Nigeria not broke, says Okonjo - Iweala

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62258

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

NASS retains immunity Why I left APGA, Obi for President, govs >>8 replies Bianca Ojukwu >>55

Nigeria not broke, says Okonjo-Iweala •Says Economy remains stable despite falling oil prices •FG takes $14.1bn foreign loan at attractive, cheap rate •Naira falls N0.16 against US Dollar

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

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BUJA—THE Fed eral Government yesterday, reassured that Nigeria is financially sound and has been meeting its local and international financial obligations despite dwindling revenues from crude oil exports. The assurance came from Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The minister, who gave the assurance at a crowded press conference in Abuja, said: “De-

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COLUMNISTS: Unforced errors

•P.17

60 hearty cheers for Bashiru Adekunle Okesina •P.19

Am I falling out of love with him?

•P.59

Mr & Mrs UDUAGHAN @ 60 LECTURE—From right: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State; the Sultan of Sokoto, and Chairman of the occasion, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Guest Lecturer, His Lordship, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah on arrival at the venue of the 60th birthday lecture for the governor held in Asaba, yesterday. Photo: Henry Unini. More photos and stories on Pages 16 & 56.

Why we killed Newswatch Dep. Editor, Obadina — Robbers C M Y K

Remi Oyo honoured in

Media Afternoon >>6 of Tributes >>9

Lamentations of See ‘refugees’ at pull-out NHRC’s sitting inside in Enugu

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6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Pastor docked for ‘obtaining by false pretence’

By Bartholomew Madukwe

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45-year-old pastor, Bienose Chukwuka, was yesterday arraigned before a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja on a 33count charge of stealing and obtaining money by false pretence.

The defendant was accused by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of stealing and obtaining N5.3 million by false pretence from 15 persons, including Pastor John Ezeugo and Rev. Peter Emeka.

EFCC counsel, Mr. Ben Ubi, informed the court that the offence was contrary to Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

Justice Justice Lawal Akapo adjourned the matter till December 1, 2 and 3 for commencement of trial and held that the defendant should continue on the bail granted him by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo.

Man kills another with shovel

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU—A man, identified as Okoye Nnaji, has been arrested by the police in Enugu State for allegedly using shovel to kill another man during a scuffle.

Cause of the fight was not immediately ascertained at press time, but the state's Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu confirmed the story.

According to him, “the suspect allegedly used shovel to inflict several injuries on one Uche Ugweze, during an alleged fight between the two at Ihiakpu Obolloeke on the 20th of this month, leading to the death of the victim.

“He (suspect) was nabbed by the operatives of the Udenu Division of the force and is helping police operatives in their investigations.”

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FELLED: Mr. Toyin Obadina.

Arrested suspects.

‘Why we killed Obadina, Newswatch Dep Editor’

By Evelyn Usman & Esther Onyegbulam

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AGOS—MEMBERS of a notorious robbery gang that confessed to have killed the Deputy Editor of Saturday Newswatch, Mr. Toyin Obadina, during an operation in Ikorodu area of Lagos eight months ago, have been arrested by police in Lagos State.

One of the robbers said their leader shot Obadina because the journalist struggled with him.

It would be recalled that the deceased was driving in his Toyota Yaris salon car, with registration number AKD 701 CE, when he was attacked at Itoikin, Old Ijebu-Ode Road at 1a.m, on his way home at Parafa area of Ikorodu.

He was rushed to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, where he was operated on, but later died.

Obadina’s murder was suspected to have been an assassination. But the suspects, who were paraded before journalists at the command’s headquarters yesterday, said they never knew the identity of their victim.

The Command’s boss, Kayode Aderanti, said he received information that the gang was converging on their hide-out at Mile 12 area, in preparation for an operation last Friday.

He said: “Based on the information, a team of crack detectives, led by the officer in charge of Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS, Abba Kyari, swung into action and two suspected members of the gang, Ibrahim Adeokin and Babatunde Makinde, were arrested.

“Immediate search conducted on them led to the recovery of two cut-to-size locally-made single barrelled short guns, with 12 rounds of

live cartridges.

“During interrogation, they confessed to belonging to a six-man robbery gang who has been terrorising Lagos State and its environs. They also confessed to be responsible for the killing of the owner of a Toyota Yaris car with registration number AKD 701CE, which they snatched and later abandoned with the corpse at Ikorodu.

“The victim was later discovered to be Mr. Toyin Obadina, the Deputy Editor of Saturday Newswatch. Their confession later led detectives to Ikorodu area where one Festus Adeshina and Sunday Samuel were also arrested.

“They mentioned Olasheun and Omo Alhaja, who are at

large, as members of their gang, while Oke and Benjamin, who they claimed were members of the gang, were killed in a shoot-out with operatives of SARS at Mile 12 area.”

How we killed Obadina —SUSPECT

One of the suspects, Shina Festus, told journalists that he (Obadina) was shot dead by their leader, whose identity he gave as Oke. He said: “We were coming from Imota, while he (Obadina) was going inward.

On reaching a bad spot, he slowed down and we blocked him with our vehicles: one in front and the other behind.

“Four members of the gang

came down from the vehicles.

While two of them positioned themselves to wade off intruders, Oke and Benjamin went to the man in the car. An argument ensued between Oke and the man, and Oke shot him dead.

“When one of us asked Oke why he shot the motorist, he got angry and shot the gang member for challenging his authority.

“At the end of the operation, we collected his phone, laptop and some money we saw in the car. When we got to our hideout, Oke told us that the man struggled with him.

“We did not know the man was a journalist and my job is to drive the operational vehicle.”

I was about to quit robbery, says suspect

Twenty-one years old Shina, who still has a pending case of alleged robbery, revealed that he had only gone on operation with members of the gang three times, and made about N200,000.

The suspect said he was arrested just when he wanted to quit robbery.

He said: “I started thinking of quitting when Oke and Benjamin were killed by policemen from SARS during a shootout.”

Aderanti said the suspects would be charged to court, adding that effort was on to arrest fleeing gang members of the gang.

He warned criminals to turn a new leaf or leave Lagos State for good, adding that the command was determined to hunt down criminals that come to Lagos.

Man, 39, accused of raping 11-yr-old girl

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—THE Police yesterday charged a man, Dunstan Ukaga, 39, before a Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Ebute-Metta, for allegedly raping an 11-yearold girl (names withheld).

The suspect, who is facing a count-charge of having unlawful carnal knowledge of the girl, preferred against him, was docked before Magistrate A. A. Demi-Ajayi.

The prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent Etim Ekankum, told the court that the defendant raped the minor several times between April 24 and September 28, at his residence at Road 311, Block 2, flat 6, at Festac Town area of the state.

He said the offence was punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

The defendant, who claimed to be a freelance journalist with a magazine, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate Demi-Ajayi

admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.

The magistrate ordered that the two sureties must deposit N30,000 each to account of the court’s Chief Registrar, and present to court evidence of three years tax payment to

Lagos State government.

She also ordered that Ekankum duplicate the case file and forward it to the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, for advice.

She adjourned the case to November 26 for the outcome of DPP’s advice.

I went into drug trafficking

By Evelyn Usman

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40-year-old patent medicine dealer arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has blamed his alleged culpability on the quest to raise money for his wedding billed for December.

The suspect, Chike Pauline, was reportedly arrested during the outward screening of passengers on Rwanda Air flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Monday, with one kilogramme of substance

suspected to be methamphetamine.

During preliminary investigation, NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar, said the Aba-based businessman was discovered to be travelling to Bujumbura, Burundi.

In his confessional statement, the suspect said: “I am a patent medicine dealer in Aba, Abia State. My arrest is very unfortunate because I am a hardworking person.

“I was deceived into drug trafficking because I was desperate to perform my

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014—7

LAND DISPUTE: Man sues Christ Embassy for exhuming mum's remains

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ARRI—A resident of Effurun in Warri, Delta State, Mr. Richard Loromeke, has instituted a N100 million suit against the registered trustees of Believers Love World, also known as Christ Embassy, for trespass on his parcel of land and exhumation of remains of his mother, Madam Cecilia Loromeke, buried on the land situated in Aba, Abia State.

The defendants in the suit include Messrs Samson Enwereji, Registered Trustees of Believers Love Church and Remi Chijioke.

Counsel to the claimant in the suit instituted at an Abia State High Court, Mr. R. O. Irikefe and Mr. Patrick AwoOsagie, said Loromeke was also claiming N992,300 as special damages.

He also prayed the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants by themselves,

servants, agents, workmen, surrogates, thugs and/or privies from any further trespass on the disputed land.

The claimant prayed the court to declare that he was the person entitled to the statutory right of occupancy in respect of the parcel of land, completely fenced with blocks, known as Egbelu Obuda measuring approximately 100 feet by 483.712 feet square metres.

In his statement of claim, supported by a 25-paragraph affidavit, the claimant averred that his late mother purchased the land in dispute from one Jacob Enwereji in 1997 for farming.

He explained that after his mother's death and burial in 2006, he continued to manage the estate and collect rent from tenants made up of electricians, mechanics and artisans that her mother leased the land to when she could not farm anymore due to failing health.

He averred that in

November 2011, the first defendant started to foment trouble by trespassing on the said land in dispute when he came to serve all the tenants court orders during his absence, which propelled him to warn the trespasser to steer clear of the land.

The claimant noted that while away to Senegal, the first defendant in December of the same year, chased away all the tenants and that in November 2012, without his

Fake Ugborodo EPZ c'ttee member docked over job scam

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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ARRI—A Magistrate’s Court in Warri, Delta State, has remanded Prince Toritseju, 42, in prison custody for allegedly masquerading as a member of Ugborodo Export Processing Zone, EPZ,

MASS WEDDING: The second batch of applicants for mass wedding waiting to be screened in Gombe, yesterday. INSET: Dr. Ahmed Sha-Ali (left), member, Screening Committee for Mass Wedding, attending to a couple. NAN PHOTOS.

g for my wedding marriage ceremony by the end of the year.

“I was optimistic that I will not be arrested, but things did not go according to my expectation.

“What must I do to set myself free from this predicament?” he asked, begging not to be allowed to be confined until his proposed wedding.

Reacting to the arrest, Chairman/Chief Executive of the anti-narcotic agency, Ahmadu Giade, said: “The arrest of Chike will serve as a warning to others that they will ultimately be caught with drugs and prosecuted.

Interface Committee to defraud job seekers over the $16 billion Gas City project.

In the case brought before her by the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Chief Magistrate T. R. Ewerido, said remanding Toritseju and others now at large, had become necessary to enable the court seek legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, on the competence of the court to entertain the case of Advanced Fee Fraud against the accused.

Counsel to the accused, Mr S. J. Aremu, had argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain cases connected to Section 1(3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and other fraud related offences Act Cap A6 Law of the Federation 2006.

He demanded that the said offence against his client be re-presented by the police, based on state laws to enable the court adjudicate on the matter.

The matter has been adjourned till November 12 for hearing after due consultations with DPP on the issue of jurisdiction, based on the charges against the accused.

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—THE women's wing of All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday in Ondo State took to the streets to protest the non-release of Chibok girls abducted six months ago by Boko Haram.

Dressed in red uniforms and head gears, the women disrupted commercial activities and traffic flow in Akure, the state capital.

The women marched from Adegbemile end through Oba AdesidaOyemekun to Ilesa garage, displaying placards with inscriptions and chanted solidarity songs.

The protesting APC women, led by Mrs Kehinde Adeniran and defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Women Leader, Erelu Modupe Akindele-Johnson, later met with the state chairman of the party, Isaac Kekemeke.

They prayed for quick release of the school girls presently in captivity.

Adeniran said: “We came as mothers with bitterness and anger. We are feeling the pains of missing these innocent young girls in their respective homes for the past six months “We were deceived by the Federal Government that the abducted girls would be released last Monday, but right now, there is no inkling of their whereabouts.

“As our party leader here in Ondo State, we are sending you to President Goodluck Jonathan. He should expedite action in finding a way to release these children.”

Robbery suspect faints in court

By Onozure Dania & Hope Ofobike

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“It does not matter if the trafficker is going to other African countries or outside the continent; we are prepared to intercept all drugs.

“I urge members of the public to support the agency’s drug control efforts.”

consent, invaded the land in dispute, demolished his mother’s grave house, which he had erected over his mother’s tomb.

The claimant said he reported the incidents to Zone 9, Police Headquarters, Umuahia, from where officers arrested him, adding that due to the involvement of the police, family and community leaders, the first defendant agreed to rebuild the grave house, which he never did.

APC women protest over Chibok girls in Ondo

AGOS—THERE was a mild drama yesterday at a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere as a suspect, Adekunle Oladimeji, standing trial for armed robbery, suddenly fainted as his case was being called.

The suspect and three others were charged to court over alleged conspiracy, armed robbery and stealing, assault and threat to life.

The defendants, including Segun Olarinde, Nkemiika

Opara and Latifu Olarinde, were docked before Justice Raliatu Adebiyi.

Oladimeji fainted when the case was called and for more than one hour, he was on the floor, prompting the judge to adjourn the case till 2pm.

The judge threatened to lock up the suspect if he failed to stand up, warning further that she would put on record that he was present in court.

As the drama played out, counsel to the suspect, K. J. Arubale, immediately went outside the court but not without telling the judge that

his client was ill and that the illness was what prevented him from appearing in court on Monday.

He also told the judge that the matter was so serious that the suspect was vomiting blood.

However, the prosecuting counsel, Adetola Rotimi, told the court that there was nothing wrong with the suspect, saying his action was a cover-up to forestall his trial.

By 2p.m. when the matter was called, Oladimeji was still clutching his stomach which prompted the judge to ask him to sit while the trial lasted.

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8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Joseph Erunke

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BUJA—THE Conference Committee of the National Assembly on Constitution Review yesterday retained the immunity clause for the President and the Governors which was originally in the Nigerian Constitution but was recommended for removal by the House of Representatives.

The Conference Committee also approved immunity for legislators in respect of words spoken or written in the exercise of their legislative duties.

Also adopted by the Committee was the power conferred on the National Assembly and the State Assemblies in Section 58 and 100 to override the President or the Governor in an event there was an impasse where the President or the Governor of a state refused to append his assent on any passed law.

The Committee said overriding the President or Governor that refused to signify his assent or withholds it after 30 days of its passage would strengthen legislature’s authority and enable timely passage of laws for good governance.

Section 65 and 106 of the amended Constitution also made provision for independent candidacy in election, while Section 124 has deleted the State Independent Electoral Commission from the Constitution. The body was initially saddled with the responsibility of conducting elections in local government areas.

Section 124 which also was a consequential provision of the making of the Local Government a full third tier government, creates the office of the AuditorGeneral of the Local Government as well as the State Local Government Service Commission.

The Conference Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives in Section 174 and 211 separated the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Attorney General of the State from the Minister of Justice and Commissioner for Justice.

Going by the amendment, Section 225 empowered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deregister political parties for nonfulfillment of certain conditions such as breach of registration requirements and failure to secure/win either a presidential, governorship, Local Government chairmanship or a seat in the National or State Assembly.

Section 7 in the amended Constitution strengthened the administration of Local Governments in Nigeria by providing for their funding, tenure, elections, and to clearly delineate their powers and responsibilities to ensure effective service delivery and insulate them from undue and counterproductive interference from state governments.

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National Assembly retains immunity for President, govs zApproves LG autonomy, independent candidacy in election zScraps SIECs; removes wages from exclusive list zEmpowers NASS to override President, govs on assent zConfers immunity on legislators I have no problem with Lamido —JONATHAN

By Soni Daniel & Ben Agande

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PRESENTATION: Executive Director, Legal Services, Globacom, Mrs Gladys Talabi presenting branded gifts to the Minister for Youth Development, Mr Boni Haruna, who recently visited the Corporate Headquarters of Globacom to broker a youth empowerment partnership recently in Lagos. amendment enhanced the sovereignty of the citizens through their elected representatives by removing the need for presidential assent in constitution alteration exercise. It also replaced the word “Act” wherever it appeared with the word “Bill’.

The new amendment also enshrined the Right to Education and the Right to Health, as fundamental Rights in the Constitution, while Section 50A and 92A enshrined in the Constitution, the establishment of the National Assembly Service Commission and State House of Assembly Commission.

Section 59 authorized the President of the Senate to convene a joint meeting of the National Assembly to reconsider a money bill where the President withholds his assent and Section 67 made it mandatory for the President to attend a joint meeting of the National Assembly once a year to deliver a statement of the nation address.

Also, Section 81 of the amended Constitution engendered accountability and efficient service delivery; by providing for the funding of the Office of the Auditor-General of

the Federation, Office of the Attorney-General of the federation, National Security Agencies, the Nigerian Police, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.

Also Section 82 and 122 of the amended Constitution reduced the period within which the President of the Governor of a state may authorize the withdrawal of moneys from the Consolidated Revenue Fund in the absence of an appropriation act from six months to three months.

According to the amendment, Section 89 and 129 empowered the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly respectively, to prescribe sanctions, civil or criminal or both for failure, refusal or neglect to obey summons issued by a legislative house or a Committee of any of the Houses.

In the amended Constitution, Section 121 also engendered accountability and efficient service delivery, by providing for the funding of the State Houses of Assembly, Auditor-General of the State and the AttorneyGeneral of a State directly

from the State Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Section 134 and 179 of the Constitution extended the time for conducting presidential or governorship re-run election to 21 days instead of the seven days for both presidential and governorship elections.

The National Assembly in Section 228 was conferred with the powers to make laws for the procedures, guidelines and qualifications for access to the ballot by political parties and independent candidates, while Section 241 provided that a court or tribunal shall not stay any proceedings on account of any interlocutory appeal.

In the amendment, Section 251 conferred exclusive jurisdiction on the Federal High Court for trial of electoral offences so as to expedite action on the matters.

The Conference Committee in Section 285 provided for time for determination of pre-election matters, establishment of local government election tribunals and time for determination of election petitions.

It provided that where a force majeure occurred, the period of the force majeure should not be counted in the computation of the 180 days for the purpose of determining election petitions.

UTSE—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday said that contrary to widely held assumptions, he had no problem with Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State.

Jonathan stated that Lamido is an outstanding Peoples Democratic Party governor, who has made the party and the country proud because of the monumental projects he has executed since coming into office in 2007.

The President said that he had no reason whatsoever to quarrel with the governor whom he describes as a man of his words.

For all that, Jonathan said that Lamido should rather be commended and appreciated by all.

The president disclosed these in Dutse while commisioning the Dutse International Airport and at a meeting with Jigawa stakeholders at the Government House, Dutse.

According to Jonathan, Lamido is a man who does not speak from both sides of his mouth but keeps each promise made, recalling how he solidly stood by him to win the 2011 presidential election despite all odds.

“Sule Lamido is a man of his word. In terms of what people say frosty relation , sometimes it is issues of intepretations. I remember reading one book sometimes ago where one philosopher said the disagreement between people is caused when people use different words to describe different scenario or use different words to describe different things.

“That will cause primary disagreement which will begin to expand. In some cases where people have problems if you go deeply you discover that it is not really a problem but it becomes a storm when people begin to hear.''

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 — 9

Remi Oyo honoured in ‘The Media Afternoon of Tributes'

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By Jimoh Babatunde, Franklin Alli & Ikenna Asomba

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O fewer than 500 members of the Nigerian and international media family, yesterday, paid glowing tributes to former Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria, Dame Felicia Oluremilekun Oyo, for her indelible marks in the media industry at an event tagged: “The Media Afternoon of Songs and Tributes”.

The event which was held at the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Media Centre, National Theatre Complex, Iganmu, Lagos, was well attended by publishers, editors, veteran journalists, clerics, staff of NAN, friends, and members of her family.

After several readings from the Bible and hymns, the officiating priests prayed for the husband, children and her larger family.

OBSEQUIES: From left; Mr Vincent Oyo, widower; Mrs Okeiemuote Abudiore, daughter, Mrs Tolulope Abudiore, Mrs Nkem Oyo, and Mr Otome Oyo, during the Media Afternoon of Song and Tributes for Late Oluremi Oyo, Former Managing Director of NAN, held yesterday at NAN Media Centre, Iganmu, Lagos.

Roll call Those who reminisced on her life and times, describing her death as a great loss to the pen profession and the nation at large were Lateef Ibirogba, Commissioner for Information, Lagos State; Gbenga Adefaye, former President Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE and General Manager (Publications) /Editorin-Chief, Vanguard Newspapers; Femi Adesina, President, NGE; Jide Adebayo, Executive Director Marketing and Lagos Operations, NAN; Comfort Obi, Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief, The Source Magazine, Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, International Press Centre, IPC among others.

Mr. Jide Adebayo,executive director and head of Lagos office, News Agency of Nigeria, in his opening remarks said that death is one debt all of us will pay. He urged those present not to wear any forced sobriety as the will of God cannot take us to where His grace cannot keep us.

Adebayo said Remi Oyo came to NAN when the agency was almost collapsing as they were only producing 60 stories per day.

“She came and turned things around and we started producing over 300 stories per day”, he said

Oyo broke through the glass ceiling — ADESINA In his tributes, president of the Guild of Editors, Femi Adesina, said: “In a profession where the glass ceiling for women is bulletproof, she simply shattered it. Dame Oluremi Oyo is known for many firsts. The first woman to lead the NGE and for two terms, and how she did it with panache and decorum! The first woman to be SSA media and publicity to a Nigerian President.

Total CEO dies in Moscow plane crash

OBSEQUIES FOR REMI OYO: From left; Mr Frank Aigbogun, Publisher, Businessday newspaper; Mr Gbenga Adefaye, General Manager, Publications/Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard newspaper, and Mrs Mary Udochukwu Ifionu, at the event.

Is there then still a glass ceiling?

No, she dismantled it all. Blasted and shattered it. She was a pride to the womenfolk in journalism.

What do we say of her work at News Agency of Nigeria as Managing director? Another glass ceiling she shattered in style, her work will follow her and be a testimony that an Amazon was here.

She was obsessed with milestones —ADEFAYE Former President of the Guild, Gbenga Adefaye described her as a team leader who drove a team that believed that hard work only leaves one panting. According to him, “She was obsessed with milestones as she told me about the need to rebrand the Guilds as an institution that is credible, focused and respected by the society. She was the first female

President of the NGE, first female MD/CEO of Africa’s premier news agency, NAN. She was the deliberate quintessential leader of men with a followership that was cohesive, united and forceful enough to affect the direction of the association for years after her departure from the leadership of the Guild.”

Second General Secretary of the Guild, Isaac Ighure, said late Remi will be remembered by the NGE for her exemplary leadership qualities which brought the guild out of near comatose.

Lanre Arogundade in his tribute said late Oyo played a leading role in the passage of the freedom of information law.

“Remi Oyo was a veteran journalist who saw tomorrow.

She played an active leadership role in encouraging Nigerian journalists to learn foreign

languages like French, she urged journalists to acquaint the mselves with computer knowledge and also fought for the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill. She was a journalist who was like the proverbial river that doesn’t forget her source. “ Similarly, Ibirogba, who described the former President of NGE, as a woman who practiced journalism excellently said “She has made her mark.

All of us should think what are we going to be remembered for, if we leave today like Remi.”

On her part, Obi, who described the former Managing Director of NAN as a mentor said “It is an irony of life that I stand here talking about her in the past.

She is my sister, friend and confidant. A combination of Oyo and I was formidable. We made the powers that be shake.”

OSCOW— RUSSIAN and French experts were investigating yesterday a plane crash at a Moscow airport which killed the CEO of French oil giant Total, Christophe de Margerie, whose private jet struck a snowplough on take-off.

Russian investigators said the driver of the snowclearing machine was drunk and that his actions, along with “an error by air traffic controllers”, appeared to have led to the crash — a claim disputed by the driver’s lawyer.

They also blamed senior airport officials for causing the accident through “criminal negligence”, and said several executives would be suspended.

At Total, one of the world’s biggest oil companies, staff at its Paris headquarters observed a minute’s silence for their 63-year-old boss known affectionately as the “Big Moustache” because of his distinctive facial hair.

De Margerie “The group is set up to ensure the proper continuity of its governance and its activities, to deal with this tragic event,” Total’s secretary general JeanJacques Guilbaud said, as top executives were due to hold an emergency meeting.

While respected by the industry for expanding Total’s activities around the world, De Margerie was also often mired in controversy as he helmed the group when it was embroiled in judicial woes including the UN “oil-forfood” scandal.

Just hours before the crash, De Margerie had met Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev at his country residence outside Moscow to discuss foreign investment in Russia, the Vedomosti business daily reported, despite Western sanctions over Moscow’s role in the Ukraine conflict.

.Late de Margerie

10— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Tinubu tasks govts on youth education

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By Gabriel Olawale

AGOS—SENATOR Oluremi Tinubu, who is representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, in the senate, has charged governments across the country not to relent in initiatives aimed at boosting educational development of Nigerian children and youths.

Speaking during the sixth edition of “My complete student” initiative which witnessed the commissioning of the refurbished Holy Trinity Primary School, Tinubu commended the Lagos Island Local Government Area, over its frequent distribution of school kits and learning materials.

PDP won't abandon Amosun's roads projects —Daniel

By Daud Olatunji

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B E O K U TA — A former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, yesterday, said the People’s Democratic Party in the state would complete the ongoing road projects by Senator Ibikunle A m o s u n - l e d administration after taking over in 2015.

Daniel stated this during a unification rally tagged ‘OGD returns’ held at the PDP Secretariat in Abeokuta.

....As Amosun threatens politicians

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By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—OGUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday, threatened that, the leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, would not hesitate to disqualify any aspirant that indulges in violent act.

Amosun gave the warning in Ifo area during his assessment tour to the Local Government Area.

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Beverage firm, others shut for environmental offences L

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

AGOS—THE Lagos State Government, yesterday, shut down a beverage distribution company, Charvet Nigeria Limited, distributor of energy drink and several shops in Surulere Local Government Area and environs for contravening the state’s environmental laws.

Officials of the Zero Tolerance Department of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment enforced the closure orders.

Speaking during the exercise, Mr. Deji Badejo, who led the team said that prior to the closure, the ministry had served the affected organisations warning letters and at the same time enlightened them on the possible danger their activities could pose to the public.

He said: “Atimes we normally visit them up to three times but when they

refused to comply, we were left with no option than to close down their premises.”

The enforcement exercise took place around Surulere and Isolo Local Government

areas, late evening. The offences range from littering the environment, blocking of drainage, and noise pollution, among others.

AIDS/HIV ELIMINATION: From left: Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina, First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, and representative of United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, Madam Rati Ndhlovu, during the Startegic Action for Accelerated Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Maternal Death Reduction in Lagos State, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Confusion in Ondo PDP over Mimiko's defection zNobody can chase me out of PDP—Mimiko

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By Dayo Johnson

KURE—CONFUSION still reigns in the Ondo State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over the defection of Governor Olusegun Mimiko to the party.

Leaders of the PDP have decided to fight dirty following latest development in which the Party membership cards and registration forms were reportedly handed over to the governor by the National Secretariat of the Party and not the State Working Committee.

The State Working Committee led by the state Chairman of the party, Hon. Ebenezer Alabi, acting the scripts of some of the leaders thereafter accused the governor of illegal registration using the cards across the 203 wards of the state.

Vanguard learned that the situation became messier when some players in the National Secretariat also handed over the party nomination forms to the Alabi-led team.

This seeming double standard by some leaders of the party in Abuja has further deepened the fufore.

Nobody can chase me

out of PDP —Mimiko

Meantime, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State yesterday reacted to the resistance his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is generating and declared that nobody can chase him out of the party.

He broke his silence in Akure when the party ’s National Youth Leader, Abdullaih Maibasira led

other youth leaders across the country to welcome him to the party.

Mimiko said: “I have not come to the PDP to be part of any crisis. I have come to add value and have come with clean mind and hands."

He said he was not coming to the PDP on the eve of an election for second term.

According to him, "There were entreaties for me to come

to the PDP before the election. “ So now that I have come to add value after my second term election, nobody will chase me away from this party. “ If anybody thinks they are going to create crisis and get me angry and think that they can send me away from the PDP, they are only joking. I have come to stay and to add value to this party."

Lagos directs mandatory HIV screening for pregnant women

By Chioma Obinna AGOS—THE Lagos State Government yesterday lamented low patronage by pregnant women of its Prevention- of-Mother-To Child-Transmission, PMTCT/ Family Planning sites, saying, it has increased the risk of Mother-to-ChildTransmission of HIV in the state.

To this end, the State Government has directed that all pregnant women using its facilities be tested for HIV even as it unveiled wife of the Lagos State Governor as the ‘Face of Prevention-ofM o t h e r - To - C h i l d -

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Transmission, PMTCT/Family Planning in Lagos.

