Army to no avail.

My father has spent so much to ensure my successful enlistment . In fact, he spent N400,000 on my last attempt. I went for the routine exam but was not among those short-listed. I was disappointed and felt for my poor father. “ My friend Reggan Igbonekwu, whose father is a retired Army officer, advised me to get Army uniform in order to

convince my father. So, in November 2014, Reggan who resides at RCC quarters , sold the Army uniform to me for N80,000. I wore it home and everyone was happy. My father celebrated my assumed enlistment .

He never suspected I could cook up such thing because he trusted me so much.

My wife Ujah Rita, believes I am a soldier

How suspected cultists killed two in cold blood

By Esther Onyegbula

T

HERE was a bloodbath Tuesday night in Ikorodu area of Lagos, after some suspected cultists invaded the homes of two families, leaving their bread winners dead.

The victims, Ogunsanya Lateef (34), a transporter and Ayodele Adefiwaju (32), a carpenter, were reportedly hacked and shot to death . Their assailants, said to have been masked, reportedly fled the scene on sighting policemen approaching.

Ogunsanya’s widow who is yet to come to terms with the rude shock of her husband’s demise told Crime Alert that the invaders struck while her family was about to retire to bed. She hinted that she watched helplessly as her husband was battered before their two children and thereafter dragged out of the bedroom to the sitting room where life was eventually snuffed out of him.

Recounting the incident which she described as the most horrible scenario in her life, she said in tears: “ We heard a bang on our bedroom door at about 11pm, while we were about going to bed. At first, we thought they were armed robbers. The door was forced open and six masked men carrying guns and other dangerous weapons entered. Immediately, two of them opened fire on my husband but it did not penetrate. Not done, they dragged him out of the room to the sitting room.

“I pleaded with them to spare his life

but my plea fell on deaf ears. My first daughter of about 10 years even ran after them, begging them to leave his daddy alone. They took my husband out and matcheted him to death,” she said, in tears.

The masked men reportedly left the Ogunsanya and went to another compound on same street, where they also snuffed life out of one Adefiwaju Ayodele who was said to be alone in his apartment . Ayodele’s widow who was on a trip to Ibadan , Oyo state, also spoke with Crime Alert.

She said: “I am a businesswoman and my business is based in Ibadan. For the purpose of convenience our daughter and I spend more time in Ibadan. I was shocked beyond explanation when I heard that my husband was hacked to death. My husband was never a bad man.

"A near similar incident happened some months back, while we were still living in the Ogijo area of Ogun state. My husband ran home on a particular day, saying he was being chased by some armed men.

As a result of that incident, we moved out of that area to Odogunyan in Ikorodu. But unfortunately they still trailed him to this place. One thing I know is that my husband was not a cultist and I don’t know why they killed him”.

The case which was earlier reported at the Sagamu Road Divisional Police station is currently being investigated by the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Yaba with a view to apprehending the assailants.

Before I started making attempts to join the Army, I was selling cosmetics in Kogi State.

I left secondary school in 2011.

Since then, I had applied for recruitment into the Army twice.

Arrested Everybody in the community knew I went for the Army recruitment but did not know that I was not successful. My wife, Ujah Rita, believes I am a soldier. Though I told her that I was not recruited but she did not believe me because she saw the uniforms in my wardrobe. I was cooking when some men came asking for Felix Eze, my father. I suspected that I have been set up because of the uniform and attempted to flee to evade arrest”.

Police sources said efforts were still on to arrest members of the syndicate, advising the public to be wary of the likes of James, urging the public to avail the Police with information that could lead to the arrest of such criminal elements in the state.

58 — VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 , 2015

Migrant boat captain charged with multiple manslaughter •As U.N urges EU to put asylum at center of migrant debate

I

T A L I A N prosecutors have charged a Tunisian captain of an overcrowded migrant boat that sunk off the Libyan coast with multiple manslaughter.

The captain of the vessel and a Syrian, allegedly to be a member of the ship’s crew, were taken from a group of 27 survivors who arrived in the Sicilian port of Catania on Monday evening.

“We carried out two arrest warrants of suspected traffickers, the captain of the ship that capsized and a member of the crew. We charged them both with facilitating illegal immigration and the captain was also to be charged with multiple manslaughter,” prosecutor Rocco Liguori said.

The charges were announced as more details emerged of the fatal incident.

Giovanni Salvi, another Italian prosecutor, said:

“The migrants were crushed inside this fishing boat A few hundred migrants were forced into the hold, at the lowest level, and they were locked in and prevented from coming out. Another several hundred were closed into the second level, while on the top, under a cover, there were another hundred migrants.”

