Court bars soldiers from polling stations

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62368

**

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

N150

Court bars soldiers from polling stations

By Innocent Anaba, Evelyn Usman & Ikenna Asomba

L

AGOS — A FEDERAL High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, restrained

C M Y K

the Federal Government from deploying soldiers for the general elections Continues on Page 5

2 —Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 3

C M Y K

4 —Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

LAUNCHING: From left, President Goodluck Jonathan; Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala; Minister of Trade & Investment , Dr. Olusegun Aganga; Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina and CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele during the presidential launching of Development Bank of Nigeria at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida

Court bars soldiers from polling stations Continues from page 1 beginning on Saturday with Presidential and National Assembly polls.

The court held that there was no part of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which empowers the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commanderin Chief of the Armed Forces to deploy military for election purposes.

Trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba, also held that “it is unconstitutional for the Federal Government to deploy military for the supervision of election purposes without the approval of the National Assembly.”

Delivering a jugdment in a suit filed by a member of the House of Representatives and

chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, the judge declared the deployment of military for election as unconstitutional.

Gbajabiamila, leader of opposition in the House of Representatives, had gone to court challenging the power of the President to deploy soldiers for the elections.

Defendants in the suit were President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and the Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister.

The judge added that a careful perusal and research into all Nigerian laws would reveal that there was nowhere where it was stated that the

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them— Marcus Aurelius Our sense of wonder in the things around us is one of the ways we make our lives more meaningful and enjoyable. This is one of the reasons people go on vacations. Many of us travel to exotic places to marvel at artistic scenery, cultures and cuisine. This is because ‘wonder’ plays a big part in the allure of these adventures and the satisfaction gained from the experiences are often priceless.

You may be thinking, is wonder really such a big deal? I would say a resounding yes! Why? Think about it, the absence of wonder is often called boredom, and that is one step down the road to unpleasant experiences such as depression.

While we can all certainly experience wonder in new things, new locations, new experiences, new books, and new ideas. The key is to add more wonder to life by re-capturing past experiences, being present in the moment, and finding gratitude in the experiences that life brings to us each day.

President could singlehandedly deploy the military for elections.

In his argument, plaintiff ’s lawyer, Mr Seni Adio had contended that there were allegations and evidences that the military inhibit free movement, free access and intimidated voters in states like Osun, Ekiti, Edo and Anambra states where they were deployed for election purposes.

He argued that it was not ideal to deploy the military for the supervision of elections in a democratic setting.

However, in response, defendants’ lawyer, Mr Dele Adesina, SAN, argued that the President, being the Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces was empowered under the Armed Forces Act to deploy military to maintain law and order.

The deployment of troops, according to the defendants, was largely due to the peculiar nature of elections and electioneering in the country.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja had recently made a similar pronouncement on the role of the military in the conduct of elections, saying troops ought not to have been deployed during the polls.

The appellate court had held that based on the provisions of the law, the military had no role to play in electoral process, adding that whoever deployed the military during the election in

Ekiti State had breached the law.

Soldiers on Lagos streets Meanwhile, sternlooking and combat-ready soldiers were noticed yesterday along the Boundary Market-Mobil Road, in Ajegunle, controlling traffic on the axis.

One of the soldiers seen controlling traffic on the road, who refused to disclose his name, said: “We are here to maintain peace and orderliness before, during and after the election. Given the fact that Ajegunle is a flashpoint for violence in Lagos, we are now on the roads to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order by criminal elements on Saturday and subsequently, if the army authorities insist, we still stay around.”

Other spots in the area where the soldiers were sighted were Achakpo busstop, Okoya bus-stop, Itire bus-stop, Wilmer bus-stop and Tolu bus-stop. These areas were considered flash points.

Ajegunle is a ghetto community that covers the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government and Ifelodun Local Council Development Areas of Lagos State where three army barracks such as Arakan, Ashanti and Signal were located.

Residents who spoke to Vanguard said the soldiers had been deployed to the area since Saturday, even as they had a show-of-force

physical exercise along the road that day.

According to them, since the soldiers arrived the area, they have taken over traffic control.

This development, Vanguard gathered, has restored normalcy in the area, against the usual chaotic traffic jam caused by indiscriminate parking by commercial buses and motorcyclists (okada riders) in the axis, especially while trying to pick and drop passengers.

A resident, Wale Oke, said: “Since Saturday that these soldiers have been here, the chaotic traffic build-up we have especially along this Boundary Market roundabout has been cleared.

“These no-nonsense soldiers have cleared off all the danfo drivers and the Okada riders who park indiscriminately along this road to pick and drop passengers. This is a nice development.”

A newspaper vendor, who pleaded anonymity, described the presence of the soldiers as welcome development, even though they (soldiers) have asked them not to barricade the roads again to sell their papers.

According to her, “this road is usually blocked during morning and evening peak periods and members of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, and the Police are not helping matters. They pretend as if they are controlling the traffic, but look the other way as they (drivers) park recklessly along the road.

Confirming the presence of soldiers, Army spokesperson for 81 Division, Colonel Mustapha Anka, said: “It is just a routine maintenance of internal security. There is no cause for alarm and Lagosians should go about their legal businesses without fear.

Jonathan consoles Singapore over Yew's death

By Ben Agande

A

BUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the government of Singapore on the passing away of the founding father and former Prime Minister of the country, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, President Jonathan assured Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong and the people of Singapore that Nigeria stands in full solidarity with them as they mourn his legendary father who transformed Singapore from a small port city into a highly developed and prosperous centre of global enterprise.

“The President and people of Nigeria, for whom the globally acclaimed achievements of Singapore under the leadership of Lee

Kuan Yew have been a great source of inspiration over the years, join his compatriots and many admirers across the developing world in paying very well deserved tribute to the late Prime Minister who moved his country “from the third world to the first world” with immense wisdom, courage, resilience and perseverance.

Mr & Mrs

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

5 injured, as robbers invade UNIUYO

By Tom Moses

U

YO—THE temporary site of University of Uyo, UNIUYO, AkwaIbom State, was yesterday thrown into pandemonium, following early morning invasion of the institution’s graduate students' hostel by gunmen, leaving at least five students critically injured.

It was gathered that the gunmen invaded the hostel at about 1am, ransacked the entire 20room hostel and carted away about 10 laptops, 20 mobile phones, cash and other personal belongings of the graduate students.

One of the postgraduate students told Vanguard: “Some of us were deeply asleep after reading, while some of our colleagues were still working on their dissertations.

“Suddenly, we heard a hard kick on the fragile door to the hostel and the next thing was a group of armed-men pointing guns and ordering everyone to remain calm with faces downward throughout the over one hour the operation lasted.

“The gunmen took away my new phone, cash and my laptop containing essential documents including parts of my dissertations and research work that I have been working on since the last five years.”

One of the female students, who was hit with the butt of a gun, said the robbers made away with her research materials stored in her laptops and other personal effects, including cash.

Another student said the case of hostels’ attack by hoodlums was becoming too rampant on the campus, recalling that a similar incident occurred last Thursday.

5 killed, scores injured as herdsmen attack Taraba village

By John Mkom

J

ALINGO—GUNMEN , suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, killed about five persons and wounded dozens when they attacked Ananum village in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, yesterday.

An eyewitness, Ages Tarza, told Vanguard that the gunmen numbering over 200, invaded the village and started shooting, killing five persons, while many escaped with bullet wounds.

Tarza said Fulani herdsmen

had been attacking Tiv villages in the local government for some time now.

He said: “Instead of providing security, security personnel have been arresting and detaining our people, who are innocent and have not attacked a single Fulani man.

“A few days ago, robbers attacked and killed a Fulani man and our people were arrested and detained.

“The herdsmen attacked two of our villages, Ananum and Wahanye, and reduced them to rubble.”

He added that after the attack

T

HE police in Lagos, yesterday, arraigned two persons, Aropo Damilola, 22, and Abraham Bakare, 24, before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in the state for allegedly being

some houses.

He explained that before the attack, a Fulani man was slaughtered in the village, which prompted the attack.

Kwaji said before police arrived the scene, the gunmen had already fled.

He, however, noted that investigation into the matter was ongoing to bring the perpetrators to book.

The police spokesman assured that the attack would not in any way affect the forthcoming elections as police were battle ready for any eventuality.

I needed money for Army recruitment form, says suspected Okada thief

By Esther Onyegbula

O

GOOD MARKET MAN: Hawking wares around Ilasamaja in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Victor Ahiuma-Young.

PERATIVES at the antirobbery unit of State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Yaba, Lagos, have arrested two suspected robbers, who allegedly specialize in robbing people, stealing motorcycles and reselling the parts to unsuspecting customers.

The suspects, identified as Julius Joshua, 22; and Ugochukwu Nwachukwu, 32, were arrested at Alaba Rago and Trade Fair, respectively, after Police received intelligence report that they were unleashing terror on residents in the community.

Vanguard lear ned that Julius Joshua is presently the kingpin in one of the cells and allegedly extorts money from other suspects in detention.

10 EBSU students hospitalized after abacha meal

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI—NO fewer than 10 students of Ebonyi State University, EBSU, Abakaliki, were last weekend hospitalized at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki,

FETHA, after eating African salad, popularly known as abacha.

The students, studying at the College of Agricultural Science, CAS campus of the university, were rushed to the hospital when their health condition

2 docked over cult membership

By Bartholomew Madukwe, Victor Ogunsola & Echewodo Jane

on Saturday, the council chairman, Capt. Douglas Ndatse, in company of security men, inspected the damage in Ananum village, only for the attackers to return on Sunday to do more damage.

Tarza, who is the Chairman of Tiv Cultural and Social Association, TCSA, in Donga Local Government, called on the government to find a lasting solution to the problem.

Confirming the report, Police Public Relations Officer, ASP, Joseph Kwaji, said gunmen invaded Ananum village on Saturday and Sunday and burnt

members of an unlawful cult group known as Black Axe Confraternity.

The accused persons, whose addresses remained unknown, were also accused of having assembled and conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace.

Damilola and Bakare were arraigned on a three-count

charge of conspiracy, felony and breach of peach.

Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe granted the accused a N100,000 bail with two bloodrelated sureties that must show evidence of tax.

She ordered that N50,000 be deposited in the Chief Registrar ’s account and adjourned to April 30.

started deteriorating as it was gathered that the delicacy was infected with cholera-causing bacteria.

Confirming the incident, the Director of Rural Health, Ministry of Health, Dr. Christian Achi, said the food was infected from the activities of flies within the environment.

He said: “This is a case of cholera; the food they ate was already infected, following the activities of flies that go around perching on food items and dirty substances.

“I want to urge the people of the state to cook and eat in their homes; they should not expose their food and cooking utensils to flies. They should maintain hygiene and avoid dirty environment.”

Suspect’s confession

Confessing to the crime, Julius Joshua said he was arrested at Alaba Rago because he stole motorcycles and sold them off.

According to him, “I stole one from one Mr. Seieu and sold it for N20,000. I also stole another from one Mr. Isa and sold it. I sold both to Ugochukwu Nwachukwu.

“I stole the bikes and sold them because I was in need of money at that time. I used the proceeds from the sale to purchase Nigerian Army recruitment form. I bought the form for N4,500. I went for the recruitment exams in Ikeja, Lagos.

“After the exams, I was among those short-listed for the screening. I travelled to Kaduna State for the screening, but failed.

“I am from Adamawa State. I have realized that my actions were wrong, which is why I am begging for mercy and I promise never to go back to crime.

“My dad, who has been bedridden for the past 15 years, died last week when he heard I was arrested for robbery.”

‘I didn’t know he stole them’

In his defence, 32-year-old Ugochukwu Nwachukwu, the receiver, of the stolen motorcycles, said: “I was arrested in Article Market at Trade Fair. I was arrested because I bought stolen motorcycle from Julius in September last year.

“When I bought the bike from him, I did not know he stole it. I bought one bike from him.

When he brought the second motorcycle, I refused to buy it because he brought forged documents for the motorbike.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015—7

I was hypnotized, says lady who killed lover over N200

By Esther Onyegbula & Ediri Michael

‘He removed me from the streets’

G

IFT Wahab, the 20-yearold lady, who allegedly stabbed her boyfriend to death in Ajegunle area of Lagos last Thursday, said she was hypnotized by a force she could not resist.

The suspect, who said she was yet to come to terms with the reality of her boyfriend’s death, said the argument that resulted in the fight, which led to her boyfriend’s death, was over N200.

She said: “He usually gave me N200 as feeding money. On that day, as we were returning from where we went to drink, I became hungry and complained to him.

“He got angry and asked why I should complain of hunger after he had spent the only money he had on drinks. An argument ensued, during which he slapped me in the public.

“I got angry and held on to his shirt. He kept beating me and in the process, he inflicted injury on my nose.

“It was when I saw blood gushing from my nose that I ran inside the room and brought out a knife. He dared me to stab him and I stabbed him in the neck, not knowing he would die.

Gift Wahab.

In an emotional-laden tone, she stated that she owed her boyfriend, Ebi Amadu, a lot, revealing that he removed her from the streets, after they met in 2012.

She said: “We met in a hotel in Ojo Road and since then, I have been living with him and members of his family, comprising his mother and five siblings in a one-room apartment at 10 Ligali Street, Off Ojo Road.

“Along the line I got pregnant but I lost the pregnancy late last year.

“Though he was not rich, we were managing. He usually gave me N200 for feeding each day. I never meant to kill him.

It was a mistake.

“In fact, I was under a spell. I was hypnotized. I have never killed anyone in my life. Why

Man sentenced to death for stealing mobile phone, N10,000

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—A Delta State High Court sitting at Akwukwu-

A supporter shows off at a political rally in Owerri, Imo State, yesterday. PHOTO: Nwankpa Chijioke.

Igbo, headquarters of Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state has sentenced one Vincent Okwekwu to death by hanging for stealing a mobile phone and N10,000 cash from his victims, while armed with a gun.

The court gave the verdict having convicted the accused of the offence of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, the substantive offence of armed robbery, which was reduced to a lesser offence of robbery.

Presiding judge, Justice H. O. Akpotohwo, sentenced the accused to death by hanging for the offence of conspiracy and 21 years jail term for each of the other two counts.

Prosecution from the Department of Public Prosecutions, DPP, had told the court that Vincent Okwekwu, on or about November 1, 2009 with two others, now at large, broke into the apartments of one Ofoyeju Peter and Tietie Moses and robbed them of cash amounting to N10,000 and a mobile phone, while armed with

Nigeria Airways workers send SOS to FG over 20 years pension carrier, Nigeria Airways President to please help in

By Ediri Ejoh

W

ORKERS of defunct Nigeria Airways Limited, yesterday sent an SOS message to the Federal Government over non-payment of pension balance of over 20 years.

In the message by Jaja Somiari, the workers said: “We are helpless ex-workers of the former state-owned national

will it be my boyfriend?“ Vanguard gathered that when the late Amadu was stabbed, he attempted to remove the knife and in the process, fell into a drain.

A mob reportedly attempted to lynch Gift, but for the arrival of policemen from Layeni Division.

The mob, Gift said, “descended on me, saying they would kill me the same way I killed Ebi. I passed out when one of them landed a blow on my nose, which was still bleeding.

“The next time I opened my eyes, I found myself in the Police Station.

“I sincerely beg for forgiveness from my late boyfriend’s family. I know this will not bring their son back. But please let them forgive me.”

The suspect, according to the Police, would be charged to court at the end of investigation.

Limited, now liquidated.

“For about 12 years now, we have been asking government to pay us the remaining balance of 20 years of our pension payoff, having had an agreement with the government in this respect.”

The aggrieved workers appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to pay adequate attention to their plight.

They said: “We want the

bringing to an end this unwarranted torture, and wickedness to fellow citizens.

“The attached petition is detailed, as it captures our efforts and frustration, leading to this petition to your good offices for necessary action.”

The workers vowed to mobilize their colleagues nationwide to embark on protest should government fail to address their demand.

a gun and a cutlass.

The offence took place at Umueha quarters, Ibusa.

Nemesis caught up with them when his victims raised alarm that attracted members of the vigilante group in the area that led to his arrest as the hoodlums made to escape from the scene of crime.

While Okwekwu was caught, two other members of the gang escaped into a nearby bush.

The prosecution further told the court that the accused, who was later handed over to the police, admitted to have committed the crime in his voluntary statement.

He denied the charge as he pleaded not guilty to all the three count charges read to him by the court clerk, when he was arraigned before the court.

Five injured as PDP, APC thugs clash in Kaduna

By Luka Binniyat & Mayen Etim

K

ADUNA—THE onemillion-man march of All Progressives Congress, APC, organized to round off its 2015 campaigns grounded Kaduna metropolis yesterday as supporters of the party and that of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, clashed, leaving about five injured and posters of President Goodluck/Sambo and Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero destroyed.

Investigations by our reporters revealed that trouble started when the march, which was originally planned to kickoff from the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, was stopped by security agents, who asked them move to Kaduna International Trade Fair Complex on Kaduna-Zaria Expressway.

This is did not go down well with the party supporters, who were chanting “change, change dole” meaning Change come by compulsion.

The crowd vented its anger on anything that had to do with PDP, including pulling down billboards and posters.

The situation almost got out of control at the NEPA Roundabout, when some touts, said to be APC supporters, tried to scale the fence of the Goodluck/Sambo campaign office situated by the NEPA roundabout, but met with stiff resistance from PDP supporters, who were on hand, and a free-for-all began.

Driver accused of stealing passengers' property in Ogun

By Daud Olatunji

A

BEOKUTA—A 23-year-old driver, Tosin Olayinka, was yesterday arraigned before an Abeokuta Chief Magistrate's Court for allegedly stealing his passengers’ belongings.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Eigbejiale, told the court that the accused was a habitual criminal that disguised as a taxi driver and stole passengers’ belongings.

Eigbejiale said the accused committed the alleged offences on February 26 and on March 4 at 66, Majekodunmi Street, Iberekodo in Abeokuta.

According to the police

prosecutor, the complainant, one Obasa Felicia, boarded the suspect’s taxi on her way to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and in her handbag was N58,000, which the accused stole.

Eigbejiale further said the accused also stole one front tyre of a taxi, property of one Dauda Fasasi, valued at N8,000.

Defence counsel, Mr. Oludare Adejare, applied for bail for the accused on liberal terms, assuring the court that his client would not jump bail.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Anthony Araba, admitted the accused to a N100,000 bail, with one surety in like sum.

8 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

APC accuses Jonathan of spending N1trn on campaigns ...It's a huge lie—FANI KAYODE

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA—ALL Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organization, APCPCO, Monday, accused President Goodluck Jonathan of shifting N1 trillion from the public coffers to fund his campaigns of buying over traditional rulers and some major interest groups.

The APCPCO also said part of the money was also being used in funding what it described as the hate campaign launched against the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, General Mohammadu Buhari.

The accusation was immediately rebuffed by the Jonathan campaign yesterday which accused the Buhari campaign of being gripped with fear of losing the election.

The APCPCO regretted that President Jonathan who should ensure accelerated development of the country with its resources had gone on a wild goose chase, disparaging Buhari and squandering the resources of the nation in a bid to win the election.

Director, Media and Publicity of the Buhari campaign, Mallam Garba Shehu while asking Nigerians to think twice before voting this Saturday, said that Jonathan should have resorted to showcasing his legacies in office instead of sharing money.

“We will like to bring to your attention and that of Nigerians how the President Goodluck Jonathan led Peoples Democratic Party government is wasting one trillion Naira that belong to Nigerian people in his self-serving and desperate bid for a re-election at all cost in the midst of grinding poverty his party and government has subjected Nigerians to in the last 16 years.

“It is unconscionable and height of betrayal of public trust that a government and a President who should preside over the husbandry and judicious use of our national patrimony is superintending over its massive squander in a futile attempt to stop the idea of change.

Let us sound a note of warning at this point that no amount of sponsored negative media propaganda can stop this idea whose time has come.

“The APC Presidential Campaign and the acceptability of our candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice Presidential Candidate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has become a peoples’ movement and Nigerian masses who are the drivers of change are the major stakeholders.

“A panoramic view of how much Nigeria’s resources Jonathan and PDP have laboriously and wantonly spent on print, broadcast and social media campaigns just to damage the unassailable credential of Gen Buhari’s integrity will confound

any casual observer of the polity in recent times.

“An average cost of a wrap around in Tier 1 and Tier 2 newspapers in Nigeria is between N15 million to N20 million and the Jonathan campaign buys average of 5 wrap around and front pages in a day in the last 3 months coupled with the hundreds of billions that have been spent on negative TV exposures on AIT, NTA and other television and radio stations across the country.

“We had expected that a President that has spent about 6 years in office with the revenues more than what all governments before him had received will run on a record of performance rather than peddling lies and hate media campaigns that are accentuating ethnic and religious tensions in the country.”

Shehu also stated that Jonathan had spent handsomely on traditional rulers in the south west, revealing that the presidential financial train had now moved to the north.

According to him, the monies expended on PDP campaigns could provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the country.

“President Jonathan has been criss-crossing Nigeria giving an average of N50 million each to traditional rulers, most especially in the South West and the Northern parts of Nigeria. This week, the President’s campaign money is being shipped to the North.

“You will recall that a Pastor recently confirmed that N7 billion was given to Pastors to spread unfounded allegations of Islamaphobia and scare mongering against Gen Buhari and other APC leaders.

“A fraction of the trillion naira hate campaign expenditure will

By Jude Opara

A

VISIT: President Goodluck Jonathan (right) and his Ghanaian counterpart, President John Mahama at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, yesterday. fund the APC programme of feeding primary school pupils in Nigeria on one nutritional meal a day, comfortably pay N5000 monthly to 25 million very poor Nigerians for a year and pay unemployment benefit for one year for graduates who can’t find gainful employment one year after NYSC which are core to the social welfare programmes of the APC Federal government Gen Buhari will lead.

Reacting to the allegations last night the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, PDPPCO spent over one trillion naira of Nigeria’s tax payers’ money on media and to bribe traditional rulers especially in the South West, Director, Media and

Publicity, PDPPCO, Chief Femi Fani- Kayode described the APC of being gripped by the fear of losing Saturday’s general election.

Fani-Kayode who noted that very little of what APC says worries the party, said that the allegation was evident that the party has lost touch with reality.

He said, “They are afraid of losing. The president of this country does not give bribe; we do not believe that traditional rulers in this country, especially those in South West are bribe takers.

“They also said money was given to pastors. That is a lie. No pastor of the living God, no pastor worth his salt is a bribe taker.”

EFCC clears Soludo of polymer bribery scandal

By Soni Daniel, Regional According to Lamorde, after Editor, North investigating Soludo, the

A

BUJA—THE Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, yesterday absolved the former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Professor Charles Soludo of any wrong doing in the alleged Polymer bribery scandal.

The chairman, who spoke at a press conference yesterday in Abuja also used the event to assert that the commission had not been given any presidential directive to move against key figures of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Ballot papers arrive states tomorrow

commission did not find him incriminated in any way and had to clear him of any wrongdoing.

Lamorde said: “We invited Charles Soludo in respect of the printing of currency notes.

From the investigation conducted, we did not find anything Soludo was involved in. Our partners from UK wanted certain information.

So, Soludo has been exonerated.”

The open declaration was made at a press conference to formally launch a new handbook tagged “Alert on Scam” by the commission in Abuja.

On the alleged presidential

directive to arrest APC leaders, Lamorde, warned politicians to desist from dragging the commission into politics, saying that it did not need any directive to investigate and punish corrupt persons in the country.

He told journalists that the commission had been neutral since the campaigns began, adding that the EFCC would not be dragged into politics barely few days to the polls.

He said, “They said there was an order to arrest the leadership of the party. ''We do not want to get involved in any political discussion. We have tried to remain neutral since the campaigns started. Let us do the last lap peacefully.''

BUJA—BALLOT papers for this Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections are to be moved from Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN vaults from tomorrow, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has said.

Mr. Kayode Idowu, chief press secretary to the INEC chairman, told Vanguard yesterday that already, all the non-sensitive materials have been distributed while the ballot papers where kept in the vaults of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branches across the country.

Mr. Idowu also dismissed any effect on the election arising from the theft of a card reader in Zamfara State as he said that the particular reader stolen had not been configured and will be useless to the thieves.

He also confirmed that the ballot papers for the different positions and locations had been customised in such a way that it will be difficult to be faked by anybody.

The commission he said, is ready with the logistics that will enhance a free, fair and credible polls across the country.

“The non-sensitive materials have long been sent to locations for onward distribution to polling units for the polls while the sensitive materials which are the ballot papers have been at the Central Bank vaults, and by this Wednesday, they will be distributed to the states.

From the state offices they will be taken to the local government offices on Thursday and from there we distribute to ward levels on Friday. And by 5 am on Saturday people will move them from the wards to the polling units,” Mr. Idowu said.

“So the commission is ready for the polls, we have concluded the training of the staff that will man the various polling units, so we anticipate a very successful outing this weekend.” Idowu stated.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 9

Obasanjo begs court to vacate order against his autobiography

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—JUSTICE Valentine Ashi of an Abuja High Court has fixed March 30 to decide whether or not he should vacate the prohibition order that was placed on the autobiography of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The court had in an order it made on December 10, 2014, directed security agencies in the country to confiscate Obasanjo’s autobiography entitled “My Watch”.

The action of the court was sequel to refusal of the former president to obey an earlier order the court made on December 5, 2014, which had restrained him from going ahead with the publication of the book pending the determination of a N20bn libel suit that was instituted against him by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, Alhaji Buruji Kashamu.

Meantime, at the resumed hearing in the matter yesterday, Obasanjo, through his lawyer Mr. Kanu Agabi, SAN, begged Justice Ashi to set aside the restraining order against his autobiography, saying he has resolved to withdraw an appeal he filed against the judge.

It will be recalled that the court had earlier okayed the initiation of contempt proceedings against the former president for violating a subsisting order of the court.

Obasanjo had gone ahead to present the book to the public on December 9, 2014 in Lagos, a situation that led the court to order security agencies to confiscate the books anywhere they are found in the country, including on library shelves.

By Ben Agande

A

PEACE MEETING: Deputy Chairman, National Peace Committee, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (retd) and the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun during a meeting in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

While begging the court yesterday, Obasanjo said he was not committed to pursuing the appeal.

“The appeal has not been entered. As long as the appeal has not been entered, we are not before the Court of Appeal, we are before Your Lordship”, his lawyer added.

He urged the court to set aside the order which he said was wrongly issued.

He said: “The single ground of this application is that, in a case of libel, an interlocutory injunction does not lie to restrain publication in the face of a defendant pleading justification.

“The defendant (Obasanjo) is pleading justification. In paragraph 24 of our counteraffidavit, the defendant said his claim about the plaintiff is correct,

true and justified from records available in the federal court of the United States.”

He said the court order was “issued without jurisdiction” adding, “The moment an interlocutory is granted, the issue is prejudiced, fair hearing is prejudiced.”

Besides, Obasanjo argued that the court could only validly bar publication in a libel suit after the case of libel was proven against the defendant.

However, Kashamu through his lawyer Mr. Alex Izinyon, SAN, urged the court to dismiss Obasanjo’s application and allow the confiscation order remain.

He said the order, having been enforced by being served on the police, Nigeria Custom Service and other security

agencies, the application had lost relevance.

He told the court that Customs authority had recently requested a copy of the order when its men intercepted a container-load of the autobiography.

Kashamu’s lawyer had through an ex-parte application, contended that Obasanjo should be restrained from publishing the book since the content related to the subject matter of the libel suit.

Izinyon had argued that the content of the book relates to issues contained in the letter Obasanjo wrote to President Goodluck Jonathan and former National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, on December 2, 2013 , where he alleged that Kashamu was a fugitive wanted in the United States of America.

Preach peace to your supporters, Obama tasks Jonathan, Buhari

By Ben Agande & Vera Anyagafu

A

S Nigerians go to the polls on Saturday to elect their president and their representatives at the National Assembly, the US president, Barrack Obama has the elections must be free, fair and peaceful to make it credible.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Public Affairs Section of the US Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria titled “President Obama’s message to the Nigerian People”, Obama also called on all the candidates for the elections to preach to their supporters assuring that Nigeria has a friend and partner in the US as the country Said he: “Today, I want to speak directly to you, the people of Nigeria. Nigeria is a great nation and you can be proud of the progress you’ve made. Together, you won your independence,

Jonathan vows to eradicate corruption in oil sector, if re-elected

emerged from military rule, and strengthened democratic institutions. You’ve strived to overcome division and to turn Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength.

"You’ve worked hard to improve the lives of your families and to build the largest economy in Africa.

“Now you have a historic opportunity to help write the next chapter of Nigeria’s progress, by voting in the upcoming elections.

For elections to be credible, they must be free, fair and peaceful.

"All Nigerians must be able to cast their votes without intimidation or fear. So I call on all leaders and candidates to make it clear to their supporters that violence has no place in democratic elections, and that they will not incite, support or engage in any kind of violence, before, during, or after the votes are counted.

“I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express their views and to reject the voices of those who call for violence. And when elections are free and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace, no matter who wins. Successful elections and democratic progress will help Nigeria meet the urgent challenges you face today.

“Boko Haram, the brutal terrorist group that kills innocent men, women and children, must be stopped. Hundreds of kidnapped children deserve to be returned to their families.

Nigerians who have been forced to flee deserve to return to their homes. Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria and all that you have worked to build. By casting your ballot, you can help secure your nation’s progress.

“I am told that there is a saying in your country: ‘to keep Nigeria

one is a task that must be done.’

"Today, I urge all Nigerians from all religions, all ethnic groups, and all regions, to come together and keep Nigeria one. And in this task of advancing the security, prosperity, and human rights of all Nigerians, you will continue to have a friend and partner in the United States of America”, he submitted.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States President John Draman Mahama of Ghana met with President Goodluck Jonathan as part of the subregional body’s efforts to ensure a violent free election on Saturday.

The ECOWAS chairman, who met with president Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport was accompanied by the President of ECOWAS Commission, DesireKadre Ouedraogo.

B U J A — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has promised to entrench greater transparency and eradicate corruption in the nation’s oil sector if reelected.

He gave the commitment on Sunday evening in Lagos at a youth event titled “An unimaginable feat in sports” designed to highlight his administration’s achievements in the sports sector.

The event which lasted till the early hours of Monday attracted sports men and women, young professionals as well as beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s scholarship schemes among others.

According to the President, his administration will work tirelessly to ensure that Nigerians are not stigmatised any where in the world because of corruption, adding that the same way his administration was able to use technology to tackle corruption in many areas such as fertilizer distribution, procurement and salary payment, he will do so to check corruption in the general society.

“We are going into oil sector. People talk about the oil industry because that is an industry with a lot of people and a lot of money is involved. But I promise you that in the next four years, we will sanitise the oil sector” he said.

The president however emphasised that the issue of corruption was being exaggerated leading to the creation of an impression that the whole country was corrupt.

The President also promised to work with the young people because of his conviction that parents who do not encourage young ones are preparing their families for extinction.

Specifically, he promised that he will give more youths under the age of 40 years more opportunities to serve as ministers and heads of government parastatals.

10— Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Political rallies ground activities in Lagos L

Olasukanmi Akoni

AGOS—FOUR days to the the presidential election, Lagos metropolis was literally brought to a halt yesterday, as the two leading political parties in the state, All Progressives Congress, APC and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, held rallies at different parts of the metropolis to woo voters which resulted in heavy traffic gridlock.

Motorists were held standstill in traffic for several hours in last minute political rallies.

The rallies were held in such areas as Ikeja, Alimosho, Victoria Island, Oworonsoki, Maryland, among others.

Though, the rallies were peaceful, many motorists complained of hardship caused by the gridlock.

