BAGA MASSACRE: It's Nigeria, Chad,Niger operation— Army

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61867

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Couple arrested for The Fall of selling new born twins BARCA for N400,000 •Pg.6

BAGA MASSACRE

It's Nigeria, Chad, Niger operation— Army

Messi looking forlon after last night's disgrace at Bayern. See Back Page.

•Says Six civilians, 30 terrorists, one soldier killed •UN, US shocked, ask extremists to cease fire •Grenade launchers, bombs recovered

BY KINGSLEY OMONOI, UDUMA KALU, LUKA BINNIYAT, EMMAN OVUAKPORIE & JOSEPH ERUNKE, WITH AGENCY REPORTS

A

BUJA—FOLLOW ING the outrage that greeted the alleged killing of about 185 persons including women and children in a shoot out between soldiers and Boko Haram insurgents

ANTI-GAY PROTEST

Continues on Page 5

COLUMNISTS:

DEAR BUNMI •P.48

ROTIMI FASAN •P.19

Mr & Mrs

PROTEST—Demonstrators opposed to Same-Sex Marriage protest yesterday in Bordeaux after the French National Assembly adopted a bill Legalising Same-sex Marriages and adoption for gay couples. AFP Photos:

PIB and the IOC's final battle

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POCKET CARTOON

NIGER DELTA AFFAIRS—From left: Minister of State Niger Delta Affairs, Darius Ishaku; Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Valerie Ede and Godsday Orubebe, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs at the Conference of Niger Delta Stakeholders in Uyo, Monday.

It's Nigeria, Chad, Niger operation — Army Continues from Page 1 in Baga, a fishing community in Borno State, last Friday, the military yesterday explained that six civilians, one soldier and 30 terrorists died, while 15 others were injured in an operation that was carried out by a multinational force comprising troops from Nigeria, Chad and

Niger Republic.

This came as the United Nations and the United States have expressed shock and sadness at the high number of civilian casualties in the operation and called on all extremist groups to cease their attacks in the country even as the Senate has commenced investigation into the massacre.

Reuters, quoting Nige-

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Others can stop you temporary but you are the only one that can stop yourself permanently, see you at the top.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

T

HROUGHOUT life you’ve been through a conditioning process that’s created a mindset overflowing with I am nots. As a schoolchild with a less than satisfactory grade on your report card, you thought to yourself, I am not smart. You place anywhere other than number one and say, I am not talented. You feel criticized and believe that I am not good. You look in the mirror and compare yourself to a glamorous movie idol or homecoming queen and tell yourself, I am not attractive. Your relationship fractures and you think, I am unloved or I am unworthy. These, and many more like them, are repeated throughout your developmental years and into adulthood, and become your core defining self-concept — Wayne Dyer Run through as large an inventory as you can of the things that you would like to define your life.

Then make the shift in your imagination from an I am not or I am hoping to become to I am. You want what follows I am to be congruent with your highest self, which is God. Beginning with your inner dialogue, simply change the words that define your concept of yourself. Redefine your self-concept by choosing the words that you opt to place into your imagination. Try this rewording of your inner world as a beginning step to accessing the assistance of your higher self and fulfilling your desires.

rian Army spokesman Brigadier-General Chris Olukolade, yesterday said a joint force from Nigeria, Niger and Chad, comprising over 100 soldiers was assembled after intelligence was received that Islamist militants Boko Haram had moved into Baga, on the shores of Lake Chad.

“The force that hit them was a multinational force involving Chadian and Nigerien troops who has been cooperating on the border for about a decade”, Olukayode said.

Nigerien and Chadian officials have reportedly confirmed their involvement, adding that they were surprised by the firepower they faced there.

There are still no official confirmation of the number of those killed.

The Red Cross reported a death toll of 187, many of them civilians, with dozens more wounded. while President Goodluck Jonathan late Monday ordered a “fullscale” probe of the killing. The investigation will determine whether or not the military complied with the established rules of engagement during the operation.

Meantime, Commander of the Multi-national Joint Task Force, Brig- General Austin Edokpayi has said that only six civilians lost their lives while 10 oth-

ers sustained injuries.

According to Edokpayi, “one soldier was killed, five were injured while 30 Boko Haram terrorists lost their lives, as five were arrested with many escaping with bullet wounds”.

Only six civilians lost their lives

—Army Commander

The Commander who gave an update on the encounter said: “Multi National Joint Task Force troops on routine patrol at Baga – Mallam Garati Road had an encounter with Boko Haram terrorists at about 7.30pm on Tuesday, 16 April, 2013”.

“During the encounter, one soldier was killed and 5 other soldiers were injured.

While 30 Boko Haram terrorists lost their lives, five were arrested and many escaped with bullet wounds. Unfortunately, six civilians lost their lives and 10 other civilians were injured in the crossfire”.

The following items were recovered: “Three Rocket-Propelled Grenade Launchers, two Rocket-Propelled Grenade Bombs, four AK 47 rifles, 435 assorted ammunition, several quantities of IED materials, while three Land

Cruiser Vehicles of the terrorists were damaged”.

A statement signed by Brigadier-General Olukolade added that: “Contrar y to media speculation that hundreds of houses were burnt, instead, it was the explosion from Boko Haram terrorist RocketPropelled Grenade Bombs, Anti-Aircraft Guns and sophisticated IED materials that triggered fire to about 30 thatched houses in the predominantly fishing community”.

UN, US react Meantime, a statement sent to Vanguard yesterday from office of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon said: “The Secretary-General is shocked and saddened at the reports of high numbers of civilians killed, and homes destroyed, as a result of violence between military forces and an extremist group in the North-Eastern town of Baga in Borno State, Nigeria, on 19 and 20 April. He expresses his condolences to the bereaved families and calls on all extremist groups to cease their attacks.

The Secretary-General reiterates his firm conviction that no objective sought can justify this resort to violence. He underscores the need for all concerned to fully respect human rights and safeguard the lives of civilians.”

United States also condemned the violence.

US State Department Spokesman Patrick Ventrell said: “We support the Nigerian authorities in their efforts to bring the perpetrators of violent acts to justice, and stress the importance of respecting human rights and protecting civilians in all security responses”.

Senate orders probe, House of Reps react The Senate, yesterday, ordered its committees on Defence, Police and National Security to carry out a full-scale investigation into circumstances that led to reported killing of 185 civilians in the shoot out.

The Senate action came after Senator Ma’aji Lawan, ANPP, Borno North, raised a Point of Order under Senate Rules to intimate the upper legislative chamber of alleged massacre carried out by the multi national task force.

Ma’aji, in a personal letter he read at the Senate plenary, asked his colleagues to intervene by investigating the killings that he said, took place in Baga, his hometown and senatorial district on the fateful day.

He said: “I stand before you today a very sad man. My zone, the Borno North Senatorial district, is today a no-goarea for normal operations of the government and for that matter, my normal regular civil conduct; be it business or social.

“My hometown of Baga is today in total ruins, with between 180 and 200 human lives lost and numerous other unaccounted, 2,000 homes, 62 cars and 284 motor cycles and tons and tons of food stuff destroyed”, he added.

Continuing, he said: “At this point I do not want to immerse myself in the blame game of whether it is multinational task force, JTF or the insurgents that carried out the atrocities, but it bears the hallmark of the Udi Massacre.

Whoever did it, that level of atrocity is condemnable and it is hereby condemned. I call for a full-scale invesContinues on Page 52

6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Armed bandits kill one in Delta

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—A SUSPECTED robbery gang, Monday night, shot dead a middle aged man simply identified as Mr. Barnabas at Ovwian, Udu Local Government Area, Delta State.

Vanguard reliably gathered that the deceased was returning from an outing at about 8 p.m when he was accosted at his doorstep by the two robbers on their way out after stabbing yet-to-be identified neighbour of Barnabas.

A dependable source, who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity, said the deceased who confronted the bandits was killed after being over powered.

According to the source, “late Barnabas incidentally met the two robbers who had already dispossessed his neighbours of their valuables and even stabbed one of them in his palm.

“The robbers on their way out of the compound asked Barnabas who was about entering his apartment of his handsets but he refused to surrender it and even dispossessed one of the robbers of his cutlass.

“After dispossessing the robber of his cutlass, Barnabas decided to walk away and in the process, the second robber who was with a gunshot him in the stomach and ran away. Effort by doctors at a private clinic in Ovwian metropolis to save Barnabas’ life proved abortive.”

Blaming the death of Barnabas on the security system of the community, the source said “cultists and armed robbers have been terrorizing Ovwian community for some time now yet the leadership of the community has continued to turn deaf ear to the situation.”

Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr Lucky Uyabeme, confirmed the incident, adding: “No arrest has been made. The police are still investigating the killing of the late Barnabas.”

At press time, late Barnabas' widow was still in coma as a result of the sudden death of her husband.

Couple arrested for selling new born twins for N200,000 each

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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SABA — AN Asaba-based couple have been arrested for allegedly selling their new born twins for N200,000 each.

The incident, according to the Delta State Police Command’s spokesman, Mr. Lucky Uyabeme, took place

last Sunday, while the buyer of the twins based in Lagos and a Social Welfare Officer who allegedly brokered the transaction have equally been arrested.

According to Uyabeme, “on Sunday, at about 3.10 p.m, the Chairman of Asaba Community Policing, Mr. Anthony Okonkevo, arrested a couple, Augustine Agbona and his

wife, Ebere, living at the back of NTA Asaba, for child stealing and handed them over to the Divisional Police Officer ‘A’ Division police station, Asaba.

“However, police investigation revealed that the said Ebere Agbona, delivered a set of twin babies a boy and a girl a few days earlier, at Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Asaba and sold them to one Anwulie

Okogwu, who resides in Lagos at the rate of N200,000 each through one Ebele Ofuani of Ogwashi-Uku. “Meanwhile, the said Ebere Ofuani has been arrested and the babies recovered and handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare Asaba for proper care.

Also, one Oniyeogali Okolie of Social Welfare Issele-Uku said to be the mastermind of the business has been arrested. Investigation into the case is said to be on-going.”

EFCC docks man, 30, for allegedly stealing $4,000

BY ONOZURE DANIA

Ex-militants protesting non-inclusion in the third phase of the Federal Government Amnesty Programme for the Niger Delta ex-militants, in Benin, Edo State, yesterday. PHOTO: BARNABAS UZOSIKE.

Fayemi consoles drowned 7-yr-old boy’s family A

DO-EKITI — Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, yesterday, condoled with the family of seven-year old Olamide Ayeni, who was drowned in the flood caused by Sunday night's downpour in Ado-Ekiti.

The boy was said to have been sent on an errand with his elder sister, Faith, but missed his step and fell into a heavily flooded drain while returning home in the rain that lasted over six hours.

Condoling with the family, Fayemi described the incident as pathetic, noting that having lost his deputy, he knew the pains Olamide’s parents were going through.

He said: “The loss of any of our children gives one a lot of pains.

This is a very young kid, seven years old, an innocent person who has a good future ahead and now we have lost him to an avoidable tragedy. It was a terrible loss.

Having lost an older person, my deputy, I know the pain the parents must have felt for losing this child. It is a loss to the family and to the state.”

While assuring that government would not relent in its duties of making the environment safe for every resident, the governor urged adults and parents to do everything that would guarantee the safety of their children and wards, adding that the child may have been rescued if

an adult were to be at the scene of the tragic incident.

He said: “I will advise all of us, especially the adults to always do everything to guarantee the safety of our children and from what the parents described to me, it could have happened to any child. The drainage was over flown with water and the kid did not know that the place

was a drainage because water was already full at the time.

"We must do everything to protect our children. Government will do its duties and ensure that proper drainage is put in place.

Incidentally, this is an area where we have just done the road unlike before when there was no drain at all, it would have been worse.”

Man, 40, jailed 6 months over fake number plates

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — AN Ogun State Magistrate Court sitting in Sagamu, yesterday, sentenced one Raifu Olatiloye, 40, to six months imprisonment without an option of fine for producing and possessing 20 fake number plates.

The accused was said to have been arrested by law enforcement arm of the state Internal Revenue Service, IRS, last August in Sagamu after a motorcycle rider who claimed to have bought a fake number plates from him was arrested.

The accused was charged to court by operatives of IRS for being in possession of 20 dif-

ferent number plates which he manufactured illegally, the offence the operatives said contravened sections 465 and 467 of the State Criminal Code law 2006.

Delivering her judgment, Magistrate Victoria Williams said she found Olatiloye guilty of the charge and subsequently sentenced him to six months imprisonment without an option of fine, having pleaded guilty to the twocount charge.

Reacting to the judgment, Chairman of the state Internal Revenue Service, Babajide Odubanjo, described it as a welcome development and a plus for his advocacy against forgery and faking of revenue documents and number plates.

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AGOS — THE Eco nomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, arraigned a 30- year- old man, Benjamin Otuorimo, before an Ikeja High Court, for allegedly stealing $4,000, belonging to Kemud International Company Ltd. Otuorimo, who is facing a one-count charge of fraud was docked before Justice Olabisi Akinlade.

The EFCC counsel, Gbolahan Latona, informed the court that the defendant on September 12, 2012, with intent to defraud, obtained the said sum from Kemud International Company Ltd. He said the defendant had hacked into Kemud International Company Ltd site and on finding out that Kemud was owing Intech Process Automation Nigeria Company Ltd $4,000, he then presented himself as a representative of Intech Process Automation Company, and induced the company to pay the amount into account number

2015862776 belonging to

one Audu Mohammed at First Bank Plc, Sabo Yaba area of Lagos.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the one count charge.

However, Justice Akinlade ordered that the defendant be remanded in Kirikiri Maximum prison pending the filling of his bail application and adjourned the matter to June 10, 2013 for trial.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013—7

A building burning after a fuel-laden tanker caught fire on Atowoda Street at Inalende in Ibadan, Monday night. Photo: Dare Fasube.

Sympathisers at the scene of the inferno. Photo: NAN

Ibadan fire: N500m property lost — Council boss

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN — RESIDENTS of Omitowoju area of Ibadan where there was a fire outbreak, Monday night, have been counting their losses.

Many houses and shops were burnt in the incident but there was no casualty.

When Vanguard visited the scene ,yesterday, thousands of sympathisers thronged the area complaining about the carelessness of the driver of the fuel tanker that emptied its 33,000 litres of fuel on the road.

Many traders who spoke with Vanguard pleaded with Governor Abiola Ajimobi to come to their aid as they had lost their hard-earned livelihood to the fire incident.

The Caretaker Chairman of Ibadan North West Local Government Area, Mr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, said over N500 million worth of property was lost in the incident.

According to him, over 70 houses and shops were razed.

He blamed the incident on negligence on the part of the tanker driver, adding that the fire was so serious that he had to call on a company nearby to assist in putting it out.

Things burnt included deep freezers, beverages, tailoring materials among others.

He disclosed that the fuel had contaminated the water supply and electricity.

To prevent the affected residents from drinking polluted water, he said an order had been given for a tanker of drinkable water to be stationed in the area for the people.

One of the affected traders, Mrs. Aminat Afolabi, said: “I lost over N600, 000 worth of goods to the fire. What came to my mind was how to survive with those very vulnerable ones under me including my child. I join my people to appeal to the government not to abandon us in this terrible moment.”

Another shop owner, Mrs.

Ajoke Joel, said she lost property worth millions of naira.

Vanguard also gathered that a new Toyota Camry car which the owner was showing to his

friends was burnt.

Some government officials were seen taking down the names of the affected traders, yesterday.

Plateau police uncover cache of arms, explosives

BY TAYE OBATERU

J

OS —THE Plateau State Po lice Command has recovered a cache of arms and Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, acquired to cause havoc in the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Olakpe, who disclosed this, yesterday, said the items were recovered following information by members of the public.

He said: “About two weeks ago, we were able to get information that led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and explosives ready to be ignited.

“We thank God that we were able to get that, else we know what would have happened.”

He expressed concern over the continuous use of sophisticated arms in various attacks in the state, adding that a house-tohouse search for arms would soon be conducted in the state's hot spots.

Olakpe blamed the rising violence in some local government areas on the continuous hostilities between locals and Fulani herdsmen on grazing areas and farmland and urged the people to learn to cohabit peacefully.

He urged the state and local governments to give the police more vehicles and other logistic support to cope with the security challenges in the state. He said the matter was still being investigated.

90-year-old man kidnapped in Ondo

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE — A 90-year-old former President of the Master Bakers Association of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, Alhaji Musa Adisa, has been abducted by a three armed gang while on his way to the mosque.

Adisa popularly known as Labaika was abducted in the early hours of yesterday from his 121, Isolo Street, Akure residence.

Vanguard gathered that he was on his way to observe his early morning prayers at a mosque located about 20 metres from his house when the kidnappers struck.

Eyewitness account said the kidnappers arrived the residence in

a red Toyota Camry which they parked beside the mosque.

A young member of the congregation who said he arrived at the mosque early to call for prayers confirmed that the kidnappers pounced on the old man immediately they sighted him.

According to him, two members of the gang seized him and covered his mouth before forcing him into their waiting vehicle.

Our source added that they drove off immediately and started shooting sporadically to scare people away.

The Ijapo Police Station was informed by the family and immediately signals were sent to other police formations just as detectives were deployed across the state to fish out the kidnappers.

Policeman indicts former colleagues over murder charges

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

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ORT HARCOURT —THE police in Rivers State, yesterday, held four former officers liable for extra judicial killing in a continuing trial bordering on a January 2010 fatal scuffle with a bus driver and the suspects.

The suspects, Sergeant Ali Bello, Sergeant Clement Indyel and Auwalu Kwale, all attached to Etisalat company in Port Harcourt are being tried before Justice Georgewill of State High Court.