The wife of the Lagos State governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola who expressed worry during her official unveiling as the face of PMTCT in Lagos which marked the commencement of the strategic action for accelerated elimination of Mother-ToChild-Transmission of HIV and maternal death reduction in the state, disclosed that the state is recording new HIV infections through mother-to -child transmission.

The wife of the governor said available statistics has shown that only few pregnant women

have actually been counselled and tested for HIV. Fashola expressed concern that the state has remained one of the 12+1 states that accounts for 70 per cent of the country’s burden of MotherTo -Child Transmission, MTCT of HIV in the country.

This problem she said has remained despite the efforts of the government to curtail it through various strategies such as; free mother-to-child transmission services, increase of service delivery points from 66 in 2012 to 312 in 2014.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 —11

Alaafin seeks total war against insurgents

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BIRTHDAY: Chairman, Correspondent Chapel of Oyo NUJ, Mr Ola Ajayi presnting the 76th birthday card to Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, during a visit by members of the Correspondents Chapel to mark the monarch's birthday in Oyo, Oyo State, yesterday. Photo: Dare Fasube

By Ola Ajayi

BADAN—THE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III has called on President Gooddluck Jonathan to embark on full dislodgement of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram instead of observing ceasefire, saying it was meaningless negotiating with a group whose sole aim was to disintegrate the country.

Oba Adeyemi said this yesterday, at his palace in Oyo town when members of the executive of the Oyo State Correspondents’Chapel rejoiced with him on his 76th birthday.

According to him, negotiation is meaningless to disgruntled people who have no respect for

Fayose fires education secretaries in LGs zPDP slams Fayemi for spending N4 billion in planting of flowers

By Gbenga Ariyibi

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DO EKITI—THE Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Peter Ayo Fayose has ordered the sack of all the local

government education secretaries.

According to a press statement issued in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr

Idowu Adelusi, the sack takes immediate effect and the affected secretaries are to hand over government property in their care to the most senior officers next to them.

T h e Education Secretaries w e r e appointed by the erstwhile government led by Dr K a y o d e Fayemi in all the 16 local government areas of the state to take care of education r e l a t e d matters in each of the councils.

Meantime, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State has berated exGovernor K a y o d e Fayemi for spending N4 billion on the planting of flowers.

The party

equally blamed the Fayemi’s administration for allegedly plunging the state into huge debt,which according to the party has remained unparalleled in the history of the state.

According to the statement made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti yesterday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, the party faulted Fayemi for spending so much on the planting of flowers under the guise of a beatification project without anything to show for it.

The PDP image maker equally blasted Fayemi for his alleged mismanagement of the state resources.

His words: “In a state like ours, which is agrarian, nearly N4 billion was spent by the Fayemi government on the planting of flowers in Ado-Ekiti, while farmers were left to their fate. “ We can all see how terribly that project ended."

The party said it is not surprised by the huge debt left behind by the administration of former Governor Kayode Fayemi, saying such has become the trait of those who tagged themselves progressives who had ruled the state at one time or the other.

the sanctity of human life and whose motive is not clearly defined.

He said: “All over the world where you have rebellion or disgruntled elements, negotiation is not achievable down the ages of history.”

Making allusion to heavy bombardment of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 by the American troops, he added that the only antidote to the daily killings of innocent Nigerians by the deadly sect was to engage them in full fledged offensive that would decapacitate them.

“The Boko Haram phenomenon, you don’t know exactly what they want and the kind of war they are fighting is not well defined. You find it difficult to pacify people who are disgruntled. Until you go into full length total dislodgement, anything short of that we are just wasting our time,’’ he said.

Aregbesola never asked for election re-run —APC

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By Gbenga Olarinoye

S O G B O — A L L Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State has denied that its candidate at the August 9, 2014 governorship election, Governor Rauf Aregbesola has asked the Election Tribunal sitting in Osogbo for a re-run of the contest he was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC. The party was reacting to a newspaper report (not Vanguard) published on Monday, October 20, 2014, which stated that Aregbesola filed a prayer for re-run of the election, if the Tribunal upheld Omisore’s application at the tribunal.

According to the APC, there was only one prayer made by Aregbesola which is, “Whereof in all the forgoing premises, among others, the 2nd Respondent denies in their entirety all the prayers of the petitioners as set out in all of paragraph 59 (i-v) on pages 174 and 175 of the petition and will urge the Tribunal to dismiss the petition with substantial costs for being unmeritorious, frivolous, vexatious, ill-conceived and an abuse of court process.”

Monarchs counsel Amosun on leadership

By Peace Onyeukwu

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BEOKUTA—THE Ogun state council of Obas has urged governor Ibikunle Amosun to continue to exhibit good leadership style, asking him to strive harder to realize his mission to rebuild the state.

They also commended C M Y K

him for being tolerant of public assessment and criticisms of his administration’s projects and policies over the past three years.

According to the communiqué issued at the end of the second statutory sitting in Ogun State, the Council of Obas under the

chairmanship of Oba Dr. Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo, Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, the council noted with appreciation the various developmental projects executed by the administration in the 20 Local Government Areas of Ogun State.

12 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Delta LG polls: WIPMG gives condition for peace in Warri S-West, Warri North

By Emma Amaize

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A R R I — POLITICAL intrigues in Warri, Delta State, over the October 25 local government elections heightened yesterday, as the embattled Warri Ijaw Peace Monitoring Group, WIPMG, gave condition for peace.

The group, in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, said the Ijaw of Warri should be allowed to feature candidates for Warri South-West and Warri North constituencies in

the state House of Assembly since the Itsekiri had taken the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chairmanship slots in both local government areas.

WIPMG said the explanation by the PDP chairman in Warri SouthWest Local Government Area, Chief Boro Opudu, that the Ijaw of Warri were not agitating for power sharing regarding the existing state constituency, but creation of a separate state constituency to accommodate the Ijaw interest in Warri SouthWest, was misleading.

Ex-Rivers SSG joins governorship race

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARC O U R T — FORMER Secretary to Rivers State Government, SSG, Mr. Gabriel Pidomson, has joined the governorship race in the state.

Pidomson, who declared his intention yesterday in Port Harcourt, dismissed claims that the former Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, had been adopted as the party’s candidate in the governorship election.

Pidomson, who was also a former lawmaker in the state House of Assembly, said if elected, he would build more cities in the

state and create jobs.

Pidomson assured that he would guarantee security of lives and property in the state. “The first and most solemn obligation of the governor is to keep the state strong and safe for all and sundry, improve education, provide infrastructure and an environment that stimulates economic activities. As governor, I will work to preserve and create jobs, build new cities, invest in world class healthcare, step up funding for education, embark on sustainable rural infrastructure, electricity, water supply in homes, housing and clean environment,” he said.

On Opudu’s labeling of the group as ‘a kind of Boko Haram name existing on paper ’, it said: “For the information of the general public, Chief Boro Opudu was a member of this body from inception when the body was championing the course of the oppressed Ijaw of Warri. So, it is wrong for him to disown the chairman of the body and describe him as a faceless person. Chief Opudu should know that the same electoral wards that make up the chairmanship equally make up the House of Assembly constituency.

"Let him also know that other local government areas in Delta State are doing so for justice, equity and fair play. For instance, in Ethiope West Local Government Area, where all the people are Urhobo, the chairmanship and House of Assembly slots are rotated among the various clans.”

Chief Opudu had stated, Monday, that “the immediate past elected Local Government Chairman of Warri South-West, Mr. George Ekpemupolo and the outgoing Transition Committee Chairman of the Local Government, Rev Sam Keneghan are Ijaw. We are still standing on the gentleman agreement of tenure each for Ijaw and Itsekiri.”

NPA begins dredging of N20bn Calabar Port channel

By Godwin Oritse

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IGERIAN Ports Authority, NPA, has commenced the dredging of the N20 billion Calabar port channel after prolonged controversy and several failed attempts.

The latest dredging was approved in August by President Goodluck Jonathan, and awarded to an indigenous firm, Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited, partnering with the NPA to form the Calabar Channel Management Company, CCM. President Jonathan approved the dredging of Calabar channel with a C M Y K

view to boosting the economy of Cross River State and the country as a whole.

Speaking on the delay of the project, Transport Minister, Senator Idris Umar, said the delay in the dredging of the channel had impacted negatively on the economic activities of the entire country.

He said: “The cargo volume into West and Central Africa sub-region has so much increased that the government needed to reduce pressure on other ports by deepening the Calabar port channel so that it can accommodate bigger vessels and give the growing business interests

a boost. In 2004, the Federal Ministry of Transport and the NPA initiated proposal to dredge the channel from its original depth of eight meters to 10 meters.

“Consequently, contracts were awarded to two companies who executed the contract in line with the contract agreement however, because the channel needed to be put into effective use, an additional length needed to be dredged. The contract was awarded to the two companies based on volumes established in 2004 when a biometric survey was carried out."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 — 13

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14 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 — 15

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16— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan's 60th birthday lecture

From left, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Guest Lecturer, Bishop Mathew Kukah; the Sultan of Sokoto, and Chairman of the occasion, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, during the 60th birthday lecture for the governor, in Asaba. Photos: Henry Unini & Nath Onojake

From left.Chief Peter Okocha, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo

From left.Mr.Chike Ogeah, Commissioner for Information, and Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo.

Chief Olu Falae (left), congratulating Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, shortly after the lecture.

From left, Chief Solomon Ogba, Mrs. Orezi Esievo, Dr. Obidi, and Chief Edwin Uzor, chairman, Delta State PDP.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (2nd right), his Deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama (left) and the Commissioner for Information, Barr. Chike Ogeah (right), welcoming the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III on arrival to the venue of the lecture.

From left Hon. Martin Okonta, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo, and Hon. Joan Mrakpor.

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 —17

“The chief cause of problems is solutions.” — Eric Sevareid

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Unforced errors credible ceasefire was signed from the outrage and cynicism of just about everyone who should know. Local communities, people with knowledge of the insurgency and critical analysts who had seen it all before said either the administration had been deceived again, or it is involved in another game of deception. The word so far is that bombs are going off from both sides and villagers are being slaughtered even as Jonathan’s administration sticks to the idea that it has a credible ceasefire agreement. Our troops will now fight to defend themselves and prevent further inroads into our territories while people make money putting forward characters that claim to represent Boko Haram, and our population in captured territories or kidnapped citizens begin to wonder if they are being bargained away.

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r take the case of the quiet but intense drama going on in the upper echelons of the APC, the type that will give it the nation to run in 2015, or give the PDP another four years from 2015. For a party that a few months ago was virtually guaranteed victory against the PDP, the APC is now fighting for its dear life. Everything is threatening to come unstuck, and unless you count the massive invasion by former PDP members into the APC as moles, most of the problems of the APC today are self-inflicted. There were small errors, faulty assumptions and miscalculations here and there, all made in the euphoria which followed the historic merger of major opposition parties which have now grown into massive problems. The acute shortage of time to resolve them is being compounded by the intense pressure from very powerful interests within the party to shape it after their ambitions. The hitherto unassailable

position of General Buhari is now being openly challenged by people who, this time last year, were not even in the party.

Atiku, as is rumoured, may very well be in the game to retire Buhari finally and permanently from politics, but all three careers (Buhari’s, Atiku’s and Kwankwaso’s) could come to a tragic end if something dramatic and unusual does not happen to save the party from a damaging contest for the APC flag. PDP will not need to defeat APC in 2015: APC will lose all by itself in the manner it mismanages the great opportunity it has

,

SUALLY limited to the sport of tennis, an unforced error refers to bad play made entirely as a result of a player’s blunder, and not because of an opponent’s skills or effort. Applied to politics, unforced errors do not have the luxury of being isolated from pressure, prompting or stress in engaging an opponent. Nonetheless, the analogy makes sense when the scale of the misjudgement or error is of such nature or significance that it gives your opponent an undeserved advantage, or places you at risks you could or should have avoided. There are many instances of political unforced errors these days, perhaps owing to the slippery grounds on which all players play, or the absence of good intelligence, stamina or skills among the players. Some of the errors our politicians and leaders make these days will cost the nation very dearly.

While they will only lose nominations and elections, some of their mistakes could lose the nation excellent opportunities to fix its current problems, and give it a stronger foundation for future generations to build upon.

Take the case of the claimed breakthrough by the Federal Government in its fight against Boko Haram in the form of an agreement to cease hostilities, presumably as a step towards a negotiated resolution. The announcement came from the Federal Government, a party in the war that has had the upper hand in the last few weeks; looks like it is successfully marshalling all its assets for a final onslaught, and still has large populations and territory in the hands of terrorists it appears to be defeating. Even making legitimate allowances for the fact that the government knows something we do not, the acceptance of a ceasefire with an opponent seemingly on the run is bound to raise more than eyebrows.

Those among us who thought the administration deserves some trust had our goodwill shattered just a few hours into the trumpeted ceasefire when the insurgents took over new territory and population, slaughtering many locals to make the point that nothing has changed.

Perhaps our military hierarchy really had thought it had a binding agreement, and had instructed its forces not to fight?

No matter. The insurgents bombed the claim that there was a ceasefire, and then the walls collapsed on the claim that a

deal with rebellious first-term governors, senators and other legislators who now want a Jonathan treatment?

How does it handle governors who want to choose successors? How would it handle fallouts from serving senators who will resist pack-and-go orders because outgoing governors want their seats? With its no-going-back-onJonathan posture, and assuming that he does cross the eligibility hurdle, does the PDP have all answers to APC’s challenge? Could it have boxed itself into a corner by assuming that the APC will only field Buhari, and that it is inconceivable that Jonathan will lose to him? Could the party be guilty of underrating Buhari’s popularity or potential to limit his electoral shortcomings; and overrating Jonathan’s acceptability and the capacity of campaign managers to deliver on promises to weaken resistance against him in many parts of the nation? How would PDP react to the possible emergence of a dark horse from APC, a Northern Christian, a Southern Muslim or a Southern Christian from the Niger Delta as candidates? How flexible is PDP strategy, beyond the assumption that massive amounts of money can make major differences in the manner voters behave, INEC

Unfortunately those who lead our nation and are about to determine its future have not demonstrated the levels of competence and vision that will guarantee that our fears over 2015 and beyond are misplaced

to change the course of Nigerian democracy.

Another unforced error that may only be manifest in the next few weeks will be in the candidature of President Jonathan. PDP big wigs think that they have acted in the tradition of their party which insists that you cannot say no to an incumbent president when he demands for another go. They went through the usual motion of mowing down all internal challenges, breached all the rules relating to campaigning, and they think they are now ready to face whoever and whatever APC throws at them. The PDP will not reveal its plan B, assuming, that is, it has one.

So you have to speculate whether it has contingency plans for the distinct possibility that the Supreme Court could strike down Jonathan’s eligibility as a candidate in 2015. How does it plan to

,

conducts elections, the direction security agents wield sticks and guns, and the judiciary is inclined?

Politicians do not have the luxury of taking decisions in a vacuum. They make good and poor judgement calls, and reap the benefits or pay huge prices for them. Because politics is about life, limbs and livelihoods, the public is usually the victim or beneficiary of failures or success of decisions of politicians. At this moment in our history, so much depends on the manner our leaders and politicians appreciate the total context of their actions and decisions. Unfortunately it is also the case that those who lead our nation and are about to determine its future have not demonstrated the levels of competence, commitment and vision that will guarantee that our fears over 2015 and beyond are misplaced.

OPINION

By JESUTEGA ONOKPASA

T

HE Anioma branding of a governor from Delta North has been severally criticized by commentators across Delta State. Now many people from Delta Central and South are beginning to see it as a quest to produce an Anioma governor for Delta State as opposed to a pan-Delta governor for Delta State, who happens to hail from Delta North. They are increasingly determined that if it is an Anioma governor, then the Anioma people should simply wait for the creation of their longed for Anioma State to produce a well deserved governor for that state. In fact, the sort of crass political naivety certain Anioma stakeholders have exhibited, leaves pan-Deltan people like us in a rather difficult position. Whereas we remain committed to the equitable quest for a Governor from Delta North, we feel increasingly undermined by the very elders of the zone we have been clamoring to produce a pan-Delta governor.

The Asagba of Asaba, as a traditional ruler, and therefore father to all, ought not to have been the one leading a delegation to present a selective list to Mr. President. It is not his forte to discrimi-

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That Anioma Congress list nate amongst his children or brethren. It is his obligation to be fair to all of them and inwardly hope that the best one emerges. By presenting a list that initially did not even include any of the aspirants the incumbent Governor might have mentored to carry on his legacy, the Anioma Congress, he leads, only ended up shooting itself in the foot by clearly and unambiguously demonstrating its disdain for, and hostility towards the one person in the best position to ensure the emergence of a governor of Delta State from Delta North.

Their list has by now irretrievably acquired a bizarre notoriety. No one seems to be exactly sure what names it itemized. It initially seems to have included the names of two persons from Aniocha/ Oshimili axis and one from Ika. No Ndokwa aspirant appears to have been included at that stage, thereby discriminating against a third part of Delta North.

Then a most macabre course of abracadabra appeared on the menu. Names were added and deleted in a manner that indicates that far from being a platform willing to be fair to all parts of Delta North, the Anioma Congress had decomposed

into an unserious aggregate, either to be enticed by the highest bidder or turned by the most intrepid lobbyist. The list ended up being so ridiculous that it did not even include the name of the very Presidential aide that ushered in the Asagba and his delegation to see Mr. President.

There seems to be this utterly unrealistic thinking, in certain quarters, that Governor Uduaghan is on the way out into absolute oblivion and utter irrelevance. Indeed, certain stakeholders, it would seem, are not only breathless to see him go but are salivating to see him undone when he leaves. It is rather regrettable that the Anioma Congress would appear to be wittingly or unwittingly spearheading this ungrateful onslaught against a generous benefactor.

The Asagba’s realm was a sleepy town fashioned into a city by two governors from Delta Central and the incumbent from Delta South. Indeed, Dr Uduaghan permanently placed it on the world map by the international airport he built with oil money from Central and South with little or no gratitude from its *hosts.

Those hungry to see the Governor dis-

graced are merely embracing the unrealistic. Dropping Mr. President’s name in that quest is utter foolhardiness.

The Governor has delivered for the President before and is warming up to do it again. He delivered Delta State for Jonathan by a landslide in 2011 and Mr. President has always shown a remarkable readiness to reward loyalty and reciprocate goodwill. Dr Uduaghan is the incumbent and remains the key to delivering the quantum of votes that would ensure that our President gets enough votes to offset whatever the desperate opposition might garner from their strongholds in other states. Whether anyone likes it or not, Governor Uduaghan is by far more relevant to the second term ambition of President Jonathan than any of the rabble-rousing aspirants now disparaging him. They are completely mistaken. The people of Delta Central and Delta South are remarkably similar in culture, orientation, disposition and ancestry. Uduaghan is not going quietly into the night and will not be humiliated by power-hungry hustlers with more skeletons in their cupboards than any of the unproven transgressions they keep tagging on their Governor.

•Mr. Onokpasa, a lawyer, wrote from Warri.

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 FORMER Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon is 80. Time really flies. The image of Gowon, in the minds of those who lived through the Civil War, was of a dashing officer, not one to be associated with 80 years and its frailties. Gowon has been known for his openness on some issues.

His admission of his ill-preparedness to lead Nigeria was one.

Nigeria still left us with a country grappling with issues the immediate post-independent years threw up. Gowon skirted them in his birthday speech.

Among these issues is the ceaseless agitation for States. Some reasons are adduced for creating States, but none of them is about the security and welfare of the people. The interest of the people is only a poor excuse for carving up of Nigeria.

Gowon, Head of State at 31, started it.

States, he said, were created to remove the fear of political domination that threatened Nigeria’s unity. If we follow his logic, there is no need for more States.

Has the fear of political domination been addressed since 1967 when the first States were created from the four regions? Have

To Gowon @ 80: Time Runs new States not created new minorities who are not just afraid of political domination, but suffer it? Why were States created in 1967?

Gowon’s objection to the creation of more States falls below his 1967. “ At the moment, States are demanded based on ethnic groups. The 36 States are reasonable but creating States to take care of ethnic nationalities is destructive ,” Gowon said.

As memories fade, interests wane, and more complicated politics take stands, Nigerians have ignored the fundamental is-

sues that caused the Civil War. Without addressing the Civil War, in a wholesome approach, the injustices that create agitations in different parts of the country - or the fear of political domination according to Gowon – would persist. State creation cannot cure them.

Nigerians want governments that are close to them through their programmes, not by the number of States and local government areas, which only benefit politicians who are bent on creating offices and positions for themselves, without considering the lethal effect on the economy.

Congratulations Gowon at 80, we wish you good health. You have conducted yourself well outside office. Gowon and former President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari are the only former holders of the office who shun the publicity others draw to themselves.

We also remind him that time ticks. He is the last remaining principal actor in the Civil War who could oblige Nigerians his memoirs. It is his final duty to a nation he led to the best of his ability and without the hindsight many use in criticising him.

OPINION

BY MICHAEL EGBEJUMI-DAVID

How Ebola disease got to Nigeria

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and won. It was text-book epidemiology triumph. In doing this, we probably helped prevent greater spread of the disease to other parts of the continent.

So kudos to all involved. They have all done very well. And you know you’ve done good when even America sends its personnel to study how you’ve done it!

But how did Ebola get to Nigeria?

First, we can confirm authoritatively now that Mr Patrick Sawyer did come to Nigeria knowing full well he had contacted the Ebola disease. He came here looking for a cure. His widow in New York attested to that much. Mr Sawyer wasn’t alone.

Another diplomat sneaked through the border and sought cure for the same disease in Port Harcourt.

Furthermore, there were news reports of a few Ebola-stricken West African nationals who tried to cross into Nigeria through the Niger and through some South-South borders. They were all turned back. Also, three travellers suspected to be Ebola-infected were apprehended after they crossed into Ogun State through the Imeko-Afon border.

OW that we got the ‘all clear’ and we have been able to reasonably restrain the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria, we can take a more dispassionate look at the issue, its genesis and some ramifications.

But first, a huge credit must go to the Lagos State government. In particular, the Governor, Babatunde Fashola, his Health Commissioner, Dr Jide Idris, and his Special Adviser on Health, Dr Yewande Adeshina deserve high praise indeed. Similarly, President Goodluck Jonathan and the Health Minister, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu deserve commendation for their co-ordinating role, robust leadership and tireless work in containing the Ebola spread.

Special praise must go to Dr Adadevoh and her team at First Consultant Hospital. I dread to imagine what would have happened in Lagos, and indeed Nigeria in entirety, had the index case not been taken to that hospital and placed under the care of Dr Adadevoh. Her foresight and effective management of that case probably saved our collective bacon.

We cannot leave out the World Health Organisation, WHO, and other foreign health experts who were on the ground and in the forefront providing us with support.

However, when you think that there are many more WHO personnel and foreign health workers in Ebola-stricken countries such as Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, and these countries have not managed to contain Ebola and in fact, the disease is on the increase in those places, you begin to appreciate the more, the effectiveness of Nigeria’s local strategy and response.

Nigeria tackled Ebola disease head-on

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hy did all these people come, and wanted to get into Nigeria? They were practically invited to come by the now former Minister for Information, Labaran Maku.

On Wednesday April 2, 2014, Jonathan was away in Brussels. In his place, Vice President Sambo chaired the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

Immediately after this meeting, while briefing journalists on its outcome, Maku reportedly declared to the world that Nige-

ria has Ebola virus disease vaccines.

Specifically, Maku said: “Nigeria is prepared right now to curtail any outbreak particularly given reports that few counties on the West Coast like Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea have reported cases of Ebola fever and given our proximity to these, Nigeria is ready. The ministry has taken every precaution, including getting vaccines and medicines to ensure that should there be any incidence in Nigeria, everything would be dealt with precision.”

The man wasn’t done. He added: “So far, there is nothing like Ebola fever in Nigeria, and Council was reassured that every step has been taken to ready our country just in case infected persons come into the country from our neighbouring countries.”

This was the same briefing where the rebasing of our economy was mentioned for the first time and perhaps that over-shadowed the titbit about us having Ebola vaccines. So while most Nigerians heard ‘Rebasing,’ our Ebola-stricken neighbours heard ‘Vaccines.’

I suppose Mr Maku could be reasonably excused on the basis that he was perhaps just passing on information he received from the Health Ministry. However, he could have checked and confirmed his facts before making categorical statements. Giving Nigeria’s pre-eminence in the continent, why would other Africans not take Maku’s statement seriously?

Even as late as July 25th, few days after Sawyer escaped into Nigeria, the Project Director of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, one Professor Abdulsalam Nasidi, chipped-in: “…We have mobilised rapid response teams in addition to developing a

detailed response plan that includes a comprehensive health education, health promotion to sensitise Nigerians, enhanced surveillance to detect and treat the disease.”

What’s a desperate African citizen to do on the back of such reassuring statements?

Same thing is happening to America now.

A few people with Ebola have flown into that country since the USA was able to successfully cure a couple of people with the Ebola virus.

It is painful that some people have had to lose their lives as a result of Sawyer’s and other’s actions, but we must put things in their proper perspective. People in offices of high responsibility must be more discerning and more sensitive when it comes to matters of life and death. There are times to grandstand and there are other times to be serious.

So when Jonathan described Patrick Sawyer as “crazy” and a “mad man,” perhaps, he ought to have been looking elsewhere.

But, thank heavens we pulled through and we have excelled – albeit at a price. We only need now to worry about people coming home for Christmas from Ebola-infested countries.

However, what our experience with the successful containment of the Ebola disease has shown is that Nigeria has the material and human resources to be a truly great nation if only we have the will, the commitment, and the right leadership. We can even straighten out our healthcare sector such that the president won’t have to jet into Germany so much for his healthcare needs.

*Mr Egbejumi-David, a commentator on national issues wrote from Lagos

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014— —19

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T’S not every day that academics celebrate their birthdays.

But it was an occasion for celebration a fortnight ago when Bashiru Okesina, medical doctor, professor and current Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, marked his birthday. It was his 60th milestone and one that friends, colleagues and relations of the professor of medicine thought should be celebrated in a modest way. And so it was that they came together to celebrate the life of a man they agreed has impacted on them in very different but positive ways. By virtue of his professional background as a teacher and medical doctor, Professor Okesina seems naturally programmed to be conservative.

He looks it and plays the part. But his faith must also be a factor in his conservatism. Okesina is a muslim with a capital M. He makes no bones about this but doesn’t wear this on his sleeves either. O yes, he dresses and looks like a committed Muslim but even this does not have that in-your-face quality that some give to it. He seems content to ‘live and let live’.

It must therefore have been

quite an effort for him to be part of the event organised for him, modest as it was. He nevertheless enjoyed himself. That much was clear from the way he danced to the music of the five-man live band that ushered him into the league of sexagenarians. But for the fact that they were introduced by the master of ceremony, the bit known about his immediate and extended family would probably have gone unremarked. He did not seem eager to publicise their presence even when there can be no doubt that he is proud of his achievements in that regard.

I can only move in the realm of conjecture based on observation when I comment about Prof. Okesina. I know him, but only from a distance. But even the bit I know of him confirms my perception of his person as a man not given to elaborate displays and noise-making. I first met him in close proximity about a year ago, during a visit I made to his house with the former Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, now Provost of Adeyemi College of Education in Ondo, Prof. Olukoya Ogen. His part of

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town is within walking distance of but separate from the part of the rich and well-to-do of the area. He lives, so to speak, on the fringe of wealth. His house, a medium-sized one storey affair, was nested in the midst of houses you would see in any other part of town. There was nothing to suggest it was the home of a Nigerian big man. If the house looked modest enough from the outside, the interior itself proclaimed quiet modesty and dignity. It was entirely unpretentious and uncluttered with the gaudy ostentation typical of the homes of people of his status.

When he spoke, he did so without a conscious attempt to make an impression beyond, perhaps, that which showed him as stating nothing but the truth as it comes from within him. Same was his laughter- deep and entirely heartfelt. He didn’t appear to mind a good laugh at his own expense.

These are the more obvious qualities to be seen and admired in him.

It is this apparent simplicity of personality that might make the casual observer not to take note of Okesina in a gathering. But this could be easily checked by his

Kwankwaso and APC’s search for sure bait

By Akinjide Thomas

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HE flagging off of political activities earlier this month by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has sparked a whirlwind of campaign activities and widened the horizon for consultation and formation of common fronts. The target, at least in the camp of the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC and other progressive Nigerians, is to see who the mega opposition party can present as its candidate with the potency of coasting to victory. It is this search, more than anything else, that is generating keen interest as Nigerians wait with bated breath. The question is who APC will pitch against President Goodluck Jonathan – who is already anointed by his party to fly its flag once again. To an extent, the question is not who because the APC is not in short supply of aspirants positioning themselves to pick the presidential ticket; the bigger question, therefore, is who can take the party to victory.