On possible violence in the state, APC said it issued a warning which according to the party became necessary in view of recent happenings in the state where the PDP launched violent political campaigns aimed at provoking residents to a street battle to signal the

return of violence and insecurity in Lagos.

The state publicity secretary of APC, Joe Igbokwe, in a statement yesterday, described the

recent wooing of violent ethnic militias like the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, in Lagos and their recent violent protests on the streets of Lagos as well as the orchestrated

continued vandalisation of APC posters and campaign billboards all over Lagos as invitations to violence and war by those working for Jonathan and the PDP.

SESSION: Members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Lagos State chapter during the interactive session with All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, in Lagos, yesterday.

FG sues Emirates Airlines, staff over alleged $1.6m theft L

By Innocent Anaba

AGOS—THE Federal Government, has filed a criminal charge against Emirates Airlines and five officials of the company before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos over alleged theft of $1.6 million belonging to one Prince Chu Ikem Orji.

Others named in the charge are Abayomi Abiola, Isiaka Adedeji, Awonubi Abayomi, Obinna Onyenso, George Ikpekhia, Pathfinder International Limited and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc. The matter is before Justice Mohammed Idris.

The accused persons are facing 11-count of stealing, fraud, obtaining money under false pretence, wilful destruction of evidence and failure to report an international transfer of funds.

The accused persons were alleged to have on December 19, 2007, at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, stole four bags with tag number EK 428682, EK 428683, EK 650162, EK 650161, containing the sum of $1.6million, belonging to Prince Chu Orji, on the promise of keeping them intact for onward delivery to him at Guangzhou, China.

They were also alleged to have conspired together to fraudulently defraud the victim of the four bags containing the said amount by wilfully destroying the evidences by deleting the baggage details in the system with an intent to prevent it from being used as evidence.

The offences, according to the

prosecuting counsel, O. Michael, were contrary to and punishable under sections 516, 390 (0), 442, 421, 419, 123, of the criminal code Act, Cap C38 and 15 (2), (b) and (3) of the

Money Laundry Act, Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The arraignment of the accused persons which was earlier fixed for, yesterday, was stalled owing

to a request for a short adjournment by the defence lawyer, Chief Awa Kalu, SAN. The judge, however, adjourned the matter till April 2, for arraignment of all accused persons.

Ambode gets endorsement at LG workers' day

By Monsur Olowoopejo

L

AGOS—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday, joined members of the state’s National Union of Local Government Employees NULGE, to celebrate this year ’s Local Government Workers’ Day. Ambode was the special guest of honour at the event which also saw the entire union members throw their weight behind his

governorship ambition.

While congratulating the workers, Ambode described the local government and its workers as the pivotal force that drives the workings of any government. He stated his readiness to work at the local government level when elected as Governor, to ensure that the merits of governance get to the people.

He said: “The local government was where I started my career of service to our great state, and it has made me recognize this tier

as the functional unit of government, which must be regarded as important by any serious administration that truly intends to govern.”

In his address, the state NULGE president, Comrade Lasisi Ayinde, said that the union is elated about the emergence of a local government man as a governorship front runner in the state, adding that Ambode’s rise in the cadre of service in the state has consistently made the union proud and that also serves as great encouragement for the union members.’

....As Obanikoro urges artisans to vote Jonathan, Agbaje

L

By Dapo Akinrefon

AGOS—MINISTER of State for Foreign Affairs, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro yesterday urged members of the Lagos State Association of Vulchanisers, LSAV, to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday and for Mr. Jimi Agbaje as governor of Lagos State.

The event which was held at the association ‘s secretariat at

Mushin in Lagos had over 5,000 members in attendance displaying their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, to the minister promising to vote for the PDP in all the elections.

Obanikoro reminded them of the innovative programmes of President Jonathan in education, agriculture, youth empowerment among others, saying “nobody knew that the President set up a scholarship

fund for t h e brightest students.

T h e beneficiaries w e r e showcased to all of us."

Court seeks alternative settlement of Bianca Ojukwu's case

L

By Onozure Dania

AGOS—JUSTICE Opeyemi Oke of a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere, has fixed April 23 for Case Management Conference, CMC, for possible settlement over the suit filed by Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the widow of late Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu against Ojukwu Transport Limited, OTL, and seven others.

Justice Oke fixed the date for the conference after establishing that the parties in the matter have filed and served their pleadings.

The matter was adjourned for hearing, at CMC to enable the judge determine if parties has filed their papers on time and if the parties have tried to settle the case.

During the conference, the trial judge would try to help parties choose a good process for working on a settlement.

Architeture students seek solution to climate change

By Iyabo Aina

L

AGOS—THE Society of Landscape Architecture Students of Nigeria, SLOSAN, has embarked on landscape advocacy projects that could help check activities that trigger global warming.

At a briefing in Lagos, the project coordinator, Mr. Gbogboade Opeyemi, said: “The world is running out of time to solve this global issue.

The time for talk is over and this is the time for action.

“Everybody needs to be involved to save the earth.

Enough of us directing all the blames to fossil companies. Let us position ourselves to mitigate this issue because we are all part of global warming.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 —11

OPC ‘boils' over Lagos rally

By Ola Ajayi

I

BADAN—SOME members of the outlawed Odua Peoples Congress, OPC, are now at loggerheads with the group’s national leader, Chief Gani Adams over his endorsement of President

Goodluck Jonathan for the March 28 election.

Led by one Sina Akinpelu, the Public Relations Officer, PRO, of OPC in Oyo State, the members are asking Adams to leave the congress for good having allegedly eroded the potency of the association

because of his glaring political affiliation.

He described Gani Adams as a serial liar when reacting to the reports of his alleged expulsion from the group.

He alleged that Adams was mobilised to campaign for President Jonathan in the

WORKSHOP: From left: Yemi Keri, MD, Edo State ICT Agency, Collins Onuegbu, Executive Vice Chairman, Signal Alliance, and Adanma Onuegbu, CEO, Signal Alliance, at the just concluded Signal Alliance Customer Week workshop in conjunction with Cisco in Lagos.

South West.

Speaking on the membership status of Akinpelu, the Oyo State Coordinator of OPC, Chief Adeagbo Adeola Musediq, said, Akinpelu was no longer the PRO of the congress in the state.

He said Chief Gani Adams ordered his expulsion from the congress in 2014 and that he no longer has the right to speak on behalf of the congress.

Some of the allegations leveled against Akinpelu was that he was simultaneously acting as PRO for Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and OPC in the state.

Adeagbo said: “OPC is not a political party and he cannot combine the work of OPC with PDP and that was why Chief Gani Adams ordered his expulsion from the congress.

The high point of his action, according to him, was the press release he issued to counter the rally held in Lagos by OPC where he said he had no hand in it.

"He said the rally was held to oppose the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Atahiru Jega’s action on the 2015 elections."

Appeal Court reserves ruling in Omisore's election case

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—THE Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital yesterday reserved judgment in the suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, in the August 9, 2014 governorship election in Osun State, challenging the verdict of the election petition tribunal that upheld the victory of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Counsel of Omisore and that of the governor were engaged in legal fireworks for hours to either set aside the lower court's judgement or to uphold it.

Omisore was represented

by Dr Alex Izinyon and Chief Chris Uche while counsel to the governor was Chief Akin Olujimi and that

of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was Mr Rotimi Akeredolu.

It will be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, after the election had declared Aregbesola the winner of the August 9 governorship election held in Osun State.

Not satisfied with the INEC declaration, Omisore proceeded to the election petition tribunal sitting in Osun State to either order for fresh election or declare him the winner of the election.

Agbodi Baale sues Deeper Life Church over land

A

By Innocent Anaba

GBODI—THE Baale of Agbodi Village, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area in Ogun State, Chief Taiwo Ogunkayode, has dragged the Incorporated Trustees of Deeper Christian Life Ministry (also known as Deeper Life Bible Church), before an Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, over a large expanse of land measuring 41.44 hectares.

The Baale and his chiefs in the suit are claiming the sum of N1 million as damages against the church for trespassing on their land.

The claimants which include, Oluhunmi Esuruoso, Ezekiel Sobowale, Olanrewaju Okanmolu, Chief Taiwo Ogunkayode, Alani Idowu and Prince Muraina Bamjoko are asking the court to restrain the church, her agents, servants or privies from further trespassing or dealing with the said parcel of land.

Hausa community endorses SDP candidates in Ogun

A

By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—THE Hausa community in Ogun State under the aegis of Arewa Youth Forum said it has thrown its support behind the candidacy of the governorship candidate, Senator Akin Odunsi, and all the candidates of the party in the state in the coming general elections.

The chairman of the forum, Hadi Sanni disclosed this in Abeokuta, at a media briefing, saying, the endorsement was done, having critically examined all the political parties and their candidates in the state.

Sanni further explained that, the Hausa community was indebted to the former governor of the state, Aremo Segun Osoba following his efforts to the community when he held sway as the governor of the state and after.

INEC rules out elections in Madagali, recaptured from Boko Cameroon and Nigerian.

Michika Adamawa State INEC Haram insurgents.

A

BUJA—THE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will not deploy its staff to conduct the March 28 presidential elections in Madagali and Michika areas of Adamawa State, which the Nigerian Military, recently,

The electoral umpire said it has not got clearance from security operatives to hold elections in the areas.

Michika and Madagali were the last areas recaptured in Adamawa by the Nigerian Military and its allies in Chad,

spokesperson, Rifkatu Duku said: “We are not going to risk the lives of our staff because we are yet to get the situational report from the security operatives. So you cannot expect INEC to deploy staff for the elections in those areas. Already INEC had created designated centres here in the state capital for IDPs elections.’’

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Pipeline explosion rocks Delta community

By Perez Brisibe

U

GHELLI—A PIPELINE explosion, Sunday night, rocked Ekuigbo community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Though no life was lost in the incident, Vanguard gathered that the pipeline conveying crude oil, exploded around 9:45p.m., spilling its contents and huge balls of flames several kilometers from the scene of the explosion.

According to a witness, Mr. Odafe Samuel, who resides opposite the Ekuigbo Grammar School, a few metres from the scene of the explosion, the pipeline exploded with a loud bang which could be likened to a bomb blast.

He said: “I was inside my

house watching a football directed all inquires to their match when I heard a loud respective offices in Warri.

Contacted earlier, the explosion which shook the community foundation of my house. We all Ekuigbo ran outside thinking it was the tyre of a car, while others thought it was a bomb blast.

“Twenty minutes later, we saw a huge ball of flame from the pipeline conveying crude oil. It was then we realised that it was a pipeline explosion.”

When Vanguard visited the scene of the explosion, the fire had been curtailed by a combined team of fire service officials from the area, who arrived in the middle of the night to battle the fire.

Efforts to reach officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation, NNPC and Shell Petroleum Development Company in Ughelli on the cause of the explosion were unsuccessful as officials met

spokesperson, Mr. Stanley Clever, said: “The community can’t comment on the matter for now. We will wait to

ascertain the cause of the explosion and the extent of damage before the community can comment on the matter.”

Rep flays killings in Rivers ...says they are politically motivated

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— HOUSE of Representatives member and Director, Finance and Administration of General Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation, Dr Sokonte Davies, has decried the killings in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, saying that they were political rather than cult related as being portrayed by the Police in the state.

Davies, who represents Degema/Bonny federal constituency, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, said it was unfortunate that the Police in the state had failed in the discharge of their professional duties, adding that the killings were mainly directed at

members of the All Progressives Congress, APC. He said: “In political times like this, the first casualty is the truth. APC members are being attacked and killed daily.

I am a child of God, ordained to preach the word of God. It has pleased some to say that the APC people killed were cult members. The intention of those behind the killings is that elections have come therefore, people must be scared from going to vote.

I sympathise with what the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is doing in the state. When you scare the people from voting, who will come out to vote? This state is overwhelmingly an APC state. PDP's strength is limited to certain places.”

Group urges Ndokwa East indigenes to vote Enumah

T

HE Ndokwa Youth Coalition, NYC, has urged all Ndokwa East indigenes, youths at home and in the Diaspora to come out en mass and vote for Enus Enumah, of the Labour Party, LP, to represent Ndokwa East constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly comes April 11 .

The group in a statement by its Spokesman, Emeka Ifeanyi, urged the people of Ndokwa nation to kick against god fathers

C M Y K

imposing candidates on them, adding that Enumah, of the Labour Party, LP, will bring the expected changes that the people of Ndokwa East desire.

The group also accused the Peoples Democracy Party, PDP, lawmaker representing the area of bias in a land tussle which led to the burning of houses and displacement of several people in Ibrede, a fishing community in Ndokwa East.

ENDORSEMENT: From left: Chief Newyear Ifie, PDP chieftain, Mrs. Omawumi Udoh, Chief Whip, Delta State House of Assembly and PDP flag-bearer for Warri South 1 Constituency; Prince Sani Usman, Prince Kingsley Oberuruaria, President and Secretary, Non-Indigenes Forum/PDP Youths in Delta State, and Mr. Tony Akoma, Mobilisation Director, Project Vote Omawumi Udoh Again, after a town hall meeting where non-indigenes in Warri South LGA endorsed Okowa and Udoh for the April 11 election.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015—13

Itsekiri ready for EPZ ground-breaking on Thursday —EMAMI

By Emma Amaize

W

ARRI—ITSEKIRI leader, Chief Ayiri Emami, yesterday, said the Itsekiri in Delta State were prepared for the groundbreaking of the $16 Export Processing Zone, EPZ, in Ogidigben, Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state by President Goodluck Jonathan, on March 26.

Emami, who spoke on phone with Vanguard, said: “It is not just Ugborodo people, the entire Itsekiri people and Itsekiri council are 100 per cent ready for the ground-breaking.

I said 100 per cent because the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, has said that he will be there physically.

“In our land, when the Ogiame says he will be at an event, then, you know that the entire Itsekiri will be there. Tell Mr. President that we are prepared to receive him, the governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the investors for

the project and all other people coming with him.”

On security, Chief Emami, who is the Chairman of the Delta Waterways and Security

Committee, DWSC, Warri, said safety and security measures had been put in place, adding: “The security agencies, police, army and navy are on ground

and we will report whatever observations we have and other relevant information to them.”

ROAD WALK: Staff of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Rivers State, on a road walk for the sensitisation of the public on the forth-coming general elections in Rivers State, yesterday.

PORT HARCOURT— THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, formerly received the state Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, and a handful of other decfectors from All Progressives Congress, APC, in Andoni Local Government Area into its fold, yesterday.

The state Chairman of the party, Mr Felix Obuah, who received the defectors said some commissioners in the state cabinet had hinted him of their intention to also cross over to the PDP, stressing that only five commissioners were truly in the APC. “As I speak with you, Governor Rotimi Amaechi has only five commissioners with him. We have more of the members of the state House of Assembly. Let him remain in APC because I am not ready to receive him back to the PDP,” he said.

The Deputy Governor, Engr Ikuru, who chanted “backward, APC” slogan as he mounted the rostrum, said he took a wise decision to have dumped the APC for the PDP. According to him, generations of Niger Deltans would not have forgiven him if he had worked against the re-election of a son of the region, President Goodluck Jonathan.

Describing the APC as a party of deceptive minds, Ikuru

C M Y K

appealed to all Rivers sons and daughters to ensure that they vote the PDP in the coming elections.

He said: “What is happening in Rivers State will haunt us if we allow it. If we allow it, our unborn children will suffer to the fourth generation. Every Rivers man must stand up and fight this evil among us. If it demands your blood, so be it, because there is evil in the land.

“When I was deceived out of this place, I was told it was a new order but they were lies, the ambition of one man. My supporters all over the state have agreed we are leaving the evil called APC. We have come to work, to deliver the PDP.” Mr Victor Ere, who was Chairman of the APC in Andoni council, until yesterday, also decamped with the deputy governor, saying

By Emma Amaize

W

Rivers PDP chair receives decamped Rivers Deputy Gov, others

By Jimitota Onoyume

O.P Edodo, Itsekiri leader, dies at 90

he too had left the APC for good.

Governorship candidate of the party, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who lauded the decampees for the step they took, urged people of the state to vote for President Jonathan.

“Why can’t some people wait? In the next 48 months, Jonathan will hand over power having completed his second term. Why can’t some people wait?” he wondered.

ARRI—AN Itsekiri leader in Delta State and former Commissioner in the defunct Midwest Region and Bendel State, Chief Oritsegbiten Edodo, is dead, aged 90.

Chief Edodo was a member of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILoT. Secretary of ILoT, Mr. Edward Ekpoko, in a statement, yesterday, said: “It is with heavy heart that we announce the death of one of our members, Chief Edodo.

“He served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs (1968 -1971), Commissioner for Trade and Industry (1971 -July 1975), Commissioner for Works and Transport (1975) in the defunct Mid-Western State. He was the first Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Delta State,” Ekpoko said.

Chief Edodo was a foundation member of ILoT and a former chairman of the group.

Ex-Fire Service boss assures Deltans on Okowa

F

ORMER Comptroller General of the Federal Fire Service, and spokesperson of Concerned Citizens of Ogwashi-Ukwu, Engr.

Fidelis Ogbogoh, has said that Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, if elected, will address the needs of all local government areas in the state.

He said Okowa’s agenda would encompass local governments and state government budgeting for the need of the people in a fair distribution of resources.

Ogbogoh spoke when the Chairman of Concerned Citizens of Ogwashi-Ukwu, Chief A. Okocha, received the executive members of Anioma Association USA, Inc, an association of Anioma citizens in Diaspora working for the actualisation of an Anioma indigene as first citizen in Delta State.

President of the association, Mr. Greg Odiaka, had said that the

organisation was a non-partisan umbrella body of all organised groups from the nine local government areas of Aniocha, Ika, Ndokwa, Oshimili and Ukwani in Delta North senatorial district “while reaching out to our brothers and sisters in Delta Central and Delta South senatorial districts for synergy in the development of Delta State.”

Odiaka promised that the association will support Senator Okowa's campaign. The Chairman of Concerned Citizens of Ogwashi-Ukwu, Chief Okocha, thanked the association for its contribution and also extended the appreciation of everyone from Delta North senatorial zone to their brothers and sisters in Delta Central and Delta South senatorial zones for being supportive of Okowa, the bridge builder as the governorship flag bearer on the platform of the PDP.

Late Chief Edodo

14 —Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 15

C M Y K

16 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Enugu community threatens boycott of polls

By Austin Ogwuda

justification for the relocation of the two polling units by the Commission as the NUGU — THE people of Oruku in action was capable of disenfranchising Nkanu East Local Government Area several eligible voters in the area.

Vanguard gathered that INEC in Enugu of Enugu State have threatened to boycott the 2015 general elections commencing State had through a letter to the traditional on Saturday, following the relocation of ruler of Oruku Autonomous Community, two polling units to neighbouring dated March 13, 2019, and signed by its Administrative Secretary, Mr. Owhor Umuode.

Already, they have petitioned the Nathan, notified the community of its Independent National Electoral decision to move the two polling units out Commission, INEC, over the issue, of Oruku.

The Commission said in the letter: “The complaining that there was no purpose of the relocation is to provide two polling units for the people of Umuode Autonomous Community out of the five polling units in Oruku Autonomous Community from where Umuode people have we are at this point.”

By Victor AhiumaMeantime, Chairman of relocated while retaining Young & Godwin Seaport Terminal three polling units for Oritse Operators Association of Oruku Community.

INEC, therefore, asked Nigeria, Princess Vicky Haastrup said that the monarch to inform his A R I T I M E negotiations are ongoing. people of the decision to WORKERS She said that terminal enable them know where to Union of Nigeria, MWUN, operators have vote during the general yesterday, commenced a implemented their part of elections. three-day warning strike the bargain.

The Commission Her words: “Negotiations explained that it had over demands for a review of their condition of service. are ongoing. These “approved a nationwide The development is negotiations and review of relocation of polling units expected to cripple the workers’ salaries are from places of worship and commercial activities across held every year and we private buildings to public have faithfully buildings, and from areas Nigeria’s seaports. implemented our part of the of concentration of polling Vanguard gathered that a new term of service ought bargain. units to locations where "There are areas that have there are no polling units.” to have been signed between MWUN and not been agreed on in the However, while kicking ongoing negotiations. We terminal operators against the development, believe this will be following the expiration of resolved soon. We urge the the community, through the old one. workers to return to work Mr. Cyprian Nwatu, Disclosing this, President as we conclude President-General of of MWUN, Adewale negotiations.’’

Oruku Town Union, said Adeyanju, said the Also speaking, there was no Umuode industrial action was President, Association of person registered at informed by the need to Nigerian Licensed Eziobodo Primary School prevent the aggrieved Customs Agents, ANLCA, under Code 006, alleging workers from taking the law Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu, that “the aim of Umuode into their hands. lamented that the strike was to carry the population His words: ‘’It is a three- could lead to port of Oruku to swell up their day warning strike taking congestion, adding that it own population for other place nationwide. All ports would result in economic political and social across the country will be loss for the nation. machinations." affected. As we speak, all operations of the terminal operators nationwide have been shut.

"It began this morning EW DAYS to the for Hon. Mrakpor as she is (yesterday) and will last for presidential election, the most qualified to bring three days. The terminal the electorate, including good representation to the operators have for the past market men and women as people.

Speaking on the occasion, nine months refused to sign well as youths of various Hon. Mrakpor expressed communities of Delta a condition of service for the workers. We have condition State have vowed to cast appreciation with the large of service that is renewable their votes for the Peoples turn-out of people at the every two years. Although Democratic Party, PDP, event and commended the some of them are ready to House of Representatives organisers of the town hall sign and implement, but candidate for Aniocha/ meeting for a job well done.

Mrakpor, who was Oshimili Federal others are not allowing Constituency, Hon. accompanied by a large them. number of her campaign Onyemaechi Mrakpor.

"We have been trying to Speaking at an enlarged team members, said she control our members since town hall meeting in was there to solicit for their nine months when this new Asaba, one of the leaders support and pleaded that condition of service ought of the Hausa community, a vote for her is a vote for to have been signed. But Alhaji Danbaba Rulwan stardom and dividends of we have to embark on this and his Igbo union democracy. warning strike to avoid a counterpart, She revealed that though Chief breakdown of law and Jonathan Okwaji, told she represented the people order. The workers had journalists that though of Aniocha South for two become restive and were they are card carrying terms in the State House of almost taking the law into members of different Assembly, she decided to their hands. It is sad that political parties, they have go up higher to the agreed to cast their votes National Assembly.

Jonathan interacts with young professionals

E

Maritime workers commence 3-day nationwide strike

President Goodluck Jonathan and Jay Jay Okocha, during the President interactive session, with young Nigerian professionals, at the Eko Hotel, Lagos, last Sunday. Photos: State House

M

President Goodluck Jonathan (left), and students of Nigeria Maritime Academy at the occasion.

Buhari at APC presidential rally in Owerri

HOUSE OF REPS: Mrakpor

gets more support

F

C M Y K

From left, APC Presidential Candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd); Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State; Senator Chris Ngige, and Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, at the South-East zonal rally of the All Progressives Congress Party, APC, yesterday, in Owerri, Imo State. Photos: Nwankpa Chijioke

A cross section of APC supporters at the rally.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 17

W

HERE two or three Nigerians are gathered, you can be sure we are busy running down our country.

Nigerians like to bad-mouth Nigeria. This has played well into the narrative of the APC, which has used the social media to promote a false and prejudicial perspective of Nigeria under the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

It is necessary to set the records straight. While the current PDP government is not without its shortcomings, there can be no doubt that it has achieved a lot in the last five years. Indeed, it is arguable that no government in the modern history of Nigeria has been as successful in transforming Nigeria for the better as the administration of Goodluck Jonathan.

Economic under GEJ

milestones

Thanks to Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria has been growing at an average of between 6 and 7 per cent a year. As a matter of fact, CNN Money projects that, after China and Qatar, Nigeria will be the fastest growing economy in the world in 2015. Under Jonathan, Nigeria has emerged as by far the largest economy in Africa. When Jonathan became president in 2010, Nigeria’s GDP was $369: today, it is $510.

Nigeria is now the 23rd largest economy in the world; which means we have overtaken such European countries as Austria and Belgium. It is not surprising therefore that, in 2012, President Barack Obama of the United States declared that Jonathan’s Nigeria is “the world’s next economic giant.”

Under Jonathan, the UNCTAD has ranked Nigeria as the number one country for foreign investments in Africa.

According to the U.N., Nigeria now has the fourth highest rate of returns on investments in the world. It is a testament to Goodluck Jonathan’s adroit management of the economy that the richest African is now a Nigerian.

In 2010, when Jonathan came to power, Aliko Dangote was worth $2.1 billion.

This grew under Jonathan to $25 billion.

Jonathan has also gone a long way to diversify the Nigerian economy.

Under his stewardship, the non-oil sector has grown at a tremendous rate of up to 8 percent a year. Thanks to Jonathan, agriculture now accounts for 22% of Nigeria’s GDP, more than oil and gas which only account for 15.9%.

Visionary GEJ gave a 3 billion naira grant to Nollywood in 2014; cementing Nigeria firmly as the third largest producer of films in the world. As a matter of fact, Nollywood now accounts for 1.4% of Nigeria’s GDP.

Transformation agriculture

Nigeria.

Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company, our flagship indigenous auto-maker, began the sale of made-inNigeria cars and SUVs within the framework of the Jonathan administration.

Healthier Nigerians

101 cogent reasons why Jonathan must be re-elected sufficient by the end of this year.

With continuity in government, Nigeria should soon become self-sufficient in food production. According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations, Nigeria is already the largest producer of cassava in the world, thanks to Jonathan’s policies. It is significant that Northern farmers donated 5 billion naira worth of yams to Buhari’s presidential election campaign. They would not have been able to do this if it were not for Goodluck Jonathan's transformation of agriculture.

Through the innovative electronic-wallet system of the Jonathan administration, 10.5 million Nigerian farmers were given cell-phones at a cost of over 60 billion naira. This gives them direct access to the government for fertilizer, chemicals and seedlings.

The Jonathan government has also built six strategically-located perishable cargo airports in close proximity to the nation’s food-baskets in Ilorin, Jalingo, Jos, Lagos, Makurdi and Yola.

Anti-corruption APC propaganda deceives Nigerians into believing that the Jonathan government condones corruption. However, there are far more reliable determinants of Nigeria’s level of corruption than APC talking-points.

Transparency International publishes annually an internationally-recognised corruption index of most of the countries in the world.

According to Transparency, Nigeria has become increasingly less corrupt under Goodluck Jonathan. In 2001, Nigeria was the 2nd most corrupt country after Bangladesh. By 2010, it had become the 43rd most corrupt country. By 2014 still, our position had improved to 38th.

of

Agriculture has been remarkably transformed from subsistence to commercial farming under Jonathan's administration.

Prior to Jonathan's presidency, we had a food import bill of 1.4 trillion naira. This has gone down by more than 50% to less than 700 billion. With the innovation of dry-season rice-farming, Nigeria has reached 60% self-sufficiency in rice production. Indeed, we now expect to be completely self-

No government in Nigeria has been as successful in tackling corruption structurally as that of Goodluck Jonathan

No government in Nigeria has been as successful in tackling corruption structurally as that of Goodluck Jonathan. Jonathan fought the petroleum subsidy scam by identifying 370 billion naira of fraudulent claims.

Between 1980 and 2010, 776 billion naira was lost to corrupt fertilizer racketeering in Nigeria.

This came to an end in one fell swoop under Jonathan. Fertilizer distribution to farmers was dramatically sanitized by the epayment system. Today, the corrupt fertilizer middlemen have all disappeared. By also instituting e-payment systems in the civil-service, over 60,000 ghost-workers were removed from the salary register; saving over 200 billion naira.

Jonathan has also sanitized the Nigerian banking system. He introduced the Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMS) which reduced physical movement of cash and curbed corruption and moneylaundering. Under Jonathan, dinosaur bank Managing Directors who had largely privatized the banking system were removed and a considerable amount of indigent loans recovered.

Jonathan also stabilized the banking system by launching the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCOM) which mopped up trillions of naira of bad loans and re-established confidence in the Nigerian economy.

Employment creation One of the major challenges encountered by the Jonathan administration has been in the area of youth employment.

Nigeria is a young country, throwing up some 1.8 million job-seekers into the employment market every year.

The government has achieved more in this area than most people seem to realise. For example, in 2013, the Jonathan administration created 1.6 million jobs.

The establishment of such innovative programs like Nagropreneurs and Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YOUWIN) has gone a long way to empower Nigerian youth farmers and entrepreneurs with grants, training and mentorship.

Jonathan has instituted internship schemes to enhance the capacity of university graduates to secure gainful employment.

Government innovation has also led to a

number of Community Service Schemes (CSS) under the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program (SUREP).

A 220 billion naira Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund has been instituted to empower graduates and other young people to own their own businesses. The government has also been promoting access to capital for SMEs with government bank guarantees and micro-finance.

The National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP), and the National Enterprise Development Program (NEDEP) are all expected to generate millions of jobs to accommodate Nigeria’s teeming job-seekers.

Manufacturing One of the unsung success stories of the Jonathan administration has been in the area of manufacturing. All indications point to the revival of the industrial sectors and the Small- and Medium-scale Enterprises under Goodluck Jonathan. FBN Capital, a leading financial services group, confirms there has been “a dramatic increase in manufacturing growth” in Nigeria under Goodluck Jonathan.

Indeed, under his administration, the manufacturing sector has been the major driver of economic growth in Nigeria. The sector has been growing faster than tele-communications and oil and gas. For example, it grew from 14% in 2012 to 22% in 2013.

Jonathan reactivated the textile industry with an investment of 150 billion naira.

In 2014, Olam Rice Farm, the biggest rice processing mill in Africa, was commissioned in Rukubi, Nasarawa State.

Nigeria is now self-sufficient in cement and is, in fact, a net exporter. Jonathan energized private sector-led industrialization by launching the National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP), a scheme which strengthened over 500 manufacturing industries.

An industrial revolution has been re-ignited with the revival of automobile assembling plants in Nigeria under Goodluck Jonathan. Nigeria has now become a major destination for multinational investment in car manufacturing. Under GEJ, big auto giants, such as Peugeot, Nissan and Hyundai, now assemble or manufacture their cars, SUVs, trucks and buses in

In 2010, when Jonathan became acting president, Nigerian life expectancy was 47 years. Today, it is 54 years; an improvement of 7 years. Under Jonathan, adroit application of SURE-P funds has reduced the maternal mortality ratio in Nigeria by 26%.

Thanks to Jonathan, Nigeria has become Guinea Worm free; a disease previously affecting 800,000 Nigerians yearly. For the past nine months, Nigeria has become free of the scourge of polio. Under Jonathan, Nigeria has also remained Ebola free.

Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates notes that: "The infrastructure Nigeria has built to fight polio actually made it easier for them to swiftly contain Ebola."

Advancement education

of

Under Jonathan, Nigeria's education budget has more than doubled. There has been a 10 million increase in school enrolment, with every Nigerian child now having the opportunity to go to school.

There has also been a 75% increase in O Level credit passes in Maths and English in Nigeria since Goodluck Jonathan came to power.

Jonathan established 14 new federal universities; an unprecedented feat in Nigeria.

There is now a federal university in every state of the federation.

Jonathan also built 150 Almajiri Schools in 13 states in the North; something Northern rulers like Buhari failed to do.

The kidnapping of the Chibok girls itself reflects the annoyance of the Boko Haram that, under Jonathan, many Northern girls are now going to school.

Development infrastructure

of

At the inception of the Jonathan administration, only 5,000 kilometers of federal roads in Nigeria were motorable.

However, in five years, the administration has built over 20,000 kilometers of roads. It has rehabilitated 22 airports nationwide. 5 new international airport terminals have been built in Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Enugu. Akanu Ibiam airport in Enugu has been upgraded to international status.

