How Fayose took Ekiti from Fayemi

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62171

We won't focus on >56 Messi — Yobo

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MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

Boko Haram kills 40 in fresh Borno village attack >7

How Fayose took Ekiti from Fayemi •Why I won Ekiti election — Ayo Fayose >48 •Why we lost — APC; Fayemi concedes defeat •Jonathan, others congratulate Fayose, laud Fayemi

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, EMMA OVUAKPORIE, HENRY UMORU, DAPO AKINREFON, GBENGA ARIBIYI, BEN AGANDE & DEMOLA AKINYEMI

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DO-EKITI— EKITI State Governor-elect, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, yesterday, said he won the election because of his past performance and catering for the welfare of the people.

Continues on Page 5

COLUMNIST:

The darker side of the "Safe Schools P.40 Initiative"

Why Nyako must go •P.46

Mr & Mrs

JUBILATION—People of Ekiti State celebrating Governor-elect, Mr Ayo Fayose's victory in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday. Inset: Fayose addressing the press over his victory at the poll.

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2 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

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Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014 — 3

4 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014—5

POCKET CARTOON

APC ON EKITI ELECTION—From left: APC National Women Leader

Alhaja Ramatu Aliya; Senator Bukola Saraki, National Chairman, Chief Odigie Oyegun and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, during a World Press Conference on Ekiti Election and State of the Nation, in Lagos, yesterday.

Photo: Ademola Akinlabi.

How Fayose took Ekiti from Fayemi Continues from page 1 Fayose spoke to reporters on how he took Ekiti state from the incumbent governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan led the outpour of congratulations to winner of last Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose. The All Progressives Congress, APC, whose candidate and

incumbent governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi lost the election, last night, espoused reasons their standard bearer was defeated in the election.

However, Fayemi was gracious in defeat as he conceded that he lost the election.

The PDP candidate, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, who governed the state between 2003 and 2006 before he was removed from office, won the

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

‘Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.... Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand...’

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

The majority of men meet with failure because of their lack of persistence in creating new plans to take the place of those which fail — Napoleon Hill

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APOLEON Hill, in one of his famous books made a distinction between people. And he said the difference between people who are able to live a fully functioning life and to attract riches and wellness and happiness and abundance and prosperity into their lives is that the people who do that have something that he called a “burning desire.”

And a burning desire is very different than just, “Oh, I’d really like to do well, I’d like to have my book do well, I’d like to have this music that I’m writing do well, I’d like people to know about it,” and so on.

A burning desire is much deeper, it’s like having an inner candle flame that, no matter what goes before you, it doesn’t even flicker. And this is something that you can experience if you believe in yourself.

There are so many people, who don’t give enough, and maybe just a little more effort would have made a difference – they have a desire but they don’t have the willingness and the fearlessness and the determination to follow through with their dreams.

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election in a sweeping victory in all 16 local government areas of the state. He was trailed by Governor Fayemi of the APC. The third major candidate, Opeyemi Bamidele of Labour Party, LP, came a distant third. Fayose polled 203,090 votes to beat Fayemi, who polled 120,433 votes, while Bamidele polled 18,125 votes.

As congratulations poured in for the governor-elect, yesterday, the outgoing governor, Dr. Fayemi was also commended from across the country for his dignity in quickly conceding victory following the declaration of the results early yesterday morning by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Fayemi is to meet Fayose today to set the process for what the outgoing governor said would be a smooth transition. Fayose who reciprocated Fayemi’s gesture at a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday, also praised the governor for his courage and allowing peace to reign in the state.

Apparently disappointed with the outcome of the poll, APC leaders it was learnt, yesterday, are now proposing to their governors to direct their message to suit the circumstances they find in their states.

Expressing shock that the electorate in Ekiti turned away from Dr. Fayemi, a member of the

National Executive Committee, NEC of the party told Vanguard that the governors may now have to moderate their populist programmes.

“We have learnt our lessons. In the future, governors might now ask of what use it is to build roads, improve education, social welfare, infrastructure if that would not win you reelection.

“It is a celebration of corruption. What does it matter if somebody who had been impeached can come back like this?”, he asked.

National officers of the APC also blamed their woes on what they cited as the influence of money, saying that the PDP literally opened up the treasury to buy the election.

Releasing the results yesterday, the Returning Officer for the election and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Professor Isaac Azuzu, said Fayose polled 203,090 votes to defeat other candidates who participated in the exercise.

Giving details of the results at about 4.20 a.m. yesterday, he said: “We have come to the grand finale of this exercise. Accord-268, AA— 146, APC-120433, AD— 843, CPP-967, LP 18125 , KOWA —222, CPP— 967, PDP-203090, MPPP- 137, NCP—322, PDC—921, PPA—1050, SDP—65, UDP-67.”

Fayemi concedes defeat Fayemi was quick to concede defeat in a midmorning live broadcast to the people of the state.

The governor in the address titled, "If this is the will of the people:" said: "Yesterday, Ekiti State decided. Following the gubernatorial elections held in the land of honour, Ekiti State, Nigeria, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially returned the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the election.

"If indeed this is the will of the Ekiti People, I stand in deference to your will. If the result of the elections is an expression of the voice of our people, we must all heed your voice.

"I have just spoken

EKITI ELECTION RESULTS S/N LG

APC

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

4332 10176 3336 7989 8804 6746 9348 6834 8584 7994 5809 8138 7860 7134 13927 3422

Emure Oye Ilejemeje Ikere Ikole Ekiti S/W Ijero Irepodun Ekiti East Moba Ise/Orun Gboyin Ekiti West Ido Osi Ado-Ekiti Effon

Total

LP

PDP

1527 512 165 585 1259 1413 1554 3555 762 1000 600 714 884 1182 2065 358

7086 11200 3670 16197 14238 11038 13814 13038 12498 8878 10136 11046 10702 13045 41169 5335

120433 18125

203090

with my brother, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, congratulating him on his victory. In a few hours from now, I would be meeting the Governorelect to discuss the future of our dear state and how we would work together to institute a smooth transition programme.

"It has been a hard fought election. As expected, in the course of the campaigns, there were unsavory episodes as the candidates toured the nooks and crannies of the state to sell ourselves to the people.

Elections tend to be highly divisive affairs that often see brother rising against brother. Despite our diverse party affiliations, and regardless of which way we voted on Saturday, we must remember that we are all sons and daughters of Ekiti State. Ekiti is ours to build together.

"On our part, over the course of the campaigns, we presented our scorecards before the people of Ekiti State. We never at any point took your support for granted. We campaigned, we canvassed and we traversed the nooks and crannies of this state. Our performance and achievements in office will remain the backdrop against which the next government and indeed

future governments will be assessed. We are proud that with the support of Ekiti people, we have raised the bar of excellence in governance. In all, we gave our best, for conscience and for posterity.

"Indeed a new sociology of the Ekiti people may have evolved. However, the task of understanding how the outcome of this election has defined us as a people will be that of scholars.

For us as an administration and a cadre of political leaders in Ekiti State, we have fought a good fight, we have kept faith.

"To members of our party, our campaign team and indeed all Ekiti people who defied the siege on our state to cast their votes for our party, I salute your exemplary courage and doggedness in the face of harassment. Thank you for staying the course. The incidences of brazen harassment, intimidation and allied infractions on fundamental human rights, which many of you suffered in the hands of agents of the state, would be documented and communicated to the appropriate authori-

Continues on page 42

6—Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

Man, 69, bags 3 months jail for N90,000 fraud

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — A Senior Magistrate Court sitting at Isabo, Abeokuta has sentenced a 69-year -old man, Ifatokun Arolagbade, to six months imprisonment over fraud .

The accused was said to have unlawfully obtained N90,000 from one Bosede Sojirin on April 3, 2012 at Abiola Way, Abeokuta with false pretence to secure a three-bedroom flat for the complainant.

The prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Eigbejiale, said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Sections 419 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, Nigeria 2006.

The counsel to the accused, however, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that the accused person is an aged man and urged the court to give him option of fine.

The presiding senior magistrate, Martins Akinyemi, who found the accused guilty of the twocount charge levelled against him said the case had suffered several adjournments in instant of the accused to be able to settle the debt he owed but he failed to do so.

Magistrate Akinyemi, who considered the plea of the counsel to the accused, sentenced the accused to three months imprisonment on count one and three months imprisonment on count two which he said would run concurrently.

Suicide bomber kills three soldiers in Borno

BY NDAHI MARAMA

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AIDUGURI — A suicide car bomber suspected to be a Boko Haram member, yesterday, hit a military post at Gwoza, near a secondary school, killing three soldiers and wounding three others.The incident occurred at 7 a.m.

The suspected suicide bomber, according to Mallam Usman Yaro, in a telephone interview yesterday in Maiduguri, came through Wala and Warabe villages on high speed and hit the military post, with deafening sound that rocked the town for seconds, before people started scampering for safety.

He said:“We were woken up with a bomb blast on the road near the school, some of us started to run for safety while others fled into the school and hill tops of Gwoza.

"I cannot tell you the exact casualties but three soldiers fell on the road side while others took to their heels for safety, as the car that contained explosives ripped into pieces to create a deep crater near the post.

“None of the civilians was killed as people were still asleep when the suicide bomber detonated the explosives that killed him and three soldiers.”

He said the casualty figure could have been higher, as people had been prevented from ply-

ing the road by the military for safety since last month.

“Since the blast went off to destroy the military post, with the killing of three soldiers, the road was condoned off up till 4pm Sunday to allow some of the peo-

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA — HUNDREDS of people, including aged men and women, yesterday, protested the alleged forceful takeover of their large expanse of communal land at the Aguaba layout in the Anambra State capital by an indigene of the area, calling on Governor Willie Obiano to intervene.

When Vanguard visited the disputed land, all the cash crops planted by some women had been uprooted and beacons used in demarcating the land destroyed. Caterpillars were also at work, but the protesters had to forcefully stop the land clearing exercise.

The women sobbed uncontrollably when they saw bulldozers running over their farms and destroying crops.

However, the man who was accused of confiscating the

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AGOS — A SELF acclaimed pastor, Rufus Oluyole, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before a Lagos High Court in Ikeja, for allegedly stealing N27.7 million from Havilah Microfinance Bank Limited.

The defendant, who is the managing director of the said bank, was accused to have between 2008 and 2009 at Lagos, fraudulently converted various sums of money he collected from the bank at different times.

The defendant is facing a count charge bordering on stealing, but

The protesters, yesterday. land, Chief Austin Ndigwe, a former local government chairman in the area and a chieftain of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, said the land in question was earmarked for cattle market.

He said he started the construction of the market during

Marketing manager's murder sparks row in Imo community

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI — THE sleepy rural Amainyi community in Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State has been thrown into confusion following the gruesome murder of the Marketing Manager, Ihitte Uboma Business Unit of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, Mr Coleman Oguayo, by unknown persons.

The late EEDC marketing manager resides in Umuahia, Abia State, from where he goes to his Ihitte Uboma office daily.

pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in prison custody.

EFCC lawyer, Mr. G.K. Latona, informed the court that the offence was contrary to Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Cap C17, Vol 2, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria.

Led in evidence by the prosecution, a former staff of Havilah Microfinance Bank Limited, Haruna Abiodun, narrated how the defendant collected money from the bank using IOU as an instrument.

He said: “I read marketing and worked in the account department of Havilah Microfinance Bank Limited. I wrote a petition to the Board of Directors of the bank,

ing dwellers of hills bordering Cameroon.

A top police officer, who is not authorised to talk to the press, but attached to the patrol of Bama-Gwoza road, confirmed the incident.

Protest in Awka over trespass on communal land

A villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, told Vanguard that Oguayo came home last Wednesday, joined some other villagers to watch a World Cup match before retiring to his private residence.

It was also gathered that his wife called her late husband’s mobile telephone line several times Thursday morning and became visibly alarmed when there was no response.

According to the villager, “obviously alarmed by the unusual behaviour, the woman quickly

Banker docked over theft of N27.7m

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

ple in the market to go to their houses safely,” he explained.

Our correspondent also learnt that most of the border villages at Gwoza East areas were attacked this month, with the killing of over 120 villagers, includ-

informing them of how Mr. Oluyole was collecting money from the bank. Mr. Oluyole comes everyday to collect cash through IOU." According to the witness, from January 16, 2009 till March 26, 2009 the defendant did not sign any document while collecting money from the bank. And when he (Abiodun) noticed it, he started making sure that the defendant signs for money he collected.

During cross-examination by the defence counsel, Mr. Wale Ademoyejo, the witness said he wrote the petition to save the bank after he was relieved of the job.

raced home to ascertain what had gone wrong.

"On getting home, the man’s wife noticed that the gate into the family compound was unlocked and she decided to invite some others to accompany her into the compound.

“On entry, they saw Coleman lying at the sit-out dead, while his hands were tied to his back.

That was how the sordid drama of the man’s death started to unfold.”

The late Coleman’s brother, Mr. Virginus Oguayo, former coordinator of Ihitte Local Government Development Area, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, also confirmed the incident, adding that part of the information received from the Divisional Police Officer for Ihitte Uboma was that "the man was living in a lonely place.”

Meanwhile, scores of aggrieved Amainyi youths have demonstrated against the murder.

Many of the protesting youths, who spoke to Vanguard said there was no political undertone in the murder, adding that he was never known to be a cardcarrying member of any political party.

his tenure as local government chairman but subsequent administrations in the local government later abandoned the project.

The protesters, who waved green leaves, said they had plotted the land for the family members who originally owned it, insisting that there was never a time the state government acquired it for any project.

Chief Dilim Okafor, who doubles as the chairman of Land Management Committee for the community said: "Our people have been calling from all over the world when they were told that the largest private estate in Awka was being confiscated by one of us. We have made enquiries and found out that Governor Obiano did not know about what the man is doing.

"We are making efforts to calm down the youths and the women so that they would not do anything that could lead to breakdown of law and order. There is so much tension in the state capital because of this development and the earlier the state governor intervenes, the better for everybody."

However, Ndigwe said in a telephone interview that following the selection of the site as cattle market, he began the construction during his tenure as chairman of Awka South Local Government Area.

He said the project was later abandoned, but the incumbent chairman of the local government, Mr. Azubuike Ilo, had decided to resume the work.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014—7

Nigeria gets EU's N112bn grant to develop North, boost power supply

BY EMEKA MAMAH

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AGOS — THE European Union, EU, has given Nigeria a grant of 512 million Euros (about N112 billion) to revive the declining economy and the social sectors in the north as well as improve power supply and deepen democracy nationwide.

The deal was sealed, weekend in Nairobi, Kenya, at the signing ceremony of the 11th European Development Fund, EDF, National Indicative Programmes, NIP, between the Federal Government and the EU, at the sidelines of the just concluded 99th session of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Council, ACP, of Ministers and 39th Session of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Council-European Union, ACP-EU, Council of Ministers meetings.

The Supervising Minister of National Planning, Bashir Yuguda and head of Nigeria’s delegation to the ACP/EU meeting signed on behalf of Nigeria, while EU’s Commissioner for Development Cooperation, Andres Piebalgs, signed for the EU. A statement issued by the Tehcnical Adviser on Communications to the Minister of National Planning, Ikechukwu Eze, explained that "the support which is spread over seven years, beginning from this year, covers three key development areas, including health and resilience in northern Nigeria, as well as governance and power supply nationwide."

According to Eze, "the EU envoy stressed that the grant would support programmes in agriculture and rural development in the north as well as electricity and governance in Nigeria.

"Similarly, Yuguda explained that the 11th EDF programmes and projects are directed at addressing some of the challenges that Nigeria is facing at this stage of consolidating its status as a middle income country and help the nation achieve its expressed developmental goals.’’

The statement further quoted Yuguda as saying that “privatisation of key sectors of the economy such as telecommunications and electricity generation and distribution has been given top priority in an attempt to diversifying the economy away from dependence on oil and to stimulate investment, especially in agriculture and food production.”

Boko Haram kills 40 in fresh Borno villages attack

BY NDAHI MARAMA

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AIDUGURI— NO fewer than 40 people, including teenagers, were killed, weekend, when suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked three villages of Chuha A, Chuha B, and Korongilim in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attackers, according to sources, destroyed houses, shops and vehicles after carting away foodstuff and livestock.

A community youth leader in Chibok, Mallam Yakubu Joshua, who confirmed the incident on phone yesterday, said: “Some suspected Boko Haram terrorists invaded Chuha A, Chuha B and

Korongilim villages of Chibok council of Borno State and killed over 40 persons.

“The terrorists injured many other villagers, burnt many houses and made away with our foodstuff. The attack, which commenced at 7a.m. yesterday lasted over five hours before military intervened.

"I and some other residents of Chibok had made several

It’s 100% resource ownership or nothing, N-Delta youths insist •Faults Clark’s position

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

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BUJA — YOUTHS, under the aegis of Niger-Delta Self Determination Movement, NDSDM, have insisted that their demand to have 100 per cent control of oil resources in the region must be granted by the 2014 national conference or else they embark on secession pursuit.