It is in this light that one is bound to examine all the giants of men that have so far indicated interest in the APC’s prized ticket. As a form of rehearsal, the aspirants are retired General Muhammadu Buhari, who has contested the presidency three times in the past; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, another veteran aspirant who has been in the race since 2003 and a greenhorn politician, Leadership newspaper’s Sam Nda-Isaiah. The fourth aspirant is Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the outgoing governor of Kano State who, in addition to having ruled the most populous state for the constitutional limit of eight years, had been Nigeria’s Minister of Defence.

In identifying the right person for the APC for the February general election, a number of critical issues have to be factored in, just as

credentials and public standing of the aspirants have to be thoroughly examined to sieve grains from the chaff. For the APC, therefore, the challenge is picking the best out of an array of qualified contestants. The best, in this case, is not to be measured by one’s wealth or his gray hair but by one’s prospect of galvanizing support across the divide and one’s unblemished track record.

Any passing scrutiny of the profile and career trajectory of Kwankwaso would appeal to anyone whose watch-word is getting the right person to govern Nigeria at this crossroad period. Kwankwaso fits into the cast of a person needed at this time and conveniently fulfills requirements of a leader that Nigerians would be satisfied to have as their president.

Firstly, the man is adequately experienced having held various public sector posts from his days as a civil servant to political positions.

He has been in politics long enough to have garnered enough political clout, sagacity and network. Thirdly, the man has demonstrated he is a responsible and responsive public servant who is always driven by the desire to uplift his people. I explain.

In terms of profile and experience, it goes without saying that Kwankwaso is the most versatile of them all. He was variously a civil servant, a legislator, a state governor, a minister, a diplomat and a bureaucrat. Kwankwaso worked as at the Water Resources and Construction Agency, WRECA in Kano State; he was also a legislator who served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, Presidential Special Envoy to Dafur (Sudan) and member of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. This marvelous CV is not only unbeatable amongst those aspiring for presidency under the APC

grandfatherly beard which commands instant attention. Not even his beard, though, could conceal the fact of his simplicity and obvious contentment with life. This quality has no doubt stood him in good stead and must have contributed in no small terms to his present status in life.

A 60th birthday is surely something to celebrate in a country where life expectancy is just over 40 years. And for a man whose rise from the relative obscurity of Okuku must have been no less heroic than his desire to become a medical doctor, a 60th birthday is indeed worthy of celebration. Yet, this celebration is also a reminder that a lot still needs to be done and achieved. As the guest lecturer at his birthday, professor of history at the University of Ibadan, Charles Adesina, asked rhetorically, "What would Bashiru Okesina be remembered for in the years to come?" History must surely have a lot more to report about him than the fact that he distinguished himself as an academic and medical professional who once had the privilege of heading a higher institution as vice chancellor.

This fact cannot be lost on the professor. In just about a year and half on the saddle of vice chancellor he has demonstrated the right drive and will to succeed. But beyond the will to succeed, Prof. Okesina cannot be said not to have seen the need for improving on what he met upon appointment.

Critical areas for intervention include improvement in the quality of students offered admission.

There has been much talk about a general drop in the quality of graduates from Nigerian universities.

That problem often begins from the primary and secondary levels.

While universities may not be in

but it is not obtainable among all Nigerians presently seeking for the top job. A man of many parts, he knows all the problems in the civil service and knows the antics of its officials in throwing spanners into the wheel of governance. He is also knowledgeable about legislative business so as to avoid unnecessary rancor between the executive and the legislature. As someone who was a state governor, Kwankwaso knows the nitty-gritty of governance at the state level and so can engender a harmonious and complementary relationship between the centre and the units.

His short stint at the diplomatic front would

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60 hearty cheers for Bashiru Adekunle Okesina

For a man whose rise from the relative obscurity of Okuku must have been no less heroic than his desire to become a medical doctor, a 60th birthday is indeed worthy of celebration

The best is not to be measured by wealth or gray hair but by one’s prospect of galvanizing support across the divide and one’s unblemished track record

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also give him an above average understanding of global diplomacy to be able to project Nigeria’s image abroad and defend its interests.

As a politician, Kwankwaso has been there since 1991, taking its heat and cool breeze.

Having started on a good standing, as a principal officer of the National Assembly, Kwankwaso made friends with a number of fellow parliamentarians and several political heavyweights from across the length and breadth of this nation. As APC’s presidential candidate, the party would leverage on Kwankwaso's vast friendship in attaining the needed support that could translate to the needed votes in the general elections. With Kwankwaso as APC’s flagbearer there is also

the position to intervene at these lower levels, they can at least do something by way of ensuring effective gate keeping in terms of candidates offered admission.

Staff training and development is also an area that cannot be discounted. Many universities in Nigeria today are poorly resourced in terms of qualified manpower and personnel. The minimum threshold for teaching qualification, a doctor of philosophy degree, is one most Nigerian universities fall far short of. Osun State University has a well-oiled staff training programme. But this programme can be made more aggressive by quick provision of additional support for lecturers in training positions. Lecturers, especially those in training, ought not to be overburdened with lectures.

Also not to be discounted is the issue of staff sponsorship for local and international conferences.

Many university lecturers are today intellectuals in name alone.

This is not for want of talent or intellect. But there is little or no avenue for sponsorship to attend conferences. Where this is available, as with the bit that is being provided by TETFUND, the process of accessing fund for conferences has been grievously politicised and corrupted. A world class university is not just a matter of sloganeering. It calls for active commitment on the part of its managers.

True, the university carries more staff and student portfolio that requires far more spending than was necessary in the first five years of its existence. But rather than being a matter to cause discouragement, the advantage that comes with that has been mentioned by the Vice Chancellor and should be harnessed. Happy birthday, Mr. VC Sir!

a strong possibility of having yet another exodus of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftains into the fold of the opposition APC; – with this, there is no doubt that the party would just need a little push to gain victory.

Lastly, and very importantly for Nigeria and Nigerians at this time, Kwankwaso is an ingenious performer who has performed creditably well in all assignments he has handled. The magic he has performed in Kano, using only the statutory allocations and internally generated revenue, is a subject for academic inquiry. In his first tenure as governor (1999 – 2003) Kwankwaso laid strong bedrock for solid socio-economic developments. He significantly increased school enrolment by coming up with policies that would entice parents and the pupils. He established a state university of technology to meet up with educational and manpower demands of the people and the government.

With his second coming in 2011, Kwankwaso has not only upped the stakes in what it means to be a governor, he has placed himself as a reference point for serving and would-be governors, not only in Kano but anywhere in the country.

As a closing tribute, it should also be said that Kwankwaso does not have any excess baggage that opponents could use against him. He cannot be charged of any fundamental character flaw. This untainted record is another big plus for the APC should Kwankwaso be chosen to fly the party’s flag.

It is one thing to have a good record, it is another to be free of a negative baggage.

Kwankwaso has combined the two rare attributes – gleaming record of unbeatable service and absence of a character flaw attributable to him. He is therefore the safest and most enticing bait for the opposition.

•MrThomas, a political analyst, wrote from Akure, Ondo State

20 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 22, 2014 — 21

Firms sign N6bn MoU on rice production in Cross River A

From left : Mr. Yinka Sanni, Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Henry Egbiki, Country Leader, Ernst & Young and Mr. Arthur Oginga, Chief Financial Officer of Stanbic IBTC Bank, during a Ernst & Young team visit to the Bank, yesterday.

Abuja-Kaduna rail line ready by Dec —FG

By FAVOUR NNABUGWU

T

HE FEDRAL Government has said that the construction of Abuja (Idu)Kaduna Standard guage rail line is 85 percent complete and would be delivered by December this year.

The Minister of Transport, Senator Idiris Umar, said this in Abuja at the 2014 Ministerial Press briefing on the programmes and projects of the ministry and its agencies. He said the ministry has been working in the past two years to provide the nation alternative transport system with the railway.

He said that out of the projected 187.5km rail line, the ministry has achieved 155 km, adding that the remaining 32 km would be completed and delivered by the end of this year.

He said that the AbujaKaduna standard guage rail project was funded with the $500 million facilities from the China Exim Bank.

Also, he said that the construction and the rehabilitation of ItakpeAjaokuta-Warri standard guage rail line would be completed by the second quarter of 2015, adding that the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan standard guage (double track) 2 x 180km had been awarded and would commence as soon as funding arrangement is concluded. He said the ministry has also awarded rehabilitation contracts to the tune of N1.616 trillion covering 1,796 km rail lines. “These include the construction of the LagosIbadan 180km standard guage valued at $1.53 billion, awarded to CCECC Nig. Ltd; t h e I t a k p e -A j a o ku t a -Wa r r i standard guage line covering 274km, awarded to Julius Berger at a cost of N33.1 billion; the Lagos-Kano modernisation rail project, awarded to CCECC Nig. Ltd. at a cost of $8.3 billion covering 1,342.50km, out of which $257.4 million has been paid by the federal government.

Through the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC and with the administration’s determination to revive and modernise the railway system in line with the 25-year strategic vision to bring back the railways to remove the pressure on roads, the rail lines are getting renewed attention, which was unprecedented since the 1980s.”

Giving further update on ministry ’s achievements, Senator Umar said the main target was to connect the six geopolitical zones via speed rails so as to make transportation of persons and goods easier and less stressful.”

He said the number of passengers’ conveyed by rail line increased from 4,155,988 in 2012 to 4,328,789 in 2013 with a projection of over 5,000,000 passengers by the end of 2014.

“This was as a result of increased stabilisation of the tracks after completion of rehabilitation of the Western line.

“The target set for delivery of freight and passenger services in 2013 were substantially achieved.

More coaches and wagons are required to meet the high demands for the service”, the minister said

lluvial Trade and Development Company Limited (Alluvial), a Nigerian integrated agriculture company has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Buhler Group for the design, manufacture and installation of a five tone per hour rice mill at Ibil – Ogoja, Cross River State.

The investment is expected to boost the Cross River State economy through the annual purchase of N6 billion worth of paddy rice from local growers.

Representatives of Cross Rivers State and Federal Governments and Keystone Bank Limited witnessed the MoU signing for the rice mill that is expected to come on stream in 2015.

The Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, represented by Engineer O.C. Jatto expressed the Federal Government’s delight at the partnership between Buhler and Alluvial as he praised Alluvial’s eye for quality in partnering with Buhler and assured Alluvial of the Federal Government’s support.

Mr. Dimieari Von Kemedi, Managing Director of Alluvial explained the choice of Cross Rivers State for the project. He said the state is a national leader in rice paddy production as he praised the investment friendly regime promoted by Governor Liyel Imoke. He said Alluvial was encouraged to go into agricultural investment because of the vision of President Jonathan to create wealth and employment for Nigerians, and the energy and innovation that Dr. Akin Adesina brought into the realisation of the president’s vision.

Mr. Phillip Ikeazor, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Keystone Bank assured Nigerians of the bank’s determination to correct Nigeria’s balance of trade situation by supporting companies like Alluvial which are investing in production.

Mr. Nataraja, Senior Engineer of the Buhler Group expressed delight that with the signing of the MoU with Alluvial its relationship with Nigeria continues to grow.

Honourable James Aniyom, Cross River State Commissioner of Agriculture who represented Governor assured Alluvial of the support of the government and people of Cross River State.

The Ibil Rice Mill is expected to produce international quality rice from paddy production in Cross Rivers State.

Analysts estimate that the mill will purchase at least six billion naira (N6,000,000,000) worth of rice paddy annually from farmers in Cross Rivers State.

Community leaders welcomed the project as transformational for its employment generating capacity, which will touch almost all communities in northern Cross Rivers State and beyond.

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Payment of pension arrears is important to pensioners who spent over 35 years in active service and they will only have rest of mind when their arrears are paid

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INSURAN C

Insurance crucial to economic growth — SEC boss ...As Oteh commends NAICOM efforts

By FAVOUR NNABUGWU

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irector-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Ms Arunma Oteh has described insurance as absolutely essential to the transformation of the Nigerian economy and the capital market.

This is even as Oteh applauded the transformation in the Nigerian insurance sector which she said has given the sector a face lift from what it was years back.

Oteh who spoke during a television propgramme “Eye on Nigeria’s Capital Market” on CBNC Africa monitored in Abuja, said the insurance sector had often been instrumental to the growth of several economies in the world.

According to her, ”With a population of 170 million people, the market has enormous potentials especially as reforms take hold with respect to group life insurance and other pension related products” “I think the focus on micro insurance is exciting because one of the challenges of our country is

that not as many of the 170 million people participate in the economy and I believe that helping us to understand micro insurance better is important. What we want is for Nigerians to be able to participate in the economy and I believe that micro insurance is absolutely essential in that regard. If we do not focus on micro insurance, we will not transform our society,” Oteh said.

The SEC boss further said, “We believe that as SEC, the apex regulator of the Nigerian capital market, the transformation in the insurance sector is critical for the transformation of Nigeria.

I don’t think that despite the fact that we have had the insurance industry existing for several years that people realise the importance of insurance to our lives, whether it is agriculture, whether it is housing, among others. The housing sector in America was strengthened because of mono line insurance, because of credit enhancement that insurance provides. Insurance had become critical for better living conditions including health insurance, which permeates society.”

Fashola to speak on insurance , pensions

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he National Association of Insurance Correspondents (NAICO) in conjunction with the Lagos State Government is organizing a public lecture on insurance and pensions industry in Nigria.

The theme of the lecture is ‘The Role of Government in Management of Risks in Nigeria’ with Lagos State government as case study.

The lecture to be personally delivered by his Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), will x-ray the Lagos state response to insurance and pensions reforms in Nigeria with particular reference to the building insurance law, group life cover and contributory pension scheme.

The public lecture is slated for Tuesday, 28thOctober, 2014 C M Y K

Apa suits, Eko Hotels and Suits, Victoria Island, Lagos at 11am.

Organizers of the event say the public is part of efforts to reposition insurance and pensions to contribute significantly to the growth of the economy. The survival of the larger economy depends on the growth of these key sectors of the economy.

The public lecture will also see presentations from the Commissioner for Insurance/ CEO NAICOM, Mr. Fola Daniel; Director General, National Pension Commission (PenCom) Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu; Director General, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) Mr. Sunday Thomas and the Chairman, Pension Operators of Association of Nigeria (PenOp), Mr. Misbahu Yola.

PARTNERSHIP:From left: Princess Bukky Oluderu; Director, Local Organising Committee for Hitachi/ Cambridge University Regional Partnership Round-Table on Education in Nigeria; Dr. Abdu Bulama, Minister of Science & Technology; Mr. Gabriel Swatzell, Senior Accessibility Consultant, Product and Services Group, Hitachi Solutions Europe Ltd; Mr Ladipo Oke, Managing Director, Green Circle Network Africa during the Hitachi/ Cambridge University Regional Partnership on Education in Nigeria held in Lagos recently.

Pensioners tackle PTAD over delayed payment of arrears …Arrears to wait for 2015 budget

By ROSEMARY ONUOHA

T

here are strong indications that pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, DBS, who have been waiting since 2006 for their arrears to be paid, will have to wait till next year for it to be allocated in 2015 budget.

These pensioners were assured that their pension arrears will be paid this year when the federal government established the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, PTAD, in August 2013 to oversee the running of the DBS. However, Vanguard investigations show that these pensioners have to wait till next year for 2015 budget, even as there are still

misgivings that 2015 might still be elusive due to the fact that it is an election year and politicians will only be interested in electioneering campaigns.

Although PTAD has assured pensioners that it is making efforts to pay all outstanding arrears, pensioners are skeptical that they might still have to wait long before the promise will come into fruition.

State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Joseph Dele who confirmed this to Vanguard said that pensioners are tired of completing forms all

DO YOU KNOW?

Third party insurance gives these benefits *legal liabilities for 3 rd party death as result of using your motor vehicle *legal liabilities for 3rd party injury as a result of using your motor vehicle *Benefits up to the amount awarded by the court or as may be negotiated between your insurer and the 3rd party/his family members legal liabilities for 3rd party property damage as a result of using your motor vehicle. this cover is not limited to damaging someone else’s car but also includes damage to lamp poles, fences, gates, shops, and others structures damaged with your vehicle by accident. Benefit; up to N1.0M only Annual premium; between N5,000 and N20,000 depending on the type of vehicle as indicated under step 1.

- from the above it is clear to you 3rd party motor insurance is not just POLICE LET ME PASS you have benefits under it - any damage or loss to your own vehicle or injury to your person or any member of your family or employee is not covered under 3rd party motor policy.

- Compensation is for 3rd party legal liability [not moral obligation] and it is subject to you being at fault. you will still have to repair your own vehicle.

- Premium for passengers buses and petrol tankers are usually loaded with extra amount due to their hazardous nature.

- Some insures accept less than N5,000 premium for private cars 3rd party cover.

- The premium for motor cycle is 2,500 - Government positions on 3rd party motor insurance.

- 3rd party motor insurance cover is compulsory in Nigeria since 1950 and non compliance with the law attracts a fine of N250,000 or prison term of 1 year or both - A security and development fund is established under the management of NAICOM to compensate innocent individuals 3rd parties who are permanently disable or killed by uninsured and unidentified drivers – subject to proof beyond reasonable doubts and availability of fund.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014,

the time without any result. “We keep completing forms without results and we are tired,” Dele said.

“The Director General of PTAD has continued to assure us that they are working on it, how long will they continue to tell us that? We have been holding meetings with her since last year at Abuja and we expect her to pay the arrears of pensioners. It is not enough to say ‘we are going to pay.”

According to Dele, payment of pension arrears is important to pensioners who spent over 35 years in active service and they will only have rest of mind when their arrears are paid. “Since 2006, after the rightsizing in the civil service by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, so many people have not been collecting their monthly pension while some have not collected their gratuity.

Dele said, “If the DG of PTAD is truly working, let her pay our arrears. When the head of service was handling pensions, we all complained that things were not going fine, but at least they paid arrears to pensioners as at when due. They even invited the Nigerian Union of Pensioners to work with them. But since PTAD came on board, the story has changed.”

General Secretary, National Union of Pensioners, Chief Adeniyi Okunlade said that the federal government should alleviate the suffering of pensioners by allocating money for their arrears.

According to him, the federal government should desist from punishing pensioners that have served their fatherland in their youth.

Meanwhile, Director General of PTAD, Nellie Mayshak, told Vanguard that although the

Directorate is overwhelmed with backlog of complaints from pensioners due to the dysfunction of the past, they are working hard to bring smiles to the faces of pensioners.

She assured that pension funds are now safe and government will no longer create pension managers for the DBS because former managers were only interested in siphoning pension funds to their pockets.

She said that PTAD now pays pensioners using electronic platform while the monies are transferred from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and if any money is not claimed, it returns back to the CBN. Mayshak said that the large scale fraud that the pension system experienced in the past is gone for good because there is transparency with the use of electronic payment.

She said, “We did not create the mess, but we are working to resolve the situation.”

According to her, pensioners should give PTAD more time to rectify the anomaly of the past and enshrine a new and workable pension system in the country.

The PTAD is an agency of the Federal Government established in August 2013 in compliance with the provisions of section 30 sub-section (2) (a) of the Pension Reform Act of 2004 (now amended in 2014) . This is now restated in section 42 (1) of the 2014 Act. The purpose of PTAD is to manage pensions under the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) for pensioners not transiting to the Contributory Scheme (CS). PTAD is made up of the Civil Service Pension; Police Pension; the Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension; as well as the Treasury Funded Parastatals Pension.

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CE & YOU

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Pensioners should give PTAD more time to rectify the anomaly of the past and enshrine a new and workable pension system in the country

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MyAutoGenius.com, a revolution in Nigeria’s insurance industry — Venia Group

BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU and NAOMI UZOR

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hief Executive Officer (CEO) Venia Group, Mr. Kola Oyeneyin, has described Nigeria’s first online insurance comparison platform, MyAutoGenius.com as a revolution in Nigeria’s insurance industry.

Speaking at the unveiling of the initiative tagged AutoGenius, which involves six insurance firms in Nigeria: Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc; AIICO Plc; Royal Exchange Plc; Leadway Assurance Limited; NEM Insurance Plc and Custodian & Allied, Oyeneyin said the new trend will transform insurance business by changing the way people buy insurance in Nigeria.

According to him, the online insurance will help curb the menace of fake motor certificates and was activated by noon on Monday October 20, adding that with the system the public can procure their motor insurance online within five minute.

He disclosed that the first 1000 subscribers to the insurance products – Oga at the Top; Eminado and Swag -will qualify for a lottery that will enable a subscriber win a brand new car and that the firm through the initiative will be selling convenience;

quality and good price which will also help generate accurate data for the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) that will aid its regulatory functions and that products purchased from the platform are immediately uploaded to the Nigerian Insurance Industry Database (NIID).

“However, the first 1000 visitors to the website who registered their details on myautogenius.com before the website goes live will stand a chance of winning a brand new Hyundai Elantra Car. It’s certainly an amazing time in the insurance industry and with the launch of myautogenius.com and a few more products on the platform; we may be experiencing a new phase of techsurance in

Nigeria” he said Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel, who was represented by Deputy Director of the Nigerian Insurance Commission, Mr. Segun Farinu said the entire insurance industry in Nigeria is excited about an expected positive impact that technology would have in the sector especially with initiatives like myautogenius.com., adding that, the seriousness of the insurance industry was evident as all partners have come out in full support of the transformation drive embarked on by the team at AutoGenius, stressing that, the Commission will continue to support every noble steps aimed at deepening insurance penetration.

GNI Healthcare gets recertification

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NI Healthcare Limited, a fully owned Health Management Organisation, HMO, of Great Nigeria Insurance Plc has scaled the reacreditation hurdle of the National Health Insurance Scheme’s (NHIS) and is certified fit to operate.

Following the June, 2014 decision taken by the NHIS Management to build a new responsive and responsible scheme, the services of the accounting firm: PricewaterHouse Coopers, was sought to reassess fairly and credibly, the strength and

potentials of its accredited HMOs. The Scheme which was established under Act 35 of 1999 by the Federal Government of Nigeria, is aimed at providing easy access to healthcare for all Nigerians at an affordable cost through various prepayment systems and the reassessment was concluded in September, 2014.

In a statement, GNI Healthcare Limited said its giant strides and growth in the last two years is attributable to the effective strategies being adopted by the management of the HMO.

From -Left: Ag. Marketing Manager, UAC Restaurants, Eustetia Ogunsusi; Team Captain, All Star, Ilupeju, Lookman Adeyinka Alli; Officiating Referee; Ademuyiwa Abiodun; Captain, Empire All Star Football Club, Dipo Awobokun and Brand Manager, UAC Restaurants, Oludayo Ayodeji, during Mr. Bigg’s CSR All Star Grass Root Initiative at Ilupeju Grammar School in Lagos.

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

What the next governor of Lagos State should do for us (2)

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CIS predicts transactions in NASD OTC to hit N100bn

BY PETER EGWUATU

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he Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS has predicted that the NASD OTC market may hit N100 billion by the end of year, 2014.

The NASD OTC is a market where unlisted securities are bought and sold and it is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC. The President, CIS, Albert Okumagba, who predicted this, expressed optimism that the capital market will be used strategically to drive development in the economy.

He also pledged the institutes’ commitment to collaborate with capital market regulators to attract more investor ’s participation in the market.

Addressing members of the

institute at the 2nd edition of ‘Brunch with the President’, held in Lagos at the weekend, Okumagba, who is also the Group Managing Director of BGL Plc said the institute would achieve this by creating more channels for the distribution of capital market products through its platform.

He explained that CIS, through its platform would create and support knowledgeable professionals in order to deepen financial inclusion strategy.

According to him, the institute has concluded arrangement to introduce a monthly diploma examination in Securities and Investment with the objective of producing office workers for market operators and sales agents for the entire institution.

He explained that with the transformation in the market platform, multiple commodity exchanges would emerge from agroallied, solid minerals, among others, adding that stockbrokers would commence trading on commodity platform before the end of next year.

“We have achieved a lot on our mobilisation efforts, especially on how to bring the big players in the telecomm and power sectors and get them listed within the next two years. Also we are working to bring other agro-allied business into the market and connect these commodity markets to OTC and to the Nigerian Stock Exchange platform.”

Courteville partners EPDI as MD, joins international Advisory Board

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ourteville Business Solutions Plc. has entered into a partnership with Enterprises & Parliamentary Dialogue International (EPDI) to represent the organisation in Nigeria. In the same vein, the Group Managing Director, Courteville Business Solutions Plc., Mr. Adebola Akindele, has also been appointed a member of the International Advisory Board of EPDI. EPDI, which was conceived by a group of CEOs of leading international companies nearly forty years ago, is a not-for-profit United Kingdom registered company that is principally focused on the establishment of transparent bridges of understanding between parliamentarians and business people through the creation of Dialogue Centers in countries with developing democracies and thereby effectively playing a role in strengthening democracy & national economy and risk management.

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The EPDI Advisory Board, is responsible for the strategy of the organization and bringing particular expertise to issues and activities. Countries that have adopted the Dialogue Center, model include Albania, Armenia, Australia, Belgium, Wallonia, Canada, Finland, Georgia, Moldova, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, Sultanate of Oman as well as the EU Commission.

The partnership between Courteville and EPDI and the accompanying appointment of the GMD, Mr. Akindele to the EPDI Advisory Board, is a testament to the company’s impactful contribution to the improvement of global society and would further assist in the pursuit of the corporate strategic vision to touch the life of every citizen of the world.

,

Managing Director and CEO, Citibank Nigeria Limited, Mr. Omar Hafeez (Right) and Business Manager, United Airlines, Mr. Monday Ukoha (Left) presenting a trophy and prize to the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Michael Ikpoki for the award of Net-Winner at the Citibank Nigeria Golf Day Celebration which held on the 18th of October at Lakowe Lakes Golf Club in commemoration of Citi’s 30th year of service to Nigeria.

e started our wish list for the next governor with power supply at the top of the list last week. Power supply and water supply somehow go together as we have never had enough of either of them. We have always had the sun to get us this far. Someone I have known all my life did say about 35 years ago that government should provide adequate power and water and leave us to do all the other things ourselves. He possibly said this from the realisation that insufficient water supplies force many people to spend inordinate amounts of time and effort securing water for their daily use.

About twelve years ago, a public survey asked people to indicate which was more important, water supply or regular power supply. The choice was largely in favour of regular power supply. Our

The next governor should have special intervention programmes to restore supply to such neighbourhoods and also to bring supply to areas that have never been served by building mini waterworks

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recent adversity with the ebola virus disease has brought water, personal and public hygiene to the fore. Unsafe drinking water and inadequate sanitation bring illness and chronic disease to our population so we have to demand for safe drinking water to ward off illness and disease.

The Lagos State Government, LASG, is executing expansion works at its major water works at Iju, Adiyan and Isasi. There are also plans for a new water supply system centered on Odomola, Epe Division that would take its raw water from the River Osun. Since it is now accepted that everyone must have safe drinking water, how much of our population is covered by all the existing water schemes? The Lagos State Water Corporation, LSWC, should carry out a comprehensive survey of the whole state covering all the neighbourhoods and report on

the availability or lack of pipeborne water in each neighbourhood. The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission should validate and publish the report such that anyone left out can complain. For example, there are places like the IgbobiOnipanu neighbourhoods along the Ikorodu Road that had pipeline water supply ages ago but for several years now they have not been served.

The next governor should have special intervention programmes to restore supply to such neighbourhoods and also to bring supply to areas that have never been served by building mini waterworks. The LSWC charges N500 per month for supply to a flat. To my knowledge, there is a neighbourhood where a tanker supplies 4000 litres for N7000 and a family of six spends N28000 per month for water supply. The minimum that should be done for such a neighbourhood is for the LSWC to provide safe drinking water in tankers at not more than N8000 per month, or put differently at N2000 for a 4000 litre supply. The earlier a mini waterworks is provided in such neighbourhoods, the better as any economic analysis would show a reasonable return on investment within a few years.

More than 35 years ago, there were plans to build highcapacity elevated water tanks in concrete at selected locations in the Lagos metropolis. There was to be one located in the Costain roundabout area to serve the Lagos Mainland while there would be one on Lagos Island and one on Victoria Island amongst others.

The government should commence construction of these tanks, starting with the one at the Costain roundabout area.

These elevated tanks would be the landmarks of a new Lagos, signifying an intention to bring greater convenience into our everyday lives. These high capacity elevated tanks would remove the need for us to have ground tanks and associated pumps at each dwelling and whether there is power supply locally or not, water would be available to all the homes supplied from the highcapacity tanks. Next week, we look at food supplies.

