I met Buhari, seeing Jonathan soon — BLAIR

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62348

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Jonathan begs aggrieved PDP Reps not to dump party 9

How the Card Reader can be fooled 39

Oil sector's contribution to GDP drops to 8.97% 9

I met Buhari, seeing Jonathan soon — BLAIR

By Abiodun Alade

•Confirms London photograph, keeps mum on details L •Buhari speaks at Chatham House Thursday

AGOS—FORMER British Prime Minister Tony Blair, yesterday, confirmed to Vanguard that he met with All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (ret) following which he resolved to Continues on page 5

COLUMNISTS: The end of APC's fabricated momentum •P.17

Rudy Giuliani gets nasty with Obama •P.43

Mr & Mrs TROOPS IN BAGA—Troops recover more arms and ammunition, destroy terrorists' operational vehicles in Baga, Borno State. RIGHT: A suspected Boko Haram member disguised as a woman. INSET: The disguised suspect being questioned by military men. Photos: DHQs

Lamido betrayed CBN issues guidelines G-5 govs for Islamic — KWANKWASO zSays Buhari fit enough to govern C M Y K

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banking advisory body

8

10 most dangerous communities in See Inside South-South

2 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 — 3

4 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

to court BRIEFING—From left, President Goodluck Jonathan, President Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo and President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equitorial Guinea, briefing newsmen after a multilateral meeting on health and security at the Presidential Wing, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

I met Buhari in London, seeing Jonathan soon —BLAIR Continues from page 1 meet with President Goodluck Jonathan.

The confirmation of the meeting with the country ’s opposition leader rubbished speculations that Buhari was in the United Kingdom for medical reasons.

Blair, however, did not disclose the time of his proposed meeting with President Jonathan, just as he refused to be drawn into the nature of his discussions with the APC presidential candidate last Saturday.

Buhari’s campaign office had stated that the former head of state was in the U.K. on a working visit.

Rianne Buter, Senior Media Manager at Blair’s office in London

had in response to Vanguard's enquiries on the meeting between the former prime minister and Buhari said: “Mr. Blair had a private meeting with General Muhammadu Buhari in London,” adding “Mr. Blair hopes to visit Nigeria shortly when he will see the President.”

Buter further noted in an e-mail response to Vanguard on behalf of Blair, that “the meeting between Mr Blair and General Buhari was a private meeting and therefore we cannot disclose what was discussed.

The photograph was taken during that meeting”.

Buhari to address Chatham House

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Sorry is a question that begs forgiveness, because the metronome of a good heart won’t settle until things are set right and true. Sorry doesn’t take things back, but it pushes things forward. It bridges the gap. Sorry is a sacrament. It’s an offering. A gift —Craig Silvey

S

AY “I’m sorry” when you make a mistake and “thank you” as much as you can. These words are so simple, yet so often people overlook the importance of saying them. Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone knows that. It’s not when you make a mistake that’s a problem; it’s when you make a mistake and are too proud or embarrassed to be vulnerable, fess up, and apologize.

Just say “I’m sorry” and let another person forgive you, so you can move on, and eventually get what you want. Conversely, sincere gratitude to people is a powerful emotion to convey, and opens up many doors. This is really about learning to have a deep appreciation for others which invariably bring about better human relations.

Meanwhile, in continuation of his working visit to Britain, the APC presidential candidate is expected, Thursday, to deliver a lecture at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (RIIA, also known as Chatham House) in London.

The development followed a confirmation of the speaking engagement by the institute yesterday. Chatham House on its website disclosed that Buhari will speak on the topic— “Prospects for Democratic Consolidation in Africa: Nigeria’s Transition”.

The programme would be chaired by Sir Richard Gozney, former British High Commissioner to Nigeria.

“The postponement of Nigeria’s fifth election since its return to civilian rule in 1999, together with fierce political competition, a security crisis and severe economic challenges linked to the drop in oil price, have thrown into sharp relief the challenges of conducting this essential process in such a complex environment. While there is widespread speculation as to the reasons for the delay, there is also widespread acknowledgment of the necessity that national elections do not take place as scheduled on March 28,” Chatham House said.

According to Chatham House, Buhari “ will discuss the importance of democracy for Africa’s future, and in particular why delivering divi-

dends of elected government matter both to Nigeria and internationally.”

The statement added that there would be a live stream of the event commencing at 10am GMT.

GEJ group heads

Meanwhile, the Presidential Campaign Organisation of Goodluck Jonathan, Ogun State, has vowed to approach the court to ascertain what it claimed, yesterday, as Buhari’s real health status.

In a statement by its Director, Media and Publicity, Steve Oliyide, the group said: “We feel concerned about the well being of our fellow citizen and more about a man who had served this country in the Army but history has taught us that the Presidential position comes with lots of physical challenges and huge mental demands and as such a proposed occupant of such position must be at least 90 per cent healthy and of a very sound mind.

“We wonder why the opposition party is spending so much time and resources to conceal the true state of health of the former dictator.

Moreso, we find it rather ridiculous and a grand insult to Nigerians, that the opposition party has continued to play “hide and seek” whenever the issue of General Buhari’s health comes up.

“We love General Buhari and we will not stand idle to watch some greedy, self-centered and selfish politicians push such man around all in the process of actualizing their egocentric lust for power.

We will not also fold our hands and allow these few take the already progressing country into constitutional crisis and needless doctrine of necessity.”

Court fixes March 19 to hear 7 suits seeking to disqualify Buhari

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—THE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, fixed March 19

to commence hearing on seven separate suits seeking to disqualify the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Ret), from contesting the forthcoming general elections.

All the seven cases have been assigned to Justice Ademola Adeniyi who presided over two of the suits yesterday.

Meantime, both Buhari and the APC, who are defendants in the matter alongside the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday, maintained that they would not accept the service of the court processes which they said were not validly served on them.

They challenged the propriety of orders of Justice Adeniyi which had permitted the plaintiffs to serve the

originating summons on them through substituted means.

Justice Adeniyi had on February 2, directed that the court processes be served on the defendants by publishing same in three national dailies.

The court also granted an order of abridgment of time within which the defendants must respond to the suits.

However, both Buhari and his party, contended that there was no urgency in the matter to warrant the court to hear the suits in a hurry.

Thus, in separate preliminary objections filed by counsel to Buhari, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, and that of the APC, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, they asked the court to set-aside all the orders it has made in the matter so far.

They further contended that the subject matter of the suit bothers on preelection issues which they said is not time bound, adding that it can be determined even after the March 28 presidential election.

Nevertheless, Chief Mike Ozehkome, SAN,

who represented the plaintiffs yesterday, urged the court to expedite hearing on the matter so as to determine Buhari’s fate before the presidential election.

His submission infuriated Buhari’s lawyer, Olanipekun, SAN, who argued that the suit challenging the certificate his client submitted to the INEC, has nothing to do with the election itself.

“My lord what he is saying is that this case must end before this election. It is a wrong impression. This case has nothing to do with the conduct of the election.

What if the presidential election was held on February 14?”, Olanipekun queried.

Likewise, INEC through its lawyer Mr. Hassan Liman, SAN, yesterday, said it would file a preliminary objection to challenge both the competence of the suits which were filed by the two plaintiffs, Mr. Chukwunweike Okafor and Mr. Max Ozoaka, as well as the jurisdiction of the court to entertain them.

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Robbers kill Okadaman, injure scores in Lagos zPolice arrest 7, recover weapons

By Esther Onyegbula

A

RMED robbers, yesterday, killed a commercial bike operator during a robbery operation along First Gate, Maza-Maza axis of Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

This came as Lagos State Police Command arrested seven suspected armed robbers terrorising residents of Magbon, Pure Water, Aradagun and Oko-Afo area of the state.

On the Maza-Maza incident, Vanguard gathered that several others were injured as the five-man robbery gang, who traced a bureau de change agent from Cotonou in Benin Republic, reportedly opened fire on passengers and road users going about their normal duties.

It was learned that the robbers, after successfully carrying out the operation and carting away about N18 million, shot a commercial bike operator, while attempting to escape.

A newspaper vendor who also spoke to Vanguard, said the robbers capitalized on the incessant traffic jams on the road to strike.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Police Command has arrested seven suspected armed robbers terrorizing residents of Magbon, Pure Water, Aradagun and Oko-Afo area in Lagos.

The suspects, identified as Adebayo Tomoloju, 27; Christian Matthew, 24; Olaotan Joshua, 24; Oladele Alade, 22; Ogene Ochuko, 23; and Ajayi Peter, 20, were arrested in their hideout in Lagos.

It was gathered that Assistant Superintendent of Police, Usman Jimoh, attached to Convoy Patrol, Morogbo Division and his team, were ambushed and attacked by hoodlums with dangerous objects, which led to one of the officers, Isiaka Liadi, sustaining a severe eye injury.

Loaded, moving in Ibadan. PHOTOS: Dare Fasube.

Chinese charged with distribution of unregistered, fake diapers

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—THE National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, yesterday, arraigned a Chinese national, Mr. Lu Pengqing, at the Federal High Court, Awka, on a five-count charge of alleged importation and distribution of unregistered and counterfeit diapers into the country.

The charges included sale of counterfeit products, possession of counterfeit products, importation of counterfeit products, importation of products without registration and distribution of product without registration.

Pengqing, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr. Umar Shamaki, told the court presided over by Justice Gafa’i Bature that Pengqing was arrested with the unregistered and counterfeit diapers at 9, Awka Road, Onitsha, Anambra State, on February 10, as he was busy distributing the counterfeit and unregistered diapers products to unsuspecting members of the public.

He prayed the court to remand the accused person in prison custody and his international passport confiscated as he faced trial, in view of the gravity of the offence.

Counsel to the accused, Mr. Emeka Nathaniel, while arguing for the bail of the accused, claimed that his client was neither importing nor selling counterfeit and unregistered products as alleged.

In an 11-page affidavit, Emeka pleaded for an order of the court to grant the accused lenient and favourable bail

condition.

In his ruling, Justice Bature granted the accused bail on three conditions, namely that he must produce two sureties, who must be senior civil servants

working in Anambra State and who must be staff of the Federal Government or Anambra State.

He also said the court would verify the residence of the accused in Onitsha and

directed that the accused shall deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.

The case was adjourned to May 6 for further hearing.

One killed as Customs, smugglers clash

By Bose Adelaja

O

NE person was feared dead yesterday, at SangoOta, Ogun State after a shootout between men of the Nigeria Customs Service and some rice smugglers.

According to eyewitnesses, problem started at Ota area around 11.30am when the smugglers were coming from Idiroko and ran into the law enforcement agents, but refused to stop.

The law enforcement agents chased the smugglers to the flyover bridge at Sango, where the smugglers were said to have engaged the officials in a gun battle, leading to the death of a resident.

An eyewitness, Mr. Fakolujo Opeoluwa, said the deceased, a female, was on her way to a local food vendor to buy food, when a stray bullet hit her.

Other accounts said five people were killed in the shootout that caused pandemonium and sent

residents fleeing.

In a related development, two persons were said to have been feared dead yesterday, at Onibukun, near Atan, Ogun State, when a mini bus, popularly called Danfo,

collided with a Sports Utility Vehicle.

Efforts to reach Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, proved abortive as he did not pick his calls.

3 docked over robbery

By Bartholomew Madukwe

T

HREE persons have been charged before an Ikeja magistrate’s court in Lagos for allegedly robbing one Segun Akinbode of his cash, while armed with gun and other dangerous weapons.

They include Fatai Olorunoje, 43; Azeez Salami, 23; and Taiwo Karimu, 37.

According to the charge, the accused robbed Akinbode of N300,000 at Mushin area of the state.

They were arraigned by the police on a two-count charge.

One of the counts read: “That you Fatai Olorunoje, Azeez

Salami, Taiwo Karimu and others now at large on December 20, 2014 at about 8pm at Mushin area of Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, whilst armed with gun and other dangerous weapons, did rob N300,000, property of one Mr. Segun Akinbode.”

The prosecutor, Inspector Eranus Nnamonu, informed the court that the offence was punishable under Section 1 (2) (a) (b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990, as amended.

Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe did not grant the accused bail, but adjourned the matter to March 19.

Man accused of N180,000 fraud

By Onozure Dania & Tayo Ogundipe

L

AGOS—THE police, yesterday, charged a 34year-old man, Hope Umoh, to a Tinubu Magistrate’s Court

sitting in Lagos Island for allegedly obtaining N180,000 from a businesswoman, under false pretence of delivering a job he was paid for.

The defendant, who resides behind Onado Ikota Housing

Estate, Lekki, is facing a twocount charge bordering on false pretence and stealing preferred against him by the police.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Daniel Igodaloh, told the court that the defendant committed

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015—7

Police re-arrest 110 escapee prisoners, 30 others in Ekiti

By Gbenga Ariyibi

A

DO-EKITI—NO fewer than 110 escapees from Ekiti State Prison have been arrested by the state police command.

The command has also arrested over 30 suspected armed robbers in the last few weeks.

A statement in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday, by the Police Commissioner, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, revealed some of the measures put in place by the police, including rapid response squad, constant patrol and clamp down on criminal hideouts.

Lakanu said these measures had given rise to the high level of arrest of suspected criminals and escapee inmates.

The police boss, however, lauded the state government and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, for his assistance through donation of patrol vans to the command.

According to him, this had helped in stemming the tides of robbery and other associated crimes in the state.

To ensure the safety of all residents, Lakanu said, the command would make all the hotlines that could be called

during distress, available to the people.

He said: “We are determined to tackle crime and criminality headlong in the state.

“We have put in place many

strategies, which include ensuring that the residents armed themselves with the numbers of the CP and other personnel.

“All these techniques have

resulted in various arrests of armed robbers, burglars and other miscreants. The police cells are brimming with suspects due to the arrests so far made.”

‘Customs officer’, four others arrested in Lagos

By Ifeanyi Okolie

T

HE police in Lagos has arrested a syndicate which specialises in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public, using a fake Customs official.

The suspects, identified as Raji Ramoni, Usman Galadima, Adekunle Thomas, Chuks Anierobi and Thomas Bens, were arrested when they allegedly swindled a Lagosbased businesswoman of N800,000 in a bogus car auction deal, while a pastor based in Anambra State was also defrauded of N3.7 million.

Vanguard gathered that the businesswoman, identified simply as Mrs Uche, was approached by one of the suspects, Raji Ramoni, who posed as a Customs official

The arrested suspects. with the rank of a Chief Superintendent, in her office in Ikeja area of Lagos and lured her into buying an auction Toyota Highlander Sport Utility Vehicle for N800,000.

The victim was shown the vehicle at Tin-Can Island Port in Lagos and the money was paid into Galadima’s accounts, but she did not get the vehicle.

A petition was written to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Kayode Aderanti, who directed the officer in charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, SP Abba Kyari, to investigate and apprehend all the suspects involved.

Galadima, into whose account the money was paid, was arrested and he led operatives to apprehend others.

DISPLACED AT HOME: Internally-displaced persons, IDPs, from North-East at the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA's relief materials distribution centre in Jos, yesterday. NAN PHOTO. the alleged offence on October the offence is punishable under 12, 2014, within Asajo Street, Sections 321 and 285 (a) of the Sangotedo, Ajah Lekki, area of criminal law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

Lagos.

The defendant pleaded not HE Police High Command Ahmed Falaki of Ahmadu Bello He said the defendant in Abuja, yesterday, University, Zaria. obtained the said sum from one guilty to the charges.

A statement by Force Public Magistrate O. Ajayi granted directed the Assistant Inspector Efonobong Eshiet, with the pretence of helping her fix an the defendant N40,000 bail with General of Police, Zone 1, Relations Officer, CP Emmanuel aluminium counter and door in two sureties in like sum and Tambari Mohammed, to Ojukwu, urged Tambari to her shop, which he failed to do. adjourned the matter to March personally lead investigations conduct an indepth forensic into the death of Professor investigation on the incident, According to the prosecutor, 20 for mention.

Ex-member of Lagos club alleges threat to life

By Onozure Dania

L

AGOS—A former entertainment chairman of Ikoyi Club 1938, Gbenga Gbadesire, has appealed to Lagos State Commissioner of Police Lagos to come to his aid over alleged threats to his life by four members of the club.

Gbadesire said during his tenure between February 2006 and February 2008, a lot of issues came up due to varying interests.

He said some of the issues that came up then could not be handled properly, and things degenerated to the extent that he was suspended, even as the complainant.

He said as he attempted to appeal the suspension, he was expelled, prompting him to approach a Lagos High Court that gave the club a restraining order.

Gbadesire said that on Friday, November 2, 2013, a trustee of the club made the club to expel him again, though there was a notice of appeal, coupled with the fact that the 90-day moratorium for appeal had neither elapsed nor any letter written to him on the expulsion, which caused him embarrassment at the club.

According to him, security men at the club refused him entry in the presence of guests and members of the club on the aforementioned date.

He also alleged that the four members of the club with their agents and privies resorted to calling and texting him with known and unknown mobile phone numbers, issuing him threats.

Gbadesire, who said he had been hiding in defferent houses, alleged that those after his life were not relenting.

He said they carried out a practical implementation of their threats when they sent hired assassins to his home address at 21, Okesuna Street, Lagos on Wednesday, April 9, 2014.

IG orders investigation into Prof Falaki's death

T

with a view to unravelling the circumstances surrounding the death of the renowned Professor of Agriculture.

It said arrests had been made and the professor's vehicle recovered in Bauchi State.

8—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Reps to summon IG over Mbu's comment

By Emman Ovuakporie & Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA — THE House of Representatives may invite the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr Suleiman Abba over threats by the Assistant Inspector General, AIG, in charge of Zone 2, Mbu Joseph Mbu over threat to kill 20 civilians for any policeman killed during the re-scheduled general elections for March 28 and April 14.

The House Notice Paper for Monday, February 23 to Friday February 27, 2015 has revealed that Rep. Aliyu Madaki ,APC, Kano, will move a motion to that effect on the floor of the House today.

The motion entitled ‘Violation of the constitution and disrespect to the Rule of Law by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Mbu Joseph Mbu” will be the second motion of the day.

Aside the summons, the motion will be seeking to compel the police high command to take disciplinary actions against Mbu for giving “such an unconstitutional order.”

Vanguard recalls that Mbu reportedly issued a threat that for every policeman killed during the March and April elections, 20 civilians should be killed in retaliation.

According to the reports, Mbu explained that since policemen were also humans, they should be ready to take revenge on any violent group(s) that might attack them or other innocent citizens.

Mbu also affirmed the threat last weekend during the inauguration of the Olorunsogo II Power Station by President Goodluck Jonathan where he told journalists: “If one of my men is killed, I shall kill 20 of them, but don’t shoot first. If they shoot you, shoot back in self-defence. Anybody who fires you, fire him back in self-defence,” The AIG was quoted in the media to have told his men at the Ogun State Police Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, during a recent visit.

BAGA RECAPTURE: Terrorists disguise as women zAs cordon and search yields more weapons

A

BUJA— THE Defence Headquarters disclosed, yesterday, that following the air and ground assault to flush out Boko Haram terrorists from Baga, its cordon and search operation has revealed some terrorists disguising as women.

A statement signed by MajorGeneral Chris Olukolade said: “The searches are also yielding more discoveries of

arms especially bombs hidden in various locations, especially Baga town.

“Apart from those captured in the course of fighting, many arrests of terrorists hiding in the town are being made and troops are still busy interrogating the suspects.

“Meanwhile, in furtherance of the mission to clear terrorists from all their

enclaves by the military, the Nigerian Air Force has stepped up its air bombardment of identified targets in Gwoza, Bama and Sambisa forest, preparatory to other phases of the mission.

“The air strikes have been highly successful as they achieved the aims, hitting vital targets with required precision.

“Terrorists are now in disarray as they scamper to escape from the impact of air bombardment of their locations in the forest.

"Having successfully liberated Baga where the terrorists had held sway, the troops’ attention has now been focused on consolidation of the security of the area to pave way for return of citizens."

IG orders probe into death of ABU don, Falaki

A

BUJA — The Police High Command in Abuja, yesterday, directed the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 1, Tambari Mohammed, to personally lead investigations into the death of Professor Ahmed Falaki of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, gave the directive, expressing worry about the circumstances surrounding the death in Kano of Prof Falaki.

A statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, CP Emmanuel Ojukwu, urged AIG Tambari “to conduct an indepth forensic investigation on the incident with a view to unravelling the circumstances surrounding the attack and death of the renowned Professor of Agriculture.

“Meantime, some arrests have been made in connection with the incident, and the late professor’s vehicle recovered in Bauchi State.

“The IGP wishes to assure the deceased’s immediate family and the general public that the Police will do all it takes to ensure ends of justice, while perpetrators of the unfortunate incident will not go unpunished.”

The don was killed in Kano few weeks as he was mistaken to be a Boko Haram suspect.

The terrorists had attacked a police station in Kano but fled when residents of the area mobilised and confronted them. The terrorists were said to have hijacked the late Professor ’s car but later abandoned it and when Professor Falaki emerged to reclaim his car, he was mistaken as one of the terrorists and killed. The police and the residents of the area are, however, trading accusations as to who was responsible for Falaki’s death.

VISIT: Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State (6th left); President, Governing Council of Institute of Directors, Mrs Eniola Fadayomi (5th left); Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (2nd righ); Head of Service, Mrs Folashade Jaji (right) and others during a visit of Institute of Directors' Governing Council to Fashola in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

CBN issues guidelines for Islamic banking advisory body

By Yinka Kolawole

L

AGOS — THE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has issued guidelines for an advisory body that will oversee Islamic banking in the country.

The advisory body, known as the Financial Regulation Advisory Council of Experts, FRACE, will be tasked with ensuring all banking products that are designated as Islamic conform to Sharia principles.

The guidelines set out minimum requirements for the advisory body, which will comprise a minimum of five members including a CBNofficial.

Members will serve renewable two-year terms, must be qualified in Islamic jurisprudence and are restricted from working for any other financial institution supervised by the CBN. Financial institutions that offer Islamic banking products in Nigeria are already required to have their boards of Sharia finance experts, who are limited to serving in one institution at a time.

According to the CBN, “the guidelines have been developed and issued to guide the operations and activities of the FRACE. It sets out the membership, composition, qualification, duties and responsibilities of the FRACE among others."

The apex bank further stated that the guidelines is to “set forth the composition of the FRACE and the minimum qualification of its members; define the duties and responsibilities of the council and its members; define the working relationship between the FRACE and the individual Advisory Committees of Experts (ACE) of NIFIs; and outline a code of conduct for members of the FRACE. "The FRACE shall be established as an expert advisory organ to advise the CBN on matters of Islamic commercial jurisprudence as they relate to the operations of NIFIs. "Members of the FRACE shall be appointed on a parttime basis. The appointment of members of the FRACE shall be for a term of two years, renewable subject to

satisfactory performance. It shall comprise a minimum of five members.

“The Special Adviser to the Governor on Non-Interest Banking shall be a member, while the Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department shall serve as the Secretary.

"A member of the FRACE shall be an individual and not a corporate body or institution. A member shall knowledge, expertise and experience in the field of Islamic jurisprudence with specialization in the field of Islamic commercial jurisprudence.

"A member should also demonstrate knowledge in the philosophy of Islamic law; knowledge of written and spoken Arabic as well as English language; and exposure in the field of business, economics or finance especially Islamic finance.”

The CBN's advisory body will be guided by the principles of Sharia governance issued by the Malaysia-based Islamic Financial Services Board.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015—9

Oil sector’s contribution to GDP drops to 8.97%

By Michael Eboh

A

BUJA — THE oil and gas sector ’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, dropped by 1.48 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2014 to 8.97 per cent from its 10.45 per cent contribution in the third quarter of 2014.

The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, NBS, in its GDP Report for the fourth quarter of 2014, said the oil sector also grew by 1.18 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2014, 10.54 percent higher than the decline of 9.36 per cent recorded in the fourth quarter of 2013.

According to the NBS, the oil sector experienced production and price challenges in the quarter of review.

It added that despite this, average daily production of crude oil was recorded at 2.18 million barrels per day (mbpd), an increase from 2.16 million barrels per day recorded in the fourth quarter of 2013 and from the 2.15 million barrels per day recorded in the third quarter of 2014.

It said: “Yet, the oil sector contributed approximately 8.97 per cent to real GDP in quarter four of 2014, lower by 1.48 percentage points from the 10.45 per cent contribution in quarter three of 2014, and by 0.42 percentage points from the 9.39 per cent recorded during the fourth quarter of 2013.”

Measured by Real GDP, the NBS disclosed that the Nigerian economy grew by 5.94 per cent (year-on-year) on an aggregate basis in the Fourth quarter of 2014.

“This was lower by 0.83 percentage points from rates recorded in the fourth quarter of 2013, and lower by 0.28 percentage points from the third quarter of 2014. From the third quarter of 2014, the economy grew by 3.84 percent in quarter four.

“The nominal GDP at basic prices for the fourth quarter of 2014 was estimated at N24.206 trillion, up 13.10 per cent from N21.402 trillion estimated for the corresponding quarter of 2013 and 5.55 per cent from N22.933 trillion recorded in the third quarter of 2014,” the NBS stated.

Jonathan begs aggrieved PDP Reps not to dump party

By Emman Ovuakporie

A

BUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has appealed to aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, members of the House of Representatives to sheath their swords and work for him in the forthcoming general elections.

Vanguard reliably gathered that the President made the appeal when the aggrieved lawmakers met with him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Sunday night.

A source privy to the development said ”the lawmakers bared their minds to the President, telling him

how the PDP secretariat virtually sold tickets to the highest bidders.

A particular lawmaker from the South-South who wanted to become a governor narrated how he was swindled of N1 billion by some PDP stalwarts at the secretariat but commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, which has retrieved about N500 million from the party men who swindled him.”

Other lawmakers had complained of unfair treatment by their various party chieftains who ensured that there was no level playing ground but rather

ensured that the highest bidders had their way.

They also told the President that national officers of the party connived with state governors to undermine the established internal democracy of the party.

The lawmakers further complained that because of this development, no true primaries were held in virtually all the states.

They said this led to the emergence of political paper weights and stooges who ordinarily cannot win ward elections in their respective areas.

The source said the president after “listening

promised to work with them and compensate those who were wrongly replaced or denied tickets. He also appealed that members should save the party from being disgraced at the polls.”

The lawmakers had met in Room 208 in the Reps wing of the National Assembly where those who will speak on their behalf were nominated at about 7.30pm before they went to see the President.

The meeting ended at about 10.30pm and a similar meeting, it was gathered, would be extended to the senators soon.

Lamido betrayed G-5 govs —Kwankwaso K

By Abdulsalam Muhammad

ANO — GOVERNOR Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State has accused his Jigawa State counterpart, Mallam Sule Lamido, of betraying the group of five Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s governors who left the party following their disagreement with party leaders.

In an interview with newsmen, weekend, in Kano, Kwankwaso also faulted insinuations that the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari (ret) was not healthy enough to stand the rigours of governing Nigeria.

According to him, “the exit of G5 Governors from PDP has demystified the ruling party, adding, however,that PDP was no longer the monster it used to be.

He said: “Everyone knows that Governor Lamido was part of us, he was the leader of the group. He took us to a certain height before choosing otherwise and we were all surprised by his final decision.

“But, if there is anybody who would criticise our exit, it shouldn’t be Lamido and the Niger State governor. After all, our our judgment would decide the outcome of the general election.

"However, we know that PDP is no longer the monster it used to be, and I tell you they are ready to do anything to have someone like me who was considered as an irritant back in their fold.”

Buhari fit as fiddle —Kwankwaso

zSays Buhari fit enough to govern

DECAMPING: From left: All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain,Mr Tony Momoh; former Governor of Anambra State, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju and APC chieftain, Mr Ogbonnaya Onu, when the former governor decamped to APC in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN. On the health status of General Buhari, Kwankwaso said he could vow that the former military ruler was as fit as a fiddle.

He argued that the “controversy was being mischievously unleashed on the polity by the ruling PDP to score cheap political points.”

Although Kwankwaso admitted that he was not a medical doctor, he said his judgment was based on his practical experience with the retired General over the past couple of months.

Said he: “You know that I’m not a medical doctor but a civil engineer, therefore I would speak as a layman. I

don’t think these guys got it right on General Buhari because between December 10 to date he engaged in rigorous campaigns and rallies, crossing over two states per day and I’m convinced a sick man could not have successfully done that.

"My judgment was on what I have seen practically, his performance and strength is awesome and he appears ready to do the job of number one citizen.”

On Obasanjo's exit from PDP Kwankwaso also described

the exit of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo from PDP as a huge blow to the party, adding that the party leadership mismanaged its fortune.

He argued that “Obasanjo is a father figure to so many gladiators of this republic and for him to have publicly disowned the party underscores the in justices we had for long cried about.”

On the forthcoming general elections, Kwankwaso appealed to the stakeholders to play by the rule of the game, noting that violence would do no one any good.

10— Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Lagos not in bondage, Fashola tells Jonathan

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

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AGOS—GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, has reacted to President Goodluck Jonathan’s statement that victory for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the forthcoming elections would free Lagos residents from oppression, saying “Lagos is not in bondage.”

The governor said: “It is an un-presidential statement made in an act of desperation.”

It will be recalled that President Jonathan made the statement during a meeting with leaders of market women groups, “Iyalojas,” in Lagos.

According to him, “the question to ask him (Jonathan) is that if he had come to free residents of Lagos from bondage and he lived here for five days meeting with people and distributing money, that means he lived in bondage in five days while trying to free people.

“If he can live here for five days moving with patrol

Bartholomew Madukwe

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AGOS—REPRIEVE came the way of the chairman of Bi-Courtney Limited, Dr Wale Babalakin, and four others, yesterday, as a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, discharged them over alleged N4.7b fraud preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. In his ruling, trial judge, Justice Lateef Lawal Akapo, formulated four issues raised by the defendants which he based his ruling on.

It will be recalled that the EFCC accused the defendants of aiding the former Delta State governor, James Ibori, to siphon public fund belonging to Delta State.

The four issues raised by the defendants were: “Whether the EFCC can prosecute a defendant without fait; whether James Ibori is a public officer; whether two prosecuting authorities can jointly sign a charge and whether the charge on the surface contains sufficient information.”

Justice Akapo, resolved three of the issues in favour of the defendants but upheld that the EFCC has the powers to prosecute any criminal matter in court without fiat.

In the suit, EFCC had charged Babalakin, his companies, Stabilini Vision Limited, Bi-Courtney Limited and Alex Okoh and his company, Renix Nigeria Limited, on a 27-count charge

in Chibok and he will know what bondage is,” he added.

By Lawani Mukairu & Daniel Eteghe

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VISIT: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (middle) in a game of draught during his visit to the Nigeria Conservation Foundation, Lekki, Lagos, a portion of which has been upgraded to a family park with a 401 metres long canopy walk-way, fish ponds, and non-aggressive wild life. With him are: Commissioner for Tourism and InterGovernmental Relations, Mr. Disun Holloway (3rd left) and others.

ALLEGED N4.7BN FRAUD:

By Abdulwahab Abdulah &

vehicles that we paid for, let him go and spend five days

FAAN not indebted to PHCN, says spokesman

Court frees Babalakin, 4 others

of conspiracy, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct and corruptly conferring benefit on account of public action.

The anti-graft agency had alleged that Babalakin and his co-defendants fraudulently assisted convicted former Delta State governor, James Ibori, to transfer huge sums of money through various parties to Erin Aviation account in Mauritius for the purchase of a plane.

But Babalakin, alongside his co-defendants, through

their lawyers, filed separate applications, praying the court to quash the N4.7billion charge, arguing that the EFCC as a federal agency, lacked valid fiat to prosecute them in a state high court.

The defendants through their counsel, Dr. Biodun Layonu, SAN; Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, SAN; Mr. Roland Otaru, SAN; Dr. Joseph Nwobike, SAN and Mr. Oladapo Akinosun, had also argued that the state High Court had no jurisdiction to hear offences brought under the EFCC Act.

The lawyers posited that all the charges against the defendant were predicated on repealed laws of Lagos State and urged the court to quash same.

They also submitted that the defendants were not properly informed of the details they were charged for as stated in the Constitution, adding that count 2 to 13 of the charge did not inform the defendant the details of the offences, neither did they constitute an offence under any written law in the country.

Solomon urges support for Ambode

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By Dapo Akinrefon

AGOS—THE Senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, has called on Lagosians to cast their votes for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, saying that it was imperative to sustain the posterity and massive development “put in place in the past 15 years by the APC government in Lagos.”

Speaking at an event organised by pensioners of Lagos State, Senator Solomon, said Lagos needs a financial expert such as Ambode to keep her on the path of excellence.

The event had in attendance over 1,000 pensioners, who said that the verbosity of the main opposition cannot save them because action speaks louder

than words.

According to him, “Lagos will benefit greatly from the 27 years experience of Mr. Ambode in governance, 13 years of which

was in the various local governments of Lagos State and the remaining years in the mainstream of the civil service."

AGOS—THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, yesterday, said that it was not indebted to the Ikeja Distribution Company, IKEDC, for power supply to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

General Manager, Corporate Communications , FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati, who disclosed this, said the airport authority has continued to carry out its obligation to the power distribution company to enable it serve its teeming clients at the airport, which require power supply for seamless passenger, cargo and other operations.

He said information making the round that the power company was planning to cut supply of electricity to the airport was part of the blackmail plot by some debtors, who were reluctant to pay what they owe the authority.

Dati also urged users of the airport and other stakeholders to discountenance any information suggesting that there would be power outage at the Lagos Airport on account of the alleged debts.

He said: ”There is no planned black out at the airport . FAAN is not owing Ikeja Distribution Company. People who are spreading such rumour of black out at the airport are embarking on cheap blackmail. They are going under the radar to pull FAAN down.

“As service providers , we pay for the services rendered to us by the power company. This blackmail is coming from debtor contractors , who want to distract FAAN.”

Group faults Lagos govt on death penalty

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By Innocent Anaba

AGOS—AVOCATS Sans Frontieres France, ASF, has faulted the retention of the death penalty in Lagos State laws, calling on the state government to reform the criminal justice system.

ASF Head Officer in Nigeria, Angela Uwandu in a statement, yesterday, said “The belief that the death penalty deters crime is fundamentally flawed because several studies over the years show that the death penalty does not serve as a deterrent

against crime.

“ASF France views the decision of the Lagos State Government to retain the death penalty in its laws as a most unwelcome development. The state government has determined that the death penalty is a suitable deterrent for crimes such as murder and armed robbery, based on randomly conducted opinion polls. This is in spite of the various aggressive death penalty abolition campaigns that have been launched in the state in the past decade.

“The decision casts a shadow on the status of the Lagos State Government as a progressive pace setter in legal policies. ASF France is particularly disappointed because the state government has chosen to hinge this decision on the opinions drawn from a 0.1 percentage of the estimated 20million people who constitute the population of Lagos state, without first laying the groundwork to ensure that the public is adequately enlightened about the implications of the death penalty."

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 —11

JONATHAN'S VISIT: Beware of Greek gift, S-West APC

tells Yoruba monarchs

Buhari lacks integrity to fight graft —GROUP

I

By Ola Ajayi

BADAN—FOLLOWING President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit by to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and other monarchs in the South West to garner support for his reelection in the March 28 presidential election, the opposition, All Progressives Congress, APC, has advised the rulers to be be conscious of the implications of “Greek gift.”

The South-West APC, in a statement by its Director of Publicity, Mr. Ayo Afolabi, advised the monarchs who he described as the bastion of democratic justice and good governance, should vote true to their cultural identity that loathes tyranny, corruption and nepotism.

Fighting hard to realise his second term ambition, President Jonathan had visited the SouthWest monarchs in quick succession.

The visits, according to the APC has no redemptive electoral value in South-West because “it

is devoid of strategic assessment.”

The party asked how many of such desperate and impromptu meetings were needed before Yoruba people voted for him in 2011? “How much did President Jonathan spend to get Yoruba

votes in 2011 and why should he think money will save him now?

Except the Yoruba, the zonal APC maintained that all other regions extracted several promises from President

Jonathan in the race to 2011 elections.

He noted further that the zone voted based on their firm convictions and commitment to justice and good governance.

MEETING: From left: Chief Tokunbo Akinsowon, state Chairman, Community Development, Chief Samuel Ayedogbon, Commissioner, Community Development and Cooperative, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, and Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, Gov. Amosun's running mate, during the meeting with community leaders across the state in Abeokuta, yesterday.

Photo: Wunmi Akinola.

Nigeria'll regret if Buhari wins — FASEHUN zSays OPC will mobilise house-to-house for Jonathan

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By Clifford Ndujihe

AGOS—FOUNDER of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, and National Chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, has asked Nigerians to brace up for years of nightmares, if they fail to re-elect President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 polls.

Speaking at his Century Hotels, Okota office, while receiving Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, yesterday, Fasehun said Jonathan deserves re-election on account of his achievements since coming to power.

He recalled the reign of the

All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) as military Head of State and said he would not like to experience it again.

Assuring that OPC members will embark on house-to-house mobilisation for President Jonathan and ensure that he gets another four-year term, Fasehun said: ‘’I have been under the military before.

Leopards don’t change their spots. What baffles me is Buhari has guts to attempt governing Nigeria again. It will not come to pass. When he came to power in 1984, he asked political leaders to report at the nearest police station.

Many of them died in

detention. That is the man who wants to come back to rule Nigeria. I don’t want to experience Buhari again.

Four years of Buhari will be four years of nightmares.”

Apart from his achievements, Fasehun said he would mobilise for Jonathan because he has refused to abuse his presidential powers unlike some of his predecessors.

He said: ‘’For five years no Nigerian has been sentenced (extra-judicially) outside the courts. Jonathan is a

democracy addict. He takes criticisms in his strides. We will work and ensure Jonathan gets four more years.

Let Mr. President be rest assured that in this part of the country (South-West), any contestant with him will lose his deposit. We must go round from hamlet to village, from town to cities campaigning for Jonathan. Let us not lose the opportunity to enjoy Jonathan’s administration further. If we did, we will regret it.’’

Ex-Ondo PDP chair appointed campaign coordinator

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K U R E — T H E immediate past Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Hon. Ebenezer Alabi has been appointed as the state coordinator of the Mobilisation and Organisation Committee of the party in the state.

Alabi, who also doubles as the state Chairman of a nongovernmental organisation,

NGO, Omoilu Foundation, is expected to use his position to bring together the various interest groups in the state ahead of the general election.

Presenting him to the media over the weekend, the chairman, organisation and mobilisation committee of the PDP in t h e S o u t h We s t , Pr i n c e Buruji Kashamu, described Alabi as “a man of integrity and an experienced politician who has been tried, tested and trusted."

A

By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—A proJonathan group, Goodluck and Gboyega Youth Movement in Ogun State, yesterday, said the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Gen. Muhammad Buhari lacks the integrity to fight corruption.

The group which serves as the promoter of President Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection bid and the emergence of the People’s Democratic Party governorship candidate in the state, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, said Buhari was too weak to fight corruption in the country.

The state coordinator of the group, Fatai Adesegun in his statement accused the APC of promoting gerontocracy which he said would make the youths to be in perpetual servitude.

“At 39, Buhari was Head of State and 39 years after, he wants to return to the same position. Does it mean there are no younger people to pilot the affairs of the country? Must we go back in time when other nations are moving forward?

“We shall resist the attempt to institutionalize gerontocracy as being promoted by the APC,“ Adesegun said.

Group reiterates support for senatorial candidate

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S A B A — T H E leadership of Anioma Congress has re-affirmed its endorsement of the Delta North senatorial candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi in the coming election.

The first vice-chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council and leader of the Anioma Congress, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II, stated this at Owa-Oyibu, said the endorsement was in the best interest of the Anioma nation.

Efeizomor II disclosed that the endorsement of Chief Nwaoboshi was based on number of factors, including his contribution to the development of the Anioma nation.

He advised persons opposed to Nwaoboshi’s candidature not to allow their narrow and parochial interests to subsume the larger political interest of the people of Delta North.

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Army must remain loyal to nation rather than individual's tenure —OSHIOMHOLE

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said that the Nigerian Army must remain loyal to the nation rather than be reduced to defending the tenure of an individual, adding that presidents and governors will come and go but the Nigerian nation will remain.

Speaking while receiving the General Officer Commanding, (GOC), 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General Sanusi Muazu, Oshiomhole said no political office holder should get so desperate and try to use the military to boost personal ambition.

According to him, “The reason this has become an issue is because of the nature of our politics and the way political actors have put their personal interests over and above national interest. Presidents and governors would come and go, whether they are good or bad.