They were accused of killing some passengers during an attempt to extort N50 from the bus driver.

At the continuing hearing, yesterday, Inspector Sampson Oruene of the state anti robbery section, a member of the panel that investigated the murder, told the court that eight suspects were arrested initially but only three were eventually found to be connected with the crime after police investigation.

He said: “Felix Omorega (rtd), Inspector Patrick Emmanuel now in Akwa Ibom State and myself were asked to investigate the matter. In the end we recovered four AK47, two FNC riffles.

“We also discovered two corpses in the bus with number plate SW 428AAA, two other victims were also injured and we collected their statements, monitored the register for movement of arms as well as autopsy of the deceased as presented.”

He also said further investigation of the suspects and ballistic test on the exhibit riffles led to freedom for five of the suspects while the three now standing trial were dismissed from the force.

After hearing the police witness’s testimony and evidence, Justice Georgewill adjourned the case to 25th of April 2013, for cross examination of more witnesses.

Police killing: 7 houses burnt as JTF invades Azuzuama community

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA — THE riverside town of Azuzuama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State was, Monday night, thrown into confusion following the invasion of the community by operatives of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta codenamed Operation Pulo Shield allegedly in pursuit of suspected kidnappers and sea pirates.

Vanguard learnt that the Monday night assault on Azuzuama is now causing panic among community folks in neighbouring Lobia and other communities in the Southern Ijaw council identified as hideout for suspected kidnappers and sea pirates.

Among the buildings razed were that of Jackson, aka Virus, the alleged mastermind of the killing of 12 policemen a fortnight ago at Lobia II, that of his uncle and others.

Azuzuama community, it was learnt, has been deserted with most of the natives taking refuge in the mangrove swamp.

Sources from Azuzuama told Vanguard that the heavily armed soldiers who invaded the community were backed by two gunboats stationed at the extremes of the community.

It was also learnt that a military helicopter was hovering around the community during the raid ostensibly to give the troops aerial coverage and stop the miscreants from escaping.

But the Joint Task Force, through its spokesman, Lt. Col Onyema Nwachukwu, said the raid was a routine exercise targeted at riding the region of miscreants and dismissed claims that its operatives invaded the community.

8—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Boko Haram: Catholic cleric, group caution FG over amnesty

BY SAM EYOBOKA & OLAYINKA LATONA

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S President Goodluck Jonathan appears to have succumbed to pressures from Northern religious and political leaders to grant amnesty to the Boko Haram sect, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins and Niger Delta Christian Leaders Forum, NDCLF, have advised the Federal Government to be cautious.

While the Catholic archbishop called on President Jonathan to urgently initiate a broad-based dialogue with all ethnic nationalities in the country to engender lasting peace in the nation, the regional Christian body, NDCLF, was opposed to the move until the Federal Government had initiated a genuine programme to compensate victims of the sectarian violence in the North.

In an interview, Secretary General of NDCLF, Bishop Eddy Bebor said it is obvious that the Jonathan administration has buckled to pressures to grant amnesty to the sect, saying that he foresees fresh security challenges ahead “if nobody comes in clear language to tell Nigerians why Boko Haram inflicted this undeserved terror on Nigeria.”

According to him, northern leaders are already applauding the decision, “even those who have not spoken a word on solution to the Boko Haram menace, are suddenly speaking in support of amnesty..”

Also reacting to the setting up of a Presidential Committee to recommend ways of commencing disarmament and providing amnesty for the Boko Haram sect, the Catholic Archbishop, in a statement signed by the Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Msgr. Gabriel Osu, said that the best option left for the President in salvaging what is left of the fragile unity of Nigeria, was to initiate a national dialogue where the different ethnic nationalities can table their grievance with the aim of resolving them amicably.

According to Martins, except the President considers this option, any attempt to shortcut a holistic approach to resolving the insecurity in the land by offering unconditional amnesty to the Boko Haram sect, would only infuriate other sections of the country and serve as a springboard for the emergence of fresh wave of terrorism across the length and breadth of the country.

Alleged felony: Trial of Leadership reporters suffers setback zAs FG reduces charges

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA—PLANNED ar raignment of two Leadership Newspaper reporters, Tony Amokeodo and Chibuzor Ukaibe, accused of forging a document purported to have emanated from the Presidency, suffered another set-back, yesterday, owing to the inability of the Federal Government to comply with an order the trial court issued on April 16.

Rather, the Federal Government, yesterday, told the court that it had decided to further amend the charge against the accused person with a view to reducing the counts from 10 to six.

Meanwhile, both the government and Leadership Newspaper have engaged the services of two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, respectively to handle the matter for them.

Whereas a former Attorney General of Lagos State, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, took over the prosecution of the case, likewise, renowned human right activist and former chairman of the West African Bar Association, Mr Femi Falana, announced appearance for the accused persons.

Meantime, though the accused persons were in court yesterday, however, they could not take their plea considering that they were served with the further amended charge against them right inside the court room.

Though Awomolo, SAN, informed the court that he equally served the accused persons with the proof of evidence, list of witnesses, list of exhibits and statement of witnesses that will testify against them, as well as copies of the said “vexatious publication”, however, Falana, SAN, who confirmed the service of the charge, noted that contrary to what Awomolo told the court, the accused persons were yet to be served with the proof of evidence against them.

Consequently, he opposed moves by the prosecutor to take plea of the accused persons, stressing that the Federal Government was yet to avail them with necessary processes to enable them prepare their defence.

“More importantly, the record of the documents listed by the prosecution is incomplete. The proof of evidence before the court is incomplete. Whereas seven items are listed on the record, the statement of prosecution witness (PW1) is not attached. There is also a list of exhibits to be tendered. There are four of them. Items two and four, which are the report of the ana-

lyst witness and the report of the police.

“Since the prosecution in compliance with an order of this court filed a proof of evidence, the accused persons are entitled to all the statements of the prosecution witnesses and all the exhibits to be tendered by the police. Most importantly, the handwritten report of the analyst.

“What is before the court does not meet the requirement of section 36(6) (b) of the CFRN, which stipulates that an accused person should be given adequate time and facilities to enable him prepare his defence.

“Before the court sat this morning, we had already re-

quested for those documents from the prosecution and the police counsel promised to give them to us. The essence is for us to see these documents and sit with the accused persons to advise them on the type of plea they will enter.”

"Nevertheless, Awomolo countered Falana’s submission, contending that for the purposes of taking their plea, the accused persons are not entitled to the statements of prosecution witnesses.

“This is because the summarized statement of witnesses has disclosed why the accused persons were in court. They may be entitled to these statements during the trial but not at the pre-trial stage,” he argued.

After listening to both parties, Justice Ademola Adeniyi ordered the prosecution to file a motion within 48hours on whether the accused persons are entitled to the statements of prosecution witnesses, while Falana should also reply within 48hours.

The judge further released the accused journalists to the Company’s Legal Adviser, Jibril Umar who he ordered to produce them on the next adjourned date, April 30.

Specifically, the Federal Government alleged that the accused persons committed felony to wit: “forging of document titled Bromide of the Presidential Directive and place same on the front page of Leadership Newspaper of April 3, 2013.”

LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPER JOURNALISTS APPEAR IN COURT—Mr Chibuzor Ukaibe (left); Mr Tony Amokeodo (right), both of them journalists with Leadership Newspaper and their lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, during appearance at the Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday.

MTN secures N407bn loan from Zenith, 23 other banks

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU TN Nigeria, yesterday, secured a N470 billion (about $3 billion) medium term financing from a consortium of 17 Nigerian banks and five international financial institutions.

The local consortium was led

by Zenith Bank which pooled a N55billion, about ( $367million), the co-ordinating bank, GTB, pooled N40billion, First Bank N40billion, Access N35billion, Fidelity N26.2bilion, UBA, 25billion, Union Bank N20billion, FCMB N15billion, Ecobank N15billion, Stanbic IBTC N15bn.

Others are Diamond N5billion, Citibank N5billion, FSDH N3billion, Keystone N5billion,Mainstreet N5billion, Rand Merchant N3billion,

M

Standard Chartered N7billion, which totalled N329.25billion.

The N329.25billion facility from the local banks was arranged by a syndication of 17 banks with Zenith Bank as the lead arranger having the highest allocation of N55billion. The foreign banks included one in China, two from South Africa and others from Europe.

The deal which is expected to help MTN in further expanding, modernising and improving its network infrastructure, consists of US$1.8 billion in additional facilities and US$1.2billion in restructured existing local facility.

MTN explained that the funding ratio is 70 per cent from the local consortium and 30 per cent from the foreign institutions with a seven- year repayment plan.

The reason, according to the

company, was to guard against unstable foreign exchange between the dollar and naira.

Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr Brett Goschen, said, “ordinarily, Naira funding is usually costly but it reduces risk. We deliberately made the bulk of the financing from local currency because we do not know what the rate of Naira to dollar will be in future. We may predict the forex between one and two years but definitely not in seven years”.

For him, the deal represented another successful landmark in the history of MTN and the banking industry.

The deal is the sixth of such strategic partnerships for MTN, including a facility of US$170 million Commercial Paper Facility secured by the company in 2002 and $395 million Medium Term Facility in 2003.

Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013—9

Afenifere rebuilds, slams Northern leaders over Boko Haram

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

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ROMINENT leaders of the Yoruba apex socio cultural and political organization, Afenifere, made a show of unity in Lagos, yesterday, where they challenged northern leaders to stop being ambivalent and speak out against the evils of the Boko Haram Islamic insurgency.

Delivering a state of the nation address at a briefing on the sidelines of the reunion, the group’s leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, denounced as offensive, calls for amnesty for members of the Boko Haram group who they charged have blood on their hands.

Afenifere also condemned the implementation of the Niger Delta amnesty programme which it said had now been riddled with corruption just as they criticized the recent presidential pardon granted the former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Dipereye Alamieyeseigha.

Afenifere while describing Nigeria as a huge joke said plans for the country’s centenary celebrations were not worth it, saying Nigerians would prefer a sobre reflection of the pains and poverty they have been forced to pass through in the last 100 years of forced unity.

Scores of Afenifere sympathizers from the states were present at the reunion which was hailed as a decisive step in the rejuvenation of the body.

Rejuvenation of the body Among those present were Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, General Secretary and former secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, publicity secretary of Afenifere, former Senator Iyiola Omisore, erstwhile Lagos State gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, Leader of Afenifere in Europe, Kole Omololu, Mr. Sina Kawonise, a former commissioner in the Gbenga Daniel administration and Comrade Razaq Oladesu.

Also present were Chief Supo Sonibare, Chief Korede Duyile, Akogun Tunde Odanye and Segun Ojo, among others. The unity in the body was, however, not complete as some other prominent dissenters including the vicechairman of the group, Senator Ayo Fasanmi and others belonging to Afenifere Renewal Group were absent at the reunion.

Fasoronti was, however, hopeful like Chief Olu Falae that contact with the other members was already being made. Fasoronti, who started his address by noting the new sense of unity in the body said: “I want to address you on the state of the Nation, but before then, let me start with the happy development in Afenifere household

where the Almighty God in His own time has brought cohesion as cracks in our walls have been largely cemented, given what you can see around me.

“While appreciating these vibrant gentlemen for returning home to their kith and kin, I cannot but salute those who stayed with me steadfast through thick and thin, through stormy weathers and rough

seas. It is my fervent prayer too, that the few members of the family who are still outside the fold will return as we strive to bring all to the table of brotherhood and rebuild our solidarity.

“The regular killings of defenseless and innocent citizens by blood-thirsty Boko Haram terrorists have been unfortunately complemented by

the nefarious activities of kidnappers, assassins, armed robbers and other petty criminals who, seeing themselves as deprived and abandoned are always poised to take a pound of flesh.”

Flaying calls for amnesty for the group, he said: “It would be a tragedy if we embark on another money sharing spree in the name of 'amnesty' with all

SIGNING— President Goodluck Jonathan (right) and Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Transcorp Plc, the preferred bidder for Ughelli Power Plc, during the Presidential Power Reform transaction Signing at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.

the blood that has been shed.

Granting amnesty to dare-devil, blood thirsty insurgents whose identities and grievances are yet to be properly ascertained is prosperous, offensive to common sense and retrogressive in its entire ramifications. Our stand is that any decision on Boko Haram should be holistic. We should not just be talking of the insurgents but also their victims and the causes of this menace with a view to ensure it doesn’t happen again and again.”

Noting that the amnesty programme in the Niger Delta had become riddled with corruption, he said: “We agree that granting amnesty in the Niger Delta Region per se is in order. But we find it hard to defend the monumental abuse going on especially among the elite managers of the scheme and are disturbed as to whether the scheme will bring a lasting peace given episodic restlessness still being demonstrated. Yet, we have created a set of emergency billionaires from amnesty while the conditions in the creeks remain virtually what they were.

It is with this at the back of our mind that we have been so skeptical over the so-called amnesty for Boko Haram which is a much more dangerous group than the Niger Delta insurgents who were known and demands were clear.”

Reps query inflation of contract to N28bn

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

A

BUJA—THE House of Representatives, yesterday, started an investigative hearing into interventions in the road sector through the Subsidy Re-investment Programme, SURE-P. This followed a plethora of petitions from Nigerians alleging that these interventions have been marred by irregularities and lack of due process.

Chairman, House Committee on Anti-Corruption, National Ethics and Values, Hon. James Faleke revealed this after a meeting with the management of Dantata and Sawoe, an indigenous construction firm.

The company’s delegation led by the Managing Director, Mr Heidschuster Udo, was quizzed by the committee on the N28billion contract it procured from the Federal Ministry of Works for the construction of the Abuja/ Abaji dual carriage way.

Faleke said the committee was worried that a road project which was awarded at the cost

of N11billion in 2006 rose astronomically to N28billion in 2012.

He said the difference of N17billion was too high a variation, stressing that this was an indication that the nation may have been shortchanged and those who awarded the contract

may not have taken value for money into consideration.

Faleke said the construction firm had confessed that it did not seek any variation but got the contract awarded to it by the government, adding: “We have observed that it was when

SURE-P came into operation that several federal road projects across the country witnessed an upward review in their contract sums. We are conducting this investigation to establish if there is value for money in these contracts or if it is just a waste of funds.”

Jonathan asks Senate to confirm new Secretary, members of EFCC •Also nominees of Federal Judicial Service Commission

A

By JOSEPH ERUNKE

BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, forwarded the nomination of new secretary and members of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to the Senate for confirmation.

The President equally asked the Senate to confirm Hajia Fatima Kwaku and Mr Olumuyiwa Akinboro as members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission.

In a letter dated April 11, and addressed to the Senate President, David Mark, President Jonathan named Mr Adesojo O. Olaoba-Efuntayo, from South West as the new secretary of the EFCC just as he named other members as Barrister Michael Ebong from

South South, Mr Uwasomba Udochukwu, from South East, Mr Emmanuel O. Ibitolu from North Central and Dr Ismaila Mohammed Dukku, from North East.

He said his action was based on Section 2 (1) (a) and (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act,2004, which he noted, provides for the appointment of the chairman and members of the commission. In another letter asking the upper legislative chamber to confirm the two nominees of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, the president said he acted based on Section 154 sub-sections (1) and (3) and Paragraph 12 (e) of Part 1 to the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

10—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

‘My Pikin contains contaminant'

AFENIFERE:

From right— Senator Iyiola Omisore, former Deputy Governor of Osun State; Mr. Yinka Odumakin, Publicity Secretary, Afenifere; Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Leader of Afenifere; Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, General Secretary, and Chief Olu Falae, during the State of the Nation address by the leaders of Afenifere in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

BY INNOCENT ANABA

A

Director of Chemical and Evaluation Research, National Agency for Food Drugs, Administration and Control, NAFDAC, and prosecution witness, yesterday, told a Federal High Court sitting Lagos, that laboratory analysis showed that My Pikin teething mixture contained a deadly contaminant.

The witness, Mr. Momodu SegiruMomodu, gave evidence at the resumed hearing of a suit against Barewa Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, charged with the production of the alleged killer teething syrup.

Led in evidence by the prosecutor, the witness told the court that on January 2009, at the Yaba office of NAFDAC, he received a sealed package, containing samples of My Pikin teething mixture with batch number 02008.

He said at that time, he was Deputy Director in charge of laboratory, and took the samples for lab analysis.

He said that after analysis, the product was found to contain a contaminant called Diaethylene glycol.

NSE to consider lower tax for SMEs

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, yesterday, said it was consulting with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, and Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRCN, to achieve an affordable fee and tax regime for small and medium scale enterprises seeking listing on NSE. This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, at thelaunch of Alternative Securities Market for Emerging Businesses in Lagos.

He noted that the engagement was part of the exchange’s advocacy programme to make listing on the NSE more attractive for upstart companies.

Ondo guber: Mimiko, Oke, Akeredolu express confidence in tribunal

BY DAYO JOHNSON

A

KURE—THE three candidates that contested the April 14 governorship election in Ondo State, yesterday, expressed optimism that the judgment would be in their favour, even as parties to the petitions before the governorship Election Petition Tribunal argued for and against the conduct of the election and the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The candidates are Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Labour Party, LP; Rotimi Akeredolu, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and Olusola Oke, Peoples Democratic Party PDP. Speaking separately after their counsels adopted their written addresses at the venue of the Election Petition Tribunal, the candidates expressed confidence in the judiciary.

Mimiko said he was satisfied with the way the cases were being handled at the Tribunal.

He said he was not shaken and believed the court would be fair in the judgment.