DR. AKINTOLA OMIGBODUN omigbodunaa@yahoo.com

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014—25

How comfortable stakeholders could be, on this decision, however, can only manifest after the auction and how fast the winners would deploy services across the country.

DIARY zCisco Connect Sun City, South Africa Nov. 2 - 4, 2014 z AfricaCom Cape Town, South Africa Nov 11-13, 2014

Preview Battery enabled Trikke scooter Eugene Juwah, EVC, NCC

2.6Ghz SPECTRUM AUCTION:

Auction to boost broadband drive But the point which seems to have unanimous understanding is that the auction will boost the country ’s broadband drive.

Already, major stakeholders in the industry are beginning to indicate that publication of the IM by the NCC already signals an upbeat in the drive for pervasive broadband penetration across Nigeria.

Chief Executive Officer, Teledom Group, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, expressed hope that the development would bring nothing but good. “I have no doubt that the NCC is keen on delivering on its mandate of deepening widespread broadband penetration in the country.

So, the 2.3 gigahertz spectrum band, the 5.4 gigahertz and the new 2.6 gigahertz, being planned, will altogether add necessary impetus to our drive as a nation to achieve ubiquitous broadband internet penetration.”

Meanwhile, NCC admitted that the process for the licensing of the new spectrum is predicated on demands by operators for additional spectrum to avail them of the opportunity of providing advanced wireless broadband services for the country.

Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Dr. Eugene Juwah said that the demand was in line with international trends and provisions of the National Broadband Plan 20132014, which proposes a 30 per cent broadband penetration target for Nigeria by 2018.

According to Juwah,”the target to achieve 30 per cent broadband penetration by 2018 is a tall order for us at NCC. So we are doing everything

Why NCC favours national licence

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he Trikke functions using three wheels as opposed to two wheels like the majority of scooters available today, setting it apart from the rest.

The Trikke takes a little getting used to, but once you feel comfortable on it, you can up the pace, and start making sharper turns, converting the gadget into a fun and imaginative way to get around.

While its maximum speed is a modest 17mph, the device will usually travel at an average of 12mph, relying entirely on electric power with zero emissions.

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*Auction may generate over N35.8 billion *To boost broadband drive

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

O

n October 10, 2014, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, rolled out to the public, the Information Memorandum, IM, on the proposed licensing of the 2.6 gigahertz spectrum signaling that the spectrum would go on sale in the shortest time possible.

The IM and what it holds, however puts to rest the widespread debate about

I N S LG I D launches E internet TV

whether the spectrum should be licensed on national or regional basis.

On both sides, there were reasons which bother on how the common Nigerian could get the best of internet services which the spectrum holds key to.

But with the publication of the Memorandum, the commission opted for national license for the spectrum, saying it was in order to ensure that a company with necessary expertise and financial muscle wins the auction to provide services nationwide.

Zinox launches new power solution, targets over 1m homes, SMEs

Continues on page 28

MSS becomes best African mobile solution

26 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Ericsson rates top on corporate action on climate change

By ANULI EDOM

LG launches internet TV

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or its actions to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the business risks of climate change, Ericsson has been recognised as a world leader for corporate action on climate change by the Carbon Disclosure Project, CDP, a non-governmental organization which provides the only global system for companies and cities to measure, disclose, manage and share vital environmental information.

Ericsson is included on the CDP A list as one of the world’s top companies when it comes to measuring, managing and disclosing environmental impact information. This information is then used by institutional investors and stakeholders to evaluate and track corporate efforts to mitigate climate change.

Chief Executive Officer of CDP, Paul Simpson said that “Global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise and we face steep financial risk if we do not mitigate them. The business case for action to mitigate climate change has never been stronger or more urgent. For this reason we congratulate Ericsson that has achieved a position on the A list: The CDP Climate Performance Leadership Index .

Ericsson is responding to market demand for environmental accountability and at the same time is of our long-term work on climate change and our commitment to the life cycle approach that making progress towards the realization of sustainable economies.”

Vice President, Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at Ericsson, Elaine Weidman, said “Ericsson’s inclusion on the CDP A List is further recognition that determines the environmental impact of our business and enables us to find innovative ways to minimize and offset it.”

Smile arrives Abuja, P-Harcourt with fast internet services

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he cities of Abuja and Port-Harcourt are still agog days after the memorable launch of first true 4G LTE (4th Generation Long-Term Evolution) broadband internet service by Smile Communications Nigeria Limited.

The Abuja roll-out, coming barely one year after Smile’s 2013 commercial launch of its network in Ibadan, and months after Lagos; follows more than three years of extensive testing and development. Abuja residents are expected to hugely benefit from the Ibadan and Lagos experience of which users have adjudged a great success. 4G LTE is the most recent and advanced technological standard for wireless data communications, and represents a major shift when compared to older technologies such as 3G. Smile Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Tom Allen says the capital city of Nigeria, Abuja is very strategic in the company’s growth, and Smile has taken its time to ensure the service is at its best in the capital city. At the Port-Harcourt launch,Allen assured the inhabitants of Port Harcourt that Smile’s best in class service delivery will remain consistent. “We have the technology, people and partners to ensure that we deliver what we promise and more.” He added“Our vision of becoming the broadband internet provider of choice in Nigeria has guided us in everything from selecting our people and partners to developing relevant products and services. We are confident and excited, and we are ready to share the promise of digital citizenship with millions of Nigerians.”

LG WebOS Tv

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G electronics recently launched an internet television tagged webOS

Smart+TV. The TV has the unique ability to connect users with the wealth of knowledge available on

the internet. Yet it grants access to the full potential of the smart TV. The first time the user turns on the webOS-enabled LG Smart TV, an animated character named BeanBird appears onscreen to help get connected and walk the use through the setup process. All the viewer has to do is shake the Magic Remote or press the OK button to receive further advice from the winged virtual facilitator. webOS can instantly recognize when and what kind of external device has been plugged into the TV and brings up a pop-up menu listing all relevant options for the user to choosefrom.

The new Launcher, a left-to-right scrollable menu that runs along the lower portion of the screen is one of the most distinctive features of webOS. The Launcher makes it possible to switch between broadcast TV, smart TV content and media stored on external devices without having to return to the Home screen.

Lack of policy framework, reason for low patronage of .ng domain name - Olufuye

By EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

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ormer President of the Information Technology Association of Nigeria, ITAN Dr. Jimson Olufuye has attributed the low acceptance of Nigeria’s domain name .ng among Nigerians and investors to lack of policy framework.

He said that although the Nigeria Internet Registration Association, NIRA, has been making some efforts at creating the necessary awareness for people to embrace the domain name, the awareness campaign cannot be enough without backing by legal framework.

Olufuye, who was the Chairman, Africa ICT Alliance, AfICTA for more than 20 years spoke to Vanguard HiTech in an exclusive interview in Abuja.

He noted that the domain name of a country like Nigeria, with a population of 167 million, cannot be boasting of just mere 50,000 data base of registration, adding that such number, would make it impossible for the domain name to have the desired impact on the economy.

“It is not yet having the desired impact on the economy. This is not limited to this single impact, there are other factors impacting on the low awareness, like policy framework, strategy, marketing and popularization of the domain name” he said.

Olufuye, currently Chief Executive Officer of Abuja based ICT solution company, Kontemporary, said that to ensure high uptake of the .ng, NIRA should put a mechanism in place that would guarantee prospective users constant and reliable service of the domain

Mary Uduma, NIRA President

Jimson Olufuye

name, just like the .com and the .uk.

This, he said must be in addition to specific interventions to ensure a good uptake of .ng among Nigerian people, especially the banks and the multi-national companies that lose so much to capital flight in the process of importing foreign platforms and services.

”What NIRA must do is to give the assurance that it will remain available because that is what is required 24/7. That is why you do not see banks going for .ng for their critical cloud infrastructure. It needs specific interventions to ensure a good uptake of domain name".

Glo Xchange attracts over 1500 Nigerians as potential agents

By PAUL IKUFORIJI

N

o fewer than 1500 Nigerians across Imo, Benue, Niger and Kogi states gathered recently as Globacom announced intentions to recruit agents for its mobile money platform, Glo Xchange. The prospective agents were exposed to the benefits of the partnership and in turn they encouraged other business men and women to avail themselves of the prospects from their partnerships with Glo. The agents also joined their fellow countrymen in other parts of the country to enumerate the benefits of the mobile money super agent network saying that it is a veritable way of growing small and medium scale businesses in Nigeria.

About 1,500 potential agents

gathered in Owerri, Markurdi, Minna, Jos and Lokoja to receive orientation and information on the technical details of the Glo Xchange Network. They included Glo trade partners, sub-dealers, retailers, pharmacists, entrepreneurs, supermarket operators, salon operators, photographers, fast-food operators, Commercial Telephone Operators and other Small and Medium Scale business operators.

To deepen the penetration of Glo Xchange in the country, the company is partnering some key players in the financial institutions including First Monie, Ecobank, StanbicIBTC Bank and Zenith Bank. The company said that more banks would join the partnership in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria regulations.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 — 27

Zinox launches new power solution, targets over 1m homes, SMEs

By PRINCE OSUAGWU

Z

inox technologies has introduced a digital smart power solution, iPower Plus, which it described as cost effective and capable of managing power plans for average homes and Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs across the country.

The Power Solutions which range from 1KVA – 20KVA is targeted at millions of homes, offices and critical national, state and individual infrastructures dotting the country.

Zinox said it is targeting a minimum of 1,000,000 facilities in Nigeria in the next 10years by making them available through Technology Distributions and Resellers nationwide.

Unveiling the products, Engr. Lekan Faola, said the company has already installed the solutions in 1761 institutions nationwide including one of the largest and most stylish residential homes in Ikoyi even as it still continues to deploy more.

“Though we have deployed a lot but in the last 18 months we have worked strategically with leading Power Solutions Partners in Germany and Asia to perfect these products that provide enough power that run your homes, offices 24hours a day with comprehensive One year Warranty. The iPowerplus is a compact solutions that powers a home independently, with its Solar panels or interfaces with Utility electricity and seamlessly resolves the common power interruptions in Nigeria."

According to Faola, the days of oil boom are fast disappearing and Nigerians must start watching the cost of living. “Our power solution cuts the cost of energy consumption in homes and offices by at least 35% per month. With electricity in the hands of the private sector, it is speculated that Nigerians shall experience a minimum of 50% increase with their monthly bills from next year.

This will be a disaster for most homes and SMES. Our solutions put efficient and cost effective power in your hands with little or no challenges and there are no bills to pay just because we live in the tropics” he added.

In a related event, Former Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Prof Ibidapo Obe also flagged open the new

Microsoft gives $35,000 study grant on data privacy, security

BY EMEKA AGINAM

•Solar panel 24hr Zinox integrated call centre and enhanced network operating centre that would complement service delivery for the company.

The facilities which have video, Voice and data equipments installed, were described as first of its kind in Africa where challenges

could be physically resolved on video 24 hours a day even when customers are millions of miles away.

The Chairman of Zinox Group, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, noted that as the whole world was passing through exciting times and Nigeria’s economy

recently rebased, to become the number One in Africa, the technology sector must increase in innovation. He stated that it was only the power of Technology that can define the people and create exciting lifestyle for the whole generation.

We’re with NCC on InfraCos, Broadbased Communications declares

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU & ANULI EDOM

T

he Telecommunications industry in Nigeria is a very big business. The big 5 Mobile Telecom Operators invested over $3 billion dollars in the industry last year and provided services to over 130 million Nigerians. In spite of the tremendous scale and size of this industry, there is still room for well-conceived startups. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) believes that the biggest risk in this industry is the need for an Open Access shared Fiber Optic Network infrastructure.

According to Dr Eugene Juwah, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, two Licenses for Open Access Fiber Optic Network Infrastructure (InfraCos) will cover Lagos State and the North Central Zone, allowing for the deployment of metropolitan fibre-optic infrastructure and associated transmission equipment on an open access, nondiscriminatory and priceregulated basis. As outlined by the regulator ’s ‘Open Access Next Generation Fibre Optics Broadband Network’ paper, which was published late last year, the InfraCos will be responsible for providing

a national broadband network to service providers. The NCC says that the Open Access Model for fibre-optic network deployment is best suited to bridge the digital divide, facilitate the development of local content, and deliver fast and reliable broadband services to households and businesses. It is expected to help address the challenges of fibre deployment in towns and cities, promote infrastructure sharing and reduce right of way issues. Now, a Lagos based Metropolitan Fiber Optic Network Operator, Broadbased Communications Limited, says there is prospects in the commission’s proposal.

The company while addressing journalists recently, said that knowing that Open Access Fiber Optic infrastructure is the way to go, 4 years ago, it established a company to provide last mile Open Access Fiber Optic Network infrastructure.

At a luncheon, in Lagos, recently, MD/CEO of Broadbased Communications, Prince Henry Ise-Okojie, said that the company’s strategy was completely aligned with the NCC strategy to take fiber optics infrastructure to the last mile. The company said it has been utilizing a fiber

optics open access noncompete strategy since its formation, promising that it will play a key role in the initial rollout of the Infraco strategy. “In the NCC’s Infraco strategy, they already anticipated having companies like Broadbased Communications Ltd who have existing Fiber Optic Network infrastructure that can be leveraged by the Infraco to carry traffic to the last mile” he added.

Also, Chief Marketing Officer of the company, Mr. Chidi Ibisi, noted that the company is a pure play Open Access Fiber Optic Network infrastructure company and does not compete against its clients by aspiring to provide last mile services to consumers of services, rather, Broadbased Communications provides the infrastructure that makes it possible to reach the last mile.

The company promised that in the next twelve to eighteen months it will continue to expand and hopefully add 1500 to 2000 kilometers to its existing infrastructure to make the platform available to all existing Telecom Operators and new players including InfraCos seeking to lease Fiber Optic links.

Microsoft’s commitment to cloud services adoption in Nigeria was heightened last weekwhen the company gave a $35,000 grant to the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies to support an independent study on the Gaps in Data Privacy and Security.

Following the United States National Security Agency, NSA, Snowden leakage saga where sensitive security information became public knowledge, governments and companies have become wary especially of entrusting private vital information to a third party.

The funding by Microsoft would among others, focus on how concerns on data privacy, security of data, data sovereignty/ localization and management should be approached to ensure that these fundamental apprehensions do not slow down the adoption of cloud services in Nigeria.

For the purpose of the research, the focus, according to Microsoft would basically be on SMB/SME and education sectors considering that cloud computing can potentially enable SMEs significantly boost the nation’s economic growth.

Country Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria, Kabelo Makwane said the company has in its 14 years of operation in Nigeria directly and indirectly contributed to the Government’s objective of creating jobs and wealth.

“Microsoft’s extensive programs for Academic Institutions via its Partners in Learning (PIL) program under which it also has the Worldwide Education and Innovative Teachers Forum, YouthSpark and programs on eLearning requirements for academia and students have been enabling the digitization of relevant educational content and information and classroom experience on mobile devices and social media leveraging cloud computing”, he said.

Speaking on the research, Kabelo said this independent research which will be publicly available on NIALS’ and Microsoft’s websites.

28 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Continued from page 25

2.6Ghz spectrum auction

Over N35.8bn windfall expected According to the IM, for 2.6 gigahertz spectrum licensing, the spectrum offers 14 lots of 2 X 5 megahertz FDD paired spectrum in the 2.6 gigahertz, ranging from 2500 – 2570 megahertz and 2620 to 2690 megahertz (totaling 2 X 70 megahertz) for auction.

A generic reserve price (GRP) of $16 million has, therefore, been fixed on each of the 14 lots. The GRP is the minimum price at which a lot shall be sold, which is the Reserved Price for one Lot of 2 X 5 megahertz, and as such, each has a value of $16 million.

This means each lot of 2 X 5 megahertz represents 1

eligibility point. An applicant that pays the IBD for 6 lots will have a total of 6 eligibility points.”

On a rough estimate, with

Okere advocates appropriate local content policy in telecom industry

BY EMEKA AGINAM

A

t the just concluded Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, T e l e c o m Executives and Regulator ’s forum held in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of the Computer Warehouse Group, Austin Okere advocated appropriate local content policy in the telecoms industry.

Okere who spoke at the local Content Panel during the forum said that, “ we should not confuse local content with taking businesses from foreign investors and handing them over to locals without recourse to technical ability and financial capability within the value chain.”

He added that:”Many of the local Code Divisional Multiple Access, CDMA, operators are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain the heavy investments needed to make their networks viable, and are losing subscribers at an alarming rate, threatening their very existence.”

According to him, local entrepreneurs would benefit more in the value chain by

•Okere taking advantage of the communication infrastructure to launch unrealizable business models as have been demonstrated by Jumia, Konga, and CWG , companies he said took advantage of the pervasive broadband infrastructure in the country to launch a cloud-based subscription business providing technology to SMEs tagged CWG 2.0.

Okere gave examples of how local companies such as Alibaba in China have taken this initiative to create businesses much bigger than the telecoms ‘plumbing providers’.

“Local content should not be about targeting a bigger share of the small cake, but rather baking a much bigger cake that can go round everybody, with people paying in the areas of their greatest strengths”, Okere added.

$16 million minimum GRP tagged on each of the 14 lots, it is estimated that the NCC will generate a minimum of $224 million, approximately N35.8 billion by the time the licensing round is over.

If this is added to the over N300 billion said to have been generated from spectrum licensing in the last 13 years of telecoms liberalization, the NCC will have added well over N350 billion to the Nigerian economy just on license fees alone.

Qualification criteria Although the NCC opted for national license method, it is not just that anybody can walk in and cut the pie. There are certain eligibility criteria for participants to the auction.

The IM stated that applicants in the spectrum allocation process will not be required as a pre-qualification criterion to hold any telecommunications operational license in Nigeria.

However, to be qualified, the applicants must be a company registered in Nigeria with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and also independent from all other applicants under the allocation process.

Applicants must also transfer an Intention-to-Bid Deposit (IBD) into the designated account in cleared funds by the Commission.

NCC said the deposit will bind the applicant to take up a license, should it be a successful bidder, at the reserve price or any higher bid value submitted during the process.

As part of the qualification criteria also, the NCC said that operators participating in the process must fulfill all existing obligations to the commission including payments of Annual Operating Levy (AOL),

Spectrum and National Numbering Plan fees prior to prequalification, among others.

Auction transparency Like previous auctions, NCC has also promised that this one would also be fair to all. On the assignment process, the commission said this will comprise an auction billed to take place during the first week of December, 2014 in Abuja through the application of Ascending Clock Auction system.

Recall that prior to the publication of the memorandum; the commission had gathered stakeholders in Lagos to seek input on how to have a

,

possible to ensure that we make available new spectrum bands to ensure that wireless broadband services are provided to Nigerians”

industry because of their huge financial standing.

Kick starting the argument was President of the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, Engr. Lanre Ajayi.

He argued that it would be an outright disservice to smaller operators, if NCC settles for national licensing method, without considering regional auction where smaller operators would comfortably participate.

Ajayi, however advised NCC to split the slots into regional and national levels, to enable both small and big operators participate in the auction in the interest of fair play.

Corroborating his argument, President of the Nigeria Internet Group, Mr. Bayo Banjo also cautioned that “a spectrum license issued to one operator to provide service in all parts of Nigeria may be inefficiently managed, particularly if it turns out that the operator happens to leave any part of the country from enjoying service after a long while.

He argued that since experience had shown that it is usually very difficult to withdraw the license or penalise the licensee for failing to roll out services in certain areas, splitting the license would make more sense.

He suggested that NCC should rather issue 37 regional licences to cover each

The deposit will bind the applicant to take up a license, should it be a successful bidder, at the reserve price or any higher bid value submitted during the process

successful and transparent 2.6 GHz spectrum license.

The debate that arose from the forum divided participants and major stakeholders of the industry into two camps.

While one part favoured regional based licensing for the spectrum, the other saw national licensing as the trend.

While those who prefer national license for the spectrum argued for a single large operator who could operate alone nationwide, the others argued that regional spectrum sale would open opportunities for smaller operators to also play in the country ’s telecoms space, rather than allowing only the bigger operators to take over the entire operations in the

,

state of the federation and the federal capital territory so that should any operator renege in executing a licence in any part of the country in good time, such allocation may be conditionally withdrawn.

However, Director, Regulatory Affairs Department of Globacom, Mr. Aremu Olajide, quickly warned that NCC should consult widely to know which model is best for the planned auction, because the issue of national or regional licensing was less important than getting an operator with understanding of what such spectrum would do for Nigeria as a country.

He said the spectrum should be offered to those who understand the business and not speculators.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 —29

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30 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 —31

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32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Ronaldo ready ffor or hostility — Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti has warned Liverpool fans they are wasting their time if they taunt former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo tonight.

Real Madrid face Brendan Rodgers’ men in their latest Champions League group stage encounter at Anfield – one of the few major grounds at which the Portugal international is yet to score.

Ronaldo has struck twice in nine games against Liverpool, but is currently on an incredible run of goalscoring form having found the back of the net 20 times in just 13 appearances for club and country this term.

And Madrid boss Ancelotti - who on Monday ruled out the prospect of the 29-yearold ever returning to United - believes nothing can possibly faze his star man and even thinks the hostility on Merseyside could work in his favour. “No, he won’t be more motivated because it’s Liverpool,” Ancelotti told The Sun. “Cristiano is always supermotivated. But, if the atmosphere is hostile, this motivates him more.”

Ronaldo

Xhak a pla ys under pr obe Xhaka plays probe efender Taulant Xhaka but complaints of an alleged D will head into FC Basel’s fascist salute has led to Champions League clash with league bosses opening an Ludogorets under a Swiss disciplinary cloud.

The Albania star’s gesture after Basel’s 1-0 league victory over Young Boys on Saturday has led to a Swiss Football League investigation.

The 23-year-old claimed to be simply waving to family,

enquiry.

Xhaka, who featured in the abandoned Euro 2016 qualifying match between Albania and Serbia on October 15, is expected to be free to line up against Ludogorets in today’s Group B Champions League encounter, but must wait for further news on his domestic situation.

“I just waved to my family, from the heart. Anyone who interpreted it into something else is wrong,’’ Xhaka told reporters, shrugging off the controversy.

Paulo Sousa’s side are still revelling in their 1-0 victory over Liverpool at St JakobPark, to the extent that the Basel coach could name the same starting line-up that faced the Reds.

Bale, Ramos out of Liverpool clash uropean champions Real •Yet to receive bonus after E Madrid will be without Gareth Bale and Sergio win over Namibia Ramos for their Champions League trip to Liverpool today as both were left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad due to injury.

Bale is also a major doubt for Saturday’s first El Clasico of the season against Barcelona due to an abdominal muscle injury.

Ramos has missed the last three games for club and country due to a calf problem, but his absence is more precautionary with an eye to Barca’s visit to the Bernabeu.

French internationals Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane, who missed Saturday’s 5-0 thrashing of Levante due to a fever, have been included in the squad that flew to England on Tuesday morning.

Madrid sit atop Group B having won both of their games so far to sit three points clear of Liverpool and Basel.

Champions League Matches today

Xhaka

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Anderlecht A/Madrid B/Leverkusen Galatasaray Liverpool Ludogorets Monaco Olympiakos

v v v v v v v v

AWC: Cash crunch hits Falcons

Arsenal Malmo FF Zenit B/Dortmund R/Madrid Basel Benfica Juventus

7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm

STORIES BY BEN EFE, WINDHOEK

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he Super Falcons have not been paid their winning bonuses and allowances since their victory over hosts, Namibia, but the Nigerian women have refused to be distracted, because they are looking at the bigger picture of reaching the final and winning the trophy.

Sports Vanguard checks in Windhoek revealed that the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission made provision for the first two group matches.

“That notwithstanding the girls are unbowed. They are very well behaved and this is because they are looking at winning the tournament and get a rewarding reception from President Goodluck Jonathan,” said one of the team officials.

Meanwhile the team is feeling the crunch. Coach Edwin Okon was seen at a Nigerian restaurant here in Windhoek to order for local food. He was heard grumbling about his team’s inability to have money to spend.

The Sports Minister Tammy Danagogo and Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick are being expected here to bring some relief to the team. It was gathered that the duo have made their coming conditional and that is: the Super Falcons must have to qualify for the final.

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Go for goals

Wenger worries over defenders Arsene Wenger has defensive worries to ponder ahead of Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League clash with Anderlecht today. Wenger ’s side claimed a welcome three points in their last European outing, beating Galatasaray 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium, but recent domestic form has proved a cause for concern.

A loss to London rivals Chelsea prior to the international break was followed by a 2-2 draw with Hull City on Saturday, in which Danny Welbeck was required to salvage a point late on.

Wenger was unhappy with Hull’s second goal, lamenting sloppy defending, and clearly frustrated when questioned by the media over his side’s shortcomings.

…..NSA urges Falcons

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he organizers of Nigerian Sports award, Unmissable Incentives Limited yesterday hailed the Nigerian female national football team- Super Falcons for their impressive performance at the on-going African Women Championship (AWC) in Namibia.

The General Manager of the company, Kayode Idowu commended the Super Falcons for their high team spirit and patriotism which he said was noticeable in all the three matches they have played so far in the tournament. ‘’We are indeed very proud of the achievement of the Super Falcons at the on-going African W o m e n Championship especially at this moment w h e n Nigerian Football s e e m s threatened with the lacklustre performance of the S u p e r Eagles in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers” he said.

Juve face Greek test O

lympiacos will bid to make Juventus their latest scalp at the Karaiskakis Stadium when they meet in the UEFA Champions League.

The Greek side welcome Massimiliano Allegri’s men to Piraeus having suffered a surprise 2-0 reverse at Malmo in their last European outing.

But the hosts can have considerable hope of victory given their recent record at home in Europe’s premier club competition, with a plethora of the continent’s leading teams coming away from the Karaiskakis with nothing.

Atletico Madrid became the latest side to lose at the venue as they succumbed to a thrilling 3-2 defeat in the Group A opener last month, with Olympiacos suffering just two losses in their last 10 home Champions League games.

And, with Manchester United, Benfica and Arsenal all having been beaten by Olympiacos in Greece in recent times, Allegri and his players will need no reminder of the task facing them today.

Leverkusen, Zenit in crucial clash

Falcons are superior —Bayana Bayana coach

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anyana Banyana’s coach Vera Pauw has acknowledged that Nigeria’s Super Falcons have the advantage as they clash in today’s semi-final match of the 9th African Women Championship. he Super Falcons are favourite to win the game, however, judging from e form of the South African team particularly after their last match against geria, the game will not be a stroll in the park for the coach Okon tutored e. The group stage matches tested Banyana’s resolve, but the Super lcons are one team Pauw, a former Dutch international wished she had oided.

Nigeria have had three rest days while, on the other side, we have only o days. You need three days to recover from a game,” said Pauw.

We know [that] we will be facing strength and pressure that we have not ed in the tournament.” Super Falcons captain Evelyn Nwabuoko said at they are not underrating the South Africans. “We watch them beat geria. We have trained so hard for them and we know just what to do to p them from playing,”

Pogba

Bellarabi

ayer Leverkusen winger Karim Bellarabi has called for focus throughout all of today ’s Champions League home game against Zenit.The Russian outfit travel to the BayArena for the Group C clash and will face a wounded Leverkusen.

Roger Schmidt’s side showed their best and worst in Saturday’s 3-3 Bundesliga draw at Stuttgart, in which they threw away a three-goal lead.

Son Heung-min’s first-half double was added to

by Bellarabi, but Leverkusen folded after the break and were perhaps lucky to even win a point after Stuttgart’s outstanding response. Leverkusen may be unbeaten in five but the mood in the camp was far from positive after the result, as Bellarabi revealed.“That was a game we simply had to win,” Bellarabi told the Bundesliga’s official website.“But we ended up conceding three goals from three setpieces.

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34 — VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Ameyo Adadevoh S peaking of the deadly virus, Nigeria rejoices over the declaration that the country is Ebola free- alongside Senegal. It’s been a good time to remember Dr Stella Ameyo Adadevoh, the angel of light that more or less saved the entire country.

Last month, the Nigerian government released the 2014 National Honours award list of more than 300 people. An outcry followed, largely due to the absence of one name: Dr Stella Ameyo Adadevoh.

A government spokesman was forced to explain that the awards are never given posthumously.

If the Jonathan administration has not honoured her, she is more than honoured in blogosphere.

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

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irst female president in Africa and Liberian president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has not exactly had a walk in the park, but the last few months must easily be her most challenging yet.

The Nobel Laureate wrote a heartbreaking letter to the world this week over the Ebola epidemic in her country, which was broadcast on the radio and transmitted worldwide. Here she made it known how, just like the Civil war the country faced that took away many of the

citizens of the country, the Ebola Virus Disease has done much more.