They also faulted the position of former Federal Commissioner of Information and Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark, on a document which was circulated to delegates to the conference, Tuesday, stating their demand.

It would be recalled that Clark on the same day, rose on the floor of the conference and dissociated himself from the paper.

He denied any knowledge of the document, submitting that Nigeria would remain one indivisible entity. But his action drew the ire of some youths of the area.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, a member of NDSDM, Biebele Aremie, said it was within the right of the youths in the region to press home their demands when their elders refused to intervene.

He said the document was a direct response to the north’s stand on oil derivation.

He said: “We drafted the document that was presented before the conference members. The document was brought to the national conference because it is a reaction to the northern position, what the north called their northern agenda that was distributed to the delegates.

“We, as intellectuals and activists from the Niger Delta, we had to consult very widely even on live radio phone-in programmes in Port Harcourt where people had to call and express their position. We demanded to know from people what their reaction is as it regarding the Niger Delta people and their future. ”So, it is pertinent at this time to state that the position of the north in their document was very clear: that the issue of derivation was going to be reduced from 13 per cent to either zero per cent or at most five per cent. We are asking for 100 per cent resource ownership."

Faults Clark’s position

Aremie faulted Chief Clark’s open condemnation of the document, regretting that Clark did not speak up when it mattered most, when the north declared their stand on derivation.

He said: ”With due respect to our father and grand father, Papa E.K. Clark, this document originated from the Niger Delta and it belongs to the Niger Delta. In due course, you will hear more and more people react to Chief Clark’s position.

"It is also important to state that in 1999 when the Ijaw had Kaiama Declaration, our father and grandfather, Chief E.K. Clark denied and rejected

it. Then much more later, he came to own up to the declaration. So, it is not strange to us. ”Our position is very clear. If the north is demanding zero per cent for the Niger Delta, we are demanding a 100 per cent ownership of our resources or we have an alternative.

"The alternative is based on the African Peoples Charter and the United Nations Charter as it has to do with self determination. We shall proceed to international community peacefully to demand for self determination."

telephone calls to the military, unfortunately they (military) only started bombing the surrounding area of the attack after over 40 members of our community had been killed.

“The lifeless bodies of our people are still littered in the three villages as I speak, but our present fear is that many innocent villagers may be hit by the ongoing bombings by the military.”

Chairman Sector 5 of the local vigilante group in Borno State, Abba Aji Khalil, also confirmed the attack, saying his group was “already in hot pursuit of the suspected terrorists.

Our members in Chibok and neighbouring local government areas are already in hot pursuit of the suspected terrorists.”

Efforts to speak to Borno State Police Commissioner, Mr.Lawal Tanko, and his spokesperson, Mr Gideon Jubrin, proved abortive, but a senior police officer, who said he was not authorised to speak to the media, confirmed the incident.

8—Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

FG extends implementation date of new auto policy to January, 2015

Vandalism, biggest threat to power reform — MINISTER

BY EMMA UNA

BY GODWIN ORITSE

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HE Federal Govern ment has granted an extension for the commencement of the effective date of implementation of the new auto policy to January 1, 2015 as against July 1, 2014, following weeks of protests and lobbying by interested stakeholders in the maritime industry.

The extension was granted after lobbying machinery of different stakeholders, which included freight forwarding associations, logistics organisations and importers, who protested both the increase in tariff and the date of commencement.

The various lobbies were said to have been coordinated by a nongovernment organisation; the Maritime Advocacy and Action Group (MAAG).

Although, the extension did not affect the duty rate of 35 percent on used vehicles, but the additional 35 percent levy will not be implemented until January 2015.

It was gathered that government took a second look at the policy’s implementation date after last week’s automotive summit held in Lagos.

The summit, which was attended by different interest groups, was organised by the National Automotive Council (NAC) to put all stakeholders’ fears about the new auto policy on the table and assess the successes recorded so far.

At the summit, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) representative; Engr B.E Obayi called the attention of those in attendance to the fact that none of the assembly plants that have promised to roll out the Nigeria-assembled vehicles has approached the agency for standardisation of their products.

The SON’s representative, who also heads its Inspectorate and Compliance department, insisted that any vehicle that comes out of the assembly plants must meet Nigerian standards.

He told the participants that SON has not approved any such vehicles that are currently being assembled in Nigeria.

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ALABAR—VANDALI SATION of power infrastructure is the biggest challenge to power sector reforms, said M inister of State for Power, Alhaji Mohammed Wakil.

According to him, if nothing is done soon to stop the vandals, effective power supply in parts of the country will continue to be far-fetched.

Wakil, who made the revelation in Calabar while Commissioning the new power transmission sub station at Adiabo weekend, stated that vandalisation of power infrastructure was a form of terrorism.

“Some times, youths in the communities where power facilities are located remove some of the components and cables for sale while in some cases, those selling diesel and generating plants willfully destroy power facilities and plunge people into darkness in order for them to patronise their products,” he said.

The Minster Stated that the Ministry of Power had started a campaign to sensitize people, beginning at the state level to the local government, wards, communities and door to door on the need to be vigilant to safeguard the power infrastructure located within their vicinity.

He said: “There is need for

the communities to form vigilante groups to protect the power infrastructure located within the community from vandalisation because they are the ones directly benefitting from the infrastructure”.

He stated the terminal power transmission substation was conceived to deliver power from the Alaoji Power Station to Calabar and environs.

“The successful completion of

this substation, power supply to Calabar and environs has witnessed a tremendous improvement both in capacity and integrity and the issue of low power voltage previously experienced due to the long distance transmission line from Alaoji to Calabar has been addressed,” the minister said.

Mr Mack Kast, the Managing Director Transmission Company of Nigeria, said the com-

missioning of 21+ 132MVA station would serve as hub for power to the existing Economic Processing Zones Authority substation as well as others that are being constructed.

He said other substations constructed alongsie the Calabar station located in Kano, Bernin Kebbi, were also ready for commissioning.

He said: “By these projects, President Goodluck Jonathan has demonstrated his continued resolve in ensuring that the transmission agenda for the power sector continues to expand”.

NIWA VISITS VANGUARD: From right —Engr Serah Sulaimah, Head of Marine; National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA; Muazu Jaji Sambo, Area Manager, Lagos Area Office, NIWA; Mrs Telema Abbiba, Head of Admin, NIWA; and Mr Mike Ebonugwo, Features Editor, Vanguard Newspaper, during the visit of National Inland Waterways Authority members to Vanguard Head Office, Apapa, Lagos. Photo by Akeem Salau.

Inland Waterways: NIWA accuses Lagos govt of flouting court order

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

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AGOS—AREA Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Mr. Muazu Sambo, has accused the Lagos State government of flouting a Federal High Court judgment restricting it from collecting tolls on the nation’s inland waterways.

Muazu, who said this during a courtesy visit to Vanguard, insisted that issues relating to inland waterways have not ceased from being in the exclusive list of the 1999 constitution.

He noted that the court had ruled that NIWA and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, were the lawful agencies saddled with the responsibility of overseeing inland waterways in the country, adding that the presiding judge, Justice J. T. Tsoho, also restrained the state government from further collecting and imposing charges on the Association of Tourist Boat Operators, Water Transporters of Nigeria and Dredgers Association of Nigeria.

His words:“I can mention two cases of the violation of this order that has been brought to our notice. The first one was on May 1, 2014. A boat operator at Majudun, Ikorodu reported to NIWA that his boat was seized by LASWA and taken to their office at Falomo. The boat was not released to the operator until he was forced to pay twenty thousand naira to LASWA. We have evidence of

that payment with our police.

“The second case is the violation of our right of way by LASWA at Lekki Scheme One. At that location, one of our clients, Gani Tarzan, who has a jetty there, operating under NIWA’s permit had his fence demolished by LASWA. They carted away his fencing materials and then put their signboard that the land belongs to LASWA. LASWA had gone

ahead to impudently flout these court orders. ‘’LASWA’s audacity is not only a violation of the Federal High Court ruling but also a violation of a case long decided at the Court of Appeal which gave jurisdiction to NIWA. We will not hesitate to take advantage of the legal options which includes filing a case against LASWA and the Attorney-General of Lagos State for contempt of court.’’

Govt prosecuting 156 contractors for violating procurement law — BPP boss

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BUJA—THE DirectorGeneral, Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, Mr Emeka Ezeh, has said that 156 contractors are being prosecuted for violating the procurement law.

Ezeh, who made the fact known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja, said the infractions ranged from forgery to tendering of fake documents.

The director-general said such contractors must have been cleared illegally by government

officials in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to carry out jobs.

He warned that government officials who accepted incompetent contractors would be prosecuted.

“Naturally, the contractors go to various government MDAs because they are the ones that process their documents.

“All the government officers involved have been invited for questioning and possible prosecution. Already established

rules for administrative and criminal breaches will be followed in their sanctions.

“The EFCC, ICPC will do the investigation to establish the culpability or otherwise of the officers involved.

“So depending on its findings, they will be prosecuted accordingly,” he said, adding that breaches of the procurement act were often caused by ignorance and as such BPP had set up a training school to educate key officers of MDAs on the right procurement processes.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014—9

Ex-US envoy raises alarm over Nigeria’s economy

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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AGOS—FORMER Unit ed States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Princeton Lyman, weekend in Lagos, expressed concern about the state of the Nigerian economy, especially the rising state of poverty, warning that Nigeria might not be able achieve full potential for greatness.

Lyman, who is also a Senior Advisor, the US Institute of Peace, spoke at a public discourse with the theme, ‘Partnering for nation building,’ organized by KPMG Nigeria, Accenture and African Capital Alliance, in honour of the 80th birthday anniversary of Mr. Richard Kramer, founding Chief Executive of Arthur Andersen & Company in Nigeria.

Lyman maintained that a number of problems had plagued Nigeria over the years, while so many opportunities were gained and then squandered.

Lyman, whose presentation was titled; ‘Is Nigeria Poised for Greatness?’ said, “I chose the title because Nigeria is so poised.

But whether it realizes this opportunity is still uncertain. Nigeria could remain forever poised, but its potential greatness never realized.”

He lamented that despite Nigeria’s recent attractive economic accomplishments, poverty still remained high with an increasing level of disparity between the north and the south.

According to him, poverty in Nigeria was shockingly high,

shockingly for a country with such rich human, natural, and economic resources, arguing that poverty was the greatest obstacle to Nigeria’s greatness.

He maintained that if the vast majority of the population of Nigeria was to share fully in Nigeria’s growth, its wealth, and its development, Nigeria would become the giant of Africa as once expected.

The former Ambassador said, “There is another aspect of the economic condition that is very much both economic and political. There is poverty in every part

of the country. But there is a clear and dangerous disparity between the north and much of the rest of the country. In almost every category of human development – income, employment, education, and health, the north lags seriously behind. It is not a regional problem, however; it is a national one. This disparity weighs heavily on the politics of the country, on the security situation, and on Nigeria’s future as a united and great nation.

“The causes of this disparity are many and it is not merely a matter of economic resources. Gov-

ernance is surely part of it. But in developing plans for infrastructure, for reforming education, and in opening opportunities for entrepreneurial activities, attention has to be paid to the impact on different parts of the country. Developing national consensus on these problems is one of the tasks which reformers must assume.”

On his part, Mr. Udo Udoma, Senior Partner and Head, Udo Udoma and Bello-Osagie, a corporate law firm, blamed the problems of Nigeria on the failure of its leaders to build institutions.''

VISIT: From left—Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, with wife, Omolola; National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Woman Leader, APC, Alhaja Ramotu Tijani, and Governor Rauf Aregbesola Of Osun State during a visit to former Governor Oyinlola in his Okuku residence, Osun State yesterday.

El-Rufai warns against granting state pardon to convicted public officers

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AGOS—A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, yesterday ex-

Commercial vehicles re-certification: Lagos fixes July date

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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AGOS—LAGOS State Govern ment, weekend insisted that beginning from Tuesday, July 1, it would commence total enforcement of the Strategic Master Plan for Transportation in the state, during which only registered drivers and conductors would be allowed to operate as commercial vehicle operators in the state.

Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, who disclosed this, said all those who had not complied with the policy would be apprehended and the vehicle impounded, adding that: “To ensure a corporate outlook for transport operators and easy identification, the government and various transport unions have agreed and approved the designed uniform.''

C M Y K

pressed concern over the act of granting state pardon to convicted political office holders.

El-Rufai, while delivering a lecture on the topic “Corruption, and the Challenge of Good Governance” at the University of Lagos, said such act of pardon would encourage corruption.

The lecture was organised by “The Companion”, an association of Muslim men in business.

El-Rufai said giving state pardon to convicted political office holders would encourage many corrupt Nigerians.

He said it would also particularly give the youths the impression that corruption was something good and which people should get involved in.

“Pardoning convicted corrupt persons in Nigeria is sending a wrong message to the young ones,” the former FCT Minister said.

El-Rufai said the nation was undergoing an interesting time, particularly with the insecurity situation in the northern part of the country.

He however said every concerned citizen should push for a society that was good for all, adding that the insecurity situation in Nigeria was as a result of the failure of intelligence agencies which were also affected by corruption.

Lagos civil servants' promotion now hinged on performance

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS State Govern ment has said, henceforth, promotion for its civil servants will be based on performance and not on any other consideration.

Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, spoke in Alausa during the presentation of ‘Long service merit award’ to 550 civil servants, as part of celebration of the 2014 Civil Service Week.

Orelope-Adefulire, said the state government intention was to bring excellence and dedication to service, stressing “the state government recently reviewed the Staff Performance and Appraisal and Development, SPADV. ''The reporting system is meant to enhance management and staff performance in the state. In view of the recording system, the government will pay emphasis on performance, as well as performance base on promotion, with a view to restore confidence in annual performance reporting staff, as a barometer for career progression.”

100 to benefit from Lagos free surgery

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

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S the Lagos State government last week resumed its free cleft lip and Palate reconstructive surgery, a total of 100 less privileged Lagosians have been booked for the corrective surgery exercise.

Cleft lip and palate congenital facial deformity leaves a gap or split in either the upper lip or the roof of the mouth.

The surgery which is going to run for nine days is organized by the Lagos State Government through its Ministry of Health in partnership with Rotary International District 9110 and American_based NGO, Alliance for Smile.

Briefing Journalists, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris who gave update on the on_going exercise, lamented the stigma associated with the disorder.

10—Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

Ogun sensitises 11,000 CDA members on health insurance scheme

Arisekola: Jonathan pays condolence visit

BY OLA AJAYI

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BEOKUTA—OVER 11,000 Community Development Association, CDA members have been sensitised on CommunityBased Health Insurance Scheme, CBHIS, to enable them educate other members of their community on the importance of participating in the scheme.

The programme, which involved state and local governments, will result in a the accelerated upgrading of Primary Healthcare Centres, PHCs. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka said the CBHIS would also lead to an increase in the number of healthcare workers with regular training to boost their effectiveness, greater community participation and an expansion of emergency services.

NAFDAC warns over herbal products' advert

BY GABRIEL OLAWALE

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AGOS—NATIONAL Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has warned against the unauthorised advertisement of herbal products in the media.

Director General of the agency, Dr. Paul Orhii, who gave the warning during a briefing in Lagos, said henceforth, the Agency would prosecute producers of un-certified products that tended to mislead the general public.

Orhii, who spoke while parading an arrested herbal drug producer over proliferation of unauthorised advertisement of herbal products in the print media, lamented the implications of the trend.

“We are appealing to the media not to accept advertisements for NAFDAC regulated products that do not have approval of the Agency as we have observed the proliferation of un-authorised advertisement of herbal products in the media, most of which is misleading and carry false claims.''

PRESS BRIEFING: Ekiti State Governor-Elect, Mr Ayodele Fayose (centre) addressing the press over his victory at the just-concluded guber poll. With him are some of his aides.

Osun APC, PDP disagree over Ile-Ife mayhem

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SOGBO—FOLLOW ING yesterday’s declaration of Mr. Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the winner of Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, yesterday alleged that people suspected to be loyal to Senator Iyiola Omisore, allegedly attacked members of APC in Ile-Ife and Ilesha, injuring many.

“The PDP members, according to the APC Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy Mr. Kunle Oyatomi; “During the celebration of Fayose victory attacked one Ibiyode Kunle, a driver and Suleiman Ayeye, a tailor in front of their house and both are currently on admission at Accident and Emergency Unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital

Complex, Ile-Ife with various degrees of injuries.

But the PDP Director of Research and Publicity Prince Diran Odeyemi denied the allegation and directed the ruling party to report the matter to the police.

Speaking on the development, a member representing Ife South State Constituency in the State House of Assembly and Chairman Media Committee for the second term re-election campaign of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Honourable Folorunsho Bamisayemi, said the incident, a ripple effect of the election in Ekiti was indeed detestable.