The governor said that his counsel have been able to prove to the tribunal that his victory at the poll was a true representation of the wish of the people of the state.

Oke said he was satisfied with his counsel, who was able to prove his case.

He said: “We thank God that we have come to the end of this matter, and I have handed everything to God who is the best judge and I’m pleased with the comportment and conduct of my counsel.

“I believe we have proved our case before this court and by the grace of God we are expecting better results.”

Akeredolu, on his part, said he had a good case

before the tribunal and hoped the tribunal would do justice.

Akeredolu expressed confidence in the three-member tribunal to do justice to the matter.

While the opposition par-

ties, PDP and ACN argued during the adoption of their addresses presented before the three-member Justice Andovar Kaka’an tribunal in Akure, which the election which produced Governor

Olusegun Mimiko was fraught with irregularities in the voters’ register used by INEC, LP argued to the contrary.

The three candidates were present in court as their counsel argued their cases.

Lagos goes tough on illegal train passengers

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

L

AGOS State Government, in collaboration with the management of Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, has set machinery in motion to curb the menace of passengers hanging on train in the state.

Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, spoke after a brief meeting with the management of NRC, led by its Managing Director, Engineer Adeseyi

Sijuwade, in Alausa, yesterday.

He said the partnership would also tackle all issues that posed security challenges along the various rail routes through a special task force to be set up to ensure success of the exercise.

He listed the challenges to include, incessant hanging of passengers on the train, street trading and encroachment by members of road transport workers on the rail line.

He said: “We have been

fully briefed and you need to appreciate the fact that we don’t want people hanging on the train. We have also learnt from the rail way Police Command that these people that hang on the train are tough and they also avoid arrest.”

Opeifa said the government was also mindful of how the railway police carry out enforcement to avoid fatalities, stressing that all the stakeholders involved would be mobilised to ensure that the menace is stopped headlong.

May 7 for hearing on Aribisala's case on SAN title

BY INNOCENT ANABA & BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

A

Lagos High Court, Igbosere, presided over

by Justice Adefope-Okojie, yesterday, held that it would hear two applications by Chief Ajibola Aribisala, who was recently suspended from using the rank of Senior Advocate

of Nigeria, SAN, and a preliminary objection filed by Fidelity Bank challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case on May 7.

Aribisala had in his application asked the court to restrain the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, LPPC, from stripping him of the rank of SAN. At the resumed hearing,

counsel to Aribisala urged the court to take the application for injunction against LPPC and the preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court together.

However, counsel to Fidelity Bank, urged the court to hear the application challenging the jurisdiction of the court first before considering any other application.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013—11

PDP guber aspirants in Ekiti cry foul over billboards removal zYou 're owing, says govt

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

A

DO-EKITI—GOVERNOR SHIP aspirants of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State, including the former governor of the state, Mr. Ayo Fayose and the state government are trading words over the removal of their posters and billboards in the state.

While the aspirants claimed they were being victimised because of their aspirations, alleging that government took the action to deceive dignitaries coming for the burial of the late Deputy Governor, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka.

They alleged that the government wanted to create the impression that PDP was not popular in the state and contrary to government’s claim that those whose billboards were removed were indebted to the government.

The state government, through Ekiti State Advert and Signage Agency, was said to have removed posters and billboards of some gubernatorial aspirants for 2014 election, among others, over unpaid debt.

Besides Fayose, other PDP aspirants whose billboards were removed included Wale Aribisala, Senator Gbenga Aluko, Dr. Peter Obafemi and Mr. Bisi Omoyeni, among others.

However, the billboards of another PDP governorship aspirant, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, located in strategic positions across the state capital were left untouched.

Fayose, who spoke yesterday, alleged that “the Signage officials broke into my office after removing outer billboards and removed all the posters in the inner chambers of my office.

"This action indicates that the government is jittery and intol-

erant of the opposition.”

However, Director-General of the Agency, Prince Adewole Ajakaye, who refuted the allegation of victimisation, said those who had their billboards removed were indebted to the Agency.

He said the action of his Agency did not affect only the politicians, but organisations owned by corporate bodies and individuals.

He said: “Anytime we took unfavourable action, they always raise the allegation of victimisation.

"Erection of billboards is being regulated in Ekiti State and they are all aware of it.

“We expect them to pay the

requisite fees to prevent the agency from removing their posters or billboards. We have always been careful in our actions. We always give our actions human face and that was why we did not destroy the billboards.

“We only removed them carefully so that we can make the business fashionable for people to patronise us as an income-generating body.”

GOING GREEN: From right— Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; his wife, Olufunso; Dame Abimbola Fashola, Lagos State First Lady, and Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola, Osun State First Lady, during the opening ceremony of Uplifting the Environment— Ogun State Goes Green international conference organised by Mrs. Amosun in Abeokuta, yesterday.

Climate change: Ogun First Lady advocates grassroots campaign

I

N furtherance of her Go ing Green advocacy aimed at improving the environment, wife of Governor Ibikunle Amosu of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, has called for huge awareness and enlightenment campaign, beginning from the grassroots, to achieve sustainable development and reverse the current adverse effects of climate change.

Mrs. Amosun spoke while addressing participants at the Uplifting the Environment—

Ogun Goes Green International Conference & Workshop held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.

She noted that lack of knowledge and understanding of environmental issues was a major challenge and setback to nation-building.

She said: “Going Green means adopting basic principles like reducing pollution, converse resources, reduce waste energy, protect the earth’s ecological balance and recycling products to protect the environment from

harm, as well as ensuring living on earth is sustainable for human and other creatures.”

She said Africa had become the focus of global deliberation and discussions on the international scene, mainly because of its vast resources and its huge potential for degradation if not managed.

She added that the conference would, among other things, highlight ways of reducing adverse environmental impart, save money, and live a healthier life.

Osun, MTNF partner on health scheme

G

OVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, yesterday, reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining accelerated momentum on its mission to bring about a healthier citizenry in the state.

The governor, at the official kickoff ceremony of MTN Foundation Eyesight Restoration Intervention Scheme at the state hospital in Asubiaro, Osogbo, commended the Foundation for its commitment to extending its milk of human kindness to the people of Osun.

He pointed out that the medical

intervention scheme would involve the screening of 10,000 patients for cataracts and other ocular diseases; surgical operations on 2,000 cataract patients; distribution of reading glasses to 2,000 beneficiaries and giving out of 2,000 drug packs.

Aregbesola said: “The surgical interventions will rely on the skilful hands and the clever minds of experienced ophthalmic experts drawn from the Eye Foundation Hospital and the state hospital. ”The screenings have been organised to hold simultaneously in the three senatorial zones."

Gbenga: Ogun PDP group faults alleged reconciliation order

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

B E O K U TA — A group within Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Collegiate Vanguard, yesterday, faulted reports of alleged “Presidential orders” to the former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, to reconcile with chieftains of the party.

The group, in a statement by its Secretary, Otunba Mukaila Ariyibi, said: “The claim was part of the lies being peddled by Daniel and his cohorts to hoodwink unsuspecting party members.”

Vanguard had exclusively reported that Daniel had been given a presidential order to reconcile with some heavyweights in the party in the state ahead of the 2015 general election.

It said: “The well-choreographed visit to Chief Alani Bankole was designed to divert the attention of the media from reporting proceedings at the High Court, Isabo, Abeokuta, where he is standing trial.”

Oil firm assures host communities on amenities

W

ARRI—MANAGER, Community Relations of Pan Ocean Oil Corporation, Mr. Olabanji Ajijola, has reassured on the firm’s commitment to the provision of basic amenities to its host communities.

Speaking during the commissioning of some multimillion naira projects in Edo and Delta states, Ajijola said: “As a sociallyresponsible organisation, it is expected of us to give back to the communities where we operate.

“This is especially so as these communities have cooperated with us over the years, hence it is inevitable that our presence be beneficial to the people of these communities.”

The projects commissioned included four water boreholes, nine cassava processing machines, a National Youth Service Corps lodge and some water ratification projects.

12— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013—13

Foundation awards scholarships to 18 law students in Delta

BY FESTUS AHON

U

G H E L L I — EKUOGBE Akpodiete Foundation, has awarded scholarships to 18 indigent third year law students of Urhobo descent.

It also donated clothings, refrigerators, toys, bicycles, computers, wheel chairs, beddings, books, wedding gowns and other items worth millions of naira, to widows, orphans, elderly persons and the less privileged in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State.

Chief Executive, Visionary of the foundation, Brenda Akpodiete, while presenting the items during the two-day event, noted that one of the visions of the foundation, a division of Elohim Ministries International, USA, was community outreach.

She explained that the ministry was a Church organisation, which had existed for six years.

Amaechi sets up caretaker c'ttee for ObioAkpor LG ...as PDP threatens to sanction gov, Assembly members

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT— GOVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, yesterday, constituted a sevenman caretaker committee to run the affairs of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

It will be recalled that the council's cabinet was suspended on Monday by the state House of Assembly.

At the swearing-in ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt, the governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr George Feyii, charged the Caretaker Committee members to be alive to their responsibility, adding that they should render qualitative service to the people.

Meantime, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state has condemned the suspension of the elected officials of Obio Akpor council by the state House of Assembly, describing it as an abuse of legislative process.

A statement by Chairman of the party, Mr Felix Obuah, and his Secretary, Prince Ibibia Walter, gave the House a 48-hour ultimatum to reverse the suspension.

The party said it would not hesitate to take disciplinary and legal actions against the governor and some members of the Assembly.

Appealing for calm from members of the party in the state, the party alleged plans to sack five members of the House for allegedly expressing their views on issues bordering on internal democracy.

It said: “PDP in Rivers State, at an emergency State Working Committee meeting of the party,

deliberated on the purported dissolution of Obio/ Akpor council by the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Amaechi and resolved as follows: That the purported sack of the chairman, the vice and 17 councillors of Obio Akpor council without recourse to due process, is a flagrant display and abuse of power by the governor and the state Assembly and hereby condemn the action in its entirety.

“That it is appalling and disgraceful for Rivers House of

BRIEFING: President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, CIPM, Mr. Victor Famuyibo (left) and Registrar/CEO, CIPM, Mr. Sunday Adeyemi, during a press briefing on the Special Human Resource Forum, holding in Lagos on April 25.

Nigerian shines at int'l theatre festival in Sudan

PDP chieftain blames LG polls failure on party Chair

I

B

T was a moment of glory for Nigeria as young Mr. Charles Etubiebi put up a superlative stage performance at an international theatre festival that took place in Sudan, to emerge the overall best male actor of the festival.

The festival, known as the Al Bugaa International Theatre Festival, organised in collaboration with the International Theatre Institute, ITI, Paris, took place from March 27 (World Theatre Day) to April 4, in Khartoum, the Sudanese capital.

Drama troupes from over seven countries, including the USA and Egypt, participated at the festival. The threeman Nigerian troupe, privately sponsored, known as Theatre Emissary and led by Mr. Taiwo Afolabi, presented a play titled, Two Characters Undefined.

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM ENIN—FOLLOW ING the defeat suffered

by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State, in last Saturday ’s local government elections, a chieftain of the party in the state, Chief Aisulimen Ighodaro, yesterday, faulted the leadership of the party over what he described as lack of strategy to win elections in the state.

He lamented that since the current chairman of the party,

Chief Dan Orbih, assumed office, the party had failed to win elections in the state, adding that rather than blame Edo State Government for their failure, “I think we should look inward and know why our members are leaving the party everyday for Action Congress of Nigeria, and to also look at the current leadership of the party because we are disappointed.”

Addressing newsmen in Benin City, Ighodaro, said the party’s executive had other agenda, which were at variance with that of the party members, saying that

“we, as a party, did not campaign as hard as we ought to have done. I was surprised to get a note that the party had concluded to boycott the elections.

“It saddens me that we are now crying foul after losing woefully, even when we knew that we were not prepared for the elections. The resort to using youths to cause mayhem and breach of the peace in the state is another plot of the party to make the state ungovernable and prepare grounds for a state of emergency.”

Delta PDP chieftain cautions against detractors

BY DANIEL GUMM

R

E - E L E C T E D Chairman of Okumagba I Ward II executive of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Femi Okumagba, has cautioned newly-elected members of the executive to be wary of detractors.

Okumagba, during the swearing-in of elected members of Okumagba I ward II executive in Warri, handed

Assembly and Governor Amaechi to trample upon the mandate of the good people of Obio/Akpor on the basis of political victimisation.

“That the party, hereby, calls on the House to take appropriate steps to review its decision within 48 hours with a view to reinstating the sacked chairman, vice chairman and 17 councillors of Obio Aklor council in the interest of justice otherwise, the party may be constrained to take appropriate disciplinary and legal actions to check the excesses of the House."

down the warning, even as he congratulated them.

Mr Daniel Awani is Secretary of the Ward.

He wondered why a prominent member of the ward and his group, who, in a paid advertorial in a Delta-based community newspaper, that he is the eldest grand-child of late Chief Samuel Okumagba, would turn again to ask him to identify his biological affinity.

The council Chairman of PDP, Mr. Ama Agbajoh, in a remark, commended members of the par-

ty in the ward, for ensuring victory of the party in all elections since 1999.

He noted that “constructive agitation is democratic, if it is aimed at resolving issues amicably.”

Former Vice Chairman of the ward, Ebaye Ese retained his position, the former Secretary, Sunny Mene is now the Legal Adviser. A member of the Warri South Local Government Council Transition Committee, Mr. Alex Eda, who was a former ex-officio member, is now the Auditor of the ward.

Stanbic IBTC grows profits to N12bn in 2012

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

S

TANBIC IBTC Holdings, a member of Standard Bank Group, yesterday, said it grew its pre-tax profit to N11.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012.

This is an increase of 16 percent over the N10.1 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2011.

The audited financial statement submitted to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, showed that the bank also grew post tax profit by 53 percent to N10.2 billion, as against N6.6 billion recorded in corresponding period of 2011.

The group also made significant gains in other parameters during the period, as indicated in the results made available at the NSE. Gross earnings, which stood at N63.4 billion in December 2011, increased to N91.9 billion in 2012, signifying an increase of 45 percent. The total assets increased to N676.8 billion last year, a 22 percent increase compared to the N554.5 billion recorded in December 2011.

14—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

ASUP urges FG to allow polytechnics award degrees

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, Oko chapter, Dr. Onyeka Uwakwe, yesterday, reiterated the need for federal government to allow polytechnics offer Bachelor of technology (B.Tech) He said: “What we are asking the Federal Government is to allow the polytechnics to offer Bachelor of technology (B-Tech) and with this kind of framework, the discrimination will be eliminated.”

Speaking with Vanguard in Oko, Uwakwe noted that that the discrimination was part of what the union was struggling for, adding that the union had argued that there was no need for the discrimination.

Funeral rites for Onebunne tomorrow

T

HE FUNERAL rites for late Peter O n w u d i e g w u Onebunne, 76, begins tomorrow, Thursday, April 25, 2013, at his country home, Umuekpili in Ula Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Onebunne, a retired teacher, died on December 9, 2012.

According to the family, requiem mass will be held in his compound tomorrow, followed by visits by friends and well-wishers and inlaws of the family on April 26 and 27, 2013.

On Sunday, April 28, 2013, Thanksgiving and outing mass will be held at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Ula Ekwulia.

Late Onebunne

Treason: MASSOB dares FG ...insists on June 8 sit-at-home

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA — THE Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has threatened to make the country ungovernable if the Federal Government made good its threat to try its leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, and five of his colleagues with treason.

Addressing reporters, yesterday, in Onitsha, MASSOB regional administrator for Onitsha North, Mr. Vincent Ilo, said though the group had remained non- violent since it began the campaign for the actualisation of the Republic of Biafra, the decision to try Uwazurike and others showed that the Federal Government had decided to push MASSOB to the wall.

Ilo also spoke on the June 8 sit-at-home order given by MASSOB, expressing the determination of the organisation to effect the order because it was a day set aside to pray and fast for liberation and emancipation of Ndigbo and remember the six Igbo indigenes murdered at Apo Village in Abuja in 2005.

Ilo said: “As you are aware, six innocent Igbo traders were killed at Apo Village, Abuja, extra-judicially on June 8, 2005, by policemen led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Ibrahim Danjuma.

Seven years after the murder of our kinsmen, the principal actor in the said murder is still walking the streets a free man.

“It is imperative that the international community should know our security challenges in Nigeria. It is on this

premise that MASSOB requests Ndigbo all over the world to sit at home on Saturday, June 8, to reflect on the continued massacre of our people in Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the MASSOB chieftain said that over 20 members of MASSOB were arrested by security agents yesterday in parts of Oyi Local Government Area while

having their normal meeting and called on President Goodluck Jonathan to order their unconditional release.

He expressed dismay that Federal Government was negotiating amnesty for Boko Haram members, while it was planning a clampdown on nonviolent MASSOB, noting that such an action could result in total chaos in the country.

ANPP Acting Chairman commends partnership between Abia and FG

between Abia State and Federal Governments, in developMUAHIA — ACTING ment.

Chairman of All NigerAccording to him, the partia Peoples Party, ANPP, in Abia nership has enabled the state State, Mr. Francis Ubi, has government to do well in some commended the partnership areas, particularly in security.

“But a lot still needs to be done to ensure our people enjoy the full benefits of governance,” he said.

He specifically called on the government to urgently tackle the problem of urban water problem.

His call came on the heels of recent marching order by the governor to the relevant authorities in charge of water to repair any leaking pipes and ensure that water was restored in all parts of Umuahia.