She talked extensively on how for the 11 years the civil war lasted, the economy and vital institutions of the country crumbled. Urging the international community to act fast instead of all the unending theoretical explanations, the president made it known how her country, alongside Sierra Leone and Guinea badly need great help.

The letter is being shared out of control.

Remi Oyo G

rand dame of Nigerian journalism Oluremi Oyo shocked fans all over the country last fortnight when she bowed out at 62, at the least expected of times.

It had been a closely guarded secret that the prominent lady of the pen was under the weather and was being treated abroad.

While funeral details are shared on social media, an issue that has become much discussed is the fact that recent photos of Mrs. Oyo have emerged, and they look similar to those of former NAFDAC Director General Dora Akunyili’s, after having been ravaged by illness.

The question on social media is, what is going on with the Obasanjo girls?

May she continue to rest in peace.

Ini Edo A

fter accusations, counter accusations and counter-counter accusations, fans have still not had enough of the Ini Edo divorce newsbreak on cyberspace. Anyone expecting the fight to be civilized has another thing coming, as the very public divorce has all the makings of a mud fight.

The ‘beaudacious’ beauty and former Mrs. Ehiagwina, mentioned that irreconcilable differences is the major reason for her divorce and denied claims that she had cheated on her husband.

Well, relatives and friends of Mr. Philips Ehiagwina are calling her out, saying she’s lying about being faithful.

A ‘close relative’ of Phillip Ehiagwina said, Ini Edo should shut up about the marriage crash because with the way she is going by trying to paint Phillip as the

Aisha Falode S

ensational sports screen diva Aisha Falode has trended on the Nigerian cyberspace for a few weeks now, and the reason is not far fetched: She is seeking justice for her lovely son who was murdered in Dubai earlier in the year in the most heartbreaking manner.

Blogosphere is full of sympathy, but not really propounding any ideas.

Questions are being raised, however, about the logic in sending Nigerian youths to school in Dubai, considering the frequency of such happenings.

Oyamuyefa, son of Diepreye Alamieseigha, this week also died in Dubai, raising a serious controversy on blogosphere over what is really happening in the emirates.

Reeva Steenkamp F

inally, the long-drawn Oscar Pistorius trial has ended, and his murdered model girlfriend can finally rest in peace.

Tributes continue to fall in from all over the world for the stunning, large hearted lady who was killed by Pistorius in the early hours of Valentine’s Day last year when he shot her through the bathroom door at his home in Pretoria. He insisted he thought he was firing at an intruder.

B u t blogosphere is outraged, the majority o f commentators expressing their thinking that the 5year sentence with the hope of parole is far too short.

As far as blogosphere is concerned, justice has not been served!

wrong party, we may be forced to open her can of worms and it will not be palatable to her and her career.

Meanwhile, photos have appeared on social media of a brand new Gclass Mercedes SUV she has supposedly just taken delivery of, said to cost almost a whopping 40 million naira.

While male commentators generally think a Gclass cannot keep you warm at n i g h t , females agree, but think it looks better on her arm than Of course, blogosphere is dying of excitement and is happily comparing and contrasting! youknowwho.

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Women are key to poverty eradication in Nigeria — Onari Duke

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NARI Duke, the former first lady of Cross River state, is a legal practitioner, an entrepreneur, a certified mediation/dispute resolution consultant and philanthropist. She is the managing partner of the law firm of Duke&Bobmanuel and serves as the executive Chairman of Allied Merchants & Brokers limited, a merchandising and brokerage firm. Mrs. Duke also serves as a country Director of Empretec Nigeria foundation, a United Nations centre for trade& development (UNCTAD) private sector support initiative to help Nigerians achieve higher levels of productivity and competitiveness among small and medium- scale enterprise. In this interview with Esther Onyegbula, she talks about what she has been up to since she left the Cross-Rivers state government house.

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What is the economic importance of functional education?

Prosperity of any nation is a function of the level of education of its citizens both the male and the female. 48% of economically-active class are females. Their level of education will definitely add to the quality of their production. 22% of household in Nigeria are female headed (there is a possibility of 17% increase in the next five years). Uneducated household heads may be poor and find it possible to send their children to school irrespective of their sex.

37% of SMEs in Nigeria are .

N

Do you think this administration has done much in terms of 30 per cent women’s participation in government through affirmative action?

There have been all sorts of declarations and conventions that have been held and policies are in place that allow women to have opportunity, whether they are working or not, the challenge is still there.

It is probably not working but I will say that we are on course to seeing an improvement today. The two key positions in Nigeria, as far as I am concerned, the ministry of Finance and Petroleum are headed by women. Also, we have several appointments of females into political offices both at federal and state levels: Presently, there are 12 female Ministers in Nigeria. Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, Akwa-Ibom have female deputy governors. As these women do their work judiciously well, if that happens that will give more women the opportunity and give the men folk the realization that women can do it.

We are having more women on board of corporate companies. We are having women in financial and other corporate institution occupy more senior positions and their men folk now know that these women are good or better than they are.

We have continued to have major challenge with the issue of the girl child as with tradition just as it is with what we have imbibed from colonization that women should be housewives while men went out to fend for the family. But the truth is that in most families, women are the breadwinners.

,

What have you been doing since you left office? othing different from what I have been do ing before my husband got into office. I will say I have not gotten into anything new.

I have just continued with what I was doing before my husband was elected. Those are precisely the things I am still doing. When he was in office, I wasn’t running the law firm, but I had started focusing more on my rice business. In a way, that is what I no longer continued. My company represented Uncle Benz rice in the country but I have not continued with the business.

Foundations and pet projects founded by first ladies die immediately they leave office. Why? I don’t think that is true or that they die a natural death.

But it all depends on the reason why they were established in the first place. For me, I didn’t establish foundation or pet project because my husband was in office. I would have done these projects even if he was not in office. The advantage while he was in the office was that it gave me a platform to operate in a more focused area in the state. Prior to that I had been in Lagos and I had two national NGOs that I ran across Nigeria. I run programs across Nigeria and outside like in Ghana. So as to why programs should end because the founder is no longer in office, I can’t comment because that has not been the case. Perhaps they have had various challenges and issues. It depends on the structure you have in place while the program was on.

Let’s talk about women.

Prosperity of any nation is a function of the level of education of its citizens both the male and the female. 48% of economicallyactive class are females.

,

owned by women and according to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization & other international studies; integration of developing countries into the global economy through economic liberalization, deregulation, and democratization is seen as the paramount way to triumph over poverty and inequality. A

•Onari Duke

key element to this process is the development of an animated private sector, in which the youth and the SMEs play a central role. Simply put, women are key to poverty eradication in Nigeria.

What are your core values as a woman?

I think most importantly is your relationship with God and when you have a relationship with God it means you would love him and when you love him, you will want to please him. When you have that sort of relationship with God, you discover that you begin to reflect on the things that you do.

The bible says love your neighbour as yourself. You are almost more important than your neighbour because God is using you as a parameter, if you don’t love yourself it will be difficult for you to love your neighbour. And when you have a relationship with God you have a rich self esteem you are confident. Self esteem is very key because nobody can place you above where you place yourself How have you empowered women ?

I don’t think women are less than men, I don’t also think that we should be pitied. I don’t want to fill a vacant po-

sition because they are looking for a woman to fill that position. I want to fill a position that is vacant because I am competent to hold that office and so that is what I try to encourage in women; not to see themselves as a pity party or less privileged people that must be pitied because if you see yourself so you will remain there. But I will say to give them equal opportunity as the men folk so that women who are competent are able to show themselves and to do whatever assignment whenever the opportunity arises are given the opportunity to do so. But the truth is that wherever you find a woman as the head of a company, institution or organization, she often is most times better than the men.

How did you get into advocacy?

From childhood, I have been

a member of Girl’s Guide and Girls Scout which is basically voluntarism; I grew up in an environment that shared love, which is sacrificial giving. And that is what Christianity is all about- giving. How many

houses can you have for yourself? Every single additional stuff that you have is for other people.

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38 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

BY HUGO ODIOGOR

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NTRIGUES and ripples have continued to trail the recent presentation of a shortlist of Delta North aspirants for the governorship ticket of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of forth coming primaries to select a candidate for the party.

With about 20 aspirants from Delta North alone, there was no way the process of trimming down the number, outside an electoral popularity test that will be without rancour.

The idea was for the region to put its house in order if the hope to produce the next governor of the state is to be realized.

This was the basis of Anioma Congress setting up the F.N. Ochonogor Committee to draw a guideline for a committee screen the aspirants from the region. The work of this committee gave rise to the Philip Asiodu Committee which was set up also by the Anioma Congress, to assess the aspirants on the basis of their vision, experience in governance, structures on ground, acceptability and resources.

After five months of work, the Asiodu Committee penciled down some names as the aspirants that had the best prospects of emerging victorious in the race to be the candidate of PDP. Prominent among them were Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Former Speaker of Delta House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Olejeme, the Chairman of NSIFT, Chief Godswill Obielum, the retired Assistant Commissioner of Police who was included after protest from Ndokwa nation.

•Obuh

•Okowa

•Emetulu

•Olejeme

•Ochei

•Elumelu

Delta 2015: Intrigues, and the Anioma battle for PDP ticket

propriety of the work of the committee.

The former chairman of the party, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi had before stepping down Protest from warned the aspirants not to Ndokwa nation honour the invitation of the There were reports that Sir. Anioma Congress screening.

Tony Obuh and Mr. Charles Never the less, the Committee Emetulu were also went ahead with its suggested by the work and invited governor as his the aspirants to possible choices, but appear before it and aides to the governor make their denied the claim.The presentation. work of the Asiodu Consequently, Committee was not some aspirants made easy by the PDP will not appeared while position of the ruling others especially PDP in Delta State gamble with those who were still which insisted that a the in government at nonpolitical organ the time of the unknown to the governorship screening stayed party structure will election in away. not play such a role The Secretary Delta state by General for the party. of Anioma Besides, the work presenting a Congress, Sir, Dan of the Asiodu told candidate that Okenyi Committee was also Vanguard that challenged by is not popular “what the Congress internal issues with the did was meant to among some sections forestall a situation of Delta North which people where all the questioned the aspirants who in

exercise of their fundamental human rights, will rush to buy forms and in the end it will prove difficult to disuade them to step down.

According to him: “We reasoned that this opportunity to produce a governor of an Anioma extraction is greater than the ambition of one individual because we are in competition with other zones who also believe that their right to aspire to the same office should not be abridged by any extra constitutional provisions.”

Vanguard learnt that the first sign of trouble came from the Ndokwa land which insisted that the name of Chief Godswill Obielum be included even though he did not attend the screening. This presented the first complication but it was amicably resolved. But the the other aspirants who did not appear at the screening kicked.

The second challenge for Anioma Congress was the presentation of the names of Obuh and Emetulu, the commissioner for energy, allegedly as the candidates of the governor.

The Secretary General of Anioma Congress, Sir. Dan Okenyi said: “Although both men did not attend the screening by the Anioma Congress, we considered it proper to include them as the governor’s choice because as the number one citizen of the state and his preferences must be accommodated.”

He said “We took into account that Sir. Tony Obuh who retired from service in August came out as aspirant in September.

This is after the Asiodu Committee had finished its work.”

Okenyi said “It is wrong for anybody to say that the Congress wrote a petition against any aspirant or that the process was skewed to prop up any candidate.”

Political savvy President Jonathan was said to have displayed political savvy in advising the Anioma Congress led by Obi (Prof.)

Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba to harmonise the two lists

and submit it to Governor Uduaghan in Asaba for onward transmission to Abuja.

The Controversy As expected, some in the political class which felt aggrieved that there is an attempt to impose Obuh on the electorate have been sponsoring media campaigns against him on the suspicion that he is favoured by the governor.

Some of the aspirants that were not favoured have questioned the whole exercise while those that came through saw it as a moral booster. The exclusion of any name from the Oshimili / Enuani side of the state was immediately interpreted to mean that there is an unwritten policy to exclude the people from this area from governance in the state.

In spite of the denial by the State Government that the Governor did not present the names of Sir Obuh and Hon. Emetulu, many observers remain unconvinced that the Governor is not behind what is Continues on page 39

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014—39

Delta 2015: Intrigues, and the Anioma battle for PDP ticket Continued from page 38 now called the Obuh project.

No margin of error President Jonathan according to sources told the Asagba led Anioma Congress at the meeting that Delta State is too strategic to PDP and the party “is not ready to lose Delta or any of the South South States in the forthcoming election.” A member of the delegation who wants his name out of print said the President clearly told the delegation that PDP will not gamble with the governorship election in Delta state by presenting a candidate that is not popular with the people, regardless of the personalities backing such aspirant.”

The president was remarkably surprised to discover that one of his aides who has been flaunting his Aso Rock connection was missing in the list presented by the Anioma Congress.

Although the meeting ended on a jocular note, the ripple generated has been reverberating across the country.

As at now, Abuja and Governor Uduaghan are believed to hold the ace in the

•Nwaoboshi gubernatorial contest.

Reacting, chairman of Anioma Agenda, Barrister Alex Onwuadiamu said, “what is playing in Abuja is a backlash from the political class which feels short changed by what it considered as unfair imposition and it has vowed to fight it within and outside the party.”

The battle has come to the stage where those who have the reach to Abuja will put their best foot forward.

•Ofuani

•Asiodu Chief Clement Ofuani who was among the first to declare his intention for governorship said, “there is no doubt that the Aso Rock should be looking in my direction as the least controversial and the most cerebral technocrat that can take Delta State to the next level.”

According to Ofuani, ”when we talk of equity for Delta North, we are not asking for affirmative action or for special

concessions, we are asking for a process that is not encumbered or skewed to favour a particular aspirant. We are asking for fairness to all.”

He said : “we want an Anioma politician or a technocrat who is prepared for leadership and not those who want to grab power through a discredited political process called ‘Ebu wonders,’ a process where the views and vote of Deltans are treated as inconsequential.”

Hostile take over As it is now, neither the Governor nor the PDP can afford to gamble with Delta State because a hostile takeover by the force that has opposed the governor throughout his tenure or by an opposition party will not augur well for the party.

What is obvious is that the snake has been scotched, not killed, its wound will heal while it bears the bitterness of its near fatality in its fang.

Delta 2015: I'm prepared for the task, says Okowa SENATOR Ifeanyi Okowa is the chairman, Senate Committee on Health representing Delta North Senatorial District and a governorship aspirant in Delta State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. In this interview, he asserts his experience and preparation for the governorship of his native Delta State. Excerpts:

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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OU are one of the governorship aspirants in Delta State for the 2015 election, how prepared are you for the race?

Well, I am very much prepared for what I am seeking for because I believe that I have all the necessary and required experiences. I have been a commissioner in several ministries, between 1999 and 2006, I have been the Secretary to the State Government by the grace of God between 2007 and 2010, I am currently a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Delta North, I quite understand the political terrain, I quite understand my people and their wish and what they expect from the political class and to that extent, I believe that having the clear knowledge of the people and having the clear knowledge of the challenges that they faced and also with the good

understanding of what the two previous PDP administrations in Delta State have done, I believe that I am quite placed to move the state forward.

This is more so because I know the strength of the various areas of the state, I know where we possibly have some weaknesses and where we need to build the point. In terms of the political terrain in the state, I understand it quite a lot.

Given your relative success in the Senate why opting for governorship?

Well, in the first instance, you would understand that I come from the executive background.

And the executive background did prepare me in whatever representation I am giving, because there are a lot of experiences that I have come with having a clear understanding of local government council administration as an elected council chairman, having a good understanding of how ministries are run and how government is run as Secretary to State

•Okowa Government. That definitely gave me a good advantage to perform more effectively in the Senate and more importantly, to reach out to our people.

I believe that I am the best person positioned to consolidate and advance progress in Delta State at the moment, because having been a key player in both PDP administration and with the experience that God has offered me at the national level, I believe that if I share my thought and experiences with our people, working collectively because I am a team player, I believe that the sky is our limit in Delta State and we can do a lot to affect the lives

of the people.

So I would rather wish to offer that service at the moment to the people of Delta State and thereafter, probably in future, if it is possible that we can return to contribute through any other position that God may wish to be, we can do that.

It is alleged that many of your loyalists have shifted camp because the governor is supporting a different aspirant?

Apparently, as far as I am concerned, I still see all that as speculative and I want to believe that it is speculative because I have had time to talk to the governor on my own and he had said to me several times that he has not anointed any person. I want to believe the governor for what he is saying.

Anointing of persons There is no doubt that people have been talking about somebody who is being anointed by the governor and that is why I said it is speculative.

But as days go by, the election is still on November 29, it’s still very far from now, so there could be a lot of changes.

If the ticket eludes you would you like to return to the Senate?

That is off the line because I

have focused my mind on being governor and so I can’t be thinking of the Senate. I have focused my mind on being governor; that is what I want, that is what I pray for, that is what I am going for and that is what I go to campaign for. So there is no question of returning to the Senate; that is already off the line for 2015.

Given the large number of aspirants for governorship position in Delta State, would you be agreeable to a consensus arrangement?

I wouldn’t know now if that can be possible. If it is a possible, that will be good enough for our state but it should be a consensus candidate picked on the basis of political reality, picked in the best interest of Deltans and once the criteria is properly set and there is an agreement among aspirants, I am sure there won’t be any issue as long as the principles that arise which is about the people and about the level of preparedness of aspirants, if the criteria is set right, I don’t think there is anything wrong with it.

Assuming you are denied the primary ticket under the PDP, would you defect to another political party?

No. But I don’t believe that I would be denied the ticket, I have a very strong will.

40 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

T

HE Tuesday September 23 rally in Lokoja during which the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kogi State received over 5000 defectors from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is the latest in the series of defections raging in the state since 2013.

Some of high profile defections witnessed in the Confluence State in the past one year include those of Senator Muhammed Ohiare who alongside his supporters in Kogi Central Senatorial District left the PDP for APC and Hon Sunday Shigaba, a member of Kogi House of Assembly representing Bassa constituency who dumped the APC for PDP. APC to PDP It would be recalled that as part of the governor’s programme of keeping abreast with the people at the grassroots, he initiated a thank you tour.

So far, the governor has visited 15 local councils, meeting with the people to feel their pulse, commissioning and initiating new projects. One of the high points of the governor ’s visits is defection of members of opposition political parties, particularly the APC, to the ruling party.

The PDP claimed it has received about 25,000 defectors at the last count. The defectors hinged their decision to defect to the PDP on the administrative style of the governor.

•APC leaders at the Kogi rally

KOGI: The defection whirlwind attendance.

The rally, which Audu tagged as “tsunami” also drew supporters from neighbouring states, as well as the North West, particularly Kano State.

Describing the crowd as unprecedented, the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie Oyegun who enthused

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For the PDP, the story of 5000 PDP supporters decamping to the APC amounts to “playing to the gallery, a political masturbation and of no serious consequences

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PDP to APC However, the tempo of the gale of defections was raised with the September 23 rally of the APC in Lokoja where the party formally received from the PDP two former speakers, Hon. Clarence Olafemi and Hon. Abdullahi Bello, as well as two other lawmakers, Alhaji Saidu Akawu, former Chief Whip and Hon. Jamiu Siaka, representing Kogi and Okehi state constituencies respectively.

One of the national leaders of the APC and former governor of the state, Prince Abubakar Audu and other national officers of the party while receiving the defectors and their supporters said their move marks the end of the PDP and the dawn of a new era for the APC in the state.

Prince Audu said the party is determined to ensure victory in the 2015 general election. Three presidential aspirants, former military Head of State, Major Gen Muhammadu Buhari (retd), former Vice President Abubakar Atiku and Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso were also in

that the APC had grown so fast in no time predicted that “with this sea of heads, our party will win the councillorship, chairmanship, House of Assembly, House of Representatives, senatorial and governorship elections in Kogi State come 2015”.

Deputy National Chairman, North, Senator Lawan Shuaibu went further to describe the rally as “tumultuous” and “the beginning of the end of what used to be called PDP in Kogi State”.

Hon Dino Melaye, a former member of the House of Representatives and Kogi West senatorial aspirant, who anchored the programme, gave the list of defectors to include a former PDP State Chairman, Chief John Odanwu, Ambassador Isaac Onu and 10 former council chairmen, among others. He boasted that with the development, “in 2015, PDP will become opposition party both in Kogi State and at the centre”. He put the number of the defectors and their supporters at above 5000.

Echocho volte face The most celebrated and advertised defection of a former governorship aspirant of the PDP, Alhaji Jibrin Isah (Echocho), was, however, not to be. His absence confirmed media speculations few days to the rally that he would not be part of the defection party.

Audu had at a mini-reception for the defecting actors at his residence in Lokoja on September 14, hinted of Echocho’s defection to APC, and a grand rally to formally unveil him on September 23.

Inside sources in APC revealed that Echocho, who lost the PDP governorship ticket to incumbent Governor Idris Wada in 2011, had a last minute change of heart after what was described as “crisis of confidence”. Sensing that Audu’s ambition to return to Lugard House mansion will ruin his chances of making any progress within the APC Echocho ditched the APC at the dying minutes.

Sources said the ex-banker refused to pick calls from his supporters ostensibly to prevent any form of persuasion.

PDP counters For the PDP, the story of 5000 PDP supporters decamping to the APC amounts to “playing to the gallery, a political masturbation and of no serious consequences,” considering the strength of the party in Kogi State.

Described the action of the defectors as “motion without movement” and a “misadventure”. The Public relations officer of the PDP, Mallam Abdulkareem Mohammed in a statement in Lokoja, said the PDP in Kogi State “is not losing sleep over it” adding that the defectors will not be missed.

Abdulkareem also faulted reference in some of the reports to former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Muhammed Bello

as a former acting governor, pointing out that, “although, Bello was speaker he never acted for one second as governor in Kogi State history.”

He posited that the philosophy behind the defection is what makes it worthless for the PDP to worry about.

His words: “Let’s start with the ring leader, Clarence Olafemi. He has been everything in Kogi State except a substantive governor; twice he was in the assembly, he was speaker of the House and by providence he was acting governor for two months, all these were benefits he got as PDP member.

He asked to be paid personal money he claimed were due to him from government, which we all know paying at a time the state was struggling amid dwindled resources is not realistic at least for now. After he felt the money was not coming too soon, he decided to leave.

Delta 2015: I am prepared for the task — Okowa Continued from page 43 about somebody who is being anointed by the governor and that is why I said it is speculative.

But as days go by, the election is still on November 29, it’s still very far from now, so there could be a lot of changes.

If the ticket eludes you would you like to return to the Senate?

That is off the line because I have focused my mind on being governor and so I can’t be thinking of the Senate. I have focused my mind on

being governor; that is what I want, that is what I pray for, that is what I am going for and that is what I go to campaign for. So there is no question of returning to the Senate; that is already off the line for 2015.

Given the large number of aspirants for governorship position in Delta State, would you be agreeable to a consensus arrangement?

I wouldn’t know now if that can be possible. If it is a possible, that will be good enough for our state but it should be a consensus candidate picked on the basis of political reality, picked in

the best interest of Deltans and once the criteria is properly set and there is an agreement among aspirants, I am sure there won’t be any issue as long as the principles that arise which is about the people and about the level of preparedness of aspirants, if the criteria is set right, I don’t think there is anything wrong with it.

Assuming you are denied the primary ticket under the PDP, would you defect to another political party?

No. But I don’t believe that I would be denied the ticket, I have a very strong will.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 —41

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42—VANGU ARD, WEDNESD A Y, OCTOBER 22, 2014 42—VANGUARD, WEDNESDA

KINGDOM SUMMIT:

Finding a way out of meltdown

By SAM EYOBOKA

F

OR three days begining Friday, an army of economic experts from across the globe will converge in Lagos for a Kingdom Principles in the Market Place Summit to look at three major areas: Leadership; Kingdom or Biblical Economics and God and the Government.

So these are three areas that are crucial at least in the nation and around the world.

The team led by an accomplished accountant and founder of Institute for Innovation, Integration & Impact Inc in San Francisco, US, Brett Johnson in collaboration with Pastor-in-charge Redeemed Church of God, RCCG, Province 39, and Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget, Ben Akabueze will seek to deploy godly principles to overcome the impact of current global meltdown on the Nigerian economy.

At an interactive session with a select journalists at the newly commissioned RCCG The King's Court in Victoria Island, Lagos, Brett Johnson and handfull of the experts articulated reasons why they are partnering with local motivational speakers to examine the role of leadership in nation building from a biblical perspective.

Nation building Johnson explained that the international marketplace economics and leadership conference will feature cofounder, Institute for Innovation, Integration and team impact Inc, Lyn Johnson, CEO, Open Minds Agency, India, Natchi Lazarus, IT & Renewable Energy Serial Entrepreneur, USA, Cliff Stewart, Director, Farm Diary Ltd., India, Giju George, Vice president, Wireless Economics Signals Research Droup, USA, Randolph Luening, and Senior Manager, Microsoft, USA, Elaine Tai. Others include Consultant Nephrologist, Associate pastor of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Dr. Okey Onuzo, Pastor-in-charge of RCCG Region 19, Femi Atoyebi, CEO, Sweet Sensation, Kehinde Kamson, CEO, Africsn Capital Alliance, Dr. Okey Enelemah, MD, Standard Chartered Bank, Bola Adesola, YouTube/Google Nigeria, Teju Ajani, Project Manager, Genetech USA, Ugo Umelo and Chief Operating Officer/Executive Director, Citibank, Funmi Ogunlesi.

They are determined to instill integrity in purpose and practice;

convergence of work, family and church life; and Kingdom principles for doing business in the marketplace.

"There is a sort of economic crisis and it is really a failure of leadership. If you look at the United States for example, in the last economic recession, they lost 10 million jobs. That’s quite an accomplishment and nobody has been prosecuted; not one person has been called to account because of it. And this is a failure of leadership within the banking system and within government in the US for starters. I think on the other hand, you can see where leaders are doing a good job and even one person can begin to make a difference whether the person is in business or in the government," Johnson stated.

"So we do think leadership is critical and that they need to be encouraged, strengthened, fortified, built-up and challenged where leadership is not really serving the greater needs of society," Brett Johnson who had written several books on leadership averred, noting that he had done a lot of work over the last 30 years with the executives and the traditional leadership… "there are two types of leaders: the Entrepreneurs and the Managers, the rest are not leaders.

"And actually, I think that it is a strategy to undermine people and the rest are just nobody.

Some people even say that managers are not leaders and that strategy is steal, kill and destroy because basically in our assessment, over 50 per cent of the people are entrepreneurs, are organizers and networkers," he noted.

He explained that his team had been working with Lagos State, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Unity Bank as well as many companies around the world on this concept, explaining that it is different in a number of

...a business person in Lagos is not much different from a business person in China, London, New York, San Francisco, Cape Town or Jakarta

KINGDOM SUMMIT: Brett Johnson (c) flanked from right by Jide Ojo, Giju George, Natchi Lazarus, Elaine Tai, Randolph Luening and another guest at the Media parley. different respects; it’s fresh, pretty easy to understand.

Who are the targets of this leadership summit in Nigeria?

He said: "We are targeting leaders in the market place and market place includes business people, government, includes people working in different professions such as education, law enforcement and so on. So we are targeting marketplace leaders and we are not specifically holding a summit that is geared towards church leaders but it will be beneficial to them because church is an organisation, they deal with serving people and so, the principle applies to them as well."

According to him, the nation's young one will not be left out.

"We will be speaking specifically to youth and business activateship.

Principle of leadership This is something geared towards high schoolers specifically, the principle of leadership that we will be covering will be relevant to young people as well particularly, college age and recent graduates who are looking at how they can integrate faith into the rest of their life? That’s one of the big topics we will be looking at with leadership: how do they integrate faith and the rest of their lives together---your career and your calling."

Each of the topics will actually be a panel with multiple speakers.

"We won’t have long 45 minutes speeches, which is an hour and half in Nigeria as you know, we won’t do that. We are going to have short 15-minutes speeches followed by panels with questions and answers and break-ups. The break-ups will cover topics like how do I apply my faith in my work place? What about praying for my business?

How do I deal with difficult economic times, what should my response be? How do I handle my faith at work when the economy is going down?"

The marketplaces are different in America, Europe, India, Nigeria and other parts of the world. How are you going to

identify the challenges perculiar to the Nigerian economy?

And this is what Brett Johnson says: "We have two things. Firstly, we have already been speaking to people in the Nigerian marketplace for long time, asking them what they feel the challenges are; and we have a list of some of those already.

Secondly, there will be Nigerians who will be participating as well; people you know and know the NIgerian situation.