3,500 kilometers of rail lines have been constructed. You can now travel today by rail from Lagos to Kano; Enugu to PortHarcourt to Makurdi, to Jos, to Bauchi and Gombe. Before Jonathan, only I million passengers were carried by rail.

This has now grown to 5 million.

Recently, KPMG proclaimed Nigeria's proposed high speed rail project as one of the global top 100 world-class infrastructures, expected to connect major cities at a cost of $13 billion.

These achievements and more show conclusively that Jonathan deserves a second-term in office.

He should be supported by all well-meaning Nigerians.

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 LAST year, the police raided Soka area of Oyo State on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway where, by police’s account a den of kidnappers was uncovered. The graphic images of the discoveries are causes for concern. Public expectations were high that the police would act swiftly on the matter – the issue died quickly.

Neither the decaying body parts that littered the place nor the 20 decomposing bodies found in the place elicited adequate action from the police. There were also 23 people 18 men and five women who were rescued from their fleeing captors.

The poor state of their health and their manacled legs told another story. Neighbours had testif ied of possible unwholesome activities in the area, including child trafficking, sale of human parts, and newly born babies. The police ignored their complaints.

Among the women rescued was one who was said to have had a baby on the day of the arrest, the baby was missing. Skeletons were found in nearby bushes. Police confirmed

Kidnappers’ Dens – Why They Persist arresting seven persons in connection with the discovery of human parts in the bush, about a kilometre off the busy expressway. The arrested were two persons found in the uncompleted building and f ive security personnel working for a nearby company.

Three dane guns, three single barrel guns, one bow, 16 arrows, 22 cutlasses, 40 live cartridges, seven knives, an axe, two iron files and a phone were found in the building.

We were worried then about the police’s handling of the matter. The building was demolished without searches that could have

produced more evidence. Why the hurry in crushing the place? The police fought people suggesting excavations to search for more bodies. The police did not apprehend those behind Soka.

The much we know would not have become public if a group of about 100 area boys had not invaded Soka searching for two missing cyclists. They went in such numbers because they heard of the activities in the area.

Soka was not new. It was bound to happen again, and in Oyo State, which was the case last week. The predictable end is that the police mismanage evidence, the suspects are set free.

We remember Clifford Orji who was arrested in February 1999 under a Lagos bridge, where he had lived for years, terrorising people. He confessed he had clients for the parts and that their names and telephone numbers were in a diary he kept. Clifford was taken to a magistrate court once in 1999 and died in Kirikiri Prison in 2012. Police did not prosecute him, claiming he was mentally unstable.

Soka got the Clifford treatment, and so have many cases of kidnappers’ dens nationwide.

OPINION

By Bobson Gbinije Continued from yesterday's N the Federal election 1959 which was meant to usher in the political independence of Nigeria, the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) won 148 seats, the National Council of Nigeria and Cameron (NCNC) and the Northern Element Progressive Union (NEPU) won 89 seats, the Action Group (AG) and the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC) won 75 seats. No party won majority vote.

This led to grotesque coalition, political manipulations and weird alliances that culminated in Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, former Premier of Eastern Nigeria being sworn in as the first indigenous President of Nigeria under a Parliamentary system of government, which made him a nonexecutive figurehead President.

The long sought after independence finally came, but it turned out to be a “Barmecidal dish” as our leadership was steeple chasing in the tenebrous abyss of self-destruct because of their nepotistic and narcissistic propensities.

The Nigerian nation (1960-1966) was wallowing in the labyrinths and crypts of unthinkable corruption, indecent opulence, ludicrous antics, ethno bigotry, Political farrago and social gallimaufry. The international community, Nigeria and nay the military institution was disturbed by the dubious machinations, the fundamental errors of judgment and the culpable omission of our leadership and our politicians. One thing led to the other giving rise to the putsch of Jan 15th, 1966. In the resultant coup de tat, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Prime Minister of Nigeria Sir

I

When will the Igbo presidency be? (2) Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Akintola, Chief Okotie-Eboh (Omimi Ejoh) etc were assassinated.

Many political analysts saw the spate of killings to be skewed in favour of the East (Igbo) and called it an “Eastern Coup”. It will be recalled that politicians of Igbo extraction like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Akanu Ibiam, and Dr. K.O. Mbadiwe etc. were not killed or assassinated in the coup and an Ibo, Major General J.T.U. Aguiyi Ironsi took over as Head of State. These selective killings sent the wrong signals to the Northerners. This political scenario prepared the grounds for the July 27th 1966 counter coup that led to the death of Major General J.T.U. Aguiyi Ironsi and many other soldiers and civilians of Igbo extraction in the North. The genocidal decimation of Easterners led to the call for all Easterners to come back home, setting the plinth for the Nigeria/Biafra Civil war (1967-1970). The Igbo nation and people were killed like flies and reduced to smithereens in the war.

When the war ended, the Nigeria government under General Yakubu Gowon initiated the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation Programme (3Rs). But till date, the reconstruction, rehabilitation, reconciliation and complete re-integration of the Igbo people is yet to be fully implemented in Nigeria. Why did Igbo

It is their turn to produce the next President of Nigeria

people decided to fight a war? If they fought a war to break the tentacles of oppression why are they now politically docile, unassertive and acquiescent in the face of palpable neglect? Why are they selling their political birth right for a mess of porridge?

Why are they not uniting to fight for the presidential seat they call their own, why are they not fighting to build trust amongst their own ranks and file? For how long will they continue to stab themselves in the back?

Why are they their own worst enemy?

But we assert in unequivocal terms that any nation will continue to fail and flounder until it ends a system that fails to respect and encourage the various constituent nations in it to aspire to greater political heights. Igbo nation needs to re-invent itself, it needs holistic reorientation and strategic repositioning. The Igbo people need political pragmatism to enable them take their authentic political position after the tenure of Ebele Jonathan or Buhari, which is the producing of the Executive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Specifically, it is their turn to produce the next President of Nigeria. It was a great disservice to the Igbo course and it is tantamount to cowardice and judgmental fallacy for Igbo leaders to have called and supported the then Third Term Agenda and political escapades of the then President Obasanjo. Indeed, the Pan-Igbo socio-cultural and political organization the Ohaneze Ndigbo, their Governors, Legislators and Igbo leaders were consummately indictable.

In the Ahiara Declaration (The Principles of the Biafran Revolution) the General of the people’s army, Late Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu said, “Our disagreement with the Nigerian Government arose in part from a conflict between two diametrically opposed conception of the end and purpose of the modern African State. It was and still is, our firm conviction that a modern Negro African government worth the trust placed in it by the people, must build a progressive state that ensures the reign of social and economic justice and of the rule of law.” What a shame that the Igbo people cannot take their political destiny in their own hands. Ojukwu further posited “Our revolution is a historic opportunity given to us to establish a just society; to revive the dignity of our people at home and dignity of the black-man in the world”. But where lies the Ibo-man political dignity?

The Igbo self-induced political quandary and dilemma could be likened to that of the comrades of Ulysses in the cave of the Cyclops in the Greek mythology, Homer’s lliad and the Odyssey. They loved their slavish conditions and servitude like the Ibos love their political servitude in Nigeria. The Igbo people will continue to stew in the political slavery in Nigeria because they cannot take the bull by the horn and drive it out of their political china shop. What a shame! They should however, note that, if they fail to produce the next President after Ebele Jonathan or Buhari, they will continue to dwell in the epicenter of political limbo in Nigeria.

Concluded

*Mr. Gbinije, a social critic, wrote from Warri Delta State.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015— —19

By Sunny Ikhioya

T

HE 2015 elections are here.

It is time for politicians to receive rewards for their stewardship. It has been a year of bruising campaigns, all parties have fought well. No matter the outcome of the elections, one thing is sure, the country's polity will never be the same again. No more will our politicians take the people for a ride, our democracy is deeply enriched.

What else do we have to say about President Goodluck Jonathan and PDP, a party with the tendency to self-destruct, so much so that, its founding fathers and top members are now in the opposition, fighting to bring the party to its knees. In the serenity of their comfort at the top, they got complacent and left the initiative to the APC, now we have two equally matched parties in the country.

For the first time in the history of Nigeria elections at the centre, the outcome has become too close to call. Everything is turning around; the electorate has become more enlightened in the use of its voting power, the opposition has got stiffer and the Independent electoral commission (INEC) has gained more experience and therefore, set to minimise rigging to the barest level.

For me, at the observatory level, only the incumbency

Where will the pendulum swing to factor can make the PDP survive the onslaught of the APC, they have been out manoeuvred all round, that they are only reacting to the drum beats of the APC's propaganda, which has been very effective.

Both candidates at the presidential level have their individual weaknesses; if Jonathan fails, he should know the reason for it. He has tried to please everybody and ended up pleasing nobody. Decisiveness has become his biggest weak point. In his book with Zanker titled 'Think Big', Donald Forbes says; "if you are worried about being liked, you are in trouble".

Also in this line, the holy Bible in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 7vs 17 says; " Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish, why shouldest thou die before thy time". Jonathan was neither cold nor hot and that made every Tom, Dick and Harry to take him for granted.

He left the initiative to subordinates who were only interested in their self glorification. How can a party implode to this extent? You name it; almost every state that they have total control of, have been placed in jeopardy because, personal interests over rode the party's goals and objectives; Ebonyi, Enugu,

By Yushau Shuaib

D

OUBTING Thomases is the plural of a doubting Thomas. It refers to an incredulous or habitually doubtful person who is sceptical and refuses to believe something without proof.

I learnt the expression is a reference to the Apostle Thomas in the Bible, who refused to believe that Jesus Christ had resurrected despite testimonies of his friends and the 10 remaining fellow apostles insisting that he would only believe after seeing.

Going by experiences of Nigerians with their leaders especially on politics, there are many who will rather prefer to remain Doubting-Thomas. In fact, some of the Doubting-Thomases are not ordinary individuals but highly placed personalities even among the the media.

I do not judge a person by the group or party he/she belongs but by that person’s character and attributes. Remove Major General Mohammad Buhari from All Progressive Congress (APC) and President Goodluck Jonathan from Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and what remain of the groups is same people that are of the same antecedents, character, dispositions and embodiments among others. These influence the wanton decamping from one party to the other because they lack ideological differences.

I must declare from the outset that whoever insults General Buhari, a former Head of State must be psychotic; and whoever attacks President Jonathan of non-performance must be a prevaricator.

Just to outsmart one another, the major political parties that is APC and PDP recourse to gutter politics to hoodwink not only the gullible public but surprisingly, even brainwash the supposedly enlightened individuals. It is surprising how people accept some conspiracy theories without questioning the rationality.

Sometimes last year, a former top military officer and a governor issued an official statement accusing Federal Government of being behind terrorism activities in North-East. He even claimed that aircrafts were dropping food and ammunition to the terrorists in their enclaves. Many of his colleagues believed

C M Y K

Anambra, Rivers, Delta, AkwaIbom, Cross-river and so on.

If the PDP loses the presidential election, they should see it as a blessing in disguise. It will be time to begin to institute democratic structures that will stand the test of time, not impositions by any leader, president, governor or money bag. That era will be gone for good.

For the APC, I have nothing against them apart from their choice of candidate. I am not the type that panders to the vagaries of politicians' whims and caprices. You cannot tell me a candidate is not fit and electable today and tomorrow you tell me, he is the best thing to happen to Nigeria. The APC has only succeeded in going this far because the PDP imploded, pure

The greatness of Nigeria is in her unity in diversity

and simple. Blending the extreme conservatism and fundamentalism that Buhari represents and the progressivism, of the type the defunct ACN represents, is not an easy nut to crack. That they have succeeded thus far, is worthy of commendation, on the part of the personnel that have brought this to bear. I still see this conflict arising, even if the APC wins. I pray that history will prove me wrong in this instance.

In the APC are very brilliant, focussed and innovative minds.

I still believe they could have come up with a better candidate than Buhari, who is seen as rigid and out of tune with present day trends.

Some of my friends have argued that: if not Buhari, who will they pick that will cause the biggest challenge to the PDP? Even if the doctrine of necessity is applied in this case, because we want to win at the centre, I still will not buy the logic. As I have pointed earlier, extreme conservatism/ fundamentalism does not go with radical progressivism. I shall leave the judgement to posterity if the APC succeeds in clinching the much sought after presidency.

As for the rest of us, we have made our points. We have also engaged in fierce debates, to the point of bitterness in some cases.

2015 and the Doubting Thomases the arguments until the accuser was asked to substantiate the allegations at the meeting of Council of States. Those who had earlier believed his allegations were ashamed when he was unable to substantiate and was thus forced to recant.

Sometime this year the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki gave sincere advice that due to widespread insecurity in the North East as well as inability of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to distribute Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), it was necessary to shift elections. The spirit of cynicism aka Doubting-Thomas took over and many Nigerians came up with theories of conspiracy. Just weeks after however, the same individuals who doubted the military’s excuse are now the ones commending Nigerian troops for liberating dozens of towns and villages from Boko Haram. Again, the rate of distribution of PVCs has increased from about 50% on February 3, 2015 to 80%

by March 3, 2015.

While the debate on the postponement of elections raged, there were also allegations by Doubting-Thomases that

There are not much differences between the major political parties apart from the names of their flagbearers. Our appeal therefore to partisan politicians, is that they should be conscious and mindful of what they do and say because Nigeria is bigger than individuals and institutions

the Federal government was planning to institute an Interim National Government (ING). The media was awash with insinuations despite the insistence by the Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke that such contraption was illegal, unconstitutional and therefore, baseless.

In the midst of the confusion came yet another allegation that the Chairman of INEC was in the process of being removed without running afoul of any laws or regulations. Government officials did not only deny the speculations but President Goodluck Jonathan himself was forced to publicly deny the speculations. According to him, “INEC is a very sensitive body...

You cannot wake up and change INEC Chairman… I never told anybody that I will remove him”. The President is conscious that he lacked powers to unilaterally removed INEC Chairman just like any other constitutionally recognised commissions. There are some arguments that are neither morally or logically sound.

Meanwhile, apart from politicians playing their games, there has been a deliberate ploy by certain individuals to bring security agencies into the fray. For instance, Doubting-Thomases raised false alarm that Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) have been ordered to withdraw their personnel from some borders in the NorthWest without any cogent reason. One wonders what that action could have achieved. The timely response of Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko and Comptroller General of Immigration, David Parradan in denying the allegations saved the situation from further controversies on same.

Though Doubting-Thomases are still sceptical if security chiefs would allow the rescheduled elections to hold, the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh and Inspector General of Police Abba Suleman have assured eminent members of National Peace Committee on General Elections led by former Head of State, General Abubakar Abdulsalami that “the

It is time to let the will of democracy to prevail. We must do so by being responsible.

Whatever the outcome of the election,it must be acceptable to all. The greatness of Nigeria is in her unity in diversity.

Collectively united, we are a great nation but when we allow divisions, of the kind that has happened in the north eastern part of the country, we become small and weak, in the process, we give room for such nuisance as the Boko Haram and its irk to sneak in.

Politicians must be magnanimous in defeat and should not recourse to careless remarks, the type that gave room for the mass riots and killings in year 2011.

When elections are over, everybody unites to build and move the nation forward.

Elections will always come and opportunities to win or fail will also be available. If you do not win in this instance, it does not mean you will not win in the next election.

INEC must also be up and doing, to ensure that the elections are credible and acceptable to all.

We all have a duty to build an enduring democracy and the process must begin from this March election.

May the best candidate that is acceptable to the people win. *Mr. Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

elections will be free, fair, credible and violence-free.”

Not yet done, when the online news syndicate platform, PRNigeria reported that the military have been instructed to make every effort to capture the leader of Boko Haram terrorists alive, another allegation emerged. This time, the theory was that government was planning to arrest a fake terrorist and force him to implicate some leaders through false confessions and statements.

Not even the operations of the Multinational Joint Taskforce (MNJTF) were spared in the antics of DoubtingThomases. It was politicised. Rather than see the Nigerian troops as our people, the military is being portrayed as part of the ruling party because they serve the government. For that reason some critics would rather attribute successes and accomplishments of the Nigerian troops to the efforts of partnering countries.

The painful irony is that Nigerian troops have been victims of the insurgents, victims of local collaborators within the communities who betray them, victims of a political class which castigates them unnecessarily and are also victims of social critics who refuse to commend their efforts when they do well but ridiculed when they fall to the bullets or daggers of terrorists.

While some of us enjoy the friendship and brotherliness of patriotic and well intentioned officers and politicians, it will be disappointing and disheartening if either of the political parties play into the hands of enemies of progress and inadvertently help to truncate our hardearned and cherished democracy.

There are not much differences between the major political parties apart from the names of their flag-bearers. Our appeal therefore to partisan politicians, is that they should be conscious and mindful of what they do and say because Nigeria is bigger than individuals and institutions.

The March 28 and April 11, 2015 rescheduled dates of elections should remain sacrosanct while the swearing in of the elected President on May 29, 2015 must be respected.

•Mr. Shuaib, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Abuja.

20 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 21

Elumelu Foundation selects 1,000 African entrepreneurs

T

From left: Haresh Aswani, Managing Director, Lekki Port; Habib Abdullahi, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and Ugo Madubuike, GM, Business Development & Joint Ventures, NPA, during a visit by NPA’s MD to Lekki Port in Lagos. Photo: AKEEM SALAU.

CPC decries high rate of consumer rights abuse in key sectors

T

he Director-General, Consumer Protection Council, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, has decried the high rate of consumer rights abuses in the telecommunications, aviation, banking and power sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Atoki said the prevalence of consumer abuses in different sectors of the nation’s economy had resulted in a situation where consumers were not getting value for their money, noting that the Council had adopted the strategy of criminal prosecution of recalcitrant businesses or litigation to achieve satisfactory redress. She spoke yesterday in Lagos, during a public lecture on “The State of Consumer Rights Protection in Nigeria,

$141.10

-2.25

$2,773.00

17.00

12.77

0.09

organised by the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos.

She said: “In Nigeria, market failures manifest in different ways with varying degrees of negative impact on consumers. While the free market is currently operational in Nigeria, all forms of consumer abuse still pervade virtually every sector of the economy, denying consumers their rights. For

In Nigeria, market failures manifest in different ways with varying degrees of negative impact on consumer

Power cost taking toll on nation’s economy —SON

By Naomi Uzor

$56.16 $47.14 CURRENCY BUYING DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

0.84 0.57

CENTRAL

196 196.5 209.6416 292.5885 209.6416 210.1764 197.9598 198.4648 1.6241 1.6283 0.2973 0.3073 267.9754 268.659 31.6299 31.711 52.2499 52.3832 28.1225 28.1943 270.1272 270.8163

instance, in the telecommunications sector, consumers still contend with drop calls, unsolicited texts/calls, poor network and credit wipe-off, while in the aviation sector, regular delays/ cancellation of flights without notice, damage/loss of baggage without compensation, still occur.” ”In the banking sector, there are regular cases of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) dispense error cases with prolonged resolution period; Point of Sales (POS) terminal issues; and unexplained debit on customer accounts among others. Similarly, in the power sector, outrageous estimated billing, non-provision of transformers/ meters, wrongful disconnections and inadequate/erratic electricity supply contribute to consumers’ frustrations.”

Atoki noted that consumers of Satellite Television Services were also grappling with regular disruptions, wrongful disconnection, poor service delivery and lack of redress for complaints.”

197 293.333 210.7112 198.9698 1.6324 0.3173 269.3426 31.7921 52.5165 28.266 271.5054

CBN Exchange Rate as at 24 /3/15

T

HE Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has said that Nigerians do not practice energy efficiency as the cost incurred on power generation is taking its toll on the nation.

Speaking at validation workshop for the baseline assessment of air conditioners in Nigeria and the kick off meeting on the development and introduction of standards and labels for air conditioners organised by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP),the Head, Electrical and Electronics Department, SON, Mr. Richard Adewunmi, said, energy efficiency is a way of managing and restraining the growth in energy consumption while energy conservation is

reducing or going without a service to save energy, but that some Nigerians has the habit of buying machines or equipments which uses more watts believing that the higher the watts the better it is not knowing the that the cost incurred on such generation is taking its toll on the nation’s economy.

“For example, turning off a light is energy conservation. Replacing an incandescent lamp with a compact fluorescent lamp (which uses much less energy to produce the same amount of light) is energy efficiency but you find out that most Nigerians prefer equipments with higher generation believing that it is better to buy the ones that has more watts not knowing that you can save cost and energy when you buy the ones with lesser watts.

HE Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) yesterday announced the selection of the first 1,000 African entrepreneurs for the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP).

TEEP is a $100 million initiative to discover and support 10,000 African entrepreneurs over the next decade, with a target of creating one million new jobs and $10 billion in additional revenues in the process.Over 20,000 African entrepreneurs from 52 countries applied to the programme, representing the creativity and potential on display across the continent.

The initial 1,000 selected for the 2015 class are a remarkable group of entrepreneurs who are a testament to the ability of Africa’s own entrepreneurs to drive Africa’s growth and development.

Speaking on the desired impact of the programme, Founder, Mr. Tony Elumelu, said: “The selection of these 1000 entrepreneurs brings us closer to our ultimate goal - to drive Africa’s economic and social transformation from within and to radically intensify job creation in Africa.

“Though I have never met or spoken to any of the winners, I am confident that due to the rigorous criteria and selection process, these entrepreneurs are Africa’s hope for the future.

“I will continue to invest my experience, time, influence, and resources to see them succeed. I am embarking on this journey with these entrepreneurs hopeful and inspired.”

The winners represent 52 African countries and territories, as well as a multitude of value adding sectors ranging from agriculture to education to fashion and ICT. The top five countries in terms of numbers of winners are Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and Ghana. All five African regions – North, East, Southern, Central and West Africa are represented, as well as all major language blocs – Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone, and Arabic Africa.

More than anything else, they epitomise the opportunity and promise of Africa. The Tony Elumelu Foundation appointed Accenture as an independent review consultant to thoroughly evaluate each application based on selection criteria approved by the TEEP Selection Committee.

Following Accenture’s independent review, a meeting of the TEEP Selection Committee, made up of successful entrepreneurs and development experts from across Africa, was held today in Lagos to approve the final list of winners.

The 1000 selected entrepreneurs will continue through the programme cycle over the next nine months. This cycle includes an intensive online training curriculum, mentoring, and participation in a two-day entrepreneurship boot-camp and the Elumelu Entrepreneurship Forum.

22 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2013, introduced a revised version of Guide to Bank Charges. The Guide mandated a phased reduction in CoT Charges between 2013 and 2015, and complete elimination by 2016

,

TOP 10 PERFORMING STOCKS

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

O

n the top 10 performing stocks last week were the shares of Honeywell Flour Mill Plc, Glaxosmithkline Consumer Nig. Plc, Costain (West Africa) Plc, Aiico Insurance Plc, Wema Bank Plc and Champion Breweries Plc. Others were Associated Bus Company, ABC Plc, 7-Up Bottling Co. Plc, Nestle Foods Nig. Plc and National Aviation Handling Co. Plc. Honeywell Flour Mill led with 7.91 percent or N0.22 price appreciation to close at N3.00 from N2.78 per share. In 2013, the company increased its production capacity by adding 1,000 metric tons flour milling capacity, in two tranches of 500 metric tons each. According to the managing director, Mr. Lanre Jaiyeola, the expansion has started yielding results.

Recently, Honeywell made changes to its board with the appointment of five new members, out of which, four were foreigners. Available financial report and account of the company for the six months ended September 30, 2014 showed that it posted three per cent increase in its profit before Tax (PBT) from N1.32 billion in six months of 2013 to N1.36 billion during the period. Also, its total assets for the period rose by 11 per cent to N63.62 billion from N57.14 billion reported in Q2 2013, driven by on-going facility expansion projects.

However, its revenue declined moderately to N26.9 billion from N27.8 billion reported a year earlier owing to high raw material cost and an effect of the current state of insecurity in the North-East part of the country.

GSK came far behind with five percent or N 2 . 0 0 increase, closing at N42.00 from N40.00 per share. In 2013, GSK witnessed a failed attempt by its parent company, GSK United Kingdom, to increase its stake in the Nigerian subsidiary. The company had planned to increase its stake from 46.4 percent to 75 percent, which the minority shareholders vehemently kicked against and later won victory through the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, backing via a directive that the price at which GSK UK planned to buy additional shares from Nigeria shareholders (N48 per share) be reviewed upwards while

GSK UK should not vote at the meeting. On a brighter note, the company emerged the winner in the2014 Pearl Awards under the category. The Pearl (Performance Earning and Returns Leadership) Awards was instituted in 1995 to reward companies quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, for outstanding operational and stock performance. Costain (W/A) Plc with all its lack of fundamentals to investing public to undertake proper analysis on the stock emerged third on the list, rising by 4.92 percent or N0.33 to close at N0.64 from N0.61 per share. Costain is constantly falling short of the Exchange’s post-listing rules requirement, especially in the area of rendition of its quarterly and yearly financial accounts and reports. It is among the companies flagged by the NSE for failure to file their 2013 audited account and uptill now, the market is yet to receive that. Further to this, the company has not made any of its 2014 quarterly financial reports available to guide investment decision on the share. The only positive news on the company in almost two years was the refutal of receivership claims on the company by First Bank of Nigeria in 2013 over a trade debt. However, its share price had risen to N1.55 earlier in the year before sliding to the present market price.

Aiico Insurance was the next with 3.45 percent or N0.03 price appreciation to close at N0.90 from N0.87 per share. Just last month, the underwriting firm secured N3.8 billion convertible loan from International Finance Corporation, IFC, to facilitate its expansion project in Nigeria. The company, according to reports, will use the loan facility to increase its agency network and retail centers as well as increase its reach and footprint across the country. Wema Bank appreciated by 3.23 percent or N0.03 to close at N0.96 from N0.93; Champion Breweries advanced by 3.20 percent or N0.16 to close at N5.16 from N5.00; ABC went up by 1.92 percent or N0.01 to close at N0.53 from N0.52; 7Up followed with increase of 1.31 percent or N2.01 to close at N156.01 from N154.00; Nestle went up by 1.16 percent or N9.50 to close at N829.50 from N820.00, while NAHCo appreciated by 0.60 percent or N0.03 to close at N4.99 from N4.96 per share.

,

INVESTOR

Bank customers: CoT is now N1 per 1000

By Babajide Komolafe

B

UT for his knowledge of the directive on Commission on Turn Over (CoT), he would have fallen for the dummy. Edij Efalom wanted to open a corporate account with one of the tier two banks for his micro fashion business. The Customer Relation Officer (CRO) of the bank informed him that the bank just introduced some new corporate accounts for small

businesses. He was encouraged to chose the one wherein he would not pay CoT on transactions but would be charged N1000 per month. But his monthly turnover must not be more than N1 million per month.

What the CRO did not know was that this customer knew that CoT has been reduced to N3 per Mille for 2014, it would be further reduced to N1 per mile in 2015 and in 2016, banks

would not be allowed to charge CoT again. The customer realized that CoT of N1 million monthly turnover would be N2000. He also realized that the monthly turnover of his micro business would for now still be far below N500. This means that if he chooses the account being offered, though he would not pay CoT, he would however be paying N1000 per month, which would be far above what he would pay as CoT if he chooses the normal corporate account. Realising this, Efalom chose the normal corporate

MARKET NEWS

Q4: Top 20 equities account for N9.63trn market capitalization

By Nkiruka Nnorom

T

op 20 listed entities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, accounted for N9.63 trillion of the total equities market capitalization out of N11.486 trillion capitalizations recorded in the last quarter of 2014.

According to a quarterly report by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, for the last quarter, Q4 2014, the number represents 83.86 percent of the equities capitalization for the period, while the other 177 equities accounted for the remaining 16.14 percent.

However, when compared with the value of N11.51 trillion recorded at the end of the third quarter of the year, the value indicated a 16.29 percent decrease in the portion of the equities market controlled by the top twenty equities.

Dangote Cement with N3.48 trillion, representing 29.67 percent market capitalization

emerged the most capitalized stock, followed

by Nigerian Breweries which controlled N1.25 or 10.88 percent of the market capitalization. This was followed by Nestle Nig. Plc, GTB and Zeinth Bank that accounted for N901.97

billion, N741.077 billion and N578.009 market capitalizations in that order during the quarter under review.

Others are FBN Holding which accounted for 287.162 billion, representing 2.50 percent of the equities

From left: Beneficiary, Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS), Chinwenduri Richess Ifenkwe; GIS representative, Ngozi Okonkwo; SINBOL consult representative, Abiola Adedeji and beneficiary, GIS, Ebogu Mary-Jane, at the scheme training organized by SINBOL Consult for the SURE-P GIS project in Lagos.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 23

account.

His experience further reinforced that need for bank customers to know what is going on in the industry, especially regulatory policies concerning bank charges and how banks are supposed to relate to customers on certain issues. Also as indicated above, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2013, introduced a revised version of Guide to Bank Charges. The Guide mandated a phased reduction in CoT Charges between 2013 and 2015, and complete elimination by 2016.

To forestall this colossal loss of income, some of the banks are deploying all manner of strategies to either circumvent the directive of the CBN or introduce new bank accounts with disguised CoT charge.

capitalization; Stanbic IBTC Holdings (N270 billion or 2.35 percent); Guinness Nig. Plc (N253.215 billion or N2.20 percent); Forte Oil Plc (N241.196 billion or 2.14 percent); Lafarge Africa (N241.629 billion or 2.10 percent capitalization); Seplat (N205.837 billion or 1.79 percent capitalization); Access Bank (N151.027 billion or 1.31 percent); Oando Plc (146.35 billion or 1.27 percent); Union Bank of Nigeria (N143.954 billion or 1.25 percent; Unilever (N135.442 billion or 1.18 percent); Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (N125.843 billion or 1.10 percent); 7Up Bottling Co

Throughout the year, most of the equities on the list of top twenty equities by market capitalization for the fourth quarter were those listed in the third quarter of the year

From N5 per mile (or N1000), it was reduced to N3 in 2013 and N2 in 2014. This year, it would be reduced to N1, and zero by 2016.

The reduction however translated to huge reduction in banks’ income. For example in 2013 year, the CoT income of the top five banks declined N7.67 billion. From N84.96 billion in 2012, income from CoT for the five banks dropped to N77.29 billion. The reduction in CoT charge is however expected to rise to N25.76 billion this year.

To forestall this colossal loss of income, some of the banks are deploying all manner of strategies to either circumvent the directive of the CBN or introduce new bank accounts with disguised CoT charge.

This is reflected in a circular sent to banks by CBN earlier last year.

The CBN stated, “Information available to CBN indicates that some banks are still charging CoT at the rate of N3 per mile-which was the agreed rate for 2013. “Our attention has also been drawn to the practice, by some banks, of charging fees which are alien to the Guide. For example, some banks offer accounts that are supposedly CoT-free but impose a maintenance or similar fee-a fee not covered by the Guide.”

(105.953 billion or 0.92 percent), while Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc controlled N102.870 billion, representing 0.90 equities capitalization with the period.

“Throughout the year, most of the equities on the list of top twenty equities by market capitalization for the fourth quarter were those listed in the third quarter of the year. The major change was in the positions of these equities and not the equities themselves.

7UP Bottling Company was the only new addition to the list in the period under review,” the commission stated in the report.

“The top five equities controlled 59.02 percent of the equities market capitalization with Dangote Cement Plc alone controlling 29.67 percent of the equities market capitalization followed by Nigerian Breweries Plc which controlled 10.88 percent,” it added.

Meanwhile, the total market capitalization of listed securities (equities, fixed income securities, and exchange traded funds) at the end of the fourth quarter of 2014 stood at N16.88 trillion. The figure indicates a decrease of 10.93 percent over N18.95 trillion recorded at the end of the third quarter of the same year.