Also talking politics, Ubi urged Abia people to embrace the proposed All Progressives Congress [APC], saying it would provide them better alternative to PDP. According to him, the Mrs. Omobola Johnson, Communications Technology Minister, being introduced to Mrs. Mayuri Odedra-Straub, Managing Director, Etose-Tourism Aichtal-Aich, Germany (left) by Dr. Evans role played by the ANPP Woherem, CEO, Compumetrics Solutions Ltd (middle), at the opening session of the 3-day Com- in the formation of APC munications Technology Conference, tagged, 'Digital Africa,' at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, is aimed at ensuring the enthronement of good yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida governance in dysfunctional states.

“The ANPP played a prominent role in the merger of some opposition parties that led to the formation of the APC. earlier distributed N418 million loan to enable other farmers ben- We are calling on the

BY VINCENT UJUMADU to 165 cooperative societies and efit. people to embrace this 166 individuals.

In his speech, Commission- new movement.

Governor Obi said that the er for Agriculture, Mr. Ndubisi WKA — ANAMBRA State “The APC will present government began yester- empowerment was in line with Menakaya, said the state agri- a better option that will day the distribution of N1 bil- the interest his administration cultural policy was geared to- address the decay of inwards developing the sector into frastructure we are curlion to farmers in the state un- had on agriculture.

According to him, the loan a viable business, with a view rently witnessing across der the agricultural loan will assist the farmers to increase to moving from subsistence to the country,” the ANPP scheme.

Governor Peter Obi flagged productivity, as well as create mechanised farming in order to chieftain said. off the distribution to the third employment opportunities in attract investors who would He, however, conbatch of beneficiaries at the the drive towards achieving the help expand the sector. firmed that the state govMenakaya explained that the ernment had in partnerWomen Development Centre, Millennium Development Goals, MDGs. state would soon take delivery ship with the federal govAwka.

Describing small scale farmers of 100 tractors.

At the ceremony, N525 milernment done well in He also said one of the big- some aspects of the peolion was distributed to 288 co- as indispensable in building operatives societies and 273 in- and sustaining the agricultural gest poultry farms in Africa was ple’s life, particularly sesector, Obi enjoined them to en- among big time farmers that curity. dividual farmers.

The state government had sure prompt repayment of the would soon invest in the state.

BY ANAYO OKOLI

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Anambra commences distribution of N1bn agric loan to farmers

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013—15

Jonathan inaugurates committee on Boko Haram today

BY BEN AGANDE

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BUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will today inaugurate the committee to engage members of Islamic sect, Boko Haram, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

This comes as the President, From left: Mr. Segun Agbaje, Group Managing Director, GTBank; Mr. Pascal Dozie, Chairman, yesterday, appointed a new MTN Nigeria; Mr. Brett Goschen, CEO, MTN Nigeria; Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi, Group Managing member, Barrister Aisha Director, Fidelity Bank and Mr. Emeke Iweriebor, Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Wakil, into the committee .

UBA Plc, at the singing of US$3 billion syndicated medium term facilities, by MTN Nigeria A statement issued by the and consortium of banks, in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said the inauguration would hold at 9:00a.m.

The statement read: “The inauguration by the Head of Civil Service of the to siphon monies meant for

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI P r e s i d e n t Federation, OHCSF, Dr. Sani Teidi pensioners across the federation.

Shaibu, over his alleged Among those apprehended by Goodluck Jonathan BUJA —The Economic and complicity in the illegal diversion operatives of the anti-graft of the Committee agency were former Deputy on Dialogue and Financial Crimes of pension funds.

He was arrested alongside nine Director of Pension, Mrs. Phina Peaceful Resolution Commission, EFCC, yesterday, reSecurity arrested the former Director of other civil servants who allegedly Ukamaka Chidi, Garba Abdullahi of Challenges in the Pension Accounts in the Office of conspired and used “third parties” Tahir, Abdul Mohammed, North and the Emmanuel Olanipekun, Committee on Franklin Okey Proliferation of Nwankwo, Mohammed Small Arms and Ahmed Katun, Aliyu Light Weapons Bello, Abdullahi o r i g i n a l l y Omeiza, and a former scheduled for 10 manager with defunct am today has been Oceanic Bank Plc, Mr. brought forward to Udusegbe Omoefe Eric. 9a.m.

Whereas the ex"President pension boss, Shaibu, Jonathan has also alone, was said to have approved the connived with the Bank inclusion of BarriManager, Omoefe, and ster Aisha Wakil as diverted about a member of the N4.5billion from the Committee on pension fund, using Dialogue and nine different Peaceful Resolution companies, his deputy, of Security ChallPhina, on the other enges in the North hand, was said to have which has been conspired with given the task of Nwankwo to siphon identifying and about N3billion through c o n s t r u c t i v e l y nine other companies. engaging key Besides, Phina was leaders of Boko equally alleged to have Haram, and develbetween 2009 and 2011, oping a workable connived with a framework for company, Pam amnesty and Investments Properties disarmament of Ltd, to commit an members of the offence under the group.

Money Laundering ”As earlier (Prohibition) Act, 2004, announced, the by retaining the sum of inauguration of $2million, property both committees belonging to the will take place at Pensions Account, the Council OHCSF. Chambers of the This crime is contrary Presidential Villa.” to section 16(a) of the Members of both Money Laundering committees were (Prohibition) Act, 2004 as expected to be amended. seated by 08:30 a.m.

N12bn pension scam: EFCC re-arrests ex-director, 9 others ...enters fresh charges against them

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Reps wade into Kogi/ Anambra oil well crisis

BY EMMA OVUAKPORIE

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BUJA — THE House of Representatives yesterday mandated its Committees on Special Duties, Disaster and E m e r g e n c y Management to liaise with the National Boundary Commission on the lingering clashes between EnuguOtu,Nkpunado and E z i a g u l u - O t u communities of Aguleri in Anambra State and Olu communities of Kogi State over ownership of a piece of land harbouring crude oil.

The decision arose from a motion sponsored by Chriscato Ameke (PDPAnambra) seeking the intervention of the House.

He said at the last count, twelve people had been confirmed dead in his community of Aguleri-Otu. Ameke, who represents Anambra East and West in the House, brought the motion, entitled: “Urgent Need to Stop the Boundary Conflict between Aguleri Communities of Anambra East LGA of Anambra State and Olu Communities of Ibaji LGA of Kogi State”, under matters of urgent national importance.

He explained that the “lingering boundary conflict between EnuguOtu, Mkpunado and E z i a g u l u - O t u communities (Odeke, Asonwa and Ayeke) of Ibaji LGA of Kogi State”, emanated from “the claim of ownership of oil well” in the area.

“A recent resurface of the boundary conflicts resulted to killing and abducting of innocent people,burning of houses, farmlands livestock and properties worth millions of Naira in these areas,” he said.

He said at the last count, 12 people had been confirmed dead in his community of Aguleri-Otu. Ameke blamed the National Boundary Commission, NBC's inability to determine the boundary of Kogi and Anambra states for the raging communal violence.

16—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Nembe petitions UN, demands $1bn from Shell, AGIP over damages

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—THE people of the ancient Nembe Kingdom, in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, are demanding $1 billion compensation from Shell Petroleum Development Company and Nigerian Agip Oil Company, both operating in their domain, over what they described as the many years of despoliation of their environment.

In a petition to the United Nations, by Chief Nengi James and Francis Furo, chairman and secretary respectively, of Nembe Oil and Gas Committee, the people of the kingdom lamented that many years of gas flaring, oil spillages and dumping of industrial wastes in their environment had impacted negatively on their life span.

Calling for fairness, equity and justice in the management of the resources on their land, they noted with sadness that Nembe Kingdom

alone, which produces 200,000 barrels of oil per day, is not linked to any part of the country by road.

The kingdom, according to them, is also not connected to the national grid, forcing them to make do with hurricane lamps and generators for those that could afford same while their only source of drinking water had long been polluted.

They said that the companies not only denied them employment but also compensation for the environmental despoliation being unleashed on them.

The petition, also copied the National Assembly, read: “We, the people of Nembe Kingdom, have a cause to cry out loud to you, because, we are seriously aggrieved over the shoddy treatment meted to us by the oil companies operating on our land. If we fail to call your attention to our plight now, there is the likelihood that we may not be able to tell our story after some years as we may have been slowly exterminated by the ef-

fects of oil spills, gas flaring and improper disposal of toxic wastes and materials in our kingdom.

“Therefore, it becomes imperative for us to alert the world body of our predicament before it becomes too late. As a result of gas flaring, frequent oil spillages and dumping of industrial toxic wastes, the life span of the average Nembe man and woman has been drastically reduced to 40 years. This is just too low and calls for serious investigation.

“In the light of the above, we want the United Nation to come to our kingdom for investigation and analysis of the environment and subject their findings to high level expert interpretations and opinions.

These tests and analysis must include our land, rivers, creeks, streams, oil spill sites, toxic waste dumping sites and even the air we breathe so that, the truth of our claims would be made manifest for the indictment of the oil companies involved.”

Ekaette tasks FG on implementation of N-Delta Action Plan report

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

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YO—WORRIED by the volume of reports dumped in government shelves begging for attention, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Ufot Ekaette, has appealed to the Federal Government to ensure implementation of the report of the Niger Delta Action Plan.

Chief Ekaette, at the

ongoing stakeholders conference and inaugural meeting of the National Council on Niger Delta, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said the report should not suffer the fate of the previous ones.

The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, however, challenged the conference to fine tune the report to incorporate the Ledum Mitee report,

which he described as very comprehensive.

He said: “A lot has been said about past reports, and that our problem is not so much about turning out reports, recommendations and policy actions but one of implementation.

“I sincerely hope that this action plan will not meet the same fate as the various reports, starting from the Willinks’ report.”

Ex-militants in Edo protest non-inclusion in amnesty programme in our area. All we are

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—NO fewer than 2,000 ex- militants from 11 camps in Edo State, yesterday, stormed Benin, the state capital, protesting their non-inclusion in the third phase of the Federal Government’s amnesty programme for Niger Delta former militants.

The youths threatened to blow-up oil facilities in the state, if the Federal Government refused to

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include them in the amnesty programe, which they said others had been enjoying since they laid down their arms following government directive to that effect.

Spokesman for the exmilitants, Richard Obe, of the Niger Delta Freedom Group Force, who spoke with newsmen at the premises of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Benin, said: “After this protest, we might shut down all the oil producing companies operating

saying is, we have come to air our views to the people of Nigeria. After today (yesterday), we might shut down Dubril Oil Company in Gelegele.”

Accusing the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator on Amnesty, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, of politicking with the amnesty issue, he said: “The amnesty we know, was not politics, but I have come to understand that amnesty today is for politics and we don’t want amnesty to be politicised.”

— 17 Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013— security and interests. His considerable arsenal of personal courage and experience will be useful to his brethren when they are chased out of communities; or when they contemplate vengeance; or when they debate whether to send their children to school or send them out with the cattle.

“A tree is known by its fruits” Zulu Proverb.

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Boda Lati Femi Fani–Kayode out assault on Jamaatu Ahlil Sunnah Lid Daawati Wal Jihad ( JASLIWAJ ) as the only solution to it’s threat could be accounted for by the blood which gives courage to make such bold recommendations. This same blood is shared by the Sultan of Sokoto who publicly made the case that the President grants amnesty and engages the insurgency in dialogue towards resolution. Many of the members of the Northern Elders Forum who met a few weeks ago to support the Dialogue and Reconciliation initiative share the same blood with Boda Lati, which may be why they had the courage to stick their necks out well.

Boda Lati would feel at home in Adamawa, Sokoto, Katsina, Zaria and one hundred other places where many like him also have some drops of Fulani blood. But he will be advised to stay clear of many other areas where being Fulani is a virtual death sentence, and even cattle are enemies. He won’t get jobs in some parts of the North if he lets out that he has Fulani blood. People who gave his kith and kin places to rest and feed cattle, or shared neighbourhoods for decades or centuries are likely to pounce on him on sight. His Fulani blood may also push him to assume a permanent combat posture, a sharpened instinct to strike first, or nurse a desire for revenge for decades. His blood will make him sympathetic to brothers and sisters who prefer lives of nomadic existence they inherited from ancestors, while lamenting the huge price they pay for it in a world fast closing up on their lifestyle.

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oda Lati will find many kith and kin among insurgents who have taken up arms against the Nigerian state because they believe that western values, including its institutions and

systems will only progressively corrupt everything around them. But his blood will not save him from their bullets or bombs if he is at the wrong place at the wrong time. The Fulani blood in him may resent being profiled in much of the North by security forces as a potential terrorist, or being held responsible for ruining the nation by cyberspace warriors.

Boda Lati is a member of the most flexible ethnic group in Nigeria. Even

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N electronic medium last week reported Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode as saying that he has Fulani blood in his veins. His full name, following an ancestral line which descended from a Muslim grandfather, Shiekh Nurudeen Sa’id from Ilesha, is Abdullateef Femi Fani-Kayode. His ancestors were Fulani and Yoruba Muslims, even though his family is now devoutly Christian. About one eighth of Boda Lati’s blood is Fulani which, will place him in the same category with millions of other Nigerians, majority of whom live in the North and West of Nigeria. In fact, some would say he is qualified for that dubious appellation of Yorulani, the type of categorisation such as HausaFulani which many say offends history, sociology, anthropology and even politics.

In Boda Lati’s case, he appears to have made the revelation in reaction to what he says are unfair criticisms that he is an ethnic chauvinist because he criticises some elements of northern/ Muslim circles and politics. His comments and critique, he insists, are informed by his valuation of facts, circumstances and a detached assessment of what is best for the nation he loves with much passion. How can Boda Lati take a permanent anti-Fulani (or anti Hausa/Fulani Muslim) posture with such pronounced Fulani element in his history and genes, a small evidence of which is that all his children have Muslim names as well?

Many people will be less impressed

by Boda Lati’s defence on geneology alone when his gadfly disposition frequently targets sensitive parts of much of his ancestry on a number of occasions. But this is his right and his style. Some people who enjoy stereotyping others may even insist that his tendency to go where his heart dictates may be informed by the nomadic underpinnings of some of his ancestry. His perception of speaking only the truth may be traced by some people to the same blood which made a simple preacher, Shehu Usman Danfodiyo, to rise up and successfully challenge impunity and corruption among the high and mighty Hausa aristocracy. Perhaps, those comments he makes frequently which seek to protect cherished values and the people and the nation he loves so much may have something to do with the blood which also ran deep in the veins of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sokoto, the prince-politician who saw nothing wrong in building a strong and fortified North so that it is not constantly bullied in Nigeria.

Boda Lati’s recommendation of an all-

The pigeon-holing character of elite politics denies the nation the opportunity of using these bridge-builders like Abdullatif Femi Fani-Kayode to reinforce the historic roots of our unity laid in bedrooms, at trading posts and markets, in battlefields and palaces, and in towns and villages among simple folk

oda Lati Femi Fani-Kayode says he can trace his lineage and bloodlines to Ife, Ijesha, Egba, Isale Eko and Fulani, and he is proud of each and everyone of them. He has Muslims and Christians in his family, which excites and ennobles him. He is in very good company here. He is one of quite possibly hundreds of millions of Nigerians who have multiple bloodlines and history of religious conversions.

People like Boda Lati give lie to the myth that this nation can be carved out neatly along pure-bred ethnic and religious lines. Our centuries of intimate co-existence long before colonial rule had already created that breed of people who answer to many different calls at the same time. The damage which our current politics does to the nation is to deny the existence of these citizens, and reduce them to only one of the multiple sources of heritage which they can claim. The pigeon-holing character of elite politics denies the nation the opportunity of using these bridgebuilders like Abdullatif Femi FaniKayode to reinforce the historic roots of our unity laid in bedrooms, at trading posts and markets, in battlefields and palaces, and in towns and villages among simple folk who recognise the superiority of the person over all his or her characterisation.

Many Fulani will be happy to hear of the existence of Boda Lati after all this time. Some who are literate and have read some of what he had said earlier are likely to ask how much of that Fulani blood really matters to him. But they should worry no more. Now that he wears his Fulani ancestry with such pride, they could consider bringing him closer to them. Perhaps, the title of “Ardon Yamma” (Leader of the West) could be bestowed on him, provided the thousands of Emirs,Alfas, Obas and Imams in Yorubaland who had long held up their full Fulani ancestry will not object.

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without speaking the language or knowing anything about the culture, his one-eight blood will qualify him as a full-blooded Fulani. He can join Miyetti Allah (I thank God) Association, or any of the number of associations which seek to protect and project Fulani lifestyle,

Abdullatif Femi Fani-Kayode

OPINION

BY SAGIR MUSA Continued from yesterday's pg 17 HE “grains” are transported in large numbers via trucks, trailers, lorries and old model pickup vans and jeeps with little attention given to them by security agents.

The use of Jega type of tricycles ( Keke- Napep) as well as camels, donkeys, and cows (moving in flocks) to deceive, hide and conveniently traffic arms in some parts of the North are ways hither to unknown, not well exposed or documented. Their capacity for arms trafficking is beginning to be uncovered and are been curtailed by security agencies. The security situation in JTF Operation RESTORE ORDER Area of Responsibility forced the Task Force to take on additional responsibility to trace sources of arms and ammunition to Boko Haram Insurgents, how the arms are trafficked and are also taking measures to block or curtail it. This is one way of effectively checkmating terrorism in Nigeria – destroy its centre of gravity! And this seems to be a task that has so far proved difficult but necessary to be accomplished if the war against insurgency is to be effective and successful.