Even the Armed Forces commander would come and go but the institution of the Nigeria Armed Forces will remain.

Once we can distinguish between the person and the office, the institutions and the player, we may not have crisis.

“I believe that the forthcoming elections with all the tension that people are raising, the

Amaechi's aide calls for release of kinapped staff

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— CHIEF Press Secretary to Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Mr Dave Iyofor, has called for the unconditional release of his staff, Mr Freddy Ndigbara, who was taken hostage on Sunday in Kaani, Khanna Local Government Area of the state.

Iyofor appealed to security operatives to help secure Ndigbara's release, adding that they should also unmask those behind the abduction.

“I strongly condemn this dastardly act and call on the abductors to release him immediately and unconditionally. Mr Ndigbara is a civil servant working in the Press Unit of Government House.

Why would anyone think of kidnapping him? "

speculation that Nigeria will have crisis, to me I have seen all these before and the God that created this country will ensure that after all the fog, the weather will be clear. Nigeria will remain.

“It is the peace and security of the part that determine the character of peace and security of the whole. The Armed Forces must see themselves as the

Nigerian Armed Forces and not the Armed Forces of the Commander in Chief, or of the governor. The Commander in Chief is to be elected by very ordinary people.

“The right of the people to vote for who will be president is a right that must be defended and upheld. Once the process is clean, the outcome does not matter. In a democracy, the

people deserve the kind of president they want. He is a product of election and not an imposition.

“So, I ask you to do all you can to keep that confidence, that the army understands that its mandate is to defend the territorial integrity of the Nigerian nation and not the tenure of any political office holder regardless of the level."

VISIT: From left: Mr Eze Anaba, Deputy Editor, Vanguard Newspapers; Mr. Azuka Agbidi, Accord Party candidate representing Ukwani/Ndiokwa federal constituency, Delta State, and Chief Emmanuel Ogbeh, Agbidi's Campaign Director General, during a courtesy visit to Vanguard Newspapers, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

APC group to file suit restraining INEC from further polls shift

By Gabriel Enogholase

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E N I N — A L L Progressives Volunteers Group, a pressure group in the All Progressives Congress, APC, has said that it would institute a legal action against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega and the commission to restrain them from further shifting the dates of the general elections.

Chairman of the group, Mr. Olusegun Bamgbose,who disclosed this in Benin, Edo State, in a chat with newsmen, said that any further postponement of the elections would be unconstitutional, hence the need to stop INEC and Jega from doing so.

He said: “We know that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has a hidden agenda to truncate democracy in Nigeria.

So, it is our collective responsibility as citizens to resist them. From what we gathered, they are so desperate to truncate our

nascent democracy. On our part, the APC Volunteers Group will make sure that PDP does not remain in power beyond May 29.”

He accused the Presidency

of being behind the postponement of the elections from February to March to avoid imminent defeat and vowed that there would be no further shift of the polls.

DTHA summons contractor over project delay

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—DELTA State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation has summoned the management of Leadership and Company Limited to appear before it tomorrow over the delay in the execution of a project awarded to it by the state government.

Chairman of the Committee, Mr Daniel Mayuku, gave the directive when officials of the Directorate of Culture and Tourism, the supervisory ministry of the Delta Event Centre project in Warri, awarded to Leadership and Company, appeared before it

to defend the 2015 budget of the Directorate.

Mayuku flanked by other members of the committee had expressed displeasure over the delay in the execution of the Delta Event Centre project.

The lawmaker directed Culture and Tourism Commissioner, Mr Mofe Damijo, to come with the chairman of the company to the House to “explain their challenges if any,” restating government's commitment to the execution of the project Mr Damijo had explained that the contractor once complained of harassment from the host community and since then he had not returned to site.

Delta community wants court to reverse judgment in constituency suit

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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ARRI—THE people of Agbarho, in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, have asked a Federal High Court sitting in Warri to set aside its judgment, which forced them out of Ughelli North Constituency II into neighbouring Ughelli South constituency 1 of the state Assembly.

In its judgment on October 31, 2014 in a suit

by Chief Godwin Sito and five others against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Justice Shittu Abubakar, had ordered INEC to recognise the Ughelli-South 1 with Constituency Code No. SC/33/DT in the Delta State House of Assembly.

But the people of Agbarho in the fresh suit, are praying the court to set aside the earlier judgment on grounds that “it was obviously obtained by serious misrepresentation of facts.”

Further hearing in the matter, was, yesterday, adjourned till March 9.

Residents present symbolic A-Ibom Govt House key to AP gov candidate

By Tom Moses

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YO—THE people of Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, yesterday, presented the governorship candidate of Accord Party, AP, Bishop Samuel Akpan, with a symbolic key to the Akwa Ibom State Government House ahead of May 29, 2015.

They said that the presentation of the key was synonymous with their endorsement of Bishop Akpan as the person to steer the ship of Akwa Ibom State in the next dispensation, so as to liberate Uyo from dilapidation, neglect and abandonment as was allegedly manifest in the current administration.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015—13

Benin palace chiefs threaten spiritual action against Esogban's traducers

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—THE Otu Odolevbo-Osioba, a group comprising Benin Palace Chiefs and Enigies (Dukes) in Benin Kingdom, has threatened to invoke the powers of the gods against those launching attacks on the person of the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri.

The group, led by the Osagiobariase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Jackson Igbinovia, argued that as the Odionwere of Benin Kingdom, the Esogban has the right to speak for and on behalf of the Bini people in as much as he means well for the Binis.

The group said that the Esogban’s comment that the Binis may not vote for President Goodluck Jonathan was in order since the Binis have suffered alleged marginalization in this administration.

According to the statement, “the Binis would not want to be fooled again after we massively voted for President Jonathan in 2011 as advised by Governor Adams

AIG berates Rivers politicians over violence

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARC O U R T — ASSISTANT Inspector General of Police, AIG zone 6, Mr Tunde Ogunsakin, yesterday, lashed out at politicians in Rivers State for breaking a peace pact they signed recently.

Ogunsakin, in Port Harcourt, warned that he will not tolerate any act of lawlessness from any state under his zone, adding that he had relocated to Port Harcourt temporarily because of the violent attitude of the political class.

He said: “I emphasised that political activities must effectively accommodate the interests of all without undermining the fundamental human rights of the citizens and without also compromising the peace, order, security and safety of lives and property in Rivers State."

Oshiomhole. Hence, Chief Edebiri’s statement is geared towards creating awareness for his people not to be fooled again.

“President Jonathan has been

in office for six years and has not been able to affect our lives positively, particularly the Binis. In the last six years of his administration, the only Bini man that worked under

him as a Minister of State for Works, Engr.

Chris Ogiemwonyi, was removed.

Since he was dropped, no Bini man has come on board to serve in his government.”

Edo SDP House of Reps candidate challenges substitution in court

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CHURCH SERVICE: From left: Imo State governor, Mr. Rochas Okorocha, his wife, Nkechi, and Rev. Uma Ukpai, at a church service at New Wave Assembly, Owerri.

Consumers picket BEDC over alleged power outage for the community.

One of the residents who identified herself as Mrs. Odogwu, said: “For the past ENIN—RESIDENTS of three or four months, the Ugbiyoko community, in transformer here had gone bad Egor Local Government Area and they came to remove it. of Edo State, yesterday, After removing it, are they not besieged the headquarters of supposed to bring a new one Benin Electricity Distribution to the place? “ Company, BEDC, to protest But the acting Head, alleged protracted power Corporate Affairs, Mr. Curtis outage in the area.

Staff of BEDC were also shut out by the protesters who vowed to continue the protest until management of the company responds to their demand.

By Gabriel Enogholase Security operatives were, however, on ground to prevent ENIN—GOVERNOR the aggrieved residents from Adams Oshiomhole of grounding traffic in the area. Edo State has appealed to It was gathered that the voters not to be deceived by the community had been plunged Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, into blackout for about three which gives sugar, tubers of yam months, due to a faulty and grains for their votes, transformer which was said to saying that Nigeria’s politics have to removed by the has gone beyond that level. distribution company.

Speaking at the The protesters lamented that commissioning of a 35-bed they were yet to take delivery community health centre built of a replacement and had since by a member of Edo State House been cut off from power supply, of Assembly, Mr. Dele which had affected the Oloruntoba, as part of his livelihood of residents in the constituency project, he said: community.

“Let me remind our people that The residents vowed to there are two parties in Nigeria, continue the protest until a the party that believes that new transformer was provided government should work for the

By Gabriel Enogholase

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Nwadie, explained that faulty transformers in the community were overloaded due to double-feeding by some of the residents.

Nwadie added that although the company had approved two transformers for the area, it was in the process of testing and patrolling the old ones, to avoid a recurrence of the power outage.

Don’t be deceived with bags of rice, Oshiomhole urges voters

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people and the one that believes that government money must be shared among some people and put into individual pockets.”

He noted that money had been appropriated for constituency projects in the past but was put into private pockets by leaders of the PDP, saying: “In a democracy, everybody must be identified by his father’s name.

If you work, it will be seen, if you don’t work, it will be seen and we must put your name against your performance.

“I want to appeal to our people that this forthcoming election is not for us to vote for cubes of sugar, tubers of yam or bag of rice."

R Dickson Oarhe of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Edo State, who emerged consensus candidate of the party at its primary election held November 29, 2014, has challenged, before a Federal High Court sitting in Benin, the substitution of his name without his consent as the authentic candidate of SDP for the House of Representatives, Owan federal constituency, Edo State.

Mr. N. Osifo, counsel to Oarhe, in suit, has Ekeinde Stephen Obas, SDP, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as defendants.

He is praying the court to determine “Whether the plaintiff, who was confirmed as SDP candidate by consensus during a special congress of the party is not the proper candidate of SDP to be sent to INEC as the party ’s candidate for the House of Representatives, Owan federal constituency, Edo State.

“Whether SDP can remove the name of the plaintiff after same had been summited to INEC as the candidate of the party for the March 28, 2015 National Assembly election (House of Representatives), Owan federal constituency, Edo state.

“Whether Stephen Obas and SDP can circumvent the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended."

He is contending that if the answer to question 1 above is in the affirmative and the answer to 2 and 3 above are in the negative, then the plaintiff claims the following consequential relief: “A declaration that the purported withdrawal of plaintiff ’s name and the subsequent submission of name of Stephen Obas as candidate of SDP to INEC is illegal, null, void and of no legal consequence or significance."

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14— Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

INEC, security chiefs meet to review operations

POLLS:

By Joseph Erunke

A MEETING: From left: Secretary and Sabigana of Igana, Oba Saliu Oyemonla, Chairman, Yoruba Obas Conflict Resolution Committee and Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Frederick Akinruntan, and Olojodu of Ojodu, Oba Sikiru Adelani, during the meeting of the monarchs in Ibadan. Photo: Dare Fasube.

UK VISIT: Group tasks Buhari on

Secondary School certificate

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AGOS—MOVE on Nigeria, a civic action group promoting good governance, democracy and the Transformation Agenda has urged the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari to seize the opportunity of his trip to the United Kingdom to collect his original Secondary School certificate from University

C M Y K

of Cambridge before returning to Nigeria in order to put to rest the controversy surrounding his academic qualification.

In a statement signed by its National Co-ordinator, Mr Clem Aguiyi, the group maintained that General Buhari should shame his critics over the controversial school certificate by collecting it from University of Cambridge but if he fails to collect it then he should

voluntarily withdraw from the presidential race.

According to the statement, “Nigerians are graciously waiting to see the original result of Buhari of 1962 and we want to tell Nigerians that Buhari was enlisted into the Nigeria Army on the basis of his P r i n c i p a l ’ s recommendation letter and not on the basis of Secondary School Certificate."

BUJA—CHAIRMAN of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof.

Attahiru Jega, yesterday, engaged heads of security agencies in a marathon meeting aimed at ensuring the success of the forth coming general elections.

The strategic meeting, which media men were barred from covering, Vanguard gathered, was to specifically fashion out modalities that could guarantee the smooth conduct of the elections, especially the March 28 presidential election, which is causing panic and apprehension in some quarters on the likelihood of its outcome.

It was gathered that that the routine meeting called Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security,ICCES, met specifically to review the technical operations and planning towards the general elections.

The ICCES is usually chaired by the National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) with the Chairman of the Independent National Elecoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, as co-chairman.

Others are representatives of the Defence Headqurters, DHQ, Army, Air Force, Navy, Federal Road Safety Corps,FRSC, Directorate of State Service, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Commission, NSCDC, Customs Service, Immigration Service, Fire Service and Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. Yesterday’s meeting was the first since the postponement of the February elections. The elections will now hold on March 28 and April 11.

It was gathered that the meeting considered all operational aspects involved in the coming

elections and also areas that needed to be strengthened.

Mr Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who confirmed the meeting to Vanguard, however, said it was a routine one.

“The meeting was to evaluate the environment.

Incidentally, this level is not a policy thing; this meeting is operational meeting, which is to plan, of course, for the election,” he said.

In a related development, INEC has said that immediate-past National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members would still be engaged for the election duties.

Their participation according to INEC was due to the previous training they undergone.

He said despite not being under the NYSC, the Commission was still disposed to engaging the ex-corps members for the election duties.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 — 15

Petroleum marketers shut down Imo

ALLEGED ANTI-PARTY ACTIVITIES: PDP'll expel Elechi soon, says party scribe

By Chidi Nkwopara & Chinonso Alozie

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W E R R I — MOTORISTS and commuters were yesterday stranded in Imo State, following the closure of all sales outlets of major and independent petroleum marketers by their operators.

Our correspondents that monitored the development in some local council areas of the state,noticed that besidewhile over 200 vehicles and several motorcycles clustered around two filling stations that were dispensing premium motor spirit, PMS, in Aboh Mbaise, every other outlet shut their gates against motorists.

A female pump attendant in one of the filling stations along Owerri-Port Harcourt federal highway, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, explained that they were on strict instruction to shut down.

“We were instructed by our boss to shut the pumps.

There is a fear that a task force may descend on us if we defy the order to stop sales,” she explained.

FG backs antiHIV/AIDS war with N8bn

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA—THE Federal Government has provided N8 billion to take ownership and sustain the drive against HIV/AIDS. Consequently, SURE-P is to take over structure of state chapters of National Aids Control Agency, NACA. Though foreign donors are not completely withdrawing from the project, they wanted Nigeria to take ownership and sustain the programme, in view of dwindling global economy.

Consequently, Nigeria has, through SURE-P, taken over the state structures of National Aids Control Agency, NACA, the agency in-charge of the awareness fight against the dreaded disease.

As part of the arrangement to the ownership take-over, a stakeholders’ meeting on NACA/SURE-P HIV and AIDS project implementation was held in Umuahia last week to prepare ground and discuss the SURE-P take over of the NACA structures in Abia and other state billed to take effect on March 31, 2015.

By Peter Okutu

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BAKALIKI—THE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi State, has declared that the party at the national level would soon take action against Governor Martin Elechi over his alleged anti-party activities

in the state.

The party, in a statement by the state Publicity Secretary, Apostle Benjamin Obaji, disclosed that the decision to either suspend or expel the governor from the PDP rested solely with the national leadership of the party as reports concerning his undue romance with Labour Party

had been submitted to the national secretariat of the party for necessary action.

It accused the governor of sponsoring LP’s programmes and candidates in next month’s general elections, stressing that it was improper for a sitting PDP governor to use the resources of the state to fund an opposition party

From left: Felix Awogu, General Manager, SuperSport West Africa; Mrs Elizabeth Amkpa, General Manager, GOtv and Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria during the Media Chart with Sports writers on the announcement of the additional sports contents on GOtv in Nigeria held at Pearl Garden, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island, Lagos.

against the platform that brought him to prominence in 2007.

According to the party, no amount of conspiracy and evil machinations against the PDP will deter the party from emerging victorious at the polls.

It said the PDP governorship candidate, Engr. Dave Umahi, would be sworn-in on May 29 as next the governor of the state.

The statement read: “The national secretariat of the PDP will soon take action on the Governor, whether he will be suspended or expelled from the party or not; our report has been submitted and it is clear of how he has been romancing with Labour party in the state.

“When the party flagged off its campaign, he was not in attendance throughout the exercise; there is allegation of how he has allowed all the activities of Labour Party to be broadcast on the state radio without allowing that of PDP. “This man is not grateful to a party that brought him into prominence in 2007; he was never a PDP member yet he enjoyed the platform of the party as a two term Governor.

This man is ungrateful”.

PDP members protest imposition of unfit candidate in Onitsha

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

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N E W I — AGGRIEVED members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Onitsha North and South federal constituency yesterday in Onitsha protested against what they described as imposition of incapacitated and medically unfit candidate on them.

Spokesman of the protesters and former Minority Leader, Anambra State House of Assembly, Ifeanyi Ibegbu alleged that the party was imposing a medically unfit candidate on them.

He said they were shocked and surprise that the party was imposing one Emeka Idu on them, despite failing in the primaries.

“We are worried about the imposition of candidates; we want to tell the party that we say no to imposition of candidates on us.

“We want the people that will represent us, especially in the House of Representatives, to be very rich in knowledge, somebody that is capable and medically fit.

“We cannot accept somebody that is medically unfit to represent the good people of

Onitsha North and South Federal Constituency, how can the party impose a candidate who has spinal cord problem on us, if he gets there how can he cope with the stressful activities of lawmaking,” Ibegbu said He said they had made appeals and representation to the national leadership of P.D.P to address their

complains but regretted that the party ignored them, “We have Lynda Ikpeazu who once represented us, we have Princess Ifeyinwa Anazonwu, a Maritime expert, and Cyril Egwuatu who is the incumbent lawmaker representing the federal constituency but all of a sudden, they are presenting

one Emeka Idu to come and represent us, the party is contemplating failure in the election,” he said.

However, when Vanguard contacted Emeka Idu, he said he is medically fit and had been engaging in campaigns in all the wards in his federal constituency.

No plans to ban Okada in Lagos — AMBODE

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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A G O S — T H E governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has assured commercial motorcycle operators, popularly called Okada riders, across the state that his administration would not place any further restriction or ban them from their routes of operation.

It will be recalled that the incumbent Governor Babatunde Fashola had on August 2, 2010, signed the Lagos State Road Traffic Bill into a Law, part of which restricted the operation of Okada in about 475 roads, of over 10,000 roads, in the state.

Speaking yesterday at a

sensitization and launch of the sticker, captioned: “Okada Allowed”, sponsored by the Support Group of Ambode 2015, at a campaign office, in Ikeja, Ambode said the news being circulated about restricting movement of Okada riders in the city beyond current ones was mere opposition party propaganda that should be discarded.

He said: “We’re aware of the insidious campaign by the PDP regarding the use of Okada. Of over 10,000 roads in Lagos, only about 475 roads had Okada restriction in place and this is strictly meant to ensure safety of the people of the state.

“All commercial motorcycle operators in the state will benefit in the urban renewal programme of my administration when

elected into office.”

He also assured residents of good governance should he be voted into office, adding that in every corner of the state, APC had the interest of the populace at heart.

“We believe that we’re going to take on the world. By the time we get settled in the office, we’ll start development programmes that will make the whole world start talking about Lagos,” Ambode added.

Speaking on the aim of the project, Chairman, Central Committee of the group and former Minister of State, Defence, Mr Ademola Seriki, said one of the features of the traffic experience in Lagos in the last 15 years was the ownership and use of motorcycle for commercial transportation.

16 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Ex-gov Mbadinuju dumps PDP for APC zSays everything good about PDP has since vanished

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

Ihiala LGA of Anambra State withdrawing my membership of the Party and conversely registered with the All BUJA—FORMER Progressives Congress, APC. governor of Anambra State, “It is a painful but necessary Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, has action that I had to take. It is formally resigned his membership painful because, as a founding of the ruling People’s Democratic member of the PDP in 1998 who Party, PDP, for the All Progressives toiled hard to ensure that it gained Congress, APC. acceptance of the majority of our According to the former people, I had very high hopes for governor, PDP has lost all known the party. democratic tenets and virtues.

“But it is necessary to join the APC now because it is the right thing to do. While the APC has proven itself as a promising party of present and future, we can all see glaringly that everything good about the PDP has since vanished.

The tearing of the PDP membership card last week by no less a person than former President Obasanjo is a symbolic attestation to this truth.”

Mbadinuju, who was governor of Anambra State between 1999 and 2003, said he tried his best to bring back PDP to the path of internal democracy but the effort was frustrated.

“It is on record that I tried all within my powers, along with a number of well-meaning PDP DONATIONS: Mr. Jerome Green-Amakwe, president of Just Friends Club of Nigeria, JFCN members in the state, to achieve (sixth left), presenting some gift items to the representative of administrator of the Chil- this noble objective through the dren's Home, Karu, Abuja, Mr. Felix Inaede (fourth left), while members of the club watch, entrenchment of internal and during JFCN's recent visit to the orphanage. participatory democracy.

“But all our efforts were rebuffed as people of questionable character were allowed free hands to do with the party according to their whims and caprices.

“Ethics and values were thrown

By Chinenyeh Ozor Democratic Party’s rally in announced automatic scholarto the dogs. PDP became an unjust Udenu local government area ship from primary to their first and unfair political party; with no degree levels in universities to N U G U — G O V E R N O R of the state. truth in its mouth, no compassion The PDP held its grand finale the amazement of the mammoth Sullivan Chime of Enugu in its heart, no sincerity in its State has announced the award of rally at Udenu Local crowd. purpose and its actions,'' he said.

He said: “I will like to say a scholarships for 38 pupils of Inland Government Area, the home of Primary School, Imilike in Udenu its governorship candidate, special thank you to the pupils of Inland Primary School, Udenu Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Local Government Area. for this great performance. The The governor, who could not The scholarships, which will see government of Enugu State has hide his feelings at the the 38 pupils through university education, was in recognition of their performance of the primary decided to give scholarship to special performance at the Peoples school pupils, immediately these school children that put up a wonderful performance here today.

“What they did here today is

By Austin Ogwuda wonderful; even as adults, most NUGU—ENUGU State people can’t memorize the way they did; there are 38 of them and chapter of Association of recent proliferation posed we have decided to give them Nollywood Artistes, has endorsed Okechukwu Ezea of the All

By Monsur Olowoopejo threats against the conduct of scholarship.

“Already, we have free primary Progressives Congress, APC, as the 2015 general elections.

She said: “We are disturbed education in Enugu State; so, in their candidate for governorship in AGOS—BARELY a month to the conduct of general by the proliferation of arms, addition to that, they shall enjoy the state.

According to the group, Ezea is elections, a coalition of 60 civil small, big and deadly scholarship up to first degree”.

The governor also announced the right man for the job and a critic society groups, under the aegis of weapons. We are worried by Project Rescue Democracy, PRD, the use of explosives in a special package for a retired without bias against the incumbent has raised alarm over the sudden Okrika, Rivers State only headmaster, who coordinated the Governor Sullivan Chime.

Addressing newsmen in Enugu, increase in arms acquisition by some recently which is a frightening presentation, as well as automatic dimension in electoral promotion for five teachers that shortly after an interaction with people in the country. equally joined the pupils in the Ezea in his residence, veteran The group noted that the botched violence in our land. actor, Kingley-Paul Onyia, said: “The threats of war and presentation.

All Progressives Congress, APC, Chime, while thanking the “There are certain things he (Ezea) rally in Okrika, River State, was violence have no place in evidence of the proliferation of arms democracy and must be people of the council, said PDP said about the present government was not in Udenu Local that I liked. He was not biased. He condemned,” she added. in Nigeria for the elections.

“We use this opportunity to Government to campaign but tell was able to say urban roads were Addressing newsmen at a press conference in Lagos, Secretary of call on the security agencies to them that their son, Ugwuanyi, taken care off, security was taken PRD, Mrs. Titilope Akosa, along be alive to their responsibilities had been chosen and accepted care.

“I would have been disappointed with the Co-convener of PRD, Mr. and urge them to further by all the traditional rulers and Chris Nwaokobia, and Convener strengthen their intelligence people of the state to succeed him if he said there was nothing good about this government. It means of Voters Awareness Initiative, Mr. gathering units to mop up all as next governor of the state. he knows where to start from. What In his own speech, the PDP Wale Ogunade, lamented that the arms, ammunitions.

A

Mbadinuju in a press conference yesterday in Abuja, said he had written his ward in Anambra to inform them of his decision.

According to him, the decision is painful but necessary.

He stressed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s open action of tearing his PDP’s membership card recently was an indication that all was not well with the party.

Accompanied to the conference by two APC chieftains; Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu and Prince Tony Momoh, Mbadinuju added that APC had proven itself a promising party for the country’s future.

He said: “I have called this World Press Conference to inform members of the public that I have last week written to the PDP executive committee of my Ward, Umuaku Ward of

Enugu awards varsity scholarships to 38 pupils in Udenu LGA

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Don't remove Jega, group warns

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IVIL Society Organisation for Good Governance, CSOIGG, has taken a stand on several election issues, stating: “We want to save our democracy at this perilous time, from antidemocratic forces.”

In a statement signed by leaders of the group, Declan Ihekaire, Mohammed Kudu and Okechukwu Nwangumam, during a press conference at Beko Ransome Kuti’s former office, Ilupeju, Lagos, the group said it will not accept among other things: Removal of Jega as INEC Chair; further postponement of elections; interim national government; hate speech, electoral violence; misuse of security agencies to harass the opposition, and use of the military during the general elections The statement also said: “Mbu must go for his reckless and irresponsible utterances and activities, and card readers and Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs, must be used for the elections.”

Referring to “the recent and unfolding developments in Nigeria,” it said: “Our democracy is seriously threatened by the desperate antics of unpatriotic elements, who have placed their personal and partisan interests above the collective will and survival of the people.”

It further advised the people: “lLet us rise now and defend democracy and reclaim our country” from anti-democratic forces.

Nollywood artistes endorse Enugu APC gov candidate

Group raises alarm over proliferation of arms for elections

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else do you want me to say?

“That is the kind of person we want; somebody who will do better.

Not somebody saying that this person did nothing. We are all witnesses to what is happening in Enugu, in terms of the facelift given urban roads.”

Also speaking, another veteran actor, Amechi Muonagor, said: “I actually came because I belonged to the group of people that needed this change. I heard about him. I read about him. I have also come to listen to him. I have seen truly that he is actually the man who is going to bring that positive change.

“I have read his manifesto, which he has confirmed to me and listened to most of the explanation being made. So, why won’t I support him?

“In Imo State, I was among those that flagged off Rochas Campaign there. Today, I am happy because he has done quite well.''

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 — 17

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HAVE news for APC stalwarts. You don’t win an election in Nigeria by being the champion of social media. You don’t win by renting crowds to fill up your rallies. You don’t win by putting up your billboards everywhere while tearing down those of your opponents. You don’t win by master-minding in the media a false sense of the inevitability of your victory. When you do all this successfully, you simply end up deceiving yourself.

You win elections by mounting an effective groundgame at the grassroots level; designed to bring out the people on Election Day to vote for you. Instead, APC strategy was to stampede the electorate into victory. The design was to proclaim victory even before the election, laying grounds for protests and acrimony in event of defeat.

Attempted coup d’état The APC blueprint is seethrough.

Present a new refurbished, suit-wearing and church-visiting Buhari to the electorate chanting a mantra of “change.” Give him a Tefloncoated Redeemed pastor as vice-presidential runningmate. Shield him from public scrutiny and debates to hide his weaknesses and absentmindedness. Gloss over his objectionable past and pedigree. Mount an aggressive image-laundering social media campaign.

So doing, before the PDP and the public would be up to your game, the election would be over. Nigerians would wake up on February 15th to discover to our cost that we had been hoodwinked into handing over power to Buhari and the Tinubu cabal.

The APC mechanism for perfecting this plan entailed bullying the PDP into defeat.

In the North, PDP supporters were threatened and harassed.

Some quickly packed their bag and baggage and left town. Even Goodluck Jonathan’s convoy was stoned by APC “democrats.”

In Gombe, a suicide bomber paid a courtesy call on the president’s campaign rally.

But the killer-punch was to be the disenfranchisement of literally millions of PDP voters. With the complicity of Jega’s INEC, APC strongholds were supplied with PVCs: while PDP strongholds were denied them. Ghost-voters came out of the woodwork by their hundreds of thousands in unlikely places like the wartorn North-east to collect their PVCs. However, in peaceful higher-population places like Lagos and Kano, nonindigenes were denied their PVCs, suspected of being likely PDP supporters.

It is telling that, in all the ensuing brouhaha over 23 million people not yet receiving their PVCs seven days to D-Day, APC remained resolute that the election should go ahead nevertheless.

This indicates that it knew the missing PVCs belonged disproportionately to PDP

The end of APC's fabricated momentum supporters.

The denouement However, the entire strategy of the APC met its Waterloo with the postponement of the election.

With the postponement, the Buhari election-train came to a screeching halt. Some have argued that the postponement was a military coup by Jonathan and the PDP. However, a more truthful assessment is that the postponement scuttled the APC plan to win the election by subterfuge.

APC blundered because it refused to entertain the possibility that the election could actually be postponed.

As a result, it did not plan for that eventuality. In this gaffe, it was carried away by its own hyperbole. APC big-guns shouted themselves hoarse warning all and sundry that the election must not be postponed, or else. Worse still, they believed their own rhetoric.

APC is used to making threatening noises. It is all stuff and bluster. If it loses, the dogs and the baboons would be soaked in blood. If it loses it would form a parallel government. If the election is postponed, Nigerians would not stand for it.

Therefore, it expended all its political and financial capital on a 14th February election.

When it finally dawned on it

When the history of the 2015 presidential election is finally written, it will be recalled that the postponement of the election for six weeks was the final nail in the coffin of the APC

that the election might be postponed, Buhari made an unusual visit to the Council of State to mount a pathetic eleventh-hour resistance.

But alas, the APC was completely outplayed. INEC succumbed to the inevitable and the election was postponed, and for six weeks no less. As a result, the APC stampede came to an end.

The orchestrated Buhari momentum came to a screeching halt. Since then, APC pundits have been in shock; scratching their heads because, in all their impetuosity, they had no Plan B. The APC was banking on the element of surprise. That is now gone with the postponement. It was hoping to win the election by disenfranchising PDP voters.

That is no longer possible. It is now confronted with fighting an election it always knew it cannot win because it does not have the appropriate structure on the ground at the grassroots level.

PDP fight back Sixteen years in power had made the PDP over-confident.

It seemed to have been caught unawares by the scripted APC nomination of Buhari and the gimmickry of choosing a Redeemed pastor as his running-mate. As a result, an election that should have been a cake-walk for it suddenly turned into a tight race. Part of this was selfinflicted. PDP had a bad set of primaries; creating considerable dissension within its ranks. Moreover, the PDP was bested in the public relations department; allowing the APC to define the narrative of the election on social media.

Had the election gone on as scheduled on 14th February, it would have been close but Jonathan would still have won. But with six weeks delay, the election will not even be close. Even though it was ebbing discernibly, APC had momentum for the 14th February election. By 28th March, that momentum would have dissipated and disappeared. Even now, the momentum is no longer there. Buhari is in London on a dubious visit. APC has run

out of breath.

Make no mistake about it; the six week postponement of the election has effectively crippled the APC. It is no wonder then that the party has been grumbling non-stop. In the meantime, PDP has been able to get a full measure of the APC. Putting all its eggs in the 14th February date, which it insisted cannot and must not be changed; the APC played all its cards. It put all its eggs in one basket. However, PDP held some in reserve, banking on the postponement of the election.

APC's confusion What happens now? APC is confused. It is stretched for funds. It has lost its mojo, scrambling in panic mode to raise additional 50 billion naira from donors. Speaking to APC stakeholders at the party secretariat in Lagos, Bola Tinubu said: “We have to restrategise; all of you should go back to your various constituencies starting from tomorrow.” This is a belated acknowledgment that the party now likely to win the election is the one best able to mount an aggressive and effective nationwide grassroots campaign.

In that department, the APC is clearly second-best.

The party best positioned to mount an effective groundgame and mobilize votes at the grassroots level is the PDP. It has been around for 16 years.

PDP local government councilors account for nearly 70 per cent of all councilors in Nigeria, comprising 6,521 members, making it a truly grassroots-based political party. The APC, on the other hand, does not have the nationwide political structure to win the coming election. To date, it is a newspaper and television political party. It has yet to build a formidable grassroots support. It is a JJC party, a little over a year old.

With all the noise about Buhari, it should not be forgotten that the man chronically lacks skills at building political party structures.

In the APC presidential primaries, Northern delegates did not even vote for him; preferring instead Kwankwaso and

Atiku.

He was elected primarily on the strength of ACN votes. PDP strength on the ground everywhere in Nigeria explains why Jonathan was able to win 37% of the vote even in Buhari’s home-state of Katsina in the 2011 election.

While APC was busy stoking up the press to create its air of inevitable victory, PDP was busy mobilizing its local government councilors. Its Presidential Campaign Organisation brought all its elected and appointed councilors from all over Nigeria to Abuja to mobilize them to secure victory for the party at the grassroots level.

In what was captioned “Operation Deliver Your Ward,” Professor Jerry Gana re-fashioned them as political foot-soldiers and grassroots mobilisers for the PDP, split into six groups according to their geopolitical zones.

Resurgent PDP Since the postponement, Jonathan is no longer the issue.

It is once again Buhari; the coup-plotting former dictator and alleged ethnic and religious jingoist. Thanks to the postponement, Nigerians can no longer be panicked into voting for Buhari. We now have enough time to appreciate that he is old, and completely bereft of ideas as to what to do when in power. It is not enough to shout “change, change.” The question is: change to what? To this question, Buhari provides a deafening silence.

In the meantime, the true message of Jonathan’s considerable achievements in office is now resonating. With the commissioning of new power-plants, we are now generating 5,500 megawatts of electricity: a new Nigerian record. We now know from PricewaterhouseCoopers that the allegation that $20 billion is missing from NNPC accounts is one big fat APC lie.

The army is now fullyequipped for battle. For the first time in a long time, the Nigerian air force has come into the fray. The Boko Haram is being bombed to smithereens up North. There is even talk of capturing Abubakar Shekau alive.

Within the next six weeks, all that is left is for the PDP to put its house in order and APC will be toast. Since Buhari has whipped up himself and his supporters into an unrealistic psychological frenzy in this election cycle, it is certain he will end up at the tribunal, when it finally dawns on him that, in spite of all the bluster, he has lost again. The fate awaiting Buhari brings to mind that of Mitt Romney who was so deceived into believing he would be elected America’s next president in 2012, he had only a victory speech on election night when he was roundly defeated.

When the history of the 2015 presidential election is finally written, it will be recalled that the postponement of the election for six weeks was the final nail in the coffin of the APC.

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 PERHAPS, if we called the Minister of Power the Minister of Electricity, we would have been speaking the same language about the poor state of electricity supply. The Minister speaks about “power generation”, we are interested in “electricity supply ” to places we need them.

The distinction is very important and could lead to misunderstanding of the challenges we have with electricity. Generation calculated in megawatts has been governments’ ways, for years, of creating vain hope about improvements in electricity. We all know better, except those who believe that once the promises are made they have done their work.

It is nothing new. Each gover nment out performs ones before it by promising more power generation. In most cases it knows that the volume of power generated means nothing if the facilities to transmit and distribute it are unavailable. Often, the facilities are not available, meaning that more power generation creates extra challenges for the out-dated transmission and distribution lines.

Chances are high that the electricity so generated could be wasted. No magic, except improvement of the transmission and distribution facilities, can change the

By Kolawole Olaniyan Continued from yesterday pg 18

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IS-INVOICING of trade transactions and organized crimes are terribly bad but these are just symptoms rather than primary causes of IFFs from Africa. We all see high-ranking government officials with no previous records of success in business, inheritance or a lottery win “wearing Rolex watches, driving Mercedes, owning houses in Paris and London, while sending their children for private education in Switzerland.”

The Ebola crisis in some parts of Africa in fact has exposed the level of grand corruption and its devastating effects on critical institutions of governance.

For example, Sierra Leone’s AuditorGeneral’s recent report showed that the government could not account for nearly a third of the $20m earmarked for fighting Ebola in 2014.

Related to the panel’s narrowed conceptualisation of IFFs is the conclusion that “large commercial corporations are by far the biggest culprits of illicit outflows, followed by organized crime.” The panel’s conclusion is based on the assumption that “large corporations possess the means to perpetuate their aggressive and illegal activities,” while “drug dealers have the funds to corrupt many players, including and especially in governments, and even to capture weak C M Y K

We W ant Want Electricity ower Electricity,, Not P Po situation.

Does the government not know these? Why does it keep deceiving the people about its new abilities to generate more power when the facilities cannot get the power to users?

What does additional generation mean if it would not improve supply? Does government understanding of the movements that have resulted in DISCOs (distribution companies) and GENCOs (generation companies) include that Nigerians would have electricity at points they want them?

Every announcement of new generating facilities, promises of more transmission

lines, creation of DISCOs and GENCOs raise the expectations of Nigerians. Instead their fate has been new tariffs (always) higher and monthly meter maintenance charges (N750), which they must pay, with or without electricity.

President Goodluck Jonathan tepidly captured the consequences of poor electricity supply thus, while commission a new line at the Egbin power facility, “Small and medium enterprises cannot thrive if owners of such businesses are left to generate their own electricity. Egbin power facility presents a vision of our drive to give stable power supply to Nigerians .” Are we supposed to applaud this new found wisdom? Enterprises would not survive, not to talk of thriving without stable electricity supply, which affects industries, not minding their sizes, homes and governments.

Professor Chinedu Nebo, Minister of Power, at the event, promised 10,000MW by 2016; and, 12,500MW by 2017. When would these megawatts get to users? Nigerians have never been interested in what is generated, but improved electricity for their use.

It insults their sensibilities that at times of worsening supplies, all they hear are applauses about increased power generation.

OPINION That Thabo Mbeki's financial report(2) states.”

But the panel’s conclusion seems to reinforce the narrative that ‘outsiders’ and ‘other interests’ are primarily responsible for IFFs. It’s easy for the panel to portray African governments and leaders as so powerless to address the problem. The panel seems to be saying to us: ‘it is fine to let fox guard the chicken house and everything will be normal’!

But as one Yoruba proverb (owe) says “Bi ogiri ko la nu Alangba ko le r'aye wo be” (literally translated as: ‘If the wall does not open up the lizard will not be able to enter’). The key words here are “the wall” and “the lizard.” Without

If corruption is to be satisfactorily addressed across Africa, it will take a determined push from the ‘woman and man on the street’ and not an elite that becomes ever wealthier as it becomes ever less accountable

cracks and openings in a wall a lizard can’t inhabit.

It’s true that globalisation has been accompanied by a dramatic increase in illicit financial flows globally. However, much of the illicit financial flows from Africa can’t happen without the direct involvement and complicity of African governments and high-ranking officials or their families and business associates.

Clearly, big corporations and financial institutions are part of the problem but if African governments and leaders are docking responsibility for illicit financial flows, especially grand corruption, why should they expect ‘outsiders’ to play their role and be part of the solution?

The sad reality is that African governments and leaders generally lack the requisite political will to tackle grand corruption. High-ranking corrupt officials also seem to be getting more cunning but anti-corruption agencies, the police and security services are not independent or working hard enough to catch them.

It’s going to be very difficult to get the report’s recommendations implemented as long as African governments and leaders continue to dock their primary responsibility, and corrupt leaders are not hit where it most hurts—in their huge stolen public

funds that they and their families and friends are sloshing around the world’s onshore and offshore financial centres that depend heavily on de jure or de facto bank secrecy.

If Africa is to truly exercise its sovereignty – both political and economic – it must make getting rid of grand corruption its utmost priority.

Sovereignty implies “conducting an independent foreign and internal policy, building of schools, construction of roads, in brief, all types of activity directed towards the welfare of people.” Sovereignty cannot be conceived as a licence for African leaders to commit acts of corruption that imperil human dignity, and then to somehow attempt to shield themselves from responsibility.

By taking grand corruption seriously, African governments and leaders will be reducing the incentives that allow other illicit financial flows to flourish.

But if corruption is to be satisfactorily addressed across Africa, it will take a determined push from the ‘woman and man on the street’ and not an elite that becomes ever wealthier as it becomes ever less accountable.

Concluded •Mr. Olaniyan, is author of 'Corruption and Human Rights Law in Africa'.'