,

S FORUM

Bonds listed and admitted on FMDQ will be traded by Fixed Income Specialists (FMDQ Dealing Members), who will act as market makers to these bonds thus providing trading liquidity to the bond.

,

SEC suspends 2 brokerage firms over non-compliance, infraction Stories By Nkiruka Nnorom

T

he Securities and Ex change Commiss i o n , SEC, has suspended two stockbroking firms operating in the capital market for flouting its rules guiding operations in the market.

One of the stockbroking firms, International Standards Securities Ltd, including its directors and sponsored individuals, according to the commission was suspended from all capital market activities following its non-compliance with SEC Rules/Regulations and deficiencies observed in its operations during a target inspection carried out on it recently.

Also, Woodland Capital Market Plc together with its directors and sponsored individuals was suspended in connection with the unauthorized sale of 3,750 units of PZ Plc shares belonging to an investor and its refusal to comply with the commission’s directives in that regard.

The SEC noted that both suspension were indefinite and would remain in force pending the resolution of

the matter against the operators.

However, in its response to the suspension, Woodland Capital Market said the shares sale was done in 2011 by the old promoters of Woodland Capital as the current management came in and took over Woodland in July 2013.

The SEC noted that both suspension were indefinite and would remain in force pending the resolution of the matter against the operators

The company explained that the build up to the suspension started in 2003 when the investor bought a PZ share certificate directly from another person without going through the standard practice of share transfer done by an accredited stockbroker. The investor gave the bought PZ certificate to a jobber (agent) to process the transfer of the PZ shares in the investors name.

The agent went ahead to BeachGrove Securities & Inv Ltd to process trading account for the investor and bought 3750 units of PZ shares in the investors name without making payments while the share certificate also given to the agent can’t be traced as there is no evidence of its verifcation and transfer into a CSCS account.

Since then the investor has been getting returns on the investment as both dividends and bonues declared have been going directly to him. In 2011, BeachGrove Securities looked into his records and discovered that 3750 units of PZ shares were bought for the investor by an agent with no evidence of payment

FMDQ OTC lists UBA bond as pioneer corporate bond on its platform

F

MDQ OTC PLC (FMDQ) has announced the approval of the pioneer listing of the N30.5 billion United Bank for Africa Bond on its platform as a pioneer corporate bond.

This, according to a statement from the securities exchange, followed the recent approval of FMDQ Bond Listing and Quotation Rules by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC. As a securities exchange and self-regulatory organisation (SRO) registered

by SEC, FMDQ provides a platform for the registration, listing, quotation and trading of bonds and other fixed income securities.

Through its market development initiatives, such

as the FMDQ e-Discovery price activity portal, online quotations service which involves a continuous disclosure of relevant information on fixed income issues listed on its platform, and the publication of the FMDQ Daily Quotations List (DQL), FMDQ has empowered the Nigerian bond market with price discovery, transparency and market integrity, the statement further stated.

Listing and quotation on FMDQ provides a host of benefits across the debt market value chain, positively impacting stakeholders in the Debt Capital Market (DCM) such as issuers, investors, issuing houses, market makers and regulators.

FMDQ’s value-add to DCM includes visibility and transparency to the listed/quoted debts, improved secondary market liquidity, benchmark pricing and price formation, among others, resulting in a more globally competitive Nigerian capital market.

Bonds listed and admitted on FMDQ will be traded by Fixed Income Specialists (FMDQ Dealing Members), who will act as market makers to these bonds thus providing trading liquidity to the bond.

An average value of circa N561 billion is traded on the FMDQ platform on daily basis.

24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY,

By CLARA NWACHUKWU, MICHAEL EBOH and GRACE UDOFIA

A

BUJA — As robust as Federal Government’s current transformations in the energy sector may appear, the Shell Group has identified a number of challenges undermining the success of the reforms.

These are security, crude theft and pipeline vandalism, as well as funding, fiscal stability and predictability, lease predictability and a host of others.

Shell said that these factors are not only increasing the industry’s operating costs, but also stalling further investments for greater economic benefits.

The Vice President, Nigeria and Gabon, Shell Upstream International, Mr. Markus Droll, identified the challenges while speaking on, “The Journey Towards Transformation,” at the just concluded Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference, NOG 2015, last week in Abuja.

He said: “We still need better security for workers in the oil and gas industry. As I speak, a considerable part of our operations are under strict security limitations. We still need a more effective counterstrategy against oil theft and sabotage. While we have directed even more resources to try to counter this menace, it has become a bigger problem compared to a year ago. The methods employed are even more brazen than ever.

“We still need better funding

MARCH 24, 2015

Shell lists challenges undermining transformation success

Operators call for resolution of SDRA … Expresses optimism in its energy economy PIB, NOnflicts bills co

Mobil Stand — From left: Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Mr. Ernest Nwapa; Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, GMD,NNPC, Dr. Joseph Dawha; and Managing Director/Country Chair, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mr. Nolan O’Neal, when Dawha visited ExxonMobil stand at the NOG 2015 in Abuja last week. for capital projects and to clear pending payments on expenditure. We are very concerned about what impact the much lower oil price will have on 2015 funding. We still need more predictability around leases; if we increase certainty around leases, then investment becomes easier to attract.

“And we still need fiscal stability and predictability. This remains key in ensuring investors of all sizes can commit confidently,

government revenues can be forecast reliably, and a capable service industry is maintained

A player cannot attract the bank’s attention if he does not have a structure that is observed and examined as transparent as well as operating in line with global best governance.

with a steady work load. As it stands, investors in Nigeria face very tough fiscal conditions.”

Optimism about the future Droll disclosed that Nigeria’s enormous oil and gas resources is one of the major reasons the Shell Group remains optimistic about the country’s economic future, saying that its optimism and continued investments in the country is being fuelled by current reforms in the petroleum industry as well as the re-prioritising of energy issue across the economic value chain.

Apart from the nation’s growing gas sector, he noted that with the way issues were now being handled, “Nigeria will continue to develop, diversify and grow its economy.”

Already, he said that current investments by Shell Companies in Nigeria are expected to generate up to $5million annually for the next 10 years under the SPDC Joint Venture.

As a result, he said the companies, through various investment projects are now being positioned to support the country more through to its next level of development not only as an oil and gas producer, but also as an emerging market.

Access Bank tasks local companies on good governance … Describes oil slump as act of God

By CLARA NWACHUKWU

T

he surest way indigenous oil and gas operators or any company operating in Nigeria can continue to have support from the banks is by instituting a culture of good corporate governance, while also pooling resources together.

The Executive Director, Oil & Gas, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Elias Igbinakenzua, gave the charge last week, while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the Nigeria Oil and Gas, NOG 2015 Conference & Exhibition, which ended last week in Abuja. Igbinakenzua, who spoke on a variety of issues insisted that this is the only way for operators to sustain participation for a long term for their businesses and enjoy financial support for their projects and developments from the financial institutions.

He said, “You must have good

governance. This will help to determine how to organise your activities, what risks to take on and how to mitigate risks.

A player cannot attract the bank’s attention if he does not have a structure that is observed and examined as transparent as well as operating in line with global best governance.

“So, we think that for our local players that want to grow big, they must embrace good governance. We have done that for a number of players; we have actually tried to make them to understand the need for governance. We have also called external parties to assist them to put the right structure in place and have good governance. This form of assistance by Access Bank has encouraged a good number of indigenous players. It is not about coming to borrow, but when they come to us, we help put to their companies to follow good steps as a player for the long run.” He noted that although the

Nigerian banks now had the financial muscles to support local oil and gas industry operators for up to $10billion last year, they still must exercise some caution in the volume of support they can give.

He said that this has become even imperative now following the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s recent directive to banks on their exposures to the industry in order not to overheat the financial services sector.

He recalled, “The CBN during the last quarter of last year issued a circular that banks total loans for the Oil and Gas sector should not exceed 20percent of their portfolios. Before then, the policy was that a bank could finance 20percent downstream, 20percent midstream and 20percent upstream. And because the circular was issued towards the end of the year, virtually all the banks could not comply with that policy. The CBN had to suspend the policy for now.

By MICHAEL EBOH & GRACE UDOFIA

A

BUJA — Industry stakeholders have called for a thorough amendment of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA Bill currently before the National Assembly, to remove any conflict between it and the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB. Among the stakeholders, were officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, and oil majors, represented by the Oil Producers Trade Section, OPTS, of the Lagos Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, LCCI. The stakeholders, who spoke at a Roundtable in Abuja to gather inputs for the NOSDRA bill, also noted that many provisions in the bill have already been addressed by the PIB. The Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, while assuring that the bill will soon be passed, said that because the bill will be a regulatory instrument, the Committee has ensured that it covered the spectrum of interests and impact the bill will probably have.

Also speaking, the House of Representatives counterpart noted that the bill will likely be passed by the House in the current political dispensation, adding that where this was not possible, it will be within the view of the next assembly to pass.

According to the House, “We are seeking to ensure that a favorable environment is created for all, due to the fact that if the environment is not conducive for International Oil Companies, IOCs, they won’t be able to operate.

On its part, the DPR advised the National Assembly to look at areas of conflict between the NOSDRA Act and the PIB, so as to streamline the issues when considering the NOSDRA Bill.

According to the DPR, problems adequately solved by the PIB should not necessarily be replicated in the NOSDRA Bill, saying, “There is something we can still do to strengthen NOSDRA without jeopardising the PIB.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 25

AFDB commits $200m to coal-to-power …As 8 DISCOs post LCs

By CHRIS OCHAYI

A

BUJA — In its determination to deepen the development of renewable energy, the African Development Bank, AFDB, has offered to provide a support to the tune of about $200 million towards the growth of coal-topower projects in Nigeria.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading PLC, NBET, Mr. Rumundaka Wonodi, who disclosed this while briefing journalists shortly after the Board’s meeting in Abuja, assured that other coal-to-power projects like the Zuma energy project will soon be completed.

According to Wonodi, “It is welcome news and you know that we are also working with the World Bank for Partial Risk Guarantee, PRG, to support the projects that we undertake.

Unfortunately, the World Bank is very reticent and they are not quite committed to giving support to coal because they deem it to be dirty fuel and not very good for the environment.

“However, the AfDB which is African understands that Africa needs power from every source that it can, is supporting coal.

We welcome that and they offered to provide it in support of some the projects that we are working on like the Zuma energy if they feel that it is necessary and some of the other coal projects that we see around the country. “It is very welcome news and we appreciate that. I know that the financial involvement is a number that is about $200 million,” he said.

With regard to tariff cuts, Wonodi said, “The tariff that we work with is the wholesale tariff which is between us and the generation companies. To some extent, I think the collection losses were in excess and the way the commission is addressing it is based on consultation with the distribution companies.”

On the level of response from distribution companies as regards posting Letters of Credit, LCs to NBET, Wonodi said, “Currently, we have about eight of the distribution companies that have posted their LCs which shows that they are comfortable and confident that this market can take off the way it was designed to be.”

Speaking on the activities of the agency, he said, “The bulk trader was established to be a broker, a go-between the generation companies and distribution companies.

Workship: From left: Managing Director/Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor; Managing Director/Country Chair, ExxonMobil Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Nolan O’Neal; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Mrs. Elizabeth Proust; and Snr. Vice President/Managing Director, Addax Petroleum, Mr. Cornelius Zieglar, during a session on; Effective Solutions Driving Change: Costs, Lead Time, Projects & Plans, at the just-concluded Nigeria Oil and Gas, NOG 2015 Conference & Exhibiton in Abuja, last week. Photo: Clara Nwachukwu.

Nigeria, others, have world’s worst energy access — Report

By SEBASTINE OBASI

N

igeria and other countries of the SubSahara African region have the world’s worst access to electricity, the International Energy Agency, IEA, said in its latest report.

The report said that the subregion has 13 percent of the world’s population, but 48 percent of the share of the global population without access to electricity. The only other region with a similar imbalance is South Asia, with 23 percent of the world’s population and 34 percent of the people without access to electricity. This means that almost 600 million people in

sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity.

Only seven countries— Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa, have electricity access rates exceeding 50 percent. The rest

Only seven countries—Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa, have electricity access rates exceeding 50 percent. The rest of the region has an average grid access rate of just 20 percent.

of the region has an average grid access rate of just 20 percent. Moreover, even when there is access to electricity, there may not be enough to go around, the report said.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Sub-Sahara Africa.

It explained that as regards consumption, Africa’s rates are far below other emerging markets. Average electricity consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa, is only about 150 kilowatthours per capita. This is a fraction of consumption rates in Brazil, India, and South Africa.

According to the report, subSaharan Africa has an extraordinary opportunity but will have to do a lot of work to

take advantage of it.

The report noted that SubSaharan Africa is starved for electricity, as the region’s power sector is significantly underdeveloped, from the point of view of energy access, installed capacity, or overall consumption. “The fact that Sub-Saharan Africa’s residential and industrial sectors suffer electricity shortages means that countries struggle to sustain GDP growth.

The stakes are enormous.

Indeed, fulfilling the economic and social promise of the region, and Africa in general depends on the ability of government and investors to develop the continent’s huge electricity capacity,” it said.

“Countries with electrification rates of less than 80 percent of the population consistently suffer from reduced GDP per capita. The only countries that have electrification rates of less than 80 percent with GDP per capita greater than $3,500 are those with significant wealth in natural resources, such as Angola, Botswana, and Gabon.

But even they fall well short of economic prosperity. Whether people can obtain electricity (access), and if so, how much they are able to consume (consumption) are the two most important metrics that can indicate the degree to which the power sector is supporting national development,” the report said.

It also projected that SubSaharan Africa will consume nearly 1,600 terawatt hours by 2040, four times what was used in 2010. “The forecast is based on a number of important factors, including a fivefold increase in GDP, a doubling of population, electricity-access levels reaching more than 70 percent by 2040, and increased urbanisation.

Why our facilities are not vandalised — Fatona

By SEBASTINE OBASI

T

he spate of facility vandalism associated with Nigeria’s oil and gas industry could be minimised if host communities are taken into consideration in the scheme of things, the Managing Director of Niger Delta Petroleum Resources, NDPR, Dr. Layi Fatona said.

Fatona, who spoke in Lagos recently against the backdrop of the incessant vandalism of oil facilities and the frosty relationship between companies and their host communities, said companies could enjoy uninterrupted operations if the communities are made stakeholders. According to him, NDPR established a community development trust where a certain percentage of the company’s profit is dedicated to the development of their host communities.

“We have a host community development trust where we pledged five percent of our net profit every year to the host communities. We have been doing this yearly in the last nine years.

That is the covenant. It made host

communities stakeholders and protectors of the company’s facilities,” he said.

He explained that the fund is managed by NDPR Community Development Trust with the active participation of the Host Community’s Advisory Committee, CAC. He also said that the concept enshrines the doctrine of zero interruption, maximum benefit, strengthens local governance and establishes a framework for transferring visible development to the host communities. Fatona, who put the cumulative cash funding to the trust at $7.127 million, said that it is a modest initiative to ensure that development is anchored on the people.

According to him, the initiative has led to a company/community understanding and cooperation, as direct compensation payment for land acquisition to all claimants minimised intra family/community conflicts and acrimonies.

“Following from the payment of compensation for PROW acquisition,

land owners were made to clear the acquired land prior to pipeline construction.

“This approach enabled the locals to earn wages in the process of pipeline construction. Each family became the bona fide security and protector of pipeline within their respective family land. A sense of residual ownership was thus retained. ”Contracting was done with milestone payment system. All unskilled labour for field constructions is sourced from the host communities.

These sets of workers were encouraged to work; learn and earn a wage instead of the usual “sit-at-home” understanding/culture in the Delta.

“Due to NDPR’s community relation model, there has been no host community-induced disturbance leading to shutdown in operations or production for 10 years now,” Fatona added. Several oil and gas companies operating in the country complain about disruption of their operations and in some cases, loss of their assets to vandals.

26 — Vanguard, TUESDAY,

MARCH 24, 2015

Chinese firm to set up $50m steel plant …to explore 10 new mining sites

By GABRIEL EWEPU

A

BUJA — A Chinese firm, Tongyi Allied Mining Limited, said it planned to set up a $50 million steel smelting plant in Nasarawa State.

The disclosure was made by the company’s project manager, Mr. Vincent Yuan, during a visit to the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Musa Sada, in Abuja last week.

Yuan at the presentation of the activities of the mining giant said the company was out to add value to the mining sector based on government’s support.

He said: “The Tongyi Allied Mining Limited is a company from China that has come to develop Nigeria’s mining sector. We have embarked on a whole lot of mining and development activities since we established the company here in Nigeria in 2009.

“We are going to establish a $50 million steel smelting plant in Nasarawa State. Although the project will last for about three years since it is capital intensive.

“We are also going to carry out exploration on about 10 new mining sites in Bauchi, Plateau, Ebonyi, Benue, Zamfara, Nasarawa and Adamawa states, and development in Plateau, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Zamfara, and possibly, Benue states.

Award: From left, Chief Executive Officer, Oando Gas and Power, Mr. Bolaji Osunsanya receiving 2015 Nigeria Oil and Gas Award for Excellence from Board member, Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation, Dr. Peter Madu at the Nigeria Oil and Gas Gala/Award night in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

“These explorations will be for minerals, mainly lead-zinc, tin, copper, gold, and we also do other ones like tunsten, silver and marble, and others.”

Yuan also said that about $7million investment plan has been concluded to open up two mines and establish two zinclead processing plants, which each will be sited in Ebonyi and Plateau states.

With regard to the company’s corporate social responsibilities, he said the company has spent $10million

on community development projects ranging from access roads, bridges, blocks of classroom, scholarships, water

about $7million investment plan has been concluded to open up two mines and establish two zinc-lead processing plants, which each will be sited in Ebonyi and Plateau states.

projects, and skills acquisition in host communities.

However, Yuan expressed frustration on the company’s challenge of not getting explosives as expected for mining operation, “We think it is partially because of the security reason, since it is explosives, even though we want to use it on our operation as civil use it has become difficult,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sada, who commended Tongyi on its commitment in developing the nation’s mining sector, said the government was ready to partner with companies like this on employment generation and economic development.

Sada also said mining companies that failed to implement the community development agreements risk losing its mining lease, as the government strongly protects host communities and ensure they benefit from companies operating there.

The Minister also promised of appropriate sanctions against companies which failed to pay their taxes. He said the government will henceforth strictly enforce laws guiding mining operations and any found wanting risk revocation of their operating licenses.

He projected a two per cent contribution by the mining sector to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, in the next two years.

Price slump: Arco tasks government on curbing wastages

By MICHAEL EBOH

T

he Managing Director of Arco Group Plc, Mr. Alfred Okoigun, has called on government at all levels to address the issue of wastages in governance and put in place measures that will help cushion the effects of falling oil prices in the international market.

Okoigun spoke at the just concluded 2015 Nigerian Oil and Gas, NOG Conference and Exhibition, in Abuja.

He described the price slump as, “an opportunity for us as a nation to cut waste in government expenditure; judiciously use the lean revenue accruing from crude oil sales; put in place private sector led investment in refineries and petrochemicals; and focus attention on non-oil sectors of the economy to bolster government revenue.”

He lamented that over the years, the country has not deemed it necessary to sufficiently invest in functional refineries and petrochemical industries, electricity and other infrastructure as well as local capability.

The implication of this, according to him, is that even the slightest downturn in the international oil market

is bound to permeate the entire sectors of the economy and worsen government finances.

He further urged government, as a matter of urgency, to muster the political will to stop the wanton stealing of the country’s crude oil, adding that in the event of a rebound in crude oil prices, it must adopt the habit and discipline of saving for the rainy day.

Okoigun also maintained that the country must place emphasis on building local capabilities. He noted that if all the petroleum products consumed in the country were refined locally, the country would have been saved of huge costs, conserve needed foreign exchange, eliminate the probability of fraud in subsidy payments and generate additional foreign exchange from the export of refined products.

“Similarly with huge gas deposits, Nigeria has been endowed by nature to generate sufficient electricity for own use. I acknowledge that some reforms are currently on-going in this sector. However, government must demonstrate the political will to drive the process to a logical conclusion for the benefit of the country,” he noted.

Okoigun further commended the

Federal Government for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development, NOGICD Act, stating that the Act has helped increase the capacity of indigenous companies, including Arco.

He said, “As we have found out, increased Nigerian capability increases Nigerian competitiveness in the international market. And the higher Nigerian competitiveness will continue to lead to the well-being of the Nigerian citizens. I am sure that other local companies will have similar stories to tell.

Sharing the Arco experience, he recalled, “When in 2007 the Niger Delta crisis got to a frightening dimension, the expatriates that we were working with on the maintenance of gas turbines and compressors for one of the International Oil Companies, IOCs, were evacuated from the sites.

“After they left the country, the responsibility to maintain these sophisticated equipment fell on Arco’s engineers and technicians. Because Arco has sufficiently developed local capability through training and capacity building, these young Nigerians kept the plants running in the absence of the expatriate engineers and technicians.

Oil Spill: Nigeria, Cameroon test run communication

By FUNMI OLASUPO

A

BUJA — Nigeria and neighboring Cameroon simultaneously commenced a two-day bilateral exercise aimed at testing communication between both countries in the event of an oil spill. To this effect, a key innovative feature is the emphasis on the promotion of public/private partnerships to ensure an effective oil spill response making use of existing industry expertise and resources.

Speaking at the opening of the oil spill response bilateral exercise between Nigeria and Cameroon in Abuja, the Director General/Chief Executive, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, Sir Peter Idabor, said the outcome of the exercise will further strengthen in country capability on oil spill management. Idabor recalled that the 22-member Global Initiative of West, Central and Southern Africa, GI WACAF, at its meeting in Namibia in 2013, encouraged neighboring countries to commence the testing of communication between them in a bid to achieve speedy oil spill management whenever it occured.

The GI WACAF project he explained is a partnership between the International Maritime Organisation, IMO and IPIECA.

Eroton acquires Shell’s OML 18 for $737m

I

ndigenous firm, Eroton Exploration & Production Company has acquired the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC’s 30percent interest in oil mining lease, OML 18 and related facilities in the Eastern Niger Delta for the sum of $737 million.

Confirming the conclusion of transactions on the asset, Shell also said in a statement last week that “This divestment is part of the strategic review of SPDC’s onshore portfolio and is in line with the Federal Government aim of developing Nigerian companies in the country’s upstream oil and gas business.”

Accordingly, Eroton now had about 45 percent holding in the asset, which also included the 10 percent held by French oil major, Total, and Italy’s Eni’s five percent, the statement explained.

Shell noted that it has been in Nigeria for more than 50 years and remained committed to keeping a long-term presence in both onshore and offshore.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 27

NERC issues 1,080mw license to Oma Power

By CHRIS OCHAY I

Chevron, others invest in eradication of tuberculosis in Nigeria

By MICHAEL EBOH

A

BUJA — The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, last week, issued a 1,080 megawatt, MW on-grid generation license to Oma Power Generation Company Limited.

The Chairman of NERC, Dr Sam Amadi, said at the ceremony that the gas-fired power plant will be located at Orgwu-Ogwe, Ukwa West, in Abia state.

Amadi described the granting of the 1080MW capacity license as “an ambitious project. It is an ambitious venture, but doable. It is on record that Egbin Power station located in Lagos, is the first generation company in history to have been issued a licence of such magnitude.

It will also be recalled that the Commission recently issued license to Zuma Energy Nigeria Limited, to operate a combined 1,200MW coal power plant in Itobe, Kogi state. Oma Power Director, Business Development, Mr. Tim Onomiwu, assured the Commission that the licence terms will be adhered to.

Shell suspends operations at Nembe creek for maintenance

By EDIRI EJOH, with agency report

S

hell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, said it has suspended operations in the Nembe Creek oil pipeline, following planned maintenance work.

In a statement, SPDC pointed out that, although there was no indication as to whether the “short term” engineering work would affect Bonny Light exports the company would not give a timeline for the maintenance.

The Nembe Creek Trunk line is one of Nigeria’s major crude oil transportation channel used to convey oil produced from the Niger Delta to the Atlantic coast for export.

It is also an invaluable asset to operators in the oil industry as it serves as vessel available for hire by other oil exploration and production companies in country to convey their crude oil to the export terminal for onward transfer to the international markets.

“The Atlantic Basin market is facing nagging oversupply, meaning even a smaller export programme is unlikely to significantly affect prices.

Workship: From left: Panel Chair, Rt. Hon. Charles Osezua; Managing Director/CEO, Shoreline Natural Resources Ltd. Dr. Ladi Bada; Managing Director/CEO, First E&P Ltd., Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero; Executive Vice Chairman, Moni Pulo Ltd., Mr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs; and Executive Director, Oil & Gas, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Elias Igbinakenzua, at a session on; The Rise of Nigerian Independent Producers: The Secrets to Success & Outlook for the Future, at the Nigeria Oil and Gas, NOG 2015 Conference & Exhibition, which ended last week in Abuja. Photo: Clara Nwachukwu

C

hevron Nigeria Limited, its affiliate, Star Deep Water Limited and partners in the Agbami project, have further increased their investment in the eradication of tuberculosis in the country to boost sound healthcare delivery in Nigeria, with the donation of a fully equipped chest clinic to Katsina state.

The co-venturers in the Agbami field project are: Famfa Oil Limited, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Statoil Nigeria Limited and Petroleo Brasiliero Nigeria Limited, PetroBras.

Speaking at the official handover of the clinic to the Katsina State Government in

Abuja, Mr. Jeffrey Ewing, Director, Deepwater and Production Sharing Contract, Star Deepwater, noted that the chest clinic, which is the 25th across the country, is

The company is also carrying out Asset GIS mapping and Customer enumeration.

The completion of these exercises will facilitate effective planning for future development and reduction of technical and commercial loss levels.

a reflection of its determination to improve the healthcare system in Nigeria.

According to Ewing, who was represented by Gbenga Aluko, a Director of the Star Deepwater, the chest clinic, which was donated to Rimi General Hospital, Katsina, comes fully equipped with a standard x-ray machine, male and female wards, treatment rooms, laboratories and Gene Xpert Machine.

Apart from the chest clinic, Ewing said the co-venturers in the Agbami project are also in the verge of handing over several projects.

“The projects, mainly chest clinics, libraries and science laboratories constitute an aspect of the strategic interventions by the Agbami

co-venturers. It would interest you to know that we have donated 23 chest clinics to different states of the federation including the Federal capital Territory, Abuja,” he noted.

He explained that in addition to the chest clinics, the partners have implemented awareness programmes on HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases in several communities across the six geo-political zones in the country.

Continuing, he said, “The Co-venturers have also instituted specialised educational scholarship programme in support of health and engineering manpower development in Nigeria through targeted supported for medical, nursing, laboratory sciences and engineering students.

“Some undergraduates of Katsina State extraction are beneficiaries of the Agbami Medical and Engineering scholarship programme.”

Also speaking, Managing Director, Petrobras, Maria das Graças Silva Foster said the project is in line with the partners’ programmes to help improve quality healthcare across the country.

Foster, who was represented

by Mrs. Meg Irozuru, Government Relations Manager, Petrobras, expressed optimism that the project will help to stem the tide of tuberculosis and chestrelated diseases in Katsina state.

Metering will address bill estimation, energy theft — IKDC

T

he Management of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Plc, Ikeja Electric, said the planned introduction of smart meters will ultimately address bill estimation and energy theft.

It said the meters will also enable prompt and improved response to the vandalism of the distribution network.

Speaking during a customer forum in Lagos, Ikeja Electric’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Abiodun Ajifowobaje, said the necessary financial and technical commitment needed to achieve a new metering regime had been put in place. ” We have and will continue to make huge investments in this regard and assure all our customers that the impending roll-out of smart meters will drive effective and transparent billing within the network. We will surely work with all customers to ensure the success of the project even as we remain committed to continuing engagements on the issue of billing estimates,” he told the company’s customers.

According to him, Ikeja Electric has

since concluded the comprehensive study and technical evaluation of the network through the assistance of its technical partners, Korean Electricity Power Company, KEPCO. The company is also carrying out Asset GIS mapping and Customer enumeration.

The completion of these exercises will facilitate effective planning for future development and reduction of technical and commercial loss levels.

Ajifowobaje also told the customers that Ikeja Electric had introduced new payment channels which have made payment of electricity bills easy and less stressful.

As usual with the introduction of such new services, some operational glitches were brought to the attention of management and these were promptly addressed and urged customers to contact the dedicated helplines, 07000225543, 014483900, or email: customercare@ikejaelectric.com for prompt solutions to queries and enquiries.

Attributing the drop in power supply to low allocation of power from the National Grid, he appealed to customers for understanding, stating that Ikeja Electric

remained committed to equitable distribution of the power it receives from the grid.

“Ikeja Electric requires at least 1,250MW to effectively serve customers within its network, but we consistently receive only about 400MW for the past two weeks.

You all are aware of the gas challenges as well as the activities of vandals. The government and stakeholders in the sector are working assiduously to tackle these issues and ultimately the reform will transform power supply in Nigeria,” he said.

Ajifowobaje said equipment vandalism remains one of the greatest factors militating against stable power supply within the network of the company.

He disclosed that in 2015 alone, over 70 transformers had been lost to vandalism within Ikeja Electric network. He decried the increase in vandalism and called on the community to assist the company in stemming this tide.

28 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 29

C M Y K

30—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

By Theodore Opara

PAN presents new generation Peugeot cars through test drive T

HE Managing Director of PAN Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Ibrahim Boyi, has explained that the recent Media Test Drive by his company is aimed at presenting the new generation Peugeot vehicles to the press and Nigerian public.

Mr. Boyi who received the members of the press at Peugeot Corporate Headquarters in Kaduna after a 905 kilometres twoday drive from Lagos to Kaduna, explained that the idea behind the Peugeot media test drive is to restate the values of Peugeot vehicles through the unbiased driving experience of Motoring Editors and other experts.

According to him, “the Peugeot Media Test drive is to serve as a quality audit of all the products offered to the Nigerian market. The test drive, he further noted aims at exposing the attributes, behaviour and adaptability of Peugeot marque for scrutiny over a long distance of adverse road conditions across the country.

The two day test drive kicked off from one of PAN’s dealerships in Lagos, Oluwalogbon Motors, and terminated at Lokoja on the first day, via Ibadan, Akure, Owo, Obilo and Okene. The following day saw the journalists visiting the confluence of River Niger and Benue before heading to Kaduna, after a stop-over at Zuma Rock, Suleja.

Some of the Peugeot vehicles involved in the test drive include the new Peugeot 301 sedan manual and automatic

Peugeot Flágship Sedan, the 508

transmissions, the 3008 crossover vehicle, the Expert Van, the 4008 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and the Peugeot flagship Sedan, the 508.

Addressing the journalists, the Managing Director noted that Peugeot has a full range of new generation vehicles that

The Peugeot Media Test drive is to serve as a quality audit of all the products offered to the Nigerian market

New Sensation Peugeot 301 offer value for money, adding that all Peugeot vehicles available in the country are suitable for Nigerian roads.

He said: “We sell selected Peugeot vehicles in Nigeria and they are

suitable for Nigerian roads.

On safety, we go a step ahead, as the cars we sell have mind of their own and can over-ride the driver if the need arises."

The Managing Director

who disclosed that Peugeot was Europe's number two auto maker pointed out that Peugeot had the youngest generation of automobile in the world presently, which is what they are bringing to Nigerians.

To bring the Peugeot cars to the door steps of Nigerians, the Peugeot boss said, they are signing new dealerships across the nation to join the already existing ones, while ensuring that the cars and spare parts are competitively priced.

To this end, he stated that Peugeot Automobile, AP France had been very supportive to PAN Nigeria than before, as they were showing interest to reacquire their stake in the company since the announcement of the new auto policy by the Federal Government.

According to him, the new auto policy created the opportunity to further renew the relationship between the two companies and pave the way for renewal of new opportunities.