Nigerian situation "The third thing I will say though is actually, I disagree with you. We all might sound a little bit different but a business person in Lagos is not much different from a business person in China, London, New York, San Francisco, Cape Town or Jakarta.

"We’ve worked with 350 businesses over the last 11 years and they all use iPhones or Samsung and some of them even, Blackberry. They speak the same language, they dress pretty much the same and there is a global business culture and they have the same kind of challenges, the same kind of issues. Yes, there still might be a little bit of difference but the core culture and the challenges are actually the same because of globalization around the world," Brett Johnson explained with Natchi Lazarus and Giju George nodding in agreement.

"I recognize some unique challenges; Nigeria has corruption and so does India, South Africa, Indonesia and the rest. When I first went to Indonesia, they gave me a shit explaining the difference between bribery, corruption, facilitation …I mean, it was like an art. So, challenges in government, sure, there are some different challenges here… in some part of Africa, tribalism is an issue, everywhere, poverty and unemployment is a huge giant all over Africa but poverty and unemployment is a huge problem in India as well.

So, we recognize that there are some unique challenges and there are some common challenges that we as working

men and women can address.

You know, we don’t believe that government create jobs for example, so the challenge is for people in the marketplace to rise up and to apply their faith in a work context to those companies that don’t just serve the CEOs and they pay but serve the people. God intended that business would be a vehicle of blessing to the society and not just for getting some people wealthy.

And so, we hope people discover the purpose of their career and the purpose of their business and I think that is common certainly in most undeveloped nations or some sections.

A political pressure group inaugurates religious wing

S

APELE – A SOCIOPOLITICAL pressure group, Mass Movement for Goodluck-2015, has inaugurated its Christain religion section under its Directorate of Religious Affair, in the South South geopolitical zone,with Apostle Urachukwu Nwajesus, as National Director, and Archbishop Lucky Great-Palmer as National Deputy Director, South South.

Also elected were Rev. A.A.J. Imadu and Archbishop Dele David as Board of Trustee members. Apostle J. A. Oritseje and Bishop Emmanuel Onovwene as Delta State Director and Deputy Director respectively.

Elected to oversee Edo State chapter were Rev. Maxwell Ayomanor, (Director) and Rev. Edwin Osawaru, (Deputy Director), while Apostle Kingsley Abiekunogho and Pastor Exccellent Emmanuel as Director and Deputy Director respectively for Bayelsa State chapter.

A statement by the national deputy director, South South, Archbishop Great-Palmer, says the body, currently existing in all the states of the federation, is geared towards using all available means within its disposal to work for the election of President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Nnamadi Sambo in the forthcoming presidential election.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 — 43

Controversy trails detention of suspect in SARS .......as family alleges extortion

By ESTHER ONYEGBULA

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ontroversy is trailing the alleged indefinite detention, extortion and gross abuse of human rights by some policemen attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja, Lagos, against one Ekenechukwu Uwakwe, a motorcycle spare parts dealer at Ebute-Meta, Lagos.

According to family sources, Ekenechukwu travelled in December last year to his home town in Imo State for his traditional marriage and while there, he received information that he was wanted by the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja, in connection with allegations of armed robbery, kidnapping and Obtaining by Trick, popularly called 419.

Arrest of relations Crime Alert learnt that in his absence, the SARS operatives allegedly arrested his elder sister, Nkechi Uwakwe and her Pastor. They were detained pending when Ekenechukwu would show up.

According to the family source who identified himself as Chief Umeh, after he was done with his traditional marriage, Ekenechukwu returned to Lagos on the fourth of January 2014, and

*CP. Lagos, Aderanti different lawyers have visited SARS to see him and to find out the details and particulars of the allegations levelled against him, but have not been allowed to see him or to know who the Investigation Police Officer (IPO) is. We therefore, had to look for help and we succeeded in contacting officials of Network on Police Reforms in Nigeria, NOPRIN, and they subsequently waded into action. What we are saying is that he should be charged to court if found culpable and not detained for so long under the well known inhuman condition at SARS.

*Ekene – the victim

As you well know, it is unconstitutional and a gross violation of the human rights of the detainee for the police to have detained the accused person for a period of nine months

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immediately presented himself at SARS. “Thereafter, the investigators purportedly demanded and received N175, 000 before granting bail to his sister, Nkechi and her Pastor, but since that day, Ekenechukwu has remained in detention without charge.

Access restricted “Since then, members of our family and at least, three

NOPRIN reacts When contacted, the National Coordinator of NOPRIN, Okechukwu Nwanguma told Crime Alert: “On Friday, October 9, 2014 after we received information concerning this case, one of our officials called the O/C SARS, Mr. Abba Kyari and inquired about the case. He promised that Ekenechukwu would be taken to court the next Tuesday. By Monday, we made calls again to confirm from him the court the police planned to charge him to and the time, but he did not respond. Up to this morning,

he has not answered any further calls or responded to several SMS. “The family members of the detainee further informed us that one senior police officer attached to Federal SARS, Adeniji Adele, Lagos, had earlier demanded N1 million from them to enable him settle the allegation with the officers at SARS, Ikeja, but the indigent family was unable to produce this huge sum.

“As you well know, it is unconstitutional and a gross violation of the human rights of the detainee for the police to have detained the accused person for a period of nine months as at date without either granting him bail or charging him to court. The law does not permit detention of anyone beyond the maximum period of 48 hours. We are requesting that a prompt, impartial and exhaustive investigation be carried out into the conduct of the officers at SARS and all those involved in this gross abuse of human rights and corrupt practice, he stated.

When contacted, Lagos State Police spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, said he would cross check and get back to us but as at the time of going to press, he had not.’

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Oyo state Police Command parades suspected criminals

•Suspected goat rustlers caught at Oyo/ Ogbomosho area of the state with 17 goats.

•Cross section of other suspects being inspected by CP Kola Sodipo.

•Recovered stolen vehicles.

44 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 — 45

Council of Chiefs decides on FUPRE

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HE Executive Committee of Uvwie Traditional Council of Chiefs, at its recent meeting at the temporary palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, decided that the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, FUPRE, retain its name and not named after Ugbomro, as being canvassed by some interest groups.

During the meeting of the meeting, the Ovie of Uvwie, HRM Emmanuel Sideso, said the university was better off without bickering over name.

Chief Isaac Iteke, the Secretary of the council, told journalists it was the unanimous decision of the expanded executive committee of the council that the university remains FUPRE.

4 A'Ibom cabinet members, 5 aides resign F

OUR members of Akwa Ibom State Executive Council have tendered their resignation letters in compliance with Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s deadline, to further their political ambition in 2015.

Those who submitted their resignation letters were Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Secretary to the State Government, SSG; Ekpenyong Ntekim, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Pastor Ita Udo, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, and Mr. Iboro Ekanem, Commissioner for Science and Technology.

While receiving the letters at the Governor’s Office in Uyo, Governor Godswill Akpabio congratulated them

for the bold step and commended them for the services rendered to the people of the state, adding that they had contributed to the success of his administration.

Akpabio attributed the proper management of the state resources to the able hands of his executive members, saying capacity was needed for the

governorship seat by 2015.

He said the next administration would need to build more industries, manage projects, create jobs for the youths and establish active financial management.

He called on other executive members to support the political ambitions of those who had

Political, traditional leaders must celebrate Uduaghan @ 60, says Speaker

A

S Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State marks his 60th birthday anniversary today, traditional rulers, political leaders and gubernatorial aspirants from

Delta North senatorial district, have been implored to acknowledge the governor as the leader that had their interest at heart.

Speaker of Delta State

APCON, ICAP, BSG hold marketing summit

T

HE Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON, in collaboration with the International Centre for Alcohol Policies, ICAP, and the Beer Sectoral Group, BSG, of MAN have concluded arrangements for the third Alcohol Beverage Marketing summit.

The event holds tomorrow in Abuja on Responsible Alcohol Marketing, Brett Bivans, Senior Vice President, ICAP; Arthur Pober, Senior Fellow, Centre for Digital Future, USA; Tolu Ogunkoya, President, MIPAN and Ade Akinde, MD Campaign Palace, among others, as speakers.

2015: From left— Mr. Udom Emmanuel, former Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government; Mr. Ita Udoh, former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; and Mr. Ekpenyong Ntekim, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, after the submission of their resignation letters to Governor Godswill Akpabio in Uyo.

Ijaw Global Network endorses Buhari

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—THE Ijaw Global Policy Network, IGPN, an umbrella body of some Ijaw youths in the South South, has endorsed Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) as its candidate for the 2015 presidential election.

The group said after much deliberations, it decided to jettison sentiment and back the candidature of Buhari for the presidency in the

Warri South gets N36m health facility

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ARRI— A N36 million health centre, built by Delta State government at Orugbo community, Warri South council, has been handed over to authorities of the council.

Speaking shortly before the commissioning, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Otumara, said there were 408 health centres in Delta State, adding that government was

determined to ensure that all the health centres were fully functional.

He commended the outgoing Transition Committee Chairman of Warri South council, Dr. Augustine Uroye, for equipping the newlycommissioned health centre, promising that immunization would be free in the health centre.

just resigned and called on the members who had resigned and were willing to contest for the governorship seat to work together.

The governor also accepted the resignation letters of about five of his personal aides, including Akparawa Ubeh, who left to contest for various political positions in 2015.

interest of the nation.

According a statement by the group’s spokesman, Ayubalayefa Dennis, “our decision to throw our weight behind Buhari was informed by his commitment to rescue the nation from misrule and

corruption.

“We are appealing to the leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, to adopt Buhari as the party ’s sole candidate to contest the 2015 presidential election.”

... as Okada, Keke riders back Edojah

By Perez Brisibe

U

GHELLI—THE senatorial ambition of Mr. Solomon Edojah for aspirant for Delta Central Senatorial district on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, got a boost as over 2,000 placard-carrying commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators, under the aegis of Okada and Keke Riders Union, OKRU, stormed his Ughelli residence in solidarity.

Speaking on behalf of the group, former Delta State chairman of Okada Riders Association, Chief Emmanuel Igbogidi, described Edojah as

the needed representative for the people of Delta Central.

He said: “With the likes of Edojah at the Senate, Urhobo would have a loud and qualitative representation at the Senate and President Goodluck Jonathan would have a vibrant support from the National Assembly.”

In his remarks, Edojah said: “My wealth of experience as the Special Adviser on Mass Mobilization and a former member of the House of Representatives is an arsenal I intend using to articulate and promote bills that would be of huge benefits to the masses and less-privileged, if elected.”

House of Assembly, Mr. Peter Onwusanya, who gave the advice while speaking on the Diamond birthday anniversary of the governor, said Uduaghan was a major proponent of equity in the state.

He said the governor had shown sincerity and direction to the interest of Anioma people in 2015, asking the people to give him the necessary support.

Onwusanya said: “The governor has shown sincerity so far in the build-up to the 2015 governorship elections.

Others may not be at home with him, but we from Delta North must reciprocate this trust by supporting him.”

Onwusanya advised the people of Delta North to work with the governor to achieve their purpose, adding that Uduaghan’s trust and love for the people could be seen in the developmental strides he recorded in Delta North.

He reiterated his call on Anioma traditional and political leaders and aspirants to express gratitude to Governor Uduaghan for supporting equity.

Anniversary mass for late Maidoh

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CTIVITIES marking the second anniversary of the death of Justice Augustine Maidoh will commence today with a Mass at All Saints Catholic Church, Onicha Ugbo, Delta State.

On Sunday, there will be a thanksgiving service at the same venue at 9 a.m.

Late Maidoh, who was the first resident lawyer in Agbor and practiced in the old Mid-West, was appointed a judge in 1976 and made President of the Customary Court in 1993, and retired in 1997.

Maidoh, who tried a fellow judge, Justice Donald Ikomi, and others for murder during his judicial career is survived by a widow, children and grandchildren.

46 —

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Tribunal nullifies Kelle's election

Okorocha sues for peace over Ahiara Catholic Diocese crisis

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

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WERRI—GOVERNOR Rochas Okorocha of Imo State yesterday called on all the interested parties in the Ahiara Catholic Diocese dispute to pursue peace, ensure peace and maintain peace and work towards the amicable resolution of whatever was the cause of the dispute.

The governor in a statement through Sam Onwuemeodo, his Senior Special Assistant on Media, recalled that since the crisis at the Ahiara Mbaise Diocese of Catholic Church began following the nomination of a new Bishop for the Diocese by authorities of the Church, the Imo State government had neither said anything nor taken any action with regard to the unfortunate development in the Diocese.

Okorocha said: “The state government had taken that position because one of the most respected denominations, the Catholic Church is involved, and with the belief that the parties involved in the dispute would appreciate the need to amicably resolve whatever has been the cause of the

By Austin Ogwuda

E

NUGU—THE Local Government Election Petition Tribunal in Enugu State, has nullified the election of Mr. Michael Kelle, representing Awgu Ward 1 in Awgu Local Government Area in the state on the ground that there was a breach in the election that brought him to office.

The tribunal, presided over by Mr. Umunna Ugwujas, while delivering judgment in petition No. EP/5/2013 between Felix Okwudirichukwu Ogbonna, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Michael Kelle, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission, ENSIC, ordered ENSIEC to withdraw the certificate of return issued to the candidate of PDP and conduct a re-run election within two weeks.

It held that the election was nullified on the ground of substantial non-compliance with the Local Government Law of Enugu State 2004, election guidelines and manual, which noncompliance substantially affected the outcome of the election.

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e all saw it coming and Keshi himself must have seen it coming; why he came back at all to allow himself to be so rubbished is what I couldn’t understand. I thought this Illah, Delta State born chap was far smarter than that.

Mr. Emmanuel Ugorji - Businessman C M Y K

problem. To say the least, the State Government had expected all the parties, including the priests involved in the crisis to be good ambassadors of Christ by embracing peace and eschewing bitterness. But the crisis has lingered to the disappointment of the State Government and all patriotic citizens of the State. It has also got to the extent that the opposing parties, including

the priests involved in the dispute now employ the services of armed thugs, without being conscious of what they represent.

“Just last week ,an incident still in connection with the crisis in question took place at St. Brigid Catholic Parish Ahiara in which the warring priests involved employed the services of heavily armed thugs who stormed the

FG distributes palm seedlings, potatoes, others to farmers in Imo

By Chid Nkwopara

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WERRI—THE Federal Government yesterday, distributed several tonnes of improved varieties of palm seedlings, cassava cuttings, potatoes and other farm inputs, to farmers from the 27 local government areas of Imo State.

Minister of State (1), for Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri, while distributing the farm inputs, said Federal Government’s

target was to create employment and wealth for the citizenry, through agriculture.

The minister said: “Government is aware of the problems posed by food insecurity facing several countries of the world today. One sure way of ensuring food sufficiency in our dear country is for all farmers to increase their productivity.”

While commending Imo farmers for keying into the

DEFECTION: Ekwunife gets supporters' backing

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—SUPPORTERS of a member of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, have promised to support her in her new party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Ekwunife only recently defected from All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, to the PDP to contest for Anambra

parish and attacked people.

And one of the priests had his vehicle smashed. As a peopleoriented government that believes that the citizenry should fully exercise their freedom, we want to continue to appeal for calm on the parts of both the clergy and the laity in the Diocese, including those involved in the crisis, since all those involved in the dispute are all Mbaise people known for their unity and hard work."

Central senatorial seat in 2015.

Speaking after their meeting at Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area, the Publicity Secretary of APGA in the area, Mr. Hyginus Eze, said Ekwunife was one politician who had consistently cared for those who worked for her, adding that they would be prepared to support her to enable her realize her senatorial

ambition.

Eze, who had been supporting Ekwunife from her days in PDP to PPA, and to APGA and now back to PDP, said unlike many politicians who abandoned their supporters once election was over, the lawmaker has been serving her constituents by making them happy at all times.

agricultural transformation of the Federal Government, Onwuliri noted that the administration had been working hard to diversify the nation’s economy. She said: “Government is working very hard to diversify the nation’s economy. Agriculture is now contributing a whole lot in the nation’s gross domestic product, GDP.” According to her, Nigeria is now exporting cassava to other countries, pointing out that the country is yet to meet the international demand of her cassava.”

Earlier in his address, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, recalled that in the 2012/2013 farming season, the Ministry set up a target of raising nine million improved tenera oil palm seedlings, with potential yield capacity of 21 metric tonnes per hectare of fresh fruit bunches, stressing that government had already done four million.

What is your view on Keshi’s sack?

N

ow that Stephen Keshi is gone, NFF should please do us the favor by employing the likes of Victor Ikpeba or the other joker like him called Mr Pinnick who could as well double as the chairman of NFF and head coach of the super eagles.

Mr Ogwu Benjamin- Commenter

T

his is not maritime business. At this level, Nigeria does not need a coach that has been experimenting for over two years. If he has been consistent with his African champion team, the results could have been much better. Mr Osileke Osipitan Worker

I

had thought that the best thing that Keshi owed himself was to have simply called time on the Super Eagles job. He ought to have resigned before the AFCON qualifying campaigns and leave the team without a new coach.

Miss Blessing Emmanuel - Baker

H

e was carried away and figured that he had made too much money and fame after his team became the African champion. A leader should be diplomatic and not too rigid. There could be failures to correct mistakes, but not persistent failures.

Miss Chioma Ani Student

eshi recently underK performed through his directives and team

selection. He appears to be stubborn too. I presume he will learn from his mistakes for the future. He should have seen that his days as Super Eagles Manager were over. Miss Nnennaya OkoronkwoStudent

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 — 47

We won't tolerate imposition – SUSWAM

By Peter Duru

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AKURDI—BENUE State governor, Gabriel Suswam has said that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state would not tolerate any imposition of candidates by the national headquarters of the party on the people, saying that only the people at the grass root would select their leaders.

Suswam spoke yesterday, after being presented with the expression of interest and nomination forms bought for him by some party elders from his senatorial zone at Makurdi, the state capital, saying that those pining their hopes that Abuja would give them tickets for the election would fail.

According to him, he was now ready to confront Senator Barnabas Gemade for the party’s ticket for the Benue North East senatorial seat in 2015 general elections.

Suswam said that he was not be intimidated by the political pedigree of Gemade, as the former national chairman of the ruling party, adding that he would emerge victorious at the

By Luka Binniyat

K

PARLEY:From left; Mrs Samspson Funmi, Chief Operating Officer,Nucleus Venture Ltd; Mrs Dimeji Okewale, Chief Operating Officer, Stand Alone Companies and Mr Edward Fagbohun, Consultant, Splendour Hotel & Suites, at the Splendour Hotel media parley in Lagos . Photo by Akeem Salau. end of the primaries.

He further said, “I am a democrat, and I am prepared to go through the party primaries, we will all go to the field so that members of the party can exercise their franchise by electing their preferred candidates.

“The party would obviously avail every aspirant a level

playing field and I am prepared for the primaries. I am not intimidated. Everyone including journalists would be there to monitor the proceedings.

“I am not fighting with my elder brother Senator Gemade and we are not in conflict. The fact remains that if at the end of the primaries he emerges victorious,

I will work with him. If I emerge, I know he would be magnanimous enough to work with me.

“These elections are localized, it is not a national election; therefore it behoves the people and party men and women within our immediate state to decide the outcome of the processes.''

Lamido has made PDP, Jigawa proud —JONATHAN

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

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UTSE—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday commissioned the Jigawa State International Airport, praising Governor Sule Lamido for building the facility and other projects that have added value to the state and the country.

Jonathan, who described the project as a blessing to Jigawa and Nigeria, promised that his administration would give adequate support for it but would not write off the N15.5 billion, which the state expended on it.

While describing an airport as an indispensable facility for business transaction, Jonathan noted that its completion by

Lamido would attract investments to Nigeria and and generate jobs for the citizens.

Jonathan said: “Governor Lamido your are a man of vision, a man of ideas and a man who have made your people proud by bringing people-oriented projects

to your state and adding value to your citizens.

“Your Excellency, thank you for your vision, thank you for your hard work and thank you for building very critical projects in your state since your came into office. Your have

HE people of Umuitodo in Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency have accused former General Manager, Enugu State Rural Electrification Board, Mr. Simon Atigwe, of trying to truncate the zoning arrangement in the constituency due his vaulting ambition.

A statement signed on their behalf by Chief John Apeh, said that going by the zoning arrangement signed by all the leaders of Umunano, where Atigwe hails from, he could only vie for the next chairmanship of Igboeze North as it was the turn of Umuitodo to produce the next

shown that you are a man of vision and thank you for being a blessing to the people of Jigawa State.”

Lamido had said he was proud of Jonathan’s transformation agenda that had made it possible for the governors to render quality services to Nigerians.

2015: Group drums support for Monye

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SABA—THE ambition of Professor Sylvester Monye to govern Delta State received a major boost as thousands of his supporters across the three senatorial districts unanimously declared him as the best candidate to succeed the outgoing governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2015.

Michael Awhawha, coordinator

of ‘Monye Supporters Group”, who disclosed this to newsmen in Warri also noted that Monye, an aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, remains the most credible candidate to govern Delta.

“We have seen the achievements of Uduaghan and the only person that has the capacity and integrity to succeed

Umuitodo people accuses Atigwe of working against zoning

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2015: Nenadi Usman expects easy victory

House of Representative member for the area. ‘’By our arrangement, Atigwe cannot run for the election. His elder brother, David Atigwe was imposed on us for 12 years as member of the state House of Assembly. The late David Omeke from his Aji village was a member of the House of Representatives. After him, the present traditional ruler of Essodo, Igwe Simeon Itodo took over. ‘’Due to the rotation arrangement, the late Ikechuchkwu Ugwu from Umuida in Ozzi took over. After Hon. Ugwu, Fidel Ayogu also

from Ozzi (Umuopu) represented us before he voluntarily left the position for Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi from Udenu. Ugwanyi, a product of same arrangement, spent 12 years in House of Representatives and now that he has been chosen as the consensus candidate of the PDP, the position should be occupied by an Umuitodo or Ezzodo person and certainly not an Essodo person like Atigwe. ‘’Among those who were signatories to this agreement are the current Zonal Chairman of the PDP in the area, Chief Mike Ejinima and Igwe Simeon Osisi Itodo.

is Monye, an aspirant with a clean bill of health and has never been linked to the treasury of Delta state since 1999”.

The group noted that the people of Delta state must reject a governor with a questionable track record whose tenure will turn Delta State to a harvest ground for anticorruption agencies.

A D U N A — SENATOR Nenadi Usman, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, yesterday predicted a landslide victory against her opponents during the 2015 general elections in the country.

This was even as the former Kaduna State Commissioner for Finance under the late Governor Patrick Yakowa’s administration, Dr. John Ayuba claimed that he would chase Usman out of the Senate and give the zone better representation.

Addressing newsmen in Kaduna yesterday, Usman said, ‘’my victory both at the primary and general elections will be easy. It will be as easy as ABCD by the special grace of God. “We, as a matter of policy must make up our minds that we want to live in peace with one another, because we should not rely on the military to come and force us to live in peace with one another. We should not do that irrespective of tribes and religion.

“We must make a conscious effort to live peacefully. I always tell people that I am a Christian, my husband is a Muslim.

And I have remained a Christian while my husband has remained a Muslim and I know there are people who kept criticizing him saying: ‘How can you marry a wife and you have not forced her to become a Muslim? Today I am even a pastor in the Church and I think that is how we should live.''

Etisalat Lagos Photo Festival launches 2nd Phase passionate about innovation and

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TISALAT Nigeria has reiterated its support for innovation and creativity in the country as the 5th edition of Nigeria’s international arts festival of photography, LagosPhoto Festival announces its second phase.

The festival will feature workshops on technique and style, photo exhibitions, discussion sessions and displays of large scale prints to reclaim and beautify public spaces within Lagos State.

At a press conference in Lagos the Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, revealed that “Etisalat is

creativity. We have also been in the forefront of promoting excellence, nurturing talent and providing platforms for people to express themselves and communicate their ideas. It is in this light that we have sponsored the LagosPhoto Festival right from inception about 4 years ago.”

Willsher also indicated that a high level of participation had already been recorded in the Etisalat Photography Competition which is an integral part of the LagosPhoto Festival, noting that lots of entries are being uploaded regularly to the Official LagosPhoto Mobile App, which is powered by Etisalat.

48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

WEDDING: Newly wedded, Mr & Mrs Adagwe Azubuike flanked

by Groom’s parents, Mr. & Mrs Pius Adagwe during PROGRAMME: First lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, presenting empowerment materials to the widows of South East, during a programme for widows, at Alex Ekwueme Square, their wedding in Warri, Delta State.

Awka, Anambra State.

CONFERENCE: From Left, Mrs. Modupe Thani, Head, High Value Events and Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria; Matthew Willsher, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria; Azu Nwagbogu, Director, Lagosphoto Foundation, and Enitan Denloye, Director, Brand and Communication, Etisalat Nigeria, during Etisalat LagosPhoto press conference, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

UNVEILING: From left, Amaka Okolo, President, Brandmy Car.Com; Ikem Okuhu, Lead Director, Reliks Media, and Bukola Kukoyi, Social Media Manager, Brandmy Car.com, during the Media Unveiling of Brandmy Car.com.ng,in Lagos.

PROGRAMME: Catering and confectionery class at the on-going second phase of the economic empowerment programme of the Logos State government, Ibeju-Lekki centre, at Orimedu, Ibeju, Lagos.

BRIEFING: From left, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Charles Aborchi, Zonal Head of Operation, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC; Sesan Sobowale, Director, Corporate Relations/Company Secretary, Guinness Nigeria Plc; Yekini Kareem, Secretary, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Yaba Branch, and Chris Wulffe-Caesar, Marketing Director, SABMiller, during the Drive Alcohol-free campaign press briefing in Lagos, an initiative of Beer Sectoral Group, BSG, of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN. C M Y K

VISIT: From left, Director, Marketing and Innovation, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Gavin Pike; Director, Corporate Relations, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Sesan Sobowale; Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, and Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Seni Adetu, during a courtesy visit and facility tour by the Director-General to Guinness Nigeria Ogba Brewery, Ikeja. Photo: Akeem Salau

CEREMONY: From left, Mr. Itzhak Ronen, Vice President/Head of Sales, Radware Africa; Mr. Dem Eleso, Chairman, Contact Solutions Ltd (ConSol); Tomer Erez, Senior Technical Solutions Manager, Radware Africa, and Mr. Abiodun Adeoye, Managing Director, Contact Solutions Ltd (ConSol), at the distributor agreement signing ceremony between Radware and ConSol in Lagos, yesterday.

PRESENTATION: From left, Mr. Zomelo Samuel, Head Teacher; Mr. Uzo Odemigbo, Head, Public Affairs & Communications, NBC; Mrs. Abiola Omole, Director, Zonal Office, rep of the Commissioner of Education Lagos State, Grace Omo-Lamai, Director, Human Resources, NBC, and Hon. Adeogun Adewale, chairman,National Association of Education Secretaries of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, during NBC's presentation of Back to School Kits to Christ Assembly Primary /Nusery School, Olodi Apapa, Ajegunle's headboy, Master Joshua Okwara, at the school premises, in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 — 49

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50 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 — 51

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52 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014—53

Senior citizens call for improved welfare services •Task Govt on effective pension administration

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

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ENIOR citizens in the country have appealed to the authorities to make significant efforts to improve their welfare and help address their numerous plights.

They also called on government at all levels to look into pension administration and make it more effective, as its current state has not helped address the plight of pensioners, most of whom are older people.

They made the call yesterday, during the celebration of this year’s Old Persons' Day organised

by Third Age Initiative in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre in Lagos.

The old peoples’ day, which is celebrated every first day of October is a day set out by the United Nations to call attention to the plight of the aged and the ageing population all over the world.

Speaking at the event with the theme: ‘Leave no one behind: Promoting a society for all, chairman of the occasion, Dr. Michael Omolayole, in an opening remark, decried difficulties that older people face after they have retired from active life, especially in Nigeria. He condemned the harrowing experiences that pensioners have to go through to get their meagre pensions and the manner in which authorities like the Police disrespect older people by harassing them on the road.

Social inclusion He said: “It is bad enough that those who gave their best as young people are being neglected. We do not seem to give a special thought to old age in our country. This is evident in a way that people, including authorities like the Police harass older people on the road.”

Earlier in a message read to the gathering, Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr Ki-Moon said older people can still contribute meaningfully to the society. He, therefore, called for social inclusion to tap into the reserved energy of older people for societal development.

According to him, “Older persons make a lot of contributions to economic and social development.

However, discrimination and social exclusion persist. We must overcome this bias in order to ensure a socially and economically active, secure and healthy ageing population.”