Similarly, the Libyan and Malian rebels are desperate to exchange arms for money to Boko Haram Terrorists, their financiers and collaborators as the Sect has since been affiliated to Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb. This has

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Border security olif eration and tterr err orism security,, arms pr prolif oliferation errorism in Nigeria (2) added to the overwhelming challenge of the influx of illegal aliens, arms, ammunitions and sophisticated IED materials into the country and an efficient and effective fight against terrorism. Additionally, the water ways/ seaports provide havens for arms trafficking through ships and speed boats on high sea and the use of canoes in the creeks. The exchange of stolen crude oil for arms/ ammunition is a well known “trading activity” nurtured and ferociously protected by militants or sea pirates and their financiers and collaborators with the possible connivance of unscrupulous law enforcement agents in the Niger Delta. This is one major source of arms and ammunition that strengthen militants’ arms and ammunition holding not only in the Niger Delta but also in the South East and South Western parts of the country.

Security agencies at the borders and seaports have severally complained of the porosity of the nation’s borders and water ways. The problem of porous borders is compounded by inadequate personnel, patrol vehicles, surveillance helicopters and equipments. Consequently, most of the borders are leaky and this makes effective control of intruders, smugglers and “merchants of death” a mirage. The vastness of the nation’s borders in the face

of these challenges bring to the fore the need for a rethink on the management and security of the Nigeria’s borders and seaports – without which effective fight against insurgency, arms trafficking and proliferation will remain an optical illusion. There must be innovative technology; sound policies, proficient process that will help protect our borders. It is worrisome that the exact number of illegal routes and means through which illegal aliens, arms and ammunition are traffic in to the country is largely unknown by the nation’s security system.

The use of innovative technology – radars and alarm systems are major ways modern nations utilise to monitor and secure their borders. Some radar can be used as primary detection sensor for long range remote surveillance platforms. The ability to detect slow moving targets, even in complex mountainous, thickly forested terrains and large open areas make some radars such us Blighter Radar ideal for remote surveillance and detection of vehicles and people trying to cross borders illegally. to

Concluded *Lt.Col. Musa, wrote from Abuja.

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013 AS the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan approaches its mid-term, millions of Nigerians are in quandry on when the government they solidly voted for would deliver on its promises. Governance is about accountability and performance and after the avalanche of promises made during election campaign, what makes the difference is how the government rises up to the challenges of its mandate.

There are spattering of performances in some quarters, but mostly individual initiatives, based on personal convictions that may expire as the individuals depart. Where are the party manifestoes which are expected to bear more enduring development plans for Nigerians?

It is worse in other instances. Campaign promises appeared to have been spoken in the haste campaigns demanded. There were votes to win, everything seemed fair in war, to the politicians, who are busy enjoying the spoils of office.

Losers in the elections are busy too, being disruptive, if they can. The quality of the opposition tells a story of a future predicated on sheer hope – hope that successors of the

Words Never Enough current governments would have better plans for the people, not just themselves.

With the next elections less than two years away, the parties are waking up to new levels of intrigues. Fast decisions are being made about who becomes what and those to be banished to nothingness. Where do these leave the people?

Former British Prime Minister Mr. Tony Blair, on a recent visit to Lagos told President Goodluck Jonathan, “For total and stable national transformation to take place in any country, there is need for the people to be happy and the need for government to provide adequate power supply, construct new roads, eradicate polio, ensure job creation and do other things that make life meaningful.”

Many Nigerians have put these suggestions in similar succinct delivery and even tied them to the promises that politicians made during the campaigns. If any attention had been paid to them, we would be celebrating the achievements of the past few years, with hopes for a better future.

The ready reasons for the frustrating pace of governments’ care for the people are known.

The best reason – some consider it an excuse – is the security challenge. Why has it been impossible to develop areas without security issues?

“Nigerians should be rest assured that whatever challenges we are experiencing now, there is always hope at the end of the tunnel. We will get over our challenges.

Transformation is like a butterfly that passes through some stages which entail some pain.

The current discomfort the nation is expressing will soon be a thing of past,” President Jonathan who attended an event with Blair countered.

Like many, we wonder how long a butterfly’s pains lasts in comparison with what Nigeria is experiencing.

OPINION

BY MARK ONOME

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ECENT happenings in Delta State suggest that the uneasy relations between Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Victor Ochei, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, has taken a turn for the worse. What brought this state of play to the fore is the spate of kidnappings in the state.

What is to be done about the menace? Apart from the citizenry becoming more alert and the law enforcement officers upping their act, suggestions and moves have been made in many quarters to push for more stringent punishments for convicted kidnappers.

The death penalty for convicted kidnappers won the cheers and support of many Deltans. The reason is right before our eyes.

Kidnapping in Delta State has hit epidemic proportions. The high is kidnapped; the low is kidnapped. The public figure is kidnapped; the unknown quantity suffers the same fate. Whether ransom is paid or not, some kidnap victims come out alive, others are sent to their early graves. Almost in every case, the kidnap victim is subjected to humiliation and torture by the kidnappers.

It is known that a relation of Governor Uduaghan was a victim of kidnappers sometime last year. It is also known that the mother of Mr. Tony Elumelu, the entrepreneur, was kidnapped. More famously, the mother of Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was kidnapped.

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The Uduaghan-Ochei tug of war Even Speaker Ochei’s younger brother fell into the net of the heinous kidnappers. In this sort of ghastly scenario, prompt and decisive action against the criminal abductors of hapless citizens is the only sure measure to assuage the hurt of the populace.

Of course, the advocates of death to convicted kidnappers can only be understood, although there are people, albeit in the minority, who would have little to do with the death penalty, under any circumstances.

That is where Governor Uduaghan weighs in. From information in the public domain, both the executive and the legislative arms of the Delta State government deliberated exhaustively on this vexed issue of how to respond to the siege of the kidnappers.

GovernorUduaghan, probably because he is a medical doctor (with a humanist streak) declined to lend support to the execution of convicted kidnappers. The way I understand it, the Governor’s argument is that the death penalty is no longer in vogue, and has hardly been practised in this country for many years.Besides, the existence of armed robbery to this day in Nigeria proves conclusively that the death penalty is hardly a deterrent to violent crimes.

The Ochei-led House of Assembly saw things quite differently. Jumping on a

private members bill, the House rushed through a piece of legislationmaking kidnapping a capital offence. “That is one bill signed by all 28 members of the House”, boasted Speaker Ochei in a media interview. “There is no way it will not scale through. If the Governor, by the time the bill is ready, does not give assent, there is a constitutional provision of what to do and I am sure he cannot discountenance the opinion of 28 members of this House.”

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ow the issue that concerns me more in this article is not who between the Governor and the House of Assembly is morally right or wrong in the standpoints they have adopted. I am more interested in the matters of principle and loyalty. The position of the Delta House in the passage of the Kidnapping Bill has set a terrible precedence in the annals of Nigeria’s democratic history because it is the first time a serving Governor would be given this kind of bloody nose. It raises two questions. Where was the Governor when this Bill was passed? What did Hon Ochei think he was doing, given that he has been angling, aspiring and lobbying to succeed Uduaghan as Governor? In motivating the Delta House of Assembly to pass a Bill to which the Governor had expressly but confidentially taken exception before all the

State House of Assembly members, Speaker Ochei is putting himself forward as someone incapable of being influenced, a politician who knows all the answers, who’s every thought is correct and unassailable!

Is that the way things should go in partisan politics? Whatever happened to bargaining and compromise and informed vested interest? Now, the Governor is also flexing his own muscles, stating that the House of Assembly lacks the powers to give him dictation on how to proceed with Police empowerment for the fight against kidnappers. All told, it appears Speaker Ochei has unwittingly shot himself in the foot. Of course, the death sentence for kidnappers’ legislation could stand. But, what happens if the Governor refuses to append his signature to the death warrant of a kidnap convict? Would the Speaker sign it himself? Or would a death warrant have the force of law even if the 28 signatures of all House members are on it?

In the evaluation of intervening developments, Governor Uduaghan could lead himself into the adamantine conclusion that the Speaker is not quite the right candidate to succeed him as Governor of Delta State. Or else he will be digging his own political grave?

* Mr. Onome, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Asaba, Delta State.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013— —19

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T was April 8 and I was browsing the net when I came upon the news on Yahoo News: Margaret Thatcher dead. The 87 years old former British Prime Minister, the news said, had died at the Ritz in London just seven hours before. I suddenly felt sad even as I shared the news with the two other people around me, turning around the computer monitor for them to see the newsflash. My mind went back in a flash to the years when she dominated world headlines and at that very moment I felt the full weight of that often heard remark signified now by her passage: the end of an era. Indeed the death of Margaret Thatcher marked the end of the era of that generation of strong-willed, even notorious leaders, an odd admixture of icons of freedom, corruption, dictatorship, global capitalism and religious fundamentalism from across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the Amer-

icas- Muammar Gaddafi, PW Botha, Yasser Arafat, Ayatollah Khomeini, Saddam Hussein, Augusto Pinochet, François Mitterrand and of course the ex-cowboy film star, Ronald Reagan.

For good or ill these people and others not mentioned here shaped the world. There are yet others, though much enfeebled by age, but are still alive- George HW Bush, Mikhail Gorbachev and the biggest of them all, Nelson Mandela that has in the last few weeks given the world many anxious moments. From the moment of the first news flash I would follow closely news of Baroness Thatcher’s death as it developed.

It wasn’t long before details streamed in of crowds of British people across different locations in spontaneous jubilation over the death of the woman they thought personified all the evils that had befallen them in the last three and half decades. ‘The witch is dead!’ they screamed and

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danced. The worst invectives were heaped on her and these continued for the next one week leading up to her funeral on April 17.

Mainstream British media found themselves in a quandary as they appeared torn between self-censorship and reporting the news as it unfolded. If the radio and the television could put a lid on overwrought emotions boiling over, there was little that could be done to stem the heavy tide of imprecations raining online on this leader among leaders.

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here was pain and anger from those whose only memory was of the ugly time they and their families suffered under the rule of Mrs. Thatcher. In heartfelt pain they recalled thousands of miners who were thrown out of job; artisans who lost their trade and families forever riven by the cruel policies of the Tory

Boko Haram: Jonathan at crossroads

BY BISI OLAWUNMI

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ATELINE : MAIDUGURI, MARCH 8, 2013. It was the second day of his two-day visit to Yobe and Borno states, the hotbed of Boko Haram insurgency in the country's Northeast zone.

President Goodluck Jonathan had, at a Town Hall meeting in Maiduguri, countered the elders gathered at the parley who were demanding the withdrawal of the military task force from the zone and amnesty for the Boko Haram insurgents.

Jonathan had dared the elders to sign an undertaking guaranteeing the peace, and be ready to be held liable should just one person be killed thereafter, following which he would be willing to withdraw the soldiers, with immediate effect. There were no takers from the apparently stunned gathering. This was not Jonathan, The Meek !

President Jonathan, at the Maiduguri encounter, had played the gung-ho Commander-in-Chief thundering that people in any trouble spot in the country who kill a soldier must be ready to face the consequences of their temerity. He had virtually dismissed the Northeast elders' charge of indiscriminate killings and arrests against the military in reprisal attacks, especially in situations where soldiers were killed by insurgents. The President had declared : "I don't want to hear that one soldier is killed in Borno State or any part of this country. I cannot preside over this country as a president and my security officers are killed… I will not want to hear that one of them is killed … We will not, and I repeat, will not accommodate it". Then his clincher : If the elders of Borno will not condemn it (Boko Haram insurgency), they will continue to suffer under the terror of Boko Haram. It was an uncharacteristic C M Y K

BRAVE talk for President Jonathan and those with law and order bent had whooped that, perhaps, Mr. President was ready to draw a line in the sand, which people cross at their own peril. But, it was not to be as what followed the BRAVE talk was capitulation. Talk, somebody said, is cheap.

For while President Jonathan came out smoking and combative in Maiduguri, the aggrieved Northern elite simply beat a sulking retreat only to play their ace card in a counter offensive - enter the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa'ad Abubakar , leading the Northern elite's posse in formally demanding amnesty for the Boko Haram members. An outflanked, flustered Jonathan kow-towed to the demand by precipitately announcing the setting up of a formal committee to consider the amnesty option for Boko Haram. With the Sultan lending the prestige of his office, the call for amnesty for Boko Haram became a stampede, with the high and mighty scrambling to be on the bandwagon. Some of the latest to lap on the coat-tails of the Sultan are former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, Turai Yar'Adua, wife of the late President Umaru Yar'Adua; General Muhammadu Buhari; Jagaban Bola Ahmed Tinubu and yesterday's critic, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan. Perhaps, the Cardinal had a mellowing road conversion - a la Saul/ Paul. Premising his position on the Sultan's amnesty call, the Cardinal, as reported in THE NATION newspaper of April 3, 2013, had noted : "The call for amnesty would seem to me quite appropriate and even necessary. I see the call of the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa'ad Abubakar as an invitation …to sharpen the focus of government action in this matter … we should thank the Sultan

,

A mixed British farewell for the Iron Lady

Ordinary Britons appear to have had the last word on Margaret Thatcher bringing to mind those lines from Achebe: Nobody wins a war against their own people

government led by Margaret Thatcher between 1979 and 1990. Politics is all about compromise and the collective and this can’t be any more so than in a parliamentary government. But aggrieved Britons held Thatcher who was reputed for her bullying my-way-or-the-highway tactics personally responsible for their plight during her rule.

On the other hand, the British establishment from the Queen to Prime Minister, David Cameron and Ed Milliband, leader of the opposition Labour Party and Members of Parliament and other heavyweights of the British aristocracy, and a few ‘commoners’ thought to have benefitted from Margaret Thatcher’s policies of privatisation and state divestment of public businesses- all of these rhapsodised about what a great leader Thatcher was.

They confessed a sense of personal loss on her passing and expressed their condolences to the Thatcher family on behalf of the British people. And as proof of their loss, they set aside a royal £11 million for the funeral that was all but in name a state funeral. As first woman to be Prime Minister and the longest serving in more than 150 years, Margaret Thatcher surely deserved all the accolades coming her way.

She won three general elections in a row and was never defeated in an election. She seemed set to maintain her winning streak until the rug was pulled from under her by members of her own party tired of her ways in 1990. In tears the woman who went by the alias, Iron Lady, left No. 10 Downing Street having earlier sworn

Between the two strongly held positions, for and against amnesty for the Boko Haram sect, President Jonathan stands at the crossroads

,

and his courageous proposal".

Thank ? Then the Cardinal went into ecclesiastical acrobatics, perhaps remembering that many of the killed and maimed were members of his Christian constituency, and declared : " How does the state forgive murderers ? How can the government grant amnesty to people who have killed innocent citizens, some in their places of worship ?". So, where really does Cardinal Onaiyekan stand? Or was he talking in tongues ? He cannot straddle the two divides.

T

he Nigerian Bar Association, N B A , also weighed in on the side of amnesty for the Boko Haram. Information Minister, Labaran Maku, on April 2, 2013, in response to the clamour for amnesty for the Boko Haram had declared : "Right now, the condition for amnesty is not there". Poor Labaran, barely five days later, an overwhelmed President Jonathan announced the setting up of a committee on amnesty for the Boko Haram. Of course, several groups have opposed amnesty for the Boko Haram sect, including the Northern Christians Forum, a Northern activist Shehu Sani, ex- militants in the Niger Delta and notably the President of the

to fight to the finish to keep her position as leader of the Conservative Party.

In the wake of the general condemnation of the policies of the Conservatives under Thatcher and the wild jubilation that followed her demise, I looked back on the Thatcher era and remembered that even though she was a leader with vast global influence she was generally not enamoured of the weak and Africa in particular. In her policies and utterances, Mrs. Thatcher had little pity for the poor and weak. Hers was a philosophy of might being right and she demonstrated this again and again in her stout opposition of sanction against then apartheid enclave in South Africa. She, in her policies, appeared to have a scale on which she measured humanity, and on this the rich White stood high with the poor Black well below. The ferocity with which she looked down on Black poor countries is the same with which she dealt with the ‘poor White trash’ of the British society. Not many mourned in Africa. Even the Obama administration had no official representative at the funeral. As I watched the high profile funeral live on the BBC on a quiet Birmingham morning I seemed to attract bemused stares from my British hosts, one of whom blurted to me in obvious pain and anger- "Rotimi, that woman divided Britain. I have no time for her funeral!" Ordinary Britons appear to have had the last word on Margaret Thatcher bringing to mind those lines from Achebe: Nobody wins a war against their own people.

Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN , Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor who, on April 6, 2013, described any planned amnesty for the Boko Haram sect as an act of wickedness by the Federal Government considering the havoc the sect had wrought . Between the two strongly held positions, for and against amnesty for the Boko Haram sect, President Jonathan stands at the crossroads - which turn will he take, eventually ?

Secondly, compensation demand for hundreds of Boko Haram victims, in cash and kind, poses another crossroads for which we await Jonathan's turn.

Yet another crossroads for Jonathan is taking a definitive stand on which road to travel to restore law and order -appeasement or law enforcement. His fire-spitting speech in Maiduguri supports force to suppress violent insurgents, while his earlier condemnation of use of force by President Olusegun Obasanjo in Odi indicates accommodation with insurgents. A flip-flop approach does not earn respect. In 1988, as a Washington-based foreign correspondent, I was witness to how presidential front runner, Gov. Michael Dukakus, lost the U.S. presidential election to George Bush (Senior) just on the single issue that he was soft on crime for granting amnesty to a serial rapist, Willy Horton. Apologists are giving Jonathan the soft touch - that there cannot be a military solution. But pray, was it not the military's relentless pummeling, exemplified in the over-run of Gbaramatu in Delta State in hot pursuit of warlord, Tompolo and the wipe-out of Ateke Tom's camp in Rivers State that persuaded the militants and leaders of the Niger Delta to seek amnesty? However, in an ironic twist, while the Northern elite were demanding a halt to the military's pursuit of the sect, they have become pursued by the sect, and are apparently succumbing to the mortal fear of Boko Haram as the insurgents, for whatever reasons, unleash terror on the "untouchables".