Boyi siad: “Peugeot France has been very supportive more than before. They are interested in re-acquiring their stake and this is the confidence the new auto policy is giving to investors."

He pointed out that if the policy was allowed to work, PAN Nigeria will regain what it had lost in the past.

He stated that without the policy, one cannot be competitive in the market, hence they shall continue to push for the success of the policy.

Three years old Araoluwa wins Kia Rio at St. Saviours School FunDay

K

IA Motors Nigeria’s collaborative stride to boost primary educational development weaved into its organisational social responsibility has continued to wax stronger in recent

times. The company ’s sponsorship of the 2015 St Saviours School Funday was hinged on its relentless efforts to partner with educational institutions to further strengthen the foundational learning of

Miss Araoluwa Edun (centre) winner of Kia Rio at St. Saviour's School FunDay flanked by her family members and the Kia team.

the future leaders in a peacefully unified society.

For over a decade now, Kia Motors Nigeria has not only been in the vanguard of revolutionizing the automobile industry in Nigeria with affordable and best in class cars, but also keyed into human capacity development programmes aimed at enhancing the country’s future in realising her objectives.

The 2015 Funday theme was tagged ‘Embracing Differences’, the event sought to bring together all differing divides either along religious belief or cultural affinity. In a welcome address by the Head teacher, St Saviours School, at the event, he espoused on the need to create a peaceful coexist-

ence among differing beliefs. In his speech, laying emphasis on the great importance of a conducive environment for learning, he stated “this year’s theme of ‘Embracing Differences’ is an integral element of education in the 21st century. Increasing globalization is an essential reason we all need to develop our understanding of diversity and embrace differences.

In his remark, Chief Commercial Officer, Kia Motors Nigeria, Mr Sandeep Malhotra, stated that “our partnership with the school will bring in required awareness among communities we live in and positively impact the lives of targeted group, the kids on the need to live in harmony despite their ethnic or religious differenc-

es”. According to him, Kia will continue to provide necessary support for faster and impactful implementation of our program centred on capacity development of the younger generation in the country.

“We will continue to identify and spread our projects in the area of education and development of children across the country,” he noted.

The kids at the event had a fun filled day with interesting games, entertainments, and stage performances that sure raised the tempo. The whole place went agog when the biggest moment for the grand finale raffle draw was announced. There was excitement in the air as the kids are keenly interested in who wins the Kia Rio.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 31

32 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A1

C M Y K

A10 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A11

C M Y K

A12 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A13

C M Y K

A14 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A15

C M Y K

A16 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A17

A18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A19

A2 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

C M Y K

A20 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A21

A22 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A23

A22 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A23

A24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A25

A26 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A27

A28 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A29

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A3

C M Y K

A30 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A31

A32 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

A4 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A5

C M Y K

A6 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A7

C M Y K

A8 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — A9

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — B1

C M Y K

B2 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — B3

B4 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — B5

B6 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — B7

COMMISSIONING: From left: Mrs. Kemi Ogunyemi, Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi, Commissioner of Finance, Dr. Jide Idris, Commissioner for Health, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Oba of Lagos, cutting the tape, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Hon. Suru Avoseh, Chairman, House Committee on Health, Lagos State House of Assembly, and Mrs. Abosede Oluwabuyede, during the commissioning of the Cardiac and Renal Centre, CRC, by Lagos State governor, at Gbagada General Hospital, Gbagada, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

LAUNCHING: From left: Funke Isichei, Head, Private Banking, Stanbic IBTC, Yinka Sanni, CEO, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Joyce Uredi, Head, Personal Banking, Stanbic IBTC, and Kate Johns, Head, Africa Communications, Standard Bank, at the launch of Stanbic IBTC Priority Pass for HNI customers in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau.

LECTURE: From left: Oba Victor Kiladejo, Osemawe of Ondo kingdom, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, and Prof. Jacob Olupona of Harvard University, US, guest lecturer, during FUTA's Foundation Day Lecture deliverede by Olupona in Akure.

AWARD: From left: Chief Executive Officer, Unity Dolls, Paul Orajiaka, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs Grace Oladimeji, and Mrs. Ifeyinwa Orajiaka, displaying the award plague on Lagos State Support Our Schools Initiative in Lagos.

C M Y K

INSTALLATION: From left: Otunba Rotimi Paseda, Oba Mobolaji Mosuro, Olomu of Omu, and Yeye Otunba Adeneye Oritsejemine Paseda, during the installation of Ogun State Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, governorship candidate, Prince Paseda as Otunba Adeneye of Omu Ijebu and his wife, as Yeye Otunba Adeneye of Omu Ijebu, at Omu Ijebu Town Hall, Odogbolu Local Government Area, Ogun State. Photo: Wunmi Akinola

MOU: From left; Citizenship Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Mr. Olusola Amusan, Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria, Mr. Kabelo Makwane, and Chief Executive Officer, Jobberman, Mr. Ayodeji Adewunmi, during the signing of MoU between Microsoft and Jobberman in Lagos.

Fromm left: Ajibola Olorunyomi, Senior Executive, Activations, Chi Ltd, Ugochukwu Uwajeh, and Godspower Utawure, Senior Executive, Marketing, Chi Ltd, at the premiership match viewing for Chivita 100% fruit juice partnership with Manchester United in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau.

LAUNCHING: From left: Brand Building Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr David Okeme, Category Manager, Skin Care, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Miss Osato Evbuomwan, and Fashion Designer, Mai Atafo, at Unilever's launch of new Lux variants in Lagos.

B8 —

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Buhari's real enemies are Atiku, Kwankwaso — Gov Lamido Tina Akannam

D

UTSE — GOVERNOR Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, has faulted the recent claim by the media committee of Buhari’s campaign directorate that President Goodluck Jonathan has directed him to campaign against Buhari, saying that the claim was mischievous and misleading.

He also warned General Muhammadu Buhari to consider former Vice president Atiku Abubakar and Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his real enemies.

Governor Lamido, yesterday, during the rally of Malam Aminu Ringim, the state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate, at Garki Local Government Area of the state, said he was too big to be used to campaign against Buhari because when it comes to political game, “I am not afraid of anybody.”

He stressed that if he wanted to say anything about General Buahri, he would say it without fear, adding he had expressed his mind in the past.

“There is no amount of hatred, harassment and intimidation by any political party that will stop the PDP from winning this month

general elections in Nigeria.”

He expressed optimism that President Jonathan will win the coming Saturday presidential election, considering the popularity and acceptability of the PDP by Nigerians.

He noted that across the country, the PDP has done well and

deserves victory at the polls going by the figures and a careful analysis made of the situation of things in the country.

On the former Vice President, Abubakar and Kano State governor, Kwankwaso, he insisted that they were real enemies of Buhari.

FG to probe Agatu killings “I have never been an enemy of General Buhari. We don’t share the same political ideology and so I cannot pretend to admire his political beliefs, but Abubakar and Kwankwaso are his greatest antagonists because he scuttled their presidential ambitions when he won their party primaries.”

VISIT: From left, Hon. Pandola Okwuosa, Hon. Okwudili Ojiba, Princess Stella Oduah, Archbishop Valerian Okeke, Archbishop of Onitsha; Chief Stella Odife, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, during a courtesy visit by Princess Stella Oduah, PDP Senatorial candidate for Anambra North, to the Archbishop .

POLLS: Middle Belt Youth Council declare support for Jonathan

By Marie-Therese Nanlong.

J

OS — THE Middle Belt Youth Council, has pledged its support for the re-election bid of Presidential Goodluck Jonathan, saying that the President needs to be re-elected to complete the good projects he started.

The Youth Council at a briefing, yesterday, in Jos, Plateau State, reiterated that the President stood for the unity of Nigeria and had always given priority to policybased administration.

National Leader of the council, Mr. Emmanuel Zopmal, noted that the President was a man who loves Nigeria and had never tampered with the political development of the country.

“We, as a people, have earlier declared our undiluted and total support for the re-election of President Jonathan. For the fact that President Jonathan’s administration is faced with the worst challenges that ever confronted Nigeria, does not mean he has failed because in the face of these daunting challenges, he has achieved a lot in education, transport, youth employment, among others.

“The Middle Belt will not vote General Muhammadu Buhari C M Y K

because his Fulani herdsmen have been persistently killing our people in Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Southern Bauchi and Southern

Kaduna.”

He berated the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Buhari for promising to bring back the abducted

Chibok girls if elected as President, stressing, he should tell Nigerians where the innocent girls were hidden.

DWINDLING ALLOCATIONS: Tackle oil theft,

pipeline vandalisation,Kwara govt tells FG

By Demola Akinyemi

I

LORIN — THE Kwara State government has called on the opposition party in the state, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to stop blackmailing it over false allegations of misappropriation of local governments funds in the state, but to appeal to the Federal Government to summon the

political will to tackle the protracted problem of oil theft, pipeline vandalisation in Nigeria, "which have been responsible for gross reduction in federal allocations to the state since August, last year."

State Commissioner for Finance and Chairman Joint Account Allocation Committee, Alhaji Demola Banu stated this in Ilorin at the end of the monthly meeting

of the committee.

Banu called on the opposition party to appeal to the Federal Government, which has failed to find a lasting solution to issues of oil theft and vandalisation of pipelines, saying that government has been attributing reduction in monthly allocation to all states, including PDP states to these problems for more than three years.

Lawyer sues surveyor for collecting legal fees on ASPAMDA Plaza

By Onuzure Dania

A

LAWYER, Mr. Chijioke Ojukwu, has dragged an estate surveyor, M.I. Okoro before a Lagos High Court, Igbosere for illegally demanding and collecting legal fees and rents from tenants in ASPAMDA Plaza located within the Ojo Trade Fair Complex in Lagos.

Okoro, through M.I. Okoro and Associates, was said to have, without lawful authority, negotiated with tenants in the

ASPAMDA Plaza and collected rents totalling N124.688 million and charged five per cent legal fees on the rents.

ASPAMDA Plaza is owned by the Registered Trustees of Auto Spare Parts and Machineries Dealers Association.

Ojukwu is claiming in the suit that by a board resolution dated September 1, 2014, that he was appointed by the association as the lawful attorney with instruction to handle all legal correspondences and general

legal services regarding collection of rents from tenants in the ASPAMDA Plaza.

The said board resolution was attached as exhibit to the suit.

The applicant added that in furtherance of the power of attorney granted to him by the Association, he wrote to the tenants to notify them of his authority to negotiate with them over and concerning the renewal of their lease and payment to the Association through him.

Peter Duru

M

AKURDI—THE F e d e r a l Government has inaugurated a probe panel to investigate the unending killings in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State with a view to finding lasting solutions to the crisis.

Senate President, David Mark, made this known in Otukpo at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stakeholders town hall meeting, organised by the Benue State office of the Goodluck/Sambo Reelection Campaign Organisation.

Mark who decried the wanton loss of lives and property in the protracted crises, said “The Federal Government will do everything possible to ensure an end to the crisis in Agatu and indeed any part of the country.”

Varsity staff threaten strike over NUC circular, arrears

By Kelechi Azubuike

C

ALABAR — SENIOR Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, has in Calabar, Cross River State, threatened a nationwide strike over perceived “obnoxious circular” by the National Universities Commission, NUC, “to obliterate the sanctity of the 2009 FGN/ University-based union’s Agreement.”

In a communiqué after its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Calabar, SSANU accused NUC of unilaterally expunging through a circular the aspect of the agreement on university demonstration staff schools.

It also lamented the failure of government to pay the outstanding arrears of the Earned Allowance.

The union equally condemned the lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Government in implementing the 2009 agreement despite persistent call on the government and the Implementation Monitoring Committee, IMC, for the full implementation and payment of the arrears of the Earned Allowance.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015— B8

Buhari's real enemies are Atiku, Kwankwaso — Gov Lamido Tina Akannam

D

UTSE — GOVERNOR Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, has faulted the recent claim by the media committee of Buhari’s campaign directorate that President Goodluck Jonathan has directed him to campaign against Buhari, saying that the claim was mischievous and misleading.

He also warned General Muhammadu Buhari to consider former Vice president Atiku Abubakar and Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his real enemies.

Governor Lamido, yesterday, during the rally of Malam Aminu Ringim, the state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate, at Garki Local Government Area of the state, said he was too big to be used to campaign against Buhari because when it comes to political game, “I am not afraid of anybody.”

He stressed that if he wanted to say anything about General Buahri, he would say it without fear, adding he had expressed his mind in the past.

“There is no amount of hatred, harassment and intimidation by any political party that will stop the PDP from winning this month

general elections in Nigeria.”

He expressed optimism that President Jonathan will win the coming Saturday presidential election, considering the popularity and acceptability of the PDP by Nigerians.

He noted that across the country, the PDP has done well and

deserves victory at the polls going by the figures and a careful analysis made of the situation of things in the country.

On the former Vice President, Abubakar and Kano State governor, Kwankwaso, he insisted that they were real enemies of Buhari.

FG to probe Agatu killings “I have never been an enemy of General Buhari. We don’t share the same political ideology and so I cannot pretend to admire his political beliefs, but Abubakar and Kwankwaso are his greatest antagonists because he scuttled their presidential ambitions when he won their party primaries.”

VISIT: From left, Hon. Pandola Okwuosa, Hon. Okwudili Ojiba, Princess Stella Oduah, Archbishop Valerian Okeke, Archbishop of Onitsha; Chief Stella Odife, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, during a courtesy visit by Princess Stella Oduah, PDP Senatorial candidate for Anambra North, to the Archbishop .

POLLS: Middle Belt Youth Council declare support for Jonathan

By Marie-Therese Nanlong.

J

OS — THE Middle Belt Youth Council, has pledged its support for the re-election bid of Presidential Goodluck Jonathan, saying that the President needs to be re-elected to complete the good projects he started.

The Youth Council at a briefing, yesterday, in Jos, Plateau State, reiterated that the President stood for the unity of Nigeria and had always given priority to policybased administration.

National Leader of the council, Mr. Emmanuel Zopmal, noted that the President was a man who loves Nigeria and had never tampered with the political development of the country.

“We, as a people, have earlier declared our undiluted and total support for the re-election of President Jonathan. For the fact that President Jonathan’s administration is faced with the worst challenges that ever confronted Nigeria, does not mean he has failed because in the face of these daunting challenges, he has achieved a lot in education, transport, youth employment, among others.

“The Middle Belt will not vote General Muhammadu Buhari C M Y K

because his Fulani herdsmen have been persistently killing our people in Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Southern Bauchi and Southern

Kaduna.”

He berated the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Buhari for promising to bring back the abducted

Chibok girls if elected as President, stressing, he should tell Nigerians where the innocent girls were hidden.

DWINDLING ALLOCATIONS: Tackle oil theft,

pipeline vandalisation,Kwara govt tells FG

By Demola Akinyemi

I

LORIN — THE Kwara State government has called on the opposition party in the state, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to stop blackmailing it over false allegations of misappropriation of local governments funds in the state, but to appeal to the Federal Government to summon the

political will to tackle the protracted problem of oil theft, pipeline vandalisation in Nigeria, "which have been responsible for gross reduction in federal allocations to the state since August, last year."

State Commissioner for Finance and Chairman Joint Account Allocation Committee, Alhaji Demola Banu stated this in Ilorin at the end of the monthly meeting

of the committee.

Banu called on the opposition party to appeal to the Federal Government, which has failed to find a lasting solution to issues of oil theft and vandalisation of pipelines, saying that government has been attributing reduction in monthly allocation to all states, including PDP states to these problems for more than three years.

Lawyer sues surveyor for collecting legal fees on ASPAMDA Plaza

By Onuzure Dania

A

LAWYER, Mr. Chijioke Ojukwu, has dragged an estate surveyor, M.I. Okoro before a Lagos High Court, Igbosere for illegally demanding and collecting legal fees and rents from tenants in ASPAMDA Plaza located within the Ojo Trade Fair Complex in Lagos.

Okoro, through M.I. Okoro and Associates, was said to have, without lawful authority, negotiated with tenants in the

ASPAMDA Plaza and collected rents totalling N124.688 million and charged five per cent legal fees on the rents.

ASPAMDA Plaza is owned by the Registered Trustees of Auto Spare Parts and Machineries Dealers Association.

Ojukwu is claiming in the suit that by a board resolution dated September 1, 2014, that he was appointed by the association as the lawful attorney with instruction to handle all legal correspondences and general

legal services regarding collection of rents from tenants in the ASPAMDA Plaza.

The said board resolution was attached as exhibit to the suit.

The applicant added that in furtherance of the power of attorney granted to him by the Association, he wrote to the tenants to notify them of his authority to negotiate with them over and concerning the renewal of their lease and payment to the Association through him.

Peter Duru

M

AKURDI—THE F e d e r a l Government has inaugurated a probe panel to investigate the unending killings in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State with a view to finding lasting solutions to the crisis.

Senate President, David Mark, made this known in Otukpo at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stakeholders town hall meeting, organised by the Benue State office of the Goodluck/Sambo Reelection Campaign Organisation.

Mark who decried the wanton loss of lives and property in the protracted crises, said “The Federal Government will do everything possible to ensure an end to the crisis in Agatu and indeed any part of the country.”

Varsity staff threaten strike over NUC circular, arrears

By Kelechi Azubuike

C

ALABAR — SENIOR Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, has in Calabar, Cross River State, threatened a nationwide strike over perceived “obnoxious circular” by the National Universities Commission, NUC, “to obliterate the sanctity of the 2009 FGN/ University-based union’s Agreement.”

In a communiqué after its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Calabar, SSANU accused NUC of unilaterally expunging through a circular the aspect of the agreement on university demonstration staff schools.

It also lamented the failure of government to pay the outstanding arrears of the Earned Allowance.

The union equally condemned the lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Government in implementing the 2009 agreement despite persistent call on the government and the Implementation Monitoring Committee, IMC, for the full implementation and payment of the arrears of the Earned Allowance.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 33

34 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 35

C M Y K

36—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Nigeria’s infrastructural deficit hampers local drug manufacture — Nnamdi Obi, President, APIN

By Sola Ogundipe

P

RESIDENT of the Association of Pharmaceutical Importers of Nigeria, APIN, Pharm.

Nnamdi Obi has blamed the deficit of infrastructure and lack of financial support as being responsible for the difficulty of going from drug importation into local drug manufacturing in Nigeria.

Obi, who spoke in Lagos recently, during the donation of relief items, including foodstuff, drugs, and other essential materials to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN. Obi who noted that the donation was their own way of appreciating the officers and men of the Armed Forces who daily lay down their lives in defence of all in the fight against terrorism in the country, said going into local drug manufacture in Nigeria today is a heaculean task.

"We applaud the courage of most of our members who have gone into local manufacturing the despite the enormous deficit of infrastructure in our clime, even though they still work with us. If the infrastructures are in place, who will want to continue importing?

“But when you do not have a supporting local industry, our petrochemical which ought to have come on board is not there, if you want to manufacture a pharmaceutical product, virtually everything you need is going to be imported except water which has to be treated, so I salute the courage of those who are manufacturing locally," Obi noted.

Further, Obi observed that except things changed for the better it was going to be basically impossible in the nearest future for a greater percentage of

• L-R: Director General, NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, with the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief Marshall Alex Badeh and President of the Association of Pharmaceutical Importers of Nigeria, APIN, Pharm Nnamdi Obi, during the official hand over of drugs and foodstuff valued at N70 million donated by APIN to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, in Lagos recently. industries to start manufacturing locally.

"These things are not taken in isolation, it has to be in aggregate of so many things that have to be in place. Our financial institutions are not helping matters, you can not borrow with a 2 digit level and manufacture and compete globally. It has to be a holistic thing. The infrastructure, and the financial institution have to be in place.

“A friend of mine put up a manufacturing company recently in India, over $20 million worth and his money in that transaction is but $5 million the rest were all borrowed funds with three or four years maritorium for the interest,

But when you do not have a supporting local industry, if you want to manufacture a pharmaceutical product, virtually everything you need is going to be imported

but here right from that time you walk out of the bank with the borrowed fund, interest in charged on whatever facility that is being used. So how can you compete with them?

"There has to be also a change in attitude in all of us. An average Nigerian talks about minimum wage, but have we talked about minimum productivity? Let's not thing about the government alone afterall we are all the government. There must be a change of attitude in us all to make this nation a better place,” he stressed.

Applauding the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug

Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Obi said he has introduced an innovation in the fight against fake drugs, thereby placing their right to checkmate on Nigerians through the used of phone to authenticate products.

Items donated to the AFN included, drugs valued at over N70 million and cutting across various therapeutic classes from antibiotics and antifungals to antimalarials, antihelminthes and heamatinics.

Other items included 150 bags of rice; 1200 cartons of Chikki Instant Noodles, 600 cartons of Chikki chips snacks valued at N10m from Chikki Foods Industries Limited; and 1000 cartons of Beloxxi biscuits from Beloxxi Industries Limited valued at N2m.

In a response, the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, said that the determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, to succeed on the on-going fight was borne out of the overwhelming support they continued to enjoy from the federal government, individuals Nigerians and corporate organisations.

The CDS who emphasised the active role that adequate logistics play in the successful operations of the anti-insurgency war, said the donations would be effectively utilised to beef up the logistic base of the forces; stressing that the war against insurgency can only be brought to a speedy conclusion by the collective efforts of all Nigerians.

NAFDAC DG, Dr. Paul Orhii stated: “I came here to certify that APIN is an association of genuine drug importers, otherwise I know as a diligent officer, you may not want to do business with them until they are certified by NAFDAC.”

Employers fault NHIS on provider status

By Chioma Obinna

S

EVENTEEN years after the establishment of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, in Nigeria, employers of labour have argued that the goal of the scheme which is to address the problems of adequate funding in health sector and outof-pocket syndrome as well as provide universal health coverage for the citizenry is yet to be felt by Nigerians.

At an interactive and enlightenment session on active participation in Formal Sector Social Health Insurance Programme, FSSHIP, where

officials of NHIS threw more light on the NHIS’s Social health insurance in Lagos, the stakeholders who acknowledged the importance of the scheme to the sick, and less privileged however, in the society, however, queried whose responsibility it is to pay the workers' contributions.

Some of the participants who faulted NHIS figure of 7.5 million Nigerians already covered said the figure remains 4.2 million with 1.2 million from the public sector.

In his views, convener of the interactive session, who is the Director-General, Nigerian Employers Consultative

Association, NECA, umbrella body for organised private sector, Mr. Olusegun Osinowo, gave credit to the plan adding that it would afford families access to cheaper healthcare, whatever it is worth.

He however, noted that it would be difficult for the employers or employees to accept to contribute extra fund into the scheme. "It will be a hardsell for employees to migrate into the system. I don't see any employer going to the workers to say they will have to pay from their salary.

"And to ask those that are already grossly burdened

(business owners) to pay more to cover their staff, will be a hardsell. For now, the OPS will not want to be pulled into any social pooling system. We can work out different plans on our own. My appeal to NHIS is to find alternative funding mechanism."

Osinowo queried the business of the NHIS, as provider when it has already been allotted to HMOs. By its enabling act, the NHIS is saddled with policy formulations and to regulate activities of the HMOs. But by the social health insurance scheme for the formal sector, the regulatory body will also be assuming the role of operator

and almost in competition with the HMOs. Earlier, NHIS representative, Dr. Jonathan Ekeh said only 7.5million of the Nigerian population has been covered till date, explaining why health financing is still poor in the country and 68 to 70 per cent of cost is from out-of-pocket.

He added that the social health Insurance, driven by the NHIS, is an all-inclusive system and reliable, "which is why we have chosen it in going forward. NHIS is not here because they want to collect your money but for the

Continues on Page 37

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015—37

Media guidebook on gender, sexuality debuts

By Sola Ogundipe

A

RESOURCE material entitled "Guidebook to Reporting Gender and Sexuality" has been developed to enhance quality and frequency media reports on gender and sexuality issues in Nigeria.

Put together by Projekthope with support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), the guide book provides instruction and practical help to journalists to avoid the pitfalls of language, emphasis and ignorance as they report, while highlightingthe impacts that inaccuracies or insensitivity may have on the people at the receiving end of outcomes ofreports.

Drawing on examples of best practice from various media contexts about how best to deal with the most intimate and private aspects of people's lives, the guide book simplifies the approach to writing and discussing the issues publicly in the context of cultural sensitivities and taboos surrounding sexuality.

In a statement, Coordinator, Projekthope Nigeria, Mr Steve Aborishade said motivation for the effort “rests on the need to instil a progressive attitude that aids accurate storytelling and thatensures that all individuals and communities have the dignity they deserve irrespective of their social status, gender or sexual orientation in consonance with the ethical obligation of journalism.”

Section One of the guidebook focuses on issues of gender, sexuality and sexual orientations in which Dr. Matilda Kerry examines the question of gender and sexuality from an African perspective while Dr. Segun Sangowawa takes a look at the public health perspective on sundry matters such as condom usage, sexual practices and the like.

Another contributor, Dr Cheikh Eteka Traore, uncovers the myths about homosexual and transgender identities and captures some of the common pitfalls journalists fall into, while Sola Ogundipe examines the nitty gritty of Policing Gender and Sexuality, reflecting on the issues of regulating the sexual behaviour and identities of LGBT persons.

In Section Two, the overall argument is that journalists and media houses should come to terms with the reality of the LGBT community and should report with care and understanding. Veterans in the persons of Prof. Lai Oso and Dr. Jide Jimoh highlight the imperative of interpretative journalism, which they argue, will provide

understanding of the complex nature of modern day society, especially with regards to the concerns of the LGBT community in Nigeria. The chapter by Dr. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika and Ganiyat TijaniAdenle also advances similar argument with emphasis on the need to give equal media attention to the underreported group in the society: women and sexual minorities.

Lanre Idowu who pursues the question of ethical journalism, while the last section contains narratives from Rev. Jide Macauley; Micheal Ighodaro; Olumide Popoola; Adejoke Tugbiyele and others who shared their perspectives of what society understands and what reality is.

•L-R: Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii shaking hands with Mr. Oladipupo Daniel Oyebanjo, a.k.a D’Banj when he paid a solidarity visit to NAFDAC, in support of the war agaist counterfeit Drugs in Lagos recently.

Employers of labour fault NHIS Continues from Page 36 interest of the health system, especially the less privileged.

"What we are asking of the Organised Private Sector (OPS), is to be part of the solidarity contributory funds. Part of the problem is that it is still mandatory here, while it is compulsory in other places, but we all can voluntarily contribute towards a better society for all," Ekeh said.

Executive Director, Human Resources, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Femi Mokikan, said the proposal, though innocent as it seems, is a potential tinderbox for industrial crisis.

"Asking employees to pay this thing will set the ball rolling for industrial crisis. At the end, employers will be forced to pay the 15 per cent to enrol their workers. The implications will be higher cost of doing business. Then, there will be retrenchment from the front, behind and all around. The scheme is good and no one will be against it, but the issue of funding mechanism.

“The timing was wrong. We are in economic down time. We are hearing that Value Added Tax (VAT) will be higher on private sector. If this happens, it will affect even the hospitals, many of who are already sceptical of the entire system. I really support the plan but also very curious about its long term goals and its sustenance," said representative Unilever, Ajibola Oyekunle.

Speaking, Chief Executive Officer, Total Health Trust Limited, Dr. Ladi Awosika who represented the HMOs at the forum, also queried the attempt by NHIS to go into competition with providers in the country.

His words: "Fundamentally, what is social health insurance in a country where over 50 per cent are unemployed? But we here are fond of re-creating the wheel, when the wheel is already there. We do this because of competing interests. The enabling laws and what needed to be done are already with us.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

P

LEASE I have a problem. My wife and I have been married for two years now. We both work and earn money and yet, she expects me to take care of everything. Things are difficult and this is her family too - Nwokolo Don’t worry, things will change. You see, As the head of the family, the man has always been expected to be the financial care taker of his family. It has been like that for centuries and even in these modern times, it is still hard wired into the human psyche that the man is the provider while the woman is the home maker. So women expect this even when they don’t admit it.

This might seem old school and unfair but honestly, that is the one reliable formula that keeps the family unit functioning the best. From a logical point of view, of course both men and women should contribute to their households. It makes sense. Unfortunately in life, some things make sense and still don’t work.

Here is an ancient fact about the relationship between a man and a woman that everybody needs to understand.

Money and sex are the two biggest influences in a relationship. They are also the two main causes of divorce/ break ups. Women control the sex in every relationship because they decide if and when there will be sex. This is why man needs to be the provider.

When a man controls the money and the woman controls the sex, there is a natural balance of power in that relationship. But if your wife controls both the money and sex in your relationship, there is no balance. You have no power and soon you will be the one complaining of not being respected in your marriage.

So this is what I advise you to do. Forget about what your wife earns and make your budget based on what you earn, even if you don’t earn enough.

Women eventually contribute but not in the way you expect. If you pay attention, you will just notice one day that your children have nice clothes, toys and a bunch of other things that you did not buy.

Women’s money often goes to the upkeep of their children and a variety of domestic expenses that men hardly notice.

But if you are trying to make her pay rent this year because you paid rent last year, forget it. That approach will end in disaster.

Avoid forcefully controlling how she spends the money she makes. Sensible women always end up contributing.

So if you are broke and you need your wife’s support, be gentle. Let her know that you need her help in the nicest way possible. If you married a sensible woman, she will come to your rescue – Uche I read in your last article that you now have Sex Voltz.

Is this the same Sex Voltz supplement you used to have years ago? If it is, please I need it. I really liked it because it was gentle to my body and still gave me the needed erection – Samuel Yes it is Samuel. The packaging is different now but it is still the same supplement – Uche Please I need two more units of Gladiator Power Cream. I still have the one I bought for premature ejaculation but I don’t want to hear that it is finished when next I need it. Thanks – Ejiro Just call the numbers below to get it or order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com – Uche I need a female libido booster that is as powerful as this X Again for men that you talk about all the time.

Since I finished having children, I hardly feel like sex and it is affecting my marriage – Funke Get the Kangaroo for Her supplement. It is the most powerful supplement for women – Uche And that is it for today. Adults in need of the above novelties and treatments can call us on 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com.

We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

38—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

•Permanent Voters Cards

PVCs: Distribution rate signals robust participation •12.4m cards yet to be collected WITH Nigeria’s electoral map indicating that about 56, 431,255 people have so far collected their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, out of 68 million registered voters, the country for the first time appears poised for a more robust participation.

By Charles Kumolu

S

INCE 1979, no presidential poll has had 70 percent turnout rate.

Out of 48,499,091 registered voters in 1979, only about 35.25 percent of that figure voted in the election that ushered in ex-President Shehu Shagari.

In 1999, about 52.2 percent voted out of 57,938,945 eligible people, while 69.08 per cent voted in 2003 out of 60,823,022 eligible voters.

The 2007 polls witnessed 57.49 percent participation out of 61,567,036 registered voters.

There was a decline in 2011 when the turnout was 53.68 percent out of 73,528, 040 registered voters.

Unlike in 2011, the nation is likely to record about 80 percent turnout this time.

Reason: The 56,431,255 distributed PVCs represent 81.98 percent of the total

number of registered voters.

Therefore, barring any hitches if this number voted nationwide on the election

Therefore, barring any hitches if this number voted nationwide on the election day, this year’s participation would surpass others in the nation’s history

ZONAL PVC DISTRIBUTION Zone S/East S/West S/South N/West N/Central N/East

PVC collected 6,621,341 9,238,713 7,710,013 15,999,398 8,230,685 6,655,444

Registered Voters 7,665,859 13,731,090 10,059,347 17,560,171 10,648,883 9,107,861

Voter Turnout in past presidential polls Year Turnout (%) Total votes voters 2011 53.68 39,469,484 2007 57.49 35,397,517 2003 69.08 42,018,735 1999 52.26 30,280,052 1993 35.95 14,039,486 1979 35.25 17,098,267 day, this year’s participation would surpass others in the nation’s history.