He maintained that there was no reason why the PDP in Ife should unleash mayhem on APC members, saying “from the reports I have, the attacks occurred at Ogbingbin, Oke-Ijan on Saturday night and the victims are now receiving treatment at OAUTHC, Ile-Ife. Right now another

has just occurred at Garage Isale.

“Such violent attacks should be exposed to the whole world to see. Is this the plan of the PDP in the run off to the August 9th gubernatorial election? Is violence the best way to campaign?

It seems to them that violence, intimidation and maiming of innocent people is the best form of campaign.

Bamisayemi stressed that the occurrence was alien to Osun and that the Federal Government should call the PDP and its thugs to order, adding that “the matter has been reported to the police in Ile-Ife and a petition would forwarded to the State Director of State Security Service (SSS) and Commissioner of Police for prompt action.”

He added that series of provocation would have been perpetrated by the PDP thugs since Saturday night when the first incident was reported.

I'll beat Adeleke up when I leave office — MINISTER dia aide, Mr Olumide Lawal stated

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SOGBO—MINISTER of Po lice Affairs, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan at the weekend threatened to engage former governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adeleke in a physical fight whenever he left office as a member of the Federal Executive Council FEC. He also explained that his position as a member of the FEC prevented him from beating Senator Adeleke during a stakeholders meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at Ideal Nest Hotel, Osogbo in April, this year during run-off to the PDP primaries in the state.

But Senator Adeleke responded that he was too matured a politician to join issues with the Minister.

Adeleke who spoke through his Me-

that the matter was already before the panel of enquiry set up by Osun State Government.

However, the Minister, who spoke with newsmen in Osogbo, claimed he was frustrated by Adeleke and his supporters at the event but remained calm despite all intimidation, saying “if I had not been a Minister I would have beaten Adeleke to pulp on that day. I will one day leave office as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and any time I leave office I will fight Adeleke. He alleged that I punched him on the chest, for God’s sake, if I had punched Adeleke, could he still be moving around.”

He said neither him nor the Governorship candidate of the PDP in the state; Senator Iyiola Omisore was instrumental to the attack on Adeleke as claimed by both Adeleke and APC.

B A DA N — P R E S I DENT Goodluck Jonathan has joined other Nigerians who have been paying condolence visit to the families of late Alhaji Azeez Arisekola, who died last Wednesday in London.

President Jonathan described the death of the late philanthropist as a monumental loss to the nation.

The president was represented by his deputy, Namadi Sambo, who was ushered into the residence of the deceased by Senator Hosea Agboola, Chief Olabode George, Mr. Oba Otudeko, Prince Ajibola Afonja, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi and some children of the deceased. He expressed President Jonathan’s condolence message to the Oyo State Government.

Ajimobi, who could not hide his emotion on the loss of Arisekola said “people who knew me know that I hardly cry in public. But Aare is worth crying for, look at his house, look at his children, is there anybody here that Aare has not touched his life?

Tukur, others hold fidau prayer Meanwhile, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Seyi Makinde, a PDP governorship aspirant and other dignitaries yesterday eulogised the late business mogul, as a thirdday fidau prayer was held for the repose of his soul.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014—11

Blame Boko Haram insurgency on Northern religious institutions —CAN

Jubilation in Benin as Oba receives artefacts returned from Britain

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

BY FESTUS AHON

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ENIN—IT was jubilation, weekend in Benin City, Edo State, when the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa received two precious bronze artefacts looted by the British during the invasion of Benin Kingdom, from Dr. Andre Walker.

Walker is the great grandson of Captain Philip Walker, one of the soldiers who invaded Benin Kingdom in 1897 and carted away their precious artifacts. The Briton said he decided to return the artifacts because he felt the Binis were unfairly treated by the British.

Oba Erediauwa, while playing host to Walker at his palace, commended what he described as Walker's courage and tenacious desire to return the artworks that were looted by his grandfather, Captain Philips.

Helen Eguabor passes on

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RS. Helen Eguabor, wife of Mr. Ide Eguabor, a veteran journalist and renowned political writer, is dead, aged 46. She passed on at a medical facility in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, South Africa, June 12, 2014. She had gone there in the company of her husband and sister for a medical checkup.

She will be buried at Ubiaja, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State on July 4.

She is survived by her widower, Mr. Felix Eguabor and four children, Anita, Felix Jnr, Lauretta and David. Also left behind are an aged mother, brothers, sisters, uncles and several in-laws. She will be buried in Ubiaja, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State on July 4.

Late Mrs. Eguabor

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RETURN OF BENIN BRONZES: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (left) and Dr. Adrian Walker, grandson of Capt. Herbert Walker during the return of two Benin bronzes looted during the invasion of Benin Kingdom in 1897 by the British.

Obey court order, Oshiomhole tells suspended Edo lawmakers ...as Assembly resumes sitting today

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM & GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—AS members of Edo State House of Assembly sit today amidst unresolved crisis, Governor Adams Oshiomhole has admonished the four suspended Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lawmakers in the House to obey the court order which restrained them from attending the House sittings.

Similarly, Coalition of Registered Political Parties, CRPP, in the state has urged the four suspended lawmakers to obey the court order.

CRPP, in a statement by its state Chairman, Dr. Samson Isibor, said: “We are calling on the suspended lawmaker to respect their status and obey court orders in order to avoid anarchy.”

Bailiff's action condemnable —Ebea

But the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Festus Ebea, has described as condemnable, the action of a court bailiff who wanted to serve him and the three other Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lawmakers the court processes outside their residence and offices, from which they were being denied access, as ludicrous.

The suspended Deputy Speaker ’s condemnation is coming on the heels of the decision of the suspended lawmakers and those of the PDP to attend today’s session.

The Chief Minority Whip of the House, Mr. Kingsley Ehigiamusoe, who spoke to Vanguard in a telephone chat, when asked if they would at-

tend the House session which was adjourned to today, said: “We will attend today’s session. We are only appealing to our colleagues on the other side to give peace a chance in the interest of Edo people. As for us, the session will be peaceful and there will be no problem.”

Ebea, who spoke with journalists in Benin, weekend, said: “The suspension was quite laughable because the rule which they relied on, i.e. Rule 38 (3, 4 and 6), is quite explicit to the effect that for you to be suspended, you must be at the sitting and it is one person at a time. You cannot suspend a group.

“In my case, they said 'misconduct' that the Deputy Speaker is always in nocturnal meetings with other people. What is funny about this is that the people that met me, did so in my capacity as Deputy Speaker, in my official residence, not elsewhere.

“When the suspension came, the Speaker and others decided to deal with the former APC lawmakers that defected alleging that Patrick Osayimwen, Oredo East; Friday Ogieriakhi, Orhionmwon South and Jude Idehen, Ikpoba-Okha, got money to defect to the PDP and that they (Deputy Speaker and others) were induced.

“They offered me money because I had not crossed, but I refused. Mine was

even tripled, but I still refused because the issues I had with them are clearly stated and till tomorrow, I will not back down on those issues; it is not about me. So God, the judge of all knows if I had collected money, whether from PDP or the Federal Government or from any other human being to do what I am doing. Nobody induced me. In as much as I know that I cannot speak for any of my colleague, if you verify from them, you will find that they were not induced.”

However, Governor Oshiomhole on a live television programme, monitored in Benin City, called on the lawmakers to obey the court order so as to avoid unnecessary tension in the state.

“The institutions of state are still weak. The House of Assembly got a court injunction from a Federal High Court restraining them from suspending or declaring the seats of four members vacant.

The court also upheld the power of the House to suspend their members based on the rules of the House. The court would not freeze those powers therefore, it vacated that aspect of the order.

“Based on the court ruling, the House as a lawmaking institution and therefore a law abiding institution decided to suspend these four members. But they decided that they will not accept the court order and they got the Police to force them into the House."

GHELLI—CHRISTIAN Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ughelli North Local Government Area chapter, Delta State, has told the Sultan of Sokoto to blame the Boko Haram insurgency on religious institutions in the North and not the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Sultan was reported to have said that Boko Haram was an offshoot of the injustice meted on the North by the President Jonathan administration.

The chapter, in a statement by its Chairman, Rt. Rev Diamond Emuobor, at the end of its quarterly meeting, said: "The debacle of Boko Haram insurgency is wrapped in a Jihadist designation, but deceitfully tagged as a political misrule agitation.

“The Sultan of Sokoto’s address at the national prayer event recently said that Boko Haram is an offshoot of the injustice meted on the North by Goodluck Jonathan’s six years administration.

“When at independence, the North had nine secondary schools compared to the 109 in the South, was the Jonathan administration to blame?

What can six years administration do in a nation, compared to the 38 years of Northern element’s seizure of the Nigerian state? Blame the religious institutions of the North, and not the Nigeria state as more northerners have held leadership position of the country than any other region. Could the Almajiris, who are the offshoot of lslamic religion be said to have emanated from the six years administration of Goodluck Jonathan?

“Further, are the 10 million children roaming the streets of the Northern states born only six years ago? If so, who is responsible for enrolling them into schools? What about the state governors and their Local Government Area chairmen and councillors? What have they done with their allocation?"

12—Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

Alleged plot to impeach Amaechi laughable —Rivers APC

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT—ALL Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, has described an alleged plot by six lawmakers opposed to the state governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi to impeach him, as ridiculous and undemocratic.

Media aide to the state Chairman of the party, Chief Chukwu Eze, said the party had uncovered an alleged plot by the six lawmakers to initiate impeachment proceedings against the governor at a private hotel, adding that it would not hesitate to commit Mr. Evans Bipi, a factional Speaker of the Assembly, to jail over the alleged plot.

He said: “A plot to use six renegade members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to embark upon an impeachment procedure against Governor Amaechi, the governor of Rivers State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, has been brought to our notice. To us, this is ridiculous, the highest form of impunity, an invitation to anarchy and a booby trap which could truncate our nascent

democracy.

“Sadly for them, we cannot accommodate or accept six confused lawmakers whose leader, Evans Bipi, representing Ogu/ Bolo constituency, was cau-

tioned by a state High Court to stop parading himself as a Speaker. Bipi is obviously playing with fire as he has been barred from parading himself as Speaker by a court

of competent jurisdiction.

He should also note that none of his undemocratic sponsors will come to his aid when he is committed to prison.”

COMMISSIONING: From right: Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, Prof. Vincent Tenebe; Chairman NOUN Governing Council, Senator Ameh Ebute; NOUN Deputy VC, Prof. Nebath Tanglang and member of Council, Prof. Godwin Sogolo, during the commissioning of Emevor Community Study Centre, Emevor, Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State.

Oil spill victims to get £30m from Shell

BY SEBASTINE OBASI with agency report

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ICTIMS of the two oil spills caused by Royal Dutch Shell in Bodo community of Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State, in 2008, will be paid £30 million as compensation. Dutch Shell declared willingness to pay up to £30 million (N7.5 billion) after a London court rejected a larger claim, Reuters reported.

About 15,000 residents of Bodo community represented by a law firm, Leigh Day, appealed in 2011 to a London court for more than £300 million in compensation.

Claimants say that the two spills resulted in the leakage of 500,000 barrels of oil, but Shell estimated the volume at around 4,000 barrels. Shell has already offered some compensation for the spills.

A Shell offer in September 2013 to settle the case for £30 million remained on the table.

The lawyer representing the claimants rejected the sum.

“Shell has consistently sought to underestimate the damage whilst paying only lip service to an apology. These spills, which are some of the largest oil spills in history, have devastated a community of many thousands of people and ravaged the environment.

“The offer of £30 million had been made before, but rejected by our clients, who found it insulting and derisory. Nothing has changed this view,” Martyn Day, said in a statement.

A trial is planned to start in May 2015 in Nigeria, but Shell urged the claimants to reach a settlement beforehand.

“From the outset, we’ve accepted responsibility for the two

deeply regrettable operational spills in Bodo,” Mutiu Sunmonu, Managing Director of the Shell Petroleum Development Company in Nigeria, said in a statement.

“We hope the community will now direct their United Kingdom legal representatives to stop wasting more time pursuing enormously exaggerated claims and con-

sider sensible and fair compensation offers,” Sunmonu said.

Blame Boko Haram insurgency on Northern religious institutions —CAN

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—CHRISTIAN Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ughelli North Local Government Area chapter, Delta State, has told the Sultan of Sokoto to blame the Boko Haram insurgency on religious institutions in the North and not the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Sultan was reported to have said that Boko Haram was an offshoot of the injustice meted on the North by the President Jonathan administration.

The chapter, in a statement by its Chairman, Rt. Rev Diamond Emuobor, at the end of its quarterly meeting, said: "The debacle of Boko Haram insurgency is wrapped in a Jihadist designation, but deceitfully tagged as

a political misrule agitation.

“The Sultan of Sokoto’s address at the national prayer event recently said that Boko Haram is an offshoot of the injustice meted on the North by Goodluck Jonathan’s six years administration.

“When at independence, the North had nine secondary schools compared to the 109 in the South, was the Jonathan administration to blame? What can six years administration do in a nation, compared to the 38 years of Northern element’s seizure of the Nigerian state? Blame the religious institutions of the North, and not the Nigeria state as more northerners have held leadership position in the country than any other region. Could the Almajiris, who are the offshoot of lslamic religion be said to have emanated from the six years administration of Goodluck Jonathan?"

2015: Anioma youths drum support for Olejeme

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NIOMA Youth Leaders Movement has endorsed Dr. Ngozi Olejeme as the most qualified aspirant to take over from Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, in 2015.

The movement, in a statement by Mrs. Chinelo Elue, weekend, said: “We believe Dr. Olejeme’s experience in the public and private sectors, her deep knowledge and understanding of the intricacies and nuances of our society and her record in the public service, have sufficiently placed her in a vantage position to provide the desirable leadership in Delta State.”

The youths promised to campaign across the state, noting that most of the rumoured contestants for the governorship seat have nothing to offer.

“Dr. Olejeme is a great daughter of Anioma, a pride to Delta State and Nigeria. She is one with extra-ordinary flames of passion for the development of the less privileged people in the society," she added.

Vanguard , MONDAY,JUNE 23, 2014 — 13

Abia govt slams Jigawa lawmakers over 486 arrested terror suspects U

BY ANAYO OKOLI

MUAHIA—ABIA State government has attacked Jigawa State lawmakers who threatened to sue the state over the arrest of 486 Boko Haram suspects by soldiers of 144 Battallion, Asa, Abia State.

The government dismissed the threat by the lawmakers as “laughable and diversionary”, saying by their action, they presented themselves as law breakers, rather than lawmakers.

The government warned the lawmakers to steer clear of the case and allow security agencies to do their job of carrying out thorough investigation on the matter.

Abia government in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Charles Ajunwa, explained that it did not arrest the suspects but that security agents did.

The statement read: ”The attention of Abia State government has been drawn to the statements credited to some lawmakers in Jigawa State House of Assembly, where the latter had vowed to drag Abia State government to court over the arrest of its citizens among the 486 Boko Haram suspects arrested by the army while travelling in a convoy of 35 buses

in the wee hours of last Sunday morning. ”The state government also has noted with dismay the reckless and unguarded utterances coming from some northern individuals and groups pretending to be the voices of the people of the North.

These unpatriotic elements for no just cause have deliberately employed all kinds of guerrilla

tactics to tarnish the good image of Abia State government simply because it exposed and alerted the nation, including the international community, on the arrest of 486 suspected Boko Haram members by a team of vigilant and gallant soldiers on routine patrol at Aro Ngwa and Imo Gate, along Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway.

AWARD: Chairman, Committee of Chief of Compliance of Banks in Ngeria, Mr. Pattison Boleigha (left), presenting an award to former Chief Compliance Officer, Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Humphrey Akachukwu, during a gala night of the committee, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Anglican church suspends 34 knights

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—NO fewer than 34 Anglican knights have been suspended by the Anglican Diocese on the Lake over alleged inactivity in the church.

The Bishop, Rt. Rev. Chijioke Oti, announced the suspension at the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, Oguta, during the investiture service of 13 new knights.

“The 34 knights, who now stand suspended, have not been participating in diocesan activities, especially programmes of the Council of Nights in the Diocese,” Bishop Oti said.

The Anglican cleric was particularly irked that the affected knights brazenly flouted his earlier directive that all knights should not only get registered but must participate in the 2014 diocesan synod.

“Let me, however, say that any of the suspended knights who showed serious signs of remorse, and reapplies for possible reconsideration, would be re-admitted into the fold,” Bishop Oti said.

He reminded the new knights that knighthood was

“As a responsible government, we want to state categorically that Abia State government had at no time ordered the arrest of the 486 Boko Haram suspects travelling in a convoy of 35 buses.

“Instead, the suspected Boko Haram members were arrested by a team of vigilant soldiers on daily routine patrol at Aro Ngwa and Imo Gate, along the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway, on the suspicion that occupants of the 35 buses were travelling at odd hours."

neither a secret cult group nor a place for fun-seeking individuals but a call to serve God and man.

Delivering the sermon

during the service, the Bishop, Diocese of Egbu, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okorafor, said knighthood was not a status symbol.