*Dr. Olawunmi, a lecturer, wrote from Bowen University, Owo.

20 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2012 — 21

Kebbi set to complete N13bn airport

‘Akwa Ibom borrowing $500m to settle N50bn UBA loan’

BY TONY NYONG

T

HE Akwa Ibom State government said it was borrowing $500 million (about N80 billion) from London Standard Chartered Bank International to settle the outstanding of a N50 billion loan it earlier took from United Bank for African (UBA).

Addressing newsmen in Uyo, the state capital, following criticisms trailing the government move, the State Finance Commissioner, Bassey Albert, explained that it is more productive to borrow at the international market than borrowing at the local market.

He said that the state government secured the loan from UBA at an interest rate of 18.5 per cent per annum while Standard Chartered Bank International is offering 8.1 per cent interest rate per annum. “It is good to state that when a government borrows, it is not that the government is broke.

You are borrowing to finance your cash flow because if you have to depend on your monthly allocation it means most of the projects would not have been completed. We have run this state for five years without borrowing a dime from any bank. We have also run this state for five years and have paid back every simple bankable loan that we inherited from the immediate past administration in the state. We have also run this state for five years and we have cleared every liability in terms of contractual

liabilities that we inherited from the past administration.

“I think it is something we should talk about that if the governor has achieved this much he has achieved in the past five years without a single bank loan, I think he should be commended. As I am talking to you by May this year, once the government approves, we would start the commissioning of over 700 projects spread across various local government areas in the state.

When we consummated the UBA facility, we were also working with international financial institution because the

real essence is to bring governance at the cheapest rate to the people. We were also working based on the interest that was shown by the international financial institution based on the performance of the governor.

The UBA facility was meant to be a stop gap because borrowing from local market was far easier than borrowing from international market. Also, the UBA facility was a double digit facility at 18.5 per cent interest rate per annum while at the same time we are also working with international bank where the interest rate is about

8.1 percent interest rate per annum. The UBA facility was a bridge to support the state as at the time it came,” the commissioner stated.

In his own explanation, Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Sam Ikon, said lawmakers had earlier approved the N50 billion UBA loan to assist the executive arm to complete ongoing projects in the state. He commended the executive arm of government on fiscal discipline, noting there was a provision for a loan of N65billion loan in the budget but the house only approved N50 billion.

FROM LEFT: Director, Corporate Communications & CSR, Emeka Oparah; Senior Manager, Business Excellence, Sarwiyat Rahaman; CEO/MD, Segun Ogunsanya and Director of Regulatory Affairs, Osondu Nwokoro, all of Airtel Nigeria, at the company’s media update on mobile number portability, in Lagos.

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

G

OVERNOR Seidu Dakingari of Kebbi State has said that the new Kebbi International Airport in Birnin Kebbi will be ready for commissioning in August this year.

Dakingari disclosed this while taking the National Good Governance Team round the airport in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi state capital.

He said the development is in line with his determination to open up the state for investors and help the people, mostly farmers, have less difficulty in exporting their farm produce. The governor said that he was confident that the airport, when completed would serve as a big boost to the tourism potentials of the state and create thousands of jobs to the teaming unemployed youths, saying that the ongoing upgrade of the airport was approved by the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

Dakingari said that the airport which is currently being used as an air strip would be upgraded to an international status and would help in alleviating the suffering of indigenes of the state going on pilgrimage to holy lands as from November this year. He said the contract was awarded in August 2011 at the cost of N13.5 billion.

Zonal Manager of the firm handling the project, Jiang Wei, said work had already reached 85 per cent completion and promised that the project would be delivered on schedule as the state government had fully mobilized the company for completion of the project in order to meet the deadline.

FG should create strong economic institutions — UNIDO

By WILLIAM JIMOH

U

NITED Nations Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO, representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Patrick Kormawa, has appealed to the Federal Government to create stronger economic institutions in a bid to enhance its programmes of rescuing the Nigerian economy from impending crisis.

Kormawa, who stated this at the fourth edition of Ikeja manufacturers consultative forum in Lagos, noted that the instability in planning, as well as in government policies in the country has adversely affected the development of many government institutions which efficiency could have developed the country’s economy to an enviable level.

According to him, “When there are strong institutions in place, then

individuals will become master of the law, which will result in doing the right thing at the right time.

“If there is no strong financial institution for instance, we cannot achieve much in the financial sector and that applies to every other aspect of the economy.”

Continuing, Kormawa noted that there is need for long term planning and stability in polices made by the government and its institutions if the country must attain its visions and aspirations. “Continuity in projects is very essential to development; if there is change in government and the institutions are strong enough, there will not be a stop to any public project, but this is not the same with Nigeria and that is why the country is still behind maximising its economic potentials. Developed economies like Japan, United State of America and Italy are able to develop there economy

because of strong impact of their institutions. It is institutions that are moving these countries but the same cannot be said of Nigeria where rather than building the institutions, they are been weakened on regular basis.”

Supporting the gesture by the UNIDO boss, one of the manufactures, Mr. John Ikenobi, said the present conditions of dinging business in the country is making a lot of local manufacturers to operate at a very high production cost, which has resulted in the inability of home made products to compete with the foreign goods.

“We run our companies with generators all day long; there is problem of infrastructures, among other challenges that have brought about increase in our cost of production.

141.60

-0.05

2,306.00

-0.05

17.89

-0.08

100.51

+0.86

88.81

+0.75

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

154.75 155.25 235.7307 236.4923 201.9023 202.5547 165.5966 166.1316 1.5518 1.5569 0.2887 0.2987 232.1048 232.8548 25.0278 25.1091 41.2634 41.3967 27.0788 27.1663 232.4345 233.1855

SELLING 155.75 237.254 203.207 166.6667 1.5619 0.3087 233.6047 25.1904 41.53 27.2538 233.9365

CBN Exchange rate as at 23/04/2013

22 — Vanguard,WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Preventing floods in Lagos, especially on the highways H

FROM LEFT: Ernest Ndukwu, Chairman, Open Media Group, presents E-Payment Solutions Provider of the Year 2013 Award for Unified Payment Services Limited to Festus Ikediasor, Director Finance & Corporate Assets, with Angela Idiaru, HOD, HR & Admin and Felix Edionwe, Group Head, Corporate Services all of Unified Payments at the Beacon of ICT Awards organised by Nigeria Communications Week Media, in Lagos.

Dangote Cement should increase listed shares — Thaddeus Investment

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

HE shares of Dangote Cement Plc could perform better than it is doing at the moment, if the promoters of the company would bring up the public float (number of listed shares) to the required 25 percent for companies listed on the Exchange’s main board, said Jude Fejokwu, Principal Analyst, Thaddeus Investment Advisors & Research.

Public/free float is the amount of shares the promoter(s) of any company seeking listing on the exchange is required to sell to the members of public to qualify for listing.

Before the revision of the NSE’ listing rule, the public float was 25 per cent for both main board and alternative securities market. With the revision, the minimum float was reduced to 20 per cent and 15 per cent for main board and alternative securities market respectively.

In a report tagged, ‘Dangote Cement: The Fulcrum of The Nigerian Stock Market’, Fejokwu said that with

25 percent of the authorised and fully paid up shares listed, Dangote Cement will have more influential hold on activities in the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

He said that whereas other companies listed on the same sector have 25 percent public float, Dangote Cement has 20 percent of its shares listed.

“Dangote Cement is the capitalised stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and contributes 25 percent (+-one percent based on a normal curve) of the market capitalisation of all listed companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Only percent of the company’s shares are listed unlike other companies which is 25 percent. Dangote Cement could have even had a more influential hold on the Nigerian Stock Market if 25 percent of its authorized and fully-paid up shares were listed,” Fejokwu said.

Meanwhile, the NSE in its X-Compliance Report as at 8th of April, listed Dangote Cement as one of the companies that have free float deficiency. According to the NSE, the company is deficient by 5.11 percent, and has up to 26th October, 2014 to comply.

Zenith, Unity Banks report growth in Q1 profits

BY CHINEDU IBEABUCHI

Z

ENITH Bank Plc has reported a 22 per cent growth in its profit after tax in its 2013 first quarter financial year.

In a statement submitted to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, the bank recorded N23.41 billion profit after tax in its 2013 Q1 as against N19.23 billion in corresponding period of 2012.

Its profit before tax rose by 25 per cent, recording N28.88 billion in 2013 in contrast to N23.01 billion in the same period of 2012, while it recorded N86.98 billion in its gross earnings, representing an increase of 20 per cent, from N72.35 billion in 2012.

The bank witnessed an increase in its operating expenses which rose by 14 per cent, gulping the bank N33.92 billion in Q1 2013 as against N29.7 billion in 2012.

Its financial statement showed that C M Y K

the bank’s cash and cash equivalents stood at N1.25 trillion in Q1 2013, growing by 27 per cent, from N982.29 billion in the same period of 2012.

However, its financial assets fell by 11 per cent, recording 261.52 billion in 2013 as against N293.90 billion in 2012.

The bank also incurred more financial liabilities by 17 per cent, recording N84.23 billion in 2013 from N72.2 billion in same period of 2012 while its net asset grew by 22 per cent with N486.23 billion recorded in Q1 2013 compared to N397.83 billion in corresponding period of 2012.

Meanwhile, Unity Bank Plc announced that its Q1 profit after tax rose by 8.3 per cent, recording N2.12 billion in 2013 from N1.96 billion in corresponding period of 2012. While its profit before was N2.5 billion in 2013 from N2.31 billion in 2012.

The bank recorded N14.71 billion in its gross income, representing an increase of 15.9 per cent, from N12.69 billion in 2012.

EAVY rainfall in Lagos often leads to slow movement of traffic. Pools of water accumulate at various locations on the highways and wherever these pools attain a critical depth, they become a barrier as motorists seek the shallowest parts for their safe passage. Long lines of motorists build up behind these deep pools and in places where these lines meet, gridlock develops across the metropolis. Sometimes, some vehicles stall on moving through the pools of water and these vehicles become an obstruction to the movement of other vehicles. Traffic delays, gridlocks and slow movement cause socio-economic losses which include additional fuel costs for vehicles that are delayed, wasted man-hours for persons delayed and increased charges for transportation of persons and goods.

The modern highway system in Lagos has a median that is raised above the road surface with kerbs and which median separates the main carriageways in places like Ikorodu Road, Funsho Williams Avenue, Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way and Agege Motor Road. There is also the alternative high and narrow reinforced concrete barrier separating the main carriageways on the Apapa to Oshodi to Oworonshoki Expressway. Service lanes on the highway system are separated from the main carriageways using kerbed traffic islands.

When it rains and water accumulates on the road surface, we should find out where the water is coming from and where it should go because highways are normally designed to be free from water on the road surface. As our first example, in the stretch of Ikorodu Road between Obanikoro Busstop and Palmgrove Busstop, rainwater comes from the drainage channels on Association Avenue and from the Palmgrove area to the west of Ikorodu Road. The water accumulates at the lowest point on the southbound service lanes, rises above the kerbs and flows unto the southbound main carriageway.

The kerbs forming the median retain the water in the southbound carriageway.

I

f we examine the main carriage ways relative to the surrounding area, we find that the northbound service lanes and the adjacent Somolu area are about 2 metres lower than the main carriageways. Water from Association Avenue and the Palmgrove area should naturally flow across Ikorodu Road into Somolu.

The median should be reduced in level to the level of the road surface, the existing kerbs removed at the median and on the Somolu side of the northbound carriageway and the ground on the Somolu side shaped to allow the water to flow freely into the northbound service lanes. The ex-

isting kerbs should be replaced with kerbs having two legs with a crossbeam at the top such that large volumes of water can flow below the crossbeam.

Fortunately, the Lagos State Government, LASG, is currently carrying out a road project which includes the construction of drainage channels on both sides of the short link road joining the northbound service lanes to Shipeolu Street. It would be possible to take away water flowing into the northbound service lanes through the new drainage channels.

The situation described above also occurs between Palmgrove Busstop and Onipanu Busstop where the water is flowing from the Mushin side to the Somolu side. Another important location is the southbound service lanes between the junction of Ikorodu Road/Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way at Maryland and Onigbongbo Water accumulation in this area can be drained through the tunnel below the Maryland interchange.

T

here was an exceptional rain fall event in Lagos on 10 July 2011 when there was about 260mm rainfall within 18 hours. The day after and 15 hours after the rains had stopped, cars and Volkswagen passenger buses on Funsho Williams Avenue approaching Alaka Estate from Costain had to switch off their engines. The vehicles had to be pushed through the floodwaters and past the canal at Alaka as such vehicles stalled when there were attempts to drive them through the flood waters. The canal at Alaka is part of the LASG System 4 drainage and this rainfall event highlighted the limitations of the drainage system that relies entirely on gravity flow. The LASG is currently carrying out construction work on this System 4 drainage and it appears the LASG is reluctant to replace the culvert at Apapa Road where System 4 flows towards the National Theatre Complex. A bigger culvert at this location would provide greater relief to the areas served by System 4.

If one takes the exit ramp to the right from Eko Bridge into the Marina after heavy rainfall, one would run into a pool of water on the Marina. At this location, the road is adjacent to the Lagoon and ordinarily water should be able to flow from the land into the Lagoon. However, the earth on the Marina has been retained by sheet piles which have a reinforced concrete beam as cap. A sump should be constructed from where the water would be pumped over the capping beam into the lagoon.

I hope the Federal Ministry of Works and the LASG will rise to the challenge of keeping traffic moving in Lagos after heavy rainfall. There are so many other locations in the Lagos area that are not mentioned in this piece.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013 — 23

DIARY Select ICT events 5th Mobile Backhaul Asia conference. Holds 23-26 April 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand.

NCS seeks approval for planned Lagos IT park

MVNO World Congress 2013.

Holds 23-25 April 2013 in Rome, Italy. The Internet Show. Holds 24-25 April, 2013 in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

BY EMEKA AGINAM

P

Telecoms Customer Experience Management (CEM) World Congress.

Holds 23-24 April 2013 in London, UK.  SatCom Africa 2013. Holds 27-30 May 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

,

Preview

New inventions shaping life and living

Hand-cranked video viewer

GLO @ MNP LAUNCH: From left: Mr. Issac Thomas of Glo's MNP team (left) welcoming the Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Communications, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo and Chairman of NCC, Mr. Peter Igho to the Glo stand during the launch of mobile number portability by the NCC in Lagos, Monday.

Change network, retain number ...as mobile number portability takes off

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

I N S I D E C M Y K

Mobile number portability now live

IGERIA, on Mon day, joined other top countries of the world to launch the Mobile Number Portability. The scheme will give Nigerian subscribers the freedom to change from one network to another and still retain their number.

The regime which flagged off with a massive publicity event by the Nigeria Communications Commissions NCC, is expected to inject more competition

,

The Bioscope combines old technology with new to make movie-viewing a more controllable, intimate experience.

Created by Jon Stam and Simon de Bakker, it is a digital movie player with the speed and direction of the movie controlled by its hand crank. The 3D printed plastic case holds a micro LCD screen, which functions as the viewfinder. Once a USB stick has been instated in the device, the user can turn the hand crank to create forward or backward motion at whatever speed they choose. According to the creators, the Bioscope commands the viewer’s full attention and allows them to play a deeper role in their movie-watching experience.

N

among the service providers who would make massive investments on their networks to forestall migration from their networks.

Flagging the regime off in Lagos, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah, said that the Nigerian subscribers have been handed the power to hire and fire their service providers depending on what kind of services they are rendering.

He however admitted

Nigerian subscribers have been handed the power to hire and fire their service providers depending on what kind of services they are rendering

Touch Bionics introduces app-controlled prosthetic hand

that the regime would bring a Win-Win situation in the Nigerian telecommunications industry. The Picture Juwah painted was that with the regime, the NCC would have time to focus on regulation and forget about quality of service because the system has a survival instinct.

For the operators, there are no more stories to tell the customer. It is either shape up or lose the customer, while the subscribers have been entrusted with unlimited choice and power in their hands.

Earlier in her welcome address, Ms Josephine Amuwa of the NCC noted that experiences from other climes, have shown that MNP has helped the operators in streamlining their operations, strengthen the customer service and helps the subscriber out of the

SIM locking phenomenon. “Today, the power is entirely in the hands of the consumers” she added.

She also disclosed that a wide consultation was embarked upon before the scheme was flagged off. “We also made sure that it is totally free for the consumer. This phase involves the GSM operators but the next phase would accommodate the CDMA operators”.

In their own goodwill messages, the telecom operators who witnessed the launch of the scheme pledged loyalty to the rules of the game but charged the NCC to ensure success of the scheme like it has been in other markets around the world.

Both the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr Bett Goschen, CEO/MD Airtel Nigeria,

Continues on page 26

Software Nigeria can't wait for anyone (2)

RESIDENT of the Ni gerian Computer Society, Sir. Demola Aladekomo has disclosed plans by the umbrella IT body to build a multi- million IT Park in Lagos while seeking regulatory approval from the Lagos state government.

Location: To be located at the free trade zone of Lekki, the NCS President who spoke recently during President's breakfast meeting with IT personalities said that the IT Park would be built in phases, adding that the first phase would cost about N500M approximately.

Funding: “The N500M will be part funded by NCS and the subscribers who are NCS members. We believe that in 5years, the IT Park should have been fully built up and businesses in top gear there.