“We can say that 800 are dead,” Carlotta Sami, spokeswoman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Italy, said on Tuesday, citing the survivors’ accounts of the deadly crossing.

“There were a little over 800 people on board, including children aged between 10 and 12. There were Syrians, about 150 E r i t r e a n s , Somalians.They had left Tripoli at about 8am on Saturday,” Sami said.

The survivors hailed

from Mali, Gambia, Senegal, Somalia, Eritrea and Bangladesh.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini had unveiled plans earlier on Monday to tackle the growing migrant crisis after telling member states they had “no more excuses” not to act. More than 11,000 migrants have been rescued by Italian authorities since the middle of last week alone and current trends suggest last year’s total of 170,000 landing in Italy is likely to be exceeded in 2015.

Unveiling a 10-point action plan, Mogherini said the EU had to live up to its humanitarian values and commitments towards migrants, adding: “To send them back is another way of killing them.”

First on the list, ministers agreed the current EU border surveillance mission Triton should be increased

to extend its range and capabilities on the bloc’s southern flank.

Meanwhile, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) welcomed the plan as a good start but noted its

emphasis on law enforcement.

“We need to make sure that the asylum component and the protection of people component is one that is prioritized within these

measures,” assistant U.N. High Commis-sioner for protection, Volker Turk, told a Geneva news briefing.

The plan, which includes reinforcing naval patrols in the Mediterranean, destroying vessels used by people smugglers, and measures to deal with migrants arriving in Europe, also drew only cautious approval from Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

From left: German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, speaks with Austrian Justice Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner, (center), and German Justice Minister Thomas de Maiziere during a meeting of EU foreign ministers on migrants issue at the EU Council building in Luxembourg

Xenophobic violence: Fleeing foreigners recount ordeals •As S/Africa deploys army to end attacks

F

OREIGNERS f l e e i n g xenophobic violence in South Africa yesterday of how they escaped marauding death mobs and vowed never to return to the country where they had sought a new life.

Holding her one-yearold daughter in her arms, Agnes Salanje from Malawi said she “faced death” during the wave of anti-immigrant violence that has claimed at least seven lives.

“We could have been killed as these South Africans hunted for foreigners, going from door to door,” Salanje, who was a domestic worker in the Indian Ocean port city of Durban, told AFP. Nearly 400 Malawians arrived overnight in the city of Blantyre in the south of the country, where they were met by

government ministers and officials.

The attacks on foreigners have sparked anger and protests against South Africa across the rest of the continent.

Salanje, who was paid $200 a month, said she escaped the attackers after being “tipped off by a good neighbour and we ran to a mosque to seek shelter.”

“I will not go back. It is better to be poor than be hunted like dogs because you are a foreigner,” she said.

“I lost everything. I only managed to grab a few clothes for myself and my baby Linda.”

South African authorities have vowed to crack down on mobs who have been attacking foreigners from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and other

African countries in both the economic capital Johannesburg and Durban.

Defence Minister Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula said Tuesday the army would be deployed in parts of Johannesburg to prevent any further violence.

Chisomo Makiyi, 23, who worked at a clothes factory in Durban, is still puzzled about why she was attacked.

“Had I not run away to safety, I would not be here,” she said, on arrival in Malawi after a threeday journey from Durban that took six different buses.

“I just don’t know why all of a sudden they start hating foreigners and giving them two choices be killed or go home.

“My life is more important than a good salary,” she said, vowing

•Malawians fleeing xenophobic violence in South Africa disembark a bus in Blantyre, Monday, after their repatriation

to never return to South Africa, despite being paid $280 a month there, “which back home would be a dream.”

Zimbabwe, which has at least one million citizens working in South Africa, said 400 arrived by bus at the border late on Monday after leaving camps in Durban, where they had sought shelter.

“Many of them were distressed when our teams went to the camps but they are now happy to be back home,” foreign ministry spokesman Joey Bimha told AFP. Meanwhile, South

Africa will deploy the army to areas that remain volatile after a spate of violent attacks targeting immigrants, the defence minister announced yesterday.

Soldiers will be sent to support police in troubled areas, Defense Minister Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula said in a live broadcast.

Mursi jailed for 20 years

M

U S L I M Brother-hood leader Mohamed Mursi was sentenced to 20 years in prison without parole yesterday on charges arising from the killing of protesters, nearly three years after he became Egypt’s first freely elected

president.

Mursi stood in a cage in court as judge Ahmed Sabry Youssef read out the ruling against him and 12 other Brotherhood members, including senior figures Mohamed elBeltagy and Essam elErian.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 — 59

Only players with regular club appearances‘ll make Eagles – Keshi R

EAPPOINTED Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, says he will pay more attention to players that are playing regularly for their clubs in his latest assignment.