The bishop said: “Knighthood is not a status symbol. I urge you all to shun pride, arrogance and insubordination. You must see yourselves as soldiers of Christ.”

Court bars Ebonyi govt from pipeline production siteEzzamgbo. affect the current status of the

BY PETER OKUTU BAKALIKI—A High Court sitting at Ohaukwu judicial division, weekend, issued an interlocutory injunction preventing Ebonyi State government or persons acting on its behalf from entering the ongoing pipeline production site located at Egu-Effium Nsalakpa,

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The court also ordered the defendants, the Attorney General of Ebonyi State, Dr. Benjamin Igwenyi, and the state Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Housing, Mr. Nwogha Moses, not to fence, partition and allocate the land to any other person or group of persons or body that will alter, change or

land, pending the final determination of the substantive suit.

The presiding judge, Justice H. A. Nkoju, after hearing the submissions of counsels to the plaintiff and defendants, Ikechukwu Agbo and S. N. Ogbuinya respectively, granted the application of the plaintiff.

IGBO GROUP TO BOKO HARAM: We'll revenge any attack on Igbo soil

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

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AGOS—PAN Igbo sociopolitical organisation, Obigbo, has warned Boko Haram insurgents to regard the South East as a no go area, noting that any attack on Ndigbo on Igbo soil would be met with reprisal attacks.

It also said that Ndigbo would not be part of any activity that will disintegrate Nigeria, adding that the Igbo would not watch while

her people were killed in Igboland.

Briefing newsmen in Lagos, National Leader of the group, Chief Charles Ahize, urged all the governors of the south eastern states to tighten security in the region.

His words: “We want to make it aboundantly clear to the Boko Haram insurgents that if any life is lost on Igbo soil, there will be a reprisal of monumental

proportions that the country will find difficult to contain.

“It is no longer in doubt that there is a clear and present danger to the lives and property of Ndigbo in Igboland. Obigbo, hereby, sounds a clear note of warning to the Boko Haram insurgents and their financiers that the South East is a no go region. Any attack on Ndigbo on Igbo soil would be considered crossing the rubicon."

COURT VICTORIES: Why I visit Ojukwu's grave—Umeh

BY VINCENT

UJUMADU WKA—STILL basking in the euphoria of his victory at the Court of Appeal which affirmed his position as national chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor, has again visited the grave side of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim C h u k w u e m e k a Odumegwu-Ojukwu, saying he did so whenever he won a court case because the Ikemba Nnewi was always behind his political successes.

Umeh, who stormed the late Biafran warlord’s Nnewi country home with hundreds of APGA supporters, venerated in front of Ojukwu’s mausoleum and showered praises on him, explaining that his strength was usually renewed whenever he visited Ikemba’s graveside.

Umeh said: “I am here to renew and recharge my strength. Ojukwu groomed me for five years. Ikemba as the national leader of APGA for five years and me as the national chairman of APGA, shared many secrets together on how to guard the interest of Ndigbo in Nigeria."

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Obiano's aide denies demanding N500m from Obi

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA—SPECIAL Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Interparty Affairs, Chief Ben Obi, has denied demanding N500 million from former Governor Peter Obi, saying those making the allegation were only out to malign him.

Obi, who served in the same capacity during the administration of the former governor, told reporters that he had never complained to anybody that he was not fairly treated by his former boss who hails from his town.

According to him, those making the allegation are people bent on tarnishing the image of Mr. Peter Obi who he described as the best governor Anambra State has had.

14 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014—15

OLUSEYI WEDS DEOLA

NABC to host Nigerian-Netherlands Economic forum in The Hague From left: Mrs Mercy Etchie, Mrs Tobi Odunaiya, mother of bride; the couple, Mr & Mrs Oluseyi Akinnibosun; Mr Peter Etchie; Mr Kunle Oluwole and Chief Cecilia Ibru during the marriage between former Miss Deola Odunaiya, daughter of Mrs Tobi Odunaiya and Mr Oluseyi Akinnibosun, son of Mr & Mrs Abdurahman Akinnibosun at Federal Marriage Registry, Ikoyi, Lagos, weekend.

From left: Mrs H. Oyinda Akinnibosun, mother of the groom; the couple, Mr & Mrs Oluseyi Akinnibosun and Mr Adulrahman Akinnibosun, father of groom during the maariage. Photos: Joe Akintola.

FG subsidy claims can’t stand external scrutiny — PENGASSAN

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

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AGOS — PETROLEUM and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria PENGASSAN, weekend in Lagos, said the Federal Government billions of Naira subsidy claims for petroleum products in the last two years could not stand the test of external scrutiny, as only the government had been running the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, alone without the input of stakeholders.

This came as the association accused the government of lacking the desired seriousness in getting the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, passed as the National Assembly was footdragging in the passage of the Bill.

At a briefing ahead of the 4th Triennial Delegates Conference taking place between Tuesday and Wednesday in Abuja, President of PENGASSAN, Mr. Babatunde Ogun, lamented that “despite the high expectation and euphoria that greeted the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) at its inception as a reform that can improve the oil and gas sector has started waning as a result of the undue delay in its passage by the National Assembly.

"Our association has been vociferous on the petroleum sector reforms through our participations and rep-

resentations at different stages and fora. There are grey areas noted in this bill by various stakeholders and we have advised government to harmonise these issues to quicken its passage.

"NUPENG and PENGASSAN have gone a step further to engage the OPTS (Oil Producers Trade Sector), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as representative of government to address those controversial issues as it relates to costs, profits, royalties, taxes and fiscal investment among others. ”PENGASSAN has worked with Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, to adopt a common position on identified industry and labour issues in the bill, which was presented to the Senate and the House of Representatives."

"Despite all these efforts on the part of the unions, it seems the executive arm of government is not exhibiting any seriousness in getting the bill passed, as the National Assembly is foot dragging in the passage of the bill.”

According to him, “PENGASSAN plays key role in the downstream sector of oil and gas operation, and policy issues. Our inputs to policy formulation have been of help in the management of emerging and difficult challenges in the sector.

"The association supported down-

stream liberalisation to foster private investments, participation and competition in petroleum products refining, storage, marketing and distribution.

"We noted that a lot of work is required to stimulate private sector participation, encourage investment through the promotion of fair and healthy competition.

In all these, the consuming public and businesses need protection against the severity and vagaries of market forces and exploitation of consumers through overpricing.”

By LAWANI MIKAIRU

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AGOS — THE Nether lands-African Business Council, NABC, has said it will host the Nigerian-Netherlands Economic Summit in The Hague, Netherlands in August.

According to the NABC Chapter President in Nigeria, who is also the promoter of the forum, Chief Cliff Ogbede, the aim of the summit, which will hold annually, is to showcase Nigeria as a new frontier for investments particularly given the fact that Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa with impressive growth forecast.

Chief Ogbede further said: “The forum will encourage Dutch Small and Medium Enterprises to take advantage of the new Dutch Goods Growth Fund (DGGF) which is in excess of about EUR750 million earmarked by the Dutch government to support Dutch SMEs who are interested in the African market for them to see Nigeria as a

UK education standard now available in Nigeria

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PARTNERSHIP agreement between Kensington College of Business, United Kingdom, and Diadem School of Advanced Studies, Lekki, Lagos has now brought the UK quality

Power: Use security agencies to protect facilities, FG tells successor coys

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BY CHRIS OCHAYI

BUJA— The Federal Gov ernment has advised successor companies of the Power Holding of Company Nigeria, PHCN, to liaise with security agencies in the country to protect electricity installations against the activities of vandals The government also enjoined the companies to seek the assistance of security operatives to checkmate cases of harassment and assault on personnel of the

prime destination.”

The NABC was founded in 1946 and it believes that an increase in business activities with the transfer of expertise and knowledge to Africa will help tremendously to strengthen African economic development and the Dutch expertise in various key sectors of the economy will provide significant value to the sustainable development of the African continent.

“We are targeting having a large portion of this (DGGF) fund to be invested in Nigeria, having seen the significant progress being recorded in the life of this present administration and the need to encourage more Dutch investments into Nigeria with priority on Small and Medium Enterprises participation which will help to stimulate economic growth, create a strong middle class through job creation and improve the well-being of Nigerians.“

power companies over unpaid electricity bills.

Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Benjamin Dikki, who gave the advice when the postprivatisation monitoring team from the bureau visited the Port-Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHEDC, charged that Nigerians, irrespective of their status, must be prepared to pay for services rendered by the power companies.

standard of education to the door step of Nigerians.

Through this agreement, which is first its kind in Nigeria, parents now have the opportunity to train their young wards through British education curriculum to obtain the Cambridge A-Level certificate which qualifies them for direct entry into U.K Universities.

Speaking on this agreement signed with Kensington College of Business UK, Proprietress of Diadem School of Advanced Studies, Mrs. Abimbola Oladinni said the idea behind the programme was to address fear by Nigerian parents who are not comfortable with sending their young children abroad to study for Advanced level courses which will qualify them for UK University entry.

16 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014 POLITICS is replacing the attention that our country needs to make progress. The biggest casualty is the people. Politics should focus the collective future of Nigeria. How can politics help our situation, when it is not serving the people by creating opportunities to sustain society?

The consistent and flagrant abuses of individual and group rights, with a veneer of official seal, muddle issues to resolve Nigeria’s unworkable politics. In the past few weeks, these abuses have become features of our politics. They are dangerous and must be stopped.

When newspapers caught the attention of the military two weeks ago, they seized them with the most spurious excuses. No apologies were offered for the seizures that were explained away as security checks. Now that the freedom of some individuals is being abridged, there are no explanations too.

We think the authorities should pay attention to running Nigeria well. Many issues deserve attention that the inconveniencing of some individuals should not be promoted to statecraft. Our people are suffering. Our country is at the fringes of global interests. We no

Our Countr Countryy Needs Attention longer elicit the type of importance we need to command relevance.

Ceremonies for the new Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamidi Sanusi and campaign rallies in Ado Ekiti were “militarised”. Security agencies, particularly the military, stopped people from attending these events. How did the decisions improve Nigeria?

The quest for power should have boundaries.

The disruption of the constitutional rights of people over power contests is illegal and an embarrassment to democracy. The silence of the authorities, as was the case when soldiers stopped newspapers from circulating, claiming security reports alleged newspaper ve-

hicles were being used to ferry bombs across Nigeria, is loud enough.

Politicians should stop thinking their control of Nigerians is divine. These abuses have no room in a democracy. The deployment of the military to act in favour of one side in a contest has deep implications that the authorities must contemplate.

Our people are still clinging to promises politicians make each election season. The changes promised them have translated to more poverty, illiteracy, disease and deprivations. It is unimaginable that while politicians are unable to improve the lives of our people, they gloat all over the place without concerns about the dictates of democracy and the tenets of democratic governance.

President Goodluck Jonathan should halt the abuses the military are introducing in political matters. Are they acting on their own? The abuses are under the cover of his office.

Nigeria is more important than individuals’ ambitions. The militarisation of politics and the harassments should stop. We deserve to live peacefully, without these abuses, and under governments that consider our welfare more important than electoral victories.

OPINION

BY ADEWALE KUPOLUYI

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FEW months ago, the Federal Government had expressed its intention to begin the implementation of a national policy on cassava bread. Under the arrangement, bread manufacturers are expected to substitute 20 per cent of the wheat flour content of bread with cassava flour, a decision that is expected to drastically reduce the country’s total annual wheat import bill by N127 billion from the over N600 billion worth of wheat imports annually. This move by the Federal Government to give full backing to such an initiative of substituting wheat with cassava in the local production of bread in Nigeria is laudable in the sense that it is a good opportunity to make better use of the nation’s abundant cassava, which research has shown to be healthier and a better suitable flour for bread making.

It is for this reason that researchers, master bakers, consumers, safety regulators, academics and marketers of cassava flour products recently converged on Lagos, to brainstorm on the prospects and challenges facing the optimal utilisation of cassava. This was the centre-piece of the one-day stakeholders’ forum jointly organised by the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, NIFST, Cassava: Adding Value for Africa, C:AVA, a project of the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, United Kingdom and implemented in partnership with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB. With the theme, Cassava Composite Flour and the 4Ps, the forum was held to encourage sustainable adoption of High Quality Cassava Flour, HQCF, in bread and confectionery products in a bid to shore-up the nation’s economy. Speaking at the occasion, the National President of NIFST and Country Manager of C:AVA, Professor Lateef Sanni, said members of the Institute work in the food processing areas of public and private sectors to harness the abundance of talents and knowledge of food professionals in achieving food security and safety.

The Country Manager observed the forum had brought together major stakeholders to share practical experiences,

Much ado about Cassava bread proffer solutions to problems and chart a way forward in realising the national objective of getting high quality cassava flour inclusion in composite flour production. He added that the many benefits of HQCF in bread and confectioneries’ production include job creation, saving of foreign exchange and increased earnings for farmers. “We need to strive to make cassava bread available all year round. We must convince all stakeholders to accept this genuine and committed quest to source some of our raw materials locally. Hence, we need your support. This will give jobs to food professionals. This will allow NIFST to regulate our members in the cassava industries and those that are producing cassava-based products,” Professor Sanni stated.

The Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB and President, Association of African Universities, Professor Olusola Oyewole, represented by Dr. Kolawole Adebayo, the University’s Director of Grants Management and Project Director of C:AVA II, lauded the organisers of the forum for providing a rich platform for robust discourse on an important issue that affects everyone - which is food because of the need to consume only processed cassava products to avoid the rampant cases of food poisoning. The ViceChancellor noted that FUNAAB had been greatly involved in carrying out of research and cultivation of cassava since its inception making it a leading University in the cassava project. He called on all stakeholders to monitor what happens in the food sector by preventing food poisoning and guarding against terrorists’ control of food resources.

Interestingly, the Senior Technical Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Oluwatoyin Adetunji, stated that Nigeria spends about N635 billion annually on wheat importations, maintaining that the huge expenses incurred by the Federal Government could be used on other developmental projects, as she reiterated the government’s commitment to building robust fresh roots supply chains for cassava processing plants,

supporting large and medium HQCF mills, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs producing HQCF and master bakers that use 20 per cent of HQCF in the production of bread.

It gladdened my heart when she noted that the government was facilitating the procurement of mediumscale high quality plants to meet the annual demand for high quality flour. According to her, HQCF can be used as an alternative for starch and wheat flour in a variety of industries. The Senior Technical Adviser further disclosed that the N10 billion Cassava Bread Fund would soon be disbursed to Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs, SMEs, through the Bank of Industries, BoI. While commending the enormous work of C:AVA and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, she expressed her optimism that the nation’s cassava value-chain and market would surpass that of Thailand and other producing countries.

It is worthy of mention that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the BoI had signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, for N4.3 billion in support of the Master Bakers Association of Nigeria, SMEs and large industrial cassava millers out of which about N1.05 billion of this amount will expended on the upgrading of the capacity of 35 existing small cassava mills. While the BoI is to provide working capital of N425 billion as loan at a single digit interest rate, the master and industrial bakers would be encouraged to acquire new equipment, machines, loans and grants on a 50:50 arrangement. The Bank of Agriculture, BoA, is also to provide assistance to about 30,000 cassava farmers to meet the growing demand for cassava flour and subsidise supply of cassava planting material by 100 per cent, to bring more hectares of land into the production of cassava. I hope *Mr. Kupoluyi wrote from the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014 — 41

U-report: Developing community health through mobile technology

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

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OWARDS encouraging developmental programming and services in Nigeria, U-report, a new, free SMS-based communications technology developed by UNICEF Nigeria, is engaging Nigerians towards establishing and enforcing accountability in governance, health, education, the environment and other areas of community endeavour through social mobilisation.

The initiative which utilises the SMS platform of mobile phone technology enables a voice for those Nigerians especially youths who are often left out of

the decision making process to have a voice.

Currently thousands of volunteer Ureporters who share their observations and ideas on wide-ranging development issues in a way that demand response and accountability from those concerned are being engaged.

The U-report platform is expected to garner support for Nigeria’s efforts to attain the helth-related Millennium Development Goals, MDGs and growth.

It can be used to empower people to develop health issues that really matter to them such as sanitation and other social welfare issues.

L-r: Pharm.(Mrs) Olajumoke Idowu of Oyo state Health Management Board, Pharm.

Joseph Olukorede; Chairman Planning Committee,Pharm Adeyinka Ishola; Chairman PSN Oyo state, Pharm. Abiodun Ajibade Sec. PSN Oyo State and Pharm. Mrs Yejide Oseni Zonal Coordinator of Pharmacists Council of Nigeria observing a minute silence in memory of Late Prof. Dora Akunyili during the commencement of their week . Pic: Dare Fasube

In a chat, Caroline Barabwoha, U-report Set Up Consultant for for UNICEF Nigeria, described the initiative as “promising” in Nigeria.

Caroline, who previously worked on the U-report in Uganda for three years said the inspiration behind the idea was the need for community engagement and participation in issues that affect them for development to take place.