“There are expected challenges in such a big infrastructure project.

Challenges are meant to be overcome. The usual ones are Power, Water, Regulatory approvals etc.

We shall overcome them.

Am sure NCS is poised towards a making a success of this venture.

Approval: “NCS just got approval to acquire ten hectares of land around the free trade zone of Lekki, along the Lekki Epe road, Lagos.

The Zone is the new Lagos. LSG is also planning to build a new seaport and airport in this area, making it a good site in the future for industries.

The plan is to use land for an IT park that will accommodate IT related industries. The land is divided into industrial plots of 1000 square metters for Continues on page 30

TECNO joins Android fray with Q1 series

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Mobile number portability now live

A

S I wrote in the last take of this column, mobile number portability (MNP) service is now live in Nigeria, after a public launch of the service in Lagos last Monday at an event powered by telecoms regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission.

Again, by way of reminder, MNP is a service that allows a subscriber to move away from a network and still retains his/ her number. The process is called porting. If you are currently on Network A, and you want to move to Network B, technically you are porting out of Network A and porting in with Network B. Don’t forget that hitherto, networks are easily recognizable by their National Destination Codes, which prefixes the netw o r k ’ s number plan.

So, we all know that 0802, 0803, 0804, 0805, and 0809 are Airtel, MTN, Mtel (an obituary?), Glo, and Etisalat respectively. In the new scheme of things, it will no longer be that easy to identify a network with the prefixes as, for instance, a subscriber on 0804 can decide to move to 0809. If Mtel (defunct NITEL’s GSM unit) were in business, a subscriber with number 080423148780 can move to Airtel or Etisalat or MTN or Glo with this number, and it would still ring, but it can be seen that there is no unity between 0804 and the others on that network. So in future, a mosaic of numbers will be on the networks as subscribers port in and port out.

Again, as I observed in last week’s take of the column, some expectations will bottom out, while entirely new ones will replace them. By this I mean MNP may not manifest changes or happenings that are generally expected, and the reasons are not far-fetched. One is that Nigeria is unlike any other country in the world; it is a market that presents with its own spe-

cial set of dynamics that are completely unpredictable. Already, users of the telecoms services here carried as much as three or four handsets about; they had lines from all the networks, the reason being that if one is not going, another might go, as we like to say. So, will someone who already has three lines, or four, which he/she carries about bother to port in or out?

Methinks people will just stick with the network they think is giving optimal services while still carrying about their three or four handsets. Again, there are people in this market who have all the four lines for other reasons altogether. One, they can afford to b u y handsets and keep the lines charged.

Then, as t h e y gather contacts, they ensure that they are saved in a particular handset. So, for such people, all Glo contacts are saved on the handset with Glo line, MTN contacts saved on the handset with MTN line, and so on!

Yet there are people who use a network for a particular service. There exist subscribers who never make voice calls on a certain network but use that network only to access internet! Still, there are people who just like gadgets, can afford them, and love to sport them. In short they like to show off their ‘latest’! So such people buy lines from MTN, Glo, Airtel, and Etisalat and put each in the latest models of Samsung, Nokia, BlackBerry, and HTC smart phones money can buy! When such people visit you, the first thing they do is unload their handsets on your desk (if at work), or on the centre table (if at home), so you can see and appreciate!

These and more are some of the dynamics that make our Nigerian market a unique one. The next few months will reveal how MNP will fare.

,

So, will someone who already has three lines, or four, which he/she carries about bother to port in or out?

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Touch Bionics has introduced a robotic artificial hand that is linked to a smartphone app, which allows for greater control of the hand, including the ability to program it to suit the wearer’s personal needs.

According to Touch Bionics, the i-limb ultra revolution is the “first upper limb prosthesis that can be controlled via a mobile application.” The individually articulated fingers have variable digit-bydigit grip strength and the powered rotating thumb is controlled directly by means of skin electrodes attached to the wearer’s stump that pick up muscle impulses. These electrodes use one of four muscle impulses or triggers, which can be assigned to a particular grip or gesture – much like programming the speed dial on a phone.

What’s novel about the i-limb ultra revolution is its Quick Grips biosim application. Compatible with iPad or iPhone, Quick Grips uses Bluetooth to link the hand to a smartphone app, which can activate 24 grip options at the tap of the screen, including standard precision pinch open, pinch closed, thumb precision pinch open, grasp and handshake. It can also be programmed by

Touch Bionics introduces app-controlled prosthetic hand

The prosthetic from Touch Bionics, controllable with a phone app. the wearer for custom grips.

Other functions of the Quick Grips app include; a collection of favorite grips that fit the wearer’s daily needs, such as typing, holding papers, or using a mouse; the Hand Health Check that activates the prosthesis diagnostic; and Training, which includes activities and games as well as pro-

viding graphical feedback of muscle control signals.

There’s also a Don or Doff setting that positions the hand for putting on or removing the covering glove.

The i-limb ultra revolution comes in black or neutral colors as well as a choice of skins that can be matched to the wearer’s pigment.

"We believe that the i-

limb ultra revolution,with powered thumb rotation and the ability to quickly access multiple grip patterns, offers unparalleled dexterity and control, enabling wearers to more easily perform activities of daily living and thus increase their quality of life," said Ian Stevens, CEO of Touch Bionics. Source: Touch Bionics via New Scientist

Spinlet aids artistes with mobile digital distribution

BY EMEKA AGINAM

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REMIER mobile music download platform, Spinlet has developed a mobile digital distribution for African artistes to sell their music around the world.

Committed to web sales tracking for artists, music labels, Spinlet Chief Marketing Officer for Africa, Mark Reguard told IT journalists in a press conference last week that Spinlet mobile music download platform while bringing media distribution to emerging markets in Africa, assures full transparency into album and track sales with web sales tracking.

With mobile web and inapp presence for artists, he said that broadband growth and increase in mobile access is driving the growing internet market among youth. In Nigeria, the primary hardware facilitating this phenomenon is mobile phones, he said.

According to him, Spinlet is focused on meeting the needs of music lovers allowing them to buy, listen, share, and manage music all within a user friendly mobile platform.

He further said that the premier music download platform is focused on meeting the needs of mu-

sic lover allowing them buy, listen, share and manage music all within a user friendly mobile platform.

“Spinlet’s technology encourages the purchasing and discovery of new music while offering seamless integration and storage of the users’ music library on their mobile device.

“With multiple payment systems available, Spinlet makes music accessible to all. Spinlet encourages the social aspect of music by making it easy to create and share playlists to friends within the appli-

cation.

“Spinlet’s massive music vault can be accessed by downloading the application for free. Users can begin enjoying the service immediately with their existing on-device music library or by using complimentary Spinlet Credits for new content” he explained.

With the platform, he said that artists can promote their music to African audience, generate income, interact with fans, and real time sales info with regular payouts.

He informed that Spinlet music app has been co-

promoted at the Etisalat Cliqfest, University of Calabar, and University of Ilorin.

According to him, because of market reach, Spinlet has continued to sign new and emerging artists and veteran artists from all music genres including gospel, Hip hop, R&B, Fuji, Highlife among others globally.

Because of market presence, he further said that Spinlet partners with Premier Music to help expose their vast catalog of Nigerian highlife music to music lovers around the world.

NCS BREAKFAST MEETING: From left: Mr. Aniekan Etiebet, MD/CEO, Data Sciences Nigeria; Alhaji Ladi Ogunneye, Provost, NCS College of Fellows; Dr Adeola Ilechukwu, Second Vice President, NCS; Sir Demola Aladekomo, President, NCS, and Mr Sam Juwe, First Vice President, NCS at the recent NCS breakfast meeting with IT personalities, in Lagos.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,APRIL 24, 2013— 25

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26—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

TECNO joins Android fray with Q1 series

BY EMEKA AGINAM

New govt portal'll drive transparency in governance, says Johnson

BY EMMA ELEBEKE

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Mrs Omobola Johnson, Minister of Communications Technology

to the citizenry. Also, it is expected that the portal will offer faster, cheaper and more personalized and efficient service delivery that cit-

izens and businesses can access 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

The portal is a pilot project that will evolve over-time to enhance

Change network, retain number Continues from page 23

Mr Segun Ogunsanya, Head, Regulatory Affairs, Globacom, Mr Yinka Olefemihan and Representative of Steve Evans, Etisalat CEO, expressed happiness at the take off of the scheme, revealing that they have made massive investments in readiness for the MNP regime.

At a press conference after the launch, there were concerns among users on how they can effectively access and enjoy the benefits of the system after the launch.

,

,

INISTER of Com munication Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson has said that the Government Service Portal recently launched by the ministry was designed to drive transparency in governance and improve the quality of public service delivery in public service.

"This project resonates with the outcome of the survey which UN carried out across 48 countries on Innovative E-Government Practices amongst nations. Their finding is that citizen service delivery is topmost on the government innovative technology adoption all over the world.

"Governments’ use of the internet to deliver government services has revolutionized the speed and effectiveness of government service delivery and public administration across the world.

"Governments increasingly recognize that eGovernment offers not just a new technology, but also a mechanism to transform the way government operates. And we can no longer be left behind," she said.

The Government Service Portal, which is an initiative of the Ministry of Communication Technology is aimed at creating an easy and single point of entry for Nigerians and other stakeholders to access government services online.

According to the ministry, the services portal was build with the latest web technology to bring together a directory of existing online government services, as well as newly automated services from the ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment, Agriculture, Education, Health and Communication Technology.

The portal tagged www.services.gov.ng, is a single point of entry for Nigerians and other stakeholders to access government services online within and aside the country.

It creates a location directory of existing government services that are online. The Services Portal has several key benefits which include improved access to government information for citizens and improved efficiency in the delivery of government services

service delivery and impact positively on the ability of government to drive the use of ICT in governance, as well as promote the development of institutional ICT framework and tools that will enhance citizens’ engagement and online delivery of government services.

Also, the portal and the related web services will enable citizens and businesses better interact with government seamlessly.

Countries that have adopted this government service portal include USA —www.usa. gov; UK —www.gov.uk; Canada —servicecanada. gc.ca, India— www.deity.gov.in, Singapore—www.ecitizen. gov.sg; South Africa — www.services.gov.za, and Kenya—www.egovernment.go.ke among others.

retain the confidence of their subscribers.

However, the subscribers should also understand that the programme is just beginning and will not provide the ‘magic wand’ to address all the problems of the industry immediately”.

The porting rules

On the porting rules, Juwah explained that subscribers were expected to abide by certain rules to give the system a smooth take off. “The following are very important: As a subscriber, you can port to another operator. However, you will

You can port your number as many times as you like in a given year, but there is a 90day restriction before your next port

But Juwah made some clarifications: “Expectedly, the service will give the telecoms consumers the freedom of choice, redefine competition and allow subscribers the opportunity to use only one phone and operate on the platform of their choice.

The service will also impose cutting-edge responsibility on the operators who will now ensure their quality of service is good enough to

be restricted from porting your number to a third operator within 90 days of a previous port; you can port your number as many times as you like in a given year, but there is a 90-day restriction before your next port”, he said.

Expectations from subscribers

He cleared that air on the suspicion that some dubious subscribers may want to port other peo-

ple’s lines like it used to happen in SIM swap at the early days of GSM in the country, adding that where ever that happens the owner of the line should report immediately and have his or her line restored back instantly. He however noted that in any case, subscribers would be required to submit certain documents proof of identity passport or driving licence or an officiallyvalidated photographic identity document before their numbers are ported. He warned that any mobile number a subscriber wishes to port must be validly registered.

Subscribers were also informed that they can port their numbers at any customer care office, retail shop or outlet of their chosen new service provider and meet with the authorized sales person to request to port their number as porting was not available by telephone, online or other electronic means.

Meanwhile, subscribers wishing to change their operators to a preferred network are expected to terminate service with their existing service provider before initiating porting with the new service provider.

In Nigeria’s model of porting, Juwah said that both post-paid and prepaid customers will be Continues on page 27

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OBILE phone maker, TECNO Mobile has unveiled latest version of Android 4.0 Smartphones, the TECNO Q1 into the Nigerian market.

Tailored for young individuals striving to stay connected to their network of friends, the which is fifth in the series of its smart phones, comes as a dual SIM capability as is the case with all TECNO smart phones.

The device is through social media like Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo, Instagram and many more.

Fitted with essential applications in a sleek modern design, the TECNO Q1 is a highly efficient and communication tool for better performance for active users who simply want more out of life. This stylish phone also allows for instant communication with contacts across the globe on WhatsApp and Skype.

Boasting a 2.6” capacitive touchscreen, QWERTY keyboard, speedy 3.5G connections and a 5 mega-pixel camera with LED flash, the Q1

assures users of faster downloads of apps and games, better call quality, streaming video and audio services, and a swift "always on" connection The new product helps its target audience take charge and control their lives as it gives them “the power to be you” with its speedy 3.5G internet and WIFI capability.

The smart product gives users the opportunity to have have absolute control over who they connect with and how the connection is made, and also what information about themselves they are willing to share with the world “They are the king and Queens of their world”, Mr. Boukali Mounir, Public Relations Manager, TECNO Africa, said.

TECNO, a global company with its R&D centre in France and operations base in Dubai, produced the first dual SIM mobile phone brand on the market in Africa.

TECNO has always transformed advanced technology into localized products with the guideline of “think globally, act locally”.

MTN unveils 16 contestants for reality show

BY LAJA THOMAS

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HE 16 contest ants that will be on “MTN Business Next Titan Reality TV Show” were, weekend, unveiled before a large audience at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Seen by many as a holistic attempt to encourage entrepreneurship in the Nigerian youths and, in the same vein, reduce the scourge of unemployment in the country, the event attracted a convergence of the best minds in Nigeria, as established professionals, entrepreneurs and trail blazers in commerce and other sectors all thronged the venue to witness the unveiling.

Professor Pat Utomi, one of the highly-celebrated intellectuals at the event, in his speech to the contestants, said “You are all in this business to win, but what you stand to win is not just MTN’s 5 million Naira but the capacity to create value and create value you need values”.

He admonished, “ when you lose your character, all is lost; whether you

win the five million Naira or not, you are all winners because of what you will learn from the MTN Business Next Titan Reality TV Show”.

The sixteen lucky contestants that made it to the business reality TV show are, Nneji Tobeji, Nneka Deli, Ebeife Rose Hama, Juma Jubril, chukwuebuka Ayaduba, Tinuade Olanrewaju, Ogbo Zion Oshogbugwe, Chukwuemeka Ejike, Bukola Fasuba, Omogun Olufemi Andrew, Tochukwu Nwofor, Otonye Williams, Okpara Idizie Ebele, Akande Olanrewaju, OJ Lola, and Nwaya Chidimma.

MTN’s Chief Enterprise Solution Officer (CESO), Babatunde Osho, in his speech said “MTN has always believed in the entrepreneurial spirit of the Nigerians, the resilience to push forward in pursuit of worthy goals in-spite of challenges and MTN wants to keep alive this spirit. MTN believes this show, will not only benefit participants but the viewers who will also be exposed to business ideas because knowledge is power”.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,APRIL 24, 2013 — 27

Continues from Page 26

able to port their numbers but however, added that once the porting process is complete, postpaid customers are required to settle their outstanding bills to their previous service provider including any early termination fees.

He also warned that old service providers are permitted to use any legal measures to recover any outstanding charges from a subscriber.

Operators ready In compliance with earlier directive from NCC all mobile operators had expressed readiness for

Change network, retain number the commencement of the exercise.

Globacom The Second National Operator, says it was fully set to activate the MNP in its system. The operator, it was fully ready to begin the implementation of mobile number The operator said it was set in terms of system readiness, process readiness and operational readiness for the smooth takeoff of mobile number portability.

Group Operating Offic-

er of the company Mr Mohammed Jameel said that “in terms of system readiness, Glo has completed the procurement and implementation of the network signal routing system (STP) and the porting process or gateway management system (NPG) which is the first to be commissioned in the country and now completely ready for MNP service. The upgrade and customization of the network systems, the IT systems, the billing systems that will handle mediation and fraud

management and the value added systems (VAS) have also been completed”.

Jameel added that the company‘s technical and operational teams had worked assiduously to ensure that the network is in a perfect state of preparedness to enable a smooth transition for those who are interested in porting on the Glo network. “We put in place a functional number portability gateway (NPG) and the first to ensure an allcall query signal transport point (STP) system

which are major technical requirements for the successful take-off of mobile number portability on any network”, he said.

Jameel explained that in the area of process readiness, Glo’s internal processes have also been reviewed and aligned with the process and business rule guidelines released by the NCC. He added that Glo’s operational readiness currently stands at 100 per cent as awareness training for staff, operational/user

training and system administration training have already been completed.

Jameel also disclosed that a series of tests on the massive network upgrade done by the company has been conducted by Huawei and ALU and an enterprise wide dry run to fine-tune the smooth running of the entire system. This is even as he disclosed that a dedicated MNP team has been trained and assigned to the day-to-day running of the MNP operation right from the Nigerian streets to the engine rooms in all of the network’s data centres.

MTN

Also, MTN Nigeria at the weekend expressed its own readiness to flow with the NCC as the MNP takes off today.

MTN’s Corporate Services Executive, Akinwale Goodluck, said the company has put systems in place to make MNP a reality for mobile phone users in Nigeria who are eager to join the country ’s most expansive network.

“We have made all the necessary investment in infrastructure and manpower to make MNP a reality. We are confident that at the commencement date, we will be absolutely ready. ” Goodluck added

Airtel

Airtel Nigeria had also declared its readiness to absorb the influx of requests from consumers who wish to port to its network as the long anticipated Mobile Number Portability for GSM operators in Nigeria.