Zonal voting strength A detailed look at the PVC

Registered 73,528,040 61,567,036 60,823,022 57,938,945 39,000,000 48,499,091

distribution rate across the six geo-political zones indicate that the Northwest has the highest rate of PVC collection.

The zone which hosts the

home state of the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari tops the table with 15,999,398 PVCs collected so far. Number of registered voters is 17, 560, 171.

The South-West is second with 9,238,713. Regarded as the battle ground in the race, the total number of registered voters across the six states in the region is 13, 731, 090.

In contrast with its numerical edge over four zones, South-west boats of the highest number of uncollected PVCs with Lagos and Ogun states topping in this category.

Specifically, Ogun has the lowest distribution rate with a 61.53 percent collection rate out of 1,829,534. registered voters.

At the moment, more than two million PVCs are yet to be collected in Lagos.

The combined PVCs collected across the six states in the North-central including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, is 8,230, 685.

In addition, the zone which also hosts the home state of two former military heads of state and the current senate president, has a combined registered voters of about 10,648, 883 people.

Out of the 10, 059,347 registered voters in the South-south, only about 7,710,015 PVCs have been collected, indicating that nearly three million PVCs have not been distributed in the zone.

The region which is President Goodluck Jonathan zone, has a low numerical rate of PVC collection.

Barring any disturbance by Boko Haram insurgents, no fewer than 6, 655,444 eligible voters are expected to vote in the trouble North-east region.

This number represents the total number of PVCs distributed across the six states in the insurgency ravaged zone.

The combined number of registered voters in the zone is about 9, 107, 861.

With 6,621,341 PVCs collected so far across the five states that make up the Southeast, the zone has no numerical advantage over any region.

Also, the zone which is the President’s staunch support base, has 7,665, 859 registered voters.

At the time of filing this report, the March 22, 2015 deadline for PVC collection, had ended.

Within same period, 12.4 million eligible voters have not collected their PVC, out of 68 million eligible voters.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015—39

widen with compensation.

My differences with Obi — Obiano

On his increment of salary amid dwindling economic fortunes That is why I am an accountant. We are increasing our internally generated revenue. I met N500m per month. I have been moving to N1.1 and N1.2 billion and targeting N3.3 billion monthly. After the elections, there are a few things I will do and the money will come.

What I did actually is all about adjustments. The people in the local governments earn more than the people in the state so we just balanced their salary.

•Targets 3.3b monthly IGR ANAMBRA State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, celebrated one year of his swearing-in last Tuesday at a colourful ceremony at Ekwueme Square, Awka. In this chat with select journalists, he outlined his achievements in the last 365 days, his differences with his predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi and his quest to make the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) a national party.

By Clifford Ndujihe

O

N the efforts he is making to strengthen APGA They made me chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and leader of the party. Since then I have the enthusiasm to establish this party first all over the South-East. We are very likely to win Abia State governorship election. I have gone for rallies for Alex Otti twice. There will be one more in Aba. We are doing very well in Ebonyi with Senator Agbo, our governorship candidate.

What is going for us there is that he is from Ezzamgbo and that is where they have the voting population.

We are also going to do very well in Imo. Don’t forget Imo was APGA until Governor Rochas Okorocha moved to APC. We are still there strongly.

The other thing that is making us a national party is the interest shown by Nasarawa State. That is an area we can also win. Labaran Maku is with us. When he could not get the ticket in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) he joined APGA. He visited me once here. He has a strong opposition but he is doing very well.

Then of course, there is Zamfara State where Sani Shinkafi is running for the governorship.

For the first time, I went to Abeokuta, our governorship candidate, Professor Bamgboye, is doing well. He was a key fellow of the PDP until he lost the primary.

So, under my watch, we are going to spread out from Anambra. We are going to have senators all over the place, some members of the House of Representatives here and there and that is a starting point. What APGA is looking for is leadership. I believe they found in me somebody that can say something and do it. That is the fellow I am.

When I took over, there were certain things I gave to APGA people-jobs, contracts, etc. To work for us you must register as APGA. My predecessor ran it differently. He was the only

one that brought out money and everything revolved around him. We are doing well. I am quite confident that the results of the coming election will be different from what we used to have.

On recognising Peter Obi at the anniversary event, their differences, Obi’s absence and whether he was invited We invited former Governor Peter Obi. On personal note, we don’t have any problem.

He was three years my junior in school. He was my chairman at the bank.

Honestly, his vote made me an executive director at Fidelity bank. He led the team that invited me to join his campaign. We are not fighting for anything. He chose to go to PDP and I am APGA. That is an ideological difference, that is the main problem. I can’t see him come here and say APGA people should vote for PDP. We sent an IV to him in his house in Onitsha. He was there that evening. I want to assure you that on personal ground, we don’t have any problem but we have ideological problem because he believes that he has finished with APGA and APGA is gone. Then I assured

We invited former Governor Peter Obi. On personal note, we don’t have any problem. He was three years my junior in school. He was my chairman at the bank

minimal

•Obiano: We have flushed out kidnappers from Anambra State.

him that under my watch APGA will be better and bigger than he left it. That is the motivation that moves me to do many things for APGA to prove a point that you cannot rock the boat that made you. You want to sink it as you leave so they can say you were in this party and when you left, it died.

On the presence of uniformed people on the streets cleaning the environment....

We are putting permanent structures in place. We are hiring seven companies, dividing them among the state. Before now, we were running it ad-hoc. After the election, we will begin to collect sanitation levies. We did it for six months free for people to see the benefits. If we now ask them to pay I think they should be able to pay.

On allegations that he is planning to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) It is not possible. I don’t know how to express it. It is absolute rubbish.

His dream for Awka as state capital I started with setting up the Awka Capital Territor y Development Authority headed by Chike Okonkwo, renowned in Urban Development. He worked with Malam Nasir el-Rufai in

Abuja. I thought that his experience can be brought to bear here. Supporting him are are some very bright guys like the Managing Director, Michael Okonkwo from Orumba South among other people. Okonkwo studied in the United States. They have done a booklet on what we should do and should not do in Awka, which is the starting point. We have done aerial mapping of the whole state.

But we started with Awka so that you can use GPS, direct the roads, see development, etc.

If you look at Awka, you can see three flyovers springing up. When those flyovers are done, they will look like the hanging bridge in London. It will bring out the aesthetics of the place.

We are in the process of selecting somebody that will design Awka capital territory.

We foreclosed Nigerians, we want them to bring guys from Dubai, Kigali, Seoul, US. When they come, they will draw what nobody has drawn.

They will draw things from their dream. Each time I say it, people will say ‘where will you get the money?’ I will say, ‘do it first.’ They will draw a super structure. I will tell them, ‘don’t imitate anybody, just give me the best in your profession better than Dubai or any place you can think of.’

By the time they finish, they will superimpose it on what we have now and that will determine what areas we

His achievements in the last one year We have flushed out kidnappers from Anambra State. We have cut off their weapons supply lines and sealed off their supply routes.

We have pulled down their physical and psychological empires.

We have laid a solid foundation for the provision of reliable electricity that will help us recover our Midas touch. Late last year, we concluded arrangements with UD Independent Petroleum Production Company (UDIPPCO) to build a gaspowered plant that will generate 80 mega-watts of electricity. Similarly, barely fortnight ago, we signed on Falcon Corporation Limited to build another gas-powered plant that will generate 100 mega-watts of electricity.

More importantly, we realized that we needed a platform through which we would transform the economic and commercial landscape of our dear state. To facilitate this, we set up the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) on 15th May, 2015. The results have been tremendous. Investors today recognize ANSIPPA as a onestop business and investment centre that coordinates all investment related activities across all arms of government in the state. ANSIPPA is led by a Governing Council which boasts of over 300 cumulative years of experience in development finance, investment banking, investment promotion and policy formulation.

With the efforts of ANSIPPA, Anambra is currently Nigeria’s number one investment destination. With over US$2.0 billion attracted from 16 major investors in the past 12 months, we are well on our way to achieving our economic mission. So far, we have attracted over $660m of investment to this sector.

40—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

CANDIDATE SWAPPING SAGA: My adversary procured his own death certificate—AKPOREHE

By Egufe Yafugborhi Was it on the basis of the documents he submitted that the party now wrote to INEC? Based on the documents he submitted, the party now wrote to INEC, on January 20, stating, “Please, we are seeking to reinstate our original candidate. Hon. Gibson Akporehe initially submitted by the party should be reinstated as our candidate for the election.”

Because it was a gentlemanly agreement, the party wrote to INEC, but because he is suffering from delusion, he would agree with you this minute and the second minute, he does something else.

That is why you see this thing coming out in the public domain; otherwise it was not a matter I would have loved to come to public domain because I would not want to do anything that would adversely affect the party or the chances of the party in the general election.

IN our last edition, we carried a report on the candidate swapping saga by politicians in All Progressives Congress, APC, in Delta state. Gibson Akporehe, a lawyer and the party’s candidate for the Okpe, Uvwie and Sapele Federal Constituency in Saturday’s election, said he is the original candidate whose name was swapped by an impersonator, Christopher Anirah, who procured his own death certificate to evade criminal prosecution after his fraudulent act was unmasked.

Excerpts.

What was your first reaction on this saga when you read the allegations in the papers?

My first reaction is that when an issue is published about any personality, such a personality ought to be reached, and his views also sought.

On the publication, I was never contacted.

So when I read it, I was shocked. But I gave the paper’s management the benefit of doubt and I reached one of them after putting across to him my feelings about the publication. He told me he is going to look into it and react appropriately. I was waiting until your call came in.

To establish a basis at separating facts from fiction on this saga was there a genuine APC primary conducted for this ticket at all?

A primary was duly conducted for the position in question. When people talk about primary, they forget about the dictionary meaning of the word which states primary as the first in the series of a process.

So it does not connote any special form and so in the selection of the candidate for the federal constituency, the party did meet and organized its members to agree on the candidate to represent the party of which I was selected to represent the party. So, primary was held on December 7.

How does this submission correlate with the claim by Christopher Anira that he did win the primary?

I would not be surprised by the claim of Christopher Anirah. He seems to be having challenges with understanding human activities; otherwise, I cannot explain why an adult would choose to delude and insulate himself against reality.

In spite of the claim that he won the primary, I am not sure that Anirah gave you concrete evidence to prove that. What I am telling you now is backed by documented proof that I won the primary and I am the duly elected candidate of the party, so it is not something that carries any element of doubt.

As we speak on this controversy - on the independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) records, whose name is listed as standard bearer of the ticket in dispute?

On INEC files, my name is there as the candidate. What I am telling you now is not what

Gibson Akporehe. you would see on the website, but a visit to the files of INEC in their headquarters at Abuja you would see my name there. The party has made it clear that at no time did they change my name.

How did the process pushed to the procurement of a death certificate and a letter of substitution by APC to INEC? That question ignored the basis, so I must take you back to the basis to be able to make you can understand me. The party’s position is very clear on this issue, that they submitted the name of Gibson Akporehe as the candidate of the party for the House of Representative for Uvwie, Okpe and Sapele constituency in December for the national election.

And that without the party’s authorization and consent, sombody forged a letter purportedly written by the national chairman, forged a letter purportedly written by the candidate of the party, Gibson Akporehe, claiming that Gibson has withdrawn from the election and that the party is now forwarding the name of another person in replacement of Gibson.

Being a party issue, especially at this hour the party is shopping for votes for general election, they did not want to make it a legal issue, despite the criminality inherent in his action.

So, when my attention was drawn to it, I met the leadership of the party, and gave them an ultimatum stating that they should go and rectify the illegality because it is embarrassing me, otherwise I would ignore the party’s counsel that I should not go public by instituting an action or taking a political action against this boy.

When I was so insistent, the boy was invited and told that this is my position and that the best way out is to get what they did reversed because it does not exist in law and in fact.

The only way they could get this done in law and in fact was for the party's national chairman to be part of it and for me who is withdrawing to have authored the letter, but I didn’t author it and neither did the national chairman forward any name for replacement.

So, it became a tough issue for him . It was on that day, to save us criminal prosecution against him, all of us were now working as a team by looking into the law because the law states the steps that can be taken at a specific time. Within the time under reference, there was only one option available to reverse the wrong that was committed against me and he opted for that option.

He now said that was the only option available, they should allow him provide the documents that would assist the party in reversing what he has done, in order for him not to be prosecuted, and the party said fine, since you are cooperating, then there is no problem.

Are you referring to documents relating to his death certificate?

Of course. The fellow now went, brought these documents, showing that he has died just to comply with the law. He brought the documents, and handed them over to the deputy state chairman, Cyril Ogodo, in my presence. I do not know where he sourced them from, to assist the party in reversing the wrong committed against me and saving him from criminal prosecution.

Of course, as soon as he started cooperating, I developed a laid back attitude and did not complain to the police and all that.

Strangely, two weeks after that understanding, this same boy, started making issues out of the document he has sourced to assist the party to pacify me and prevent his arrest.

That is why you see that on the letter I wrote to the Inspector General of Police (IG), it was dated 5th February 2015, even though the incident happened some weeks back. As long as he was cooperating, I didn’t see the need. It was when he started retracting from the gentleman’s agreement which he reached with the party and me, the injured person, that I now wrote a petition to the IG. This is the story as it happened. Forget about his desperation to benefit from the twisted presentation he made to the public. Cyril Ogodo is alive, you can ask him.

You eventually did go to court ?

When I came to the conclusion that does not have interest of the party at heart, in order not to be disadvantaged further, because I delayed reporting to the police, and I did not want to suffer disadvantage arising from dragging action.

I went to court to institute an action against him and INEC just to formally do the needful of putting my name back as the candidate of the party because in law, I am the candidate of the party and its only myself that can withdraw from that, which I did not, neither did the party forward the name of any person as my replacement.

All those things you are seeing are doctored documents which you can barely verify by facially looking at them.

Given my age and experience in politics, I take so many things with humour because the political space is a space of many things comical, and so if you are not emotionally balanced, when events start unfolding, you react as if these things are strange. They go with politics.

When they called my attention to the matter, I knew people would do anything. I did not go hard on him. I am the candidate of the party, there was no time I withdrew from the race and this is the message I want the people to know. They should ignore everything because all these things cannot be sustained in law and that is the position.

Given the few days left before the election, how much force does your pending suit have on the entire saga?

The suit does not have time limitation. Even if the man in question has the plan to win the election, I would have just stood by and allow him to do the race, while I harvest the efforts.

But I do not want to suffer double injury.

The man does not have the clout or goodwill to win the election. If I adopt that legalistic posture, I would be the sufferer at the end of the day.

So, I am doing the needful to formally and legally retire him from the race; otherwise, it is just a matter of my folding my arms and allowing him win the race. So I am campaigning as it were as I should campaign because I am the candidate of the party and am sure of winning the election.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 41

42 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

The making of Chief Anthony Enahoro Housing Estate •Project created over 5,000 jobs — Govt

By OLASUNKANMI AKONI

I

n what was described as part of measures to reduce housing deficit through the building of affordable and decent accommodation for residents, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, last Friday, commissioned the newly completed Shogunro Housing Estate, Scheme 1 and 11, a Lagos Home Ownership and Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS) project in Ogba, Ikeja area of the state.

Speaking at the official handover of the Estate, now renamed Chief Anthony Enahoro Housing Estate, Governor Fashola, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, described the delivery of the project as the major difference between his party and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, arguing that while the APC continuously delivers life changing projects to the people, the PDP specializes in ground-breaking

ceremonies that end in uncompleted projects.

Stating that the estate and other LAGOSHOMS units, constitute the housing model of his administration, Fashola said each block containing 12 flats of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms are delivered on a 10-year mortgage with not more than 9.5 percent lending rate.

He said while the APC-led Government was engaged in building houses and giving to residents on mortgage with affordable lending rate, the conservative PDP-led Federal Government went to the World Bank and borrowed $300 billion for the country when the exchange rate was still N165 to one dollar which, according to him, would have come to a total of N40 billion for the whole country.

Giving a commitment that an APC administration in the state headed by Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode would retain the lending rate at 9.5 percent, Fashola said the ironic thing about the borrowing of $300 billion by the Federal Government was that the money was meant to be used to refinance mortgage.

His words: “This translates to the fact that a beneficiary would first go to a bank to get a mortgage

loan before going to get a house and then going to the Federal Government for the refinancing loan. The Lagos Housing Model was not only about building the homes and giving the beneficiaries mortgages but also creating jobs in the process.

“While the construction of the Chief Anthony Enahoro Estate was on-going, over 5,000 jobs were created. Of these, 1, 620 direct jobs were created by the 13 construction companies that got the contracts. These included 30 engineers, 670 artisans who worked on the site, 780 casual labourers, 120 suppliers of wood, granite, cement, wood tiles and 20 food vendors who sold food on the site. The jobs were in addition to other consequential jobs which

Announcing the renaming of the Estate after late nationalist, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Fashola said it was the resolve of his administration to do so, as Pa Enahoro was one of those who fought, agitated and struggled for Nigeria’s democracy

included that of supplier during the construction of the estate.

“All these figures represent the number of jobs provided by the APC government. The question that should be posed to the PDP is, where are your jobs.?”

Contesting however claims by the PDP-led Federal Government that it has created over two million jobs, Fashola said if these jobs were divided among the 36 states in the federation, it translates to about 55, 000 new jobs for the people.

He asked the audience, “Did anyone of your family members in this audience get such a job? With that resounding no, this shows that the job claim by the government at the centre is a fallacy.”

Speaking further on how the State has been thriving and providing landmark infrastructural development despite not been an oil producing state, the governor said “Lagos does not have crude oil and does not collect any derivation but we live on taxes only. With these taxes, we are currently constructing homes at 26 different locations without taking any loans.

Because the people of Lagos pay their taxes regularly, our administration has not borrowed to finance the LagosHOMS, but the Federal Government on its part has not accounted for the missing $20 billion oil money. The new homes springing up in different parts of the state constituted the dollars of the state government.”

Meanwhile, announcing the renaming of the Estate after late nationalist, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Fashola said it was the resolve

of his administration to do so, as Pa Enahoro was one of those who fought, agitated and struggled for Nigeria’s democracy so that the people maybe free today.

He stated that another opportunity to demonstrate that Nigerians recognize the sacrifice of people like Chief Enahoro is by going out on Saturday to vote for the APC and vote for peace, stability and more housing estates in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Bosun Jeje, through, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Tunji Odunlami, described the successful completion of the Housing Estate as yet another milestone in the provision of decent housing estates to residents of Lagos.

According to Jeje, the 20 residential blocks of 240 units of one, two and three bedroom flats created a total of 5000 jobs during the construction process, adding that the new homes would increase the stock and reduce housing deficit in Lagos State.

This is even as he stated expressed determination of the Ministry to work with investors to ensure provision of affordable houses to the people.

While responding on behalf of the Enahoro family, a brother of the late nationalist, Prince Michael Enahoro, expressed appreciation to the state government for the honour to the memory of the late nationalist.

Present at the event were the first civilian Governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, some members of the State Executive Council, party chieftains, top government functionaries, traditional leaders among others.

•The newly commissioned Chief Anthony Enahoro Housing Estate...

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 43

encourage residents to engage in active movement such as cycling as alternative to using vehicles will reduce carbon emission which has constantly polluted the air.

Meanwhile, during the inauguration of Glover Road, Governor Babatunde Fashola said that upgrading of the road especially to include a dedicated lane for cyclist was his administration’s resolve to reduce the number of vehicles on Lagos roads.

According to him, “the bicycle lane has been included for people to embrace riding bicycle. It is healthier to travel through it especially short and middle distances. It is a safer way.”

Fashola however appealed to the people to maintain the road so that it could last longer, saying that if well maintained, the road could last between 30 and 50 years.

•The 2.18 kilometer commissioned Glover Road in Ikoyi...

CLIMATE CHANGE:

Lagos creates dedicated lanes for cyclists

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

A

s part of efforts to combat the adverse effects of climate change, the Lagos State Government has expanded some roads across the state to include dedicated lanes for cyclists. According to the State Government, this initiative became necessary, to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, thus also reducing the level of carbon emissions from vehicles.

Poised to reducing the number of vehicles across the over 2, 000 roads in the state, Governor Babatunde Fashola, has commissioned the 2.18 kilometer Glover Road, in Ikoyi, the first of these roads billed to to reduce vehicle emissions depleting the ozone layer.

At the moment, no fewer than 20,000 vehicles travel simultaneously on Lagos roads daily. These huge number of vehicles on the roads at the same time causes traffic gridlock, forcing motorists to spend more travel time than expected.

This is even as the rate of vehicle ownership has continued to increase in the state, a development the state government disclosed at the 5th Annual Climate Change Summit, that vehicle ownership increases at over 5 percent annually in the state.

Owing to the horrible traffic snarls witnessed on Lagos roads, some residents in a bid to get to their destinations on time, usually park their vehicles along some major highways, to board commercial motorcycles

popularly called Okada. This also does not salvage the situation, as more carbon emissions are released into the atmosphere by them. This increase according to the Managing Director Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola contributes 43 percent of the outdoor air pollution in the state.

In 2013, the World Health Organization International

Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO-IARC stated that outdoor air pollution is closely associated with increased cancer incidence, especially cancer of the lungs, adding that the ambient in Lagos and other cities and rural areas is estimated to cause 3.7 million premature deaths in the world annually.

The international organization opined that policies from governments to

In 2013, the World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer, WHOIARC stated that outdoor air pollution is closely associated with increased cancer incidence

..Other roads with dedicated lanes

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Hamzat said “Aside Glover Road that we just commissioned, we have other two roads that also have dedicated lane for cyclists. First is the expanded 1.8 kilometer WEMPCO road and Unity/ First Avenue/Ivory road in Ikoyi. More will follow.”

Hamzat added that “These roads with bicycle lane is government’s strategy of tackling climate change while also ensuring that residents could make lifestyle changes that would further enhance their health status. We use to ride bicycle often in Lagos before. And we want to encourage ourselves to ride bicycles again. Using bicycle would reduce carbon emission just as bicycle riding would affect positive lifestyle,” he added.

The commissioner noted that the essence of separating the cyclist from the cars was to ensure that the cyclist feel safe whenever they ride on the roads.

Hamzat said “the road can withstand flooding that characterize rainy season around this axis of the state.

The completion of this road will also improve the driving experience of the people of the community. This is also a link to the Lekki/Ikoyi Link Bridge through the Alfred Rewane road. We are also on Bank Road and First Avenue that will create the necessary links and improve connectivity,” he said.

Stop harassing my family members over land, monarch begs

By ONOZURE DANIA

T

he Oloto of Otto, HRM Oba Ganiyu Odesanya has appealed to the Lagos State Government to stop harassing his family members on a disputed land, which is still pending in court.

The monarch alleged that the state government has been using its Environment Task Force to harass, arrest and detain his subjects over the said disputed land belonging to the Oloto family.

Odesanya, after the hearing of a suit he instituted against the Lagos State Government, Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, said some officers of the state government have now turned the Environmental Task Force, which was set up by the state to enforce environmental laws into agency for the arrest on disputed land issues.

Other defendants in the suit are Mukaila Oseni (on behalf Adams/Esu Family), Chief

Lasisi Arubo (on behalf of Alashe Chieftaincy Family of Lagos), Diya, Fatimilehin & Co and Rilwan Dawodu.

The Oba claimed that he had engaged the service of Dawodu, to commence and represent him and his family in Suit No. ID/2118/2000 to protect and assert the Oloto Royal family ’s rights and interest in and over a large

parcel of land situated at Oke Alo, Gbagada in Kosofe Local Government Area of the state.

He said at some point in the course of the matter, negotiations were initiated by Lagos State Government, Lagos state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State Commissioner for Housing in a bid to amicably resolve the matter out-of-

•The Oloto of Otto, HRM Oba Ganiyu Odesanya .

•Governor Babatunde Fashola.

court.

“In the course of the said negotiations, the claimant’s family was represented by the Dawodu.

“The claimant and the Oloto Royal Family were informed

by Dawodu that in settlement of the dispute that led to the institution of Suit No. ID/2118/ 2000, that the Lagos State Government had agreed to excise an area of land measuring 5.708 hectares and covered by survey Plan No. LS/D/LKJ 187 in favour of the claimant’s family. This was initially being objected by the claimant family but after being deliberated upon in a series of meetings it was later approved by the entire Oloto Royal Family to accept the said 5.708 hectares excised on to the claimant,” he claimed.

The monarch claimed that problem, however, started when it was clear to him that the government was bent to deceive him and his family as he refused to bring the term of settlement for him to sign.

44—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Omojuwa on chances of Buhari and Jonathan in 2015 election

By Japheth Omojuwa

G

OODLUCK Jonathan or Muhammadu Buhari?

Muhammadu Buhari or Goodluck Jonathan? Both have their strengths and weaknesses.

General Buhari is running as a presidential candidate for the 4th time in a row. The only difference between his current effort and the three previous ones is the fact that this time, he goes to the polls as a clear favourite. Surely, there must be a reason why a man who, it looked like, never had a chance in the last 12 years is now solidly placed to win.

The reason? Two words: Goodluck Jonathan.

President Jonathan said he deserved credit for the APC becoming what it is today. The president is right, but he missed the irony in his own assertion. He wants the world to believe the APC exists because his government created an enabling environment for the opposition to thrive when, in actual fact, the opposition rose on the hills of Jonathan’s incompetence.

General Buhari has always been a phenomenon in the North – he still is – but the same could not have been said of the South until the run-up to the 2015 elections. Why is that? Because of the same old gee, Goodluck Jonathan. Nigeria’s current president has failed so many times many Nigerians are inclined to choose to vote for just about any form of matter over him.

Where exactly has Jonathan failed and why his failures should not be overlooked?

The president’s most telling failure is his inability to address the insurgency in the North. For many years, the president’s disposition to Boko Haram was: “they are killing themselves to make my government look bad.”

This position was echoed by the president’s men and allies.

The belated response to the killing of 59 Buni Yadi boys in Yobe, the absurd delay in even believing the Chibok girls were truly abducted until some 18 days later, the Kano rally dance that came 24 hours after the Nyanya bomb blast, and several other shocking responses to Boko Haram’s activities sold the president out as being indifferent to the pains of Nigerians who live under the constant menace of terror.

Meanwhile, General Buhari’s history as a no-nonsense leader proves he will not approach Boko Haram with kid gloves or underrate the terror group, to which President Jonathan has confessed. Corruption and government accountability are major issues in this election, and understandably so.

A November 2012 report says some N5 trillion was either misappropriated or outright stolen under the Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan

Muhammadu Buhari administration. At least N1 trillion was stolen under the guise of fuel subsidies, if the House of Representatives’ report is correct.

There is the $20 billion the thenCentral Bank governor and now Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammed Sanusi II, said wasn’t remitted to the Federation Account. Two days ago, he was on CNN’s Amanpour insisting the government’s explanation for that was not satisfactory.

Another former CBN governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, insisted some N30 trillion has been lost due to the current administration’s mismanagement. As these words get written, the government has not issued a reasonable response to his charges. They offered a lot of emotional tantrums through President Jonathan’s campaign and the Ministry of Finance.

On this front, Buhari comes out on top again because of his reputation of never being the one

Corruption and government accountability are major issues in this election, and understandably so

about amassing wealth or using his privileged position to loot the country. He is generally perceived as upright. His choice of Pastor Yemi Osinbajo helped to cement that perception.

The third major deciding issue for this election is the economy.

The Nigerian economy is walking on tightropes. The government likes to claim it has made Nigeria Africa’s No.1 economy. The economy was rebased in 2014. All the government did with the “rebasing” was to account for the inclusion of new sectors like the entertainment industry and telecoms into the calculation of the country’s GDP. This was accumulated over the previous 20 years or so, but the government has sold this as one of its achievements.

Pictures of Cameroon were presented as completed road projects of this administration, and an image of a housing estate in Lekki was used as that of completed housing projects in the Northeast.

Four out of every five Nigerian graduates are out of jobs. Extreme poverty is unacceptably high, the naira is seeing worst trading days ever. Perhaps, the greatest picture of that reality is Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, losing $7 billion in November 2014 alone; since then, he has lost enough money to make another person the 2nd richest on the continent.

Nigeria’s foreign reserves continue to take a plunge. Its debts, local and foreign, continue to rise. It is all a mess out here.

This is what the elections are about. It is a direct Yes/No referendum on President Jonathan. Not a few people voting for General Buhari will do so just to vote against President Jonathan.

Voting Buhari is the right thing if this really is about the future of Nigeria. Of the two available options, President Jonathan is a failed president. In a sane world, he would not even dream to be a candidate, let alone become one.

General Buhari used to be a dictator. He has since learnt democratic tenets having, without resorting to violence, trusted the courts three times after losing previous elections. It is obvious he is in this because he firmly believes he can be the wise old man who sets Nigeria on the road to socio-political and economic recovery.

General Buhari gets my vote.

Easily. It is the most logical decision. In a country where money and materialism hold sway (including in the so-called religious houses), those who are able to share dollars will certainly turn many heads. What will matter in the end is how much Nigerians want “change”.

Another four years with Goodluck Jonathan would be a disaster for Nigeria. It is time for Buhari.

Mr. Omojuwa is a social media expert, columnist and Naij.com contributor.

Road rage in America OAD Rage is an international phenomenon. If you have driven R a car for any reasonable length of

driving which precipitates road rage: .Do you regularly drive over the time, you may have encountered this speed limit, or try to “beat” red lights form of rage on a number of because you are in a hurry? occasions. It all begins when the .Do you tailgate or flash your person controlling the other car headlights at a driver in front of you drives aggressively, leaving you in that you believe is driving too some form of danger. You honk your slowly? horn, and the other person responds .Do you honk the horn often? in kind. Then, the altercation ensues. .Do you ever use obscene gestures In some countries and in some or otherwise communicate angrily instances, road rage ends when at another driver? both parties feel satisfied that they .Do you frequently use your had sufficiently traded insults, and phone while driving, or otherwise that such activity was not worth their drive while distracted? time any more. In the U.S., road .Do you keep your high beams rage is a form of social disease. It on, regardless of oncoming traffic? doesn’t always end on the impolite .Do you switch lanes or make note of insults and abuses. Quite turns without using your turn often, guns are pulled out to settle signal? the matter. And the end is not always .Do you fail to check your blind pleasant. spot before switching lanes to make Last week, Kay Hafford, a Houston sure you aren’t cutting someone off? resident was driving to work when Statistics available from the she felt that the other driver had National Highway Traffic Safety improperly cut into her lane. Her Administration on aggressive husband, Kendrick, who was not in driving and road rage show the the car with her at the time of the following: incident, told reporters that “she let .66% of traffic fatalities are caused him know by blowing her horn that by aggressive driving. he shouldn’t have cut her off.” That .37% of aggressive driving was all it took for the other driver to incidents involve a firearm. vent his anger on the lady. He .Males under the age of 19 are pulled his car adjacent to the lady, the most likely to exhibit road rage. pulled out his gun, shot her in the .Half of drivers who are on the head and sped away. Fortunately, receiving end of an aggressive the lady was conscious enough to behavior, such as horn honking, a call 911 for help. Doctors managed rude gesture, or tailgating admit to to extract the bullet from her head responding with aggressive and stabilized her. The Houston behavior themselves.