In a welcome address, Executive Director of Third Age C M Y K

Initiative, Mrs. Toun Giwa said affect the government. older people need more than just The old people can a home for the elderly. She called offer meaningful and on government to take structured ideas on L-r: Dr Michael Omolayole, presenting Elderly Person of the Year Award to responsibility for the welfare of what is going on in the Chief (Mrs) Folake Solanke; Mrs Toun Giwa, Executive Director, 3rd Age older people in the country by country. Old people Initiatives and Ms Envera Selimovic, United Nations representative during providing basic infrastructure that can also actively the 2014 celebration of International Day of Older Persons organised by will guarantee comfortable life for participate in an Third Age Initiative for Elderly rights and Welfare in Collaboration with United Nations Information Centre in Lagos electoral process by them.

She noted that the celebration making visible their roles in the was part of the advocacy for the democratic process. They can, welfare and rights of older people through a forum organised for old in the country, adding that the people, exchange experiences rights and privileges of the elderly and discuss democratic issues either through a residential should not be ignored.

“The public sector should do seminar, television programmes, more on pension reforms. The radio discussions and the social private sector on the other hand media. should also develop more creative ways of attending to the needs of Social the elderly. I also implore our media politicians to make the welfare of the elderly their top priority even "These days that we have the as they get ready for the 2015 internet, a senior citizen can sit general elections. Young people comfortably in the house, and who have elderly parents should through the social media like endeavour to seek counsel on Facebook, Twitter, etc, contribute how best to take care of them,” meaningfully to democratic L-r:Dr Dele Sobowale, Vanguard Columnist; Otunba JK Randle she said. process. They can also develop and Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State Highlight of the event was a a network of older people where lecture delivered by the Professor they can constantly debate of Economics and Chairman, democratic issues and also Lagos Business School, Prof. Pat disseminate that material. They Utomi. In the lecture entitled: can form a coalition so that they ‘Senior citizens as a meaningful can provide a simple part of democratic process’ Utomi, communiqué on issues they who was represented by James discuss and make it available all Ebube of Centre for Values in over the country.

Leadership, tasked elderly “Senior citizens must also people to take their democratic speak out to promote the ideas of participation beyond the electoral accountability and transparency period and continue to contribute and good governance. When meaningfully to the society by things are going wrong in the exploring various avenues country, it is the responsibility of available to them. senior citizens to speak up and L-r: Chief (Mrs) Agnes Ojehomon; Mrs Wonu Folami; Mr Olufunke He said: “Participating in tell the government what is not Agagu and Mrs Fehintola Okunola election is not the only role that a right and where they are going senior citizen is supposed to play wrong, while telling them what see themselves as recluse but to in a democratic process. Senior they must do. They can also find ways of keeping themselves retire and become a pensioner, citizens in a country like Nigeria criticize and caution government relevant while also standing up you don’t get anything. Once you on wrong policies for their rights when the need have retired, you can’t get to any have important roles to and bad governance. arises. Director of Zonta hospital and say you want free play. They can “Senior citizens International Club, Lagos, Mrs. medical treatment. It will not even contribute immensely must also foster Bawor Omiyi said: “To address be easy for you to see the doctor. by providing ideas, intercultural learning the plight of older people in the To even receive their minimum giving special advices and facilitate country, there needs to be special pension, they are treated with and even participating i n t e r c u l t u r a l considerations for them. Public levity. directly in the “And that is why I advocate that dialogue, especially institutions like banks, hospitals government of the day. there be an arm of government in a country where should give special attention and This is because older dedicated to the needs of there are many privileges and others should be people, though they pensioners and other older ethnic groups.

It is encouraged to do so.” have retired have lots persons.

This is because if you the responsibility of of energy and have an arm of government, and senior citizens to Attitude towards experience to share. So there is a place where people can promote dialogue the elderly they should not limit collate their complaints and refer among all ethnic themselves to just to them, then they may get groups. They must going to the polling On his part, a Retired attention from there. It may get also institute and permanent secretary, Otunba station and casting encourage dialogue Adeoye said there is a need for to the attention of lawmakers or votes.

After one between young and the government to create a special the appropriate authorities, it will “The old people can old people. After one parastatal to cater to the needs of not be just like blowing hot air, also offer structured has retired, everyone hears, but no one does has retired, that is the older people. and dynamic that is the anything.” time to share his programmes for He said: “Most of the The event also featured a ideas and help bringing like-minded time to share complaints that people are didactic drama exploring the g o v e r n m e n t his ideas and young people to making here today is concerning plight of old people and how grow.” individuals together. government’s actions and attitude young people can better take care Some of the elderly towards the elderly. For instance, Such platforms can help young people at the event when people are employed, they of their aged parents and provide opportunity for people to charged their fellow are promised free medical care, information on how and where senior citizens to older people not to housing and all that but when you older people can seek medical discuss issues that grow care.

54—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

POCKET CARTOON challenges the Nigerian economy remains resilient, growing at about 6.

5 per cent, making it one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Her team at the Ministry of Finance, she added, had been working round the clock to ensure that the real sectors of the economy, especially, agriculture and power, among others received the needed impetus to boost productivity and provide jobs.

$14.1bn foreign loan

VISIT—From left, Ambassador of Kenya to Nigeria, Tom Amolo; Deputy Speaker, House of Reps, Emeka Ihedioha and Leader of delegation, Kenyan Parliament, Njoroge Baiya during the Kenyan Parliamentary visit to the office of Deputy Speaker at National Assembly in Abuja, Yesterday.

Nigeria not broke, says Okonjo-Iweala Continues from Page 1 spite the dwindling revenue of the nation due to falling crude oil prices and decrease in output, the nation is not broke, as feared in some quarters”.

There have been concerns that the consistent fall in accruals to the federation account in recent months could jeopardize implementation of the 2014 budget but, the minister said in Abuja that contingency plans were being put in place to forestall any immediate adverse effect on the budget.

“Nigeria is a country that is dependent on one

commodity (oil) and that commodity is dependent on how much the buyers want to buy. We had a yo-yo kind of expenditure pattern before 2003 but after that even when there was a fall in the price of crude from $140 to about $35 or $38 between 2003 and 2008, our economy remained stable because we had accumulated about $22 billion in the Excess Crude Account.

“It is the same thing now. We may have to cut down on some of our expenditure. We may have to mobilize more revenue; we have to look at the fiscal policy; we have to look at the monetary

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

We do not determine how we enter into life, neither do we determine which family we are born into, but we can determine who our friends are and how we wish to exist and to exit life.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

One should count each day a separate life —Lucius A. Seneca

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OU may be familiar with the advice to live one day at a time, to be in the present, and to avoid spending precious moments worrying about or living in the past. That all sounds well and good, but when it's time to actually act on the advice, it may be a lot tougher than you think.

Worry about situations causes us to miss out on special moments which occur all around us, because perhaps, we’re so consumed with anxiety about doing all the things we’ve set out for ourselves. It requires discipline to stop and take a deep breath, to pause and reflect on life on what is absolutely necessary here and now. But if we do take this time, we maximize not only our appreciation for life and its bounty and blessings but also our ability to live one day at a time in gratitude.

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policy — all of these have to come together and we are looking at them right now in the Ministry of Finance.

Oil and nation's economy

“I want to assure Nigerians that we are putting in place contingency plans so that our economy remains stable.

Right now, we have fluctuations in the price of crude oil and when that happens, it means that the money that comes into the coffers is a little bit small. Does that mean that the country is broke?

If we are not able to pay salaries to people or meet other obligations then we can say the country is broke but we have not got there. Nigeria is not broke”.

The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC, meeting in Enugu, last week, could not share the monthly revenue due to paucity of funds, but the minister said they would reconvene today to distribute the statutory revenue accruing to each tier of government for the month’s expenditure.

According to the minister, the current realities of falling oil prices and reduction in quantity of crude oil production have made the diversification of the economy more imperative now than ever.

She added that in spite of the global economic

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala revealed that a whopping $14.1 billion had been facilitated by her ministry for various sectors’ programmes and projects at concessionary rates of sometimes as low as three per cent from the international finance market.

Some of the loans, she added have moratorium of between 5-10 years and are to be repaid in 25 years, thus making them cheaper and more attractive than borrowing from the domestic market.

She assured, however, that the administration was very mindful of the debt-overhang history of the nation and would not borrow so much as to put the nation under another debt burden, as was the case until 2005.

On the Federal Government Housing programme, the minister disclosed that successful applicants would receive letters intimating of their successful applications in 10 days and that the initiative would be a revolution in the nation’s quest for sufficient housing.

Investment plans unaffected by weak oil—SWF

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund said its investment programme over the next six months, including on infrastructure, will go ahead, even as revenues that provide its capital are hit by falling oil prices. Uche Orji, Chief Executive of the Nigeria Investment Authority, said that one of the vehicle’s core aims is to manage oil export windfalls to cushion the economy in harder times.

“The oil price has come down but frankly, let’s not forget why this fund was set up. It was to prepare us for days like

this,” he told Reuters on the sidelines of an African investment conference in London yesterday.

Orji conceded that weakness in the international oil market would affect the fund but he remained focused on deploying existing assets to investment in infrastructure projects in sectors such as transport, power and healthcare.

“Obviously we get funded from the oil price so if it’s lower, it will affect us. But our plan in the next six months is to fully deploy what we’ve been given. We still haven’t fully deployed our capital yet,” he said.

Oil prices have dropped more than 25 per cent since June on strong supply, signs of weak growth in demand and indications that key oil producers, particularly Saudi Arabia, have a limited appetite to cut output to bolster prices.

Nigeria established the Sovereign Investment Authority (SIA) in 2011 with $1 billion seed capital in an effort to manage oil export revenues.

The fund is split into three components, a ‘Stabilisation Fund’ to act as a buffer against economic turbulence, an Infrastructure Fund and a Future Generations Fund.

“We still have gaps in our infrastructure fund.

We’ve only made about three commitments so far; so we have quite a few more to go,” he said.

According to the fund’s website, the infrastructure vehicle accounts for up to 40 per cent of total assets with a similar amount allocated to the portion managed for future generations and the remaining 20 per cent set aside for economic stabilisation.

Naira falls by 0.16 per cent

In a related development, the Naira eased to an eight-month closing low of 165.55 against the dollar, yesterday, due to strong dollar demand from importers and companies reducing their exposure to the local currency, dealers said.

The naira fell 0.16 percent from Monday ’s close of 164.28 to the dollar, a level last seen on Feb. 21, a day after the President suspended the former Central Bank Governor, sending financial markets into a tailspin.

Concerns about the falling price of oil, Nigeria’s main source of foreign currency earnings, contributed to the drop. The local subsidiary of Chevron sold $45 million to Nigerian banks, dealers said, but that was not enough to support the naira.

“At the current level, we expect the Central Bank to step in or else the Naira will fall further,” one dealer said.

The currency has lost 4.1 per cent against the dollar so far this year and is trading above the Central Bank’s target range of within 3 per cent of 155 naira to the dollar.

Demand for hard currency was coming from local importers and companies worried about the risk of a devaluation, dealers said.

“We admit that prospects of a near-term devaluation have risen, thanks largely to the recent decline in oil prices,” economists at Morgan Stanley said in a note, adding that the authorities would be reluctant to devalue ahead of an election due in February.

Brent crude held gains around $86 a barrel on Tuesday as news of robust Chinese oil demand buoyed the market, although prices were capped by oversupply and concerns about the health of the rest of the global economy.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 — 55

Why I left APGA, Obi replies Bianca Ojukwu

By Chioma Gabriel

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ORMER governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, has reacted to Monday’s comments by Nigerian Ambassador to Spain and wife of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, following his recent defection to People’s Democratic Party, PDP,, where she expressed shock and disappointment among others, over the defection from All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, to PDP. In an interview granted a national newspaper (not Vanguard) of Monday, October, 20, 2014 by Nigerian Ambassador to Spain and wife of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu, Mrs. Ojukwu, had said, inter alia: “It is undeniable that Peter Obi made immense contributions to APGA. I remain proud of his achievements as governor of Anambra State. His exit diminishes us, and many of his supporters and grassroots crusaders are disappointed and demoralised”.

Mrs Ojukwu also described the action of the former governor as a betrayal of her late husband and renowned Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who had such great trust in him and his assurances that he, Obi, would always stand by APGA. But reacting, Obi, who had so far ignored all comments made about his political decision, opened up by pointing out that Bianca Ojukwu was not a frivolous person and that her comments must be taken seriously moreso, when he was the wife of his leader. .

Speaking to newsmen, Obi said this response would be his last on the matter to enable him channel his time and energy, alongside other well-meaning Igbos, to work for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan and the place of Ndigbo in the Nigerian politics.

He said of all those who had spoken, and who continued to speak on the issue of my leaving APGA, only Bianca spoke with sincerity.

According to him, "she does not fall into the class of those who are now displaying dated video clippings and presenting matters out of context for political reasons, without appreciating the sacrifice put into building the House they are now destroying.

"I want to have it on record that Bianca was right when she reported my exchange with the Ikemba when he called me and asked whether I would leave APGA, after the events of Abia State at that time, when the Governor left APGA for reasons I believe to be genuine.

“I wish to reiterate that I am still loyal to our great leader, in C M Y K

terms of what serves the interests of our people and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Everyone knows today that APGA is not what it used to be.

My assurance to our great leader did not imply that I would be loyal to a platform that some people have resolved to

turn into an empty shell without an inner core of shared values. I remain faithful to those values and principles our great leader asked me to stand by and defend”, he said.

Obi insisted that time would tell whether the APGA of to-

day was still propagating the late leader’s core principles. Obi said he had seen enough of violation of what APGA stood for, and, therefore, cannot could not continue to stay in a place which had departed from the original course and where clearly he was no longer wanted.

LAUNCH: From left: Head of Operations, Vodacom Business Nigeria, Vernon Van Rooyen; IT Operations Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Titilayo Oyebolu; Group Head, IT, PZ Cussons, Serge Yao, at the launch of Vodacom Business Enterprise Voice Solutions held in Lagos.

We'll pay more attention on tourism — FG

By Peter Okutu

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B A K A L I K I — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, promised that his administration would continue to pay more attention to the tourism sector in his transformation agenda.

He spoke at the opening ceremony of the 28th National Festival of Arts and Culture, NAFEST 2014, at Abakaliki Township Stadium, Ebonyi State.

Represented by the Vice President, Arc Namadi Sambo, the President stressed that culture and tourism constituted a vector for job creation and economic empowerment for youth and women and those living in the rural areas.

He said: “The federal government believes that a proper grasp of the people’s culture enhances understanding and smooth administration at all levels. We also believe that for tourism to make significant contribution to the GDP, it must be driven by the people’s cultre and heritage. ''We are happy to note that the success of Nollywood that is giving Nigeria a good image in the international arena has become a potent tool of national re-branding. This is attracting the desired global attention to our nation and its culture.”

Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State described the theme of this year’s festival, "Celebrating Nigeria at 100, the role of cul-

ture and tourism, as a vehicle for national unity, as appropriate and timely."

He said: “Even though culture in itself always portrays the tendency to discriminate against people of different background, the sudden awareness of its relevance as a pillar of civilization

and an emblem of identity, has proved that it is also a unifying factor in our quest for national integration”.

“Together we are a formidable force, together we represent the rich heritage of identity, together we have woven ourselves as one people unified ''.

Audu Ogbeh apologizes to BringBackOurGirls group

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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ORMER Minister of Communications and All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has apologized to the BringBackOurGirls group for wrongfully presenting it as an offshoot of his party at last Wednesday’s presidential declaration of General Muhammadu Buhari (retd). Ogbeh, in a letter to the leadership of the group, affirmed that he had since realised that APC members formed less than two percent of group's membership.

Ogbeh had praised the presence of Hajiya Hadiza Usman and some other leaders of the group at the declaration as a sign of synergy between APC and the group.

His assertion was subsequently taken up by officials of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to give political colouration to the group's advocy for the return of the 219 Chibok schoolgirls held in captiv-

ity by the Boko Haram Islamist group.

One of the leaders of the group and former Minister of Education, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, was forced to publicly repudiate Ogbeh’s claim, saying she was not a member of any political party and that the group’s efforts were wholly altruistic.

In the letter dated October 20, Ogbeh wrote: “Dear patriots, I feel obliged to let you know that my statement at our function last week was not intended to paint your group as an APC sub-group. “This is because from what we know, less than two percent of the group are our party members, but members we value highly. “The rest of you are not and may not even belong to any political association whatsoever. If my statement caused you any discomfort, I do apologize, but reiterate that I have nothing but respect and admiration for you for keeping a six-month vigil and telling the world that the Nigerian conscience is not entirely dead.

Group condemns attempts to malign Ugwuanyi

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N U G U Regeneration Group, ERG, a sociopolitical organization based in Enugu and Lagos, has condemned perceived “desperate attempts by frustrated PDP vote losers” to malign the character of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, consensus candidate for Enugu governorship in 2015, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and diminish his standing in the eyes of PDP elders and other reasonable members of the public.

Reacting to reports in two national dailies on Monday that the presidency was going after . Ugwuanyi and others because of their alleged anti-party role in the enthronement of the current House leadership, ERG said in a release signed by the group’s national coordinator, Mr. Hilary Ogili, said the claim that Hon. Ugwuanyi was anti-Jonathan by reason of his being a loyal member of the House of Representatives under the House’s current leadership was ‘only an immature and sadistic attempt to turn politics on its head and present Ugwuanyi as an untrustworthy character.

“Nothing could be farther from the truth. The truth is that Hon. Ugwuanyi is a loyal party to the core; otherwise the entire party caucus in Enugu constituted by diehard Jonathan men, including the governor, Barrister.

Sullivan Chime would never have voted overwhelmingly to choose him as the party ’s consensus candidate for the governorship election next year. The truth is that Ugwuanyi’s antecedents as a party man are clear and transparent and have never in any way included antagonism to Jonathan’s presidency or his ambitions,” ERG said in the release.

“Let’s, for the sake of argument, accept that Hon. Ugwuanyi was among the spearheads of Aminu Tambuwal’s election. Out of 360 members, an overwhelming 280 voted to enthrone the current House leadership; would the PDP then go after every one of them?

56—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Glo, NYSC parley on youth empowerment

Emmanuel Uduaghan: The footprints of an achiever at 60

By Clifford Ndujihe

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ODAY is a special day for Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.

He will clock exactly 60 years today. And 16 of those years he has spent in prime service to the people of Delta State.

Born on October 22, 1954 to Itsekiri parents in today’s Delta South Senatorial District, Uduaghan made his mark as the first non-Urhobo to be elected as governor of Delta State in 2007. He was re-elected in 2011 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and in the past seven and a half years, he has left his footprints on the sands of Delta in terms of execution of people-oriented projects.

He is revered for his ‘Delta Beyond Oil’ policy, tailored to make the state self-sustaining without depending on crude oil, which is a vanishing resource. Uduaghan, who won multiple awards in 2013 on account of his heart-warming achievements in Delta, is now pushing for ‘Nigeria without oil’ as the solution to the employment challenges plaguing the country. A medical doctor by profession, Uduaghan prior to becoming governor, was the commissioner for Health and Secretary to the State Government (SSG) during the Administration of Governor James Ibori.

Undying urge for selfless service Born in Warri North Local Council he attended Federal Government College, Warri (1968–1974), and University of Benin (1975–1980) earning a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) degree, and a Diploma in Anaesthesia from the University of Benin (1985 to 1986). Apart from having a means of livelihood, the choice of study was also determined by an undying urge for selfless service through bringing succour to the sick, a motivation that has continued to influence his activities even outside his professional area of medicine.

He began his career in 1983 as a medical doctor at the Delta Steel Company (DSC) Medical Centre, C M Y K

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan marks 60 years today

Aladja in Delta State, where he won the DSC General Manager ’s prize for outstanding service. He was to rise to the rank of Senior Medical Officer (SMO) at DSC within six years. Between 1989 and 1994, he worked in a number of hospitals including West-end Hospital, Warri, Benoni Hospitals, Benin City and Shell Hospital, Ogunu, where he was a Consultant Anaesthesiologist.

Propelled by the urge to offer satisfactory service to the people free of the constraints of paid employment, Uduaghan opted to become a private medical practitioner and set up the Abode Clinic in Warri in memory of his grandmother in 1994. Married with two children, his wife, Roli, is the daughter of Brig.

General Sunny E. Tuoyo (retd), one time Military Administrator of Ondo State.

Uduaghan was a founding member and chairman of the All Nigeria C o n g r e s s Association for Warri South Local Government Area, a founder and The executive member of the Grassroots aesthetic Democratic beauty of Movement (GDM) and a foundation Warri at member of the PDP. night is On August 6, former something 1999, Governor of Delta that had State James marvelled Onanefe Ibori a p p o i n t e d indigenes Uduaghan as and visitors Commissioner for Health, Delta State. alike In this position he

improved the pay of medical staff and upgraded infrastructure. On June 6 2003, Uduaghan was appointed Secretary to the Delta State Government.

A detribalized Deltan, Governor Uduaghan is a product of Warri, the melting pot for all Deltans and deep in the blood that runs in his veins are Urhobo, Itsekiri and Ishan, which he inherited at birth 60 years ago. The Governor speaks Urhobo language and understands the culture than many who claim to be of Urhobo ethnic nationality. The Governor also speaks Itsekiri and Ishan and is versed in their culture.

The Governor through his exemplary lifestyle restored peace to Warri and many who were afraid of inter-ethnic marriages during the Warri crisis have embraced it again.

The Governor was so sensitive to the situation in Warri that he carried the Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo of Agbasa and Okere along in his policy of integration and thus demonstrated unity in diversity.

Unity in diversity With projects spread in all parts of the state, the Asaba Airport is a beauty to behold.

The aesthetic beauty of Warri at night is something that had marvelled indigenes and visitors alike. The street lights and good roads cannot go without mention. They have added to containing criminals who strive more in darkness of the night. The dualisation of Okumagba avenue to Deco junction that links Warri Sapele road has won him the citizens admiration.

There are also the dualisation of the Osubi to Eku road, reconstruction of Effurun roundabout, construction of Delta mall and dualisation of the Ughelli-Asaba dualisation project that cuts across the three

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senatorial districts in the State..

The massive transformation in the educational sector is a point that the Governor means well for the State and his people.

Uduaghan has returned missionary schools to their former owners thus creating a healthy competition between missionary schools and government schools.

Uduaghan made primary and secondary schools free of any tuition fee and compulsory and within the schools are massive infrastructural developments to boost learning. The health sector is another marvel in the eyes of the people but many are not surprised because of his background as a medical doctor and the importance he attaches to health.

The state is running a free maternal health programme.

The services, which initially included ante-natal care, deliveries, caesarean sections and essential laboratory tests, have been expanded to include management of ectopic pregnancies, complications of abortions and blood transfusion services.

Free medical services The Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Otumara, recently said, “the goal is to reduce maternal mortality by more than 50 per cent.” The state also offers free medical services for all kinds of ailments for children, who are between 0-5 years under it’s Under-Five Medical Care Programme.

The governor has made remarkable progress in the provision of health care facilities in Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, a reference point in medical tourism. The hospital with an array of foreign-based medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses, information technology experts and medical laboratory scientists, made a milestone achievement in medicine when it recorded the first successful knee replacement surgery in a public institution in Nigeria. In January, the governor, a medical doctor by training, led other doctors to carry out a successful kidney transplant in Nigeria.

The remodelling the Asaba Central Hospital is expected to meet the demand of the ever growing population of Asaba capital. The Warri Central Hospital is not left out, as a 100bed integrated mother and child care complex; and a threestorey building conceived by Uduaghan were recently commissioned to complement the existing free maternal and child health care programme of the state government.

HE Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Boni Haruna, has described Globacom as a worthy i n d i g e n o u s telecommunication company adding great value to the communication experience of Nigerians with its unique products and services.

Haruna who gave the commendation, yesterday, when he paid a courtesy visit to Globacom’s corporate headquarters in Lagos welcomed the proposal to connect corps members and staff of NYSC in a Closed User Group by supplying the corps with 120,000 lines yearly.

He said that such a development would make the Ministry trendy and abreast of international best practices, adding, “We appreciate the leadership of Globacom. It is not in doubt, Glo has achievements well over others by its products and services as an indigenous company. I assure you of our cooperation. We thank you for being ready to partner with us.”

Welcoming the Minister earlier, Globacom’s Executive Director, Legal Services, Mrs Gladys Talabi said since inception more than eleven years ago, Globacom had always embarked on poverty alleviation and empowerment programmes to make life more abundant for Nigerians and had supported the National Poverty Alleviation Programme (NAPEP).

Urhobo group endorses Oharume

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RHOBO Prudence Movement, UPM, Agbarho, in Ughelli North Local Government Area has endorsed the candidacy of Chief Abeh Izomare Oharume for Ughelli North Constituency II, Delta State House of Assembly come 2015.

The group said it resolved to throw its weight behind Chief Abel Oharume as a result of his pedigree and selfless zeal to serve the people of Ughelli North Constituency II, coupled with his grassroots involvement in youth empowerment, rule of law and poverty alleviations.

Briefing journalists the group’s President, Sir Collins Alanko and Secretary, Mr. Jacob Uwejeyan said, “it is our belief that if Chief Oharume as a grassroots and experienced politician is given the mandate, he will effect a good representation and sustainable development.” He added that Chief Abel Oharume started his political career as a councillorship and chairmanship candidate, making him accessible to the people.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014—57

Uduaghan at 60: Political leaders tasked on solutions to nation’s problems

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—PROMINENT Nigerians, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and Bishop Hassan Matthew Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, yesterday appealed to political leaders in the country to live exemplary lives and continue to dialogue so as to find solutions to the nation’s problems.

Other speakers at a lecture to mark Governor Uduaghan's 60th birthday in Asaba include Professor Benjamin Okaba and former Secretary to the Federal Government, SFG, Chief Olu Falae.

Speaking at the lecture, Uduaghan called on leaders in all spheres of life to live exemplary lives worthy of emulation by their followers and other Nigerians, reminding them that “when leaders show good example to their followers, their followers will follow suit.

This is the challenge we have as leaders. What are you telling your followers, what examples are you showing to them?”

While calling on leaders to do more to enhance the living conditions of their followers, the governor admonished the followers to be patient and supportive of their leaders for the good of the nation.

Madam Otu passes on

The governor, who called for continuous dialogue on the issues that propagated discord in the society, stressed that “the more we discuss these issues, the more we are able to manage them and the anger they generate.”

On his part, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III said that leadership was a trust from God and was all about service to the people, noting that all leaders would account for their actions

ADAM Anna Banku Otu of Benoweh village, Oku Bushuyu in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, is dead.

A statement by the family said Madam Otu will be buried on November 1, in her family compound at Okubushuyu.

She is survived by five children, including Raymond Obi, publisher of Ogoja Today newspaper.

Late Madam Anna Otu

“Why wouldn’t people be angry when they feel things are not going right in the country?

Why do we still have insecurity in the country? People are hiding from the truth and giving it all sort of colouration, I wish to remind you that insecurity affect us all whether Christians or muslim, northerner or southerner, we have to dialogue with ourselves and seek solution to this problem to have peace.”

INTERACTIVE FORUM: From left: Mr. Amaechi Okonkwo, Secretary, Federated Correspondents Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Rivers State chapter ; Sir Pidomson Gabriel, PDP governorship aspirant in Rivers State and Mr. Ernest Chinwo, Chairman, Federated Correspondents Chapel, Rivers State NUJ, after an interactive forum with the governorship aspirant at the Chapel's Secretariat in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

POOR SANITATION: 150,000 children die annually in Nigeria —UNICEF

By Funmi Olasupo

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to God Almighty and to the people who elected them to serve.

He charged Nigerians to continue to dialogue on issues affecting the nation. He said: “A forum like this brings us together to talk to one another as Nigerians on issues that affect us all. It brings us as Christians, Muslims, northerners and southerners to talk about some home truths about our nation.

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BUJA—THE United Nations Children’s Education Fund has said that about 150,000 children die annually in Nigeria as a result of poor sanitation and the intake of unsafe water, which results in diarrhea.

UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Chief in Nigeria, Mr. Kanaan Nadar, disclosed this on the occasion of the 2014 global hand washing day celebration in Abuja.

Nadar called on parents to make their children see the need to always wash their hands and maintain safe hygiene at all times as this would reduce deaths caused by diarrhea by almost 50 per cent.

Nadar, said: “In Nigeria every year, we have about 150,000 children that die largely due to diarrhea mostly associated with unsafe water sanitation and hygiene.

“Hand washing can actually step down this diarrhea death to almost 50 per cent and reduce pneumonia to almost 40 per cent.

So hand washing is really important.”

According to him, hand washing with soap has made a major difference in the fight against Ebola Virus Disease, EVD. Nadar said it had been one of the major tools against the spread of the virus in most of the EVD affected countries.