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015— —19

By Sunny Ikhioya

T

ORN between President Goodluck Jonathan and General Muhammadu Buhari as the choice of the 2015 presidential election, is the dilemma of the South-south electorate. What has happened to our man? Why is he in a tight corner? Has he met our expectations? If no, why did he fail to do so? Based on his over all performance, should he be given a second chance? Is Buhari a better alternative?

Followers who are not from this side of the country will never understand the dimension from which I write. If you do not understand, it is unfortunate that I cannot help you.

But, let us cast our minds back to year 2003, a certain Olusegun Obasanjo , OBJ,was there as president of this country under a PDP led government that had failed to deliver in all of its promises; power, industries, agriculture, job provision, corruption- you name it. The PDP governors refused to accept him as their candidate and it was rumoured that he went prostrating, begging his Vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to intervene on his behalf. The same man was endorsed for re-election by the whole South west in 2003, even at the expense of performing governors like Olusegun Osoba and others of the defunct AD party. For those who do not understand, the sentiments being expressed here is the same

Agony of the South-south electorate the whole South west exhibited in 2003 while endorsing president Obasanjo, only in this instance, Jonathan has performed far better than OBJ. I remember how the Ore-Benin road and the Lagos-Ota roads used to be under OBJ's government. I remember power, several political assassination, the sale of government properties, the hounding of political opponents, 'Ghana must go bags' on the floor of the National Assembly, Halliburton, Siemens, PTDF and a host of others.

I also notice that all of the principal leaders of the PDP during this period of shame are now in the opposition parties as principal partners, with OBJ in the lead and then I wonder, how could these indivduals bring positive change.

The Press, (Print media) bent on destroying Jonathan now, were all quiet then, to be sure, check their columns in the archives, some even retreated into exile under the OBJ and Yar' Adua governments. Now they have their voice back, cajole and threaten because the man who had no shoes can accommodate all in this geographical expression called Nigeria.

Jonathan may have disappointed us from the South south in a few areas with the overbearing and eat alone attitude of his Ijaw folks, refusal to carry out the EPZ ground

By Chuks Iloegbunam

S

OMEONE recently placed on the table an impossible proposition. She said to do a comparative analysis of President Goodluck Jonathan and General Muhammadu Buhari! Among her interlocutors, the suggestion instantly elicited an argument. How does one compare day and night? Is not the former resplendent light and the latter pitch darkness? The conversation should actually be one of contrastive analysis, beginning with how both men appropriated political power. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was elected President of Nigeria in a ballot declared by both local and international observers to be, in every respect, better and more credible than the ones that led Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to Aso Rock, the Nigerian seat of the presidency.

In contradistinction, Major General Muhammadu Buhari toppled the Nigerian Constitution on the last day of 1983 in order to become the Military Head of State. The common denominator here is that both men attained the political leadership of the country, Jonathan by the people’s mandate and Buhari through the barrel of the gun. This makes Buhari a very lucky man indeed, given what obtains in other countries whose historical circumstances are afflicted by the aberration of military dictatorship. Take the example of the Greek Colonels who seized power on April 21, 1967 and made an elongated mess of the cradle of democracy until July 24, 1974 when, utterly discredited, they were forced from office. Less than a year later, the elected government of Konstantin Karamanlis had the members of the sacked junta arrested, detained and put on trial for high treason and insurrection. Four ring leaders of the Colonels’ Coup – Papadopoulos, Pattakos, Makarezos and Ioannidis were sentenced to death; the sentences were later commuted to life imprisonment. Hundreds of other officers were equally handed long stretches behind bars, to teach them that “the head is bigger than the body!”

C M Y K

breaking at Ogidigben, unnecessary interference of the First lady, slow pace of East-west road, non inclusion of other Niger Delta ethnic groups in the rehabilitation and employment process but he is not as incompetent as the opposition propaganda is trying to make us believe.

According to ambassador Joe Keshi in the Vanguard newspaper of February 3, 2015; "For many years we have been paying lip service to diversification, it is only now that some efforts are being made to diversify the economy, even though the media is not giving the Jonathan administration due credit for doing this".

How has Jonathan fared? To us he has served the outsiders more than he has done for the south.

We take solace in the Obama experience, who waited until the second term before he started putting most of what he promised in place, especially as it concerns the minorities and

What is happening now is a tyranny of the majority against the minority

immigrants.

Did Jonathan really fail as a president or he is being badly portrayed because of politics? It is my opinion that if Jonathan is from any of the majority ethnic groups, the hate propaganda would not have got to this height.

Some will ask; who sabotaged him? Right from the beginning of this government, the defacto number four man in the country and a high ranking officer of the PDP was set up as a mole in his administration, playing the destroyer and cog in the wheel of progress. Why have they been unable to pass the PIB legislation? If it is in favour of any of the majority ethnic groups, would it have been left in the limbo, the way it is pressently?

Why has the fight against the insurgents not received the cooperation of certain individuals?

Why did prediction to make Jonathan's government ungovernable play true to reality? How was the PDP set up for implosion to satisfy certain sectional interest? Why is it that it is only when Jonathan campaign in the north that bombs go off and not the other way round? And you say there is no sabotage.

Between 1999 and 2003, under the OBJ government, Nigeria was always in the position of 1st to 3rd fron behind in the corruption index, now they have climbed to 34th under Jonathan, so how did Jonathan fail? The failure of the PDP is not

Between Jonathan and Buhari (1) But, what do Nigerians have? The longest streets in the major towns and cities are named after those who toppled the constitution, who went on to enjoy two pensions – one as retired military brass and two, as retired heads of government!

That explains why Buhari is today running to be President of Nigeria – for the fourth unprecedented time.

But to return to the contrastive analysis. In March 1976, General Olusegun Obasanjo, as head of the military junta, appointed Buhari the Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Petroleum and Natural Resources. That same year the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was created with Buhari as its Chairman; he held both positions until 1978. During his tenure, however, $2.8 billion allegedly went missing from the accounts of the NNPC. The allegation set off a major national controversy that, in 1980, prompted President Shehu Shagari to inaugurate the Crude Oil Sales Tribunal of Inquiry, headed by Justice Ayo Gabriel Irikefe, to establish the veracity or otherwise of the story. Although the Tribunal could not substantiate the allegation of the missing billions, its limitation lay in the unexplained failure to summon Generals Obasanjo and Buhari, who as Head of State and Oil Minister/NNPC chairman respectively, controlled oil sales during the period in question.

Following that missing billions saga, Buhari had it in for the national media which he held responsible for introducing

The Jonathan government ended the 40-year old corruption in the fertilizer sector

the story, using it almost to the point of turning the country into something of a tinderbox. He got his pound of flesh back when he seized power in December 1983 and enacted the notorious Decree Number 4 of 1984 which comprehensively circumscribed and emasculated press freedom.

President Jonathan, on the contrary, reacted with enlightenment and vision to negative press. During Buhari’s dictatorship, the social media did not exist.

Not even in fictional works. But both the orthodox and social media descended on Jonathan with extreme prejudice, abusing, calumniating, castigating, denigrating, disparaging, lambasting and pillorying him on 24/7 basis.

Further, they homed in on the President’s wife, ceaselessly and incessantly ridiculing her, claiming that her English was not only atrocious but also rendered in accents unbecoming of a First Lady. Her traducers didn’t depose any reasons why Dame Patience should speak English with cadencies and tonal inflections of Queen Elizabeth ll. They were wrong on her English because content analysis of the spoken English and grammar of her predecessors did not confirm that any of Mrs. Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, Mrs. Ajoke Muhammed, Mrs. Sefinatu Buhari, Mrs. Maryam Babangida, Mrs. Maryam Abacha and Mrs. Stella Obasanjo excelled her in those departments. Yet, not one of these blessed First Ladies was ever subjected to any disrespect or obloquy on account of perceived diffidence in diction and elocution.

How did President Jonathan react to all of the bad faith? Wearing a smile, he carefully skirted around the howls of execration to hand Nigeria its first and only Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. General Buhari told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour that “If Nigeria does not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria.”

How have both men been tackling the cankerworm? Buhari tried politicians in military tribunals and handed then

caused by Jonathan. It has been there right from the days of Obasanjo, he in fact, instituted the policy of imposition. His activities in the past few days have clearly exposed him as one of the saboteurs of this government.

For real change to take place, there must be a fundamental restructuring of the federation and our democratic structures and that is what the real Afenifere are demanding for.

Jonathan has started it through the conference deliberation. He can only see this through if he is given a second chance.

No change can take place without this, with recurrent expenditure standing at over 70%.

They say that Buhari will stop the insurgents, I can only refer to Simeon Okah in the Vanguard of January 3, 2015 "he wants to stop insurgency when he cannot stop a coup". Somebody who at age 44 could not stop an uprising against him, is now being projected as the right man to put a stop to insurgency at age 73.

What is happening now is a tyranny of the majority against the minority. We know that in a democracy, the majority always find ways to suppress the wishes of the minority, even if it happens in this instance, let it be on record that we put up a resistance.

We should give Jonathan another chance. *Mr. Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

sentences that ran into hundreds of “Calendar Years”! Not one of those afflicted with such Draconian backlash served up to a year in jail. They were all set free.

Not a single one of them is perceived to be corrupt on account of their trial by Buhari’s kangaroo courts.All that may be three decades ago. Today, a key Buhari supporter is reported to own the following on account of having served as Governor: two massive hotels, many shopping complexes, an airline, a concession company, an amusement park, numerous estates and countless media organizations. What does Buhari have to say on this score, given that non-tolerance of corruption is a cardinal pillar of his electoral campaign? Nothing!

But President Jonathan has been fighting corruption with institutional reforms. His government introduced the Integrated Payroll System which employs the use of biometrics to check the scourge of ghost workers, 66,000 of whom had been fished out as at the last count,thereby saving the government some N139 billion in annual,phantom paychecks. The Jonathan government ended the 40-year old corruption in the fertilizer sector. The government halted the corruption by resolutely removing government from direct procurement of fertilizers.

In January 2012, President Jonathan also moved to wipe away the corruption tied to oil subsidies. But a very well-known opposition character fuelled daily protests in Lagos, paying and feeding vagrants and professional agitators to mass at the Freedom Square, to engineer instability.

Many opposition voices claimed there was monumental corruption at the NNPC. They mentioned sums ranging from $10 billion to $50 billion as having been plundered. This immediately led to a national uproar. The Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, investigated the allegation and, despite being people by many APC members, concluded that it was devoid of truth as no money was missing at the NNPC. To be continued •Mr. Iloegbunam, an author, wrote from Lagos.

20 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 — 21

N150bn illegal port charges tear terminal operators, Shippers’Council apart

By Godwin Oritse

T

HERE are indications that the continued collection of unapproved port charges has pitched the Nigerian Shippers’ Council against terminal operators despite a court order on the latter to discontinue such practice.

Already, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has filed an application before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi Lagos, asking the court to compel terminal operators to comply with its earlier ruling in December 2014 that the concessionaires should stop collection of all illegal charges from port users.

The Council through its lawyers asked the judge to compel the terminal operators to obey the directive pending the determination of the application for stay of execution earlier filed by the terminal operators.

The Council also requested the court to direct the terminal operators to refund the sum of N150billion that has

been collected illegally since December last year in disobedience to the court ruling.

In a statement by the Counsel to the Council, Messrs Olisa Agbakoba law chamber, and Babatunde Ogungbamila, the Council expressed

Appealing the decision, it is clear the terminal operators cannot continue to impose and collect illegal port charges on the pretext that they have filed a pending application for stay of execution or appeal

dismay at a Newspaper publication by Messrs Femi Atoyebi (SAN) and Ayo Olurunfemi advising the general public that they are bound to follow the judgement of Justice Buba of the Federal High court.

“In any event, we have now filed an application before Mr. I. N Buba to compel the terminal operators to comply with the judgement pending the determination of the application for stay of execution and to immediately refund the sun of N150billion illegally collected in disobedience to the judgement.

“Messrs Femi Atoyebi and Ayo Olurunfemi claimed that the terminal operators have the license to continue the collection of illegal charges because there is a pending application for stay of execution of the judgement and an appeal.

“In essence, messrs Femi Atoyebi (SAN) and Ayo Olurunfemi are saying that the pending application stays execution and appeal have arrested the effect of the judgment.

“We disagree with this position. The mere fact that there is a pending application for stay of execution and an appeal does not remove the effect of the judgement”.

Citing precedence, Agbakoba said “Our position is supported by supreme Court decision in Okafor versus Nnaife (1987) 4 (NWLR) (p.64) 126 at 138 where the court held that “it will be unfair to allow a losing defendant to continue cutting down and selling economic trees on the land” adjudged by the trial court not belong to them simply because of a pending application for stay of execution or an appeal.

In his concurring judgment, Aniogolu JSC refused the application for stay in the following words “What the appellants who has been found not to be the owners of the land in dispute want of this court, in effect, is for the court to lend its authority to Appellants, for them to continue to devastate the land in dispute by being allowed to continue to cut down and sell the economic trees on the land, while the owners of the land (Respondents’) sit back and watch helplessly the fruit of his judgment being denied and deprived him. That will be justice inverted; I will not be a party to such an inversion”.

Buttressing his position against the terminal operators, Agbakoba said “This Supreme court judgment is apt to our case.

“Appealing the decision, it is clear the terminal operators cannot continue to impose and collect illegal port charges on the pretext that they have filed a pending application for stay of execution or appeal” the statement stated.

$145.80

-2.85

$3,035.00

From left: Vefa Sariogilu and Berattin Dinc, both on the team from Turkey; Group Managing Director, Chemstar Paints Industry Nig. Ltd, Aderemi Awode and leader of San Deco Paints, Turkey, Samir Babaskishiyev, during a painting training programme at the company’s head office in Lagos.

$14.28

8.00

-0.11

$59.10

Nigeria’ll soon to be self-sufficient in food production — Dangote

By NAOMI UZOR

D

ANGOTE Group has expressed optimism that with its ongoing agricultural projects across the country, Nigeria is on its way of being self-sufficient in the areas of food production.

In a release by the group, it reiterated its determination to support the Federal Government in its effort to revolutionise the agricultural sector and make Nigeria self-dependent in the areas of food production.

The Group which is reputed to be the single largest private sector employer of labour in Nigeria is currently investing in fertilizer, rice, tomato paste C M Y K

and sugar production, among others, adding that, it is also building a 650,000bpd petroleum refinery which will be the single largest in the world.

“Only last year the Group signed a Memorandum of Association (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to invest $1billion for the establishment of fully integrated rice production and processing operations across the country.

The statement said the MoU and the planned investment are a response to government reforms of the Agricultural Transforming Agenda (ATA) launched in 2011. Dangote Group is also investing in tomato paste production in Kano, as well as a $2billion fertilizer projects in Edo State” the group disclosed.

-1.12

$49.29 CURRENCY

BUYING

DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

198 306.0486 225.5616 208.9489 1.6636 0.2713 236.288 31. 6507 52. 7775 30.2965 279.8928

-1.52

CENTRAL 198.5 306.8217 226.1312 209.4766 1.6678 0.2813 236.8847 31.7311 52.9108 30.373 280. 5996

199 307.5943 226.7008 210.0042 1.672 0.2913 237.4814 31. 8115 53. 044 30. 4496 281.3064

CBN Exchange Rate as at 23/2/15

22 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

When you have up to N5000 in savings, look for a mutual fund and invest the N5000.

Continue to save 10 percent, and invest 5000 in the mutual fund

,

TOP 10 PERFORMING STOCKS

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

O

n the top 10 performing stocks last week were the shares of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Okomu Oil Palm Plc, FBN Holdings Plc, Seplat Petroleum Development Co. Plc, Presco Plc and May & Baker Plc. The rest include National salt Company of Nigeria (NASCON), United Bank for Africa, UBA Plc, N.E.M Insurance Co. Plc and Zenith International Bank Plc. GTB, one of the top priced banking stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, came tops on the list, rising by 28.12 percent or N4.78 to close at N21.78 from N17.00 it started the week at.

One of the most actives stocks in the banking sector, the bank has delivered 90.5 percent 52 week returns to investors, an indication of investors’ positive disposition towards the shares. As its is, GTB stands as few banking stocks that have managed to maintain a twodigit price level to-date. The bank opened the year with accolades, clinching the ‘Best Corporate Governance Africa, 2015.

Just this month, GTB also emerged among four banking brands in Nigeria to have been ranked number one banking brand in Nigeria among the ‘Top 500 Banking Brands’ by The Banker magazine of the Financial Times and Brand Finance, London, in 2015. Despite the minimal increase the bank achieved in turnover in third quarter in 2014, the bank’s profit is on the decrease. The bank’s gross earnings for the period climbed by 9.5 percent to N199.2 billion from N182 billion in the Q3 of 2013.

However, its profit before tax (PBT) declined 2.0 percent to N81 billion from N82.3 billion recorded the corresponding quarter of 2013, while the profit after tax (PAT) dropped by 3.6 percent to N66.7 billion from N69.2 billion in the same period of 2013.

Similarly, the fully diluted earnings per share dropped to a negative 3.7 percent from N2.44 in the Q3 of 2013 to N2.35 in the review period of 2014.

Okomu Oil followed with

21.47 percent or N6.29 price appreciation, closing at N35.58 from N29.29 per share. Two years ago, the company revealed an ambitious plan of building the biggest oil mill in Africa, which is expected to be completed last year. The mill, on completion, will position the company as one of the leading oil palm and rubber industries on the continent. The expansion, expectedly, will double the company ’s production capacity from 30t/hr to 60t/hr thereby making it the largest oil mill in Africa.

Available half year financial results of the company showed that it recorded flat revenue of N4.86billion as against N4.82 billion posted in the same period in 2013. Gross profits increased 38 percent to N3.3 billion compared to N2.4 billion in the corresponding period in 2013.

The increase in Gross Profits was as a result of a 37 percent drop in cost of sales. Finance cost dropped 41 percent to N71million, resulting in pre-tax profits of N1.7 billion, a 21 percent rise from N1.4 b i l l i o n recorded in 2013.

FBN Holdings Plc ranked third, appreciating by 16.95 percent or N1.08 to close at N7.45 from N6.37 per share. The bank through one of its subsidiaries, FBN Life Assurance, last year, acquired majority stake in Oasis Insurance, making later a subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc. FBN made the mandatory takeover through acquisition of1.87 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo of Oasis Insurance from minority shareholders, having previously acquired 4.63 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each of Oasis from the previous core investorsOasis Group Limited and MetroWest Investments Limited.

S e p l a t appreciated by 15.72 percent or N60.53 to close at N445.53 from N385.00; Presco advanced by 15.64 percent or N4.38 to close at N32.38 from N28.00; May & Baker went up by 14.81 percent or N0.20 to close at N1.55 from N1.35; NASCON advanced by 14.17 percent or N0.85 to close at N6.85 from N6.00; UBA appreciated by 13.67 percent or N0.41 to close at N3.41 from N3.00; N.E.M Insurance’s shares rose by 13.21 percent or N0.07 to close at N0.60 from N0.53.

INVESTORS

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Readers response to ‘You can Invest’

By Babajide Komolafe

L

ast week’s article concluded the series on “You can Invest”. Expectedly the series generated some reactions from readers in the form of questions and comments. A few of the questions and our responses are presented below for the benefit of other readers.

Reader Hey I love your article on investment. I am 19 years and a Year 2 student studying

mathematics. My monthly allowance is between N8000 and N15000. What kind of investment do you think is advisable for me and please explain how the

Is it really important to invest without financial education and just jump into the world of investment?

whole bonds and share stuff works.

Investors Forum Thanks for the interest. The basic rule is that you start with 10 percent of your income. Start by opening a savings account with a bank, and decide to invest 10 percent of all incomes every month. Discipline yourself not to touch the savings even when you are broke. When you have up to N5000 in savings, look for a mutual fund and invest the N5000. Continue to save 10 percent, and invest 5000 in the mutual fund. If you do this for 5 years, you would

MARKET NEWS Return of unclaimed dividend to coys is requirement of law— Gwarzo

By PETER EGWUATU

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria has stated that its directive that unclaimed dividend be returned to the companies after 15 months of declaration was in compliance with the existing law on dividend declaration and aimed at protecting the investing public.

Acting Director General of SEC, Mounir Gwarzo made this clarification when the leadership of the major shareholders’ associations in Nigeria paid him a courtesy call.

According to Gwarzo, the Companies and Allied Matter Act (CAMA) states that unclaimed dividend should revert to the companies after 15 months and that the companies should not invest the monies in their operations.

He also disclosed that the commission has directed Registrars to make e-dividend payment directly into the bank accounts of investors. In this regard, he encouraged

shareholders to have their bank accounts ready and make them available to the registrars to facilitate edividend payment to reduce the mounting unclaimed dividend.

On the legacy issue, Gwarzo said a committee has already been set up between the SEC, the Nigerian Stock

Exchange (NSE) and the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc to find solution to it.According to him, the commission has finalized the Investor Protection Fund to boost investor confidence while there is collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for direct payment of dividends to bank accounts of shareholders.

From left: Mr. Saka Arisekola, Special Duty Manager, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, operator of the Terminal “C” of the Tin Can Island Port, Apapa; Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim, Senior Traffic Officer, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Hajia Aisha Ali-Ibrahim, chairperson, Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT) during the association working visit to the terminal in Lagos.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 — 23

be surprised at how much you would have accumulated. With respect to bonds and shares, I will send you past articles on this topic.

Reader Thanks for the information I hope to get the past articles. Sir, can you give me a short list of mutual funds I can invest in Nigeria then I’ll do research. Do hope to get a reply thanks Investors Forum You can obtain the list from the website of Securities and Exchange Commission.

Reader Please I am a regular reader of Vanguard Newspaper. You talked about investment, please is Mutual funds investment better than fixed deposit? I need your reply.

Investors Forum It depends on the purpose for the investment. If it is money you may need at anytime within the next two or three months, fixed deposit is advisable. But if it is money you want to save and build up over a period of time, a mutual fund is preferable.

Reader Please sir, my friend makes a fixed deposit with a bank (name of bank withheld) with N400, 000 for 90 days at 8per cent per annum. Please can you calculate for us the amount he

will get as interest at end of the 90 days.

Investors Forum Ask the bank to tell you what the interest would be at the end of the period. It actually should be 8 percent of 400,000 divided by 365 days multiplied by 90 days Reader Although investment is good but still many people like me lack the basic knowledge of investment. I want to acquire assets and I know this is not an overnight success. What I want to know is, is it really important to invest without financial education and just jump into the world of investment?

I have read few books. Some of the ways investors invest is usually secured but for our dear country Nigeria what are the real basis of investment? What do we need to know before we invest? Are treasury bills, mutual funds, bonds really in operation in Nigeria? Please elucidate these for me. And besides, where can I attend classes for investors.

Investors Forum Yes they are real. You don’t need to attend any class for lectures. Just read newspapers, magazines and books. Then ask questions or ask for advice on any specific step you want to take.

Stanbic IBTC reiterates support for growth of social media

S

tanbic IBTC has restated its commitment to supporting the growth of the social media platform in Nigeria as a viable vehicle for socio-economic development.

Speaking at a briefing in Lagos to commemorate the 2015 Social Media Week, Head, Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Lloyd Onaghinon, said a demonstration of the organization’s commitment could be seen in its sponsorship of the Social Media Week for a record third consecutive year.

Onaghinon stated that Stanbic IBTC is steadily evolving as a digital bank and is quite active on the leading social media platforms in Nigeria, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. He noted that social media will be the fulcrum of future banking and Stanbic IBTC is well-positioned to help actualize this mission.

He said that the bank was recently nominated for the

‘Best Use of Social Media by a Financial Institution’ in Africa at the Social Media Africa Awards earlier this year.

Executive Director, Social Media Week Lagos, Mrs. Ngozi Odita, stated that the Social Media Week is a week-long conference that provides ideas, trends, insights and inspiration to help people and businesses understand and leverage social media to drive success. Among others, she said the event, which runs February 23-28, will be a mixture of keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking events/mixers that explore a wide range of topics, including business, entertainment, education, technology and politics, all aimed at advancing the use of social media.

Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, Head of Marketing and Communication, Stanbic IBTC Group, said Stanbic IBTC is positioned to offer end-to-end financial solutions to all segments of the society.

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S FORUM

The causes of unclaimed dividends are also from the registrars because they use shareholders money to do their own business

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INVESTORS SPEAK

Shareholders condemn SEC over dividend rulings (2) …registrars major problem

look at how many change of addresses they have received and if they have even effected the changes EC has come up with a new rule that because this is the main problem. I wrote over dividend would be returned to the seven to eight years of a change of address and till company to start up a new business outside date, they still send dividend to my old address.

You can imagine. Sometimes, because this money its original business after is very huge, the registrars one year of release will first invest this money to without claim from get their own interest from it shareholders.

In before they will start paying continuation from last shareholders and some of week’s edition, them don't start payment until shareholders disapprove after two months and some of such rule. They further will not even effect the argued that registrars also change of address because constitute a major they know that if challenge to the issue of shareholders did not collect dividend collection. This is their money, the money will because they do not effect still be in their purse may be change of address until after one or two years Bisi Baker: received from before they can take it back shareholders among to the company. These things others. are not good.

BY PROVIDENC OBUH

S

Mrs Bisi Bakere: Pragmatic Mr. Boniface Okezie: President, Progressive Shareholder Association of Nigeria: Shareholders Association of Nigeria: We have Companies declare dividends and promise to also talked about electronic delivery to shareholders pay within two weeks or one month, the money by e-dividend, which must also be pursued to a will not get out of the logical conclusion. We must company’s purse until after intensify campaign on this to two months before they send acquaint shareholders on the I was with ISAN the money to the registrar. need for them to migrate to the before and before I The registrar will then start e-dividend policy. This is going printing the dividend, which left, I wrote several to help to eliminate these will take them about one bottlenecks. registrar offices that month or more before it gets The other woman that was to the post office before the am not using ISAN there messed up the whole post office will send the system and that is what we are post office any dividend to individual clamouring for. She talked about shareholder. All these longer and I gave world class, what world class processes last for five to six did she leave behind? She came them my new post months. So, we shareholders and bastardized the market. I office address, you are not going to agree on pray that the Acting DG who is that. cannot believe that now in place and also in a SEC should look into the familiar terrain, (he knows the till date, they still causes of unclaimed market in and out having worked dividends. The causes of send my dividend in the stock exchange as a unclaimed dividend are also stockbroker and having worked through ISAN from the registrars because with SEC, he is not a new they use shareholders money comer).

I believe he knows what to do because to do their own business, reason is that: for these ideas he is bringing will not help him to run example, I was with ISAN and before I left, I the place.

If he is going to bring unpopular policy, wrote several registrar offices that am not we would not support him but every popular policy using ISAN post office any longer and I gave them my new post office address. You cannot he brings out to make sure shareholders' suffering believe that till date, they still send my dividend is alleviated will our maximum support and we will help him to become a through ISAN. It is during substantive DG. So he AGM that some members should know what he is saw me and gave me my doing because I believe he dividend, meanwhile I have is the right caliber of person written several letters to the to do that job. If it is those registrars and even filled who have worked with their change of address Arunmah that are bringing form before I left ISAN over out those laws to him, he seven years ago. This is must push them out somebody like me that because they stand as a knows his left from right, moon in that organization what about people, and we cannot accept that (Nigerians) who are not Boniface because if you have to do used to this business that Okezie that, it means you have to just buy shares and they change the CAMA. have written the registrars As long as people have invested, their dependants may be once and they believe they have can claim their money when they die because that written them over change of address and is what they have laboured for in life. So, you these registrars will continue to post their cannot deprive their family of the money, even if it dividends to the old address? In a situation is hundred years. The money is the people’s money, like this, what do you want shareholders to their sweat, so even if it is hundred years they can do. come and claim their money.

SEC should look into the problems caused by the registrars and sort it out. They should

24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY,

FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Scarcity mars FG’s ‘Kero Correct’ initiative zConsumers express frustration

By Sebastine Obasi & Ediri Ejoh

F

our weeks after the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC launched its kero correct project, aimed at making kerosene available to all corners of the country, the exercise appears to have been marred by non-availability of the product.

This is as Nigerians, who had expressed relief with the seeming reduction in price are frustrated by their inability to access the product. The scenario tends to point to the July 2011 scheme termed “kero direct” meant to supply kerosene to Nigerian homes directly at government regulated price of N50 per litre, which only succeeded in making multi-billionaires out of those close to the corridors of power.

Under the new scheme, household kerosene, believed to be commonly used by the populace was meant to be sold at the regulated price of N50 per litre.

Vanguard However, investigation showed that the scheme may have been a mere political gimmick as the product is not seen anywhere.

Indeed, it appears to be more of a political gimmick than actual intension to improve the lot of the masses, as the scheme resurfaces at every election period.

Consumers’ experience

Gloria Ogedengbe, a resident of Festac told Vanguard she has never purchased kerosene at N50 per litre. “I am surprised to hear this development because for weeks now, I have not bought kerosene from NNPC at Festac because whenever I get there it is always the same story, ‘No kerosene’.

“There is no transparency in this scheme because government cannot say something and operators act otherwise. We cannot continue to live with this deception,” she said.

Also, Mrs. Susan Odede, a resident of Ishaga, Ajegunle, who is a retailer of the product, said she only bought kerosene once since the supposed reduction in price. “I have only bought it for that price once and since then it has been from one story to the

.DSV VINNICE other. The common challenge about this sale is that we have more patronage of kerosene than gas.

“In a day, I can sell over three jerry cans of 50 litres. Customers always asked me if the price has not gone down. Sometimes I feel embarrassed because they do refer to the government authorised N50 price.

“Why can’t the government increase the distribution of kerosene in various stations in this area, we have two NNPC filling stations close by and yet you hardly find kerosene in any of them.

In a day, I can sell over three jerry cans of 50 litres. Customers always asked me if the price has not gone down; Sometimes I feel embarrassed

“This scheme cannot work because this is not the first time, we have had this declaration.

Whenever there is such promise as this, since it is not generally mandatory to all filling stations, it ends up dying out after few weeks. I would want to believe that after the election, there would be no such canvassing of maintaining the prices at N50,” she said.

When Vanguard visited the NNPC station at Olusosun, Oregun area of Lagos, a long queue was seen as people struggled to get the product.

Mrs. Jiy Samson, one of those on queue expressed excitement

on hearing the news of the price reduction and wanted to utilise the opportunity as much as possible.

“I was very surprised at the gesture of government and so decided to grab the opportunity immediately. I have never seen such a crowd for the purchase of kerosene in this filling station at Oregun Road. When I heard of the drop in price, I was very happy only to be disappointed when I got here and found out that the supply was being managed because of the little supply from NNPC,” she said.

At the FirstBank Bus stop NNPC station also on Oregun Road, Miss Habibat Rashidat, a resident of the area had this to say, “I went just twice and got fed up because we had to queue up in the sun because I wanted to buy at a cheap price.

If it has been regular, there would be no cause for alarm because I can go there anytime.

The reason for the crowd is because we know that this act of kindness is only a political show of empathy to the masses and not a sincere one per say.

It is better I continue buying the way I had always done at my convenience than being a dog to the politicians’ play.”

One of the attendants however said that their inability not to sell Kerosene was as a result of filling the tanks meant for kerosene with diesel, a development that the industry regulator, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR frowns at.

Petrolog acquires ocean diving vessel

By Clara Nwachukwu

O

il service giant, Petrolog Group, has acquired an ocean diving support vessel to boost its operations and advance the local content policy of the Federal Government, thereby setting the pace in its area of operations.

The brand new 100 per cent Nigerian flagged, ABS classed Dynamic Positioning, DP2, dive support system vessel, which is currently in Nigerian waters is the largest indigenous owned vessel in its class and is capable of providing diving, offshore construction and field support.

Explaining the features of the vessel, Petrolog said the DSV Vinnice has a dead weight of 3200 tonnes. It is 85 meters long and has a beam of 22

meters. It has an ample deck space which will afford the placement of equipment, tools and supplies on its deck.

The DSV Vinnice is also equipped with the latest mooring controls. It has navigation equipment and communication equipment to keep the officers and DP operators in constant contact with the deck and diving supervisors during DP and moored operations. For added flexibility to its modern DP2 systems, the vessel has a 4point mooring system which can be used in shallow waters and high current channels.

The bridge is 150m2 in area and has a panoramic view of the diving equipment, deck area, and surrounding waters with CCTV monitoring internal and external ship security, the mooring winches

and diving chambers. The bridge is hard wired to all rooms, offices, diving controls, and equipment centers in addition to having 15 Radio communication units for the constant fixed and potable communications during all operations.

The two main 6-cylinder diesel engines power the azimuthing stern drives, the shaft generators for the two bow thrusters, and the two firefighting pumps. The Vessel is powered by three main 800Kw Caterpillars generators and 192kW emergency generators. The Saturation Diving System is powered by dedicated 800kW main and 400kW emergency generators.

Petrolog further said the vessel boasts of comfortable bunks and can accommodate

up to 182 crew members, and offers modern day amenities.

Petrolog Chairman, Mr. Vincent Ebuh said the acquisition of the vessel is to further position the company as a foremost indigenous oil servicing company and boost its capacity to meet the demands of oil production companies in the country.

According to Ebuh, the local content policy of the Federal Government has thrown a great challenge to indigenous companies in oil and gas thereby making it possible for the serious minded ones to venture into areas that were hitherto dominated by foreign companies. To him there are indeed many more investment potentials in the sector.

It also has a fully functional hospital and a team of qualified medical staff.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 — 25

Forensic Audit: Alison-Madueke declares NNPC’s accounting most transparent

By Michael Eboh

A

BUJA— DESPITE various allegations of financial impropriety levelled against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, on a continuous basis, the Federal Government has defended the Corporation, saying it is the most transparent organisation in terms of its processes and accounting.

Speaking in an interview in Abuja, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, said the NNPC is today more transparent than it has ever been over the last 25 years.

According to her, it has taken a lot of work for the NNPC even to get to this stage and to open itself up to the sort of forensic audit that was conducted as well.

She said, “All in all, I am on one hand pleased that PriceWaterHouseCoopers, PWC, has finished the in depth audit they did. On the other hand, I am very disappointed.

Disappointed that we have come to a stage in the polity and politics of this country where major issues, where we would expect fiscal responsibility in terms of utterances, decisions on issues that are put on a global stage that affects our country in a very negative sense will be put out irresponsibly.

“It is of great concern that this sort of fallacies were propounded everywhere, all over the globe and Nigeria was

made to look even more corrupt than it was already been touted to be, and this is being done by our own people.”

She blamed the current distrust of the NNPC on the many years of non-disclosure and obscure operating procedures recorded in activities in the oil and gas sector.

She noted that there are still a number of issues that needed to be addressed in the oil and

gas sector through drastic reforms.

She said, “I have said it clearly, over and over that years of non-transparency and opaqueness in the running of the oil and gas sector in this country, and I’m talking about over the last 25 years or so, have of course created some lapses in procedures and processes which various reforms must come into being to take effect and correct. There are no other

ways.

“Some of those reforms will have to be somewhat drastic if we really want to reach some reasonable level of accountability and transparency. Hence, we spent so much effort in putting together the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, which is presently languishing in the National Assembly due to various interests and reasons.”

COMMISSIONING: From left: Chief Executive Officer, Egbin Power Plc, Engr.

Mike Uzoigwe; Chairman, Egbin Power Plc, Mr. Kola Adesina; President Goodluck Jonathan; Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu and Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo at the re-commissioning of the 220MW capacity ST Unit 6 in Egbin Power Station by the President in Egbinlast weekend.

Learn to cut prices in dwindling sector, service providers told …NNPC set to promote local capacity

By Sebastine Obasi

S

ERVICE providers in the oil and gas industry should learn how to cut costs in the face of dwindling resources in the sector, if they desire to remain afloat.

This is as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, said it is committed to promoting local capacity in the sector.

The Group Executive Director, Engineering and Technology, NNPC, Mr. Adebayo Ibirogba, who said this during a facility tour of Kaztec Engineering Limited fabrication yard, at the Snake Island, Lagos, added the measure became necessary to enable oil companies get maximum value for funds utilised in funding projects.

“The prices of goods and services have to be reviewed downwards. This will enable only very competent service

providers to compete for projects,” he said.

He noted that there was a great need for companies to make judicious use of resources, especially because of the poor state of the international oil market.

Ibirogba stated that Kaztec Engineering is one of the indigenous clients of the Corporation, stressing that the fabrication yard of the company is a model of excellence.

The GED also said that the Nigerian Content Act of the Federal Government provides a veritable platform for indigenous companies to operate on a level playing field with other International Oil Companies, IOCs, in Nigeria.

According to him, the NNPC has been at the forefront of those supporting and encouraging the attainment of the local content target for the industry as it has

done in other sectors.

Ibirogba said investing in local content would give some advantage to local fabricators, adding that the Federal Government would ensure total encouragement of

There was a great need for companies to make judicious use of resources, especially because of the poor state of the international oil market

potential investors who want to invest locally.

He said the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, before the National Assembly, when passed into law, would further promote the growth of indigenous participation in the petroleum sector.

Conducting the NNPC delegation round the premises of the yard, the Managing Director of Kaztec Engineering, Mr. John Niezner, said the company operates wholly in line with the Nigerian Content Act by engaging majority of Nigerians in all its welding and fabrication operations.

He said most of the engineering designs and materials are locally sourced adding that the company ’s operations contribute enormously to the country ’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP.

Lower oil price’ll not stop rise of solar panels

N

ew analysis from Frost & Sullivan indicates that lower oil prices will not stop the “dazzling rise of solar photovoltaic.”

In a release, the firm indicated that lower oil prices would have an impact on petrol prices and manufacturing costs, but would also have implications on the power generation sector – coal, gas, nuclear, hydro, wind, solar, bioenergy, grid modernization, energy storage and microgrids.

Frost & Sullivan did indicate that it remains confident that renewable investment will stay strong and that oil is unlikely to make a major comeback in power generation, but also said “Conventional generation will continue to dominate global installed capacity, although compared to 4–5 years ago, investments in gas and in renewable energy are projected to increase at a greater rate, at the expense of coal and nuclear.”

Frost & Sullivan Senior Consultant, Jonathan Robinson commented, “As oil account for just 5 percent of global electricity generated, and in many countries it is 1 percent or below, it is just no longer considered a viable option for electricity generation.” In contrast, solar photovoltaic (PV) is currently judged to be the hottest of the renewable technologies.

Frost & Sullivan forecasts that the global solar PV capacity, which stood at 93 gigawatts (GW) in 2012, will increase to 446 GW in 2020, with China, India and North America recording the highest growth rates. Even the global leader in solar PV, Europe, will see capacity double by 2020, despite reductions in incentives during the financial crisis.

Incentives, though, are becoming less and less important for a number of key renewable energy markets. For instance, commercial solar PV in North America is increasingly becoming competitive against centralized generation, despite reductions in feed-in tariffs. Offshore wind, on the other hand, is a long way from being viable without incentives.

Many US states and European countries have legally binding renewable targets that they are under pressure to try and meet, supporting the growth of renewables.

Nevertheless, conventional fuels will maintain a dominant position globally, as developing economies in Africa and Asia continue to rely on coal as a key source of electricity generation. China, which accounts for 45% of global coal capacity, will continue to build plants, although growing public concern over pollution levels will mean that investment shifts to eastern China and is at a lower level compared to the previous decade.

26 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

World Bank, Nigeria partner to reduce flaring

T

HE World Bank and Nigeria are set to join forces to decrease gas flaring from oil fields in the Niger Delta. The partnership is part of an initiative to reduce flaring and monetize Nigeria’s natural gas resources which will stimulate economic growth and development in the region.

The World Bank/Nigeria partnership is also encouraging significant investments in gas-to-power initiatives to aid the country’s lagging power sector.

World Bank said it has set aside more than $1 billion in risk financing to back the use of flared gas from oil fields across Africa to generate power.

The Bank hopes that new gas finds across East Africa can boost power generation across sub-Saharan Africa, where currently two-thirds of the population do not have access to electricity.

US oil workers’ union expands biggest plant strike since 1980

T

HE United Steelworkers, which represents 30,000 U.S. oil workers, called on four more plants to join the biggest strike since 1980 as talks dragged on with Royal Dutch Shell Plc, negotiating a labor contract for oil companies.

The USW, with members at more than 200 refineries, fuel terminals, pipelines and chemical plants across the U.S., asked workers late Friday at Motiva Enterprises LLC’s Port Arthur refinery in Texas, the nation’s largest, to join a nationwide walkout on Saturday, and issued notices for three other plants to go on strike in 24 hours.