Police are still looking for the man. .Over a seven year period, 218 Last month (February), Tammy murders and 12,610 injuries were Meyers, was giving her daughter attributed to road rage. a driving lesson in Las Vegas when .2% of drivers admit to trying to run an aggressor they encountered off the road. a road rage. This (see http:// time, what led to What is www.safemotorist.com/ the incident was a r t i c l e s / remarkable about not clear. Media road_rage.aspx) reports say that aggressive driving AutoAdvantage.com mother and is another website and road rage in daughter drove that tracks road home after the the U.S. is the rage and incident. But, a g g r e s s i ve they were still in likelihood to use b e h a v i o u r, their drive-way among other guns to settle when the car they traffic matters. Its had earlier traffic disputes report shows that encountered the worst city reappeared. where these traffic Some young boys were in it. One of them allegedly pulled out his gun and unleashed some gun shots. At the end of the day, Tammy lay dead. The matter is now in court, although not all the boys have been apprehended.

Road Rage has a definition. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says this phenomenon occurs if and when a driver “commits moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property; an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger of one motor vehicle on the operator or passengers of another motor vehicle.” The same organization makes a distinction between “aggressive driving” and “road rage”. But this distinction appears to be more academic than real. At the base of every road rage is some form of aggressive driving that results in cursing, fingerwagging, the shouting of obscene, crude and rude words, fist-fights, shooting and the rest of such antisocial behaviour.

According to the American Safety Council and Safety Mostorist.Com, drivers need to answer the following questions in order to determine if they willfully or unknowingly engage in aggressive

behaviour occurs most is Miami, Florida. Other cities in the top five of this recklessness on the roads are New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. On the other hand, the cities with most courteous drivers are Portland, Pittsburgh, Seattle, St. Louis and Dallas.

What is remarkable about aggressive driving and road rage in the U.S. is the likelihood to use guns to settle traffic disputes.

According to smallarmssurvey.org, the U.S. tops the list in global gun ownership, with an average of 88.8 people in every 100 owning a firearm. A 2012 CNN report claimed that there were 310 firearms in the U.S. with a population of 315 million. The purchase of such guns could be possible without necessary background checks. All 50 states in the country now permit the carrying of concealed weapons. In other words, you may not know that the person standing or sitting by your side has a gun somewhere on him or her, until the need arises to use it. In this type of situation, it is no rocket science to contend that when some drivers surrender their sanity to the demon known as road rage and aggressive driving, guns might be pulled out to govern human interaction.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015—45

RECRUITMENT: NAIG vows to resist marginalisation of Itsekiri

By Daniel Gumm

W

ARRI—WORRIED by the p e r c e i v e d marginalisation of Itsekiri professionals and graduates in the on-going recruitment of graduates into the Delta State Civil Service Commission, the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates, NAIG, has called on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to intervene, describing the development as evil and wicked, alleging that it has continued unabated even under the present administration in the state.

In a statement by its President, Ajagbe Oritsegbegbemi, NAIG recounted how qualified Itsekiri were deprived of employment in Asaba Cargo Airport constructed by the Uduaghan administration. He alleged that Itsekiri applicants were snubbed in the recent recruitment into the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue as well as the Petroleum Training Institute and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC,

Upgrade to degree awarding status, Emetulu urges maritime institution

W

A R R I — D E LTA t a t e Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr. Charles Emetulu, has tasked the management of Iziso Obos Institute of Maritime Studies and Technology to further upgrade the institution from the award of National Diploma to a degree awarding status, to meet the growing demand for the acquisition of Maritime related degrees.

The commissioner who paid a familiarisation visit to the institution in Warri, expressed delight over the facilities on the campus and charged the institution to make efficient use of the academic staff and facilities, which he said has the required prerequisite to offer maritime degree courses.

Emetulu affirmed that the private sector was the mover of the economy, stressing that it must be encouraged since the private sector has proved that it is the best managers of human and material resources.

S

where qualified Itsekiri who got to the final stages were not engaged.

NAIG noted that it was only protesters from other ethnic nationalities that have been given opportunities and appointments in recent recruitment exercises in the state.

He said: “We now conclude that one must be violent to get what one deserves, because for

every opportunity wherein we were short-changed, we realised that protesters from other ethnic nationalities were called and given such opportunities and appointment letters.”

Stressing their disappointment at the insignificant number of Itsekiri shortlisted for the on-going Delta State Civil Service Commission recruitment

exercise to the huge advantage of other ethnic groups in the state, despite having their own at the helm of affairs, they vowed to resist the trend of marginalisation of qualified Itsekiri in the state's recruitments.

He said over 1,000 graduates were recently shortlisted for recruitment into the Delta State Civil Service, with Itsekiri getting less than 60 slots.

SEMINAR: From left: Deputy Editor, Weekend BusinessDay, Mrs. Funke Osae-Brown; Chairman, JSK Etiquette Consortium, Mr. Seni Adetu; Chief Executive Officer, JSK Etiquette Consortium, Mrs. Janet Adetu, and Editor, Thisday Sunday Newspaper, Mr. Tokunbo Adedoja, during the MasterClass on Executive Finesse for Journalists, in Lagos.

Edo artisans endorse Jonathan for re-election

T

HOUSANDS of artisans in Edo State have endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan's reelection bid on March 28.

The artisans association comprising welders, commercial drivers, tailors, hair stylists, furniture makers, spare-part sellers and cell phone repairers among others, gave their endorsement at a meeting with Chief Solomon Edebiri, Chairman of the Goodluck Jonathan/ Namadi Sambo reelection campaign organisation, artisan sub-committee, in Benin.

The artisans, who spoke through their chairmen, said they would, as from today, devote hours to hold rallies on major streets in Benin to campaign and woo other Edo people to vote for Jonathan on March 28.

They said that they decided to devote everything to the Jonathan re-election campaign machinery after Edebiri succinctly x-rayed the achievements of President Jonathan’s administration.

The artisans said they believed

that if given another opportunity, Jonathan would consolidate on his achievements as well as afford him the opportunity to complete the technology institute in Edo State.

Earlier, Edebiri, the

governorship candidate of the defunct ANPP during the 2012 election in Edo State, said the meeting was convened to discuss with the artisans about their welfare and future of the country.

PDP chieftain urges IG to probe Ikuru's allegations against APC on insurgency

A

chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State and member of the Contact Committee of the PDP Governorship Campaign, Mr. Paul Bebeminibo, yesterday, called on security agents to investigate allegations of alleged involvement in insurgency levelled against the All Progressives Congress, APC, by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Mr Tele Ikuru, who defected to the PDP weekend.

He said the call became necessary so as to avoid violence during and after the

general elections.

According to him, “I am calling on the IG and all relevant security agencies to investigate the APC owing to the allegation made by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State during his defection to PDP. He said that the APC are insurgents implying that they are behind the Boko Haram insurgency in the country today.

“The desperation with which they are going about the 2015 general elections shows that they are going to foment trouble if they lose the elections."

Ex-militants endorse Buhari, Emerhor as consensus candidates

By Onoja Innocent

N

IGER Delta exmilitants under the aegis of Coalition of Association of ExAgitators, have endorsed the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari and the Delta State governorship candidate of the party, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, for the 2015 general elections.

Speaking during the endorsement in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state, National President of the group, Israel Apkodero, said that the ex-militants came to the decision having realised that President Goodluck Jonathan was only empowering his Ijaw brothers to the detriment of other ethnic nationalities.

Akpodero said that the Ijaw people of the Niger Delta were the exclusive beneficiaries of the Federal Government's amnesty programme.

Ibada-Elume, Iretor, Adeneyi roads not awarded to me —IGBUYA

By Festus Ahon

A

S A B A — MAJORITY Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Monday Igbuya, has said that the contract for the construction of IbadaElume township road, Iretor and Adeneyi roads in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of the state, were not awarded to him, contrary to speculations.

Igbuya, in a chat with newsmen, described those behind the speculations as mischievous, stressing that they were a calculated attempt by his political opponents to tarnish his reputation.

He said that as a legislator, his duty was to ensure that projects listed were funded in his constituencies during the preparation of the state annual budgets.

46—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Imo retirees mourn dead colleagues; declare 7 days fasting, prayers

Cleric tasks stakeholders on credible, peaceful polls

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—IMO Newspaper retirees have declared seven days fasting, prayers and mourning in honour of 29 of their members who died without getting their retirement benefits from the state government.

The decision was part of the communique issued by the aggrieved retirees and signed by the Chairman, Mr. A. U. Ike; Secretary, Chief Henry Nwosu, and three other officers of the group.

It said: “The week-long mourning and prayers is to ask God for the repose of the souls of 29 retirees, who died of hardship occasioned by lack of funds to take care of their needs.”

The senior citizens urged Governor Rochas Okorocha to pay their end-of-service entitlements, adding that they did not want more deaths in their ranks and that his predecessors, Chief Achike Udenwa and Chief Ikedi Ohakim never hesitated in paying those that retired earlier.

The statement said: “We wonder why Governor Okorocha has refused to pay us our rights. We are not aware of any sin we committed

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

B

ARELY five days to the conduct of the rescheduled general election on March 28 and April 11, Diocesan Bishop of Methodist Church, Rt. Rev. Oluyemisi Ogunleye, has enjoined Nigerians to go to the polls in a peaceful and orderly manner.

He also urged all security agencies to ensure adequate protection of life and property without being partisan in the interest of the nation.

Ogunleye gave the charge yesterday in a communiqué issued at the end of the 9th Annual Synod of Methodist Church, Nigeria Diocese of Lagos West, Idimu Egbe Circuit.

According to the cleric, it is important for the electorate to vote wisely in an atmosphere devoid of inducements and intimidation and to wait till votes are counted and announced to engender citizen’s participation and ownership of the process.

to merit such punishment.”

The retirees called on well meaning Imo citizens,

including church leaders and the governor ’s political associates, to help them

appeal to Okorocha to pay them their end-of-service entitlements without further delay.

NLC ELECTION: South-East health workers deny protest against Wabba

By Enyim Enyim NITSHA—THE SouthEast zone of Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, led by the Vice President, SouthEast, Mr. Ahukanna Chisaraokwu, has disassociated itself from a purported rally in protest against the newly-elected President of Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba.

The union, in a statement by the national Vice President, South-East, Mr. Ahukanna Chisaraokwu, after an emergency meeting, congratulated Wabba on his victory and pledged its support and cooperation for his administration.

It said: “The South-Eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo heartily congratulate the National President of the Medical and Health Workers

Union of Nigeria, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, on his welldeserved victory as President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, at the justconcluded national delegates’ conference.

“We participated actively in the said conference and we from the South-East zone wholly and entirely supported the candidature of Wabba, based on his track record of achievements and believing in his manifesto.”

On the said protest, the union said: “We wish to state categorically that at no time did any member of MHWUM in the South-East zone participated in any protest, rally or agitation against the candidature or emergence of Wabba before and after the NLC congress.

“We, therefore, warn any person or persons using the name of the South-East zone of MHWUN to pursue any inglorious, self-serving

Coordinator of the group, Odinaka Chukwuka, said: “We have followed the campaigns of those contesting the Anambra South senatorial seat with keen interest.

“After due and careful deliberations, we came to the conclusion that Dr. Andy Uba

remains the best candidate for now, to continue to represent us in the Senate.

“It not a spontaneous declaration, but the product of careful analysis, meticulous consideration and overwhelming reality and approval rating.”

O

and selfish mission to desist forthwith.”

Vote PDP candidates —TSEKIRI

E

NGINEER Matthew Tsekiri, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for Uvwie Constituency in Delta State House Assembly, has canvassed support for all the party candidates in the coming general elections.

In a statement in Effurun, Delta State, Tsekiri said Uvwie had never had it so good under any administration in terms of infrastructure development and appointments.

He cited the Enerhen Junction, establishment of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, FUPRE, the near completion of the fly-over project and appointments of Uvwie indigenes in government.

He called on the electorate in Uvwie to vote en mass for President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Ighoyota Amori and Chief Evelyn Oboro.

Uba’s re-election bid gets boost

T

HE re-election bid of Senator Andy Uba for the Anambra South senatorial seat on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has got a major boost as a socio-cultural group, Anambra South Citizens United for Good Representation, ASCUFGR, yesterday, backed

his candidature.

After a plenary in Nnewi, Anambra State, the group said it resolved to mobilize for Uba during the March 28 National Assembly election given his experience, adding that he remained the best candidate to continue to represent them.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

I

urge INEC officials and the security men to work hard that day. I know with the help of security men, I believe that everybody will conduct themselves well and there will be nothing like stealing of ballot boxes and rigging of election. —Miss Ayua Yahaya, Student.

I

On the presidential election

NEC should know that the purpose of this card reader is to ensure credible, free and fair elections and should use it to conduct 100 percent successful elections. People should forget about money and vote for a good leader.— Mr. Dalami Awadi, Student.

F

ROM my observa tions, Nigerians, the electorate, are so very determined to take their destinies in their hands.

They are waiting for the voting mandate to elect credible leaders that will serve the less-privileged or masses and not the already rich people.— Mr. Banjo Raki, Student.

T

HE problem here is not about card reader, our problem is INEC officials. The way I see it, they might not be able to handle the card readers efficiently. Furthermore, INEC should ensure that the card readers are in order. Miss Tina MbaStudent

P

EOPLE said this election would be hot, in the sense that there may be fighting and violence. To me, so long as INEC officials and the security men will be there to conduct and watch over the card reader, there will be no problem.—Mr. Emmanuel Iyoke, Businessman.

O

UR future is in our h a n d s .

Nobody should be restricted from voting for whosoever he/she wants to vote for. INEC should ensure that the election will not be rigged by any person or party. I believe that this election will be better.— Mrs Morayo Simeon, Worker.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 47

C M Y K

48 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 49

C M Y K

50 —Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 51

C M Y K

52 —Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 53

To reverse downward slide of economy, shun Jonathan, Buhari tells electorate

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI — PRESIDENTIAL candidate of All Progressives Congress, General Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, in Owerri reviewed the downward slide of the nation’s economy and called on Nigeria to rise and say bye to the government of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Buhari, who spoke as chieftains of the party and members of the APC Governors’ Forum, stormed Owerri, Imo State capital for a meeting, in their last minute campaign, said Nigeria would witness unmitigated disaster, if President Jonathan was reelected.

While the APC Governors’ meeting was the first in the year, which they also tagged “March for a New Nigeria”, Gen. Buhari used the opportunity to plead with Nigerians to shun ethnic tribal and clannish sentiment in electing a new president for the country.

After taking a critical look at the performance of the nation’s economy in the last 16 years, Gen. Buhari said: “We should all rise and say goodbye to PDP because no amount of sentiment will justify voting for the PDP again.”

The former head of state noted that while the value of the Naira had plummeted beyond imagination, prices of oil had also dwindled, adding that insecurity, unemployment and corruption had become the order of the day.

After chronicling his record of service while in government,

Buhari said that as serious crusader against corruption, he would sanitize the country, if given the opportunity to serve as president of Nigeria.

Welcoming his guests earlier, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, explained that the APC Governors’ Forum was meant to build a bridge of

friendship that would traverse all nooks and crannies of the country.

While stressing that Igbo are found in all parts of the country, Okorocha also opined that this singular act helped in building bridges of unity and contributing to the economic development of the nation.

RALLY: Anambra State Governor's wife, Chief Ebelechukwu Obiano, welcoming the First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, on arrival for the women rally, in Onitsha, yesterday.

Dame Jonathan in Onitsha, describes APC as expired drug

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

N

NEWI — WIFE of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan, yesterday in Onitsha described the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the name of an expired drug already rejected

by Nigerians.

Dame Jonathan said the train service, the analog former President and APC presidential candidate could not repair when he was in power was what her husband has repaired.

Describing APC as an unsteady party that was always changing from one name to another, Mrs. Jonathan said the party would die its final death on March 28, 2015, presidential election when Nigerians would vote her husband into office.

“They have changed their name again, very unsteady party, this time it is APC, the name of an analog expired drug Nigerians rejected because of its ineffectiveness, they will change name again to Ebola and then, they will die their final death, Saturday March 28 will mark the end and final death of APC because they will be disgraced again by Nigerians who have always rejected them,” she said She described the APC presidential standard bearer as analog, against digital PDP and urged Nigerians not to vote APC, being a backward party that

would not offer them any reasonable thing.

According to her, the opposition party will instead, destroy all the things President Jonathan and his predecessor had built.

She said: “Before, we were using typewriter to type and it took all our time, today we are using computer to type and it is saving our time and energy, why should we go back to typewriter and leave computer, we must move forward.

We cannot leave digital stage of life and go back to the analogue stage, God forbid.”

She reminded Anambra and South East women that in 2011, they made her proud as one of their own, and told them that she was expecting more from them since she and her husband never forgot them after the elections. ‘’Remember what Jonathan did for us during the burial of late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu

Ojukwu, he made us proud and ensured that he was given a befitting burial and this is the time to pay him back, by voting massively for him to ensure that some of the projects he started in Anambra State and in South East in general, like the second Niger Bridge are completed.

“If you vote for APC all the projects President Jonathan started will be abandoned, it is their way; they do not build, but they know how to destroy that is why their Deputy Govornor and their members are decamping to PDP, you have to be careful with that party that is comfortable in jailing husband and wife for no justifiable offence,” Mrs. Jonathan said.

She said that the welfare of women and their children was upper most in her mind, adding that the government of President Jonathan would fight to increase

affirmative action of the PDP government to 50 per cent from its present 35 per cent.

She said: “Do not vote for the presidential candidate that does not have regards for women; when he was Head of State, he refused to let Nigerians know his wife until recently when he was reminded by PDP women that women are no more for the kitchen alone, and he hurriedly decided to bring her out.”

Also speaking, wife of former governor of Anambra State, Dame Margaret Peter Obi and PDP Director of Women Mobilisation, Mrs. Bekky Igweh, said, Dame Jonathan was not supposed to campaign in the South East in general because she and her husband had done enough to get their votes.

She urged the women and their children to vote massively for President Jonathan.

Francesco Angelone becomes CMO of Etisalat Nigeria THE MANAGEMENT of Etisalat Nigeria, yesterday, announced the appointment of Francesco Angelone as its new Chief Marketing Officer.

Mr. Angelone was previously Vice President-Commercial at Etisalat Group, where he developed marketing strategies, and expanded sales and distribution channels.

Angelone, a graduate of Economics from the University of Parma-Italy, started his career in the audit and finance disciplines

before joining Telecom Italia as Customer Operations Manager, and later assuming other positions as Project Leader and Financial Controller.

He joined Etisalat Nigeria with over 20 years experience in telecoms marketing in Italy, Spain, UK, Brazil, and UAE in telecommunications.

He also worked at Vodafone for 10 years as Product & Marketing Analysis Manager in Italy before moving to Spain where he held roles as Direct Marketing

Manager and Senior Product Manager, and eventually rising to the position of Global Senior Pricing Manager at Vodafone Group.

Mr. Matthew Willsher, Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, said: “I am pleased that Francesco has joined us here at Etisalat Nigeria. His extensive marketing experience and expertise will be of great value to our strategy as an innovationdriven, customer-focused telecoms business."

ENUGU WATER CONCESSION:

APC blasts PDP

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU — ENUGU State chapter of All P r o g r e s s i v e s Congress,APC, yesterday,lampooned the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over the concession of Enugu city water supply which the party claimed was shrouded in illegality.

Enugu State House of Assembly had last week commenced probe into the 25 years concession which the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. Micheal Nwachukwu, revealed it never had the enabling law backing the concession.

APC chairman, Enugu State, Mr. Ben Nwoye, charged Enugu people to stand up against the PDPled government, insisting that”Governor Sullivan Chime’s eight years in office has been a business put together for his family,friends and cronies.

“Based on the facts on ground,many of the House members are not going back. They have been part and parcel of schemes orchestrated by the government to defraud Enugu people.

It's our turn to produce Enugu gov – Nsukka monarch

By Austin Ogwuda

E

NUGU — A traditional ruler, Igwe Spencer Ugwuoke, Enyi Duru 1 of Obimo, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, has joined the agitation by his subjects to ensure that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who hails from his domain, emerged as the next governor of the state.

Speaking while hosting Nsukka Youth Integrity Development Foundation led by Mr. Michael Ndu in his palace last weekend, Igwe Ugwuoke said: “It is our (Nsukka) turn to rule Enugu State after many years of rotation in other zones."

“When a former Head of State came to Enugu and commissioned nine projects, none in Enugu North, Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, told me to have patience until Nsukka man comes to power, and he will develop his area."

54—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Oil, power firms, others fight TB in Katsina

C

NO TO ELECTORAL VIOLENCE: From left— Col Akinsola Aboyade-Cole, Coordinator, Christian Conscience Group; Venerable Folarin Shobo, representative of Lagos State Governor; Rev. Sam Ogedengbe, Senior Special Assistant on Christian Religious Matter; Tunji Oguntuase, Prophet Adeleye and Bishop Solomon Okokoni, during the group's march on No Electoral Violence to the Governor’s Office, Alausa, Lagos. PHOTO: Diran Oshe.

Don’t repeat Ekiti strategy, APC warns PDP

By Gbenga Oke

T

HE All Progressives Congress, APC, has warned President Goodluck Jonathan and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to avoid manipulating the forthcoming elections with the system allegedly used in the Ekiti governorship elections.

He warned that any attempt to repeat the Ekiti scenario, which he described as “Modified Ekiti Rigging Strategy,” will be resisted.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the party was compelled to alert Nigerians, local and foreign election

observers to the strategy being employed by the PDP-led Jonathan administration to manipulate the forthcoming polls.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party, LP, has said that APC’s presidential candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari (retd), would encourage coup plots in Africa if elected president of Nigeria.

In a statement by National Secretary, Mr. Kayode Ajulo, LP appealed to Nigerians not to vote for Buhari, arguing that the APC presidential candidate scuttled democratic rule in the country as Head of State.

Ajulo said: “With Buhari as President of Nigeria, other African nations will experience

coups because a former dictator will always encourage coup d’etat.”

On APC’s warning, Mohammed said: “We have additional information on what has now become Ekitigate.

“Contrary to the general belief, it was not just the military that was involved, but the entire gamut of the nation’s security agencies: p o l i c e , Department of State Services, DSS, and the Civil Defence.”

Ochei preaches non-violence

T

HE Accord Party, AP, Delta North senatorial candidate, Mr. Victor Ochei, has admonished the electorate in the zone against any form of violence during and after the forthcoming elections, as it will negate the peaceful socio-political coexistence the people of Anioma were synonymous with.

He made the call at Ute-Okpu in Ika NorthEast Local Government Area, while addressing AP supporters who were victims of thuggery and vandalism allegedly unleashed by the supporters of a rival political party shortly before his arrival.

In his address, the former Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly called for restraint and steadfastness from his supporters, adding that

thuggery signified inability to embrace the salient virtues of democracy as a means of encouraging freedom of expression and choice as paramount factors of

societal development.

Ochei promised the Ika North-East electorate of credible and responsible representation of Delta North if elected into the Senate.

Ndigbo task Jega on PVC distribution

T

HE Chairman of Ndigbo Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Campaign Council in Lagos, Emilia Ezeude, has called on the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Jega to ensure even distribution of permanent voter’s cards, PVCs, to Ndigbo in Lagos.

Her call is coming against the backdrop of claims by some residents in the different geo-political zones, who were yet to get their PVCs few days to the general elections.

Ezeude urged Igbo to show more commitment in this election, adding that it was only by so doing that they would elect a leader of their choice.

She disclosed that available reports showed that 60 percent of the over 30 groups that make up Ndigbo PDP campaign council in Lagos were yet to collect their PVCs in Lagos.

She said it was a calculated attempt to disenfranchise Igbo resident in Lagos.

HEVRON Nigeria Limited, its affiliate, Star Deep Water Limited and partners in the Agbami project, have further increased their investment in the eradication of tuberculosis in the country and in boosting sound healthcare delivery in the country, with the donation of a fully-equipped chest clinic to Katsina State.

The co-venturers in the Agbami field project are Famfa Oil Limited; Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC; Statoil Nigeria Limited and Petroleo Brasiliero Nigeria Limited, PetroBras.

Speaking at the official handover of the clinic to the Katsina State government in Abuja, Mr. Jeffrey Ewing, Director, Deepwater and Production Sharing Contract, Star Deepwater, noted that the chest clinic, the 25th across the country, is a reflection of its determination to improve the healthcare system in the country.

According to Ewing, who

was represented by Gbenga Aluko, a Director of the Star Deepwater, the chest clinic, which was donated to Rimi General Hospital, Katsina, comes fully equipped with a standard x-ray machine, male and female wards, treatment rooms, laboratories and Gene Xpert Machine.

Also speaking, Managing Director, Petrobras, Maria das Graças Silva Foster, said the project was in line with the partners’ programmes to help improve quality healthcare across the country.

Foster, who was represented

by Mrs. Meg Irozuru, Government Relations Manager, Petrobras, expressed optimism that the project will help to stem the tide of tuberculosis and chestrelated diseases in Katsina State.

Receiving the project on behalf of the state, Mr. Mannir Talba, Commissioner for Health, Katsina State, represented by Mr. Muhammed Qabashiru, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, said the establishment of the clinic is apt as the state is currently having difficulties in the treatment of tuberculosis patients.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 55

ADC presidential candidate steps down for Jonathan

By Chris Ochayi & Joseph Erunke

A

LECTURE: From left; Prof .S.Timothy Azobele, chairman of occasion; Mrs Dupe Atoki, Director General, Consumer Protection Council (CPC) Abuja and Guest Speaker,and Prof.Akin Ibidapo-Obe Deanof Law, Unilag during the Public Lecture organised by Centre For Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Yaba, Lagos. Photo By Diran Oshe.

Deltans United for Genuine Change endorses Emerhor

W

A R R I — OLOROGUN O’tega Emerhor, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has been endorsed for the position by a socio-cultural group in Delta State, Deltans United for Genuine Change.

In a press statement made available to newsmen in Warri, yesterday, the group, through its Chairman, Comrade Goodlove Uzezi, described Emerhor as a truly detribalized and extremely exposed gentleman the entire state can rely on for quality and unbiased leadership to correct the ills of what he described as the past sixteen years of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, misrule that has run the state aground to the detriment of the masses.

He said: “While we have nothing against Senator Okowa of PDP as a person, there is just no way we can give our votes to a candidate of PDP, the same party that has clearly shown that it has absolutely nothing to offer the good people of Delta State. Besides, Okowa, for one, has been part and parcel of the PDP and cannot

extricate himself from the woes of a party he has been a staunch and loyal leader of in the last sixteen years.

If indeed change is what we want in Delta, Okowa, a chief beneficiary of PDP misrule is certainly not the man we have been waiting for.”

When asked why his group had not thrown its weight behind Chief Great Ogboru of Labour Party, Uzezi claimed that Ogboru

Customs promotes 2, 065 officers

By Ifeyinwa Obi

T

HE Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has announced the promotion of 2065 senior officers who participated in the 2014 promotion exercise.

A statement by Wale Adeniyi, Public Relations Officer of the NCS, said the Comptroller General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi gave the approval to release the promotion results following the conclusion of the promotion exercise and ratification by the NCS Board, in Abuja.

SDP denies endorsing Buhari

By Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA—THE Social Democratic Party, SDP, yesterday, denied allegation that it had withdrawn its earlier endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan for the candidate of the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari.

The party said its endorsement of President

had four times in a row shown an obvious lack of capacity to defeat PDP. According to him: “Even more worrying is the fact that he has now apparently entered into a strange alliance with the same PDP he claims to be fighting and most of us are confused about what is actually going on.

Some people have even said Labour has already sold the election to PDP.''

Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, remained unchanged, insisting that it was committed to the adoption of the president for Saturday’s election.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, through its National Publicity Secretary, SDP, Dr Abdul Isiaq, the party said it was not true that SDP and 12 other political parties endorsed the candidature of Buhari for the forthcoming election.

Announcing the promotion, the CGC who congratulated the promoted officers, however charged them to redouble their efforts to justify their promotions.

Breakdown of the promotion list indicates that 48 DeputyComptrollers were promoted to the rank of Comptroller, 81 AssistantComptrollers were promoted to DeputyComptrollers, while 112 Chief Superintendents of Customs were promoted to Assistant Comptrollers.

Others include; 32 Superintendents of Customs promoted to Chief Superintendents of Customs, 121 Deputy Superintendents of Customs to the rank of Superintendents of Customs, 65 Assistant Superintendents of Customs I to Deputy Superintendents of Customs and 15 Assistant Superintendentsof Customs II to Assistant Superintendents of Customs I. A total number of 1, 591 Officers benefited in the Inspectorate cadre. Out of these 1, 493 are general duty while 98 officers are support staff.

BUJA—THE Presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the March 28 presidential poll, Ambassador Mani Ahmed has stepped down for the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, President Goodluck Jonathan.

Announcing the development, yesterday in Abuja, the National Chairman of ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, said the ADC Presidential candidate and Vice Presidential candidate, Dr. Obianuju Uzohue, took the decision to enable Jonathan continue his transformation agenda.

He said, “While Jonathan, Goodluck is an authentic leader struggling with challenges of nation building. Nigeria needs a president who does not have high need for power, an authentic personality who like all of us is struggling to make good with all the vulnerability and vagaries of our time.

We need a man at the centre who can stay out of the way and allow the full architecture of governance come alive and take root

across the country.

“Making our local government areas play their roles as vibrant, functional and productive entities in this country will help our nation achieve greatness.

We are convinced that Jonathan is humane enough to ensure this.

“ADC remains a stabilizing force for the country’s unity, national transformation, and Nigeria’s democratic enterprise. Building an egalitarian Nigeria society is a collective exercise; we must not shirk this responsibility.

‘Our SES digital TV platform'll help Nigeria meet DSO deadline'

T

HE Chief Executive Officer of Computer Warehouse Group, CWG, Mr. Austin Okere has said that the company’s SES digital TV platform would help Nigeria meet the core core requirements needed to beat the International Telecommunication Union , ITU transition to digital broadcasting deadline.

Okere, who was speaking recently when a delegation of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) led by its Director General, Mr. Emeka Mba visited the company’s office in Lagos commended the Commission’s efforts in ensuring that the nation beats the ITU June 17 deadline for migration to digital TV broadcasting.

According to him, “the CWG/SES platform, beyond being a business idea, is our

social impact investment contribution to ensure that none of the 27 million households in Nigeria are left out in the digital TV switchover.

“Firstly, visual content will be made available to millions of households at no cost, through a Free to Air (FTA) medium. Secondly, we are offering a platform that will enable broadcasters deliver their content to a broader audience cost-effectively” Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Mr. Emeka Mba assured that the Commission would provide the necessary support base Computer Warehouse Group would need for the planned launch of its SES digital TV platform which will be the country’s first free-to-air DTH digital TV platform.

56 — VANGUARD, TUESDAY, MARCH 24 , 2015

Netanyahu apologizes to Israel’s Arabs over election-day rallying call

Yemen FM: President Hadi calls for Gulf military, UN action Y EMEN’s embattled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi has asked Gulf countries to intervene militarily against Shiite rebels who have seized the capital and are advancing toward his new base in the south, his foreign minister told Saudi media yesterday.

Riad Yassin said Hadi has also asked the United

Nations to impose a no-fly zone so that the rebels, known as Houthis, cannot use the airports they seized.

He accused the rebels of being a proxy of Shiite Iran, charges they deny.

Yassin spoke to Saudiowned Al-Hadath TV on Monday. He made similar comments to the Saudiowned Asharq al-Awsat

newspaper.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal meanwhile warned that “if the Houthi coup does not end peacefully, we will take the necessary measures for this crisis to protect the region.”

He did not elaborate further. Riyadh also renewed its offer to host talks between

Southern People’s Resistance militants loyal to Yemen’s President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi gather at the al-Anad air base in the country’s southern province of Lahej, after seizing it March 22, 2015

Yemen’s rival groups— which has already been rejected by the rebels.

The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Bahrain — warned earlier this year that they would act to protect the Arabian Peninsula’s security and described the Houthi takeover of parts of Yemen as a “terrorist” act.