“Right now the trend is very promising for Nigeria, judging from the experience of other countries in Africa, many of which have taken over one year to get up to 3,000 volunteer U-reporters.

“In Nigeria, in just a matter of five weeks over 5,000 volunteers have been engaged.

Currently there are over 9,000 U-reporters in the country. The goal is to have up to f ive million reporters in the country by the end of the year,” she stated.

As a young person, Caroline is inspired to ensure that as many young Nigerians as possible are part of U-report. By using a tool such as a mobile phone which everyone has in every household, and in every community, people who are often left out of decision making now have a powerful voice to speak out and be heard.

There is no charge at all for a U-reporter to send any message. Weekly polls are sent out on Wednesday and results are shared on Monday. It is simple to use and alreqady plans are on to introduce local languags such as Hausa, Pidgin, Igbo and Yoruba to ensure no one in the community is left out.

“It’s easy to become a member. All it takes

•Caroline Barabwoha. is to sign up by texting "JOIN" to 24453.

You can join as long as you have a cell phone that is connected to any of the networks, Airtel, MTN, Etisalat and Glo. All messages are free of charge.”

Compared to other countries, one strong point we have seen with Nigeria is the existence of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members gives strong potential compared to other countries.

“In Uganda where I come from, this platform does not exist. The NYSC being our first partner, is a very good entry point and a strong potential because we are looking at the possibility of over one million corpers joining over the course of one year.

“If each of them is reaching about five others, that is a very strong potential to spread out and you cannot ignore the power of the youth in a country like Nigeria where a huge population are youths,” she asserted

Weather-beaten tables and flashing lights AS I help to cut down the waiting time at this hospital, Ive seen no less than 100 patients in the last two weeks. Most are over 60 years old suffering the consequences of aging that doctors refer to as "spondylosis".

In this condition, an aching or throbbing pain begins in the neck or back. After a while it may become burning in nature and radiates (moves) down one or both legs or arms. When associated with tingling, numbness or pins and needles, we refer to it as "radiculopathy".

Symptoms & signs A few of the patients I saw, mostly younger, complain of a variety of "funny" symptoms we call "neuralgia" or "neuropathy".

These symptoms and signs, just as those of spondylosis and radiculopathy, are bewildering to doctors and patients alike.

Diabetes is an increasingly common cause, as are medications and many chronic diseases.

A grasp of "what exactly is going on in my body" is an essential step in the treatment and rehabilitation of many chronic pain sufferers.

Doctors sometimes find it difficult to explain these symptoms and Xray findings to patients in simple language that ALL can understand.

Over my two decades of caring for pain patients, I have created some vivid and dramatic scenes which, when described to patients, helps them to understand the processes behind their pain and disability.

I will share a couple here.

"Doctor, the x-ray says I have spondylosis and degeneration in my spine?"

Imagine taking the best table in your home and placing it out in the open air or garden. You leave it outside for days, months, years! Rain falls on it; sunshine blasts it dry; howling winds and snow (in the appropriate country) pummel the table.

How will the table look after

many such weather cycles in the open? That is "wear and tear".

When you scrape the top of such a table, dry chaffed dusty particles flake off.

Those are chemicals coming of bones in the spine and irritating nearby nerves. In the joints (any joint), where they may be extra or less fluid, the irritants cause an "osteoarthritis".

The table may remain strong and usable, but the surface can never be the same again.

Sometimes the table produces little or no dust and flaking; at other times (flare-ups) the table surface is just falling apart!

As all the nerves in the arms and legs have roots in the spine, when irritated, or "trapped" by arthritis, they send painful messages to the control centre in the brain.

Often these problems cease after a few weeks, but when they persist over 3-6 months, the brain starts to ask "hello, what's going on here?" and makes changes to how it

doctor@lagospainclinic.com receives these messages.

That gives birth to the complex scenario we see as chronic pain.

Neuralgia and neuropathy When you enter your home at night, you switch on the lights in the hallway, then the lounge, dining room, kitchen, bathroom as needed. The lights come on, and go off when you flip the switch again.

In neuralgia and neuropathy the lights come on at odd times, in various rooms and with varying intensity of brightness.

Your light switches cannot control them. The upstairs bedroom light may flood into the downstairs kitchen (radiation); all the lights downstairs may stay off (numbness).

When the fault is in the cables, it is peripheral neuropathy; when in the mains box we call

it central neuropathy.

A particularly distressing type of nerve dysfunction is one we called "reflex sympathetic dystrophy", now referred to as "complex regional pain syndrome". A truly complex myriad of symptoms that follow minor injury like a twisted ankle or wrist bump. The extremity becomes shiny, swollen and hurts when touched or when cold air blows over it. The foot or hand is protected, unused and starts to, irreversibly, waste away.

These are simplistic terms but reactions and feedback from patients suggest that they find it useful in giving insight to their confusing symptoms.

So, next time we launch into a story that seems totally unrelated to your complaint, bear with us; we may be trying to explain pathology we know so much, yet so little about.

42—Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

How Fayose took Ekiti from Fayemi Continues from page 5 ties, for the records."

I’ll work with Fayemi and Bamidele to develop Ekiti — Fayose Accepting Governor Fayemi’s olive-branch, Fayose promised to work with the governor and the second runner-up in the election, Mr Bamidele, of Labour Party to develop Ekiti State.

Fayose, who addressed newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, said though he emerged winner of the contest, there was no winner or loser in the elections.

He said: “To Governor Kayode Fayemi, my brother Opeyemi Bamidele and others that we contested together, that have conceded and accepted me as their governor-elect, I want to thank them too; I want to assure them that I will work with all of them.

The government belongs to all of us.

“Four years is a very short time in the life of any administration; I want to let them know that it will be four years of all of us in government. There is no winner, no loser.

“Governor Fayemi has called me to concede defeat and I will see him tomorrow (today) hopefully for us to let the public know that we are together, irrespective of our past. Ekiti belongs to all of us because a governor has only got a term and tenure but Ekiti will remain forever.

“I salute Fayemi’s courage for accepting me and his readiness to allow peace and love reign in our state. I am assuring you that this is Ayo Fayose who is older, wiser and ready to work with everybody.”

A wave of congratulations and commendations went to Fayose and Fayemi respectively over the victory and concession.

Be humble in victory, Jonathan tells Fayose President Goodluck Jonathan in his reaction called on Fayose, who he backed from the primaries

to observe that his second stint as governor was a grace from God Almighty.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Reuben Abati, he said: "Be humble and magnanimous in victory, commit yourself to forming an administration that will work for the advancement of the interests of all Ekiti people, irrespective of political affiliations or loyalties."

The President charged Mr Fayose to regard his second chance to serve as governor of Ekiti State as a “sacred mandate from God Almighty and his people which he must discharge with immense dedication, wisdom and vigour to achieve a much more rapid pace of socioeconomic development in Ekiti State for the benefit of its people who resoundingly reaffirmed their trust in his leadership by voting overwhelmingly for his election.”

The statement read: “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan heartily congratulates the Governor-Elect of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on his overwhelming victory in Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

“President Jonathan also commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Security Services and the good people of Ekiti State for the successful and peaceful conduct of the elections in keeping with the present administration’s avowed commitment to ensuring that elections in all parts of Nigeria are progressively freer, fairer and more credible.

“President Jonathan calls on Mr. Fayose to regard his second chance to serve as Governor of Ekiti State as a sacred mandate from God Almighty and his people which he must discharge with immense dedication, wisdom and vigour to achieve a much more rapid pace of socioeconomic development in Ekiti State for the benefit of its people who resoundingly reaffirmed their trust in his leadership by voting overwhelmingly for his election yesterday (Saturday)."

Tambuwal congratulates Fayose, commends Fayemi Speaker Aminu Tambuwal of the House of Representatives also congratulated Fayose for his victory and commended Fayemi for putting dignity to the office by conceding defeat and congratulating Fayose on his victory in the governorship election.

Tambuwal said the governor ’s action to congratulate his opponent was a clear proof that “our politics is imbibing global standard practices associated with electioneering process.”

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal implored the governorelect to work closely with all persons and interest groups to move Ekiti State to a new level.

He said the Independent National Electoral Commission ,INEC, deserved commendation for its conduct of the election, and advised the electoral umpire to properly appraise all aspects of the exercise and improve for future polls where necessary.

The speaker appealed to the people of Ekiti to remain law-abiding as the transition to new administration begins in earnest.

Ekweremadu: The deputy president of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu also spoke in the same vein. In a statement by his Special Adviser, Media, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, he said that it was an important win for the PDP in the South West, even as he stressed that the free and fair electoral processes that threw up the winner was vital for the growth of democracy in the country.

He said: “I send hearty congratulations to Mr. Ayodele Fayose and our party men and women who worked hard for this important victory." Senator Ekweremadu also extolled the incumbent Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi for his efforts at developing Ekiti State for almost four years he has held sway, but called on “him, the rest of the candidates and good people of the highly erudite state to join hands with the winner to move the state forward”.

Why we won Ekiti governorship poll – PDP Reacting to the victory in Abuja, yesterday, the PDP, attributed it to strict adherence to the principles of internal democracy.

The party in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Mr Olisa Metuh, said the victory was the result of transparent conduct of its governorship primary which produced a popular candidate that was the choice of party members.

PDP Governors congratulate Fayose The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has said the landslide victory recorded by the candidate of the party, Mr Ayo Fayose in the gubernatorial election in Ekiti State has shown the confidence that Nigerians have reposed in the ruling Party and pledged that Governors elected on the plattform of the Party would continue to execute programmes that would better the lives the people.

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, who is also the chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum, spoke on behalf of his governor colleagues.

Speaking in a similar vein, National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, gave an insight into how Fayose won, attributing the victory to the unity in Ekiti State, and pleaded that this be emulated in other states.

Muazu said: “I wish to dedicate the victory of Ayo Fayose to all our supporters and President Goodluck Jonathan for his steadfastness and commitment to free and fair election. This victory is particularly possible because of our unity in Ekiti State and I wish we replicate this in all elections.”

Fayose’s Victory: A game changer in Southwest —Lagos PDP Meanwhile, Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, described the election of Fayose as a game

changer.

The party also commended INEC, and security forces for guaranteeing a free and fair process.

In a statement by the state Publicity Secretary, Mr Taofik Gani, the party said it saw the victory as a ‘good omen for PDP in the South West and Lagos State in particular.

It also appealed to defectors to return to the winning party, saying “ we congratulate governor-elect, Dr Peter Ayodele Fayose, the good people of Ekiti State, the national secretariat and, of course, our Leader, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, on this ‘game changer’ victory in the South West geo-political zone."

Bukola Saraki congratulates Fayose, hails INEC In his reaction, APC leader in Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki, hailed the INEC, over the conduct of of the election and congratulated Fayose, whose victory he attributed to his closeness to the grassroots.

Saraki, who is also Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, said in a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday, that by the conduct of election in Ekiti State, INEC had shown remarkable improvement in the conduct of elections in the country.

He noted that despite heavy military presence, the election recorded a high turnout of over 51% of the electorate who turned out in large numbers to vote for the candidate of their choice.

Similarly, Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the political will to make available the enabling environment which made for successful conduct of the election.

Governor Mimiko hinged the good conduct of the election on the sincere demonstration of President Jonathan’s determination to ensure results of elections in the country reflected the true wishes of the people.

Adeyeye congratulates Fayose’s victory, hails Fayemi The Ministerial nominee from Ekiti State, Prince Dayo Adeyeye

also congratulated the governor-elect for his landslide victory and hailed Governor Fayemi for conceding defeat.

“By conceding defeat to us, Fayemi has shown the Ekiti man in him,” said Adeyeye, who stressed that PDP and APC members were no arch-enemies but merely found themselves in different political platforms.

“We in the PDP and those in APC are not enemies but patriots who happen to have different ideas of how to develop the state we all love so much. Obviously, there is no shortage of patriotism on the side of any of us,” he noted.

Oyetibo lauds Fayemi, congratulates Fayose “The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, must be commended for his forthright, mature, civilised, honest and candid response to the results of the Ekiti Governorship election when he accepted the declared results and congratulated the winner and Governor Elect, Mr Ayo Fayose, in a television broadcast. Nigerian politicians must learn that there is honour in accepting defeat and congratulating the winner in a contest.

“Politics and elections should be seen as a medium whereby the contestants offer to serve the people. The people should therefore be allowed to be the judge as to who should serve them.

Afterall, no one has a fundamental right to be the governor of a state or the representative of the people. It is against this background that the response of Dr Kayode Fayemi should be seen as the act of a man of character and honour. As for Mr Fayose, the Governor-elect, he should see his election as an uncommon second chance to serve in an office from which he had previously been removed.

He must devote his energy and resources of the State to the service of the people. He must learn from the reasons the people voted against the incumbent governor. The people have given so much to him by way of political support, he must in like measure give so much to the people by way of service and judicious application of the resources of the state,” he said.

Vanguard , MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014—43

13 lawmakers back out of plot to impeach Nyako Y

BY UMAR YUSUF

OLA—THERE are strong indications that the impeachment notice dangling on Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State and his deputy, may have suffered a setback, following the intervention of some prominent Northern leaders, including traditional rulers, who brokered peace between the lawmakers and the governor weekend.

Meanwhile, 13 lawmakers have backed out of the impeachment plan.

In a similar vein, the Northern Youth Leaders Forum, NYLF, is making efforts to prevail on 12 of 25 Adamawa State lawmakers to halt the impeachment move against Nyako and his deputy, Mr. Bala Ngillarri.

National Chairman of NYLF, Mr. Eliot Afiyo, who disclosed this, said the forum had seen the need to appeal to the 12 lawmakers, who are also members of the forum in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, to soft pedal on the impeachment matter.

It was also gathered that the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, boss, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, have also directed their loyalists in the House to drop the impeachment

plan.

It was learnt that the battle ground on the impeachment matter had been shifted from Yola to Abuja, where the governor and other political actors in the state met on a roundtable to resolve their differences.

Commenting on the alleged back out of some of the lawmakers, the Director of Press to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr. Solomon

Kumangar, said same could only emanate from mischief makers.

“I am not aware that any member had backed out of the move, but you should ask those making the insinuation to mention the names of those who backed out. It is apparent that people are ignorant about House resolutions because whenever resolutions are passed, no one can infringe on them as they are irreversible,” he said.

However, the former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Adamawa State, Alhaji.

Mijinyawa Kugama, now All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain, has advised President Goodluck Jonathan not to allow his reputation to be dented by some political elite within the PDP in the state, claiming that the Presidency was backing them in the ongoing plot to remove Governor Nyako and his deputy.

ASSEMBLY: From left: Mr. Tunde Elechi, former President, Nigerian Computer Society, Alhaja Sekinat Yusuf, Chairman of Council, Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigerian, CPN, and Dr. Vincent Asor, Vice Chairman, CPN, at the opening ceremony of IT Professionals Assembly in Abuja: Photo: Emeka Aginam.

Anambra set to tackle herdsmen, communities' clashes

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WKA—GOVERNOR Willie Obiano of Anambra State plans to set up a committee to coordinate activities of genuine cattle herdsmen and their host communities.

This came as the leadership of Hausa/Fulani community in Anambra State, raised an alarm of infiltration by unknown cattle herdsmen from outside the state, especially Kogi and Enugu states who they accused of destroying crops and farmlands in both Enugu and Anambra states.

Fears have been expressed

recently in parts of Anambra concerning the arrest of 486 suspected terrorists in Abia State, among whom was a terrorist on the wanted list of security operatives.

Addressing the Hausa/Fulani community and local government chairmen and some traditional rulers at a meeting, Governor Obiano said the committee would include representatives of the Hausa-Fulani communities, traditional rulers and PresidentsGeneral of the affected communities as well as

Ekiti elections an indication of what to expect in future polls —IGP

BY BEN AGANDE BUJA—THE Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday, said the role played by security agencies signposts what would be obtainable in subsequent elections in the country.

Speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with President Jonathan, Abubakar said what the security agencies did was to ensure that the Ekiti electorate carried out their responsibility in a state devoid of intimidation and

A

violence.

According to him, what happened in Ekiti during the governorship election which saw the emergence of Ayo Fayose as the governor will be replicated in subsequent elections in the country.

He said: “What we tried to do was to do what is right and proper as the lead agency of internal security in collaboration and partnership with other security agencies to ensure that life is safe and safetyisprovidedforpeopletogoanddo what they are expected to do."

representatives of the police, among others.

He said that the committee will among others, ensure that herdsmen were restricted to areas mapped for grazing to avoid the

repeat of recent incident at Omasi in Ayamelum Local Government Area that resulted in the killing of innocent farmers and destruction of two farms by

CONFAB: Outcome ‘ll solve Nigeria's problems —Delegate

BY MARIE-THERESE

NANLONG

J

OS—A Plateau State delegate at the ongoing national conference, Da Bulus Dareng, has expressed optimism that the outcome of deliberations in the confab will ensure unity among tribes and bring about stability in the country.