This brings the work stoppage — which began on Feb. 1 at nine sites from California to Texas and expanded to two BP Plc refineries in the Midwest a week later — to 12 refineries and 3 other facilities. The union has rejected seven contract offers from Shell, which is representing companies including Exxon Mobil Corp. and Chevron Corp.

An agreement would end a strike at U.S. plants that account for almost 20 percent of the country ’s refining capacity.

Nigeria’s gas demand to hit 10bcf — NNPC

By Michael Eboh with agency reports

T

HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, yesterday, stated that Nigeria’s domestic gas demand will rise to about 10 billion cubic feet, bcf, per day within the next five years, from current demand of about two billion cubic feet per day.

Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr. Joseph Dawha, was quoted in a statement by

the Corporation as saying that the increased demand will be driven by the growth in the country’s power sector.

According to him, rising demand from the power sector an industry is fueling growth in the domestic sector, with demand set to hit five bcf per day in 2017, before rising to 10 bcf per day by 2020.

To meet this demand, Dawha, however, stated that the NNPC and the Federal Government have embarked on a very aggressive

implementation of the Gas Master Plan to meet the astronomical increase in gas demand.

According to him, over 500 kilometers of pipelines have been laid and many more kilometres planned in the next two to three years.

The Federal Government had a couple of weeks ago, signed an agreement with eight oil companies for the supply of natural gas to 10 power plants in the country, with the aim of boosting power supply across the country.

INSPECTION: From left: Group Executive Director, Engineering and Technology, NNPC, Adebayo Ibirogba; Acting Managing Director, National Engineering and Technical Company Limited, NETCO, Mrs. Bolande Ashafa; and Acting Group General Manager, Engineering and Technology, Dr. Ajayi Adewale, during a visit to Kaztec Engineering fabrication yard at Snake Island, Lagos.

Meanwhile, the values of Nigeria crude oil, according to trading sources, increased as higher refining margins supported by healthy light end and middle distillate cracks boosted the West African crude market.

Traders stated that the main reason for the jump in prices for Agbami and Akpo was due to buoyant demand caused by widening naphtha crack spreads.

Market sources, according to Platts, said activity picked up about two weeks ago once the March term allocations were finalised modestly in the past week and demand for the light sweet grades like Akpo and Agbami was very strong initially.

Qua Iboe was assessed at Dated Brent plus $1.30 per barrel, the highest since November 20, 2014, Platts data showed.

Traders also said recent March stems were traded close to or higher than Dated Brent plus $1.50 per barrel, adding that differentials for Nigerian light sweet crude grades such as Akpo and Agbami had risen by more than $1.30 per barrel from previous trades in February.

Market sources told Platts that Agbami for March had traded between Dated Brent minus $0.70/b and minus $0.40 per barrel, or $1.50 per barrel above the level of the February programme.

‘Falling oil price may not affect $3.8bn Egina project’

By Godwin Oritse

T

HE current economic impact of global downtrend in the prices of oil that is already taking its toll on key sectors of the Nigerian economy may not have adverse effect on the country’s Egina oil platform project valued at $3.8 billion.

The project was awarded

by Total E&P Nigeria to Samsung Heavy Industries, with a mandate to integrate a Floating Production Storage and Offloading, FPSO platform at the LADOL base in Lagos, as the local content partner.

The Managing Director of the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics, LADOL base, Dr. Amy Jadesimi, said that although the oil price fall portends worry for the economy, Nigeria’s fledging logistics sector may not be affected.

According to her, “There are two sides to this. terms of our business and local content, the falling oil prices actually play in our favour.

The premise of LADOL and the lots of new entrants coming into the market is

that we are actually creating value. We are lowering costs and we are making it easier for foreign companies to do business in Nigeria both by lowering their costs and increasing the efficiency of their operations.”

She described logistics support bases as small industrial villages with full services offering which significantly lower the cost of activities in the oil and gas sector.

“Obviously we have created jobs. With the project we are

For those companies to continue to make the decision to go ahead with these projects, we have to continue to lower our costs and increase our efficiency

doing now, we have created 5000 jobs directly and 50,000 indirectly.

Now, the investment in our free zone is up to $450million. Going forward, the investment that would be attracted not just to LADOL but related facilities is in the $10billion range and it comes back to capacity development.”

Jadesimi pointed out that due to oil price fall oil companies will embark on portfolio management.

“When they are looking at the West African market, you can’t ignore Nigeria. Now we have a big project coming up for Shell, Bonga SouthWest that many people have been watching and counting on. They were supposed to spend $40billion in Nigeria over the next decade.”

Referring to recent announcement of project cancellation by the Shell Group, Jadesimi noted that there are fears that the oil conglomerate may extend such project cuts to Nigeria due to the price fall.

“Shell is committed to Nigeria, the oil reserves that Shell has in Nigeria make up a significant proportion of

the company’s total reserves and now that Shell has divested some of their onshore assets, development of Bonga becomes more important.”

The situation, she said, portends positive trend for local content development in Nigeria because such huge projects are under significant price pressure and cost pressure. “So for those companies to continue to make the decision to go ahead with these projects, we have to continue to lower our costs and increase our efficiency. That is what LADOL is all about and that is what many local content companies are all about. They are about local people making investments and by us making certain investments in infrastructure, in service provision to enable these oil companies to continue to work in Nigeria.”

She however warned against the over-dependence on oil proceeds for the sustenance of the nation’s economy. “What we have to worry about is the future. Our government has made a good point that we have to diversify the economy.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 — 27

NERC issues licences to companies to generate 590MW

By Chris Ochayi

T

HE Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has issued two on-grid licences to KVK Power Nigeria PVT Limited, and Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria, ASCON Plc to generate 590 megawatts, MW, of electricity from solar and gas respectively.

The Commission in a statement issued last week in Abuja, explained that KVT Power would be located in Yabo, Sokoto State, adding that the firm had met the requirements for the granting of 50MW on-grid generation licence with no objection received from the general public to its application.

The NERC statement also said that ALSCON’s application for an on-grid electricity generation licence in respect of a 360MW gas-fired plant at Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State and a permit in respect of a 180MW captive power generation in the same location were approved and issued.

The approval to ALSCON, according to NERC, came after the review of an objection raised by the BFI Group was found not to affect the grant of the licence.

The Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, congratulated the two licensees for successfully going through the process

leading to the issuance of the licences.

He was quoted to have said, “Our system is to ensure that whoever is licensed is able to carry the construction to completion.

What we can tell the licensees is that we will support you in any way we can as you make progress.”

Amadi said that the Commission is available to assist the licensees when the need for Power Purchase Agreement arose.

The Chairman, KVK Nigeria, Mr. Abubakar Cika, commended the reforms of the government in the power sector, saying that it was unfortunate that there had been a lot of negative comments about the sector.

He noted that “people fail to realise that

Rome was not built in one day,” adding that KVT would execute the project in collaboration with Indian partners.

The Managing Director, ALSCON, Dr. Oleg Suistunov, explained that it was difficult to generate power without a licence, adding that the licence was an important certificate that would enable investors to move to the next stage of power generation.

He said, “Now, we can support our community, we can support Akwa Ibom in providing electricity.” NERC has so far issued four licences this year.

•Gas production facility

Power: How vandals constrained generation to 4,500MW— Minister

By Chris Ochayi

T

HE Federal Government has expressed grave concerns over the sustained vandalism of gas pipelines, noting that the incidents have constrained gas supply to power plants and held generation at less than 4,500 megawatts, MW. The Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo, who stated this while speaking at an event in Abuja, regretted that once the power generation was approaching 5,000MW, the vandals struck and brought it down to about 3,000MW Nebo while describing vandals’ activities as wickedness, lamented that “There is no justifiable individual benefit to gas pipeline vandalism other than sabotage to the progress being made in the power sector.

He however assured that the government is also working on deploying electronic monitoring gadgets and sensors to protect the pipelines, even as he added that the 10 newly built National Integrated Power Plants, NIPPs, have all been connected to gas supply infrastructure.

Nebo while appealing to all Nigerians to join in the campaign against vandalism said, 81 per cent

of the country ’s electricity is generated from thermal plants which are dependent on gas supply.

He decried, “two days ago power generation was approaching 5,000MW, then the vandals struck and brought us to about 3,000MW. This has been the trend, we go up to above 4,000MW they will strike and bring us down and wait until repairs are done, and we start climbing then they will strike again, just to ensure we don’t make progress.”

Two days ago, power generation was approaching 5,000MW, then the vandals struck and brought us to about 3,000MW

Speaking further, the minister noted that the multiple cost of infrastructure repairs and low electricity generation profile all impact on electricity tariff pointing out that improved power generation will translate to lower tariff.

He stated that the Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP, in the east and the Trans Forcados Pipeline, TFP, in the west are the worst hit. According to him, between December 29, 2014 and February 9, 2015, there had been six different attacks at different locations on these pipelines resulting to the loss of 150MMScf per day, the equipment of 700MW. The minister noted that in spite of these acts of sabotage, there has been some improvements in power supply, adding, “The power sector foundation-building efforts are maturing and more facilities are being completed.

He warned that any threat to that is a threat to power supply to the millions of Nigerians who desperately need electricity.

Nebo said that the Federal Government in its determination to check incessant vandalisms of power infrastructure will collaborate with relevant bodies and individuals as part of the new strategies to put an end to the scourge of vandalism.

Europe set for LNG supply surge after premiums top Asia

E

urope is luring twice as many liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers as last year and more are expected in what is now the premium-priced market after a yearlong demand slump in Asia.

In just a week, seven new LNG tankers embarked for Belgian, British and Dutch ports and six more may arrive in the next month, attracted by the widest and most consistent premium to Asian prices in at least five years, price data on Reuters Eikon shows.

The shift signals an end to Asia’s huge LNG price premium to Europe’s benchmark UK gas hub, raising hopes that supply will over coming years be more evenly spread between the basins, traders said.

“We see NBP (UK natural gas prices) plus transportation returning as a price benchmark to Asia, at least for the next two to three years,” said Javier Moret, head of LNG origination at RWE, Germany ’s biggest power utility.

More than 1.3 million cubic metres (mcm) of LNG, or 800 mcm of pipeline gas, is inbound on officially announced tankers from Qatar, Norway and Trinidad.

That’s double the same time last year and enough to cover three days of British winter demand.

At least six more tankers - the Zarga, Onaiza, Al Sadd, Ejnan and Al Ruwais - are expected to arrive in those ports during the next few weeks, according to analysts. ”Some trading companies are also trying to divert cargoes away from the east towards Europe,” a trader at an oil major said.

Asia has reigned as the world’s premium LNG market since Japan’s 2011 Fukushima disaster which shuttered the country ’s nuclear plants, driving gas prices to near all-time highs.

But a 60-percent drop in Asian prices in the past year, driven by a streak of mild weather and new supplies, has again made Europe the most attractive market for flexible cargoes.

British and Dutch prices for March are trading at a $1.20 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) premium to Asia.

Plunging Far East prices are also trapping Atlantic Basin-produced LNG from Trinidad, Nigeria and Algeria within the region because it is no longer profitable to send it east.

Re-exports from countries such as Spain have also been brought to a halt for the first time in five years given weak demand around the globe.

One challenger to Europe for supply is India, where prices are also trading at premiums to Asia, albeit below those in Europe and the Americas.

28 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

•Lagos -Badagry expansion... Government shifts completion date till....

Lagos-Badagry expressway:

Lagos shifts completion date

By Kingsley Adegboye

D

ESPITE the delay in completing the second phase of the ongoing N220 billion Lagos-Badagry expressway expansion, the Lagos State government last week, reaffirmed its resolve to complete the massive project.

But there are indications that the project would not be delivered by the Babatunde Fashola administration which fixed last month for the completion of the second phase of the ambitious scheme.

When the contract was awarded in January 2012 to Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, CCECC, the Lagos State government fixed January 2015, a 36-month time lag for its completion.

Time lag for completion An up to date report however shows that the project is very far from being completed. The Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Kadri Hamzat, an engineer, while assuring that the project would be completed and delivered after the expiration of the life of the Fashola administration, disclosed that the first phase or Lot 1 beginning from Babs Animashaun in Suru-Lere to Mile Two has been fully completed.

Similarly, Phase 2A which is between Mazamaza and Agboju has reached 90 per cent completion while Phases 2B and 2C have attained 45 per cent and 10 per cent completion levels respectively.

Hamzat made this disclosure while reacting to the comment of the Minister of State for Works who posited that without Federal roads, Lagos State is non-existent.

According to Hamzat, “The Phase 1 is practically completed while Phase 2A from Mazamaza to Agboju has recorded 80 per cent completion. Phases 2B and 2C of the project have reached 45

The Commissioner attributed the slow pace of work to factors such as challenge of relocation of PHCN pylons and NNPC pipelines as well as the request for an expanded Right of Way

per cent and 10 per cent respectively”.

Admitting that the project cannot be completed under Fashola’s administration, Hamzat noted that government is a continuum, hence the incoming administration is

expected to continue with it.

The Commissioner attributed the slow pace of work by the contractors to factors such as challenge of relocation of PHCN pylons and NNPC pipelines as well as the request for an expanded Right of Way

(RoW).

Reacting to the Minister’s comment, Hamzat debunked the claim that only Federal roads in the state are functional. He described as ridiculous, the claim that only 11 per cent of 5500kms of road in the state are in good condition and those are Federal roads.

Stating that a number of federal roads have been ceded to the state government, Hamzat noted that the neglect of the roads by the federal government was the real reason the state had to intervene in the interest of the people. He said there are over 9,000 roads in Lagos state and managing this number of roads in a place like Lagos is not easy.

The Commissioner listed Federal roads taken over by the state government to include the Lagos-Badagry Expressway; Eko Bridge (34 expansion joints) and Mile 12 -Ikorodu Road.

“No state has done the number of roads Lagos state has done. One can dispute various things but cannot deny the obvious.

Road development is everywhere in Lagos state,” he boasted.

Hamzat said Apapa Bridge is currently being evaluated for rehabilitation. According to him, the delay to commence work on the bridge is to allow the completion of Eko Bridge rehabilitation in order not to shut down the state if work has to go on simultaneously at the two bridges.

UNEP invites nominations for Champions of the Earth awards

T

HE United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP has invited nominations for the 2015 Champions of the Earth-the United Nations flagship environment award, which recognises outstanding environmental visionaries and leaders and seeks to build momentum for the transition to a sustainable future.

Since its establishment in 2005, the prize has honoured individuals and organisations at the cutting edge of innovative thinking on environmental challenges-men and women whose actions and leadership have contributed to ensuring the environment can serve as a driver of sustainable development.

From young thinkers bringing alive their dreams of a better world in areas such as marine conservation to politicians challenging the status-quo to move their countries away from brown development paths, UNEP’s Champions have demonstrated that change is not just possible, but is happening across the globe.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said “these awards recognise men and women from the fields of policy, science, entrepreneurship and civil society whose initiatives have left a positive and lasting

impact on the environment.They demonstrate that every sector and age group can provide the leadership and vision we need to bring about positive transformative change.”

This year, as the world gears up to adopt a new sustainable development agenda and conclude a global agreement that aims to tackle definitively the threat of climate change, UNEP is particularly interested in individuals and organisations all over the world that show leadership and are taking action on sustainable development and climate change. The UN environment watchdog is strongly encouraging women and youth nominees.

“Champions of the Earth are outstanding environmental leaders, thinkers and achievers who have stood up to be counted and have often challenged the status quo to show us the way towards a sustainable future,” said UN Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner.

“The Champions and their stories of dedication and environmental leadership must inspire us all to take on the toughest environmental challenges and to push the boundaries of human endeavour to safeguard the future of our planet.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 — 29

RCCG donates N2.2m storm-water drainage system to Lagos community

By Kingsley Adegboye

T

FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide cuts the tape to declare the Karu market open while Messrs Obinna Chukwu, Micah Jiba and Zephaniah Jisalo watch.

FCTA commissions N3.5bn ultra-modern markets in FCT satellite towns

By Caleb Ayansina & Funmi Olasupo

T

he Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide has commissioned community markets worth N3.516b in two satellite towns of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. The two projects located at Karu and Lugbe in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, were solely financed by the Aso Saving and Loans Plc. Karu Community market development which is worth N2.176 billion, commenced in 2011 as one of the FCTA projects. The market consists of 1,405 shops, made up of various sizes of lock-up shops and an open market place.

Occupying a land area of 54,330m2, the market is equipped with a fire service station, police block and an administrative block among other facilities to ensure conformity with the global standard.

the Administration’s passion to bequeath to posterity, some indelible footprints in the sands of time. ”I am also most delighted to observe that these are evidences of the harvest of the Transformation Agenda of Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, which has been designed to cascade down from the Federal, State to Local governments.

These developments, indeed, satisfy the yearning of the people and the expectations of traders, who have craved for better service and improved facilities in the Area Councils,” she said..

The Minister commended the developers - MjS Del-Trazi

Global standard In a similar vein, the Lugbe Relocation Market which was initiated in 2012, gulped N1.34 billion. The market consists of 998 shops across three floors.

Facilities provided include banking halls, restrooms and office spaces, among others.

Akinjide who spoke at the commissioning ceremonies, said the two projects were initiated by the FCT administration to provide quality infrastructure for residents of the nation’s capital.

She described the projects as another landmark achievement by the AMAC Administration, and eloquently demonstrates

With projects such as these, we believe that the FCT is on the right track to improving the standard of living of its residents

Ltd. and MjS Road Development Construction Ltd. for their continued partnerships with the Council as well as the quality of their works.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Aso Saving and Loans Plc, Hassan Usman said the company, as a leading Primary Mortgage Institution, PMI in the country, had “identified the development of commercial facilities as crucial to the development of our nation’s economy.”

The PMI, he explained had partnered with the AMAC and the FCTA to facilitate the development and sales of several markets in different places in the FCT. Usman reiterated their commitment to provide the enabling environment for residents through collaboration with the FCTA and other relevant bodies.

“With projects such as these, we believe that the FCT is on the right track to improving the standard of living of its residents,” he said.

Also speaking, the AMAC, Chairman Mr.Micah Jiba, commended the FCT administration for its support and commitment towards the successful execution of the projects.

Jiba noted that the projects were executed through innovative strategies and Private- Public-Partnership, PPP arrangements.

The Chairman appealed to all beneficiaries to keep faith with the structures and purposes for which the facilities and shops were provided, saying “this is necessary to avoid the sanctions that will follow cases of abuse.”

HE Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG has commissioned a N2.2 million storm-water drainage system the church donated to the Langbasa Community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The project, Vanguard Homes & Property learnt, was the response of RCCG to the outcry of the community which has long suffered uncontrolled flooding with the associated health and environmental consequences.

The community had solicited the help of the church in combating the menace posed by the perennial flooding of the area. This challenge was promptly taken up as a social responsibility initiative by the the Lagos Province 23 of the church located along Ado–Badore Road, Ajah, Lekki, Lagos.

Pastor Brown Oyitso, who represented the General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor E. A. Adeboye at the commissioning last week, commended the community for their co-operation in identifying the project as a core need and also for their co-operation which ensured the positive and speedy completion of the storm-water drainage system.

He assured the community of RCCG’s continuous support and promised to look into other areas of their needs starting with potable water supply which, he said, will be given priority attention. Oyitso noted that prior to RCCG intervention, the major issue that had plagued the community was annual flooding of their houses and shops especially during the overflow of nearby lakes.

“To complicate their predicament, the floods facilitated the carriage and dumping of refuse and waterborne germs into residences and shops of the community.

Residents were also Prior to RCCG exposed to reptiles intervention, and marine organisms. Children the major issue and pedestrians were that had faced with a great deal of plagued the inconvenience and community was dangers when maneuvering annual through the deep flooding of areas of the flood,”Pastor Oyitso their houses said.. and shops Continuing, he noted that “flooding of the major road leading into the Langbasa Community damaged vehicles, tri-cycles and motor cycles imparting on cost of repairs. Furthermore, the flood caused damages to buildings, shops and furniture. People had to bear the added stench caused by the dirt and mucky water ”.

Oyitso stated that the Church ensured that the community partook in the execution of the project as sub-contractors and workers thereby enabling them to earn some income. He observed that the project has provided a preferred alternative route for road users of the adjoining Harmony Estate to bypass flooded roads to their residences by going through the now passable Langbasa road.

An elated Baale of Langbasa, Chief Fatai Adeboye Pelujo was full of praises for the Church for coming to the aid and rescue of his people. He reaffirmed the serious problems that the community faced for many years, pointing out that he was happy that the RCCG has brought succor to them and has put smiles on their faces.

30 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

FG flaunts housing scorecard, unveils plans to stem building collapse

By Jude Njoku

T

HE Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development last week, flaunted the housing scorecard of the Jonathan administration, saying the government increased the nation’s housing stock with 61,000 affordable housing units in the last four years.

The Ministry said it is determined to reduce the nation’s housing deficit by direct funding through two of its agencies, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN and the Federal Housing Authority, FHA. Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi who made the disclosures at an interactive forum, explained that additional 100,000 units are currently under construction for workers in the country. The Minister listed some milestones achieved by the Ministry to include:

•Preparation of a National Physical development plan for Nigeria •Initiating the National Housing Survey and doing an inventory and auditing of all Federal lands and landed properties •Inauguration of Festac Phase 2 project •Reorganising and reinvigorating the boards of FHA and FMBN and the launch of the National

The revised National Building Code approved by the Ministry will help stem the rising occurrence of building collapse in the country

Housing roadmap.

•Other milestones recorded by the Ministry, according to Mrs Eyakenyi are: the launch of Nigerian Mortgage Refinancing Company, NMRC and offer of 23,000 new mortgages and 10,000 new housing units for Nigerians, expansion and increase of the National Housing Funds collection and a memorandum of understanding, MoU with Messrs Signature Group of United Arab Emirates, UAE for $80million Abuja Housing project.

Answering a question on the affordability of the houses being built, the Minister explained that the government is subsidising the cost of the land.

She disclosed that the revised National Building Code approved by the Ministry, will help stem the rising occurrence of building collapse in the country. The code, she said, will ensure that the right professionals who will not cut corners, are used in building construction sites.

Ambassador Heights wins international property award

A

MBASSADOR Heights, a highbrow residential development being built adjacent to the Moevenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, the Ghanian capital, has bagged an international property award for the most exclusive residential developments in Africa.

The International Property Awards in London in its quest to discover the best developers in Africa, charged development companies in the continent to present their finest work. Entries were received from companies in 13 countries across the continent. The judging committee chaired by three members of the House of Lords scrutinized hundreds of entries and Ambassador Heights won in the category of “Residential Development.”

A host of Africa’s finest developers, architects, interior designers and real estate agents recently made the choice in

the Joharah Ballroom at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.

Speaking on the awards, the Sales Manager for the project, Robert Davis said: “Our team is honoured to win this coveted award which further validates Ambassador Heights’ position as the most exclusive and luxurious residential offering in Ghana.”

When completed in the 4th quarter of 2015, Ambassador Heights will stand as the only true Five-Star mixed use project in West Africa. Homeowners, he said, will enjoy unparalleled location within the city, world class build quality, attractive rental management options, and access to the amenities and services of the surrounding hotel. “Ambassador Heights presents the opportunity for a select few to own within a globally recognized and award winning residential real estate development,”he said.

Expert advocates transparent and consistent valuation procedures

By Kingsley Adegboye

‘V

ALUATIONS are widely used and relied upon in financial and other markets, whether for inclusion in financial statements, for regulatory compliance or to support secured lending and transactional activity”. This was the submission of Mr. Jimmy Olayinka Omotosho, a portfolio executive at Broll Nigeria at the training forum of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV Lagos state branch.

Omotosho who spoke on the theme - Valuation Reporting Standards in Compliance with IFRS & IVSC’ described the International Valuation Standards Council, IVSC as an independent, not-for-profit, private sector organisation that has a remit to serve the public interest. He added that the IVSC’s objective is to build confidence and public trust in the valuation process by creating a framework for the delivery of credible valuation opinions by suitably trained valuation professionals acting in an ethical manner.

Delivering a paper entitled International Valuation Standards, Omotosho said the International Valuation Standards, IVSs contain procedures for undertaking valuation assignments using generally recognised concepts and principles, with supporting guidance to assist the consistent application of those principles. He noted that the IVSC also promotes standards for the conduct and competency of professional valuers.

“The IVSC Standards Board is the body responsible for setting the IVSs. The Board has autonomy in the development of its agenda and approval of its publications. In developing the IVSs the Board follows established due

The IVSC Standards Board is the body responsible for setting the IVSs

process in the development of any new standard or related pronouncement, including consultation with providers and users of valuation services and public exposure of all new standards or material alterations to existing standards.

“The Board liaises with other bodies that have standard-setting function in the financial markets.

It conducts outreach activities including round table discussions with invited constituents and targeted discussions with specific users or user groups”, he stated.

Omotosho who explained that the objective of the IVSs is to increase the confidence and trust of users of valuation services by establishing transparent and consistent valuation procedures, said a standard will do one or more of identifying or developing globally accepted principles and definitions.

He added that a standard will further identify and promulgate procedures for the undertaking of valuation assignments and the reporting of valuations, identify specific matters that require consideration and methods commonly used for valuing different types of asset or liability and identify appropriate valuation procedures for the major purpose for which valuations are required.

Written valuations Pointing out that all RICS members, whether practicing individually or within an RICSregulated or non-regulated firm, who provide a written valuation are required to comply with the international valuation standards issued by the International Valuation Standard Council, he said RICS professional standards and valuation practice statements are consistent with the principles and definitions of the IVS as at 1 January, 2014. He noted that RICS considers that a valuation that complies with these standards and statements will also comply with the IVS. “It is important to note that these bases of value are not necessarily mutually exclusive. The worth of a property or asset to a specific party, or the fair value of a property or asset in exchange between two specific parties may match the market value even though different assessment criteria are used.

Because bases other than market value may produce a value that could not be obtained on an actual sale, whether or not in the general market, the valuer must clearly distinguish the assumptions, or special assumptions that are different from, or additional to, those that would be appropriate in an estimate of market value.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 — 31

32 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

C M Y K

In Kokori, you can be kidnapped for N5,000 ransom

PAGE 2

VOL. 1: NO. 38

Meet 79-yr-old Mother Teresa of Sapele

CELEBRITY PAGE 8

TUESD AY, FEBR U ARY 224, 4, 20 15 TUESDA FEBRU 201

Displaced from Ibaa, relocating to Rumuji.

Praying for peace in the Delta

Kokori women protesting.

Suspected pirates.

PROLOGUE: 10 most dangerous

communities in South-South I

By Emma Amaize

T is notorious information that residents snooze with their two eyes open at some communities in the South-South region of the country, as gangsters manifestly unleash terror on the ill-starred people.

What is, however, off-putting is that security agents do little or practically

nothing in most cases to check the irritating infringement.

A number of communities are really scandalous for the malady. In Delta state, Ekpan in Uvwie local government area used to be the hotbed of criminality, but Kokori in EthiopeEast local government area has snatched the reprehensible record of the riskiest community in the state.

Efforts by security agencies to dislodge the rampaging criminals in the last two years, particularly after kidnap and armed robbery kingpin, Kelvin Oniarah, was apprehended in 2013, had been largely ineffective.

The situation has degenerated to the extent that one could be captured for between N5, 000- N10, 000 ransoms in the community. However, a villager

told Niger Delta Voice, weekend, that the Kokori Bakassi had sacked the criminals. Despite the mouthed feat, it still remains the most feared community in the state.

Amagba community, blessed with vast expanse of land is the most volatile community in Edo state. The

Continues on Page 2 C M Y K

2—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

In Kokori, you can be kidnapped for N5,000 ransom DELTA...

FINGER OF GOD

By Emma Amaize & Akpokona Omafuaire

K

OKORI—WITH the seizure of suspected kidnap and armed robbery kingpin, Kelvin Oniarah , in 2013, it was assumed that Kokori, his country-home in Ethiope-East Local Government Area, Delta State, will gain some breather, but contrary is the case.

In fact, kidnapping, robbery and other vices have continued unabated in the community despite the presence of a military troop in the town.

Ekpan in Uvwie local government area use to be the breeding ground of crisis in the state, but Kokori has taken over the nightstick.

At the sunset of 2014, the Perekere of Oporomor Kingdom in Bayelsa state, His Royal Majesty, King Augustine Ebikeme was abducted by kidnappers in Kokori.

The royal father who is also the spiritual leader of Egbesu, the Ijaw war deity and first vice chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, was rescued days later at an uncompleted building in the swampy area of the town.

Gang holds residents hostage A criminal gang is currently holding the community hostage and had set up a parallel government to the community’s recognized leadership. Secondin-Command to the Okakuro (most senior person in Kokori), one Edjosere, was shot dead by the boys, December, last year, for allegedly refusing to dance to their tune.

A resident, Elder Umukoro, told Niger Delta Voice, “Life in Kokori has never been the same again since the youths took to kidnapping, can you imagine we do not sleep with two eyes closed anymore?

“The youths, despite the heavy presence of the military, steal rob with impunity. They break into houses at will, they also kidnap people for any amount, they can kidnap for N5, 000; N10, 000 etc.

“The other day, youths came to obstruct a traditional marriage, saying that they must be settled or the party will end, they were openly brandishing guns and cutlasses.

“The painful thing is that the small kids have learnt from them and the town looks uncontrollable as small boys threatens everyone and get away.”

Another resident, who craved anonymity, said that the situation was getting a bit better C M Y K

with the arrest and killing of some suspected criminals recently.

Kidnap and counter-kidnap “A family was arrested by soldiers recently because their son was involved in kidnapping.

“Another kidnap group kidnapped and killed his father, so he mobilized to go and fight the other group. We heard that soldiers killed three of the gang that killed the man; they also arrested the boy ’s family members.

“We are happy now that they have started fighting themselves; we are now experiencing some peace,” he asserted.

Lawlessness Mrs. Blackky Joseph added, “The situation was so bad, youths break into houses on daily basis and steal anything even food items, the other day my niece was getting married and some youths, numbering

over 10 came with guns, cutlasses and demanded that that they should be given money and drinks as settlement if not they will unleash mayhem.”

Her words: “The soldiers seem to be looking the other way while residents are trampled upon by these boys, they feel comfortable staying in Kokori, they do not want to leave, hence they love the trouble to continue.

“The army subjects us to all sorts of ill treatment, you must raise your hands above your head when passing through their check point, any car coming into the community must drop all occupants to trek through the check point, yet the youths perpetrate all these evils in the community,” she added.

A youth, who refused to mention his name, said, “I think the soldiers have been compromised, I sense they do not want to leave again because they are happy with what is happening there.

“The other day, I was compelled to raise my hands when I went for a party. I felt so humiliated; the place has lost its booming and bustling activities. If they want to end the trouble, I know they can do it, but I feel they are happy.”

New dawn in Kokori!

But a villager told Niger Delta Voice, weekend, “I am speaking to you from Kokori, the story of Kokori has changed.

“Kidnappers and other criminals are now on the run from the town, our vigilante boys, Bakassi rose against them.

They asked the soldiers to step aside and went after them by themselves. ”I can confidently tell you that there is peace in Kokori today, the criminals are on the run, they killed those they sighted and others escaped. I do not think they will come back again to Kokori.”

Calabar residents, fire service trade blames over destruction of N32m goods

By Ike Uche

C

ALABAR—WHEN residents of Ansa Eno Street, Calabar, Cross River State, beckoned the Cross River State Fire Service, penultimate Friday, it was a clarion call to prevent fire from razing the warehouse of business mogul, Dr. James Aneleolisa, but notwithstanding that firefighting officials arrived on time, goods worth N32 million still went up in flames.

Niger Delta Voice gathered that the state Fire Service is not suitably fitted to handle emergency, as its equipment developed mechanical fault at a critical time while one of the fire trucks had its hose

punctured.

The fire officials with the help of members of the public, however, succeeded in stopping the fire from spreading to Aneleolisa’s personal house, which is within the compound.

An eyewitness, Mr. Effanga Effanga and others said if the fire officials were properly equipped, they would have stopped the fire, adding, “We expected much from them because they were called on time and they also responded at record time, but faulty equipment was a big hindrance to their presence at the scene of the incident.”

The victim, Aneleolisa, who re-stocked the warehouse few hours before the fire outbreak,

said, ”We saw smoke coming out of the warehouse which is also in my compound just after the trucks that came in from Lagos offloaded and none of the trucks had anything less than N8million worth of goods.

“It was not even up to 20 minutes the trucks left I started noticing smoke from the warehouse, I beckoned on my boys to find out where it was coming from, but it had already entered the tissue papers.

“So they started removing some of the items like noodles, diapers and beverages, but it was already too late, people from the neighbourhood also came in to assist to curtail the inferno.”

PROLOGUE:

10 most dangerous communities in South South Continues from Page 1 state of affairs in the community is quite worrisome.

Youths, mainly cultists not only parade the streets with arms; they determine who rules the town to protect their money-making interests.

The police in the state are weary of the frequent cases of unrest in the area while residents are mortally afraid of the troublesome youths.

In Rivers state, cultists have made life excruciating for the people of Ibaa, Omoku and Buguma communities. Countless residents had fled the towns for fear of cultists.

In Bayelsa, the chanciest places to be are the Azuzuama, Lobia and Igbomotoru, OgbiaNembe-Brass waterways of the state.

The Joint Task Force, JTF, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC are battling the sea pirates, but so far, it is no retreat, no surrender.

Call Calabar South local government area, a traditional worshiper in Cross –River state is prepared to swear that Jesus is Lord; it is as precarious as that.

In Akwa-Ibom state, ItuMbak Itam is a stranglehold of criminals and despite attempts by the police to demobilize them, they remain sturdy in the area.

THE TEAM Emma Amaize, Editor Jimitota Onoyume Samuel Oyadongha Simon Ebegbulem Gabriel Enogholase Festus Ahon Egufe Yafugborhi Emmanuel Una Akpokona Omafuaire Godwin Oghre Tom Moses Chioma Onuegbu Ike Uche Davies Iheamnachor Emem Idio Brisibe Perez Barnabas Uzosike Nath Onajoke Chijioke Nwankpa

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015—3

Pirates turn Southern Ijaw, Ogbia waterways to battlefield BA YELS A ...

BAYELS YELSA THE GLORY OF ALL LANDS

By Samuel Oyadongha & Emem Idio

I

GBOMOTORU—THE waterways are the most dangerous place to be in Bayelsa State, which by its topography, has so many rivers, rivulets, creeks, tributaries and large swathe of mangrove swamps, making it more deltaic than Delta and Rivers state respectively.

Investigations by Niger Delta Voice showed that pirates and oil thieves in Southern Ijaw area have made the waterways of the state unsafe.

The Joint Task Force, JTF, Bayelsa State Police Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Bayelsa state and other security agencies have been locked in a battle with the armed gangs.

Southern Ijaw is most notorious Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, Bayelsa, Dauzuo Izonfate, said: “Almost the whole of Southern Ijaw local government area, not only Azuzuama and Lobia, are notorious for criminal activities, especially bunkering, pipeline vandalism, sea piracy and illegal petroleum refineries.

“These criminal activities are common and widespread in these areas and have gradually become a part of life of the people and in some cases a means of livelihood.”

He said the Command had in the course of its operations in the area, destroyed over 680 illegal local refineries, while scores of arrests had also been made, noting that perpetrators of the illegal acts were not just ex-militants that were left out of the amnesty programme, but also cult gangs and locals, lured to the illicit trade on account of its lucrative nature.

NSCDC plans aerial surveillance “Because of the rampant cases of these criminal acts, we have permanently positioned our men in areas we consider as major flash points and we are collaborating with the Joint Task Force, JTF, code- named Operation Pulo Shield and other security operatives, including the Task Force on Illegal Refineries and Bunkering in Southern Ijaw local government area.

He said: “In no distant time,

we will be deploying aircraft on aerial surveillance of these areas,” he added.

Hideaways In the East senatorial district, the Ogbia-Nembe-Brass waterways could best be described as the epicentre for the rampaging sea pirates, a development that has compelled many travellers to go through the Emakalakala end in Ogbia council area to travel on the yet to be completed Ogbia-Nembe road route, using Hilux Jeep with auxiliary.

Also, in the Central senatorial district, Azuzuama, Lobia and Igbomotoru flank of Southern Ijaw local government area has a lot in common.

These communities are situated in deep mangrove swamp close to the Atlantic Ocean and could only be accessed by water.

At the height of militancy in the Niger Delta, the area constituted the hub and

stronghold of the militant leaders, who had since embraced the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

The ex-creek lords then called the shots in the communities and adjoining settlements where their camps were located and to a large extent, there was peace in the area so long as the natives complied with their proclamation, though the rights of those opposed to them were violated.

Massacre of 11 cops Even with the dismantling of the camps across the state as part of the condition for the amnesty programme, the Azuzuama and Lobia axis of Southern Ijaw council area is dreaded by many due to the activities of a rag-tag criminal gang terrorizing the area and commuters plying the waterways.

The area is also noted for its infamy as witnessed in April 2013 brutal massacre of 11 policemen by armed youths.

The area also witnessed the shooting to death of eight

persons in Lobia by armed youths, last May. These are the putrid reminders of the notoriety of these communities.

Still on rampage It was learned that most of the boys, chiefly those not captured in the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, remain unemployed and uneducated, but they are well- armed.

They have been terrorizing the waterways, ambushing sea going vessels, carrying out robbery attacks on passenger boats and ferries plying the waterways, as well as kidnapping.

Though the Joint Task Force sometime, last June, arrested one of the leaders of the ragtag gang involved in the killing of the policemen, the members are still on the loose and terrorizing the area.

The Azuzuama and Lobia communities are enclaves that are notorious for bunkering activities. Hundreds of local refineries have been burnt by officers of the Joint Task Force, yet the perpetrators are not

relenting.

Ex-militants to the rescue!

This sad turn of event along the state waterways necessitated the constitution of some ex-militants into a special task force by the state government to curb criminality in the creeks of the state.

The 11-man task force, according to a statement, is to complement the activities of the marine branch of Operation Doo Akpor in safeguarding the lives and property of the people along the creeks and waterways.

The task force is also expected to stem the tide of kidnappings, illegal bunkering and oil pipeline vandalism that have been on the increase in recent times in the state.

The governor in the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretar y, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, explained that the task force was expected to liaise with the Operation Doo Akpor-Marine component, which is to be headed by a Naval Officer.

Cultists displace Ibaa, Omoku, Buguma residents

Displaced by crisis.

RIVERS… THE TREASURE BASE OF THE NATION

By Davies Iheamnachor

O

MOKU—OF recent, Ibaa, Ogbakiri and Rumuekpe communities in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, have become unsafe to live in following the activities of cultists, who have made residents to flee the localities.

Others are Bodo in Gokana local government area, Otari in Abua/Odua local government area, Buguma in Degema local government area and Omoku

in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area.

Ibaa deserted for 4 months running Ibaa community is regarded as the most precarious among the pack. This is because of the recurrent cult activities in the town, which had been deserted for more than four months.

At the height of the infamy, all academic and economic activities in the community were placed on hold with the privately owned schools relocating to Rumuji community.

The two government

secondary schools in the community managed to resume academic activities, last year, three weeks after the normal resumption date with not more than 10 students.

When Niger Delta Voice visited the community lately, very few provision stores were opened for business. The crisis started September 7, 2014, when a cult group invaded the town with heavy gunfire with nine persons feared dead and the community has remained deserted ever since despite the presence of security men.

Comrade Linus Owhondah, a native of Ibaa community said

the state of things in his community was gloomy. He called on the government to come to the aid of the community adding that Ibaa community is viable to the economy of the state.

“The state of things in my community truly is not palatable but this is not a time to recount the things that may have gone wrong in the community, rather I am using this opportunity to call on relevant stakeholders and the state government to help in restoring peace in the community.

“We want the government to help us so that our people who have become refugees can go back and continue with their activities. Ibaa is a community that contributes a lot to the economy of the state so should not be abandoned.

“The government should increase security in Ibaa and other sections of the state where there is unrest.”

Chika Igwe, a native of Ikwerre, who spoke to Niger Delta Voice , said: “At this point in time, I will draw attention to the Ibaa community, which for a long time now has been under tension as a result of communal crisis.

I really think that Ibaa is a place that is dangerous as it stands now. Last week, I was at Rumuji, neighbouring community with Ibaa and I was supposed to go to Ibaa community, but when I realized

Continues on Page 4

4—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Mbak Itam, stronghold of Akwa Ibom hoodlums AKWA IBOM...