Time is not on our side,” Yassin told Al-Hadath. He didn’t say what Gulf military intervention would entail but said the Houthis’ advance toward Hadi’s base in the southern city of Aden must be stopped. He said the rebels want to foil attempts to reach a political solution.

Yassin said the request was made to the Gulf Cooperation Council after warplanes struck near the presidential palace in Aden over the weekend. Hadi was not harmed in the attack.

I

SRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday apologized to Israel’s Arabs after a rallying call to his supporters on election day last week was called racist by opponents.

In a video clip posted on his Facebook page, Netanyahu told IsraeliArab supporters of his rightwing Likud party: “I know that the things I said a few days ago offended Israel’s Arabs. I had no intention for this to happen, I regret this.”

Fearing his voters would stay home, Netanyahu, who won a clear election

victory last Tuesday and is set to be nominated to form a new government, accused left-wing nong o v e r n m e n t a l organizations of bussing Arab-Israelis to the polls “in droves” to vote against him.

I will not serve third term, David Cameron

D

AVID Cameron has told the BBC he will not serve a third term as prime minister if the Conservatives remain in government after the general election.

The PM said if re-elected he would serve the full five years of another Parliament and then leave Number 10.After that, he said, “it will be time for new leadership”.

Mr Cameron tipped

IS moves west to attack Syrian army in Homs

I

SLAMIC State fighters attacked a military airport in Syria’s Homs province yesterday as they pressed a westward offensive against g o v e r n m e n t strongholds, a monitoring group said.

Forays by Islamic State, which is strongest in the northeast and east, into the provinces of Homs, Hama and even Damascus pose a fresh challenge for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria’s army has seized control of a swathe of territory from Damascus through the cities of Homs and Hama to the western coast by defeating other, less powerful militias including rebels fighting under the banner of the Free Syrian Army.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks the violence through a network of sources in the country, said Islamic State attacked a military airport in Tadmur, a town in Homs province, early on Monday.

Syrian officials could not immediately be

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

David Cameron

Home Secretary Theresa May, Chancellor George Osborne and London Mayor Boris Johnson as potential successors.

In an interview with BBC deputy political editor James Landale, Mr Cameron described the three Conservative heavyweights as “great people” with “plenty of talent”.

‘Gamble’ James Landale said the PM’s comments would “electrify the election campaign”.

“Not only will this kickstart a lengthy Tory leadership contest, it will also send a message to voters that if they back the prime minister now, he would not go on and on as some previous prime ministers had done,” he said.

Singapore mourns founding father Lee Kuan Yew

S Islamic State outperformed all other militant rebel groups in Syria and continues to claim ground reached for comment, and the fighting was not reported on state media.

Observatory head

Rami Abdulrahman said 74 soldiers in Hama province had been killed

by Islamic State, which

he speculated launched both attacks to raise morale after losses to Kurdish forces in the northeast.

Unknown group threatens troops online

A

previously unknown group calling itself the Islamic State Hacking Division posted the names, photos and addresses of about 100 U.S. troops online, calling for attacks against them.

Whoever created the file, posted online Saturday before being removed, claimed to have hacked military databases and said

it was leaking 100 names “so that our brothers residing in America can deal with you.”

The possibility of lonewolf attacks in the United States, the type that this message calls for, is a threat officials take seriously.

Attorney General Eric Holder said last month that the threat of a lone-wolf

attack inside the United States is one thing that keeps him awake at night.

But there was nothing to immediately validate the claims made by this unknown group.

A Defense Department official told CNN that it cannot confirm the validity of the online posting, but is looking into the claim.

INGAPORE has begun seven days of national mourning following the death of its founding father, Lee Kuan Yew. Mr Lee, who was 91, led S i n g a p o r e ’ s transformation from a small port city to one of the wealthiest nations in the world.

World leaders have paid tribute to Mr Lee, who served as the city-state’s prime minister for 31 years.

US President Barack Obama described him as a “giant of history” whose advice had been sought by other world leaders.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Mr Lee was a widely respected strategist and statesman, and Russian President Vladimir Putin described him as one of the “patriarchs” of world politics.

Kremlin urges France, Germany to push Ukraine more on peace deal

R

USSIA accused Kiev yesterday of violating parts of the Minsk peace deal for east Ukraine and urged Germany and France, which helped negotiate it, to do more to ensure Kiev sticks to the agreements that were reached.

“The countries acting as guarantors of the Minsk agreements ... Russia,

Germany, France .. should carry out their share of responsibility for ensuring the provisions are fulfilled,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

“To ignore that one side is not delivering on the agreements is not conducive to normalizing the situation.”

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, MARCH 24 , 2015 — 57

WHO denies politics swayed Ebola emergency declaration T HE World Health Or ganization yesterday denied that politics swayed the decision to declare an international emergency over the spread of the Ebola virus last year, despite evidence senior staffers repeatedly discussed the diplomatic and economic fallout of such a move.

A year after WHO declared that Ebola had been found in Guinea, the agency is on the defensive over reports that it dragged its feet when raising the international alarm over the disease. Internal communications published by The Associated Press last week documented senior agency staff discouraging the move about two months before the international alert was finally raised, citing diplomatic relations, mining interests and the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.

WHO spokeswoman Dr. Margaret Harris said Monday that “political considerations did not play a role” and that notions to the contrary were due to a misinterpretation of the leaked documents. Harris did not respond to follow-up questions about how the documents should have been interpreted.

Political worries appear to loom large in the communications obtained by AP, which include emails and memoranda. A June 10 memo sent to WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan says declaring an emergency — or convening a committee to discuss the issue — could be seen as a “hostile act” by Ebolaaffected countries. When senior African staff floated the idea of declaring an emergency on June 4, WHO official Dr. Sylvie Briand wrote that she saw

Assistant Director General for Health Security Keiji Fukuda such a move as a “last resort.”

An international emergency was eventually declared on Aug. 8, by which point nearly 1,000 people had died.Ebola was judged to have become a health emergency with international implications nearly a month earlier by the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control.

“I activated the emergency operations center at the CDC on July 9,” said Dr. Tom Frieden, CDC director, meaning the agency moved immediately to put the organization’s full weight behind efforts to curb Ebola in mid-July.

Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan sign deal to end Nile dispute

T

HREE African leaders have signed an initial deal to end a long-running dispute over the sharing of Nile waters and the building of Africa’s biggest hydroelectric dam, in Ethiopia.

The leaders of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan signed the agreement in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum.

Egypt has opposed the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, saying it would worsen its water shortages.Ethiopia says the dam will give it a fairer share of Nile waters.

In 2013, Ethiopia’s parliament ratified a controversial treaty to replace colonial-era agreements that gave Egypt and Sudan the biggest share of the Nile’s

water.

Egypt’s then-President Mohamed Morsi said he did not want war but he would not allow Egypt’s water supply to be endangered by the dam.

Mr Morsi’s successor, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi signed the deal with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Halemariam Desalegn and Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir.

The three leaders welcomed the “declaration of principles” agreement in speeches in Khartoum’s Republican Palace, and watched a short film about the Grand Renaissance Dam that highlighted how it could benefit the region, the Associated Press news agency reports.

Ethiopia has the support of many African states for building the dam

Senegal: Court jails ex-president’s son for corruption and Panama, also fined him 2013, Wade, 46, denied

T

HE son of Senegal’s former president Abdoulaye Wade was jailed for six years for corruption yesterday , dealing a blow to his hopes of running for office and deepening fault lines in the country’s political landscape.

The court in the capital Dakar, which found Karim Wade guilty of hiding funds in offshore companies in the British Virgin Islands

138 billion CFA francs ($228 million).

Raising the political stakes ahead of the verdict - read out as police patrolled the city’s streets in large numbers to counter possible protests - the opposition Senegalese Democratic Party (SDP) chose Wade on Saturday as its candidate for a presidential election that could take place as soon as 2017.

In detention since April

wrongdoing and branded the trial a witch-hunt, something the government denies. He and lawyers boycotted the end of the trial.

Prosecutors had demanded a seven-year prison term and a 250 billion CFA franc fine for Wade, known as the ‘minister for heaven and earth’ during his father’s government as he controlled several ministries.

58 —Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 —59

Eko Atlantic City developers woo foreign investors to Nigeria

By Kingsley Adegboye

T

HE Vice Chairman of South Energyx Nigeria Limited, developers and promoters of the highbrow Eko Atlantic City in Lagos, Mr. Ronald Chagoury Jr. has called on international companies to take a closer look at investment potentials in Nigeria and other SubSaharan countries.

Chagoury who spoke at a workshop on real estate development in Sub-Saharan Africa for real estate experts and investors at MIPIM, a leading property market held annually at Cannes in the South of France, noted that Nigeria which is now the largest economy in Africa, has a rapidly growing population.

“If you can just get over some of the perception issues

about Nigeria, and if you can look at the market as it actually is, you will automatically have an advantage over everyone else. We have a need

We have a shortage of 17 million homes in Nigeria with a shortfall of five million homes in Lagos alone”, he said, adding that in order to reduce the housing shortfall

Left: Mr. Akin Olawore of Akin Olawore & Partners, Mark Bradford – Chairman, Africa JLL, Louise Brooke Smith, President RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), Ronald Chargoury Jnr. Vice Chairman South Energyx, Ruth Obih, CEO 3invest Nigeria and John Okonkwo, CEO JD Forbes at the event recently for everything. The key ingredients for success in Nigeria are consistency and quality,” he said.

The four-day event brought together the most influential

players in the real estate industry including office, residential, retail, healthcare, sport, industrial developers as well as logistics, offering unrivaled access to the greatest number of developmental

IFC, World Bank target 80m Nigerians off-grid with ‘Lighting Africa-Nigeria’

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

A

recent World Bank report shows that while about 64 percent of Nigerian’s estimated 174 million people living in the urban areas are connected to the national grid, a paltry 35 percent are currently connected in rural areas. The remaining 65 percent of rural dwellers who are not yet connected to the national grid, according to the report, account for over 80 million Nigerians. This is the largest population in Africa without access to grid electricity.

Worried by these alarming statistics, the International Finance Corporation, IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, penultimate Tuesday, in Lagos, launched the Lighting Africa program for Nigeria.

The program, a joint initiative of IFC and the World Bank aimed at increasing access to affordable, clean and safer lighting for rural population, witnessed the exhibition of solar-solution products by key market players such as Barefoot Power, Futura Sun, Little Sun, Total Nigeria Plc, Philips, Niwa, Schneider-Electric among others.

The program is currently running in 12 other African countries. These countries include Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Senegal, Liberia, Mali and Congo.

Speaking at the event, the Program Manager for Lighting Africa, Mr. Itotia Njagi said the program

mobilises the private sector to build and develop markets that enable access to clean, affordable, quality lighting products through the fostering of partnerships among local and global manufacturers.

Ngagi said they are currently creating new channels through local distribution companies that will help build robust supply chains for off-grid lighting products said: “Through carefully designed interventions, and in collaboration with key stakeholders, the Lighting Africa Nigeria program aims to help five million Nigerians gain access to modern, clean

Solar lamps

and affordable lighting products by 2017, while reducing GreenHouse Gas, GHG emission by 100, 000 metric tons. This project is targeting people that are not connected to the national grid, primarily people living in rural areas.

With the benefit of technology, we now have products that can provide both lighting and energy services with good enough competitive prices,”he said.

Continuing, Ngagi said: “This is different from the inverters, because inverters still rely on the grid. The

primary technology that this one uses is solar. Before now, the perception people have about solar is that it is an expensive technology. People have the perception that solar is beyond their reach. But from what we are seen we have discovered that people spend an average of N800 and N1, 000 on kerosene or for charging the grid connected lanterns. Looking at this for a year, that is a huge amount of money, that is sufficient to get a good solar solutions. So, for us we are saying if you are off-grid there is a lot of energy solution available for you at affordable rates.”

projects and sources of capital worldwide.

Speaking on “Sub-Saharan Africa - Let There Be Light”, Mr Chagoury explained that the real estate sector is desperately short of housing.

“We have a shortage of 17 million homes in Nigeria with a shortfall of five million homes in Lagos alone”, he said, adding that in order to reduce the housing shortfall, Eko Atlantic City which sits on a total of 10 million square metres of land reclaimed from the sea, will become homes to 250,000 residents with 150,000 commuters. It is the pinnacle really of ambition on the continent and definitely something that more people should get to learn about”, Chagoury said.

He disclosed that 90 per cent of infrastructure of the sprawling project will be completed by the end of the year, stressing that Eko Atlantic is 100 per cent privately funded and it is a registered free zone.

“Eko Atlantic will have reliable 24/7 utilities such as an independent natural gas power plant, independent water and sewage treatment plants, as well as a state-ofthe-art fibre optic network”, Chagoury noted.

“The Chairman of JLL for Sub-Saharan Africa, Mark Bradford, described Eko Atlantic as a very ambitious project. “For a lot of people that are here today, it is an eye opener to see the scale and ambition of the project and I think that Eko Atlantic should almost become a marketing tool for the potential of real estate in the country because it is such an outstanding example.

It was the first time that the organizers of MIPIM have focused on the investment opportunities in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda), and West Africa (Angola, Ghana and Nigeria).

60—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

T

By Paul Ojenagbon

HE best attributes of nature are coming together in Canalily Place, an exclusive apartment development being berthed on the fascinating stable of Canalily Place Limited with design conceived by sister outfit, Design Union , winner of the International Property Award for Africa Region in 2011.

The estate is located on a water-bathed track of land measuring 4,000 square metres within a walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean in Alma Beach adjacent to Lekki Phase I. The development comprises 64 apartments made up of 20 units of one bedroom apartments, 39 units of twobedroom apartments with Boys’ quarters and five units of three- bedroom with Boys’ quarters apartments respectively.

Design Union, who have rolled out several headturning residential developments in the recent past and currently doing major finishing on the almost fully subscribed 15-storey Luxury Eden Heights in Victoria Island, is deploying its outstanding experience and expertise to harness the best of nature’s gifts in Canalily in several respects.

Embedded in the building design is a bioclimatic architecture that is environmentally friendly in all ramifications. Rather than

relying on electricity to power the air-conditioning system and heating water for bath, recourse is made to hydrothermal means, a device that uses water. A system is also put in place to hygienically recycle waste so as not to constitute a nuisance to the environment.

Canalily is a thoughtful cluster of mid-rise blocks featuring moderated price apartments, international functional well-laid out leaving spaces, short leisure walk to the ocean beach, secure surroundings among other considerations.

Appliances that will be essentially installed in the apartments are Energy Star which will ensure that the residents incur low energy bills. The emphasis is about

Caressing nature’s gifts in Canalily Place A system is also put in place to hygienically recycle waste so as not to constitute a nuisance to the environment

green iving in Nigeria’s first Green Development that significantly parcels out land for exotic gardens and parks, children’s playground much to the appreciative imagination of its residents.

The names denoting each house type are modeled after hotel setting: Gabi Suites indicate the one- bedroom apartments, Kemija Suites the two-bedroom apartments and Herbie Suites the three-

bedroom apartments.

The entire ground floor is dedicated to car park and security logistics while the apartments are on floors 1 -5.

Each block has its own private circulation core with a dedicated elevator and stairs, creating a sense of exclusivity and privacy reminiscent of luxury apartments. With each room ensuite, toilet in the Gabi suites is designed to

Chois Garden estate boosts Lagos housing stock with 324 units

By Kingsley Adegboye

T

he housing sector in Lagos State was boosted last week with the injection of 324 units into the market. This followed the formal commissioning of r for affordable housing as the solution for acute housing shortfall in Lagos may have started yielding positive results with the commissioning of Cooperative Home Ownership Incentive Scheme, CHOIS Garden Estate in Abijo in the Ibeju-Lekki Local Council Development Area, LCDA. The residential estate sits on 25 hectares of land with 5 hectares already developed in the phases one and two. The estate which is being developed in three phases, will on completion, add 814 housing units into the Lagos property market.

The project is being developed ed

by First World Communities, a renowned real estate development in collaboration with Lagos State Government.

The 324 housing units comprise two and three-bedroom apartments in clusters, three-bedroom semidetached bungalows, four-bedroom semi-detached duplexes and three-

bedroom private access maisonettes.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First World Communities, Brigadier-General Tunde Reis (retd) said the estate was conceived to make housing delivery systemic rather than the sporadic way we build. Noting that Lagos has approximately five million housing deficit, General Reis said there is need to look for an industralised and systematic way of delivering the houses.

“What we are commissioning today is actually two phases of a three-phased development. We have been able to build so far in phases one and two, 324 housing units with an additional 90 units still under construction. In the third phase, we will be developing 400 housing units,”he said.

Explaining the benefits of CHOIS, he said most middle to low income households in Lagos state have found accessing mortgage to buy or build their homes difficult.

He explained that under the scheme, households that are unable to afford mortgages can have access to a home on lease-to-own basis. He noted that this allows subscribers to occupy the property on a lease, with the option to purchase it in small incremental steps as their socioeconomic circumstances improve.

Reis who said the previous challenge is the affordability gap, stated that “the difference between the cost of a house and what an intending buyer can afford to pay is what I think the Lagos State government has addressed here by coming up with a lease-to-own scheme. The scheme is the key because rather than pay in full like you do under a traditional mortgage or put down a 30 per cent deposit, you only need a 15 per cent deposit.

“Traditionally, when our people cannot afford a thing, they come together as cooperators; that is what we have here. We have a CHOIS club, people are contributing, we use that money to build houses and take turns to take them. At a point, rather than government funding this project, it will be funding government because it will become self-driven.

“We have hinged the development of the estate on three important pillars such as security, landscaping which must be maintained like any other estate and thirdly, it must be affordable. So we need to create space to make sure the intended people actually benefit from this scheme”, First World Communities boss noted.

double as the visitors’ toilet.

Spaces have ample room, each apartment measures 60 square metres.

The Kemija suites are carefully laid out with a spacious living and dining space with an open kitchen plan that can be walled off if desired. The two bedrooms are ensuite with generous wardrobe space. Each Kemija suite measures 144 square metres.

Each Herbie suite measures 196 square metres. It is an ideal family apartment with ample space for up to 4 children and a nanny. The master bedroom features his and hers wardrobes and two sinks in the toilet for co-use.

The apartments have a maid’s room attached to the rear, just outside the back door.

Apartments are conceived with ultra modern interior design. Fully furnished option is also available. Kitchens are fully fitted Italian with fridge, cooking range and microwave. Wardrobes in bedrooms are imported high quality range. Italian floor tiles are used in the living, dinning, kitchen and toilet spaces while Italian wood floors feature in the bedrooms and corridors. Doors are Italian and the lighting fixtures are energy saving.

Estate services include 24 hour security system and running tap to issue potable water all round the clock.

There is a convenience store for residents to procure immediate needs. There is a crèche for day and after day school for the young ones.

Residents are availed a Laundromat with wash – aman pickup and delivery service. The fitness buffs have a gym and mini-spa to hone their muscles.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 61

C M Y K

62 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Nigerians in Europe: Ogbeche, Odubajo hit target Spain kechukwu Uche was a 71st minute substitute for Villarreal in their 2-0 loss at home to Sevilla. Having been knocked out of the Europa League last week, Unai Emery’s men repeated the trick to expand their lead over the Yellow Submarine to six points. Uche’s cameo came too late to impact the result, as goals in the 49th and 65th minutes decided the tie.

Kalu Uche was on parade in his side’s 1-0 defeat to Celta Vigo. A late Charles goal confirmed Celta’s dominance, and while Kalu Uche was pretty much ineffectual for the entire 90, he did manage the second-highest number of shots in the game, with three.

Midfielder Ramon Azeez was named on the bench for Almeria in their 2-1 loss against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday night. He was however not called upon to partake in the action.

USA Canadian youth international Tesho Akindele was on target for FC Dallas in MLS action over the weekend. The 22-yearold scored the opener in their 2-0 win over Philadelphia Union in the 49th minute, beating Algeria goalkeeper Rais M’Bolhi all ends up.

Akindele is eligible for Nigeria through his Nigerian father, but has represented Canada at U-17 level in the past.

Slovakia AS Trencin were comfortable 3-0 winners over Dunajska Streda in the Slovakian Corgon Liga to keep their place at the top of the standings. Goals from former youth international Rabiu and Ibrahim

I

Emmanuel Edmond in the 50th

and 87th minutes completed the scoring.

Netherlands Nigeria international

Bartholomew Ogbeche struck an

equaliser in the 62nd minute for Cambuur, but Henk de Jong’s side were unable to hold on for the points, conceding in stoppage time to lose 2-1 away at AZ Alkmaar.

The 30-year-old is enjoying an Indian

IN FLIGHT: Bartholomew Ogbeche (r) in an aerial battle with an AZ Alkmaar player. Ogbeche's strike could not save his club as Alkmaar won 2-1. summer in the Eredivisie, with 12 goals for Cambuur in 24 starts Italy Forward Nnamdi Oduamadi was on target for the first time for Serie B side Latina over the weekend. The 24year-old’s 66th minute goal however proved just a consolation as his side went down 2-1 to Spezia. Oduamadi has made seven appearances since joining on loan from parent club AC Milan.

Germany

Anthony Ujah

played 82 minutes for Fc Koln in his final appearance before jetting off to re-join the Nigerian national side.

However, he was not on target for the Billy Goats in their 1-1 draw against Werder Bremen at the RheinEnergie Stadion.

The striker fired off three shots, but was unable to

add to his Bundesliga tally of nine for the season.

France AS Monaco let loose on Reims in Ligue 1 action over the weekend, striking twice in the first quarter of an hour to effectively put the tie to bed. The 3-1 scoreline did not flatter Les Monegasques. Nigeria left-back Elderson Echiejile was named on the bench, but did not feature at all.

V i n c e n t Enyeama’s Lille

were on the end of a 2-0 reverse at the hands of St Etienne at Stade Geoffroy Guichard. Two goals from Ivory Coast international Max Gradel consigned Les Dogues to defeat, ending a run of two straight clean sheets for Nigeria captain Enyeama.

England

M o s e s Odubajo completed

an improbable fiveminute fight-back by Brentford against Millwall in the championship at the weekend. Down 2-0 in the 85th minute, the Bees struck back spectacularly, with first Alex Pritchard’s penalty, and then Odubajo’s leveller in the first minute of added time. The 21-year-old right-back also completed two dribbles in a man-of-the-match outing.

West Brom travelled to the home of defending league champions Manchester City without record-signing Brown Ideye, and a hard task was made even more onerous by the sending off after two minutes of Gareth McAuley. The Baggies would go on to lose 3-0 on the day. There was a crumb of comfort

from a Nigerian perspective, as Victor Anichebe made his long-awaited return from injury, coming on for a four-minute cameo at the end.

Sammy Ameobi

was in action for Newcastle, as they came close to completing a memorable comeback against Arsenal. The Magpies roared back after a poor first half, but came up short, losing 21. Ameobi completed four dribbles and also put in a shift defensively, making three tackles.

Victor Moses was not fit enough to be called upon for Stoke’s home loss to Crystal Palace. The Potters struggled without their mercurial winger, and went down 2-1 to Alan Pardew’s Eagles.

Striker Shola Ameobi made a four-minute cameo at the end, coming on for goalscorer Glenn

Murray.

Hull caused league leaders Chelsea a huge scare, coming from two goals down to level at 22 inside the first half.

However, the winner for the Blues came from substitute Loic Remy with 13 minutes to play. Sone Aluko made a late appearance with nine minutes to play as the Tigers tried to rally once more. It was not to be though; Chelsea’s 3-2 win sees them maintain a six-point advantage over Manchester City.

QPR are steadily running out of games in which to stave off imminent relegation. This past weekend saw them on the end of a 2-1 home loss to Everton. Defender

Nedum Onuoha

partnered Steven Caulker in the centre of defence, and acquitted himself reasonably well for the R’s.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 — 63

Suarez: My most important goal Luis Suarez hailed his secondhalf winner against Real Madrid as “the most important goal” of his Barcelona career.

With 55 minutes on the clock and the scoreline locked at 1 - 1 after Cristiano Ronaldo had cancelled out Jeremy Mathieu’s opener, the Uruguayan trapped a long punt forward by Dani Alves and then arrowed the ball past Iker Casillas to restore Barca’s lead at the Nou Camp.

Luis Enrique’s side went on to dominate the remainder of the game and won 2-1, thus building a fourpoint advantage at the top of the Primera Division table.

The strike was Suarez’s 14th in all competitions for Barcelona since he made his £75million move from Liverpool last summer.

And the 28-year-old had no doubt this was his most crucial goal for his new club, ranking it above the two he netted against Manchester City in the Champions League last month.

“This is the most important goal I’ve scored for Barca and it has an extra significance because of the rival we were playing against,”

Suarez told Barcelona’s official television channel.

“I just tried to take advantage of the space between defenders and be as fast as I could so I didn’t give the centrebacks any time to recover. Luckily it went in.

“The dressing room is very happy, we knew this was a really

'Mata’s goal ridiculous' Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was astonished by Juan Mata’s superb goal against Liverpool on Sunday in Manchester United’s 21 win at Anfield.

The Frenchman was stunned by the Spaniards wonder-strike, where he leapt in to the air to score an acrobatic volley, especially because of the momentous occasion it was scored in.

“There is nothing to say about it, sometimes you just need to have a look at it and

applaud,” he told S k y Sports.

“It is just ridicul o u s what h e did,

especially here at Anfield and the magnitude of the game for both teams today.”

The former Barcelona player added that he feels that the Manchester United midfielder hasn’t been at

important game if we wanted to stay top of the league and increase our advantage.”

Barca coach Luis Enrique sang the striker ’s praises after the game.

“We are very happy that he is a being decisive player for us and we are very happy with his attitude and what he brings to this team,” he said.

“He brings a lot to the team he is not just a classic centre forward, he also links up with his teammates. He’s a player that marvellously compliments the squad we have, and that’s why we signed him.”

Chwuku Continues from BP seemingly reluctant to renew the deal with the former Eagles captain, who was a fortnight back given an offer, which he later termed “a slave contract”.

It has been nine long months that the Eagles have been without a coach and with the qualifying race for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations fast approaching, Chukwu, the first Nigerian to lift the AFCON trophy in 1980 told Sports Vanguard in Nnewi, venue of the Premier League match between Ifeanyii Uba Fc and Rangers, that the NFF should, for once, be

decisive and name a coach for the team without further delay.

“I am very much worried with the prolonged search for a coach for the Super Eagles, which I think should have been a straight-forward thing for the NFF to do. But I am surprised and shocked that we are still talking about searching for a coach, when what we should be talking is the work being done by the coach.

“Nobody needs to be told that a team without a coach cannot function well and when the results that come in, you cannot blame the team, without a coach.

F/Eagles Continues from BP in the same vein that the Flying Eagles would be going to New Zealand as a Champion of Africa. ‘’We’re Champions already and will continue in that line. There is nothing to be afraid of’’.

AYC runners-up Senegal were drawn in Group D alongside Mexico, Serbia and 2013 runners-up Uruguay.

Ghana, who finished as bronze medalist at the 2015 AYC, were drawn in Group B along with Panama, Austria and six-time winners Argentina.

Mali, who claimed fourth spot at the 2015 AYC, will be out to fend off Columbia, Qatar and Portugal in what promises to be a hotly

contested Group C. The Black Satellites of Ghana are Africa’s most successful country at Under20 World Cups, having claimed the continents only title, beating Brazil in the 2009 final in Egypt.

Emenike

Continues from BP

tional reacted angrily to jeers after losing the ball and took his shirt off, storming off the pitch, only be to be talked back on by his coaching staff.

He was replaced at half-time.

Moussa Sow, who scored an injury-time winner, said: “Emenike is very worried. Our fans should raise him up.”

Jonathan receives FIFA W/Cup trophy P

his best for the Red Devils, but couldn’t take away what he did in the game against the Merseyside club.

“People have had a go at him and I don’t think has played the way he can and with the quality that he has, but what a day for him.”

The Spanish international was sold by Chelsea after two seasons at the London club, where in his last campaign for the Blues he was voted as their Player of the Season.

RESIDENT, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) has received the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy, which is on a tour of all 24 nations that qualified to take part in the seventh edition of the global finals in Canada this summer. At a forum with Nigeria’s Young Professionals at the Eko Hotel, NFF president Pinnick introduced the surprise addition to the programme, towards the end, with FIFA Development Officer Rahman Zelkifli Ngoufonja presenting the original diadem to the president. ountry’s leader, about two hours after the U-20 National Team, Flying Eagles, swept aside Africa to win a seventh continental title in Dakar, Senegal.

President Jonathan (l) with the FIFA trophy.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Chukwu raises Eagles alarm

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN progress of the three-time African champions.

Eagles have been ORMER Super Eagles coach, without a coach since Christian Chukwu has July last year, when the warned that the delay contract of Stephen Keshi in naming a coach for elapsed, with the Nigeria the senior team was Football Federation undermining the Continues on Page 63

F

•Chukwu

SHOCKER! Gareth Bale is stunned by Luis Suarez's goal that sank Real Madrid in Sunday's El Clasico.

WYC: F/Eagles not afraid of Brazil V

ICTORIOUS Flying Eagles who won their seventh African Youth title are in no mood to fear any team at the bigger stage during the World Youth Championship in New Zealand. As African Champions, the Manu Garba-tutored champions would have a

Continues on Page 63

AFRICAN CHAMPIONS: F/Eagles celebrate their victory

Bale’s car attacked G

ARETH Bale’s car was attacked by angry Real Madrid supporters following their El Clasico defeat by Barcelona on Sunday night.

The world’s most expensive footballer was confronted by fans as he left the club’s Valdebebas training base after the 2-1 loss that saw Barcelona move four points clear of their rivals.

As Bale pulled away, one angry fan struck the £86million signing’s white Bentley with his hands and feet, while his Madrid team-mates Jese and Sergio Ramos were also targeted.

Booed Emenike storms out of pitch

F

ENERBAHCE striker Emmanuel Emenike demanded to be substituted after being booed by his own fans during their 1-0 home win over rivals Besiktas.

The Nigeria interna Continues on Page 63

•Emenike

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Calm (6) 5 Coined (6) 9 Yielded (5) 10 Throat (6) 11 Plump (6) 12 Demon (5) 14 Watched (4) 17 Rodent (3) 18 Trick (4) 20 Drugged (5) 22 Pondered (5) 23 Unaffected (7) 24 Untidy (5) 26 |Renovate (5) 29 Inactive (4) 30 Breaker (3) 32 Travelled (4) 33 Skinflint (5) 35 Stubborn (6) 36 Ranting (6) 37 Send (5) 38 Tremble (6) 39 Myth (6)

DOWN 1 Fixed (6) 2 Slumbering (6) 3 Frozen (4) 4 Dissuade (5) 5 Deserve (5) 6 Hero (4) 7 The Bull (6) 8 Evaded (6) 13 Empty (7) 15 Coupled (5) 16 Thick (5) 18 Sovereign (5) 19 Stitched (5) 21 Age (3) 22 Spoil (3) 24 Cared (6) 25 Snub (6) 27 Observe (6) 28 Jammed (6) 30 Drink (5) 31 Danger (5) 33 Lake (4) 34 Speed (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Catch 7, Option 9, Pal 10, Tic 12, Meant 13, Peer 15, Cower 17, Serene 19, Trip 20, Lasso 22, Sap 24, Towered 27, Men 28, Sorry 31, Bill 33, Statue 35, Alter 37, Rain 38, Bulge 39, Dip 41, Eft 42, Demote 43, Heart.

DOWN: 1, Compel 2, Stress 3, Cot 4, Came 5, Alert 6, Consider 8, N ice 11, Consented 14, Rest 16, Wear 18, Room 21, Altitude 23, Pest 25, West 26, Dour 29, Reason 30, Yanked 32, Lager 34, Avid 36, Left 40, Pet.

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.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Dept Hotline: 014544821; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

C M Y K