Dareng in Jos, at the dedication and launch of two books, titled “Corporate Management for Church Leaders and Executives and Financial Management for Church Leaders and Executives,” written by Mr. Ado Noma, said: “By the end of the national dialogue, all areas of conflicts that cut across the Nigerian state would have been discussed for better understanding.

“The issues will be resolved and Nigerians agree to live together in unity as one entity. The outcome of the conference will definitely bring unity and better understanding and hope for the country.”

The delegate, who chaired the book launch, added that the two books were capable of transforming the financial base of the church and the country.

DStv has surprised me —Nwuka, promo winner Mrs. Ochonogor Kenechukwu Nwuka, a staff of MTN Nigeria Communication Limited and one of the 60 winners of DStv Let’s Go To Brazil promo. She shares her joy over her impending trip to the South American country hosting the World Cup. Could you share a little bit of your background with us?

Of course, I am a Nigerian. I was born on March 9, 1977 in a beautiful town in Enugu State. I am married and have four cute children. I have a Higher National Diploma in Business Administration, a postgraduate diploma in Business Management, an MBA from the University of Wales and an Executive MBA from the Lagos Business School. I currently work with MTN Nigeria Communication Limited.

What came to your mind

when you were told you’d emerged as one of the 60 winners in the Let’s Go To Brazil promo?

I actually told the caller never to call my line again. Win promo in Nigeria? I have always believed that most of the promos in this country are fake.

How much are you looking forward to the trip to Brazil?

If only you know. I want to be there like yesterday. I have finalised all the plans. Though my kids are writing their promotional examinations, I’ve sorted out all that might be an issue while I am away.

What do you think you will benefit from the trip?

So much. I will break out of my shell. Of course, I will disconnect from my regular life. The trip also offers the chance of adventure to embrace new cultures, meet new people and enjoy new food. I will pick up a new language, broaden

my world view, relax and return with memories that will last me a lifetime.

Did you have any doubt about redeeming the prize you won in the promo?

Yes. I actually sent several mails to keep tabs and also to make sure that the Nigerian factor did not creep in.

For how long have you been a MultiChoice subscriber?

For more than eight years.

Is this your first time of winning a prize in a promo?

Yes, this is my first time.

Ochonogor Nwuka

44 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014 — 45

46 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

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HE news that the Adamawa State House of Assembly (ADHSA) has served impeachment notice on Governor Murtala Nyako is music to my ears. Nyako must go. He should not have been put in that office in the first place, if Adamawa was not such an unfortunate state where governors have always been cronies and lackeys of other influential political fat cats.

Nyako, a retired admiral of the Nigerian Navy and mainstreamer during the military era that lasted between 1984 and 1999, had retired to his large mango farm in his native Adamawa. It was not even clear if he was a card carrying member of any political party when, in August 2006, he was conscripted by then President Olusegun Obasanjo and his long time ally, Professor

Wh ak o must go Whyy Ny Nyak ako To impeach or not to impeach is the business of the ADSHA, taking into account the genuine wishes of the Adamawa people.

However, I have my other reasons for wanting Nyako out of the coveted office. Murtala Nyako is not fit to occupy the office of governor or any other

,

A leader who stoops so low and becomes a potent danger to the unity of the country should be swiftly impeached and tried for his crime. Now that they have woken up to this patriotic task, I wish them “full steam ahead”

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Jibril Aminu, to govern the state, which had just been snatched from the control of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

As soon as he assumed power, Nyako turned his back on Aminu and crowded out his political interests. Aminu, whom Obasanjo had given the power to call the shots over the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, became a stranger, as Nyako virtually converted the state to his family estate. He put his wives and children in plum positions, awarded them huge contracts and started preparing one of his sons to take over from him after his eight years in power. I am not surprised that part of the misconduct for which he is being impeached includes alleged fleecing of the state coffers. However, these are just allegations. The impeachment and prosecution of Nyako will reveal the truth or otherwise of the charges levelled against him and his deputy.

exalted public office. By his conducts, he has demonstrated that the money this nation spent in training him in some of the best naval institutions in the world, such as the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, in England, was wasted. Apart from that, he was given the opportunity of serving in various posts, including state military governor, member of the highest military ruling council and Chief of Naval Staff.

Could you imagine that after occupying such enviable positions, he still conducted himself so shamelessly just because he felt the gravitational force of political pressure.

Shortly after he decamped with the rest of the PDP rebel governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Nyako, who had been sitting next to his Abia State counterpart, Gov. TA Orji, during Council of State meetings due to the alphabetical order of seating,

embarrassed the latter by accusing TA of planning to “poison” him. It was not a mere banter, given the serious mien with which he said it. Even if it was, then it was a joke taken too far. Evidence of it was in Nyako’s threat to “report” TA to his people, perhaps so that they would attack TA’s kinsmen in their midst, as usual? TA is one of the ardent supporters of President Goodluck Jonathan, who Nyako regards as his sworn political enemy.

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he worst crime Nyako has committed against the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which bordered on treason, was the satanic verses he penned to northern governors heaping all sorts of unimaginable accusations against the Federal Government headed by President Jonathan. He accused the regime of depopulating the north through the war on terror, and masterminding the assassination of clerics from the north, acts which Boko Haram had openly admitted responsibility. He referred to Boko Haram as “so-called Boko Haram” (meaning he does not think they actually exist!).

Nyako desecrated the military which he served for over thirty years, accusing it of poorly training, equipping and even killing recruits of northern origin! Who knows if this was what Nyako and his cohorts were doing to recruits from the East during his days in the armed forces?

Worst of all, he tried to incite violence against the Igbos and people of the old Eastern

Region residing in the north by referring to President Jonathan as a leader from the part of the country that killed northern leaders in the First Republic.

Given that this was the issue that led to the massacre of over 50,000 Igbos in the north, leading to the Nigerian civil war, this spurious

and lunatic allegation was meant to break up Nigeria.

Nyako’s delirious outburst was roundly condemned by all right thinking Nigerians, including his fellow northern governors.

Only the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) offered him timid, tacit support due to their own well-demonstrated hatred of President Jonathan.

I don’t know why it took the ADHSA two months to start this impeachment process, or what issues really prompted it. A leader who stoops so low and becomes a potent danger to the unity of the country should be swiftly impeached and tried for his crime. Now that they have woken up to this patriotic task, I wish them “full steam ahead”.

May we never celebrate another independence day with Malam Murtala Nyako still a governor in Nigeria!

Alex Otti’s reception sparks speculations

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N Friday, 13th June 2014, the Oha Ngwa Traditional Rulers Council, made up of 145 royal fathers of autonomous communities in the seven local government areas of Ngwa land, staged a grand reception in honour of Mazi Alex Otti, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank PLC at Isieketa in Isiala Ngwa LGA. It witnessed the gathering of the who-is-who in Ngwa, Abia and Nigeria at large, with the Governor of the Abia State, Chief TA Orji as the Special Guest. At the event, Otti was given the traditional title of Ugwu Ngwa 1. One by one, the traditional rulers representing the seven LGA’s presented him with instruments of his investiture.

The Chairman of the Oha Ngwa Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Eze Nelson Nmerengwa, in his keynote speech, asserted that Alex Otti is an illustrious son of Ngwa land, despite the fact that he has distant Aro ancestral links and has built a house in Arochukwu. He enumerated the roles played by Otti in the development of Ngwa land, which included building a branch of a bank in Owerrinta and helping many sons and daughters of Ngwa to be gainfully employed.

The traditional ruler of Alex’s hometown, Ehi Na Uguru Ancient Kingdom in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa LGA, 78 year-old HRM Eze Edward Emenelu Eluwa, asserted that Alex’s father, Pastor Lazarus Otti, was born in his kingdom and they grew up together.

He said Pastor Lazarus, a school teacher, never set foot in Aro but lived, served and died in Ngwa land, where he and his wife were buried. He called those who cast doubt on Alex’s Ngwa roots “mischief makers”, affirming: “Alex is our son. I hereby so affirm.

He should feel free to pursue any legitimate ambition as a free born of Ngwa land. He has our full blessings. He has just put up a befitting house in his village, Umuru Nvosi, and we are very proud of him as our son”.

Since preparations began towards the reception, many people have speculated that it was in preparation for a possible run for governorship of Abia State. Alex, whose second term as the CEO of Diamond Bank was recently renewed, has not said a word about his alleged political ambition, and no hint of it whatsoever was given during the reception and since.

The cat should be out of the bag in no distant time.

OPINION

BY JOHN UDUMEBRAYE

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OLLOWING the conclusion of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention in Abuja last week, it is obvious to all now that the APC is no more than a parastatal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), because all of its actions had the imprint of the ruling party. For many of the insiders who have been crying themselves hoarse over the sins of the PDP, it was clear that they were all wrong or have been playing the ostrich all the while.

And, for many who did not know that the party belonged to the strongman of Lagos politics, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the proverbial wind has blown and we have seen the ugly rump of the chicken. Tinubu owns the APC, and Mohammadu Buhari is the tag along handbag of the former Governor. But how did Buhari get to this bus-stop in his life where he has to kowtow to a man like Tinubu? Tinubu sure knows how to play his politics, but we should not be deceived that it is anywhere near progressive politics.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has displayed the rarest form of desperation to achieve his ambition (someone says it is a marabou’s prediction) that he would one day rule Nigeria, has advised the like of former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff and Chief Tom Ikimi to remain loyal to the party. Atiku, preaching loyalty? Wonders will never end.

A Progressives' coat of many colours Now, this is the same man who was disloyal to his former boss, Olusegun Obasanjo, and fought him to a standstill and ensured that he lost his bid to rule Nigeria for a third term in office; a man who worked assiduously in the media to give his former boss a bloody nose; a man who abandoned the PDP for the Action Congress (AC) later Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); the same man who dumped the ACN to return to the PDP; who again dumped PDP to join the APC. Is this Atiku’s definition of loyalty? A political prostitute advising on the virtues of being a good housewife; something must be wrong with the definition of loyalty in the APC. Many who thought the party was devoid of the tendencies that were the hallmark of the PDP must have been shocked to discover that the APC was even better than its opponent in the fine art of consensus candidacy and enthronement. Could it have been the influence of the sheer number of PDP horse-traders that flocked the APC? Maybe; and, maybe not, going by the manner the stooges of Tinubu took over in Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, and Oyo States.

There is a story making the rounds that Governor Rotimi Amaechi has been bellyaching over the treatment he received at the convention, though one of his aides has denied that he ever authored the document that has

gone viral on the internet.

There is also the growing controversy over the true age of the man chosen to head the Youth wing of the party. No one knows for sure what the man’s age is, but it is the PDP, if it can prove its claim, that did the bloodiest damage to the APC image in its statement preaching integrity to the Tinubu party. The party poked at APC accusing the new leadership of attempting to lie about the age of Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo. The APC claimed that Jalo is 43, but PDP says documents show the man is 53, a clear 13 years above the bar for a youth.

It appears that in its jockeying to satisfy loyalists, Tinubu's party shot itself in the foot.

According to the PDP, “It is public knowledge that Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo contested the Gombe/ Kwame/Funakaye Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives in 2011 during which he declared his age to be 49 years. The records are there and they speak true. If Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo was 49 years old in 2011, it naturally follows that he is 53 presently. It is, therefore, clear that the statement by the APC declaring him to be 43 years old is false.

“Whilst we concede that the APC has the right to select a person of any age for any position within their fold, including a man of 52 as national youth leader, we are, however, shocked that they chose to lie over an issue as simple as

the age of a national officer," adding that APC has refused “to shed its unnecessary penchant for lies even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.”

Olisa Metuh said the APC's action showed the party had "little regard for integrity and that its statements cannot be trusted.” It advised the party thus:“APC, now under a new leadership to imbibe the culture of integrity and honesty especially as Nigerians deserve to know the truth and the correct state of facts always.”

If there were talks of any cracks or plans to dump the party, especially by chieftain, Tom Ikimi, and former Borno Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, who failed to install his former political foe turned ally, Kashim Imam, into a plum office; or his being sidelined for the Chairmanship of the Board of Trustees (BoT), party spokesman, Lai Muhammed, pooh poohed the speculations. Read him: “That is mere speculation. They are strong men of our party; that will not be enough reason for them to leave the party, I can assure you.But going by strong indications of the men's anger alongside that of others, it appears the peace of the graveyard in the APC may soon be shattered when dry bones in the grave begin to rise again.It is only sad that the party which claims to be progressive is in retrogression politically. *Mr. Udumebraye, a political analyst, wrote from Port Harcourt, Rivers State..

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014 — 47

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HE dense media hype following the convocation of the World Economic Forum on Africa in Abuja leaves an impression that the yearly round table of world leading business people, political and government figures, and academics is a solution bank to the numerous challenges and problems in Africa in general and Nigeria in particular.

Africa’s economic growth prospects, which is widely considered a top flier have turned the continent into a beautiful bride for world investors and sundry business people. The forum’s theme of “forging an inclusive growth: creating jobs” was considered apt for Africa, where growth is yet to precipitate any meaningful economic recovery, especially in generating jobs for millions of young people. The social tension created already by the ballooning job market is beginning to manifest in high profile terrorist activities that gripped the region’s most populous and biggest economy, Nigeria. The world economic forum for Africa, especially its 24th edition held in Abuja from the 7th to the 9th of May, is heavily glamorised as having the key to unlock Africa’s potentials, especially in absorbing the large number of unemployed persons.

Most business and government leaders participating in the forum identified the private sector and flow of enormous foreign investment as the crucial driver of the envisaged economic Eldorado. However, to assess the prospects of this widely held official view, it might be pertinent to examine the background

of the world’s most glamorous roundtable.

The first World Economic Forum was convened in 1971 by the then European Economic Commission, under the chairmanship of a German-born academic, Mr. Klaus Schwab, who was then a professor of Business Policy at the University of Geneva, as European Management Forum, EMF. It was convened essentially as a business strategy session for European leading business firms and corporations to catch up with the latest business practices, especially those of the American practices, whose firms were clearly world leaders. After the first meeting, which the European Commission meant as a one event, Professor Schwab decided to institute the meeting as a yearly affair which holds at the Swiss resort of Davos.

From the time of its convocation in the early 1970s, the world has changed, the emergence of Asia Tigers, the growing strength of emerging economies all contributed to a shake up of the economic order in the 1970s and even up to 1980s.

Thanks largely to its flexibility, the European Management Forum which changed its name to the World Economic Forum in 1987, accommodated these trends and expanded its scope to become a global round table of world leading business leaders, government officials and academics. In recent times, the forum has opened its platform to Africa, accommodated the surge of mineral-resource fuelled growth in the region. From an originally business development and strategy session, the Forum is now a global resource and policy engine to debate and

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capture the world most crucial economic trends and incorporate it into policies, practices and planning.

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he theme of the latest meeting held in Abuja, “Forging inclusive growth: creating jobs”, came particularly at a time when the much famed growth in Africa is yet to translate into a general improvement in the living standard of the majority of the population.

Africa’s mineral-resource growth would have to require a strong democratic state to interprete growth into a roadmap of development strategy. A strong state, for the avoidance of doubt, is not necessarily an authoritarian state-a single party or military dictatorship, but a democratic state with a minimum framework of national consensus and legitimacy whose institutions are reasonably above the prebendal manipulations of factional syndicates.

Only such a democratic disciplined state has the capacity to drive growth on a sustainable basis with anchor for development and social inclusion. The mantra of private investment as the engine of growth is the most auspicious

APC convention: Humiliating the North

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BY CHARLES ONUNAIJU

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Issues in the World Economic forum

The World Economic Forum does not hold any absolute key to unlock world prosperity but it offers profoundly informed insights to global economic trends and practices

BYJOHNSON MOMODU

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HE much-awaited national convention of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has come and gone, but the ripples are yet to die down. It was a convention that can best be remembered for the orchestrated humiliation of the party’s so-called leaders in the North.

Not only did the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, prove he was the ultimate kingmaker, he proved he could run rings around the North’s political heavyweights. Not only did Tinubu bring his towering influence to bear on the choice of candidates, he took all vital decisions for all the other leaders, albeit without their consent. He rubbished all speculations about how the APC governors were planning to hijack the party and how the North was laying ambush to take over the party structures.

In a party that has heavyweights like former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari; former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar and an array of otherwise hotheaded governors like Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Murtala Nyako, Tinubu freely ran rings around them. He practically selected the entire executive, starting from the chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun; the deputy chairman (North), Senator Lawali Shuaibu; deputy chairman (South), Segun Oni; National Secretary, Alhaji Tijjani Tumsa; Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the National Legal Adviser, Alhaji Muiz Banire.