He said: “In the fight against the spread of the Ebola virus, hand washing with soap, as an important tool, has made additional line of difference.

“Choose hand washing for this is apt given the prominence that hand washing has gained especially in this particular time of crisis in a number of countries.

“Everyone can choose to wash his or her hand with soap after using the toilet and before eating or touching food, thereby creating healthy environment not only for themselves but also for the family and the larger society.”

In her address, the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, said the hand washing programme was being celebrated because it had the capacity to save

lives and reduce disease burden in Nigeria.

She said: “Today across Nigeria, over 250,000 pupils from 100 selected schools are participating in the global hand washing campaign and will be demonstrating the process of hand washing with running

Air Peace commences operations on five domestic routes

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EW entrant, Air Peace, yesterday in Lagos unveiled the seven aircraft it would deploy to service five domestic routes in the country, beginning this week.

The routes include Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Owerri, while there are plans to expand operations to Asaba, Kano, Yola, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Bauchi, Gombe and Katsina later.

Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, who disclosed this at the unveiling at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1, MMA, Lagos, said the airline had come to change the face of airline operations in the industry.

He listed the aircraft in its fleet to include three Dornier 328 jets and four Boeing 737-500.

Onyema also said Air Peace intended to expand its network to Makurdi, Minna, Zaria, Uyo, Ilorin, Akure, Benin, Calabar, Warri and Jos. On why he decided to set up the airline, Onyema said that the idea behind Air Peace is not only to create employment for Nigerians but also to put food on their tables and smiles on their faces.

The Air Peace boss said that the arrival of the airline should not demarket other airlines in the country.

The other airlines, he said have learnt from their past mistakes and have made corrections in accordance with the standard recommended practice.

Eight aides of Gov Dickson resign to contest 2015 polls

By Samuel Oyadongha

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E N A G O A — I N D I C AT I O N S emerged yesterday, that no fewer than eight aides of Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, have resigned their appointments to contest National Assembly and state elections on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. They are Commissioner for Education, Mr. Salo Adikumo; Chief of Staff, Bayelsa House, Abuja, Chief Diekive Ikiogha; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Fred Agbedi; Commissioner for Local Government, Mr.

Mietema Obordor and the Director-General of Due Process Bureau, Mr. Joshua Ngore.

Also reported to have resigned are three Senior Special Assistants and a Special Adviser.

They were said to have submitted their resignation letters to the government through the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr.Edmund Allison-Oguru.

Meanwhile, Chief Fred Agbedi was said to have been replaced with Chief Fyneman Wilson as Special Adviser on Political Matters.

58 — VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Iran pledges to back Iraq amid attacks

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Ebola: WHO raises hope on vaccines next year

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ENS of thousands of people in West Africa are expected to begin getting experimental Ebola vaccines from January, but population-wide immunization is still far off, the World Health Organization (WHO) said yesterday.

Initial clinical trials of vaccines from GlaxoSmithKline and NewLink Genetics are already under way. Some 500 volunteers are due to take part in countries including the United States, Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Mali, Gabon and Kenya.

The tests will generate safety and immuneresponse data in December. The vaccines can then be rolled out early next year to groups including frontline healthcare workers, said Marie-Paule Kieny, the WHO assistant directorgeneral for health systems and innovation.

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“These data are absolutely crucial to allow decision-making on what dose level should go into efficacy testing in Africa,” Kieny told a news briefing.

Determining the dosage will dictate the

yield or overall amount of vaccine available for the large clinical trials in Africa, she said.

“There is still a possibility that it will fail, but everybody is putting things in order in order for being able to move to

West Africa in January,” Kieny said. “When I say deployed, I am not talking about mass vaccination, I am talking about utilization in the tens of thousands of doses in the first couple of months of the year.”

… Democrats defy Obama on travel ban

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ORRIED about the political fallout from the Ebola outbreak, vulnerable Senate Democrats are declaring their support for a U.S. travel ban from the afflicted countries in west Africa.

In multiple cases, the Democrats are shifting from their earlier positions on the question, despite arguments from senior U.S. medical officials and the White House that stiff restrictions would only make it harder to prevent an infected person from entering the country.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire joined the crowd on Monday

night, saying through a spokesman that she “strongly supports any and all effective measures to keep Americans safe including travel bans if they would work.”

Shaheen said last week she didn’t think a travel ban makes sense, but she is facing heavy criticism from her Republican opponent, former Senator Scott Brown, on the issue.

HIITE powerhouse Iran has pledged enduring support for the Shiite-led government of Iraq in its battle against an ascendant Sunni insurgency spearheaded by the Islamic State group.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi on Tuesday that Iran has supported Baghdad “from the first day and will remain on that path until the last day,” according to a report by the official

Third UN staff dies of Ebola

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UN staff member in Sierra Leone has died from Ebola, the third employee from the world

Sudan: Bashir chosen by ruling party

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UDAN’s President Omar Hassan alBashir has been chosen as the ruling party’s candidate in presidential elections scheduled for April 2015, a senior official from the movement said on Tuesday. The 70year-old leader, wanted on charges of genocide and war crimes by the

International Criminal Court, had previously indicated he would not run for another term.

But Ibrahim Ghandour, vice president of the National Congress Party, told Reuters that Bashir had been chosen by the party ’s decisionmaking council out of five candidates selected

IRNA news agency.

It was Abadi’s first foreign visit since taking office in September.

“Choosing Iran as my first destination after taking office indicates the depth of ties,” he said, according to IRNA. “Terrorism is a threat to all regional countries and we are sure Iran will stand by us.”

The Iran-Iraq alliance highlights some of the complex political dynamics spawned by the emergence of the Islamic State group as a major threat earlier this year.

late on Monday.

His name would be the only one put forward for a final approval vote at a party conference starting on Thursday.

“The president of the party will be the candidate for the presidency according to the regulations of the party,” Ghandour said.

organization to succumb to the deadly virus, the UN spokesman said Monday.

The man, who was a driver for the UN Women agency, passed away at the weekend in Sierra Leone and his spouse is currently receiving treatment, said spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

“All measures to protect staff at the duty station in Sierra Leone are being taken as best as possible under the current circumstances,” said Dujarric.

VANGU ARD, WEDNESD AY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 — 59 ANGUARD, WEDNESDA

Mistress refuses abortion I I'm not ready to commit to him

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Y CURRENT boyfriend wants me to get involved with his two little children, but I don’t feel ready to settle down.

I’m a,22-year-old undergraduate and have only known him for six months. He’s 33 and I love him.

He told me just recently that he has two children aged six and three and I was shocked. He said he hadn’t told me before because I’d said when we first met that I’d never got involved with a man with children.

His children live with his exand her new boyfriend. She won’t let my boyfriend see the

children and he’s decided he’s going to court over it. He wants me to go with him to support him but I don’t want to get involved.

I know my parents would disapprove. And wouldn’t want me to be with a man who already has children. I want to concentrate on my studies and I don’t feel ready to settle down.

Tinuade, bye-mail.

Dear Tinuade, Your boyfriend comes as a package with his two children and he is absolutely right to

want regular contact with his children. It isn’t his fault he has to go to court to get access. It is, however, unfair of him to spring the children on you at a later date in your relationship instead of being up front with you at the beginning.

Being in a step-parent role isn’t easy, especially when you’re not at that stage in your life when you would want children. You have to be honest with him that your studies come first. Would he want to stick around for you to finish your studies? Only time will tell.

In love with an old friend Dear Bunmi, ’VE BEEN mandated by a group of friends to organise a congratulatory party for one of us.

The party is to take place at a small events’ centre and a close friend I’ve known since school is to help.

My fear now is that I might not be able to keep my hands off him. We are both in our late 20's and I’ve secretly liked him for ages and would love to tell him how I feel. Unfortunately, he has a girlfriend.

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We’ve been friends for years but it’s only recently that I have come to realize that I am, in fact, in love with him.

We get on so well and I know he is perfect for me. My fear now is that I might not be able to stop myself from making a pass at him; after all, girls make the first move these days. That would likely get me into trouble with his girlfriend - who will also be there.

Carolyn bye-mail.

Dear Carolyn, t is natural to feel tempted but I wouldn’t go there if l were you! He is committed to another woman who is well known to you, so he’s not free to start anything with you. I would stay well clear of him at the party if I were you, and find a free agent to flirt with.

You’re clearly obsessed with this man. He hasn’t encouraged you in any way and you need to hang on to your self respect by leaving him alone and moving on.

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Am I falling out of love with him?

Dear Bunmi, ’VE BEEN living with my boyfriend for over six years. I am 27 and he’s almost 30.

We’ve had good times and plenty of bad times. I’m currently very concerned about the way I’m feeling at the moment.

I've gone off love-making completely and can’t understand why. Until now I’ve always been highly romantic and we’ve had a healthy love-making life.

But things have now reached the point where I feel that I don’t have to sleep with him, Whether I want to or not, it’s not just love-making that is the problem. I don’t like him being anywhere near me and I dread him wanting to be affectionate with me.

Sometimes, his merely touching me makes me cringe.

I still have feelings for this man, so why am I feeling so resentful?

I am scared that he’ll go elsewhere if he doesn’t get what he wants from me. He’s assured me he won’t, but we’ve both had affairs in the past. I know he’s impatient with me. He gets angry, slams doors and shouts. How can I

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get things back to the way they once were?

Maggie, bye-mail.

Dear Maggie, SUSPECT that after six years of living with this man without prospect of marriage or children, you’re beginning to panic that these things might never be.

After six years of emotional investment in a relationship, the body that was once so eager for this man’s love is now cautious and asking: aren’t I wasting my time? Your man is equally frustrated because with frequent love-

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making, the more likely his chances of being a father. He could be one of the men who favour pregnancy before marriage.

Have you both sat down to agree to what you want in this relationship? With the plenty of bad times you claimed you’ve had and with both of you sleeping around, it’s a wonder you’re still together.

In other words, you still both care so much to want the relationship to work, and it would be a shame to allow your loving bond to die. When you agree to get married and start a family, you’ll restore naturalness and life to this long relationship.

Have you both sat down to agree to what you want in this relationship?

With the plenty of bad times you claimed you’ve had and with both of you sleeping around, it’s a wonder you’re still together.

In other words, you still both care so much to want the relationship to work, and it would be a shame to allow your loving bond to die.

Dear Bunmi, ’M CURRENTLY married to my childhood sweetheart. In the three years we’ve been married, she’s had a couple of miscarriages and is currently undergoing treatment. In the meantime, this girlfriend I met at the beginning of the year is now pregnant. I was shocked. I told her to have an early abortion, but she was furious, insisting she was going ahead with the pregnancy and that I should be man enough to face my responsibilities.

When my wife found out, she went ballistic and called me a heartless pig. My mum has refused to take anyone’s side and my life looks a complete mess. I feel as if I’ve ruined everything for everyone. I just can’t see a way out.

Alfred, bye-mail.

D

ear Alfred,

YOU’RE IN a mess all right, but the only way through this is to face up to your responsibilities as your mistress suggested.

You can’t force her to have an abortion, so you will have to support your child, and I hope, be an actively involved dad. Once your wife has calmed down, she may realize none of this is the baby’s fault, but it is going to take a lot of hard work if she is ever to forgive and trust you again.

It is sad that despite the campaign against unprotected lovemaking, a lot of men freely indulge in it, leaving strings of unwanted pregnancies, and transmitted diseases.

I was a casual fling to her

A

BOSOM friend gave me a number of a lady he met when he went to audit her company’s account in a nearby state. He thought we would be good together and to my delight, there was an instant spark between us as we chatted. After weeks of chatting on the phone, she agreed to visit and we eventually met. She stayed at my home for just one weekend and the lovemaking was amazing. We made love four times before she went back to her state.

I phoned to find out if she got home all right and was really looking forward to seeing her again when she texted me a few days later, dumpling me. She said we lived miles apart and it would be really a hazzle keeping a relationship going under the circumstance.

I felt gutted. It made me feel bad about myself that she was only after the love-making. We still keep in touch. she sends me caring texts and keeps telling me she wants to be a friend, but I still feel bad for being used for love-making.

Emma, bye-mail.

Dear Emma, F SHE’D set out to use you for love-making, she definitely won’t continue with contacting you - the erotic chemistry was great, but she realized it would be such a problem trying to sustain a long distance relationship and it would be better to end it before you both got too involved. It’s a shame the relationship didn’t work, but don’t let it stop you from seeking greener pastures.

I

He resents being breadwinner

M

Y HUSBAND and I have a two year-old daughter but he is a rotten husband and father. He lost his job a year ago but couldn’t be bothered to find another one. He sleeps late whilst I go to work: and won’t allow me to see my friends. He often accuses me of cheating on him and calls my friends whores! Most of the time, he sits in front of the television, drinking.

I used to be in love with him, but I’m now thinking seriously of leaving him. But he thinks we should have a second child, but the idea doesn’t thrill me as he’s not much of a father to the child we currently have.

Joke, bye-mail.

Dear Joke, LEASE, THINK twice before getting pregnant, then follow your instint and leave. From everything you say, your husband is not suited for fatherhood. He might want another baby, but he obviously doesn’t want the responsibility that goes with it. He obviously is not a good role model to any child. If ’you’ll get pregnant, there will only be trouble ahead.

Ask your friends and family for support so you can make the break - then you can set up life on your own with your daughter and give her the upbringing she deseives. In the meantime, make sure you don’t get pregnant and don’t trust your partner to take care of contraception. Gone are the days when you stay in abusive relationships to please society.

P

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

60 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Play with your hearts – Pinnick charges Falcons N

FF President Amaju Pinnick has charged the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, to play with all their heart when confronting the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in the semi finals of the 9th African Women Championship in Namibia on Wednesday.

Victories over Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia and Namibia shot the six –time champions to the semi finals on maximum points from their three matches, with victory against South Africa to guarantee a place in the tournament final and a berth at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Canada.

“I am truly impressed with the way the team has played in the tournament and they have no doubt, made Nigerians happy.

Now, they have come to a point where they cannot afford to make any mistakes.

“Against South Africa, we have to be close to perfection. The rivalry between our two countries will make the match more competitive. So, we have to be at our very best. Our girls must play with their hearts.”

C

ROATIA’s Vido Loncar sparked outrageous scenes at the European Youth Boxing Championships when he launched a vicious assault on the referee after losing his bout in Zagreb.

Loncar, clearly unimpressed at the referee’s decision to award to bout to his opponent Algirdas

Villarreal of Spain striker, Ikechukwu Uche for the two remaining matches of the 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Congo and South Africa.

Addressing the sporting media after he led his assistants to a meeting with the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barr.

Musa Amadu, Amodu said the list includes players plying their trade abroad as well as those in the domestic league.

The Edo State born tactician who has handled the Eagles in the past also revealed that he was surprised when he received a call from the president of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick asking him to come and take over the team.

C M Y K

Baniulis of Lithuania, vented his fury by attacking the official, knocking him to the ground before continuing his assault with a flurry of punches.

Baniulis quickly fled the scene while Loncar had to be dragged from the ring by his ankles before the referee was eventually helped to his feet.

Apu’s new FIBA Zone 3 administrative secretary

B

IRREPRESSIBLE: Desire Oparanozie (backing camera) blocks a Bayana Bayana opponent in a previous encounter between Nigeria and South Africa

ASKETBALL writ er and columnist of the Sun Publishing Limited, Joseph Apu has been appointed the administrative secretary of the FIBA Africa Zone 3 board which

CAF to inspect Akwa Ibom Stadium for Eagles, Bafana cracker On Tuesday, CAF agreed ue had not yet been inspect-

T

HE Confederation of African Football (CAF) has agreed to send its officials to inspect the brand –new Akwa Ibom In-

Amodu Continues from BP

Croatian boxer viciously attacks referee

He also said that initially he wanted to turn down the offer because he did not want the immediate past coach of the team, Stephen Keshi to be sacked but had a change of mind after he heard that the federation was insistent on sacking the former national team captain.

The outspoken Amodu also revealed that he made his position known and that he must be announced through the technical department of the federation and that he must be given all the things that will help him succeed on the huge task.

The Coach further said that he will be meeting with the technical crew after which they will come out with a plan of how they intend to approach the situation and get the remaining maximum six points.

ternational Stadium, Uyo, which is being put forward

by Nigeria as venue for next month’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

Initially, CAF raised the issue of the fact that the ven-

ed and therefore would not stand a chance of hosting the match. However, the NFF assured the continental body of the quality of the facility and the readiness of the Akwa Ibom State Government to guarantee safety and security of all persons at the match.

Falcons Continues from BP of goal and being complacent during the game adding that they have learned their lessons and will not allow such to happen again.

“We lost to Banyana last time because we were not able to take our chances and they took theirs and converted their only chance to win.

We have learnt our lessons and that will be our guiding principle when we meet on Wednesday,” the experienced defender was quoted by the team’s media spokesperson Gracious Akujobi.

“This match means so much to us. We know a win will give us ticket to the Women’s World Cup aside from taking home the trophy, so we shall

take the match as if it is the final.

“We have to revenge that loss and restore our pride as African queens.

We just have to beat them to reach the final.”

She continued: “To me this is the most important game for us as a win qualifies us for the World Cup next year and it will further show we are the best in Africa. We have young and energetic players who have made Falcons a stronger team.”

Onome, who plies her trade in Belarus with FK Minsk, stated that her confidence is boosted by the calibre of strikers and the energy the young girls bring into the team adding that Banyana will no doubt be tough but that they must fall.

to send an official to check out the venue next week, as the NFF pushes ahead with all arrangements to have a hitch –free match between the Eagles and the Bafana Bafana on Wednesday, November 19.

The 30 -000 capacity, all – covered facility with a bullet –proof State Box for 70 persons, is one of the most magnificent sporting infrastructure on the African continent.

was reconstituted in Burkina Faso yesterday.

Apu, an astute follower of the game has been involved with the game of basketball since 1988 when he was writing for the then SportsWorld magazine and later the national Sportslink newspapers before heading to Vanguard’s SportsNow, the Post Express and Vanguard newspapers from where he joined the Sun. He is also a strong voice in basketball administration in Nigeria and is the current secretary of Dodan Warriors Basketball Club of Lagos, a team that compete in the DStv Premier League in Nigeria.

Pistorius Continues from BP slaughter of Reeva Steenkamp - but he could serve just 10 months in jail before being held under house arrest.

Pistorius killed his girlfriend in the early hours of Valentine’s Day in 2013 when he shot Miss Steenkamp, who was 29, through the bathroom door at his home in Pretoria.

Even if the 27-yearold is released from prison early, the International Paralympic Committee has confirmed he will not be permitted to compete at any of their events for

five years. This rules Pistorius out of running at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympics but he could return for Tokyo 2020.

This would change if Pistorius appealed against Judge Thokozile Masipa’s punishment and was handed a shorter sentence, but the IPC confirmed it is currently impossible for the athlete to compete in Rio. Craig Spence, spokesman for the IPC, said: ‘It’s five years, 2019 is where we stand on it.

‘The only way he could compete earlier is if he or his team appealed and got a lesser sentence.’

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 — 61

C M Y K

62 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Stoke boss orders probe over Moses

Man U job too big for Moyes — Ferguson SIR ALEX FERGUSON has defended himself regarding Manchester United’s demise, instead placing the blame on his successor David Moyes.

And the former boss believes Moyes came into the job unprepared, despite hand-picking him himself.

“He hadn’t realised just how big United is as a club,” Ferguson wrote in his updated book My Autobiography, which comes out Thursday.

“As the results deteriorated, each defeat was a

hammer blow to him. I could see that in his demeanour,” Ferguson continued. In January we bought Juan Mata and that gave everyone a lift but I could see the walls squeezing in, leaving David with less and less room to breathe.

“I know that feeling from 1989, when we went through a terrible spell. You feel you are being crushed.

“The results gnawed away at David. Nobody could dispute how disappointing the season was.

And it cost a man his job.”

Stoke City Chairman, Peter Coates has ordered an official complaints to both the FA and the BBC after Nigeria international, Victor Moses was accused to have cheated to win a penalty during Sunday’s clash with Swansea.

The Super Eagles forward who missed the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier due to injury was allegedly accused of diving to help his team get a penalty in their 2-1 win over Swansea City.

“We’ve been in touch with the FA,” said Coates, “to ask what is happening with Garry Monk because of what he said.

“We’ve also written to the BBC because I thought Hartson was a disgrace with what he said about Victor Moses.

He’s a big fan of Swansea and their manager... and it showed.

“It’s up to the particular authorities concerned about what they do now because it’s not in our jurisdiction and not up to us to offer advice. But we are unhappy when they come out and accuse one of our players of cheating.

•Ferguson

•Moyes

Man U plan £20m bid on Pique MANCHESTER UNITED are plotting a shock £20m bid for former star Gerard Pique. United boss Louis Van Gaal is still desperate to sign defensive re-enforcements and has put Barcelona’s Pique at the top of his wanted list.

Van Gaal has been told he has more funds to spend in the next transfer win-

dow and has made a centre back his priority. Pique, 27, has stated his desire to remain at the Nou Camp, but United bosses are confident of being able to lure him back to Old Trafford.

Pique joined United from Barca in 2004 and spent four seasons with the fallen giants.

•Moses

F

ORMER Milan legend Marco van Basten has expressed his concerns about Pippo Inzaghi’s lack of managerial experience.

The former striker is in the San Siro hotseat this season having replaced former teammate Clarence Seedorf.

However, for Van Basten, Seedorf’s example should be taken when assessing Inzaghi’s potential this term. “When Clarence

•Gerrard

Inzaghi can’t save Milan — Van Basten Seedorf started his job at Milan, I thought that it would be very difficult to do well,” the former Netherlands international has told Sky Italia.

“Milan is a great club and you must have a bit of experience. You can’t assume that if you were a

•Inzaghi

great player, you’ll also be a great manager. It’s an altogether different discipline.

And the same thing is true for Inzaghi, yes.”

The Dutch manager has recently opted for a demotion at AZ Alkmaar because the job was causing him health problems.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 — 63

NFF hosts Corporate Nigeria to grand ball in Lagos T

HE new Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation takes it bonding with partners and potential partners to a new height on Friday when it hosts the crèmede-la-crème of Corporate Nigeria to a grand ball at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event will start at 5pm.

NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, said on Tuesday: “It is a special event, at which we want to sell our new direction to the topof-the-range family of Corporate Nigeria. We are also going to sell transparency, accountability and probity and tell them that we have come with a totally different way of doing things.

“When corporate organisations know that their money will be put to judicious use, they are keen to partner with you.”

Sports Minister, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports,

•NFF President, Pinnick Senator Adamu Gumba and the Chairman of House Committee on Sports, Hon. Godfrey Gaiya will team up with the NFF team to make

Okpekpe Road Race gets IAAF bronze label

T

HE World Athletics Governing body, International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has conferred the IAAF bronze label status on the Okpkekpe 10km Road Race, which holds annually in Edo State,Nigeria.

In a release sent by IAAF, the body com-

NBL Open Chess Championship ends in Lagos

F

ORMER National Champions Bomo Kigigha and Labake Coker emerged top from the pool of top players at the just concluded 37th edition of Nigerian Breweries Plc International Chess Championship.

The seven round Swiss event pairing, which was held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos had World Chess Olympiad veteran, Kigigha return to the summit. A position he last occupied four years ago.

The champion’s defining moment came after his brilliant draw against Grand Master Srirah Jha from India in the penultimate round and was joint first with six points with Ademola Sorungbe but won the tie-break and both players received N275, 000.

The duo of grand master Jha and Femi Balogun also tied to third position with 5.5 points and received N75, 000 each.

In the female section, Coker extended her dominance in the category by retaining her title. She was involved in a three-way tie of 5.5 points with the duo of Toritsemuwa Ofowino and Omodalewa Akintoye but won on tie break. The trio bagged N108, 3000 for their efforts.

In the Opens category, Joshua Adejoh was the best in the pack with 6.5 C M Y K

their case to the prospective investors.

The NFF team that will have Mr. Amaju Pinnick at the head will include 1st Vice President, Barr.

Seyi Akinwunmi, Chairman of the Marketing, Sponsorship and Television Advisory Committee, High Chief Emeka Inyama, NFF General Secretary, Barr.

Musa Amadu, NFF Marketing Consultant, Mr. Mike Itemuagbor and Mr. Adama Idris, NFF’s Director of Marketing.

points from seven round won a cash prize of N150, 000 while the duo of Edet Udeme and Neseimeye Joma were joint second and won a cash prize of N87, 500 each. It was a three-way tie for top spot in the Amateur category as Jacdonmi Temisan, Tochukwu Akagha and Oladotun Akinseye all have six points out seven rounds and bagged N75, 000 each.

Young prodigy, Emmanuel Akintoye and Toluwanimi Okemakinde are the best in the under 14 boys with a total of 4.5 points and won N45,000 each for their efforts.

While Toyosi Bakare, Mathew Thomas, Qosim Olawoyin and Godswill Adara all have four points to win N15,000 each.

mended the organisers for staging a hitch free tournament in the last two years while, urging them to adhere to the rules and regulations guiding the new status.

The release stated:”We have reviewed your application for an IAAF Road Race Label. We are pleased to inform you that your race has been awarded a Bronze Label for 2015. We remind you that all requirements included in the Road Race Label Regulations must be met in order to be considered for an IAAF Label the following year.”

The maiden edition of Okpekpe International Road Race was organised by the Edo State,government under the leadership of Comrade Adams Oshiomole, in 2013.

Since inception, more than 200 top athletes across the globe have been part of the race, while Moses Massai of Kenya won the maiden edition with a time of 29mins, 39 seconds.

The competition has received the backing of dignitaries across the country, as they take active part in the race by running alongside Governor Oshiomole in the 10km race.

Gov. Oshiomole (r) in last year's Okpekpe Road Race.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Pistorius sentenced to 5 years in jail O

SCAR Pistorius has been sentenced to five years in prison for the man Continues on Page 60

Amodu invites Ik Uche, 65 others for Congo, S/Africa •Pistorius

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

S

TAND-in coach of the Super Eagles, Shuaibu Amodu yesterday in Abuja revealed that he has lined up a legion of 66 players including in-form

Champions League Matches today

Anderlecht A/Madrid B/Leverkusen Galatasaray Liverpool Ludogorets Monaco Olympiakos Continues on Page 60

v v v v v v v v

Arsenal Malmo FF Zenit B/Dortmund R/Madrid Basel Benfica Juventus

7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm

Bayana must fall — Falcons S

UPER Falcons cen tral defender Onome Ebi has said today ’s semi final clash with Bayana Bayana of South Africa is key to their hope of reclaiming the title they lost two years ago in Equatorial Guinea.

Onome, a prominent

•Ike Uche

member of the team that lost to a Janine Van Wyk solitary strike at this same stage in 2012 said they would not allow the mistakes of the defeat to repeat itself in Namibia.

She said that the mistakes were actually that of poor finishing in front

Continues on Page 60

•Onome

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 3 Showy (5) 9 Thoroughfare (6) 10 Consuming (6) 11 Perfume (5) 12 Thought (4) 15 Sapient (4) 17 Permission (7) 20 Expire (3) 21 Shy (5) 23 So be it (4) 25 Entrance (4) 26 Symbol (5) 28 Fix (3) 30 Protection (7) 33 Revise (4) 35 Caribou (4) 36 Nativity (5) 38 Frank (6) 39 Alighted (6) 40 Drugged (5)

DOWN 1 Fundamental (5) 2 Number (5) 3 Coach (3) 4 Modern (6) 5 Remit (4) 6 Headgear (3) 7 Inflexible (5) 8 Tally (5) 13 Gave (7) 14 Advantage (5) 16 Quiet (7) 18 Weary (5) 19 Large (3) 22 Old-fashioned (5) 24 And not (3) 27 Irritate (6) 28 Calm (5) 29 Titan (5) 31 Poor (5) 32 Wear (5) 34 Swimming-point (4) 36 Offer (3) 37 Owned (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Detest 5, Rescue 9, Power 10, Forget 11, Ashore 12, Dance 14, Clad 17, Let 18, Cute 20, Tidal 22, Arson 23, Recline 24, Gaped 26, Tepid 29, Iced 30, Act 32, Diced 33, Cited 35, Totter 36, Native 37, Depot 38, Darted 39, Reined.

DOWN: 1, Defect 2, Thread 3, Sped 4, Total 5, React 6, Erse 7, Crocus 8, Eleven 13, Neglect 15, Lilac 16, Dared 18, Creed 19, Tonic 21, Led 22, Ant 24, Gifted 25, Pester 27, Pinion 28, Depend 30, Aired 31, Tenor 33, Cede 34, Date.

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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