The ‘Big Boss’ has also stated that he needs to get working immediately ahead of Nigeria’s qualifying campaign for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 53-year old who signed a two-year contract with the Nigeria Football Federation to continue as the Super Eagles coach admitted that there wasn’t much time to waste, adding that he would

AYAC: NSC disappoints Nigerian junior athletes

By Ben Efe

N

immediately get to work.

“We have to get the players that are playing regularly for their teams and have at least three or four training sessions before a game, but it’s always very difficult.

“So what we have to do is concentrate on a lot of tactical work most of the time because I think they’re physically fit for their clubs.

“So we just need to try and get it done because we don’t have a lot of time so most of our work will be tactical and positional play,” he stated.

Keshi will earn a monthly salary of N5m, just as he did in his previous contract.

CBN Junior Tennis: Izonritei’s

nephews take to Tennis

D

ANIEL and Dennis, identical twins and nephews of Olympic boxing silver medallist, David Izonritei have taken to tennis rather than boxing which made their uncle famous and wealthy.

Daniel and Dennis Izonritei, 12, attend the Grandmates Secondary School, a private school in Oke Afa and play their tennis at the Estate Tennis Club at Jakande gate.

“We attended a holiday coaching program at the tennis club and immediately fell in love with the game. Now we

want to be very good players.” said Daniel, the taller of the two brothers.

“We tried our hands at doubles once and we enjoyed it. We hope we can be as good as the Bryan brothers (identical twins from the USA) who are world champions in doubles.”

Daniel and Dennis are also the best sprinters in school in their age category.

Daniel is the gold medalist while Dennis is the runnerup and they plan to use their sprinting prowess to maximum advantage on the tennis court.

•Musa

FIBA Africa Zone 3 boosts Milo Championship A

HEAD of the 17th Nestle Milo B a s k e t b a l l Championship which starts with the confluence Conference in Lokoja this week, FIBA Africa zone 3 has presented a mobile electronic score board for this year ’s Championship.

The President FIBA Africa zone 3 Col. Sam Ahemdu said the score board will be used at the four conferences starting with the Confluence Conference in Lokoja. “It is necessary to give Nestle Milo, National Collegiate Sports Foundation and The Nigeria Schools Sports Federation the needed

technical support to ensure that Nestle’s objective of improving the quality of the game in Nigeria is achieved”.

The portable electronic score board is multipurpose and can run with battery and electricity. It can also be used to officiate in about seven other sports including Volleyball, Handball and others.

Meanwhile, one of the stakeholders, the National Collegiate Sports Foundation confirmed that the Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Championships is also a platform for capacity development for Nigeria’s Basketball coaches, referees and Administrators. The Vice

Chairman of the National Collegiate Sports Foundation, Ian Nelson said three Nigerian referees who are regulars at the Nestle Milo Championship have obtained their FIBA badge at an International referees course held in Cotonou in October, 2014.

“The three referees, Segun Adekanmbi, Samuel Sofoluwe and Hussein Musa Gumel have been outstanding at the Nestle Milo Championships and the exposure helped them in Cotonou. They did not disappoint”.

The Championship Coordinator for the past 16 years, Col. Sam

IGERIAN junior a t h l e t e s yesterday left Lagos for their respective homes disappointed after their trip to Mauritius for the second African Yo u t h Athletics Championships was botched by the National Sports Commission.

The Championships begin on Thursday, with other top African countries well represented.

Nigerian athletes were expected to fly out yesterday to the Island country to defend the title they won in Warri, Delta State in 2013, but they were unable to travel as the NSC failed to raise funds to cover the trip. It was gathered that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria had written to the NSC, requesting for funds. This was after they had traveled to Ethiopia for the African junior in March with money raised from members.

“It is a shame that Nigeria cannot present a team for the African youth championships. These kids are the future of our sport but see how disappointed they were as they left for their homes y e s t e r d a y, ” said former African long jump champion, Yusuf Alli.

“If it were football the minister will jump into the plane and be there with them. Is this how we want other sports to grow?

Ogazi loses father in-law

V

•Managing Director of Nestle Plc, Dharnesh Gordhon receives the scoreboard from Col. Sam Ahemdu.

Ahmedu is also a beneficiary. He was recently elected the President, FIBA Africa Zone 3 at the congress held in Madagascar. Col.

Ahmedu’s experience while coordinating the Championship for 16years was a major factor during his election.