While Buhari, an Army General, has

quietly accepted his imposed role as Tinubu’s alter-ego without any whimper, the humiliation of Atiku Abubakar was final and complete. While Buhari lives on the delusion that Tinubu will later deliver the party’s presidential ticket to him on a platter of gold, Atiku and his allies have systematically been edged out and made to play spectators to Tinubu. It took the orchestrated bashing that Atiku had been zoned out of the 2015 presidency for him to forcefully defend himself that he was still very much in the race. Beyond the two, several others who were seen as the North’s leading lights in the party, lost their voices at the convention; and so did the candidates they were supposed to be supporting.

While the Northern heavyweights rooted for the former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi or former Bayelsa governor, Timipre Sylva, Tinubu rammed the choice of Odigie-Oyegun down their throats. It didn’t matter to him that the choice of Sylva was primarily to checkmate President Jonathan in his home and bring some parity of presence between the APC and PDP in the South-South zone.

Atiku’s ally, Chief Tom Ikimi who has clashed severally with Tinubu since their Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, days was also targeted with the propaganda that he was too high-handed to lead the party. The attack was so ferocious that a night before the convention, Northern party leaders had to prevail on Atiku, Ikimi’s major backer, to ask the ex-Foreign Minister to step down

economic trend of our time, but the danger remains that under a weak state as in most of Africa, private sector could most likely transmute to a state within a state, with the possibility of defining its vision of profit-making and other particularistic concerns as that of general society. Only a strong state can secure a germane and enabling environment for private investment to thrive but would also rein-in the excesses of private sector and maximise its activities for the benefit of the larger society. A private sector untamed by a strong state with a bolder vision for the larger society could create a bitterly divided and unequal society, brimming with social exclusion and its consequences like the rise of several anti-social behaviours, crimes whose most bitter expression is terrorism.

Africa’s growth prospects, as succinctly captured by the just concluded economic forum, is bright but to turn growth into fruits of mass prosperity is the strategy of national states and the co-ordinated efforts of regional organisations, especially the African Union . Africa should not be complacent and contented with growth.

The experience of South America in the 1970s and '80s showed similar trajectory of growth fuelled by industrialisation but such growth never fully translated into development and the consequence was left wing politics and armed insurgency.

Regrettably, Africa’s similar malaise has not fuelled left wing insurgence and politics but has led to extremist and purposeless violence inspired by nihilist interpretation of religion by such groups as the Lords Resistance Army, LRA, in Uganda and the Boko Haram in Nigeria, just to name a few. Growth is an essentially narrow economic phenomenon that needed enormous and bold political will to drive into tangible material benefit and therefore, while the private

Never before has the fate of a region, yes, Northern region, been put in the hands of one man from the South of the country as typified by Tinubu in the APC

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for Oyegun. It was the height of their capitulation, especially since the Tinubu camp had threatened to quit the APC if Ikimi emerged one of the newly elected officers of the party.

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ormer Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and another Atiku’s protégé, Alhaji Kashim Imam, who were reportedly eyeing the National Secretary, also took a bitter dose of Tinubu’s medicine as both were also cleverly edged out of the contest. The zoning arrangement his foot soldiers designed first took the position out of el-Rufai’s zone to the North East, but to complete the humiliation of Atiku, Kashim Imam was forced out of the race. It was so difficult for him that it took the former Vice President himself to announce his withdrawal from the race few minutes before the election began.

To compensate the North West for elRufai’s loss of the Secretary, the Deputy Chairman North was eventually zoned to them but given to Senator Lawali Shuaibu, another Tinubu man in the zone, who was the National Secretary of the defunct ACN.

sector activities can drive growth, its nature, structure and operations is not necessarily conducive to the more strategic agenda of development. In South America, in the 1980s, the critical lacuna of its growth without development, was the massive social exclusion and dis-connection that led some radical clergy to reinterpret the gospel to accommodate left wing politics and insurgency in the popular liberation theology, though , frowned by the Catholic establishment in the Vatican. A most formidable example of the then glaring hiatus between the official gospel and the currents of radical liberation theology was the Columbian priest, father Camilo Torres, who abandoned the priestly cassock to join the left wing guerrillas with a gun. He was shortly killed but his example resonated in the region as another folk hero in the revolutionary tradition, following in the steps of iconoclastic Argentineborn Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara.

If Africa’s growth prospect in the contemporary times is not to be fritted away, reminiscent of South America in the 1980s, a deliberate policy of social inclusion and popular participation will have to follow. The World Economic Forum, a public relation platform for the global neo-liberal establishment, does not hold any absolute key to unlock world prosperity but its perspectives are however, not to be dismissed lightly, as it offers profoundly informed insights to global economic trends and practices.

It is interesting and note worthy that only such states in Africa now, characterised as developmental states-Rwanda, Ethiopia and Eritrea are taping from growth and engendering social inclusion.

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

Just before the convention, rumours had filtered out that the former Vice President had also been zoned out of the presidential contest following a new arrangement.

Though the Atiku media office denied there was a party arrangement outside of the convention plan, observers say it is a foretaste of the impending humiliation of Atiku as Tinubu has already put machinery in motion to single-handed pick the party’s presidential candidate. His close aides insist that even for Buhari, the presidential ticket is not signed and sealed as the General’s allies believe.

How one man was able to bring a whole region to its knees remains a mystery but it has become a given that in that party, the North has been condemned to play the second fiddle. It goes without saying therefore, that very soon the North’s leaders in that party will queue to bow before Tinubu one after the other as the scheming for the APC presidential nomination commences.

We may yet witness another round of humiliation or get a different surprise altogether.

This scenario playing out in the APC is getting more interesting by the day. The politicking therein has assumed its own life.

Tinubu appears to be on top of his game, manipulating the entire North on the chessboard of political intrigues, preparatory to the 2015 presidential politics. Never before has the fate of a region, yes, Northern region, been put in the hands of one man from the South of the country as typified by Tinubu in the APC. Never since after the days of Sardauna of Sokoto has one unpredictable man from a questionable pedigree played the North’s kingmaker; never. *Mr. Momodu, a public affairs commenmtator, wrote from Benin City, Edo State.

48—Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

Ekiti election: Why I won— Fayose HOURS after he was returned as the winner of the Ekiti gubernatorial election, Mr. Ayodele Fayose sat down for an interview session with a group of journalists in his family-owned Spotless Hotel, Ado Ekiti. He spoke on his perception of his victory, his plans for the state and the political permutations that would usher his successor in office. Excerpts and tenure but Ekiti will r e m a i n

BY DAPO AKINREFON forever.

I salute OW do you see your Fayemi’s victory at the polls?

I want to seize this opportunity courage for to appreciate everybody that accepting me his has made this day possible. I and appreciate the leadership of readiness to our party, the PDP. I equally allow peace want to appreciate the average and love reign man in Ekiti that has seen me in our state. I through my eight years out of am assuring governance. I left the you that this is Government House on October Ayo Fayose, 16, 2006 and by God’s grace, I who is older, and will be back in Government wiser ready to work House on October 16, 2014.

I owe it all to God and the w i t h everybody. common man in Ekiti.

Fayemi has It was an uphill task for me to say I want to come back eight c o n c e d e d years after without their defeat, he support. I also want to thank remains my the agencies, INEC and the brother and Police that have played active will forever roles in ensuring a free, fair remain my and credible process that has brother. He a s produced me. To the people h that contested with me in my contributed party, I want to appreciate and his quota like will continue to appreciate every other them for being magnanimous governor that and giving me the necessary has served •Fayose: My performance will make me the Awolowo of Ekiti and he needs support.

To Governor Kayode Fayemi, to be given I do things a governor is performance this time will earn my brother Opeyemi Bamidele the necessary respect that he expected to do. For me, I am a me the necessary leadership in deserves. and other contestants that have grassroots man and because of Nigeria. If you do good to How were you able to conceded and accepted me as the way I operate with them, people, their loyalty will be dislodge your opponents to their governor, I want to thank they call me Senior Advocate with you forever. So, I want to of the Masses. So, I want to do good so that I can remain The constitution does not allow me, you continue that trend, I want to the leader here, I want to be identify with them continuously. the Awolowo here. cannot take the oath of office three times. I Awolowo is long dead but I will not leave them. So, the have taken one and I will soon take the strategy is, when you are voted nobody has the courage to into power, don’t forget that insult him. I want to be a man second one and will find my way to my like that, that will give my best four years is a short time. house No doubt the expectations and earn the respect of my from the people will be high people. them too. I want to assure them emerge winner of the this time around. How that I will work with all of them. elections? prepared are you for the task Fayemi has It is the Lord’s doing. I want ahead?

The government belongs to all done his best to recall that my removal in 2006 of us.

My past speaks for me. Some Four years is a very short time remains a mystery to the people call me a workaholic but In terms of performance, I will in the life of any common man on the streets but nobody gave me a chance in perform because I have administration, I want to let they never left me for a day, they 2003. They said I am an HND pledged, I have promised and them know that it will be four believed in me. I want to holder and that Ekiti is a state I will live up to my promise. years of all of us in equally let you know that I was of professors. You do not need You and the sitting governor government. There is no left with the people without to be a professor to know that have agreed to work together. money, eight years in the someone is hungry. You do not This is a new turn in our winner, no loser.

Governor Fayemi has called wilderness. need to be a doctor to know democracy. In what manner do My charge to every politician that somebody needs support. you hope to work with me to concede defeat and I will see him tomorrow (today) is to target the poor people. It is innate for you to show love Governor Fayemi? hopefully for us to let the public They will not come and ask you and kindness towards people.

Whether the election was won know that we are together for contracts, all they want is to You do not need to be a doctor by me in every local irrespective of our past. Ekiti have their lives improved, to to know that a road is bad. government, Fayemi remains belongs to all of us because a which they believe I have an I want to tell you that my my governor until October 16, governor has only got a term answer.

H

,

2014. Fayemi has done his best but nothing is permanent.

The only thing constant is change. Governor Fayemi cannot say it anywhere that I insulted him in his entire tenure.

The office of a governor is an exalted office and such occupants must be respected in and out of office. For me, Fayemi will remain a respectable Nigerian, a respectable leader in Ekiti and I will do everything possible to give him the pride of place in government.

Though a governor today and a former governor tomorrow, Fayemi is our leader. We have to work and take over from where Fayemi stopped to make sure Ekiti people get the best out of the state.

It is not about Fayemi neither is it about Fayose. It is about the people. I want to say again that politics can destroy a country but love can keep a country together. As a leader, I will show love to all men.

What are your plans for Ekiti?

One of the things I want to do in Ekiti state is the flyovers.

I want Ekiti to have a flyover at Fajuyi and Matthew junction where traffic will be controlled steadily. I am going to embark on operation ‘Tar all untarred roads’ in Ado Ekiti, the state capital within two years.

Any second term ambition?

The constitution does not allow me, you cannot take the oath of office three times. I have taken one and I will soon take the second one and will find my way to my house.

Friend or loyalist Again, I have chosen a deputy governor who I told from the beginning that we will both leave Government House together. I don’t want a deputy governor that will start playing politics behind when I am in government and cause distraction. I do not want that again. My deputy governor is practically here to work with me and look after certain things for me and ensure that we succeed.

Ekiti people will choose their next governor after me, themselves. Choosing or placing your friend or loyalist on the people, will put you and your nominee in trouble. I want Ekiti people to choose whoever they feel should be the governor after me and nobody will expect me to come and impose anyone. I will not choose for Ekiti, I will do my best and go my way.

,

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014—49

Implications of Fayose's Victory

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

T

HE annoying thing for many associates of supporters of Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the outgoing governor of Ekiti State was that the sweeping defeat of their man in last weekend’s gubernatorial election was under a free and fair election.

In all 16 local government areas, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Mr. Ayo Fayose triumphed, doing so even in the acclaimed strongholds of the incumbent’s All Progressives Congress, APC. Though wildly acclaimed for his innovative steps in governance, including the introduction of a welfare scheme for the elderly, Fayemi, a former journalist turned academic and development cum security strategist lost out to a man who had ironically been kicked out from the Government House.

Innovation to governance How Fayemi, the urbane gentleman who in the past four years brought a lot of innovation to governance in Ekiti lost so easily was a shock to many!

Never shy to present himself in his raw form, Fayose admitted yesterday, that his possession of a Higher National Diploma was something that was despised among some in the bookish state when he commenced his political career.

•Jonathan: Against bloody polls •Fayose: Magnanimous in victory hold waters in political discourse as a result of the emergence of the PDP flag in the Ekiti Government House.

Indeed, the capacity of APC leaders to equate themselves as leaders of the Southwest would also be greatly challenged as the future Governor Fayose and Governor Segun Mimiko come to contest the space of Southwest leadership with APC leaders in the region.

With eyes now focused on the next gubernatorial election in Osun State, the results released yesterday are

,

,

Fayemi’s quick concession of victory to Fayose was a courageous effort and a rarity in these shores

“They said I am an HND holder and that Ekiti is a state of professors,” he told newsmen in a post declaration press briefing in Ado-Ekiti yesterday.

Fayemi’s quick concession of victory to Fayose was a courageous effort and a rarity in these shores but the import of the defeat for the APC was still hitting home last night.

APC shrinks in Southwest The victory of the PDP candidate would automatically decrease the strength of the APC in the Southwest to four states, putting the PDP and its Labour affiliate in control of 33 per cent of the region.

The claim of the APC to be the traditional party of the Southwest would no longer

expected to bring some pressure on the APC in Osun.

One prominent leader of the APC was quick to claim yesterday that the development in Ekiti would in no way put pressure on the APC’s fortunes in Osun State.

“In Osun we have a man you can not claim is an elite, he is a man of the streets who can match the PDP’s man in anyway on the street,” the APC leader said.

Political Point for President Jonathan Fayose’s victory would also be claimed in some quarters as a plus for President Goodluck Jonathan who it was largely reported backed him against the many other aspirants that vied for the PDP ticket.

The argument by the Jonathan camp was that Fayose was the only one among the aspirants with the capacity to fight Fayemi. The decisiveness of the president in sticking to Fayose despite the alleged mutterings of many of his associates who complained that Fayose’s stint in office between 2003 and 2006 was not complimentary.

Use of political minders The president, however, remained steadfast and apparently using political minders including the new enforcer in the Southwest, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro strengthened the hands of the PDP candidate.

With this development, President Jonathan could begin to look his antagonists in the APC to debunk their claim that the Southwest was in their kitty.

Will APC change strategies?

Senior operatives of the APC were unusually reticent yesterday in the face of what many stakeholders confirmed as a free and fair election.

However, there is no doubt that the party is bound to review what happened and reposition the party ahead of the Osun election and the 2015 round of general elections.

There were fears yesterday that the development in Ekiti could also force the party hierarchy to reconsider the internal processes through

•Fayemi: A good sportsman which candidates emerge for political office.

Fayose’s strategies Fayose was able to take opportunity of some policy somersaults by the Fayemi administration.

Fayemi on assumption of office had introduced a test for both secondary and primary school teachers otherwise known as Teachers Development Needs Assessment (TDNA).

The concept of the assessment test was to boost the quality of teaching in the state.

However, the powerful teachers’ union, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT

fought against it.

Dr. Fayemi was not helped even by the fact that his commissioner for education and technology, Dr. Eniola Ajayi was said to have used foul language to flay the teachers, allegedly saying the teachers preferred to use their local Ekiti dialect in teaching.

Fayemi’s efforts to professionalise the public service was not only resisted by the teachers, it was also resisted in the civil service.

The regular screenings that were done to wield out ghost workers was also unpopular among many in the workforce.

50 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014 — 51

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52— Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

Siasia sure of Eagles A

former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, has commended the fighting

spirit of the team which defeated BosniaHerzegovina 1-0 on Saturday in Cuiaba.

Keshi Continues from BP na in the early hours of Sunday was for all of Africa after Peter Odemwingie’s goal put the Super Eagles on the brink of reaching the World Cup knockout stages.

The Stoke striker ’s smart first-half finish decided a 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Cuiaba and the result, while eliminating the Europeans from the tournament, sees Nigeria well-placed to progress from Group F. A point from Wednesday’s meeting with Argentina - 1-0 winners over Iran earlier on Saturday thanks to Lionel Messi’s late goal - would

C M Y K

be enough for second place. Victory would see Nigeria go one better and grab top spot.

And with West African neighbours Ivory Coast and Ghana also making a big impression in Brazil, Nigeria boss Keshi is determined to make sure his team are among the continent’s representatives in the last 16.

He said, “Everybody is happy in West Africa; Ghana got their result (22 draw with Germany) and we won. It’s good for the continent.

“The fighting spirit we showed was good. I never thought that we wouldn’t make the round of 16. I have the players.

Siasia said the determination and concentration level of the entire team was very impressive in the encounter.

He said; “I saw the Nigerian spirit in the team.

The players fought for every ball and defended very well too. It was a good match and I am happy we are still in the race.

“Vincent Eyeama played a vital role between the sticks for us and Osaze Odemwinge was clearly outstanding too.”

Siasia charged the team

not to relent as the competition is expected to get tougher as the days go by.