LAND OF PROMISE

By Tom Moses

I

TU-MBAK ITAM in Itu Local Government Area, Akwa-Ibom State, has precipitously emerged as one of the wanton growing lair of gangsters in the state.

The street ragamuffins who operate mostly in the late hours of the day were understood to have taken delight in snatching the bags of their eventual victims and unsuspecting passersby at the Mbak-Itam Road Junction and dispossessing them of valuables.

From bag-snatching to full-blown robbery Niger Delta Voice investigations revealed that for any particular evening or night that may not have been too rewarding to the “Boys” as they are often referred to, they would carry out full-blown robbery operations along the Mbak Junction and sometimes, carry out house-tohouse robbery.

One of the leaders of Mbak community, Elder Ubong Akpan Essien, however expressed doubt that the notorious gang members were na-

tives of Mbak, saying that if they were, the people would have been able to identify and give the police information on their escapades.

Negative toll Elder Akpan told Niger Delta Voice that the activities of the criminal elements have impacted negatively on the social and economic lives of the people of the communities, adding that in spite of efforts by the police to stem the tide of criminal activities, along the Mbak Road Junction, records of nefarious activities were becoming unbearable.

Aside from Mbak, Urua Ekpa Road, Ikot-Obio Atai in the same Itu Local Government Area is reportedly harbouring invidious characters that make life difficult for people.

Residents beg security agents Mrs. Comfort Effanga, who lives in the area, complained outright armed-robbery operations that last for many hours and implored the police and other security outfits to keep close watch on the area, especially in the late hours, which she said the hoodlums used to operate.

Akwa-Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Peter Iboro, said he would not completely rule out the possibility of one or two criminal

cases in the mentioned areas, but said if such could happen, it would not be on large and rampant levels because of the heavy presence of security

EDO...

HEARTBEAT OF THE NATION

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN— GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has reconstituted the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission, EDSOGPADEC, with a charge on the Mr. VincentUwadiae-led Board to spend 80 per cent of the commission’s resources on infrastructural development in the oil communities of the state.

Inaugurating the new board, the governor, who re-appointed Uwadiae for a second term, said, ”We will continue to encourage the commission to identify projects that will have more impact on the lives of the people.

“The beauty of concentrating more on road infrastructure should be clear to all of us.

There can be no question that road infrastructure is more

critical and central to long term development strategy and any policy that is designed to address rural poverty cannot go far if these communities are not connected with good roads.

“The need to open up our rural communities cannot be overemphasized, so I will encourage you even now to devote much more resources, up to 80 per cent of your resources to these kinds of infrastructure because it does not discriminate.”

He said the re-appointment of the chairman translates to a vote of confidence, adding, “I had advised him that the commission must move away from the culture and tradition of token projects that people cannot see overtime.

“Even though there might be quick ways, but the commission should work on projects that will have lasting imparts on the socioeconomic life of the oil producing communities.

“For the first time in the

Continues on Page 5

He urged residents of the areas to report promptly any case of suspected or obvious criminality in their domain at the nearest police station for prompt action.

Cultists displace Ibaa, Omoku, Buguma residents Continues from Page 3

Oshiomhole gives marching orders to Edo oil commission

operatives in the area.

According to him, “the Mbak Road Junction is always effectively covered by the police on a-24 hour basis.”

the things that are happening in that community, I had no other option than to turn back because I do not want to endanger my life.”

Igwe added, “We are all humans, these days it is tough to relate with people who come from there but there are still good ones from there.

“It is a communal crisis that can be resolved and it requires the collaborative efforts of the government, individuals from Ibaa and its environs.”

Citizen Chioma Wordu acknowledged Ibaa situation at the moment, but asserted, “Ibaa crisis can be resolved because it has a direct cause. It is as a result of chieftaincy tussle.

“Once this chieftaincy issue is resolved, it will subside. So I think Ibaa may not rightly be the worst.”

Omoku scarier Buguma in Degema local government area and Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government are two cities that are also currently gripped by tension.

The case of Omoku is for now the most frightening in the state.

Of recent, there has been series

of cult- related activities in the area and people do not live freely in the environment anymore.

Although, security personnel were deployed in the area, there has been several cases of robbery and kidnap in the area.

The chancy activities have forced some citizens of the area to flee to Port Harcourt.

Why I fled Omoku- Nnari A citizen, Bright Nnari, confirmed that he relocated to Port Harcourt because of the cult activities that were worsening in Omoku.

He said that there have been series of kidnap, robbery and killing cases in the zone recently and he had no other option than to pack bag and baggage.

A villager, Lee Cletus, said, “This issue is a bit heavy but I am talking now as a Christian, I will not say there is any community that cannot be accessed because of cult activities, but I can only say that there are communities I know very well that have a heavy cult siege.”

Wordu told Niger Delta Voice, “Well there are number of cities and communities in the state that we can say are

dangerous because of security and other issues, which can be analyzed to be frightening to human beings. One of such city currently is Omoku.”

Oil a curse His words: “The issue at Omoku started as a result of what sociologists call Resource Cause Theory. It has to do with the issue of the oil which to a reasonable extent has generated a lot of acrimony, kidnap and killings in the area.

“There are still other cities like Buguma. Buguma is another city so dangerous in the state now. This may be as a result of its closeness to the creeks where militants see as their hide out.

“Emohua and Ogbakiri communities are another restricted area in the state.

“Omoku’s case is a bit worse because of the oil issue in the environment. Once a place is blessed with oil, which should be a means of livelihood, it turns a curse. That is the situation in Omoku.

“They kill themselves because of the oil they have. Also there is a high level of kidnap cases recently in that area. This may not be unconnected with the negligence of the multinational oil companies in the area.”

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2015—5

Gangsters ambush policemen in Calabar South foot to patrol the area, they are attacked mostly at night which makes it difficult to reduce the crime rate in the area.”

Business shuts down 8pm Ostensibly because of the high crime rate, businesses close as early as 8.00 pm and those who dare extend their operational time to about 10.00 pm do so under heavy security and even at that, hoodlums still find a way of attacking and dispossessing the operators of cash and other valuables.

A teacher whose wife operates a provision store in the front of his apartment, along Musaha Street, told our reporter that some two weeks ago, some people came at the dead of night, carted away all the items in the shop and carted away the generator.

“I was too scared to come out and confront them and did not bother to call the police because I know they will not come.”

Robbery suspects nabbed in Calabar.

CROSS RIVER… THE PEOPLE’S PARADISE

By Emmanuel Unah

A

FOKANG—TO every resident of Calabar, capital of Cross River State, the mention of the name, Calabar South Local Government Area evokes an instant feeling of fear and if given an option, they

would rather have nothing to do with the neighbourhood, yet it is the most densely inhabited of the state capital.

Knowing the time to move or otherwise in Calabar South is something that some residents have learned by heart like the 10 Commandments in the Bible. Those who failed to acquaint themselves with the rules had paid dearly for it on many occasions in the past.

Mr. Ajang Samuel, Cross River State correspondent of a

Oshiomhole gives marching orders to Edo oil commission Continues from Page 4 history of the commission, I believe it is to the credit of this chairman and his colleagues that today there is a very beautiful road under construction in Orhionmwon local government, Ikpoba Okha local government and in Ovia North East local government.”

He said government would take a closer look at the costing of the commission’s projects in view of the dwindling resources, stressing “this time, we have to pay more attention to costing because the country is in dire financial crisis but as they say, tough times do not last, but tough people do.”

His words: “I am going to find time to scrutinize what you do so you do not depart from the objective of the commission but such monitoring is designed to ensure that you are assisted not

to succumb to temptation so that in the end, you will have credit for what you have done.”

Responding on behalf of others, the commission’s chair, Mr. Uwadiae said: “We want to thank you for the implicit confidence reposed on us.

“We want to assure you that this confidence will be translated to work.”

While assuring that the commission will embark on more projects and also conclude existing ones, he said the lives of people living in the oil producing communities will not be the same again as the Commis-sion will consolidate on the gains of the previous years.

Other members of the Commission are Prince Ehioze Erediauwa, Victor Ekhator, Wellighton Okoh, Abbas Yakubu, Osaretin Edoma and Promise Akpetu.

national newspaper, who lives in the area, attended a function at the famous Tinapa Tourists and Business Resort, located some 11 kilometres in the outskirts of Calabar recently.

The function dragged into the night, but while others who also attended the programme with him entered their cars and drove home at the end, Ajang recoiled in the back seat of his 190 Mercedes Benz and slumbered off till the early hours of the day before he returned to his apartment.

The reason Ajang did not return to his residence that night is because the Afokang area where he lives in Calabar South is the place with the highest propensity for crime and criminal activities and moving by such period of the night in the area automatically predisposes one to attacks by hoodlums.

Police sources told Niger Delta Voice that eight out of every 10 cases of criminal acts, such as kidnappings, rapes, phone snatching, armed robbery, burglary and ritual killings were either perpetrated in Calabar South or by residents of the area, making the area the most notorious and dreaded place in the entire state.

Flash points Our source stated that places like Idang Street, Bayside, Afokang, Edibe Edibe Streets are populated by cult groups that go with such names as: I D Boys, Bayside Boys, Nsidung Boys, Agaba Boys and Ikot Ekpo Boys and they constantly harass, terrorize and

rob people of their property.

“Even in broad daylight, these boys rape, rob and kidnap people and they are really a challenge to us here at the police headquarters,” the police source hinted.

According to him, “Every effort made to reduce the crime rate in the area has seemingly not yielded much result. I think the high population, windy streets and alleys in the area are contributing to this.

“Really, most of the streets are inaccessible to police van and when you send policemen on

Hotel owners relocate The rampant attacks on hotel and leisure spots had led to the closure and relocation of most of the hotels to Calabar municipality where there exists a favourable business environment.

A former member of the House of Representatives, Gab Eddy, told Niger Delta Voice: “I had to change my hotel to a residential apartment because many guests were afraid of the name Calabar South and even the tourist guides would never take a guest to any hotel in Calabar South, so I had to change because I was losing money every year owing to lack of patronage.”

‘Why Anioma Congress endorsed Nwaoboshi'

By Emma Amaize

O

WA - O Y I B U — T H E traditional ruler of Owa Kingdom in Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II, has explained that the Anioma Congress, an influential group of Delta North leaders, endorsed the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senatorial candidate in the district, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, because of his unquantifiable contributions to the development of Anioma nation.

Dr. Efeizomor II, who is the first vice chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and prominent leader of the Anioma Congress, stated this in an interview with newsmen in his palace at OwaOyibu, Ika North East Local Government Area of the state.

Besides promoting and

protecting the collective interests of the Anioma people, he said Nwaoboshi’s achievements as the immediate past Delta State chairman of the PDP, were unequalled in the political development of state.

The monarch advised those opposed to his candidature not to allow their narrow and parochial interests to subsume the larger political interest of the people of Delta North.

Dr. Efeizomor frowned at the desperation of some candidates to cling to power at all cost, saying that the people of Delta North should be weary of such politicians.

He urged the people to take advantage of the shift in the date of election to collect their permanent voter ’s card to enable them vote for candidates of their choice during the general elections.

6—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

PODIUM… FINISHING STRONG: Uduaghan lights up Uvwie with N4.2bn Refinery Road

By Egufe Yafugborhi

E

KPAN—THE traditional ruler of Uvwie, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, HRM, Abe 1, Ovie of Uvwie and his people are thrilled by the N4.2 billion dualised 6.4 km Refinery Road constructed by the state government.

The monarch, who trooped out with his subjects for the commissioning ceremony praised the governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, for his development strides in the state.

Inaugurating the project, Uduaghan said he chose to inaugurate it at night time for road users to appreciate the importance of the add-on street lights.

“Many people take street lights for granted. And when we introduced generators powered street lights because

of the failure of public power supply and solar types, people criticized us for wastage.

“Today, the generator powered street lights is being

FORMER national chairman of the Association of Traditional Rulers of Oil Minerals Producing Communities of Nigeria (ATROMPCON), His Royal Majesty, Pere (Dr.) Charles Ayemi-Botu, has been honoured by the Peace and Conflict Students Association of the Institute African Studies, PACSSA, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, for his contributions to the enthronement of enduring peace in the Niger-Delta.

With the decoration, Pere Ayemi-Botu, who is the paramount ruler of Siembiri Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, becomes the third to be honoured by the institute after the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

As leader of ATROMPCON, Ayemi-Botu, aka “The Lion of the Niger,” led the crusade for the restoration of long-term

streets light in Delta remain the longest in the country,” he said.

He assured the Uvwie people that the Flyover at the Effurun

Roundabout, Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, Delta Mall and other key projects ongoing in the locality would be completed before the end of his administration.

Refinery Road.

From left—Mrs. Evlyn Oboro, House of Representatives member; HRM Emmanuel Sideso II, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; Mr. Henry Baro, Uvwie council chair; Mr. Solomon Funkekeme, Commissioner for Works, during the commissioning of the road.

UI honours Ayemi-Botu, Niger Delta monarch

A

copied by other states across the country. Even in Abuja, the Federal Government has copied generator-aided street lights, but the over 200km

peace in the war-ravaged region, crisscrossing the nine oil- producing states.

With the award, Ayemi-Botu became the third to be honoured by the institute, coming after the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

PACSSA’s President, Mr. Henry Oluwasegun Hamilton, said Ayemi-Botu was honoured because of his contributions to the restoration of the Niger Delta on the path of sustainable peace and development.

Hamilton said the survey carried out by the institute showed that the monarch was involved in the search for peace in the region even at the risk to his personal life, adding that the prevailing peace in the area had translated to economic prosperity for the country.

While presenting the plaque for the award to the monarch, Ambassador Folake MarcaiBello, said Ayemi-Botu was

EWEF/CROWEF return to Ugborodo with charity mission

By Egufe Yafugborhi

honoured because of his patriotic spirit, adding that it would spur other patriotic Nigerians to make sacrifice towards the progress and development of the country.

In his response, the elated monarch, who later commissioned the renovated lecture theatre of the institute, said, “I feel highly elated. I will say it is a day the Lord has made and one has to rejoice.

“I feel that the good Lord has been working and people are seeing what we have been doing and I dedicate this honour to the glory of God and to the people of the Niger Delta and pray that peace will continue to be sustained in the Niger Delta so that our efforts in ensuring peace would not be in vain.

“I don’t know that most of the things we have been doing there (Niger Delta) are being seen far and away, even at the citadel of learning, this is the premier university, the oldest and number one, to have deemed it expedient to honour me, I am so elated and I think it will spur me further to continue to work to sustain peace in the Niger Delta region,” he added.

On the 2015 elections, Ayemi-Botu urged politicians to maintain peace and shun violence. He urged them to imbibe the dictum of late Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim’s ‘politics without bitterness’ and shun ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s ‘do-or-die politics’.

T

HE Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation in Coastal Region Communities, CROWEF, has returned to the communities in Delta State for this year’s charity mission.

The three-day mission carried out at Aruton, the ancestral home of the Ugborodo people of Warri South-West council, concentrated on free eye care, including several surgeries to over 300 beneficiaries with partnership from the Africa Cataract and Eye Foundation, ACEF, the Agbowu Medical Centre and other medical experts.

Through further support from the Dangote Group of Companies and Kenvee Group of Companies, food items, particularly macaroni from Dangote, were also distributed to jubilant pupils of Fryo Nursery/ Primary/Secondary School in the area.

President of the Foundation, Mrs. Betty Gbubene (Praise) Abraham explained to Niger

Delta Voice that the body had to be broadened from a rather enclosed Escravos-Ugborodo Women & Youth Empowerment Foundation, EWEF to CROWEF to stretch the outreach beyond the shores of Ugborodo.

Mrs. Gbubene, who put the 2015 charity mission cost at over N2 million, aside the support from the various partners, noted that the concentration on eye care this year developed from the health needs assessment conducted by the team, who carried out the maiden mission last year.

The Africa Cataract & Eye Foundation, ACEF, led by its founder, Dr. Mejuya Okorodudu overwhelmed the beneficiaries with joy and gratitude when it restored the sight of Mr. Emile Okemeji with successful surgery for the 50 years old father of 10, who had been blind for over a year.

Mr. Okemeji’s wife, Roseline, told Niger Delta Voice that her hubby suddenly became blind after a malaria attack.

Mrs. Betty Gbubene (Praise) Abraham de-worming a pupil of Fryo Nursery, Primary and Secondary School during the charity mission.

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015—7

EDO...

HEARTBEAT OF THE NATION

By Simon Ebegbulem

A

MAGBA—STYLED new Government Reservation Area, GRA, because of the magnificent houses and loaded occupants it parades, Amagba community in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, is undeniably the most volatile community in the state.

The ancestors would not have wished such an epithet for Amagba, which shares a common boundary with Ugbor, another large community in Oredo, but the youths, majority of them land speculators and cultists, whose main occupation is sale of land, have made the once- peaceful community pretty precarious.

Arms explosion Another disturbing trend in the area is proliferation of arms, which is a cause for concern to security agents in the state.

Investigations by Niger Delta Voice showed that cult activities in the area were not unconnected with leadership tussle in the community and environs.

Last year, several persons were killed and over 15 vehicles razed in a leadership squabble.

The truth is that Amagba is blessed with a large land mass and in this period of joblessness, selling of land became the occupation of youths of the area. In fact, in some cases, those who bought lands in the area have been enmeshed in controversy as to the ownership, as some of the youth leaders intentionally sell the same land to more than three persons.

When the buyers eventually decide to take possession of the property, they would be confronted by armed youths who are battle ready and in such uncanny situation; the highest bidder becomes the owner.

Battle-ready for security agents A visit to the community revealed the presence of youths at strategic locations in the town, but it is only at very close scrutiny you would know that they are armed.

A native said, “Underestimating them is at one’s peril because they are prepared to confront anybody, including security agents who came to challenge them like the notorious Bronx Street in New York.”

Niger Delta Voice gathered that because of the money realized from the sale of land, the youths interfere with the leadership of the community and surrounding towns to ensure that their preferred

Armed youths take over Amagba community candidates emerge as presidents of the respective Community Development Associations, CDAs. According to a reliable source, “This is where the violence comes in and they never give up until they succeed, even if it means wreaking havoc.

“Luckily for them, some powerful and rich individuals who bought lands to build beautiful edifice in the area come to their aid in times of crisis. “ Restless dusks A top police officer confided in Niger Delta Voice, “This community gives us sleepless nights, particularly the quantity of arms in their possession. They always have

issues of land and community elections where they kill themselves because they want power.

“We have confiscated several arms and ammunitions from them but yet they have many in their possession. You will recall that, early last year, several persons were killed while houses were burnt due to leadership tussle.

“And sometimes, they kill people like chicken due to one fight or the other which for us in the Edo State Police Command is barbaric and wicked,” he added.

He asserted, “They just do not value lives in this community once they are fighting for land.

We refer to the community as the most dangerous and volatile

because in this state, there is no week or month that we would not receive any report of violence.

“Any little argument between two persons in that community can easily snowball to a serious cult war that may even extend beyond the community.”

Oba of Benin intervenes It was learned that the Benin monarch, Omo’N’Oba Erediauwa, had waded into land disputes in the community on several occasions, but they keep cropping up.

The police officer, however, said, “ But we are glad that the situation is being controlled today due to the intervention of the Oba of Benin who is always calling the community

leaders and their people to order.”

Oshiomhole’s peace c’ttee working “Again the Peace and Conflict Committee initiated by the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has also helped. So violence in the area is reducing and we pray that the level of violence will continue to reduce drastically in the community in 2015,” he said.

Curiously, despite the violent situation in the community, the area is enjoying accelerated development as both indigenes and non-indigenes of the state continue to build houses and other structures in the area.

Pharmacists, drug syndicate clash in Cross River

Another sealed shop reopend at Chamley in Clabar South.

An officer of PIC sealing a drug store.

One of the sealed shop allegedly re-opens without clearance.

CROSS RIVER… THE PEOPLE’S PARADISE

By Ikechukwu Uche

C

ALABAR—THE Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, PCN, has raised the alarm over a drug consortium in Cross River State allegedly issuing licenses to unqualified persons to sell medicines to

members of the public.

Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Inspections Committee, PIC, Mr. Ajah Ajah, said it was curious that the syndicate, operating under the name of National Association of Pharmaceutical Technicians and Pharmacy Technologists, NAPTON, does not exist in other states of the Federation, except Cross River.

Seals-off 90 shops He said the syndicate was a

big threat to the people, adding that the PIC recently sealed off over 90 premises, including unlicensed pharmacies and chemist shops in Calabar metropolis, belonging to unregistered patent medicine dealers, who have hijacked the sales and dispensing of drugs to unsuspecting member of the public in the state.

Quacks re-open sealed shops Findings by Niger Delta Voice, however, showed that most the shops and premises sealed by the PIC have been reopened by their owners without following due process.

A sources said, “Most of these people know what the law stipulates on sales of drugs and the cost of getting proper accreditation and license in not even half of the pay to the syndicate, but they have been brainwashed and they still continue to patronize the cartel, which has assured them of protection.”

One of the sealed shops' owner, who simply identified himself as Mr Emmanuel, told Niger Delta Voice: “The actions of the PIC and PCN is political, it is not in the place of PCN to close down our shops because they want to force people to enlist as members of the council.”

We’ll not relent – PIC scribe Ajah, who dismissed the contention, said the committee was poised to ensure that Cross Riverians and Nigerians at large get quality service delivery from qualified personnel and not quacks, adding that a lot of irregularities had been going on in the system, which prompted the committee to take action by sealing such premises.

His words: “So many of these people think that PCN or the PIC is witch-hunting them or wants them to become a member of PCN but it is far from what the objectives of setting up the committee was in the first place.

“Our aim is to ensure that the consumer gets value for money and it is not everyone that has the right to sell drugs because it is poison.

“Drugs are not like any other products or commodity which is why it is under the Federal Exclusive List, but many people have taken the laws into their hands by selling these dangerous items to the public, considering it only as business without minding the harmful effect on the society.”

He said the PIC, which is an inter-agency committee comprises of the PCN, Cross River State Ministry of Health, police and other relevant agencies is saddled with so many challenges due to the kind of cartel that is in place to thwart its efforts.

Contacted, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Mrs. Angela Oyo Ita, referred our reporter to the Director of Pharmaceutical Services in the ministry, who could not be reached at press time.

8—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

MADAM MONICA OYOMIDE BUWA

CELEBRITY

79-yr-old Mother Teresa of Sapele

S

APELE—FOR the past 42 years, 79-year-old Madam Monica Oyomide Buwa, has devoted her life to the care of orphans and abandoned children at the Madam Davis Buwa Memorial Children Home, Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area in Delta State.

Like the Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, what stands the Gold Coast (now Ghana)-trained nurse out is her benevolence and prospects Buwa orphanage gives to the hopeless contrary to the moneymaking focus of some other children’s home.

Born inside a canoe during a fishing expenditure in the River Forcados, Burutu local government area to a father from Emede in Isoko South local government and a mother from Kwale in Ndokwa West local government area, all in Delta State, Oyomide-Buwa, the proprietor of Madam Davis Buwa Memorial Children Home is one of a kind, having been adopted from her biological parents by the founder of the orphanage home, the Late Madam Oghale Orishetimeyi Buwa.

In a chat with Niger Delta Voice, she stated that having worked with the Late Madam Buwa, who passed on, February, 1983, her decision to run the orphanage was a call from God. She said: “As a trained nurse with the Ghana (Gold Coast), my late foster mother before her demise, 31years ago, handed me over to the government as the proprietor of the home.

“This was after she willed all her financial and landed properties to me to enable me run the home, but after her death, I gave everything back to her family, except the building currently playing host to the orphanage home.”

Personal life “My choice of running the home was not borne out of the fact that I am barren, I have eight biological children of mine, who are all grown-ups and are in different parts of the country, but my joy in life is that, anywhere I go today in the world, I can hold my head up high owing to the fact that I have made girls to be mothers and given orphans parents.

“My children are very happy with me and they do come to visit me often, maybe someday, God willing, one of them might take after me when the time comes.”

Financial constraints “The government through the Sapele local government was doing their best in assisting us with a monthly subvention of N100,000, but it is not forthcoming now.

“I wrote a letter to the council on why we no longer get the monthly subventions and the transition committee people there then said there was no money for us. I am an old woman just taking care of children, they are in the government with mobile policemen surrounding them and I cannot fight them.

“That aside, we get donations from well- meaning Nigerians in cash and kind and with this, the children are doing well even in their academics. They attend the best schools in Sapele, including private schools. Personally, I am proud of them and they are proud of me.

“What we are doing here is freewill to

'Mother Theresa' Monica Oyomide Buwa and some of her 'children.' society but it would be encouraging and rewarding if the government can do the rightful to make things easier for us so that we can put smiles on the face of the children,” she stated.

Loss of staff Speaking on other challenges, Madam Buwa said five of the seven workers of the orphanage have thrown in the towel following her inability to pay their monthly stipend of N10, 000 each.

“I was made to understand that my consistent thoughts on this and many more contributed in the stroke I am currently battling with.

“Even the road leading to the orphanage home is in a very bad shape with water flowing into the apartment when it rains. Despite all attempts to draw the attention of the government to do something about it, our plea has constantly fallen on deaf ears,” she lamented.

Madam Buwa, however said, “But so far, our consolation is on the fact that if the birds can have their meals without anyone assisting them, God, who is the creator of all humans, would bring a smile on my face and that of the children when we meet him on the last day.”

Attempts to speak with authorities of the council on the monthly subventions for the orphanage home proved abortive.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 — 33

C M Y K

34—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

By Theodore Opara

GAC, GA6 Sedan for the elite O

N January 12, L.T. GAC MOTOR GA6, a model designed for the elite, appeared in the 2015 North International American Auto Show (NAIAS). As a flagship product among GAC MOTOR Class-B series, GA6 is highly attracted by international media since its debuted, and it sets up a new benchmark of original design and quality in current China’s auto industry today. The model is greatly significant to GAC Motor and even all Made-in-China independent brands.

GAC MOTOR creates development opportunities for the Chinese vehicle brands by upgrading its models in all aspects GAC MOTOR has been widely praised in and outside the industry, since its establishment. The wordof-mouth contribution rate was over 30%. In 2014 its annual sales volume was more than 116,800 units, at a growth rate of 41% under such a declining economic background. Its market volume reached 250,000 units, thus further expanding its brand popularity and reputation.

•GAC GA6 Sedan

ing image, and smooth horizontal lines show the enterprising elements of GAC MOTOR family. The interior design is themed at “driver-centric” 360° sus-

Comprehensive innovation GAC MOTOR has gradually transformed its development pattern from previous introduction-learningabsorption-renovation to technology-based comprehensive innovation, and entered into a stage of leapfrog development. Depending on the design concept of “Flying Dynamics”, power combination of new engine & transmission, NCAP five-star safety performance of all models, as well as GAC’s production patterns, GAC MOTOR is fully confident to compete with world-renowned brands.

As the new generation of flagship model of GAC MOTOR, GA6 combines international design standards with Chinese-style elegant aesthetic elements closely, and it is equipped with the industry-leading T7 Speed powertrain, thereby integrating world-class quality, advanced technology, excellent industrial design as a whole, symbolizing comprehensive upgrading of GAC MOTOR in vehicle design and manufacturing, as an iconic

•The Interior of GA

product among Chinese car brands.

GAC MOTOR GA6 is a masterpiece of engineering. An insider gave comments to the model. The model was designed by the team led by Zhang Fan, the chief styling engi-

The appearance expresses a solid, flying and stretching image, and smooth horizontal lines show the enterprising elements of GAC MOTOR family

neer of GAC Automotive Engineering Institute, by following the concept of light & sculpture as well as “Flying Dynamics”, also highlights smooth lines and surfaces in a changing manner, thus presenting

•Range Rover Evoque 2016

light & transformation effects, and interpreting GAC MOTOR brand design aesthetics.

Interior and exterior styling is matched effectively.

The appearance expresses a solid, flying and stretch-

pension surrounded-type integrated aerospace style, and brings driver aerospace-like driving experience.

Range Rover Evoque gets make over for 2016 L

AND Rover has revealed the first glimpse of the 2016 model year Range Rover Evoque, previewing a striking new headlamp signature for the most successful Land Rover ever produced.

The 2016 model year Range Rover Evoque will be the first Land Rover to feature full LED adaptive headlamps when it makes

its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March 2015. The powerful technology provides superior illumination in dark conditions, following the curves of the road, and is identifiable by the distinctive headlamp graphic.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer said: “Our challenge has been to enhance Evoque without diluting its iconic design.

The design refreshments give it an even greater presence on the road yet retain the emotional appeal that has made it so popular with more than 400,000 consumers around the world.”

The 2016 model year Range Rover Evoque includes a new engine lineup, new safety and convenience features, and interior enhancements all wrapped in the trademark exterior design.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015—35

By Theodore Opara

Land Rover offers most affordable Discovery Sport F

OR a quartercentury the Land Rover Discovery has represented the spirit of epic adventure. It has taken the brave across the globe, as well as up, down, and along roads less travelled. As a result, some say that there’s not a lot left to be discovered… but there’s still room to expand the definition of discovery – which is why there’s a new arrival in the Discovery family.

Land Rover will bring the prestigious Discovery nameplate to a wider audience, with the introduction of the allnew Discovery Sport.

Newcomers to the Land Rover brand will be able to get their hands on a vehicle that has all the qualities of the triedand-tested original, but in a more compact package and at a more affordable price point.

Land Rover ’s plan is to have a Discovery family – just as there is a Range Rover family – of versatile, sophisticated and confidently capable allterrain vehicles.

For Discovery Sport, Land Rover makes one elegantly simple claim: it is the most versatile compact SUV, ever.

Versatile compact Its premium interior is generous in terms of load space and seating flexibility. In a first for the brand, the Discovery Sport features a sliding second row of seats, allowing the balance of luggage to passenger space to be tailored for the occasion. That’s not where its flexibility ends though: it is also available with 5+2 seating, offering even more configurability.

On- and off-road, its technologically-advanced drivetrain endows it with exceptional breadth of capability, thanks to Terrain Response. This proprietary system from Land Rover enables a driver to customise the vehicle’s en-

•Land Rover Discovery 2015 gine and gearbox behaviour to suit driving conditions. As with the current-generation Discovery, Terrain Response® will be a standard feature on the Discovery Sport. Combined with an advanced new rear suspension system, it results in genuine all-terrain talent. With these and other technologies drivers will feel confident and remain firmly in control – whatever the conditions.

The Land Rover DNA is also evident in its compact footprint and short overhangs, meaning no compromise on agility and responsiveness. It’s commanding driving position also provides a panoramic view both near and far, giving drivers the confidence to go above and beyond.

Ford appoints John Casesa to lead global strategy

F •The Sport

Discovery

Santa Fe, Sonata win 'Best Car for the Money' T

HE 2015 Hyundai So nata was named the Best Midsize Car for the Money and the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe was named the Best 3Row SUV for the Money in 2015 by U.S. News & World Report.

“Sonata and Santa Fe being recognized by trusted site U.S. News & World Report means Hyundai has successfully been able to of-

Sonata truly democratizes the premium design and convenient technology of the Genesis sedan for the mid-size class

fer shoppers class-leading safety features, the latest technology, fuel economy and bold design, all at an outstanding value” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Hyundai will continue to innovate to deliver a spectrum of awardwinning products that deliver high value and driving experience.”

The Best Cars for the Money methodology combines quality and value data into a composite score. Within each of the 21 categories, the vehicle with the highest score is named the Best Car for the Money in that category. Quality is measured by the overall score achieved in the U.S. News car rankings at the time the awards are published. Value is measured by five-year total cost of ownership and the average price paid for the vehicle at the time the awards are published.

The all-new seventh-generation 2015 Sonata offers a

more refined look through a new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, stiffer body structure, better ride quality, reduced noise, vibration and harshness and advanced safety and con-

venience features. Sonata truly democratizes the premium design and convenient technology of the Genesis sedan for the mid-size class.

Kia SPORTSPACE concept to be unveiled at Geneva

K

IA Motors Europe will unveil an innovative new concept, the Kia SPORTSPACE, at the 85th Salon International de l’Automobile in Geneva on 3 March 2015.

Created for long distance driving, the SPORTSPACE has been designed for fast and efficient travel with maximum comfort and minimal stress, in the best grand touring tradition of the weekend getaway.

Designed at Kia’s Frankfurt design studio, under the direction of Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe, the SPORTSPACE features a

unique and captivating body shape. The car is born out of a commitment to provide stylish and exciting transportation for four which is also spacious and functional, without sacrificing the performance, sustainability and economy that Kia is known for.

Recognisably a Kia due to its signature ‘tiger nose’ grille, finely judged proportions and simple, clean surfaces, SPORTSPACE has a bold, dynamic shape with real road presence. At the same time, it offers a high level of interior comfort and substantial practical load space.

ORD Motor Company today announces the hiring of long-time auto analyst and investment banker John Casesa as group vice president, Global Strategy as part of the company’s commitment to accelerate its One Ford plan, deliver product excellence and drive innovation in every part of the business.

Reporting to Ford President and CEO Mark Fields, Casesa, 52, will be the most senior leader and corporate officer overseeing global strategy and business development.

The appointment is effective March 1, 2015. Casesa will work with the company’s business unit and skill team leaders to enhance existing business strategies and to identify and evaluate new opportunities leading to profitable growth. His work will be integrated into Ford’s current process for driving results, which includes constantly understanding the changing environment and continuously improving its plans.

“Ford is a growth company in a dramatically growing global industry. It is more important than ever that we operate with a focus on delivering today’s business and an equal focus on anticipating and meeting the needs of customers five, 10 and 15 years down the road,” said Fields."

36 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015—37

•Ochei: I have supported Delta North much more than himself

DELTA NORTH:

My work plan for Jonathan, Okowa and myself — Ochei THE Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, Speaker Emeritus of the Delta State House of Assembly served as the presiding officer of the House from 2011 to 2014 having been elected three times as member of the House representing Aniocha North State Constituency. The bid by Ochei for the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP derailed in the midst of political intrigues that preceded his resignation as speaker and his subsequent designation as speaker emeritus by his colleagues.

Ochei who first came to the House on the platform of the unfamiliar United Nigerian Peoples Party, UNPP, is now seeking to re-enact his defeat of the official candidate of the PDP in the ensuring Senate contest for the Delta North Senatorial district. A chemical engineer turned businessman and politician, Ochei who would be 46 tomorrow, in this interview speaks on the inspiration behind his bid, explains why he is campaigning for President Jonathan and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for governorship and details his prospects among other issues.

Excerpts:

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor & Faith Olatide

W

HAT motivated you into this contest?

The inspiration to represent Delta North comes from the fact that I have represented my local government in the State House of Assembly and risen from there to become the speaker of the house.

In the course of this representation, I have been able to influence a lot of things both infrastructural and otherwise towards my local government, and then

when I was speaker, I had the opportunity of doing it across the state.

I believe going out to represent Delta North will add a lot of value to our people of Delta North. Indeed, we have seen how Senator Ifeanyi Okowa who is now leaving there to go and occupy the seat of the governor, has done creditably well in the red chamber. Even though he is a first timer but he has shown his mettle and carried himself well and Delta North had the effect of good representation like we never had before.

So, we cannot afford to go

back to play our second eleven this time, we must continue to play our first eleven, with him (Okowa) being the governor of the state we should also have someone who has legislative experience and understands the intrigues in the legislative house as senator.

I believe it will complement what he is doing at the state level while we can also synergize to work things out at the national level.

So, why did you choose the platform of Accord?

I went to Accord which is more like a child of the PDP

because the party is a friendly platform that has been used severally in the state, particularly in Delta North where it has been used over four times to deliver candidates of our choice.

I could have run for governor under the Accord Party, but I did not. I could have contested under any other party and opposed Okowa, but I did not do that

Some would criticise you as being desperate for office in this bid given that you lost out in the governorship contest.

How do you respond to that?

Everybody will naturally criticise you for what they believe is their opinion. That does not change the fact that my intention remains to serve but you can only have one governor at a time. So, if you already have one governor and you cannot be governor, does that take away the fact that you can serve in some other capacity?

It doesn’t take away that fact, and if you know that you can better represent your people or better serve them in that capacity, what will stop you? So, it is not about what people say, it is about what you want to do for your people and I think that should be our guiding principle.

The (Accord) has officially adopted President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate and of course we are also working in Delta to do the same thing for Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

One of your rivals, Chief Nwaoboshi has accused you of working against the governorship aspiration of Senator Okowa. Is it true and why?

That is laughable, the fact speaks for itself. I have supported Delta North much more than himself. I campaign for Dr. Okowa much more than him. He hides under Dr. Okowa, I campaign openly; vote Goodluck Jonathan, vote Sen. Okowa from the PDP, then vote me as Senator under Accord Party.

Getting desperate I have no acrimonies towards Okowa, I am very happy for him and I know he is going to do a good job. So Peter Nwaoboshi is just on a mandate that I do not know where it is coming from.

Maybe he is getting desperate.

It is my decision not to run for governor, I could have run for governor under the Accord Party, but I did not. I could have contested under any other party and opposed Okowa, but I did not do that.

I went to another party and took up the ticket for a senatorial candidacy. Does that in any way suggest working or not working with him? Even Senator Okowa asserted that all aspirants, including those who had left the party to contest for other positions were working with him.

What are your plans for the people of Delta North if

Continues on page 38

38—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Why PDP is afraid of PVC — Badru, APC Rep candidate DR Enitan Badru was until recently, a commissioner in Lagos State when he resigned to contest the Lagos Island 1 Constituency seat in the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, (APC). In this interview, he speaks on his inspiration for the contest, his plans for the constituency and assesses the opposition to his party’s dominance of the polity by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Excerpts:

BY Gbenga Oke

W

HAT propelled your aspiration for this contest?

The principal reason why I am going to the House is because I feel many things are not right. Take domestic violence for an example, there is so much domestic violence in this country and I have not heard a legislator talk about it.

There is so much child abuse all over this country and I have not heard any legislation on it and coming from the ministry of youths and social development of Lagos State where I served as commissioner, my eyes were opened to a lot of these things.

Some buses should be built having people with disability in mind, right now they aren’t making life difficult for these people. These are so many things to deal with and these are the major reasons I am going to the House.

What is your political experience?

I have been in it for some time. During the 1993 elections, I was a member of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP), I have been a local government chairman, party

chairman at the local government level, I was a national delegate during the Abiola/Kingibe nomination convention, I was in the PRIMOSE group. So I have been in it for some time.

What is your view on the postponement of the elections?

Well, I believe Jega means well and he has always been saying it and also said it at the National Assembly that he is ready for the elections and he is prepared to conduct the elections but he is not the one to guard the materials to where they are going to be used and we must agree these are very sensitive materials.

country are not ready to provide security, so the buck stops at the table of the Commander-in-Chief.

Do you agree with insinuations that the postponement was a PDP agenda to weaken the opposition?

I can tell you that what they have seen in the APC is a moving train and I can tell you that God is a wonderful God if you keep praying and if you have faith.

Babangida said something, he said the first fundamental mistake Jonathan made was to fight Rotimi Amaechi , he said he should have found a way to manage him. They fought

•Badru: I believe Jega means well

Sensitive materials It is just like the Governor of Central Bank trying to transport money from one state to the other or a branch manager trying to transfer money from his branch to the head office and the police say they cannot offer him security.

If he is not a mad man, will he agree for the money to be taken? That on its own is a recipe for chaos. Jega is ready for the elections but the security apparatus in the

They have run out of lies and they see a moving train coming, they are scared.

Whether they postpone it or not, the day the election holds, PDP will lose

DELTA NORTH: My working plan with Jonathan and Okowa — Ochei Continues from page 37 elected senator?

Like I said, going to the Senate is the bigger picture.

Now, the people of Delta North have several needs that plague them, just like other Nigerians.

But in particular, we want employment for our teeming youth population that are coming out of school and don’t have jobs. Even the ones that did not go through formal education, we have to create a platform to enable them start up things on their own.

My being in the Senate should be able to influence programmes for our people to avail themselves and the state will benefit a lot. We also have a lot of issues, we have ecological issues, we have environmental issues and so on. These are issues that we should talk about; they are bigger than the state government. We need someone who can echo these things to the federal government.

This is what I want to go and do in the Senate. We have children that want their health

system to be better. Dr. Okowa started with the Health Insurance Scheme and we have to make sure it does not remain just an act but that implementation happens so we can begin to partake of it.

What are your prospects in the contest?

My prospects are very bright. Power belongs to God and I believe in the people. It is a personality election. It is no longer between parties, it is about individuals. Delta North will decide and I strongly believe that they will choose me.