ETERAN TV sports personality Paul Ogazi has lost his father in-law, Pa Emmanuel Obichere who died at the ripe age of 102 years.

Pa Obichere, a veteran of the Second World War who retired from the Ministry of Works in Owerri slept in The Lord at his Umunahu home, Uratta in Owerri North of IMO State.

He is survived by many children and great grand children, including Ogazi’s wife Mrs Rita Ogazi(née Obichere) . Burial plans would be announced by the family.

60 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Pressure off Atletico in Madrid derby A

TLETICO Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has dismissed Real Madrid’s injury crisis and says his players can play without pressure in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg tonight.

After a goalless draw in the first game last week, the two rivals meet at Santiago Bernabeu with Atletico knowing an away goal will give them a massive opportunity to reach the last four.

Simeone’s side have not lost to Real - who will be without Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric - since last season’s Champions League final, a run of seven games in all competitions, and he is confident Atletico can extend that unbeaten streak.

“We have no pressure, we have responsibility, pressure is something else,” said the Argentine. “We have to enjoy these occasions because we may never experience them again.

“Real Madrid played like we expect them to [in the first half of the first leg]. I’m more interested in how we can hurt them, and am not thinking about Madrid’s injury problems.

I

•Simeome

•Ancelotti

NJURED Super Eagles forward, Victor Moses has won Stoke City’s Goal of the Month Award for March.

The goal was voted by Stoke City fans through the club’s website.

The winger, who is on loan at Stoke City from Chelsea, scored a sublime header against Everton as he backpedaled but managed to still generate enough power to beat Tim Howard in the Toffee‘s goal to give ‘The Potters’ the lead from 15 yards out.

Make security a priority, Komolafe advises sports administrators

BY JACOB AJOM

O

RGANISERS of sporting events have been advised to make security of athletes, guests and spectators a priority when setting their plans for such events.

Speaking with the

Keshi Continues from BP won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations but the deal was not renewed after the 2014 World Cup. He later returned on a match-by-match deal, which ended in November after failure to reach the 2015 Nations Cup .

“It’s a fresh start. We need the support of our fans, media and every Nigerian to return the team to where we truly belong,” Keshi said.

“As a coach and former player I was also hurt that we failed to qualify for the last Nations Cup. “To succeed we all need to come together as one because Nigeria belongs to us, this is not Stephen Keshi’s team but our national team.”

Keshi has been set several targets and that his contract will be terminated if he does not meet them.

The 53-year-old was also required to sign a code of conduct and is expected to work with the Nigerian Football Federation technical

Victor Moses wins goal of the month award

committee.

However, the NFF’s technical committee boss Felix AnyansiAgwu said: “The NFF board is confident Stephen Keshi can take the Super Eagles to new heights.

“We want Nigerians to see this as a new beginning and to support the team and the NFF.” Keshi, who also won the Nations Cup as a player with Nigeria in 1994, declined to comment on the contract details or the exit of his long-term assistant Daniel Amokachi.

Former Nigeria striker Amokachi has left his role with immediate effect and has been replaced by Salisu Yusuf.

Yusuf, who led Kano Pillars to the Nigerian title in 2008, has previously worked as assistant to former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia at both senior and U-20 levels.

As caretaker coach, Keshi endured a turbulent 2014, in which he was sacked by the

media in Lagos yesterday, the chief executive officer of K Square Security, who doubles as the chairman of the Lagos State Basketball Association, Kunle Komolafe said events organisers who often ignore the importance of security at NFF and only reinstated after intervention from President Goodluck Jonathan.

His last two home matches in Abuja and Uyo were marred by a negative reaction from the public and Keshi has pleaded for the home supporters to be positive during the 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles have been drawn in one of the toughest-looking groups, alongside seven-time champions Egypt, Tanzania and Chad.

“I understand we still have some disappointed people out there but our dedicated players deserve our encouragement and support,” added Keshi.

“It doesn’t matter where they play, these boys always give everything and we need to stand by them and the coaching crew.

“I remain confident that this time around we will see an improvement, change in attitude and positive results.”

the planning stage end up regretting.

“Whether it is a football match, a Karate event, swimming or any other sporting event, there must be security; trained personnel who will provide that perfect sense of protection in the athletes, spectators and guests alike. It is they who control the inflow of guests and spectators,” Komolafe

said.

“A CCTV can, for instance help I resolving certain intriguing decisions by officials in a sporting event. Even when an athlete complains of a missing item, a CCTV can come in handy in identifying who picked it,” he said.

Although Komolafe acknowledged it could sometimes be

problematic due to frequent power failure in the country, he said an inverter can provide a solution to the power problem.