He added; “The team should confirm Nigeria’s place in the second round with hard work against Argentina. We need a result in that match and should not expect a favour from Bosnia. Iran also got a result and so if we push hard we can do it.

“Every team is growing in confidence and I expect that from our team as well. This is the biggest stage and the boys should keep up the good job to make Nigerians happy.”

Bosnia coach

Continues from BP game against Argentina and losing 10, many overlooked the Eagles in the game against Bosnia after a dreadful barren draw with Iran.

Susic rued his players’ failure to convert numerous scoring chances but acknowledged the turnaround of the Eagles cut them panting especially their speed, movement and attacking football.

“The match unfolded exactly the way I imagined. It was an open

Yobo

Continues from BP against Iran, which was a difficult game,” Joseph Yobo said.

Lazio midfielder Eddy Onazi added : “Messi is a normal human being.

He is a football player.

We have to create our

strategy.”

No matter the outcome of the game with Argentina, Nigeria will advance to the last 16 of the World Cup if Iran fails to beat Bosnia on Wednesday.

•Yobo

game, two teams wishing to win, lots of chances at either end.

‘We had a lot of chances and didn’t convert any.

They had one and scored that goal. I can only congratulate them.

‘We knew they would be tough but they surprised us with their speed, their movement. They played attacking football, they really wanted to win.”

Susic will return home early with his squad whatever the outcome of Wednesday’s clash with Iran in Salvador.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014 — 53

Match-winner Osaze credits goal to teammates M

ATCH-WINNER Osaze Odemwingie, who tucked away Emmanuel Emenike’s cross shortly before the half-hour mark, deserved all the accolades for working tirelessly upfront and even joining the defence.

But he has credited his colleagues for sticking together to secure all three vital points at the Arena Pantanal on Saturday.

‘The goal means a lot to me,’ he said. ‘But the win was down to 90 minutes of concentration and effort from my teammates.

‘The most important thing today was the character. We even enjoyed defending together.

‘I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love his country. Playing for my fatherland is an honour and a pleasure.

‘I didn’t expect to score a winner in such an important game, I’m very happy.

‘But this was a point the team earned. Right now I’m so high on our team’s performance.

“It’s been 16 years for a victory for our fans and our country, so we are very excited,” said

Odemwingie “We had to work hard for this, they are a very quality team, with a good midfield, they got Edin Dzeko, it was difficult to get the three points but we are happy to bounce back after what our people thought was a poor performance in the first game.

“Victories affect teams in very positive ways, so we are looking upwards, hopefully this three points will get us through to second round and after that, anything can happen.

“We can be inspired, like we were in the African Cup of Nations, we’ll keep working hard and do our best.”

Omeruo earns Kewon’s praise “He’s been at Chelsea

F

ORMER Arsenal star Martin Keown has praised Super Eagles and Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo after a starring performance in Nigeria’s win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Omeruo hardly put a foot wrong as he marked the dangerous Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic, and Keown believes Omeruo might have done enough to force his way into Jose Mourinho’s plans at Chelsea next season.

“He’s a young man, and he’s doing bread and butter defending. He knows what he’s good at, he’s strong, you just couldn’t move him out of there,” Keown said

now for two years, been out on loan most of the time, but he might come back in after this sort of performance, because that’s what Mourinho wants, he wants someone who knows what he’s good at.

“He’s not frightened to go after people, he’s quick and he’s strong, once he bolts onto someone they don’t get past him."

Dzeko wants ‘shameful’ referee sent home

E

DIN Dzeko hit out at the referee after Bosnia-Herzegovina were dumped out of the World Cup by Nigeria. The 2-1 defeat to Argentina in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s opening game left them needing at least a draw against

President Jonathan pops champagne for Eagles

N

IGERIAN Presi dent Goodluck Jonathan stayed up late, like millions of other Nigerians, to cheer and later celebrate by popping Champagne as the Su-

per Eagles beat Bosnia 1-0 in their second group game in Brazil.

With Nigeria several hours ahead of Brazil, Jonathan was up in the early hours of Sunday to

UP EAGLES ...President Goodluck Jonathan (l) celebrates Eagles victory with a champagner

CONTEST . . . Super Eagles’ forward Peter Odemwingie (L) challenges with Bosnia-Hercegovina’s midfielder Miralem Pjanic during their Group F match at the Pantanal Arena in Cuiaba at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Nigeria won 1-0 Photo: AFP

watch the game with his aides at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja and popped Champagne after the country’s first win at the World Cup since 1998.

The President has promised to reward Eagles handsomely if they did well in Brazil.

During his tenure, Nigeria won a third Africa Cup of Nations last year and the country’s team won a record fourth FIFA U17 World Cup. After the encounter the President said that the victory of the Super Eagles over Bosnia-Herzegovina as well as the peaceful conduct of elections in Ekiti state were signs that Nigeria would be great again.

the Super Eagles in Cuiaba, but their tournament was ended by a controversial 1-0 defeat.

Players were upset by the official from New Zealand, Peter O’Leary, when captain Emir Spahic appeared to be fouled by Emmanuel Emenike in the buildup to Peter Odemwingie’s 29th minute goal.

The goal came shortly after Dzeko thought he had broken the deadlock only for the linesman to incorrectly flag for offside.

“The referee was shameful,” he said. “We are goUNSTOPPABLE . . . Super Eagles ‘arrow head’, Emmanuel Emenike (L) gets the ball ahead of Bosnia-Hercegovina’s midfielder Senad Lulic during their Group F match of 2014 FIFA World Cup at the Pantanal Arena in Cuiaba. Nigeria won 1-0 . Photo: AFP

ing home and we are sad because of that but this referee should be going home too. He changed the result and he changed the game. That’s why we lost.

“It was obviously a foul on our captain,” he added. “And before when I scored the goal, it was never offside. We fought till the end but we didn’t have luck today. In all, the Nigerians were very strong in the defence and held us back most times when we tried penetrating”.

Asked about their last game against Iran, he said

that they would not give up but would try to get a win to compensate all those who have been supporting them. ‘’We’re going to give it our all. A win will be a good one for our fans who have travelled all the way to support us. We know that our journey has ended and we are going home, but that referee should also be sent home for his role in our defeat to Nigeria “We know that we are not going into the next round, but we will try to do our best in the next game,” pledged Dzeko.

54 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

C

It had to be Osaze. . .

,

ALL it poetic justice, call it what you will, it had to be Osaze.

The fair skinned boy of a Nigerian father and Russian mother had so much to prove and on Saturday, fate gave him a helping hand. He defended, attacked,sprayed passes and struck at will, roving all over the place to the delight of his country men and women.

News had come that the out of favour player was not having it easy at the camp and some conclusions were that he may not even start the match. When he lined out, he knew he had to prove himself and he did just that.

At 32, with 67 caps to his credit, he knows this may be his last World Cup and his 12th goal for national team Saturday, may just be his most important on a night his country needed to win at all cost The story of Osaze is the story of Michael Babatunde. “ ……how could Coach Keshi field him in a match like this? With unheralded appearances at U -17 and U-20 levels, despite his 7 caps at senior level, the Ukraine based Babatunde is yet to taste action at competitive level, yet he excelled. So much confidence on the shoulders of the 21 year old. He held the ball tenaciously, probed deeply, and when he released those bullets, they were telling, causing Bosnian keeper Bergovich to draw on his wealth of experience for a save.

Emmanuel Emenike, the pre tournament goal scoring hope of a nation. Heavily built, strong, determined and never say die. Ask the Bosnian skipper Emir Spahic who was at the receiving end of Emenike’s rampage ….thrice he went down exhausted, thrice he stood up, giving the Europeans so much headache with his speed and drive, one of which led to the tailor made pass that Osaze pounced on for the redeeming goal.

Ageing skipper Joseph Yobo, forced to start matches.

The leader we needed on the field, spurred, revitalized. Leading by dogged example.

A non descript defence line, one that had been battered and decimated, necessitating the fielding of second choices, yet on Saturday, it was not about experience, it was determination, the will to succeed, grit and tenacity, helped by midfielders and attackers who defended in numbers as Bosnia lined out a fearful killer squad made up of Besic, Dzeko, Pjanic, Susic and Ibisevic.

Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama? The Trojan, last man of defence, lion hearted, saviour, dependable as ever.

“...While we can afford to continue celebrating, the team must realize that though a battle has been won, the war is still on”

,

Glory boys, they came out smoking, lions on the prowl.

They wore their colours on their hearts and fought like wounded bulls. Endangered species, determined not to be forced to extinction…..

Coach Stephen Keshi, time to smile again. History maker, first Nigerian coach to win a world cup match, the one to break a sixteen year old jinx and counting.

Battered, pummeled, speared for what Nigerians considered a woeful showing against Iran, boxed to a corner, he jabbed, fought back and emerged on the shoulders of victory chanting Nigerians, carried aloft with pride, man of the moment.

Nigerians, dented ego, pride restored. Joy in the land as referee Peter Oleary of New Zealand blew the final whistle. God bless him and his compatriots real good.

Come to think of it, Did Madam Emah Ebong in Uyo stay up late till 1 am just to watch the match? The excited call of Wellington Johnson from the United States.

The power, uniting power of football. The calls, “ I told you so messages” Yes, success they say has many Nigerians. But I will not deny Susan Eshiett who even when Iran had made us look so ordinary insisted that we were going to make it to the semi final I acknowledge Reverend Ben Eragbai of Divine Appointment Ministry International who said to me “….don’t worry sir, we will beat Bosnia and qualify.

Even Argentina will find us difficult to beat…..”

Peterside Idah, John Fashanu, belief, positivity, the

Mark, Ekweremadu congratulate Super Eagles

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, Abuja

S

ENATE President, Senator David Mark and the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu have commended the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their victory over Bosnia early Sunday morning.

The Senate President said with the victory, the players now have confidence to progress and im-

•David Mark

prove with every game.

Senator Mark in a statement signed by Kola Ologbondiyan his special adviser, media and publicity urged the players and officials to remain focussed and determined and assured them of support and prayers from the government and people of Nigeria.

The Senate President who led the Federal government delegation to the opening ceremony of the FIFA World cup in Brazil expressed optimism that the Super Eagles will go far if they keep the team spirit alive.

He said, “I am very hopeful that our players would go far in this competition. I know they will bring joy and honour to Nigeria. We would do our own part to make them happy.”

In his own statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media, Uche Anichukwu, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ekweremadu noted that it was a night that the Nigerian side found their

rhythm to the delight of all football loving fans.

He said: “This is a very important victory after 16 years of drought at the FIFA World Cup and after the hard start against the Iranians.”

can do spirit of Nigerians.

Argentina provided the fuel. After struggling to beat Iran, there were moments of second thoughts. So Iran was not that “suya” that we thought they were. Then of course the arithmetic of it. Now that Argentina had beaten Iran, all that we needed to have one leg in the second round was victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina and the boys went for it.

In a World Cup where African countries have generated mixed feelings as to their tactical indiscipline on and off the field, broke many a hearts by uncomplimentary results, Saturday was a breath of fresh air.

First, Black Stars of Ghana with a five star performance against the great German machine team, one that was worth maximum points, yet.

Then came the Super Eagles of Nigeria against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Breath taking match, full of action, moving from one end of the field to the other.

While the Europeans struggled not to go down without a fight, the Africans held on for dear life.

It was déjà vue, South Africa all over again, a team that started by wobbling and fumbling, drawing wide spread criticsm by its hapless showing against Iran. A team that saw itself on the edge, the brink of elimination, a team that responded positively displaying on world stage what has been commonly referred to as Nigerian spirit.

Five world cup appearances, nothing to show for it.

Now we can walk with our heads held high. Those Brazilians who Linus Mba told me love Nigerians can continue to hold the faith “Nijeria….Nijeria…..” yes support us they must, in a group that includes their arch rivals Argentina. belief In churches yesterday, God was given the glory. Religious leaders paused their sermons to celebrate, forgiving sleepy eyes and punctuating exhortations to enable the saints go back home and relive the joy of a nation.

However, while we can afford to continue celebrating, the team must realize that though a battle has been won, the war is still on. An emphatic victory by Iran over an eliminated Bosnia can only require a positive result from us against Argentina. With what we saw on Saturday, who says Argentina will not be conquered?

Let the prayers not cease.

See you next week.

Pepsi Street Cup tourney ends in Lagos

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HE Pepsi Street Cup Tournament, which has been creating loads of excitement in different parts of Nigeria for some weeks now; came to an end in grand style.

Staged in AjegunleApapa and Egbeda centres

Danagogo hails Super Eagles

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PORTS Minister and Chairman, National Sports Commission, NSC, Dr. Tammy Danagogo has congratulated the Super Eagles on their “superlative performance” and well deserved victory over hard fighting Bosnia Herzegovina at the ongoing World Cup in Brazil.

The Minister particularly commended the players “for displaying the Nigerian spirit and

emerging victorious” at the end of the energy sapping encounter which saw the team holding on to the first half goal scored by Osaze Odemwingie Noting that Saturday’s victory was Eagles’ first World Cup match victory since the France ’98 World Cup 3-2 victory over Spain, Dr. Danagogo said, “I pray they advance in the competition.”

The Eagles are second

in the group with four points from the two matches played and they take on leaders, Argentina on Wednesday needing at least a draw to confirm qualification for the second round.

Meanwhile the Minister also thanked Nigerians for their prayer and support for te team, adding, “I urge them to continue supporting the team as they make progress in the competition.

simultaneously, the event saw fans throng both venues to watch grassroots stars display their talents.

Speaking in Apapa, Head of Marketing, Seven-up Bottling Company, Mr. Norden Thurston said: “Pepsi is proud to have given Nigerians joy through football, a well known passion of the country by taking the game to the people in their own backyard, where they can express themselves better.”

The Apapa location saw KC Academy defeat AKP by 3-1 in the finals to cart away half a million Naira grand prize, while AKP settled for the first runnerup’s prize of 250,000 Naira while at the Egbeda final, Awori Street FC from Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi smiled home with half a million Naira after defeating G Boys FC by 1-0 at the final.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014 — 55

VANGUARD, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

Today's Matches Netherlands Australia Cameroon Croatia

We won’t focus on Messi – Yobo F

ENERBAHCE d e f e n d e r Joseph Yobo has stressed that Nigeria will not focus on stopping Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi when they square off with Argentina on Wednesday afternoon.

The Super Eagles skipper has pointed out that there are 10 other players that will be on parade at the Estádio José Pinheiro Borba .

“Messi is a legend.

Unbelievable. But it is not just Messi. The whole team is good. But we know he can produce what he did Continues on Page 52

Belgium South Korea

vs Chile vs Spain vs Brazil vs Mexico Results 1 Russia 2 Algeria

5 5 9 9

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

0 4

Keshi: Eagles’ victory good for Africa •Says I never had doubt we’ll make it to 2nd round Super Eagles victory

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OACH Stephen Keshi feels the

over Bosnia-Herzegovi

Continues on Page 52

Eagles stun Bosnia coach

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•Keshi

AFET Susic, the Bosnia coach could not believe that the same Eagles that rattled his team was the same that struggled against Iran.

After enjoying a good Continues on Page 52

•Susic

WINNERS: Osaze Odemwingie (l) and Emmanuel Emenike celebrate the goal that sank Bosnia.

Nigeria won 1-0. PHOTO: AFP

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Obstacle (5) 7 Blaze (4) 8 Wrap (6) 9 Engine (5) 11 Spoil (3) 13 Vehicle (3) 15 Again (4) 16 Beverage (3) 18 Sea-eagle (4) 19 Comfort (7) 20 Regretted (4) 22 Destiny (4) 23 Erased (7) 25 Flat (4) 27 Managed (3) 28 Present (4) 30 Performed (3) 31 Defective (3) 33 Dexterity (5) 36 Sausage (6) 37 Spoken (4) 38 Fold (5)

DOWN 1 Giant (5) 2 Border (3) 3 Child (3) 4 Girl’s (3) 5 Away (3) 6 Unsoiled (5) 10 Stove (4) 11 Wed (7) 12 Ebbed (7) 13 Made (7) 14 Renovated (7) 16 Soar (5) 17 Pale (5) 18 Sprite (3) 21 Lair (3) 24 Job (4) 26 Essential (5) 29 Rustic (5) 32 Insane (3) 33 Mouthful (3) 34 Wrath (3) 35 Fate (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Tough 5, Faster 8, Local 10, Breath 11, Arid 14, Talent 15, Concern 18, Tea 19, Tot 21, Dram 23, Deter 24, Held 27, Red 29, Eel 31, Diverse 32, Cosmos 34, Sage 35, Unsure 38, Ensue 39, Evaded 40, Brand.

DOWN: 2, Oar 3, Glance 4, Hot 5, Flat 6, Soiled 7, Rhythm 9, Charter 12, Rat 13, Dear 16, Ogre 17, Noted 20, Tedious 22, Alas 24, Heckle 25, Less 26, Demand 28, Lesser 30, Log 33, Seed 36, Nub 37, Ran.

How to Play Sudoku

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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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