Amaechi to standstill until Amaechi withdrew and that one drew a battle line and APC saw that and they offered themselves. So whether you like or not, that was where it started from and they started going round to talk to the disgruntled governors and APC was able to capture five.

That was the game changer.

How many states gave Jonathan the biggest votes he had in 2011, Lagos, Rivers.

These states we are talking about are gone to the opposition today.

Phantom votes Right now the reverse will be the case.

Secondly, those phantom votes in the South-East and South-South will be divided; it will not be 100 percent like what we had in 2011 elections.

This time around, it cannot be so. First, it is a card reader and secondly it is PVC. Nobody will use hand to write anything, the card reader will tell you how many people were accredited and how many voted.

So the rigging machine will not work and that is why they are clamoring that the card reader should not be used but Jega has said the card reader will be used. I can tell you that APC is a moving train and nobody can stop.

Also, the postponement got

a lot of independents angry.

And it is unfortunate that President Jonathan is feigning ignorance of the shift, you are the chief security officer. That means you are saying you are not in control, he is incriminating himself. So they have run out of lies and they see a moving train coming, they are scared.

Whether they postpone it or not, the day the election holds, PDP will lose. Look at Obasanjo now, he is sending a message. Obasanjo could be a mad man but he is sending a message. Tearing the card is nothing but he is trying to send a message, they say the words of our elders are the words of wisdom.

This government has failed in several ways. The last time they asked graduates to come and write the Nigeria Immigration test, you swindled them by collecting money from them and nobody has said anything about it till today.

And you say you don’t know about it and you have not sanctioned anybody, the employment they did not get, some people died and the minister is still there campaigning for this failed government.

For how long will this continue and unfortunately, their hate campaign against Buhari is backfiring. So it’s a moving train and not even PDP can stop it.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015—39

DELTA: Urhobo vote'll not go for PDP gov — Omene Dr. Wilson Omene, a former chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Council is a stalwart of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Delta State. In this interview with Vanguard he reasserts his opinion that the Urhobos will vote against his party’s candidate for governorship on the basis that the candidate is not Urhobo, traces the enthronement of an Anioma person as the PDP governorship candidate to internal sabotage within the Urhobo nation among other claims. Excerpts:

By Godwin Oghre

D

O you think the Urhobo can still make it to the Government House?

The Urhobo Nation is willing and prepared to form a strategic partnership with the PDP at the national level in the 2015 general elections. The Urhobo man is bent on rewriting the imbalance. The electorate will determine who will win the governorship election and I can assure you that the Urhobos will win the election going by its population strength.

PDP has a great challenge and it will fail at the state level.

What do you think led to the failure of Urhobo nation to producing the PDP governorship candidate at the primary?

The answer is ‘dog ate dog.’

Some personal selfish interests of Urhobo political class caused it. They made the process of the emergence of the delegates to the primaries faulty based on the presence of channels that violated the laid down party procedure. It was the very people in PDP who call themselves political leaders in Urhobo land that ensured that the preferred choice of the Urhobo nation for the party ticket lost out to an outsider whose ethnic nationality is from Anioma.

Ethnic nationality While the Anioma played the same role as the UPU, to ensure the success of their candidate, some of the Urhobo PDP leaders ensured the failure of the Urhobo candidate. That fact has not been denied or contradicted by any of those fingered in the plot to ensure that an Urhobo man does not get the PDP governorship ticket.

What is your take on the palpable disagreement between Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru and Olorogun O’tega Emrhor?

I love all of them who came out.

Emerhor, Ogboru, Omo-Agege, Prof Utuama, Edevbie and

•Omene: Some Urhobo PDP leaders ensured the failure of the Urhobo candidate

others, in the sense that they came out with their hard earned resources to rescue us. They are fine gentle men but what I want to say is that let us look inward to see the objective of the struggle. They must remove personal interests.

They must look at the actual strategies to actualize what we want, which have variables and can change based on the politics of the day, personality, and many others. I advise both of them to come together. Again I feel at this point in time that APC has no direction because, how will its presidential candidate come to visit UPU leadership on the one hand and his deputy is coming to visit the dissidents on the other hand?

What is the current relationship between UPU and the political class of Urhobo extraction?

Over 90 percent of them have abandoned the pan-Urhobo cause. It is now UPU that has come to rescue the Urhobos from the situation. UPU has tried, even by defending the votes we gave to Mr President at the previous election. This has never happened before. The political class National Executive of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) at

The Urhobo Nation is willing and prepared to form a strategic partnership with the PDP at the national level in the 2015 general elections

its emergency meeting held on Sunday 14th December, 2014 decided to reinstate the sanctions which were hitherto lifted on Ighoyota Amori, Monday Igbuya, Prof. Onyovbaire, Evelyn Oboro, John Nani and their co-travelers.

Henceforth all those mentioned cannot and will not be allowed to associate with the UPU. They cannot attend any meeting of UPU or social gathering of the union neither can they represent us in any capacity both politically and otherwise. Any appointment given to them is personal and not a slot of the Urhobo people.

What is the relationship between the Urhobo nation and other ethnic groups in the state?

The relationship is cordial. Our relationship with the Ndokwas is amazing, in fact they are our brothers.

Preferred aspirant The Ijaws are our brothers of over three hundred years, even though Senator James manager, Tompolo and other Ijaw leaders also led their delegates to vote against the preferred aspirant of the Urhobo Nation at the primary election. The Itsekiris, the Isokos and the Aniomas are doing well with us.

Does your party, I mean PDP have the chance of winning the forth coming governorship election in the State?

As a party man, the wish of the party is my wish. But I must say the party has a formidable challenge from the Labour Party.

As of now from the way I am seeing things, my answer is no, and nothing can be done to correct the situation. From the look of things, it is too late for PDP to win the governorship election in Delta State. Victory is currently appearing to be on the side of the Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru led Labour Party.

•Card reader

How the Card Reader can be fooled

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor & Jude Opara

T

HE card reader has been hailed as the antidote to election rigging in emerging democracies. It has been extensively used in a number of emerging democracies in Africa with positive reports of its contributory role in stemming election rigging.

The card reader, however, has its limitations even as Mr. Kayode Idowu, the chief press secretary to Prof. Attahiru Jega, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC said in an interview with Vanguard.

Though the card reader cannot be fooled by a PVC, it, however, would fail when all the human components in the polling unit agree to disregard it or conspire against the device.

“The way INEC has designed the Card Reader, it will only take a community conspiracy for the system to be manipulated and if that happens there is nothing anybody can do about it and it will not be the fault of INEC because it is designed in such a way that it is unique. Number one it has a voice propt which

will speak out loudly from the speaker if a voter is accredited or not the moment the finger print is placed on it.

What it then means is that for there to be any manipulation at the polling centre, all the people there including the agents of the political parties, the observers and INEC staff will be in agreement to subvert the process in favour of one political party.

Human components The human components of the polling process at the unit include the voter, the political party agents who are there to protect the interests of their candidates, election observers, security agents and journalists.

All of them would have to agree to disregard the prompt of the card reader on the validity or otherwise of the PVC to enable a voter to proceed to vote or not.

Even if they all disregard the card reader where it is detected that someone has presented a card not belonging to him and he is allowed to vote, the card reader would only transmit the number of those who passed its biometric verification to the central server.

40 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

T

O further boost intra-city transportation the Lagos State Government has added 100 new air-conditioned buses to the existing fleet through the partnership of LAGBUS Asset Management Limited and a franchise operator, Metro Bus. An elated Governor Babatunde Fashola formally flagged off the operation of the new buses at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Yard, Oshodi, before a large crowd, last week.

Unveiling the new buses, with WIFI internet connection on board, Fashola reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a reliable and sustainable multi-modal transport system that is driven by the private sector.

The governor explained that the ultimate goal of the initiative is prosperity for the generality of the people, which could only be delivered in a structured partnership with the private sector.

He added that it is only by creating opportunity for private sector to take ownership, employ people and provide services that government can really deliver the prosperity of its dreams.

Transportation projects status Reinforcing the multi-modal objective of the state government that is boosted with the increased bus fleet, Fashola gave a status update on the various transport related projects, informing that the jetties and the terminals in Mile 2, Badore, Osborne, Ipakodo, Ibeshe are nearing completion.

He stated that from just 150,000 passengers per month in 2007, the state is moving over 1.6 million people every month with about 200 ferries already licensed and owned by the private sector.

“So what we are doing on land today is already taking place on water and what we expect to see when all the jetties are commissioned is extension, bigger capacity ferries financed by banks and owned by individuals and small companies and then our job really would have been done.

“For now, there are a lot of water taxis carrying 16 to 24 passengers and there are almost 200 of them and everywhere you look on our waterways up to Ijegun-Egba you would see them. People are moving on a daily basis and a lot of employment is going on there,” he said.

Meanwhile, the state government had approved the concession of the fuel supply system to all terminals following advertised bids for which winners were later short-listed.

The ferry terminals, according to the government would be destination points for passengers

*Governor Fashola aboard one of the 100 air-conditioned Wifi buses

Seamless movement:

Lagos pursues road, rail, water multi-modal linkages •Launches 100 air-conditioned, WIFI internet ready commercial buses •Over 5000 new jobs created with banking halls and all other facilities. Fashola assured that the same facilities that would be seen at the ferry terminals when they are opened would also be seen at the rail terminals, four of which have already been completed.

He continued: “We have completed Mile 2, Orile, Alaba and Costain stations for the rail.

We are heading to the fifth station in Marina and if you are driving on the Marina you would see that we are driving pillar by pillar, we are on our way, so that you can come by water, join a bus and continue your journey from Marina and may be into Victoria Island when that one starts.

“There are seven lines for the whole of Lagos so the Master plan is ready and one by one we would connect this together. That is what is in the 2012-2025 Development Plan that we have just unveiled”.

He explained that the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, system is all about empowering private sector and that the first partners were the road transport unions who owned the old buses on Lagos

roads, adding that the government convinced them that if they could change their buses the face of transportation in Lagos would be changed.

“They agreed and bought the

We have completed Mile 2, Orile, Alaba and Costain stations for the rail. We are heading to the fifth station in Marina and if you are driving on the Marina you would see that we are driving pillar by pillar, we are on our way

* Marina: Already linked by road and water. Railway is awaited first set of buses. They took loans, paid off the loans, recapitalized but the environment in which they invested then has changed substantially”.

Tracing the origin of the first set of BRT buses, Fashola said it was the positive spin-off of a partnership with the private sector.

“Government did not own the BRT buses, it was private sector that owned them. Our job was to build the roads, bus shelters to maintain and manage them while they run their buses but that environment at the time they were borrowing money at $1 at N118 and interest rate at 10 percent has changed completely”, he added.

Rickety buses Fashola explained that when people see ageing buses that are not being replaced on the roads, it is not because government is not efficient but because the private sector is being incapacitated by financial regulations and economic policies of the Federal Government that are not helping them to grow.

“That is the reality because we expect them to now borrow money at N210 to $1 at 25 percent and we expect them to buy buses and keep them at the same prices.

What kind of economy is that?”

“The Federal Government has also announced that it will increase tariff for the buses, so this is the environment in which the bus operators do business. And it

is an environment we must begin to pay attention to if we must see growth in this industry”, he emphasized.

Bus franchise He explained that the administration in Lagos also felt that it had a role to play and that role was in setting up a government owned company, LAGBUS whose role is to provide support in the less commercially viable routes because government did not want to compete with its investors so that people who live in those areas will have some kind of support as private sector is in business for profit.

He said as a government that was always reviewing strategies, it thought the LAGBUS company itself was going to grind to a halt if all that it did was to run on unviable routes.

“So we expanded its width and this is where the bus franchising model came to life. And we said instead of you operating this now, sell all of these routes under franchises to private investors who would bring their buses but they would brand them in your colours, put their names on it and this is the model that has thrived in many parts of the world”.

“So we would see Metro Bus which is a franchise of LAGBUS and we would see a Diamond Bus and so many others under one franchise operating on minimum

Continues on page 41

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 — 41

Continues from page 40 standards below which the bus system should not fall. It is a minimum of 20 buses to get a franchise because we didn’t want one bus owners. The Metro buses have come now with 100 buses and they say they would do more”, he explained.

Fashola saluted the courage of the investors for venturing to dare in spite of the difficulties of the market, adding that the new investment will offer 1500 new jobs as well as provision of WIFI internet connection on board the air-conditioned buses.

Maintenance facility In terms of facilities for maintaining the buses, the state government currently has a maintenance yard at Cappa and Bolade with consideration of entering a structured partnership towards building a bigger maintenance yard that can service everybody’s investment and provide an opportunity for all.

Speaking earlier, the State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Kayode Opeifa, described the launch of the new high capacity buses as another firm demonstration of the readiness of the present administration to implement the multi- modal transportation system.

Pilot routes Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the LAGBUS Asset Management Limited, Mr Babatunde Disu said the buses will start operation soon, servicing main routes namely Sango-Oshodi-ObalendeIkorodu-Island –Epe. There are1800 buses servicing 47 routes. Ridership, it was learnt has risen by 31 per cent as 64.5 million passengers have been moved by LAGBUS between 2012 and December 2015.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Metro Bus, Mr Niyi Oguntoyinbo said parts of the innovative facilities available on the buses are access through preloaded cards that would generate 5000 jobs for mobile agents for the pre-loaded cards.

Bus facilities One of the innovative status of the initiative is that passengers can also send SMS to a number to know when the bus will arrive at their bus stop because it was realized that a lot of people wait at bus stops in vain and that the buses have been equipped with facilities that will enable the operators see the buses in real time and switch buses from one route to another to gain efficiency.

There is security camera on board to ensure safety of passengers. The live feeds from the cameras will be made available to security agencies to be able to track any mishap.

Customers can also use WIFI on the buses as well as enjoy videos and music on the go.

Flood: Residents warned against dumping refuse into drains •LASG decries degradation of Apapa GRA

By Monsur Olowoopejo

A

S the rainy season begins, Lagos State Government has urged residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and unapproved sites.

This came as the government expressed concern over the environmental degradation of Apapa GRA, occasioned by the regular influx of people from the neighbouring Ajegunle Community through several unapproved points by crossing the Badagry Road Creek.

The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, during an assessment tour of Apapa area, said the government is committed to a clean, hygienic and flood free environment and therefore, would not tolerate any violation of the state’s environmental law.

Bello explained that the state government had spent huge tax payers’ money on construction and reconstruction of drainages

and canals aimed at eliminating flooding in the state.

He said the inspection was sequel to several complaints from the Apapa GRA Resident Association, hence, the need to restore the sanity of the area.

Residents of the GRA had severally, complained about the continuous bombardment of their area with refuse, human wastes, illegal shanties and stalls, illegal motor parks, street trading and noise pollution among

The government is committed to a clean, hygienic and floodfree environment and therefore, would not tolerate any violation of the state’s environmental law

others.

“Peace, security and health of the people living in this otherwise serene environment are being compromised daily through indiscriminate activities of people who enter the GRA through several unapproved points by crossing the Badagry Road Creek” he said.

According to Bello, “while we all have the right as Nigerians to carry out our business and other lawful activities in any part of the country, we must do so within the law. No one has the right to violate the peace and security of others, even in the name of eking out a living.

“The Apapa GRA is a noble area which used to be the pride of Lagos State. We cannot fold our arms and allow some unscrupulous people ruin the area. We shall work with the residents association to restore the glory of Apapa GRA.” Bello noted that the state government was committed to its zero tolerance policy and would therefore not tolerate environmental abuses in any part of the state.

* A blocked drain needing urgent clearance

Don’t rear animals in residential areas, LASEPA warns Lagosians

T

he General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Mr Adebola Shabi, has condemned rearing of animals in residential areas saying it constitutes a huge environmental menace.

According to him, the 1979 Constitution allows people to have pets such as dogs and cats but not to keep a large number that are capable of constituting a nuisance.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that animals’ urine and excreta always constituted a public

nuisance noting that the sanitation unit of the Ministry of Environment deals with the issue as part of sanitation offence. “‘Rearing of animals in residential areas is now a big issue as it constitutes a lot of environmental problems. Animal wastes like urine, excreta and other body fluids is not good for humans.

By the time water touches the waste, it forms filter polypore.

The wastes can also degrade to an ammonia substance which is dangerous to human beings,” he said.

No respite for fire whirlwind

By Dotun Ibiwoye

T

HE incessant fire outbreaks that have swept through Lagos for over two years continued last week, gutting the headquarters of Chisco Transport Limited.

The fire was said to have started after some hoodlums took advantage of a political campaign rally to throw substances believed to be explosives into the premises of the transport company in apparent protest against President Goodluck Jonathan’s poster on a building beside Chisco’s head office.

The inferno razed down about 25 luxury buses and trucks. The building is said belong to the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), a Federal Government parastatal sharing a common fence with the leading transport company.

Transport company Workers of the company were said to have used fireextinguishers available in the premises to assist fire fighters from both the state and Federal Fire Service to put off the fire.

The Lagos state Fire and Safety Services report said that properties worth over N14.99bn were lost to various fire incidents that occurred in Lagos State in 2014.

The service also said that properties estimated at N89.94bn were saved during fire disasters in 2014.

The report also shows that in 2013, about 248 residents escaped death in 1,499 fire incidents. recorded in the state between January and November, while the agency, during the period responded to 108 calls which had to do with rescuing victims who got drowned in the well or swimming pool and those trapped in the nine collapsed buildings recorded in the state in 2014.

About 150 lives were lost in the emergency calls, including that of victims of Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN.

42—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Experts see improvement in industry, trade •Call for consistency in implementation of industrial policies The Federal Government’s policies on industry, trade and investment activities are yielding modest results, according to industry stakeholders

By Omoh Gabriel, Business Editor

G

IVEN the slowdown in economic growth globally as a result of the 2008 financial melt down from which various governments across the world are beginning to retool and realign their economic policies, towards specific areas that will make meaningful and positive impact on the lives of their citizens.

Nigeria in response came up with plans to transform its huge population and natural resource endowments into economic advantage. Nigerians across various spectrum of the economy have stressed that the government needs to embark on game-changing policy reforms in key sectors of the economy for a sustainable development.

Echoing the need for such a game changing policy, National President, Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Chief Chuku Wachuku, said “there is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria is a country blessed with enormous human and material resources.

Material resources ''What is needed is for the government to consistently develop and implement investment friendly policies and reforms that will create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. This will unlock the hugely untapped investment opportunities across the country, create jobs and generate wealth for our people”.

Perhaps, it was in realisation of this fact that President Goodluck Jonathan, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, embarked on Investment Climate Reform programmes to make the Nigerian business environment more conducive for trade facilitation and also fast-track the growth of local and foreign direct investments across all sectors of the Nigerian economy. Prior to 2011, experts said, no government had put in place comprehensive and strategic sector specific policies to address the prevalent challenges militating against the country’s business environment. But the scenario has changed considerably now, according to them.

Ease of doing business: An official document obtained from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, indicates that the President approved the establishment of a Doing business and Competitiveness Committee to address the challenges faced by businesses across the country to improve their productive and competitive advantage. An Investor After-Care Committee was also put in place to ensure that after investors make their investment decisions, Government works with them to ensure that all operating bottlenecks are taken care of.

The report said, “The Federal Government has repositioned and strengthened the One Stop Investment Centre at the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission to ensure that investors have all their needs met in a single location. Similarly, the government has established a National Competitiveness Council as a partnership between the private sector and public sector as part of a deliberate strategy to address issues relating to the competitiveness of the Nigerian business environment.

This is in addition to developing a National Policy Framework for Investments, working in partnership with OECD and DFID. The Ministry is creating Regional Investment and Trade Offices (RITOs) in every major continent to serve as a tool for opening access to Nigerian goods and services in global markets as well as investment promotion for key investment opportunities in

The ongoing reforms have ensured a 60 per cent reduction in the cost of business registration

A textile factory...on the rebound?

Nigeria. The first RITO was launched in China; another one will be launched in Abu Dhabi in 2015.”

In addition to these, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, under the Transformation Agenda of the current administration, has reviewed the country’s obsolete investment laws, which have hitherto inhibited the inflow of local and foreign direct investments. Highlighting work done in this regard, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said, “Prior to this administration, what Nigeria had were investment laws and policies, most of which were not investment friendly and also outdated. They did not reflect the current global economic realities. In fact, some of the investment laws we had had not been reviewed since 1963.

Emergence of new laws “However, since 2011, many changes have taken place. This is in addition to facilitating the process of the emergence of new laws, including the establishment of the first ever Competition Bill in the country, which is currently at the National Assembly. Also, we have embarked on a comprehensive review of the Insolvency Bill. The first ever Franchising Bill is also being reviewed for onward transmission to the National Assembly. This is in addition to carrying out a comprehensive review of the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with major amendments proposed.”

Experts and stakeholders have given their independent assessments of how the reforms have impacted on Nigeria’s overall business climate.

According to the 2014 Ease of Doing Business Report released by the World Bank, Nigeria has recorded significant improvements in its Doing Business Index in the last four years. The report noted that from 2010 till date, the country had recorded 34 improvements in its Ease of Doing Business Index.

“For the first time, Doing Business in Nigeria 2014 recorded reforms that make it easier to start a business,” the

report said.

Speaking on how the Doing Business and Investment Climate Reforms Programme has transformed the country ’s business climate, the World Bank Country Director, Nigeria, Ms. Marie Francoise MarieNelly, said, “Nigeria’s business climate has improved significantly since 2010 when the last benchmarking exercise was conducted.

Benchmarking exercise ''This is a positive achievement we all should be proud of. This shows that change is possible in Nigeria, especially now that the country has positioned itself as the largest economy in Africa and the leading destination for foreign direct investment globally.” Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Mr. Bello Mamud, in his assessment of the economy said, “The Ease of Doing Business Reforms embarked upon by Nigeria in the last four years has resulted in a 50 per cent reduction in capital registration costs for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); and 25 per cent reduction in capital registration costs for large businesses; and for the first time in Nigeria, we can do 24 hour registration of companies at our two Lagos offices, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu and Abuja.

“For CAC, we have never had it so good. The reform programmes have made it possible for us to establish an online registration portal, which was launched just yesterday. Our start to finish services in Lagos, Kaduna and Kano has helped in eliminating mandatory requirement for lawyers in the business registration process.

Also, these reforms have had significant positive impact on businesses.”

According to Mahmud, ongoing reforms “have ensured a 60 per cent reduction in the cost of business registration; 18.5 per cent increase in the number of companies registered; 52 per cent increase in the number of MSMEs registered and 27 per cent increase in the number of industries registered.”

Growth in FDI and investors’ rising interest in Nigeria:

Despite the global challenges, renowned institutions and experts have continued to express unwavering confidence in Nigeria as the preferred destination for foreign direct investment in Africa and globally. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) ranked Nigeria the number 1 destination for investment in Africa for two consecutive years and top three last year.

The latest report from Ernst and Young Africa’s Attractiveness Survey, said, “The most striking observation from this year’s survey is how Africa’s perceived attractiveness has improved. In less than five years, Africa has risen to become the second most attractive investment destination in the world. Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya are ranked the most attractive investment destinations in Sub-Sahara Africa.”

Recent statistics In the same vein, the Wall Street Journal’s Frontier Market Sentiment index (FMSI), which tracks investment interest from the top 200 USA and EU multinational companies, has for the first time ever, ranked Nigeria as the number one country of interest globally. According to recent statistics from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the country’s combined FDI and Foreign portfolio investments (FPI) have grown from $7.9 billion in 2011 to $21.3 billion in 2013. Indeed, stakeholders, including local and international experts and investors, have attributed Nigerian’s emergence as the preferred destination for FDI within Africa and globally, to the implementation of investmentfriendly reforms by the Federal Government within the last four years.

Speaking during a meeting with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Chris Cooter, said Canada was working on strategies aimed at increasing its Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria within the next few years due to enhanced confidence in the Nigerian economy.

Continues on page 43

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015—43

Experts see change in industry, trade changed for the better. For the first time in our history as a country, we have developed a holistic and strategic Trade Policy, focusing on International trade, regional (Intra-African) Trade and Domestic Trade. Already, we have developed a new international trade policy linking Nigeria’s trade policy to its Industrial policy in order to ensure strategic expansion of trade across different product value chains, including trade in services. Also, we have launched the Nigerian Diaspora Export Programme to leverage on the huge population of Nigerians abroad to promote our abundant non-oil exports.

Trade experts believe that reforms embarked upon by the government seem to have yielded impressive results, stressing that over the last decade, the country’s total trade has jumped from a low level of N3trillion in 2000 to N21trillion in 2013, while non-oil exports have steadily increased since 2011, rising by 7.4 per cent between 2011 and 2013. Between 2012 and 2013, the country recorded a 16 per cent increase in its non-oil export.

The President, National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) Mr. Ken Ukaoha, attributed the growth of the nation’s trade sector to the Federal Government’s favourable policies, which has helped to strategically reposition trade as one of the major Minister of Industry, Olusegun Aganga drivers of Nigeria’s levels have found in order to improve economic growth. the welfare of the Nigerian people. We, Ukaoha said, “Trade has as the Dutch, stand ready to assist contemporarily become the heartbeat Nigeria in this regard. A number of of Nigeria’s economy, and has our businesses have been in the contributed largely to Nigeria various sectors of the Nigerian becoming the largest economy in economy for many decades.

Africa. The National Association of Obviously, they would not have still Nigerian Traders - NANTS is happy been here if Nigeria is not profitable with this development; and happier for them. And the fact that we are still with the fact that the growth of around in Nigeria shows that some of Nigeria’s trade and Investment sector our businesses have found the right is attributable to the opening of space place to do business.” for regular interactions/consultations The Minister of with stakeholders, including the Industry, Trade private sector, and particularly with and Investment, NANTS as the national umbrella for Mr. Olusegun traders.

Aganga, said, “This medium of consultations “Prior to the created by the current Honourable commencement of Minister of Industry, Trade and t h i s Investment - Dr Olusegun Aganga, administration, and credit must therefore be given to Nigeria did not this visionary and dynamic leadership. have a trade policy This has further opened channels for at any level. There policy dialogues that create buy-in and was low level intramaximum support for the African trade with government’s programmes and plans. little prospect of it It has reduced resistance and expanding. improved implementation of noble Domestic trade was trade policies that attract investments. inefficient and Between He added, “One of the major costly. There was hallmarks of this administration is that 2012 and no functioning popular participation and the c o m m o d i t i e s 2013, the approach of inclusivity has become the exchange while country order of the day. This has undoubtedly Nigeria played a raised the confidence of traders and subdued role at recorded a manufacturers on the commitment of regional and 16 per cent the federal government to providing international trade adequate protection to the real sector organisations and increase in practitioners while also providing forums. incentives to spur the Nigerian private its non-oil “However, all sector to increase their investments in these have export their own country.''

Continues from page 42 “Today, there is a wind of change going on in Nigeria’s investment landscape, which is being driven by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. Therefore, we are looking at areas where Canadian companies can invest in Nigeria and how they can form partnerships in Nigeria in line with the Nigeria-Canada BiNational Commission,” he said.

Mr. Simon Smits, Vice Minister, Foreign Trade of the Kingdom of the Netherlands who spoke during his official visit to Nigeria, said “I am convinced that trade and investment are the drivers of change, development and wealth.

What I have observed during the past few days of my visit to Nigeria is that when I spoke with both business people from Nigerian and Netherlands, they said the opportunities in Nigeria out-weigh the challenges. There is a right track that the Nigerian government both at the Federal, state and Local Government

Rudy Giuliani gets nasty with Obama

J

UDGING by the energy Republicans deployed to opening up a number of battlefields against President Obama last week, you might have mistaken the entire scenario for an indication that the president had managed to convince Americans to give him a chance to run for a third term in office. They attacked from all angles, reenacting their plans and vituperations that did not deter Americans from voting twice to confirm Obama as their president.

New Senate Majority Leader, Senator Mitch McConnell, kicked off the onslaught when he said this last month: “The uptick (economic recovery data) appears to coincide with the biggest political change of the Obama administration’s long tenure in Washington: the expectation of a new Republican Congress.” This blatant revisionist history of the revitalization of U.S. economy was as startling as it was bizarre. Put in more plain language, McConnell was claiming the current economic rebirth in the U.S. came about because people are happy that his party is now in control of both houses of Congress.

Of course, President Obama used an opportunity last week to poke fun at this aberration called Mitchnomics when he told his audience that “Our Republican leader in the Senate, as he was coming in, after trying to block every single thing that we have done to strengthen the economy, starts looking at jobs numbers, says you know, it is getting better because we just got elected. And people are feeling more optimistic.” Unfortunately, Mitch’s claim will find traction among some Republican zealots who would rather see Obama as a plague unleashed to their country by some malevolent spirits.

Malevolent spirits An apparently milder form of anti-Obama rhetoric was last week fired by the incumbent governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker, a man who has not hidden his ambition to contest the presidency in 2016.

In an interview with The Washington Post, Walker was asked about something as simple as what he thought about President Obama’s faith. Instead of giving a straight-forwarded response, the governor said a highly suggestive “I don’t know”, claiming that he is yet to have a chance to discuss the matter with the president. The governor’s spokesperson later “clarified” the statement by explaining that “of course the governor thinks the president is a Christian.” It is so strange that the usually articulate governor could not express his thoughts.

But, by far the most bewildering antiObama sentiment came from a man known as Rudy Giuliani. His most important claim to prominence was the exemplary leadership as New York mayor in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attack in his city in 2001. Time Magazine declared him Man of the Year for that year.

But, when he attempted to ride on that fame to run for the U.S. presidency in 2008, he did not even do as much as capture the presidential candidacy of the Republican Party.

At a private function last week, the former mayor had this to say about his president: “I do not believe - and I know this is a horrible thing to say - but I do not believe that the president loves America.

He doesn’t love you. And he doesn’t love me. He wasn’t brought up the way you were brought up and I was brought up through love of this country.” This statement is full of cankerworms, two of which are that: America has an unpatriotic president, who is, therefore, not qualified to hold that office; Obama is not one of us, a ghost of the age-old racist and discredited Republican fixation that the president is not an American by birth.

White House press secretary, Josh Earnest, last Friday lamented that the former mayor had discredited himself by asserting that “it’s sad to see when somebody who has attained a certain level of public stature, and even admiration, tarnishes that legacy so thoroughly.”

Republican Party senator and a consistent Obama critic, Senator Lindsey Graham, even thought that his co-party member had gone overboard when he rather grudgingly said this in an ABC interview: “Well, I love Rudy, but I don’t want to go there. The nation’s very divided. President Obama has divided us more than he’s brought us together and I don’t want to add to that division. I have no doubt that he (Obama) loves his country. I have no doubt that he’s a patriot. But his primary job as president of the United States is to defend this country and he’s failing miserably.” In making this half-hearted criticism of Giuliani, the South Carolina senator could not help taking a swipe at the president.

Giuliani’s unprovoked ranting might be his way of calling attention to himself in an era where the Republican base is desperate for a leader who can represent the party in the forthcoming presidential election. There is little evidence that the former mayor has lost all appetite for presidential politics, especially now that the man who was viewed as a strong contender, Mitt Romney, has ruled himself out of the By race.

Perhaps, choosing to Giuliani is attempting to vilify position himself as a Obama, credible candidate with enough Mayor national presence to Giuliani pose a formidable may be challenge to Hillary Clinton. attempting By choosing to to wheel vilify Obama, Mayor himself into Giuliani may be attempting to wheel the himself into the of forefront of forefront Republican Party’s Republican p o t e n t i a l presidential Party’s aspirants or might be potential doing a yeoman’s presidential job on behalf of his party. Either way, he aspirants has not done himself any favour.

44— Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

TAURUS; It is important you don’t take things for granted around mid-morning and early afternoon period so that you will not run into avoidable disappointments.

GEMINI; If you are in position to control your actions you would fare better if you can wait till after 12,43pm before you make an important move. Be family minded.

CANCER; Your being receptive can enhance your prospects but that is not to say you have to be naïve, especially during mid-morning and early afternoon periods.

LEO; Success is boldly printed on your cards and like yesterday if priority attention is given to money the scope of your success will be wider.

VIRGO; Although things may be happening around you, you are the right person to make things happen and give others opportunities.. Be wise.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

A

CHIEVEMENT of whatever nature does not come by chance. It is basically a product of deliberate and strategic thinking,

Take A Stand planning and action. So, if you are one of those who believe in success by chance, what if you are not prepared to seize the moment?

TERROR MUDA

Supposing it’s not even what you know, what do you do?

Take a stand.

Define what you want and go for it.

Learn to take

in “Never say goodbye”

decisions. It does not matter whether the decision you took is right or wrong. But just take a stand. For it’s better to take a wrong decision than take no decision at all.

By Lanre Kehinde

LIBRA; Take note that others may break promises made before early afternoon period; that is to say you should not take anybody for granted before 12.43pm.

SCORPIO; Although friends are willing to assist you circumstances may not allow complete help as expected.

9.46am to 12.43pm can be a bit sensitive…..

SAGITTARIUS; Emphasis will continue to be on career related issues. However you will not be wrong if you take matters-of-the-heart more seriously now. Be more loving.

CAPRICORN; Mid-morning till early afternoon period may bring more promises than it can actually deliver; your being clever will see you through. Be very practical.

AQUARIUS; Continue to attach necessary importance to your family values. Here is a day when joint ventures can bring you under pressure between 9.46am and 12.43pm.

PISCES; Other people will continue to feature in your activities; that is to say you will need to be as co-operative as reason permits. Watch it between 9.46am&12.43pm.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

ARIES; You will be in good position to consolidate on progress made yesterday. However you will need to watch your mood from 9.46am to 12.43pm.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What about Sagittarius?

Dear Joshua, I want you to tell me characteristics of my Star; Sagittarius as you have done to others.

Olatunji, Ibadan Dear Olatunji, BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SAGITTARIUS Sagittarius is a mutable sign by its quality. It‘s element is fire, symbolised by half horse half man and/or an Archer aiming at the sky. Mutable means changes and experimentation, while fire is all about enthusiasm, taking of the initiative and leadership ability. Thus, you are the type that will exhibit strong interest in an important project that catches your fancy and you will not mind to experiment with ideas just to achieve your objectives and aims. Sagittarius is the 9th sign of the Zodiac that rules philosophy, RELIGION, law, foreign land, higher mind/higher institutions, lawyer, long (distance) travelling, in-laws, future, optimism and bluntness. Major problem or weak points of Sagittarians are excessive openness/bluntness and sometimes fanatical approach to religion.

Being a born adventurer, you are not afraid of exploration and new beginning. Sagittarians are incurable optimist and ever ready to listen to and eager to believe others; you are not an exception. Honesty is truly in your inner self You are a tolerant person but you are not ready to compromise your FREEDOM Sagittarius as a fire sign can make you a quick tempered person. Half horse half man as the symbol, of Sagittarius indicates dual (double) personalities known in different circle with different personalities. Yet, you are not a pretender. As the Archer aims arrow into the sky also Sagittarians have many lofty ideas and ambition. But sometimes their ideas and/or ideals are not practical enough for realisation. Many times, they start too many things at a time only to either forget or lose view of their original targets.

Development of practical approach is more important for Sagittarians, this is in order to make success of many of their brilliant ideas, otherwise they tend to become dreamers. In reality, Sagittarians are dreamers (by this 1 mean real dream many use to have at night) and many of their dreams usually come to pass. Sometimes their dreams are vividly prophetic.

Sagittarians are born philosophers, that is why they have well developed minds indispensable to rare wisdom.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015—45

ICM faults NDIMRC's call for Ijaw headship of NNPC ...says N-Delta not for Ijaw alone

By Daniel Gumm

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ARRI—RADICAL Itsekiri pressure group, Itsekiri Consolidated Movement, ICM, has flayed the call by Niger Delta Indigenous Movement for Radical Change, NDIMRC, that “Ijaw must head Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, now,” noting that such a petition directed to the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, speaks of unbridled greed by Ijaws of Niger Delta, capable of negatively affecting the “chances of President Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection.”

According to the ICM, a situation where Ijaw groups and individuals give the impression that Niger Delta region belongs solely to Ijaw, is “unacceptable, a height of arrogance and politically suicidal, particularly as the March 28 presidential election draws closer.”

The ICM statement in Warri,

Condolence service holds for late Bayelsa female politicians

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

E N AG OA — I JAW female activist and chieftain of the Ijaw National Congress, INC, Dr. Rose Obuoforibo, has condoled with the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, and the government of Bayelsa State over the death of 11 prominent female politicians from the state just as a special state memorial service holds today in honour of the deceased.

President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Jonathan are expected to attend the event slated to hold at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa.

The deceased politicians lost their lives penultimate Saturday in a road accident along Elele axis of the EastWest Road, Rivers State.

Speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa, Dr. Obuoforibo, expressed sadness over the incident, describing same as a great loss to the Ijaw nation.

Obuoforibo is a former Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo State.

Delta State, in reaction to an open letter addressed to the Minister of Petroleum by NDIMRC, took a swipe at what it described as eclipsing of other ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta by the Ijaws because President Jonathan is an Ijaw by birth.

The statement by ICM Chairman, Mr. Oritsegbegbemi

Besidone, listed positions such as Minister of Petroleum, Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Amnesty, DG of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, the Senator representing Delta South senatorial district, comprising of Ijaw, Itsekiri and Isoko as well as the Delta State

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP deputy governorship slot given to Ijaw as some of the key appointments being occupied by the Ijaws to the detriment of other ethnic groups in the Niger Delta.

The statement added that it was only recently that an Urhobo man was appointed Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, after Elder Godsday Orubebe, an Ijaw, resigned to pursue his governorship aspiration.

CONDOLENCE VISIT: From right: Mr. Pally Iriase, Member representing Owan East/ Owan West Federal Constituency, Edo State and leader of delegation; APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside and his runing mate, Mr. Asita O. Asita, during a condolence visit by House of Representatives members to Dakuku over the death of a police officer attached to his campaign organisation, in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

Cleric slams Amaechi over alleged N7bn largess

By Emma Una

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ALABAR—BISHOP Simeon Okah, National Vice President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, has called on Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and all those behind the allegation that Christian leaders in the country were given N7 billion naira, to shut up and stop making such claims before they incur the wrath of God on themselves.

Bishop Okah, who stated this in Calabar, Cross River State, at the inauguration of the Cross River State chapter executive of PFN, said it was not true that the Federal Government gave Christian leaders in the country N7bn to curry the support of the clergy men for President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 elections.

He said: “When I read the report, I called Dr Okoye who was the Aso Rock Pastor when Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was president, to find out the veracity of the newspaper reports and he said it was not true. I call on those making

the allegation to prove their case or repent before they incur the wrath of God on themselves.”

He stated that Amaechi, if he is a Christian that he claims to be, knows the implication of making such

allegation against people who are his spiritual leaders. “This issue is beyond politics and I thought that Amaechi, who is a Christian, knows the implication of making such allegation and I call on him to name the people the money was given to or shut up.”

Uduaghan bags All Time Best Gov in Entertainment award

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—GOVERNOR Emmauel Uduaghan of Delta State will on March 4, be confered with the All Time Best Governor in Entertainment award, for his contributions to the development of the entertainment industry in Nigeria.

Coordinator of the group, Mr. Ogude Akpobome, in a statement, said: “The eight years administration of Dr. Uduaghan as the governor of Delta State witnessed an unprecedented human capital development in the nation’s entertainment industry.”

Akpobome said that the event which will hold in Asaba, will feature an array of celebrity entertainers of the state origin and their associates all over the world, who according to him, have benefited directly from the Uduaghan administration.

He said: “It was in Dr. Uduaghan’s administration that Asaba, Delta State capital, became renowned as the home of Nollywood. Today, Delta State has produced more than half of the number of entertainers in the country.

Many comedians have become rich and it is now one of the fastest employer of youths who have talents as humour merchants."

Army assures on security in N-Delta

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARC O U R T — COMMANDER 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt Barracks, BrigadierGeneral Koko Essien, has assured that the army will continue to assist in the security of lives and property in the Niger Delta region.

Brigadier General Essien gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr Bassey Dan-Abia.

He said the army will assist in providing the needed security for the NDDC to achieve development goals in the region.

Brigadier General Essien, who is also Commander, Sector II of the Joint Task Force, JTF, lauded the warm relationship between his command and the NDDC. He said: “We recognise the developmental activities of the NDDC and we also know that some people may be trying to hamper the efforts of the commission.

However, I assure you that we will give you all the necessary security cover you need to continue to serve the people of the Niger Delta without hindrance.”