He said his organisation which has been in operation for over a decade has, in addition, to providing security at events introduced home and personal security to its profile.

Mayweather, Pacquiao spend time with partners as $300m megafight draws closer husband had started his

T

HE saying goes that behind every great man there stands a woman and that is no different for the best two fighters in the world.

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are less than two weeks away from facing each other in the richest fight in history.

But they both made sure they spent time with those closest to them over the weekend.

Pacquiao was joined in Los Angeles by his everexpanding family; wife Jinkee and their five

NFF Continues from BP is part of a long-term plan to develop worldclass coaches and so the board took its time to deliberate over the appointment of Keshi,” he said.

children - Princess, Emmanuel Jnr, Israel, Queen Elizabeth and Michael.

Jinkee arrived in Los Angeles last month, three weeks after her

training camp. The couple recently purchased a mansion in Beverly Hills for £8.4million.

Married for 15 years, the couple are one the most celebrated in the Philippines.

Mayweather: Ali not better than me

W

B C / W B A welterweight and junior middleweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (47-0, 26KOs) raised quite a few eyebrows over some of the comments that he made in his recent interview with Stephen A. Smith, which aired on ESPN First Take.

While he has a lot of respect for fighters like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and Sugar Robinson - he says none of the fighters from the

past were better than him.

“No one can ever brainwash me to make me believe that Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali were better than me,” Mayweather said. “No one could ever brainwash me and tell me that. But one thing I will do, I’m going to take my hat off to them and respect those guys because those are the guys that paved the way for me to be where I’m at today.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 — 61

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62 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 — 63

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Pressure off Atletico in Madrid derby — Pg.60

Keshi: it’s a fresh start •After signing new 2-year deal

S

TEPHEN Keshi has been appointed Nigeria coach for the third time after signing a two-year contract on yesterday.

In his first spell he Continues on Page 60

Keshi signing his contract yesterday.

Mayweather, Pacquiao spend time with partners as $300m megafight draws closer Page 60

You must build young, vibrant Eagles •NFF tells Keshi T

HE Nigeria F o o t b a l l Federation (NFF) told returnee Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi in clear terms yesterday to encourage young players to the Super Eagles after the coach formally signed a new

contract.

NFF acting president Seyi Akinwunmi said Keshi has been tasked with building a “young, vibrant Eagles”.

“He has the charge to create a new young, vibrant Eagles that would play a style of

football that Nigerians would be proud of,” said Akinwunmi.

“To ensure a seamless transition of the U20 players to the Super Eagles” In his first stint, Keshi was slow in bringing exciting young talents

like Manchester City starlet Kelechi Iheanacho.

Akinwunmi also said Keshi’s appointment was the start of a plan to develop world-class coaches for the country.

“Keshi’s appointment Continues on Page 60

Today's Matches Real Madrid Monaco

v v

Atletico Juventus

7:45p.m.

7:45p.m.

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S ANSWERS YESTERDAY'S

ACROSS 1 Clearing (5) 5 Squandered (6) 8 Angry (5) 10 Cake (6) 11 Parched (4) 14 Wandering (6) 15 Journal (7) 18 Number (3) 19 Tavern (3) 21 Peruse (4) 23 Engine (5) 24 Impetuous (4) 27 Entrap (3) 29 Tree (3) 31 Emit (7) 32 Said (6) 34 Cattle (4) 35 Dawdle (6) 38 Food (5) 39 Instructed (6) 40 Spree (5)

DOWN 2 Meadow (3) 3 Fuel (6) 4 Epoch (3) 5 Sport (4) 6 Slice (6) 7 Determined (6) 9 Sale (7) 12 Decay (3) 13 Eat (4) 16 Atmosphere (4) 17 Go in (5) 20 Famous (7) 22 Adjoin (4) 24 Dislike (6) 25 Steep (4) 26 Loathing (6) 28 Part (6) 30 Knowledge (3) 33 Liability (4) 36 Scull (3) 37 Stretch (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Skewer 5, Work 8, Organ 9, Vie 10, Hero 11, Scan 12, Bathe 13, Rotted 16, Disc 18, Numb 20, Hod 22, Pea 23, Gnu 24, Cane 25, Last 28, Tapped 30, Stamp 32, Hear 33, Aide 34, Nag 35, Force 36, Prey 37, Studio.

DOWN: 1, Severe 2, Election 3, Echoed 4, Broadcast 5, Washing 6, Once 7, King 8, Orb 14, Diplomacy 15, Emu 17, Sea 19, Unopened 20, Hag 21, Destroy 26, Talent 27, Adagio 29, Ship 30, Save 31, Pie.

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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