Delta community dissolves c'ttees

By Akpokona Omafuaire

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ARRI—THE n e w l y inaugurated Ubeji Community Trust in Ubeji, Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, led by Mr. Clement Erewa, has dissolved all standing committees.

Erewa gave the order shortly after his executive was inaugurated to run the trust for the next three years with a mandate to fast track the development of the community The group has Erewa as Chairman; Gbubemi Mone as Vice Chairman; Patricia Edun, Secretary; Eric Bomele, Public Relations Officer; Sunny Omatsuli, Treasurer, Austin Dimeyin, Financial Secretary and Peter Laboard, as Assistant Secretary.

46—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

ENUGU PDP CRISIS: Nnaji files fresh suit against Ugwuanyi, others

NGG calls for free, fair polls

By Eric Ugbor

By Austin Ogwuda

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BA—AN Igbo sociocultural group, Ndigbo for Good Governance, NGG, has called for a free, fair and acceptable poll that would truly reflect the wishes of the citizenry in the March 28 and April 11 rescheduled elections.

NGG also demanded that candidates of all political parties vying for different elective positions embraced civilized politics of issues relevant to the peoples’ well being and national development during their campaigns.

The group, in a statement by the Coordinator, Chima Ebere Nwankwo, condemned in strong terms the political brawl and violence in recent times among candidates of various political parties, despite the Abuja peace accord entered into by political parties’ leaders and their presidential candidates.

NGG, while describing March and April elections as crucial for the survival of Nigeria, called on registered voters yet to get their Permanent Voter’s Card, PVC, to do so without further hesitation to ensure that they had the opportunity to vote for the right candidates of their choice.

It commended President Goodluck Jonathan for nominating an Abia son, Col. Austin Akobundu (retd) as a minister and and enjoined the Senate to confirm his nomination.

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N U G U — T H E chairmanship tussle in Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu State has assumed another dimension as Mr. Raymond Nnaji, who claims to be the factional chairman in the state, has filed a motion in court seeking to stop the party from presenting governorship candidate, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and other candidates, who emerged from the primaries, from contesting in the forthcoming elections.

The Motion on Notice brought pursuant to Order 26 56 (1) of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2009, is expected to be moved tomorrow before the presiding judge, Justice D. V. Agishi.

Nnaji, who was also a former national auditor of the party, is asking the court to suspend the judgment, which it had reserved in a similar civil suit in connection with the authenticity of who was the actual chairman of PDP in Enugu State on that date, to hear the present application.

The defendants are the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for Enugu State and the National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Nnaji had in an earlier suit claimed that that “in 2008 I was elected as the chairman of PDP Enugu State and other members of the executive committee of the party at the designated venue, Macdanos Hotel, Enugu.

“That unfortunately, when the then national chairman of the PDP, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, took over

leadership of the party from Col. Alhmadu Ali(redt)as the chairman, he decided not to respect the decision of the party before his assumption of office, hence suit FHC/EN/CS/

83/2008 against him and others.

“Surprisingly, one Engr.

Vita Abba, who equally claimed elected as chairman of the party in Enugu State

Groups endorsing Jonathan, Buhari not sincere—IKEDIFE

By Vincent Ujumadu

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WKA—FORMER president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, has described groups endorsing President Goodluck Jonathan of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) of All Progressives Congress, APC, for the forthcoming presidential election as not being sincere.

Ikedife, who was particularly worried about the action of some Igbo groups competing for the endorsement, told reporters at Nnewi, Anambra State, that politics was all about interests and wondered what the groups stood to gain by not considering their group interests first before making the endorsement public.

He said: “We are dwelling on things that do not matter.

Endorsement is done by these groups because of what they are given and these endorsements are purchasable.

“Endorsement or not, Nigerians are becoming more analytical and, therefore, know who to vote for during the election.

“In the politics of Nigeria, Igbo should always think of their group interest and then national interest. Many people

have been wondering what will be the Igbo interest after the elections.

“For instance, if there is trouble in the North, the Niger Delta or in any part of

HE Constitution says election must hold every four years. If the postponement is truly about security, why not postpone the election in Bornu, Yobe and Adamawa states, and conduct it in the remaining 33 states?—Mrs Loveth Chekwub, Businesswoman.

C M Y K

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the country after the elections, how will it affect Igbo?

“Our people have to consider where their interests is best suited and religion should not be the issue in choosing a leader.”

Senate petitioned over Obanikoro’s nomination as minister

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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civil society group, AllNigeria Save Democracy Movement, has petitioned the Senate over the ministerial nomination of former Lagos State governorship aspirant of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The petition urged the Senate to reject the nomination.

The group had, in the petition to the Senate President, David Mark, through Senators Gbenga Ashafa and Obafemi Ojudu, listed several reasons Obanikoro was unqualified to become minister again.

According to the group, Obanikoro, amongst other reasons, is of dual citizenship of the United States of

America and Nigeria and as such, going by the provision of the constitution, should automatically be disqualified for the post.

Quoting a provision of the constitution, the group said “Section 66 (1) (a) says “no person shall be qualified for election to the Senate or the House of Representatives if, subject to the provisions of Section 28 of this Constitution, he has voluntarily acquired the citizenship to a country other than Nigeria or, except in such cases as may be prescribed by the National Assembly, has made a declaration of allegiance to such a country.”

By this provision alone, the group noted, Musiliu Obanikoro was not even qualified in the first instance to run for the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but managed to manipulate the system to get elected into the Senate in 1999, which in itself was fraudulent and criminal.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

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at a venue designated him, himself and his collaborators was joined as the 3rd defendant in that suit had to file a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court.”

What is your view on the polls shift?

NEC is strictly an in dependent body that conducts elections in country. So I strongly agree with Jega that only the chief of staff can clearly pinpoint when he, or they, think(s) the country is safe enough for a credible elections.— Dr. Onyeka Uwakwe, Lecturer.

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HE NSA would have plunged the nation into anarchy. Jega would have tendered an unreserved apology to the nation for disappointing and telling Nigerians that the commission was ready, while security lapses still remained.— Miss Ogbue Immaculate, Student.

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NEC had told us they were ready to conduct the 2015 polls even before the postponement and emphasized it times without number that they were ready. If not for the security issues in the northeast, elections results would have been announced by now.— Miss Kubura Aremu, Model.

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AN INEC do their work and do the work of security chiefs?

No. The workload is on the security agencies to bring calm to the zone and ensure free and fair elections. INEC staff are not police officers or military personnel.—Miss Sandy Faith, Businesswoman.

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N an atmosphere of crises, election cannot be held without first ensuring the protection of the lives and property of its citizens. Don’t forget that the main essence of state creation that leads to election in the first place is for protection of life.—Miss Chinonye Chinny, Student.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 — 47

Campaign with religion, pay N1m fine, INEC warns political parties

By Suzan Edeh

B

AUCHI—THE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Bauchi State has warned that any political party or politician who used religious sentiments for their campaigns would be made to pay N1 million fine or face 12 months of imprisonment.

The warning by INEC is coming on the heels of allegations that some politicians who were threatening some PDP supporters in Darazo Local Government based on their choice of presidential candidate.

The State INEC Administrative Secretary, Emmanuel Umenger who spoke yesterday during an interactive session with stakeholders in the local government including traditional leaders, security agents, NYSC members and party leaders in continuation of the commission’s familiarization tour of the 20 local government areas in the state.

He said that the aim of the

Ezemedolu tasks Ndigbo on PVC collection

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community leader and Ichie Ugochukwutubelu 1 of Ichida, High Chief R. U. Ezemedolu has called on eligible Ndigbo in the country to collect their permanent voter cards, (PVC) and come out enmasse on election days to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan for second term in office.

Ezemedolu who spoke with newsmen in Lagos, said the president has performed creditably well and deserved another opportunity to complete his transformational agenda.

While cautioning politicians and their supporters to desist from making inflammatory statements but focus on issues as their individual ambitions are subordinate to national interest, Ezemedolu said, “Those fanning embers of war and disunity to have a rethink, and that Ndigbo will not be part of any plans to divide this country as the cost of the three years Nigeria civil war are still fresh in their memory.

Though, Ndigbo are apolitical but should not be seen as sign of weakness.”

familiarization tourwas to enlighten stakeholders at the local governments on the level of preparedness of the commission towards the polls and canvass for the support of the electorates in ensuring a successful process.

According to the secretary, the commission was against electioneering campaigns based on religious sentiments adding that any political party that was caught in the act will

be prosecuted.

Umenger said, “Section 102 of the electoral act as amended frowns against campaigns based on religious sentiments.

Campaigns by political parties should be issue- based rather than along religious lines.

“The commission is equally against political parties intimidating the electorate based on their choice of candidates.

Electorates are always at liberty

to vote for any candidate they chose and should not be threatened because of their choices.”

In his response at the interactive session, the new state INEC Commissioner, Professor Hamman Tukur Sa’ad condemned the intimidation of electorates, saying that any threat to life or property should be reported to security agencies.

He warned against the politics of violence and urged local government authorities not to interfere in the electoral process.

MEETING: From left, Abia Sate Commissioner for Health, Dr. Okechukwu Oga; Head, Corporate Communications Unit, NACA/SURE-P, Barr. Stella Agbim; representative of Family Health International, Ms Phyllis Changa and a participant during NACA/SURE-P implementation stakeholders meeting at Umuahia, Abia State.

Why Aliyu handed over to Speaker instead of deputy'

By Wole Mosadomi

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INNA—THE official handing over of the state administration by Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu to Speaker of the state House of Assembly instead of his Deputy has continued to generate tension in the state just as the state government says there was nothing wrong in what the governor did.

Governor Aliyu officially handed over the administration of the state to Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Adamu Usman instead of his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Musa Ibeto last week while on vacation.

Former Chief whip in the House of Reoresentatives, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa Bwari had in a statement, described the action of the governor as not only gross violation of the Constitution but has also committed an impeachable offence.

According to him, the governor’s action contravenes section 190 of the 1999 Constitution, stating that in the event that a governor is not available to perform his functions, the power to act automatically shifts over to his deputy.

“The fact is that any blatant disobedience of the Constitution by a public office holder can be grounds for impeachment. The constitution is not anybody’s play thing and we cannot choose when

to obey it and when not to do so.”

He said that as far as there is still a serving Deputy Governor in the state, his office should be respected and accorded the constitutional powers.

Media Frontiers for Good Governance inaugurated in Asaba

By Tare Youdeowei

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SABA—IN the bid to ensure good governance at all levels of political leadership, an interim management committee for Media Frontiers for Good Governance, has been inaugurated in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The event which took place at the NUJ Press Centre has Miss Nkechika Vivian as Coordinator; Prince Victor Efeizormor, Chairman; Lawrence Okpewho, DirectorGeneral; Onome Tano, Secretary; and Obi Okolie Benedict as Assistant Secretary.

Others are Halliburton Almona as director of operations, Ngozi Odiwe and Rukewe Edjeren as Directors of Logistics

respectively. Paul Osuyi, and Godfrey Ubaka, Directors of Print.

Samuel Fejokwu, Director of Publicity, Napoleon Okwelum, Director of Electronic while, Ufuoma Tuoyo and Ufuoma Onovughakpo are Directors of Social Media.

Also inaugurated are Mr. Emma Fejokwu, Chief Dafe Okereka and Fred Odu as members of the advisory committee of the group.

Inaugurating the members drawn mainly from various government and private media outfits in the state, the Special Adviser to the Delta State Commissioner of Information, Mr. Pius Mordi, commended the initiative of the organizers, while reminding them of the need to be the watch dog of the society, committed and focused on the overall discharge of their duties.

POLLS: Ex-Niger Delta Minister, Ode rallies support for Jonathan

By Peter Duru

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AKURDI— F O R M E R Minister for State in the Niger Delta Ministry, Dr. Sam Ode has urged Nigerians to rally behind President Goodluck Jonathan and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, assuring that the party would continue to sustain the culture of true democracy in the country.

He spoke yesterday at a one day Town Hall meeting for stakeholders of the party in the Benue North West Senatorial District, organised by the Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organisation in Benue State at Makurdi, the state capital.

Ode, who is the state coordinator of the organization noted that “the the PDP had over the years sustained the nation’s democracy and also ensured that the wheel of progress and development of the country was not jeopardized.

IDA distances Igbo in North from Summit

I

GBO Delegates Assembly, IDA, has distanced Igbo in the 19 Northern States from first national summit of Ndigbo in Northern Nigeria being organised by Dr. Ekwueme’s South East Peoples Assembly and Izu Umunna.

In a statement in Abuja by Chief D. Inyamah and Auston Ihedinezi, IDA said it remains the umbrella body of Ndigbo in the 19 states of Northern Nigeria and Abuja and the only authorized spokes body of Ndigbo in northern Nigeria for over three decades now.

The statement said “Our attention has been drawn to an invitation to a purported first national summit of Ndigbo in Northern Nigeria being organised by Dr. Ekwueme’s South East Peoples Assembly and Izu Umunna.

“We states that we remain the umbrella body of Ndigbo in the 19 states of Northern Nigeria and Abuja and the only authorized spokes body of Ndigbo in northern Nigeria for over three decades now. All the Igbo leaderships in northern Nigeria are affiliated to IDA.

48—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

TOUR: From left: Mr Toyin Ayinde, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Chahid Raffool, MD, Anatolia Company, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, and Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, during the governor's working tour to the construction site of 11 floor of luxury residential apartments, at Isale Igangan, Lagos Island, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

WREATH: Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, laying a wreath in honour of fallen Igbos at the epochal memorial known as Ozoemezina.

CAMPAIGN: Mr. Ben Langat, MD, Nigerian B o t t l i n g Company Ltd ( r i g h t ) , presenting personalized Coca-Cola bottles to Dr. O l u s e g u n A g a n g a , Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment as part of the Share-a-Coke campaign in Abuja.

CAMPAIGN: Deputy Speaker, House of Reps and PDP governorship candidate in Imo State, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha (left), and Chairman, Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH, Eze Eberechi Dick, during a campaign visit to the monarch at Aba North, Abia State.

LAUNCHING: From left: Mr. Abisoye Fagade, Principal Consultant/CEO, Sodium Brand Solutions, Mrs Theresa A. Kalejaiye, Marketing Manager, Altak Industries, and Mr Murchid V. Allam, MD, Altak Industries, at the launch of the Ranoush range of chairs in Ibadan.

BRIEFING: From left: Mr. Fola Tinubu, Vice Chairman, Support Group for Ambode, Chief Ayo Akande, West Senatorial coordinator, Hon Kehinde Bamigbetan, Head of Media, Support Group for Ambode, and Hon. Michael Akindele, coordinator, Support Group for Ambode, during a briefing by the group on last week's road show rally in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

UNVEILING: From left: Ms Jennifer Obayuwana,ED, Polo Luxury Group, Ms Osas Ighodaro, Brand Ambassador, Polo Luxury Group, and Ms Titilola Akinkugbe, Boutique Manager, Polo Avenue, at the unveiling of the Spring/ Summer collection 2015 in lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau.

EMPOWERMENT: Some residents of Badagry, learning how to make beads and jewelry accessories at the ongoing third phase of the Economic Empowerment Programme of the Lagos State Government, at the Badagry Centre, Badagry Town Hall, Badagry, Lagos.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 — 49

50— Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

FirstBank seizes Seawolf's rigs over N25bn debt zAs workers demand N3bn salary arrears

By Clara Nwachukwu & Sebastine Obasi

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AGOS— SEQUEL to our exclusive story earlier this month about abandoned oil rigs at the outer Marina in Lagos, Vanguard learnt that the rigs may have been seized by FirstBank of Nigeria Plc for alleged debts of about N25 billion owed by Seawolf Oil Services Limited, owners of the rigs.

As a result, the two rigs, Onome and Oritsetimeyin, may not have been abandoned after all, but kept under watch by FirstBank.

This is happening as more than 450 workers of the company demand payment of N3 billion allegedly owed them since August, 2013.

The unfolding scenario is contrary to the claim by the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, the industry regulator, that the two rigs were undergoing repairs.

Vanguard’s Sweetcrude in its February edition had reported the unusual presence of the two rigs at the Marina, but the DPR had dismissed it as not ‘being out of place.’

Even now, the industry regulator has not the faintest idea why the rigs are at the Marina, because when contacted, a top official of the agency, who preferred anonymity insisted that the rigs were not abandoned.

“What we are saying is that as long as the rigs have no issue, they are not abandoned,” he argued.

But curiosity about the presence of the rigs at the Marina was borne out of the fact that rigs are usually found in oil producing areas.

But on further investigation, Vanguard discovered that the two rigs were seized because of mismanagement of funds by Seawolf.

Rigs were working for Total, Addax It was learnt that while the rig

named Oritsetimeyin was working for Total E&P Nigeria, Onome was working for Addax Petroleum Development Company, with each generating $130,000 daily.

Things started to fall apart when the directors of Seawolf were alleged to have been diverting the company’s funds for personal use. First was the $11 million given by Total meant to train the staff and buy equipment for the rig, which could not be accounted for, which led to cancellation of the contract. Also, the company refused to service the N25 billion loan it took from FirstBank.

These led to the gradual grinding of operations of the once flourishing oil servicing company wholly owned by Nigerians.

When the company could no longer function, it terminated the employment of its more than 450 workers in August 2013, without paying their entitlements.

of 3.5 percent increment.

yearly

AMCON fails to honour agreements

In pursuit of their entitlements, the workers approached the Ministry of Petroleum Resources for intervention and to facilitate their payment.

In one of the meetings said to have held on November 10, 2014, at the NNPC towers in Abuja, it was resolved that Seawolf receiver manager (AMCON) should verify claims of the workers and effect payment.

Attendants at the meeting included officials of the Ministries of Petroleum Resources, Labour and Productivity, AMCON, and

HEAD of the forthcoming general elections and the peace accord endorsed by candidates of various political parties across the federation, the Urhobo Progress Union, Youth Wing (Ighele ri Urhobo) has advised Nigerians to see the peace option as a collective responsibility rather than that of government and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, alone.

This call was made by the President of the apex Urhobo youth body, Mr. Ovie Anthony,

He said: “Loan to Seawolf is long standing. Due process was followed. Two years ago, it was reported in the annual general meeting of the bank. Right now, it is no longer FirstBank’s loan.

It is an AMCON issue.

AMCON has taken over and every other enquiry about it should be forwarded to AMCON. It is now an AMCON business.”

AMCON offers no defence

When Vanguard sought the reaction from the spokesman of AMCON, Mr. Kayode Lambo, he said he was busy and offered to call back in about 10 minutes time.

When Vanguard called back later after waiting for his call for more than 30 minutes, he did not take his call and neither did he respond to a text message sent to him in that regard.

AMCON takes over

Consequently, the Asset Management Company of Nigeria, AMCON, was compelled to take over Seawolf and the two rigs involved. However, the workers are asking for their salary arrears, terminal benefits and other entitlements as enshrined in the Collective Bargaining agreement, CBA, they signed with Seawolf.

Some of the workers’ claims include: non-payment of outstanding salaries till date; end of contract bonus; nonpayment of overtime; public holiday and weekend bonuses; non-provision of medical services which led to the alleged death of one Patrick Akpan.

Others are an unremitted pension deduction not remitted; non-payment of leave allowances and leave not spent; and non-payment

PDP governorship candidate for Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje (2nd left), and Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of Trinity House Church in Lagos, weekend.

Akwa Ibom Dep Gov lauds NEMA, tasks business owners on safety

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KWA Ibom State Deputy Governor, Valerie Ebe, has acknowledged contributions of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, towards reducing disaster situations in the society through awareness campaigns and donations of relief materials to

Urhobo youths preach peace, issue-based campaigns

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joint representatives of junior and senior workers unions— NUPENG and PENGASSAN national branches.

However, Vanguard learnt that this was not effected in the letter.

In another meeting held on January 26, 2015, at the conference room of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, it was resolved that under three weeks, AMCON should verify workers’ claims, make payment and report back to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. The resolution was also ignored.

Thereafter, the workers have become agitated and are set to mobilise to compel AMCON to pay them as agreed by the parties involved in the negotiations.

Contacted, a source in FirstBank, who chose to remain anonymous, said although the bank gave such a loan to Seawolf, due process was followed.

when youth leaders of various ethnic nationalities from the south-south, including the UPU Youth Wing Worldwide, Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, and others gathered at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa.

While expressing condolences, on behalf of the Urhobo youths to the Ijaw people over the loss of some prominent female politicians who died in the course of campaign recently, Anthony advised the youths against wrong use of the social media.

Anthony frowned at the various campaigns that had become attacks on person by the political parties, describing it as inimical to democratic stability and a violation of the purported peace accord signed by these political parties.

He particularly condemned the high spate of calumny, character assassination and what he described as ‘pull him down syndrome’ being displayed by youths on behalf of their principals via social media.

disaster victims across the country.

Ebe who stated this during a sensitization workshop on Fire Prevention and Response Techniques in Market Places, organized by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency, (SEMA), for traders across the State, at Itam Market, Itu L.G.A, described fire outbreaks as a major disaster in the country that has resulted in loss of lives and property worth billions of naira.

She listed some of the notable fire incidents to include the Balogun Market fire in Lagos State, the Keffi Central market fire in Nassarawa state and the recent ones in Anambra and Rivers states, which has brought a devastating toll on the psychology of its victims and the economy.

Lady Ebe attributed most of the fire incidences to negligence on the part of the victims, natural disasters such as changes in weather conditions and accidents,

pointing out that more than N50 billion worth of property are lost annually, with a devastating effect on the victims.

The Deputy Governor, who is also the Chairman, State Emergency Management Committee, commended NEMA for their commitment to reducing disasters in the society through awareness campaigns.

Earlier, the South-South Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Mr. Benjamin Oghenah, said the seminar was put in place for traders to curb the spate of disasters and reduce its effects on the economy.

He expressed the hope that within the year, more energy and resources will be expended on meeting appropriate standards that would ensure proper prevention of market fires and other disasters in the country.

The NEMA executive congratulated the state government for being proactive in the provision of standard infrastructures and facilities.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015—51

• Female circumcision has no known health benefit, yet it is still widely practiced in Nigeria and other African countries.

FGM: Any end to a needless practice?

By Chioma Obinna

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F Chiamaka Agwu had a choice about whether or not to be circumcised 40 years ago, certainly, she would have chosen not to .

But as luck would have it, the choice was made for her and she was circumcised, a development she regrets to date. Chiamaka’s predicament is not unconnected with complications arising from the act which was carried out by a Traditional Birth Attendant, TBA, in her community.

Coming from a family of seven children, (six girls and one boy), Chiamaka recalls that although she and her five sisters were all circumcision, she is the only one that has developed complications.

Following the deed, Chiamaka who hails from Ebonyi state says she has battled health challenge after health challenge.

Her woes began right after the circumcision and manifested in different forms. First it was like fever. No week passed without her getting ill and this continued until she became of age.

Due to the numerous health challenges, her physique has changed from that of a woman to a man. She is frigid and withdrawn from having relationship with the opposite sex. Worse still, her sex life is zero.

“At 40, I cannot boast of a

boyfriend, not that I don’t like to have one, but I don’t feel anything for a man. This has continued to turn many of my suitors away. I hate to discuss this with my friends. I cannot tell them I am circumcised.

“Even when I tried to keep one male friend some years back, at a time he wanted to have his way with me, but I resisted. In the course of my struggling with him, I got injured. Since then, the trauma I faced that fateful day has lived with me. It is something to be avoided. “Till date, I am still asking why it should be me. I still experience pelvic pains,” she stated.

prevalence rate is 41 percent among adult women. WHO reports show that 91.5 million girls and women above nine years old in Africa are currently living with the consequences of FGM. There are an estimated three million girls in Africa at risk of undergoing the abuse every year.

According to the World Health organisation, WHO, FGM is practiced in more than 28 countries in Africa and a few scattered communities worldwide. Its burden in Nigeria is an old traditional and cultural practice of various ethnic groups.

Psychological scars

Domestic violence Chiamaka is one of the estimated 140 million girls and women worldwide who have been subjected to various types of female circumcision, a form of Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, which is the cutting, partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for cultural, religious or other nonmedical reasons.

The practice ranks high as one of the many instance of domestic violence that is used as a check or cure for sexual promiscuity among women.

Unfortunately, FGM is still widely practiced and the national

Abandoned practice: “Although, many families have abandoned the culture but are shying away from admitting there has been a serious problem in Nigeria and a harmful practice in place for hundreds of years will only make the problem worse. It is still happening,” Mrs. Edith Okon, a victim of FGM stated.

In her article entitled; “Stop FGM”, an anti-FGM activist, psychotherapist, Leyla Hussein described FGM as one of the worst physical and psychological scars a girl can be left with.

I was cut when I was seven years old. I didn’t know what FGM was until the day it happened to me. FGM is child abuse and needs to be stopped. One misconception is that it is similar to male circumcision

”I was cut when I was seven years old. I didn’t know what FGM was until the day it happened to me. FGM is child abuse and needs to be stopped.

One misconception is that it is similar to male circumcision”, she stated.

In a study conducted by TC Okeke, USB Anyaehie, and CCK Ezenyeaku, on the Överview of FGM in Nigeria”, Nigeria , because of population, accounts for about one-quarter of the estimated 115–130 million circumcised women in the world.

In the study, the team found that despite the increased

international and little national attention, the prevalence of FGM overall has declined very little.

Vice President of the CommonWealth Medical Association, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, described FGM as having no health benefits for girls and women.

The adverse consequences of FGM are shock from pain and haemorrhage, infection, acute urinary retention following such trauma, damage to the urethra or anus in the struggle of the victim during the procedure making the extent of the operation dictated in many cases by chance, chronic pelvic infection, which Chiamaka is currently battling.

Health implications such as prolonged labour, delayed 2nd stage and obstructed labour leading to fistulae formation, and increased perinatal morbidity and mortality amongst others have been associated with FGM. Victims are also bound to suffer mental and psychological agony which is deemed the most serious complication because the problem does not manifest outwardly for help to be offered.

Anticipated pains “The victims are in constantly in fear of the procedure and after the ritual they dreads sex because of anticipated pain and dreads childbirth because of complications caused by FGM. Such girls may not complain but end up becoming frigid and withdrawn resulting in marital disharmony,” he explained.

However, as the WHO, UNICEF and other stakeholders are working towards ending the harmful practice, experts are of the view that there is need for intensification of education of the general public at all levels on the dangers and undesirability of FGM. Experts describe FGM as crude, dangerous, wicked and unhealthy. FGM is not required by any religion and there is no scientific evidence that women who have been mutilated are more faithful or better wives than those who have not undergone the procedure.

The bottom line is that there is need for abolition of this unhealthy practice.

A multidisciplinary approach involving legislation, health care professional organisations, empowerment of the women in the society, and education of the general public at all levels with emphasis on dangers and undesirability of FGM is paramount. At the grassroots, efforts should be taken to join in the crusade to say “No” to FGM anywhere it is practiced.

52—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

No bird flu in Obasanjo Farms— FG

Succour for pregnant women at internally displaced persons camps

By Sola Ogundipe

By Gabriel Olawale

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HE Federal Government yesterday denounced media reports that bird flu attacked Obasanjo’s farm in Otta, Ogun State. In a press statement made available to Vanguard, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture described the publication in a national daily, (not Vanguard) as false noting that the write-up, captioned “Bird flu hits Obasanjo’s Otta farm,” has since been found to be a false alarm, misleading assertion and an attempt to exaggerate the bird flu outbreaks within the nation to set off undue panic.

The statement, signed by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said following the publication which claimed that bird flu attacked Obasanjo’s far, he immediately dispatched the Federal Director of Veterinary Services to ascertain the facts on ground.

He also contacted the Commissioner of Agriculture of Ogun State, Ronke Sokefun, to get the staff of the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture to verify the veracity of the said publication.

“Based on thorough investigation of the published outbreak, which did not emanate from any of the official channels of bird flu reporting, it has been found that no such outbreak occurred. It is hereby stated categorically, for the benefit of the public, that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of agriculture in Ogun State have dismissed the said publication as false.

“Although Ogun State is one of the states with reported cases of bird flu, the Federal and state veterinary authorities have ensured that the four farms affected in the state, which did not include Obasanjo’s farm, were swiftly quarantined, depopulated and decontaminated as soon as the infection was confirmed.

Surveillance of farms and live bird markets in the state for the disease has also been intensified with on-going advocacy and sensitisation of all stakeholders in the state.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has been paying cash compensations to poultry farmers whose farms were depopulated."We are fully on top of the situation and there is absolutely no cause for alarm. These are simply fabricated stories to scare the public and undermine our bold efforts to stamp out the bird flu".

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XPECTANT mothers at Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, Camps at Damaru and St Joseph’s Catholic Mission in Adamawa State have obtained safe motherhood kits (popularly known as Mama Kits) — a crucial intervention tool which contains essential items used by midwives to assist in the safe delivery of babies.

Concerned by the plight of pregnant internally displaced persons, and the increased risks faced by their newborns, the kits were donated last week during an IDP outreach by the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, WBFA. During the exercise, FounderPresident of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, led by Aisha Buhari, wife of the APC Presidential Candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), and the Wellbeing Foundation Africa medical team and advocacy counsellors, told the expectant mothers that their newborns have a right to be born in a well-equipped environment, with skilled and respectful medical care, despite the challenges of displacement.

The provision of the Mama Kits to displaced expectant mothers, along with

Provision of the Mama Kits to displaced expectant mothers, along with the WBFA IMNCH Personal Health Record, is part of efforts to empower safe motherhood, decrease maternal and infant mortality rates, and assist those in need

•Founder/President, Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, encouraging some of the displaced pregnant women at the Internally Displaced Persons Camp during the donation of the Mama Kits. the WBFA IMNCH Personal Health Record, is part of efforts to empower safe motherhood, decrease maternal and infant mortality rates, and assist those in need.

It is also to motivate women in special situations to seek appropriate care during pregnancy and delivery, and encourage pregnant women to give birth at health facilities where mothers are more likely to have access to skilled health workers as well as family planning services and support.

The IDP outreach was a result of donations of relief materials, medications and resources from compassionate, public spirited

Rotary marks 110th year with blood donation

By Gabriel Olawale

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• L-R: President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, Olumide Akintayo, receiving a souvenir from Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Danladi Kifasi, as Kehinde Adeyemi, Director of Protocol Office of the HOSOF looks on during a courtesy call by the PSN in Abuja, recently.

individuals and organisations.

In a remark, Saraki said compassionate action for pregnant IDPs must never be reduced to primordial partisan sentiments. She urged the pregnant women to keep the safe delivery kits until their time of delivery.

The provision of Mama Kits to displaced expectant mothers, along with the WBFA IMNCH Personal Health Record, is to motivate the mothers to seek appropriate care during pregnancy and delivery, and encourage pregnant women to give birth at health facilities where mothers are more likely to have access to skilled health workers as well as family planning services and support.

N continuation of its tradition of extending a helping hand to the needy, Rotary Club of Lagos-Palmgrove Estate, Nigeria has commemorated 110 years of Rotary Club dedicated service to humanity across the continent with free blood donation.

The exercise which aimed at providing succour for those in need of blood and to prevent death that may occur as a result of unavailability of blood witnessed large turnout of volunteers majority of which are members of Indian who turned out in large numbers with the sole aim of helping to ease the plight of patients in desperate need of blood.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Club, Ramesh Biswal said the aim was to raise not less than 110 pints of blood to save lives and prevent diseases such as anaemia, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

“Over the years, we watched with keen attention the loss of lives at an alarming rate, mostly due to the nonavailability of blood for victims who need urgent transfusion and we are much aware of tension and misconception that is spreading around concerns of blood donation.”

But we have increased our effort in sensitizing people on the benefits of blood donation for the donor and the recipient. As a donor, it helps your body to produce new blood cells and what you are doing is humanitarian as you are giving the gift of life and saving lives.

“In the last eight years of our providing service to the community, we have been able to donate more than 50,000 artificial limbs, free eyes surgery to more than 18,000 peoples along with free glass, empowering the blinds.

“Our much awaited approval of the dream project eyes hospital got approval in the end of 2014 and the construction of the hospital will commence soon.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015—53

FLPN appoints new executives •As Cornelius and Caroline Tay bow out

By Tony Nwankwo

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OLLOWING the exit of erstwhile Country Manager and Managing Director, Forever Living Products Nigeria, FLPN, Mr. Cornelius Olanrewaju Tay and his wife, Caroline Olabisi Tay, new executives have been appointed to run the affairs of the ever-growing network.

It was the mandate of Senior Vice President, Operations, Forever Living Products International, Mr. Bill Lewis on behalf of the Founder/Chairman, Mr. Rex Maughan, to pass on the mantle of leadership to Mr. Olusegun IsraelAdegboye as Country Sales Manager; Mr. Loye Akinyele as Director, Finance and Administration and Mr. Bode Olasinde as Director of Operations.

Lewis commended the retiring couple for their dedication and commitment that saw the Nigerian company moving from the 11th position to the 3rd in global ranking.

Speaking on his new role in the company, Country Sales Manager, Mr.Olusegun Israel-Adegboye said: "Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Tay, brought this company to a healthy path, they elevated the business to its esteemed position internationally, we will now take off and move it to the next level. We are now looking at incorporating wider and newer markets.

As the new Director, Finance and Administration, Akinyele expressed confidence. "If you consider that I have done this for over a year, you will realise it will be of the same in financial contribution and more importantly to ensure that bonuses are paid on time and we will utilise all available channels open to us so

PIUTA lauds Mansard on training of urologists

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• The new management at Forever Living Products Nigeria Limited. L-R: Director of Finance and Administration, Loye Akinyele; Director of Operations, Bode Olaside and the new Country Sales Manager, Mr. Olusegun Israel-Adegboye at the Lagos Success Showcase event. that products are there when needed. You recall that most of the NAFDAC and other government regulatory agency awards happened under my desk for the past one year and a half. So, we intend to continue to maintain our relationships with NAFDAC and the other regulatory bodies".

Olaside, the new Director of Operations noted: "The new focus of the company is to build on the legacies of Mr. and Mrs. Tay. They came on board and showed everybody in Nigeria and around the world that it is possible for Nigeria to build a successful FLP business to Number 3 position globally. So, we will continue. We have a good team to achieve a new cycle

of success, building on what the Tays have left behind", Olaside said.

As a new Forever Calendar Year begins, Olaside said preparations were on for the Global Rally taking place in Singapore in April. About 120 distributors from Nigeria are expected to attend as qualifiers.

In a lecture titled “Protecting Yourself in a Toxic World”, renowned neurologist and trainer in brain optimization, Dr. Abayomi Aiyesimoju, emphasised the need for Nigerians to take their health seriously in an environment that is pollution-prone.

He said the Nigerian environment was saddled with enormous pollution and sometimes hazardous to health.

HE Pan-African Urological Surgeons Association's Initiative for Urological Training in Africa, PIUTA, University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan centre has commended Mansard Insurance plc for its support through its annual funding of the Postgraduate Training Fellowships in general urology.

Speaking recently, Director of the centre, Prof. Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa, said Mansard’s support for the centre has been invaluable. Some of the landmark achievements made with Mansard’s support include sponsorship of the oversea training, conference and fellowship of Dr. Sikiru A. Adebayo of Urology Division, Department of Surgery, UCH to attend the Bristol Urology Urodynamic course in the UK and the 34th Congress of the Societe Internationale d’Urology held in GlasgowScotland in October 2014.

Olapade-Olaopa said through the support of Mansard, PIUTA was able to clear and insure the state-of-the-art endoscopy equipment donated by Karl Storz GMBH for advanced urological training fellowships at the University of Ibadan and UCH. “Also, through their support, the centre was able to produce Patient Information Leaflets, PIL, in indigenous Nigerian languages. A survey of patients on usefulness of the PIL revealed that the leaflets were very useful as they understood the information provided on the diseases and their treatment. Part of the fund from Mansard also provided support for the development of a Yoruba language Human and Veterinary Medical Dictionary.

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54—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Youths back Omene-led UPU

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HE leadership of the Ovie Igho Anthonyled UPU Youth Wing has urged Urhobo people, both at home and in Diaspora, to disregard and ignore publications by Tuesday Onoge and his UPU faction, describing them as cheap propaganda and blackmail targeted at distracting the focus of Urhobo people.

The president of the youth body, Mr. Ovie Igho Anthony made this statement during a briefing at the Urhobo Youth Database and Empowerment Centre after an enlightenment seminar-cum induction ceremony organized by the group and skill acquisition institute for beneficiaries of the 2015 scholarship scheme.

He said UPU remains intact with Chief Joe Omene as the only President General of the union and himself, Ovie Igho Anthony, as the Youth Wing President Worldwide.

APC alleges plot by FG to create fake Shekau

By Gbenga Oke

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HE APC Presidential Campaign Organization, APCPCO, has alleged that the Presidency is planning to present before Nigerians a fake Boko Haram leader in its effort to show Nigerians they are winning the war against terrorism.

The party also alleged that credible sources have alerted APC that the fake Shekau might become a tool to blackmail members of the opposition by coaching the phantom terror Boko Haram leader to say he is working for General Muhammadu Buhari (retd).

In a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity of APCPCO, Mallam Garba Shehu, he wondered

where the ‘new Shekau’ will come from after government at several times in the past announced that they had killed the insurgents' leader.

He said: “The charge to the military that they should catch Shekau alive by the President in the last 24 hours lends credence to the report that indeed a fake Shekau is about being created and we want to assert that the profile of the leader of the insurgents presupposes that the man is not likely to allow himself to be caught alive.

“APCPCO recalled that the attack on General Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna was seen and believed by most Nigerians that it was perpetrated by the Boko Haram and the police that is constitutionally

empowered to investigate such incidents has not contradicted the widespread belief that this was a Boko Haram attack.

“The view of APC is that it does not make sense for Buhari to be in league with or be associated in any way with people who have set out to kill him.

“Unfounded allegations linking the opposition to insurgency amounts to leaving the issues to pursue personal attacks as warned against barely 24 hours ago by leaders of the Catholic community in the country through Arch. Bishop John Onaiyekan.”

Quoting President Jonathan’s recent confession that he underestimated Boko Haram, the

APC presidential campaign said the admission was a direct evidence that President Jonathan had nothing to offer and must bow to the wind of change.

He said: “President Jonathan is out of touch with the realities of the lethal challenges posed by global terrorism including Boko Haram, which is affiliated to Al-Qaeda global terror network.

“For any President to underestimate terrorism, it means that he does not take any national challenges seriously, including health, poverty, unemployment, power, education, infrastructure.”

The APC presidential campaign organization said President Jonathan had passed a vote of no confidence on himself and his government.

DDA backs Oboro's re-election

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group, Delta Democratic Alliance, DDA, has thrown its weight behind the candidature of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for Uwvie, Okpe/Sapele Federal Constituency, Evelyn Oboro, for reelection to the House of Representatives.

Rising from a meeting at Sapele, Delta State, weekend, the group, through a member of the Board Trustees, BoT, Mrs Betty Nikoro, said Oboro’s challengers do not have the courage and the zeal to represent the people better.

Nikoro said the group had deployed both human and material resources to dwarf the assumed popularity of her opponents at the polls, adding that the position of the group was informed by the achievements recorded by the lawmaker.

She said: “For us in DDA, it is either Doris Oboro, or nobody. What this means is that we have deployed enough human and material resources to ensure that this Uwvie jewel is declared winner—by a landslide.”

RELIGIOUS INTERACTION FOR ELECTIONS: From left— Mr. Ayo Ogungbiye, Vice Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC; Alhaji Yemi Idowu, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area; Chief Imam General, Amuwo Odofin council; Mr. Ayodele Adewale, former Executive Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government; Overseer Elias Aluko, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Amuwo Odofin council and Evangelist Rapheal Egunjobi, Secretary, CAN, Amuwo Odofin, during an interactive session convened by Mr. Adewale with religious bodies in Amuwo Odofin on the forthcoming general elections inLagos.

Adamawa to probe council chairs, councillors

By Umar Yusuf

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OLA—AHEAD of the general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led government in Adamawa State is to probe local government chairmen in the state over alleged antiparty activities.

This was against the backdrop of fear of nonacceptability of the candidates of the party in the coming elections.

Governor Bala Ngilari made this known yesterday, while reacting to allegation by the state party chairman, Chief

Joel Madaki, that some of the chairmen and their councillors were involved in campaigning for candidates of other parties.

Madaki, who spoke before the governor at the stakeholders meeting at Government House, had called for action against the chairmen for acts of betrayal.

Ngilari, who had three months ago sacked Gombi Local Government council, following the defection of the chairman and most of his councillors to APC, said he would first probe the allegation before punishing those implicated.

Ngilari told the council chairmen, who were at the meeting, “we are not here to victimize anybody. As a just man, I will first investigate you before taking action. So you better clear yourself.”

Ngilari said he would not tolerate betrayal from anybody, adding that anybody who would not do PDP bidding should quit the party before it was too late.

Efforts to get the chairmen reactions, who looked disturbed over the development after the meeting, did not yield results as they said they would first

meet before reacting collectively.

A reliable source, however, said the party was angry with the chairmen for their failure to release campaign money to the party.

The source said: “Many of the chairmen are finding it difficult to pay salaries and the party is putting pressure on them to fund the party campaigns.”

Earlier, various stakeholders in the party in the state, who spoke at the meeting, promised to work tirelessly for the victory of PDP presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, to secure resounding number of votes in the March general elections.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 — 55

Obanikoro, Ubah broker peace in ASPAMDA

POLLS: Court joins Buhari, APC, PDP as defendants in anti-PVC suit

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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ORMER Minister of State for Defence, Sen Musiliu Obanikoro and Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, have intervened in the leadership crisis rocking the Auto Spare Parts & Machinery Dealers Association, ASPMDA, Trade Fair Complex.

It was gathered that the duo’s intervention has doused the tension generated by the crisis.

Disclosing this to Vanguard, a former secretary of the union, Chief Okwudili Chuwuma said normalcy returned following the signing of peace accord at the instance of Obanikoro and Ubah.

He said after an exhaustive deliberation, the warring factions decided to sheathe their swords, adding that the market is still under the leadership of a Board of Trustees as directed by a court judgement.

Also speaking, Chairman of Board of Trustees of ASPAMDA, Chief C Ifekwem described the crisis as a fall-out of the association’s election held on July 31, 2014. ‘’The problem is still as a result of the association’s election held last year July 31, which didn’t go down well with the candidates because the right procedures were not followed.

So, the aggrieved members went to court and obtained injunction restraining the former president from swearing in the purported winner,’’ he added.

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B U J A — T H E Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), yesterday, persuaded the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to join him as a defendant in the suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to make

use of both the permanent and temporary voter cards for the forthcoming general elections.

Equally joined as codefendants in the suit which was filed by a civil society group under the aegis of Society for Advancement and Protection of Public Rights, SAPPR , yesterday, were the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Incorporated Trustees of Fiscal & Civil Right

INSPECTION TOUR: From right; Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; General Manager, TERA and PICO Construction Limited, Engineer Shehu Abdul-Kadir and Former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Alhaji Abdullahi Binuyo during an Inspection Tour to the A.U.D Elementary School, Inisha, at the weekend.

Urhobo professionals task Jonathan on UPU crisis

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FFURUN—THE Urhobo Advancement Network, a group of Urhobo technocrats, have advised President Goodluck Jonathan on how best to go about convincing Urhobo to vote for him.

Addressing newsmen in Effurun, yesterday, the group through its spokesman, Anthony

Edirinverere, lamented the stagemanaged crisis currently besetting the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, blaming it on the desperation of the PDP to capture Delta, a state, in which according to it, it has completely failed in delivering the dividends of democracy to the satisfaction of the people.

CRFFN approved tariff and billing template out soon — JUKWE

By Ifeyinwa Obi

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AGOS—THE Registrar of the Council for Regulations of Freight Forwarders in Nigeria (CRFFN), Sir Mike Jukwe has announced that an approved CRFFN Standard Tariff and Billing Template may come into force this year, noting that the only huddles presently before it is “the consent of the Ports Economic Regulator and the approval of the Minister of Transport” yet to be obtained.

Jukwe, who stated this in Lagos, also indicated that Practitioners’ Operating Fees, as proposed by the member-Associations and CRFFN is similarly undergoing same necessary processes and would become enforceable, as soon as needed clearance was obtained.

He categorized registered members into seven; namely those

Enlightenment Foundation.

Though it was only Buhari and the APC that initially applied to be joined in the suit, at the resumed sitting yesterday, the PDP through its lawyer Mr. I. A. Adeoke, SAN, urged the court to allow it to enter into the matter as a party.

Even though counsel to the plaintiff, Mr. Osita Nnadi, SAN, told the court that Buhari did not serve him with a copy of his own

in Brokerage Services; Logistics and Consolidation; Freight Haulage Services; Freight Finance and Insurance Services; Freight Consultancy and Training Services; Supply Chain Management; and those in Regulatory and allied Services.

“Seven Registers will therefore be created for these areas of specialization”, he stated further, even as he stressed the strong need for registered members to ensure they meet all financial obligations, warning that the Council may not hesitate to deregister debtor members; pointing out that it is for this reason that “the Registers will be published bi–annually and will be on sale to the public”.

Positing that the CRFFN would place much premium on continuing education, Sir

Jukwe said the Council, had endorsed two Training Centers, which would be operated by Freight Forwarding Associations in partnership with the Redeemers University, naming them as the ANLCA Training Centre and the NAGAFF Training Centre; even though any associations qualified Training facility would also be granted the same status.

“Arrangement is being concluded for CRFFN to train 300 Registered Practitioners for a start in 2015, as follows: 150 for Certificate in Freight Forwarding (CIFF) ; 100 for FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding and Logistics (DFFL) ; and 50 for FIATA Higher Diploma in Supply Chain Management (HDSCM)“, he highlighted.

Edirinverere claimed that Urhobos were not intitially hostile to President Jonathan returning to office untill he allegedly started medlling in UPU affairs.

He said: “This is a grand design calculated to split Urhobo votes to the detriment of O’tega Emerhor of APC. Jonathan should simply have asked for our votes instead of pretending he is supporting both Ogboru and Okowa at the same time for a single post. By asking us to vote for Okowa and then also using Omene and Omo-Agege to impose Great Ogboru on UPU at the same time is quite suspicious and has only led many Urhobos who would ordinarily have voted for him to smell a rat. It is as if Mr. President is merely hoodwinking us into voting for him and after he is secure in office, he will then abandon us as usual and support Ifeanyi Okowa of his own party for governorship.

According to him, “Urhobo people cannot be so easily fooled and PDP is only making Urhobos more and more hostile to President Jonathan’s second term ambition. As far as we are concerned, O’tega Emerhor of APC is our candidate for governorship while Tuesday Onoge is our authentic UPU leader and when he speaks it is he the Urhobo people will to.”

joinder- application , however, he said he would not oppose any of the applications.

Meantime, Buhari who was represented yesterday by six Senior Advocates of Nigeria and 42 other lawyers led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, agreed to serve the plaintiff with his application right inside the court room.

Delivering a short ruling on the applications, Justice Abdul Kafarati granted all the applications and joined Buhari, APC, PDP and the Incorporated Trustees of Fiscal & Civil Right Enlightenment Foundation, as the 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants, even as he adjourned the matter till March 18 for mention.

Besides, Justice Kafarati ordered the plaintiff to amend its processes to reflect the names of the new defendants.

It will be recalled that the plaintiff had originally cited the INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, as 1st and 2nd defendants in the matter.

Specifically, the plaintiff is seeking a declaration that by virtue of sections 77(2) and 117(2) of the Constitution, INEC, has no power to deprive any Nigerian who is eligible to vote at the election, the chance to vote on the ground of non possession of the PVC. It is urging the court to order INEC to allow the use of the temporary voter cards issued legally to Nigerians in 2011 along with the permanent voter cards in order not to disenfranchise over 20 millions electorates yet to access their permanent cards.

It maintained that the use of both cards would enable all eligible Nigerians to vote in the election and thus make the process more free, fair and credible.

The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/ 06/15 is also seeking for an order of court to compel INEC to allow anyone with a voters’ card, either temporary or permanent, to vote, as long as it was duly issued by the electoral body.

To do otherwise, the group said would amount to disenfranchising millions of Nigerians, saying there was no law that empowered INEC to insist on PVC as the only acceptable card for voting.

On the contrary, the group argued that by refusing to allow people with temporary voter cards to vote, INEC is violating sections 77(2) and 117(2) of the Constitution.

It therefore prayed the court to declare that any provision of the Electoral Act 2010 or the Electoral Guidelines issued by INEC which prescribe the use of a card reader machine for screening of voters card or which has the effect of preventing a registered voter to vote, is beyond the powers of the electoral body and therefore unconstitutional.

56 — VANGUARD, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 , 2015

BRIEFS

Ukraine rejects withdrawal as attacks persist T

HE Ukrainian military said it could not pull weapons from the front as required under the tenuous truce, as long as its troops were still under attack.

The Ukrainian currency, nearly in freefall this month, fell a further 10 percent on Monday on fears that the truce could collapse. The central bank said it would impose import curbs to sustain the hryvnia.

The value of Ukrainian debt also fell, with bonds now trading at 40 cents on the dollar.

The reported shooting came closer to killing off the truce, intended to end fighting that has killed more than 5,600 people, which rebels ignored last week to capture the strategic town of Debaltseve in a punishing defeat for Kiev.

Western countries still hope the truce can be salvaged if the rebels halt having achieved that objective. But Germany, whose Chancellor Angela Merkel was the driving force behind the peace

deal, said in unusually strong terms that it was now clear that the ceasefire was not being implemented.

Kiev says it fears the rebels, backed by reinforcements of Russian troops, are planning to advance deeper into territory the Kremlin calls

“New Russia”. Moscow denies aiding the rebels.

Fighting has diminished since Kiev’s forces abandoned Debaltseve in defeat last Wednesday, and there were hopeful signs for the truce over the weekend, with an overnight exchange of around 200 prisoners late on Sat-

urday and an agreement on Sunday to begin pulling back artillery from the front.

But Kiev said on Monday that two of its soldiers had been killed and 10 wounded in overnight fighting, and it could not start the artillery withdrawal if its troops were under attack.

Fighters with the separatist self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic army ride on top of an armoured personnel carrier in the town of Debaltseve yesterday.

said, speaking after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held two-day talks in Geneva.

Zarif told Iran’s Fars news agency: “We had serious talks with the representatives and especially with the Americans in the past three days. But still there is a long way to reach a final agreement.”

An Iranian source told Reuters that Zarif and Kerry would return to the Swiss city to launch the next round on March 2.

The P5+1 group the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany — are seeking to negotiate an agreement with Tehran to adUS Secretary of State John Kerry, 2nd left, walks with body guards at Lake dress concerns that Iran Geneva prior to a bilateral meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad is seeking nuclear weapJavad Zarif for a new round of Nuclear Talks, in Geneva, Switzerland, at the ons technology, someweekend thing it denies. some of the tough issues”, a senior U.S. official said on Monday, but both sides said much remained to be done.

Negotiators from Iran and six major powers agreed to resume talks next Monday at a venue to be decided, the official

France seizes passports of six ‘Syria-bound’ citizens

F

RENCH authorities have for the first time confiscated the passports of six nationals who were allegedly planning to travel to Syria to join jihadists.

M

ARIA Golovnina, Reuters bureau chief for Afghanistan and Pakistan died in Islamabad yesterday.

Maria, 34, was found collapsed and unconscious in the bureau and was rushed to hospital, but medical teams were unable to save her.

In a career spanning more than a decade with Reuters, Maria was always on the move, reporting from some of the world’s most dangerous places with a calm authority that other, more experienced journalists could only admire.

She was driven by a hunger to understand what made human beings tick, be it during the throes of revolution in Libya or in the pre-dawn calm of southern Pakistan as Sufis cleansed a revered shrine with rose water before their ecstat-

ic rituals began.

As friend and colleague Peter Graff put it: “Empathy wasn’t just a skill she deployed for her craft. It burned in her white hot. It is what sustained her legendary stamina for work, play and learning.”

The daughter of Russian expatriates, raised in Japan and writing in her third language, English, Maria joined Reuters in Tokyo in 2001 and subsequently worked in London, Singapore and Seoul as part of the graduate trainee programme.

She was posted to Russia from 2002 to 2005, where she covered the early years of the Putin presidency, the Moscow theater siege and a spate of bomb attacks by Chechen rebels across the region.

U.S, allies stage 25 air strikes on IS

U.S, Iran positive after nuclear talks T HE United States made some progress in talks with Iran on its nuclear program and managed to “sharpen up

Reuters journalist Maria Golovnina dies in Pakistan

Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said the intelligence services believed the men wanted to join the Islamic State (IS) militant group.

The measure is part of

new counter-terrorism laws adopted last November.

Meanwhile, France has deployed an aircraft carrier off Bahrain to be used against Islamic State (IS)

militants.

Planes from the Charles de Gaulle carrier will be used against IS positions in Iraq, a spokesman for Defence Minister JeanYves Le Drian said.

T

HE United States and its allies staged 25 air strikes on Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria, focusing on the Syrian cities of Kobani and Hasakah, the Combined Joint Task Force said yesterday.

In attacks from Sunday morning through Monday morning, the coalition staged 11 strikes near Hasakah that hit 10 tactical units and six raids near Kobani that struck five tactical units and five fighting posi-

tions, the task force said in a statement. With the coalition’s help, Syrian Kurds have been pushing Islamic State in recent fighting.

An air strike near the Syrian town of Dayr az Zawr also hit an Islamic State oil facility.

In Iraq, Islamic state tactical units, fighting positions, vehicles and checkpoints were hit in seven strikes near Mosul, Kirkuk, Al Asad, Ar Rutbah and Tal Afar, the task force said.

Suspect in Pakistan school massacre arrested

P

AKISTANI authori ties have arrested a suspect in the December 16 attack on a public school in Peshawar that left more than 140 people dead, most of them children.

Taj Muhammad, also known as Rizwan, is accused of commanding one of the Taliban units that laid siege to the Army Public School. The military says he has confessed to other attacks in the same area.

Taliban militants ambushed the school, explosives strapped to their bodies, and burst into an auditorium filled

with students taking exams.

They sprayed bullets rapidly, killing 145 people. Of those, 132 were children, authorities said.

The terror group had warned Muslims to avoid places with military ties, saying it carried out the attack to avenge the deaths of children allegedly killed by the nation’s army strikes in tribal areas.

The army school is home to about 1,100 students and staff, most of them sons and daughters of army personnel from around Peshawar.

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 , 2015 — 57

BRIEFS

Ivory Coast’s ex-first lady Simone Gbagbo in court

15,000 Egyptians flee Libya from Sallum crossing A

LMOST 15,000 Egyptians have flocked back home from war-torn Libya, crossing at the Sallum border, state media reported Monday, following the murder of Coptic Christians by the Islamic State group.

Last week Egyptian and Libyan warplanes hit IS targets inside Libya after the jihadists re-

leased a video on February 15 showing the beheadings of 21 Christians, most of them Egyptian.

Since then Egypt has urged the hundreds of thousands of Egyptians who work in Libya to leave, and also chartered planes to ferry many of them home from Tunisia, which also shares borders with Libya

At least 14,585 Egyptians have heeded that call and returned home crossing from the Sallum border post in northwest Egypt, state news agency MENA reported.

MENA said the figure included 3,018 Egyptians who crossed back on Monday alone, but did not specify how many of them were Christian.

AU urges Congo to seek support of UN forces

T

HE African Union yesterday urged the Congolese government to accept help from U.N. forces to defeat rebels in the country’s east, after a row over human rights derailed plans for joint operations.

Peacekeepers in the U.N.’s Congo mission, known as MONUSCO, had been due to support an operation against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) but suspended cooperation this month because two Congolese generals due to lead the campaign were accused of human rights abuses.

President Joseph Kabila said last week that the operation had started without MONUSCO. A government spokesman said Congo “renounces, in the most official manner, the support of MONUSCO to track the FDLR. We are going to track them alone.”

After members of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council met on Monday to discuss the conflict, the AU special representative to the Great Lakes region, Boubacar Gaoussou Diarra, told Reuters: “We think that it should be a joint operation to succeed, which is why, today when Congo as a country renounced any logistical and professional support from MONUSCO, we were not very happy with this issue.”

The United Nations had given Kinshasa until mid-February to remove the two generals, Bruno Mandevu and Fall

Secretary-General of UN, Ban Ki-moon Sikabwe, whom it accused of involvement in human rights violations. Congo has said that the U.N. mission has not presented any evidence of the alleged abuses and it is not aware of any violations.

“We need D.R. Congo to benefit from logistical and operational support from MONUSCO. It is the only way to secure the success of the operation against the FDLR because they (the rebels) have been on the ground for 20 years and they have melted into the population,” Diarra said.

The U.N. Security Council on Jan. 8 backed the military mission after the rebels — estimated to number 1,400, including former soldiers and Hutu militiamen responsible for Rwanda’s 1994 genocide — ignored a Jan. 2 deadline to surrender.

A Tunisian transport ministry spokeswoman meanwhile said that at least 1,000 Egyptians who had fled Libya have been airlifted home from her country on planes chartered by Cairo since Friday.

She told AFP that 250 more Egyptians were expected to leave from the southeastern DjerbaZarzis airport by 1600 GMT. A Tunisian customs official said that an unspecified number of Egyptians were also waiting on the Libyan side of the border, hoping to cross the frontier.

In July last year, thousands of Egyptians fleeing violence in Libya were stranded for days at the border with Tunisia, as authorities refused to let them in until Cairo had arranged for their transport home.

Tunisia was flooded by expatriates fleeing Libya during the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi, and struggled to cope with the massive exodus.

Days after the revolt erupted, Egypt had sent military planes to Libya to evacuate up it citizens trapped in the violence.

I

VORY Coast’s former first lady, Simone Gbagbo, has denied wrongdoing for her alleged role in the violence that followed the 2010 elections.

Ms Gbagbo was giving evidence for the first time at her trial in Abidjan.

Her husband, former President Laurent Gbagbo, is awaiting trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC). He refused to accept defeat in the presidential elections, sparking months of violence that claimed more than 3,000 lives. “I don’t know exactly what the concrete actions are that I am being accused of,” Mrs Gbagbo said at the hearing, according to the AFP news agency.

She also insisted her husband was the legitimate winner of the elections instead of his rival, Alassane Ouattara, who was declared the winner

of the poll.

Police had to separate supporters and opponents of the Gbagbos as scuffles broke out outside the court.

The Ivorian judiciary had resisted pressure to send her to the ICC as well, where she is accused of war crimes, saying she and other key suspects should be tried in their homeland.

Mrs Gbagbo and more than 80 supporters of her husband have been charged with undermining state security.

Both sides have been accused of atrocities in the bloody clashes that followed the disputed elections. The Gbagbos were eventually arrested in a bunker in April 2011, five months after the elections, following a military assault supported by UN and French troops.

Ms Gbagbo is facing charges of undermining state security

Kenya anti-terror laws: Court scraps main clauses K

ENYA’s High Court has thrown out key aspects of a tough new anti-terrorism law after a legal challenge by the opposition.

Eight clauses were annulled, including those

which curbed media freedom and capped the number of refugees and asylum-seekers to 150,000.

The government said the law was needed to

counter the growing threat posed by militant Islamists.

The opposition warned that it violated civil liberties.

The BBC’s Maryam Abdalla in the capital, Nairobi, has said that the opposition Coalition

Opposition lawyer James Orengo told the court the law undermined civil liberties

for Reform and Democracy (Cord) party applauded the ruling, saying it had saved Kenya from becoming a police state.

Our reporter says the court had ruled in the government’s favour on some controversial clauses.

These included giving Kenya’s intelligence agencies the power to carry out covert operations to prevent attacks and allowing police to detain terror suspects beyond 24 hours, provided they were first brought to court.

The law was passed during a chaotic parliamentary session in December, following the killing of 64 people in two attacks in northwestern Kenya by the alQaeda-linked al-Shabab group.

58 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

R-l: Former Minister of Defence, Hon Demola Razaq Seriki, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, APC Governorship Candidate, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and his running mate Dr Oluranti Adebule during a meeting with Senior Citizens and Pensioners in Lagos State

Youths tasked on election violence

A

HEAD of March 28, election, The Riverine Peace Initiative in Niger Delta, a social political organization has applauded the recent decision of INEC to postpone the general election, to enable the Military to combat the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.

The organization, known for the peace campaign that ensured Amnesty was provided for militants in the Niger Delta region that led to the peace the country and the region has enjoyed before the emergence of Boko Haram described the Boko Haram struggle to Islamize Nigeria as a futile

exercise.

Addressing newsmen in Bayelsa State during a sensitization programme held for youths on the need to shun threat of insecurity during the election, Comrade Toluwa Mulade

stressed on the need for youths to come out enmass to cast their votes as the Federal Government was working hard to ensure the security of every Nigerian during and after the election.

Oshodi, Isolo residents urged to collect PVCs

O

SHODI and Isolo residents have been told to collect their Permanent Voter Cards PVCs to ensure total victory for All Progressives Congress APC in the forthcoming polls.

Speaking at a well attended rally organized recently by a Lagos based

transporter, Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya said Oshodi and Isolo residents should come out in large numbers to cast their votes for their candidates from presidential to national and state Assembly seats.

According to him, Oshodi and Isolo residents are for the APC, so there is no way for opposition parties.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015—59

Eaglets won’t underrate South Africa — Amuneke G

OLDEN Eaglets’ Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke has commended his players for Saturday’s convincing 3-1 defeat of Zambia, which ensured first-place finish for Nigeria in Group A and a ticket to the FIFA U17 World Cup. The Golden Eaglets will trade tackles with the South Africa Under 17s in the semi-final of the CAF Under 17 Championship.

To get to this stage of the competition, Nigeria emerged winner of Group A with seven points while the Amajimbos, finished second in Group B. Coach Emmanuel Amuneke says the South African team will not be treated with kid gloves, pointing out that Nigeria almost paid the price for overconfidence against Guinea.

“We are not going to under-rate South Africa.

My boys made that mistake against Guinea and it nearly cost us dearly.

“We will go all out against South Africa with our full strength,” he said.

Both teams have qualified for the Fifa Under 17 World Cup scheduled to take place in Chile from 17th October – 8th November.

S

IVASSPOR’s Ni gerian international striker Michael Eneramo is expected to be sidelined with an injury for up to three weeks.

The powerful striker has scored three goals and made two assists in 12 games for the Yigdos.

Sivasspor signed Eneramo during the winter transfer window on a free transfer from Basaksehir. The 29-yearold striker scored 29 goals in the league when he previously played for the team in 79 appearances.

ONWARD MARCH: Golden Eaglets players celebrate their progress at the CAF U-17 tournament in Niger.

Bonus row rocks Dream Team

H

IGH-RIDING Dream Team VI have rejected a win bonus of $1,000-a-player for their 4-1 win in Gabon in an All Africa Games qualifier at the weekend.

AfricanFootball.com can

•Siasia

Eneramo out for up to 3 weeks

exclusively reveal that both players and officials refused to receive the bonus to set up a showdown with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

“We refused to receive the $1,000 bonus,” a player who made the trip to Libreville.

Top NFF officials have recently complained about the poor finances of the federation.

NFF technical committee chairman Felix AnyansiAgwu said the FA have been battling with various costs lately.

In the meantime, the Nigeria U23 team returned to Abuja Monday afternoon after their convincing road win in Gabon.

The return leg is fixed for March 7 in Abuja.

•Eneramo

Injury knocks out Musa Yahaya from AYC A knee ligament tear has ruled out Tottenham Hotspur youth star Musa Yahaya from next month’s African Youth Championship in Senegal.

Flying Eagles coach Manu Garba announced Musa Yahaya will miss the U20 championship after he suffered a knee injury in the team’s second test match against Ghana Black Satellites last week in Tema.

Musa Yahaya, 17, was forced out of the match in the 51st minute after he went in for a tackle and suffered a knee ligament tear in the process.

“The scan result shows that Musa Yahaya will not be available for the AYC,” disclosed coach Manu Garba.

“It’s a great loss for the

team as he is a key player, but we have no choice but to forge ahead without him now.

“We wish him quick recovery and hopefully he will join us for the World Cup when we qualify.”

The player himself has taken his injury setback philosophically, saying it is the will of Allah.

It is believed the former Nigeria U17 star will be sidelined for up to six weeks if “conservatively managed”.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have also contacted the player’s English Premier League on the latest development.

Manu is expected to announce a final 21-man squad latest Thursday midnight for onward submission to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

•Musa Yahaya C M Y K

60 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Pinnick to visit Mourinho, Pellegrini next month

By Jude Opara, Abuja

A

PPARENTLY excited by the success of his just concluded meeting with the manager of English Premiership side Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has revealed that he will return to England to also meet with the managers of Chelsea and Manchester City football clubs, Jose Mourinho and Manuel Pellegrini respectively.

Pinnick who recounted the benefits of his meeting with Wenger including the proposed training of the technical group made up of some coaches and exinternationals on match reading as well as the promise to put Super Eagles coaches on refresher courses added that such visits will also make it easier for the clubs to always release Nigerian players in their teams for national assignment.

He said that already, he was able to meet with some young Nigerian players and their parents on the need for them to come and play for their father land instead of representing other nations.

“I have heard of people saying why should I go and visit somebody like Arsene Wenger, the beauty of it is not quantifiable and in the next couple of weeks I will also be meeting with Mourinho and Pellegrini. The other time we wanted to call Iheanacho and we heard issues about the coach and all that but if I have a relationship with the coach it will just

•Pellegrini

•Pinick •Mourinho

Lagos ITTF World Tour: Injury stops defending champion W OMEN’s singles defending champion of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Tour tagged Lagos Open, Egypt’s Nadeen El-Dawlatly has been ruled out of this year’s tournament scheduled to serve off on March 10 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, Nigeria.

According to the President, Egypt Table Tennis Federation (ETTF), Alaa

Meshref, El-Dawalatly has been advised by doctor to rest as she is undergoing treatment on her knee.

“She (Nadeen ElDawlatly) had a knee problem and you can see her knee wrapped somehow in Kuwait Open on ITTV. She is under treatment and her doctor recommended that she should have a period of rest and then play gradzally and did not approve

My vision for Oyo FA, by Oloyede

A

N aspirant to the Oyo State Football Association Chairmanship position, Mr Babatunde Oloyede has unfolded his plans, if elected.

Oloyede, a former Secretary of the Oyo FA and international competitions manager, outlined his plans in a speech to stakeholders at the weekend.

The Oyo FA election is billed to hold in Ibadan tomorrow.

Oloyede listed the plan as including bringing back the old glory recorded by clubs in the state including Shooting Stars Football Club and Crown of Ogbomoso, provision

of quality leadership and improving the welfare of the workforce.

Oloyede said: ”I promise to work with the Oyo State Government to legislate on football at the grassroots and to seek private and corporate partnerships for all football related activities and running of this great institution in Oyo State.

“God willing the lost glory of hosting international matches in Oyo State will be a thing of the past."

As one of the principal officers that worked effectively with Shooting Stars Sports Club between 1997 and 2000 and also in 1999

when we played in African Club Championship which happens to be our last International competition to date, and also as one of the stakeholders that immensely ensured the promotion to the professional Club- side in 1997 of Crown Football Club of Ogbomosho, I will work tirelessly with appropriate bodies and associations to ensure that the euphoria we derived from our darling football teams participating in International competitions comes back to Oyo State within the shortest possible period when I come into Office.”

her trip to Lagos in order not to start aggressively before she is totally ready and free of pain,” the ETTF boss said.

He added: “The schedule provided by her doctor would approve her to be ready by the Spanish Open.”

Meshref, whose daughter, Dina won the last ITTF Africa Senior Championships however, assured that the North African would present a formidable team for the Lagos Open."

“Egypt is coming with many good players and I am sure the fans in Lagos will enjoy the competition,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nigerian players are warming up for the tournament as most of them now besiege training centres across the country in their bid to put up good performance at the championship.

“We want to ensure that we give our fans the expected performance because we must do well in order to halt the Egyptians dominance of the tournament. There is no doubt that this year’s competition promises to be explosive as top players from Europe and Africa are coming to Lagos.We are also waiting,” the players said.

O U T : Nadeen

Zambia lie in wait for Dream Team

Z

AMBIA’s U-23 side will be the Dream Team’s next opponents in the race to the 11th AllAfrica Games after they must have seen off Gabon, following the withdrawal of Madagascar.

Siasia’s wards lashed the Gabonese 4-1 in Libreville on Saturday with the return leg set for Abuja on March 7. The winner of the two-leg fixture is billed to play the winner between Zambia and Madagascar, but the Indian Ocean islanders

withdrew from the race, handing an automatic final round ticket to the Zambians.

The first leg of the final round fixture will take place in Nigeria only two weeks weeks after the return leg with the Gabonese.

Also at the weekend, Burundi shocked DR Congo 1-0 in Kinshasa, Sudan edged hosts Ethiopia 2-1 in Dire Dawa and Uganda and Mozambique drew 0-0 in Maputo.

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 — 61

C M Y K

62 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Kompany fires salvo at Messi, Neymar, Suarez Reus: Dortmund, Juve tie is 50-50

M

ARCUS Reus says Borussia Dortmund’s last-16 Champions League clash with Juventus is a 50-50 tie with no clear favourite.

“Juventus are really a strong team,” he told Kicker. ”The chances of qualifying I think are about 50/50. We are proud enough to say that we can eliminate them if we deliver a top performance. On the top-level it is brutally difficult, though.

“We have seen in the first round that we are different in the Champions League than in the Bundesliga. We have beaten Arsenal and Galatasaray in Istanbul. The top level has its own laws. It is certainly very interesting. For every player in the world the motivation is particularly high."

•says City not afraid of Barca V INCENT Kompany has a message for Bar celona’s £350m strike force: “We are not afraid”.

The Blues defence kept its first clean sheet for 11 games against Newcastle on Saturday, good timing with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar due in town for today’s Champions League crunch.

And, even though the Catalan aces’ attack boast the most fearsome threesome in world football – and the one with easily the highest market value – Kompany is unfazed.

The very mention of the word had the big Belgian bristling with indignation: “Fear? We don’t fear them. You don’t go in at this level fearing strikers,” he said.

“We want to play against them. It’s the fourth time in a year now. There’s noth-

AMIR Nasri says Manchester City paid Barcelona too much respect last year – and this time will be treating them as equals.

“I think we respected them too much last year but we

can

handle City

J

•Messi

•Mascherano

Allegri: Dortmund not a final AX Allegri warned that Juventus v Borussia Dortmund “is not a Final, so it requires patience, cool heads and technique.”

“It is certainly not the game of the season. It’s not a Final, it is the first leg of a Round of 16, so

•Kompany

there are 180 minutes to go. Borussia are in great form, as are we, so it will require patience, cool heads and technique. It’s an important game, but not the most decisive of the season."

have tougher games when you go to Stoke City.

“It’s about the fact they can decide a game within a second. They have more players than anyone else in the world who can finish games with a touch of magic."

“But I’ve come into football to play those games. From the moment I’m feeling reluctant to play in these games, I’m not in the right place. This is what I want.”

Nasri: We’ll spill blood against Barca S

Mascherano: We

•Reus

M

ing new to worry us, it’s a case of having the whole team

at a very high level.

“They ’re a special team with special players, of course. I think their ability is not about hurting you all game – you can

AVIER Mascherano put the spotlight on Manchester City ahead of their Champions League meeting with Barcelona.

“For sure they will try to be ready for us in the Champions League because it’s a key competition for them,. They are trying to improve year by year and they are trying to make a big pass for the future and they are looking for that so it will be very tight.

“We know how good they are but we will try to give our best - as always. We know them and that will be to our advantage.

“We know that Barca need to be in the quarter•Nasri final, we know it is not easy but I will say again if we keep the motivation and we keep this good moment that we are in, we will have a lot of chances.”

has

weren’t experienced to compete with a club like this. They know how to win a Champions League.

“I think it was too much of a big game, we were not ready. This year is totally different. We are ready to go the extra mile and we know what we are capable of.

“I think Messi and Ronaldo play in their own galaxy,” he said.

They compete with each other. The rest, Luis Suarez and Neymar are the same level as Sergio. Sergio when he is fit can lift the team and score goals.

“Messi is on another galaxy, Xavi and Iniesta were the best midfield in the world for six or seven years."

“I like the way they play. I prefer Iniesta to Xavi because Xavi keeps the ball better but Iniesta can do more things.

It is too pretentious to compare myself to them.”

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015—63

Man City make U-turn on Iheanacho M

ANCHESTER C i t y have made a sensational U-turn to have Kelechi Iheanacho feature for Nigeria at next month’s African Youth Championship.

After first saying the player will be unavailable for the AYC in Senegal due to injury, English Premier League champions City have now gone back on this, saying Iheanacho could be released to join the Flying Eagles for Senegal 2015 as he has fully recovered ahead of a mid-March time frame earlier set by the EPL club.

The player himself has called up coach Manu Garba to inform him he has recovered from a longterm ankle injury, while expressing his willingness to feature at the AYC. The MVP for the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup, who followed the team’s recent warm-up matches in Ghana via telephone, told Manu he will even play a

•Iheanacho

Falcons have a date with Mali

M

ALI will be Su per Falcons’ opponents in the final round of qualifiers for the women’s football tournament of the 11th All Africa Games following the withdrawal of Gabon.

The first leg of the quali-

fying fixture will take place in Bamako on March 22.

The Falcons who are African champions returned to training camp in Abuja at the weekend as a result of this.

They will also be preparing for the qualifiers of

Beware Continues from BP difficult encounter for both sides but the side that persevere and maintain 100% concentration will go home victorious.

“That means Eaglets must be 100% careful in their approach to the game as well as remain at their very best.

“I believe Eaglets will win at the end of the day but they must not underrate the opponents or lose even a second concentration.

“Absolute concentration is the watchword throughout the duration of the encounter,” said the former Enugu Rangers coach.

Dike however is uncomfortable with the head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke reported outburst that World Cup ticket is key as far as the

cadet championship is concerned.

“The comment is capable of making the players complacent especially in semifinal clash against South Africa.

“The coach needs to quickly work on the players’ morale and psyche as the championship title is worth winning in addition to the World Cup ticket.

“Eaglets should win the title and head to the world stage as African champions, it’ll give them added respect at the global arena,” said the former Nasarawa United coach.

The semifinalists at the African Under-17 Championship have automatically qualified to fly the continent flag at the 2015 Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Chile.

the women’s football tournament of the 2016 Olympic Games.

Continues from BP much awaited contract of Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi has been finalized and ready to be sent to him before the end of the week.

Pinnick who spoke to journalists yesterday in Abuja said the federation was eager to conclude the contractual agreement so as to enable the coach resume work if he agrees with what is contained in the document.

According to him, contrary to insinuations in certain quarters that the NFF was deliberately delaying the process, the seeming delay was because the federation was avoiding litigation.

“We have done everything concerning Keshi’s contract, the only reason it stayed this long is because we don’t want litigation, we have to look at everything that will protect him and also protect the federation.

What we want is the best for the country and that is just what we have done. After looking at the contract and agrees to

match for City reserves today.

A source further said: “The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are expected to liase with the

medical staff of City to determine the extent of Kelechi’s recovery after which a final decision will be taken on this issue.”

The NFF have till Thursday midnight to submit to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) a final 21man squad for the AYC.

Egypt confirms 2017 Afcon bid withdrawal

E

GYPT’s sports minister Khaled Abdel-Aziz has confirmed his country has abandoned its bid to host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

“We have decided to withdraw our application and will support that of Algeria,” he explained.

Gabon and Ghana have also made bids, the Confederation of African Football will announce the hosts on 8 April.

Libya had been due to host the finals but withdrew due to the ongoing political instability.

Abdel-Aziz did not expand on the reasons behind the decision but was talking after FIFA executive committee member Hany Abu Rida said it did not make sense for two Arab countries to compete against each other.

“Egypt will not compete

Keshi sign it then we are ready to roll”.

On the rumour that the former Super Eagles captain may be heading to Burkina Faso to coach their national team, Pinnick said “Keshi is a man that has his choice, if the Burkinabes are offering him a better deal than what we are offering, then it is unfortunate that we will allow him to go, we cannot hold him if he wants to go”.

The NFF boss also used the occasion to reveal that the out-ofcontract coach has been paid all his outstanding allowances.

Meanwhile the board of the NFF will next week hold its meeting to deliberate on a number of issues.

Pinnick who confirmed the meeting said it was called to deliberate on a number of developments in Nigerian football including the issue of Keshi’s contract as well as the outing of other national teams in i n t e r n a t i o n a l championships.

with Algeria - on the contrary we will give the best support we can,” Abu Rida said.

The move comes after the death of 22 fans on 8 February when police and supporters clashed before a game between Cairo clubs Zamalek and ENPPI. All domestic football is currently suspended until further notice but the Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab believes the league will not end up being cancelled.

“Frankly, I hope the league returns but it must resume in a secure and safe atmosphere,” Mahlab told an Egyptian TV programme on Saturday.''

“We will discuss this subject next week in the cabinet. Our priority is to balance the importance of the league’s return with the safety of footballers.

“If the league resumes,

it will be definitely without fans at stadiums,” Mahlab declared.

The latest tragedy coincided with the first round of league matches that limited fans had been allowed into stadiums since February 2012 when at least 72 Al Ahly fans died in clashes with Al Masry fans at the Port Said stadium.

•Afcon Trophy

Police dog bites player during match

A

Brazilian player was taken to a hospital for an antirabies shot after being bitten by a police dog during a match.

The incident happened in the second half of a first-division game between Democrata and Tupi on Sunday in the Minas Gerais state regional championship.

Democrata striker Joao Paulo was bitten on his

left arm after running out of bounds and falling too close to a police officer’s dog behind one of the goals. The dog was on a leash but the officer was not able to pull it back in time to avoid the attack.

Joao Paulo returned to the match after doctors wrapped his arm in bandages, but the team said he was taken to a hospital immediately after the game to receive the anti-rabies vaccine.

•ON THE PROWL: Police dog C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Keshi’s contract ready – Pinnick

BY JUDE OPARA, ABUJA

P

Pg .6 3

Egypt confirms 3 2017 Pg. 6 Afcon bid withdrawal

Man City make U-turn on Iheanacho

Pg .6 3

Police dog bites Player during match

RESIDENT of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has revealed that the Continues on P. 63

•Keshi

Pg .6 2

Suarez returns to England

Beware of S/Africa, Dike warns Eaglets F

ORMER Golden Eaglets coach, Alphonsus Dike has called for caution in the side’s semifinal clash against the Amajimbos of South Africa.

The reigning world champions will challenge the South Africans for a place in

•Amuneke

the final of the ongoing African Under-17 Championship in Niger Republic on Wednesday.

Eaglets garnered seven points to top Group A while South Africa finished second in Group B behind Mali.

Dike said Eaglets must be at their very best on

•Neymar

match day to be able to outsmart the equally good South African side.

“Unarguably, South Africa are a good side, the country ’s football has been on the rise in recent time.

“It’ll certainly be a

Today's Fixtures Man City

v Barcelona 8:45pm

Juventus v Dortmund 8:45pm

Continues on Page 63

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Fragrance (5) 7 Agitate (4) 8 Pest (6) 9 Ridge (5) 11 Offer (3) 13 Sever (3) 15 Frank (4) 16 Coach (3) 18 Tender (4) 19 Pagan (7) 20 Chair (4) 22 Tart (4) 23 Frisked (7) 25 Always (4) 27 Summit (3) 28 Lake (4) 30 Performed (3) 31 Record (3) 33 Leaf (5) 36 Vitality (6) 37 Press (4) 38 Cede (5)

DOWN 1 Undress (5) 2 Curve (3) 3 Poem (3) 4 Inclined (3) 5 Tin (3) 6 Presage (5) 10 Gull (4) 11 Bragged (7) 12 Disfigured (7) 13 Hide (7) 14 Nursing (7) 16 Cap (5) 17 Precipitous (5) 18 Ocean (3) 21 Sailor (3) 24 Travelled (4) 26 Call on (5) 29 Automaton (5) 32 Heated (3) 33 Snoop (3) 34 Fasten (3) 35 Cover (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Trust 5, Remote 8, Paste 10, Decent 11, Avid 14, Lament 15, Obscure 18, Tee 19, Tap 21, Dray 23, Petal 24, Seem 27, Den 29, Mat 31, Natural 32, Sailor 34, Tire 35, Housed 38, Spear 39, Modest 40, Ready.

DOWN: 2, Rue 3, Speech 4, Tan 5, Real 6, Maimed 7, Earthy 9, Started 12, Vat 13, Dear 16, Bale 17, Eaten 20, Panache 22, Aura 24, System 25, Emit 26, Malice 28, Future 30, Tor 33, Rest 36, Oar 37, End.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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C M Y K