Speaking with journalists at the weekend in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of the Company, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya assured that with Airtel’s robust and expanded 3.75g network coverage, many Nigerian subscribers who had waited so long to join the “best friends network” could finally exploit the window offered by the MNP to realize their wishes.

Etisalat

Etisalat said it has been known as having long canvassed for the system arguing that it would benefit it more than ever before. The operator had long informed that whether scheduled or impromptu, it was ready to adapt and adopt the MNP system because it had already made investments ready for the implementation. It has repeatedly claimed not to have any fear for Mobile Number Portability.

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013 — 29

28 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Continued from friday Still on the NOC I don’t understand what is wrong with us. NOC is the body that is supposed to be running sports but unfortunately, the NSC that does not exist by law is the one that the federations owe their allegiance. It is the NOC that should be calling the shots. As we are talking now, the lot of the power is with the NSC that does not exist. It only exists in name. The NSC bill is in the National Assembly and is taking too long. The problem is that we don’t have an NSC Act, but the way things are being run now it is the NSC that should come up with an Act that will have as one of its provisions, a portion allowing the setting up of the Court of Arbitration for Sports, to give it the powers that it needs because if you look at the old NSC Act, the one that does not exist by law, you will find out that you have something similar to an arbitration body but then it is not in line with what IOC wants.. So there is just too much confusion became of selfish interest. That is the bottom-line. Selfish interest of those in charge of responsibilities. That is the key

T

his selfish interest cuts across all sports bodies...

Yes, it cuts across the sports bodies.

The sports bodies are run by the sports minister. Our sports ministers are always sounding helpless, giving the impression that there is little that they can do, but they can do anything. The Sports Minister can do anything. If they are ready to get the job done, they can do it. I have made the point that if the federal government makes the mistake of appointing me sports ministry if they did that mistake, the first thing I would do is to scrap the sport ministry because we don’t need it. We need a sports commission that will put our sports

By JOHN EGBOKHAN you will see that we are not managing our success well. Starting with the way this so-called NFF have gone about ruining Super Eagles.

A

nd have we arrived?

(Laugh) Look, those who are there don’t even have a clue. There is an express road before them but they are not seeing it. They have shut their eyes to it. The road is to their right but they are looking left.

We’ve not even seen the road not to talk of arriving there. As they say, “na today”.

A

nd how does this affect our chances to qualify for the 2014 World Cup?

He failed because our sports is still the way it is before Ekeji took charge as Director General of the NSC; instead of an improvement, we see a decline and confusion

,

on the right track. But as long as they have sports ministers, who are happy to be called ministers because of the attention they will get, we will allow our sports to be run by government, then we will continue to under-achieve.

As long as we have a sports ministry, with a sports minister, because of what he will be getting from office, and then our sports generally is run by government, through the sports ministry, we will continue to under-achieve. What we need is not a sport ministry but a sports commission, which is a special sports governing body. That is what we need is this country.

H

ave we managed our Afcon success well?

We’ve not. I wrote a paper on managing our proudest Afcon achievement, which was in fourseries and ran over a period of one month. If you go through that piece,

,

We may qualify for the World Cup because Keshi won the Nations Cup despite the NFF’s attempt to run the party for him. But the problem we are having here as I see it is that, let me make an analogy. If you have a child in the university and that child is a first-class material but the child continues to perform in such a way that at the end of the day he make a 2-2, second class lower, would you say that the child has succeeded?

No, because the child is a first class candidate but gets a 2-2, so he has under-achieved. That is the situation with Nigeria. We have the potential to be among the best and we keep on struggling, we keep on lagging behind. We are playing Kenya in June to beat them. In the late 1970s, we used to flog Republic of Benin 70. In fact, my first match with the Green Eagles saw us beating Benin 7-0., Burkina Faso 7-1 in Finidi’s time. So are you sure that we’ve been able to beat those teams with

more than a lone goal now? You know how difficult it is for us to even win a match now, no matter how small the team are, even Sudan, we are not sure we can beat them. That is the situation we have found ourselves in. We have underachieved. It is not just that others are coming up but we are going down. And that is because we have people who have been put in positions of responsibilities, who don’t have a clue on how to fix the problem, they are only there to satisfy their interests and members of the public are allowing them to do so with impunity, that is the problem.

Going back to my days in the Eagles, shortly after we won the Nations Cup in1980, the attention had dwindled. We did a tour of the Southern part of Africa, Kenya, Tanazia, Zimbabwe and I had an harmstring injury and it was a good opportunity for the NFF to get rid of this guy. Instead of attending to the injury, they just didn’t care anymore and of course, the next thing was that I got an invitation and I turned it down. That was why I stopped playing for Nigeria. And even before then, there were interviews that they granted to the press, where they said that we had made so much money, we were now millionaires, that they didn’t think that we wanted to play football again and they should now start looking for new blood to inject into the team. It is not now that this thing started with the Eagles, it’s been like that.

And it turned out that we could

not go beyond the first round of the next tournament in 1982...

Yes, you look at the record. After the Nations Cup in 1982, it took us 14 years to win the Nations Cup again and after that, it look us another 19 years. It’s so said that we are going down that same path. When teams win, those who are supposed to run the game, whose primary interest is the development of the game, turn away from their primary interest to satisfy themselves.

When they see coaches and players making money, they are not happy, so any opportunity that they see to get the coach out of the team, they quickly seize it but the federation got too much money from this competition.

S

ir, a final question on Patrick Ekeji, your teammate, he has retired from NSC, what are his legacies?

Oh! dear, it’s a very difficult situation.

Ekeji was my best friend in the national team. We were room-mates. In fact, our families are very close. His wife and my wife are best of friends. That’s how close we are. And I thank God that I always told him privately and publicly that he was doing wrong. I thank God that I told him that “Ekeji, you have a place to reform sports, that you are an ex-international,

you know what to do, go ahead and do it.”

But he always told me that the people he was working with were a problem and I told him that’s not the point, that you are in charge, you must make a mark. I told that he can’t afford to run the game the way the people who were there before him, ran it.

You played the game and should show that you are in class of your own. Unfortunately, Ekeji failed. It’s unfortunate because he had the opportunity to write his name in gold but he failed.

T

ell us the reasons why you say he failed...

As far as I am concerned, he failed because our sports is still the way it is before Ekeji took charge as Director General of the NSC. We should see a marked improvement in the sports industry.

Instead of an improvement, we see a decline and confusion. He failed, plain and simple. He failed to develop sports. Look at the various sports federations, see the way they are set up, see the way they are run, see the way they are funded, all the federations, including the NFA, see the way they are funded, set up and run. Look at the sports environment generally, can you talk about an improvement in sports administration generally? Leave

,

problem with Nigeria. It’s not that they do not know what to do but because members of the public allow them the freedom, selfish interests hold sway.

There is an express road before them but they are not seeing it, they have shut their eyes to it

professional sports, talk about sports for the masses, sports for the generality, amateur sports, can you talk about greater awareness in sports by the masses? Can you talk about greater participation in sports by the masses? You can’t. Look at the sports facilities around, look at the national stadium, Abuja, look at other sports facilities, look at their state of disrepair?

T

he government says it wants to concession some of our national stadia...

Iwoyi laro, as Yoruba people would say. Are you Yoruba?

No, I’m from Edo State sir, Iwoyi laro, oh they are just realizing that now? So are they just realizing that now? Let’s not fool

,

ourselves. On Ekeji, I extend congratulations to him for seeing through service and retiring but I am disappointed that he had an opportunity, a golden opportunity to make a mark for himself but he failed to do so because he was too conscious of the interest of those around him. He was not sufficiently concerned about the interest of sports in Nigeria. He was more concerned about the interests of those around him, which is a very unfortunate thing.

•Okagbare

•Adokiye

•Keshi

•Bolaji

•Ekeji

30 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

I

T is unacceptable therefore, that with well over USD$54billion software revenue generation India Software export revenue is more than 400% of what Nigeria generates from oil annually.

This is another reason why Software-Nigeria cannot wait for anyone.

This is the time to move on and move on very fast.

Indeed, the data for the fiscal year 2011 — including revenue from both domestic and export markets of the global Software market, vividly demonstrates that Software-Nigeria may be our last hope

Software Nigeria can't wait for anyone (2)

and indeed, the bridge to our sustainable development. India’s revenue from exports grew 29 percent to $40.4 billion during this period, while revenue from the domestic market grew by 26 percent to $11.6 billion.

Today, the development, application and use of software has boosted productivity, created new jobs, enabled more efficient businesses, produced higher quality of goods and services, and led to greater global innovation, standards

and best practices. The emergence of the software revolution has enhanced the quality of life from improving health care, agriculture, communication, education, art and culture, to promoting greater transparency, to making

it easier for government, business and humanity to interact with one another and above all, to promoting world peace.

Software has therefore become – and will remain for a long time one of the fastest growing industries with the power to enrich and sustain national economies. Global projection and current assessment reveals that IT spending exceeded four trillion US dollars in 2009. Issue is how much did Nigeria spend and how much did she earn? And ISPON continues to assert today, more than ever before, that software technology and the internet, with characteristically low physical entry barriers and high local value-added, offer newly industrialising countries a chance to quantum leapfrog.

Unfortunately, the industry has been unsuccessful in attracting the attention of policy makers/government and the financial services sector largely because of the ease with which the players in those sectors could return in some cases 400% value on investment through financial engineering and trading in government funds.

Fundamental issues of

major concern to Nigeria and the President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda should include but not limited to: a. Understanding the value that software adds to the nation’s economy; b.

Ensuring national competitiveness in the global software marketplace; c. Meeting public needs for trustworthiness in critical software systems; d. Ensuring the necessary degree of security and e. privacy in information systems; f. Educating and training the current and future software workforce; g. Ensuring qualifications and competency of software professionals; h. Protecting intellectual property and preventing software piracy; i. Defining executive and effective agenda for software research and investment; j. Addressing the National Software issues. It is in recognition of the above challenges that the United Nations University – International Institute for Software Technology (IIST) initiated its Software Advanced Development Project – particularly focused in assisting Developing Countries. Software Nigeria cannot and must not wait for anyone to define her 21st century development mission.

 CONCLUDED.

NCS seeks approval for planned Lagos IT park Continues from Page 23 interested corporate members of the society. NCS will provide basic infrastructure to support companies in the park. There will be managed services of power, water, roads and greenery.

“We believe NCS will facilitate the approval from the state government.

May be slow but we trust the LASG BR Fashola to support us.It will be the IT hub of the State” he explained.

While seeking the support of government and bank for the capacity building initiative, NCS President who is passionate about youths employment through ICT said that it is imperative to have venture capitals if the ICT sector must develop to meet up global markets.

Infrastructure: Concerning infrastructure, he explained that infrastructure providers could also get easy access because there would be a C M Y K

wide but similar demand for a particular infrastructure or a set of infrastructure. “Operators need a lot of bandwidth, power, water, hotel facility, and that is what we are trying to do. It is going to be a national one, but it is a private initiative by NCS. “ It is like we are starting from Lagos. The same can also be created in some other states. We are only taking the bull by the horn. There is no way you can manufacture everything in Lagos.”

He explained that the IT park, which infrastructural process should start this year, would boost local content in the IT industry and save the country foreign exchange, he noted.

“It will limit foreign control of our economy. We want to create jobs; how do we do that when we are missing out? We missed out in the telecoms revolution and we are gradually missing out in the cashless policy.

Vanguard Vanguard,,

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

—31

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

CANCER; Many of you may be tempted and give in to the urge to gamble either with love or other important issue to the detriment of your cause. Be practical.

LEO; This is not the right time to take happenings along your career line for granted. Prepare for important domestic challenge. Keep your family secrets.

VIRGO; You may over inflate your ego to the resentment of people that matter. Watch what you do with money before 12.31pm. Try to be more diplomatic.

LIBRA; If care is not taken you would mislead others before 12.31pm while you are close to minor but costly mistakes from 12.31pm. Be wise with money.

SCORPIO; After initial confusion before 1pm you find your bearing and assert yourself but you will need to prepare to take care of oppositions that may come up suddenly.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

...DO you actually want to live long on this planet earth? If your answer to the above question is yes, then why are you still entrenched in those things that could shorten your

Do you want long life? 2 life span? For example, on every package of cigarette is written among others. “The Federal Ministry of Health warns that smokers are liable to

die young”. Yet, the daily convert of young persons who smoke today is alarming. If the truth must be told, every smoker is committing suicide.

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

Do you want long life? Then honour your father and your mother, honour elders and be honest to yourself and to your neighbours.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

SAGITTARIUS; It is important you don’t allow friends mislead you before 12.31pm no matter how genuine their intention. Watch what you do with your health.

Tomorrow is your best day.

CAPRICORN; Take it easy along your career/business line during the morning period so that costly mistakes will not make things difficult for. Take your social life seriously.

AQUARIUS; What may look like a very good advice from younger members within your base of operation may eventually lead to avoidable trouble.

PISCES; Miscalculation is possible before 12.31pm that is why you will need to be as practical as possible and refuse to take people for granted throughout.

ARIES; Yes it is good to take partnership related issue seriously but priority attention must be given to money.

Watch what you tell others before 12.31pm.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

TAURUS; If you take your new ideas too seriously they would mislead you. But taken good advice from your influential friends can prove helpful. As the Moon fluctuates during AM period it is important you practical till after 12.31pm.

GEMINI; Provided you don’t allow mid-morning blues to get better off you will eventually live up to expectation at work. Take good care of your health, please.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What’s my sesitive part?

Dear Joshua, I ma interested in your daily analysis in Vanguard Newspapers. The truth is your daily horoscope column always work for me and now I just cant do without reading my Star in your papers.

My believe is since you can be as accurate as possible writing daily horoscope you are in a better position to analyse my health which is very important to me. I want to know which area(s) of my body should be taken more seriously.

Sani. Kano, Dear Sani, According to your natal horoscope you have gone above danger zones of your life health-wise.

But then what you will find here-under will be of benefit. Thanks for your commendation.

Opposition between the Sun (an indicator of basic self-hood) and difficult Saturn during your birth hour pointed to a very tough beginning in life but luckily for you both Spiritual Neptune in powerful Scorpio and steady Pluto in healthy Virgo were at positive angles to your natal Sun thus, your chances of surviving are more than the delicate ones. More so as your natal Sun and Moon are members of strongest Star signs-health wise.

Certainly Saturn must have brought you a few number of health related challenges raging from skin, bone, sometimes the stomach and importantly headache . Since you were able to survive infancy and middle age you have very good chances of living to a very old age. While the ailments stated here can easily be managed by yourself one important organ of your body that must be managed by medical expert is your HEART because of many placement in heart related Star sign. This is not to say you must have heart problem but here is an organ you in particular must take very seriously.

Yes fever is common in Africa and today fear of STDs is the beginning of good health. STDs are mentioned here because of your natal planets is sexual Scorpio. Mind you nothing fatalistic here, but mere warnings.

VIRGINIA

Commen3

dadadekola@yahoo.com

by Lawrence Akapa

32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

BY ROSEMARY ONUOHA

H

AVE you been in need of insurance cover but ended up confused on what type of insurance to take?

Have you had to make a claim from an insurance company but don’t know how to go about it?

Then you need an insurance broker.

Insurance brokers act as intermediaries between clients and insurance companies.

Clients may be either individuals or commercial businesses and organisations. They use their indepth knowledge of risks and the insurance market to find and arrange suitable insurance policies and arrange cover. They act in the interest of their clients and offer products from more than one insurer to ensure that their clients get the best deal The job of a broker Insurance brokers obtain raw data from layman customers and fill in the complex forms which insurers need in order to thoroughly assess the risk they are being asked to underwrite.

The broker also assists prospective insureds with developing risk management strategies appropriate to their risk profiles. They work with insureds to find out what kinds of risks they regularly encounter, and educate insureds about what policies are available for each type of risk.

Insurance brokers also may help insureds obtain multiple layers of excess/surplus lines policies from different insurers

Why you should deal with a registered insurance broker

From left: Chairman, Lagos Area Committee of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Mr Patrick Ikponmwosa; Management Consultant, Mrs Olayinka Ikiebe receiving a plaque from Past Chairman of Lagos Area Committee of NCRIB, Mrs Olufunke Adenusi after the March edition of the Lagos NCRIB business meeting. over a primary policy, and can work through scenarios for reducing premiums with deductibles or selfinsured retentions. For most individuals, multiple layers of insurance coverage are unnecessary,

but they are an essential component of risk management for large businesses and wealthy individuals.

Insurance brokers play a significant role in helping companies and individuals procure property and

Ho w lif e co ou and yyour our ffamily amily How life covver can help yyou

BY RITA OBODOECHINA

A

LIFE insurance cover is something that you must have in order to protect your family against any unforeseen and unexpected circumstances. It serves as an income replacement or protection just in case your income generating capacity is gone or lost either by accident that results to permanent disabilities or worse, death.

Anything that is precious must be insured and you are your family’s greatest asset and most precious possession, and a life insurance policy can provide for them if you die.

You can’t rely on the government to take care of your family; neither can you rely on your relatives. Hence, if you want to provide for your family financially if you die, life insurance is a must.

The main advantage of having life insurance is that your family is protected financially when you’re not around, for example, if you’re in debt or have a bond in your name, having life cover means that those debts will be covered should you pass away.

Why should you buy life cover?

The purpose of life insurance is to provide financial assistance to your beneficiaries. Some life insurance plans may have different features but the real purpose of life insurance is C M Y K

simply to provide your family financial assistance in case you lose your income generating capacity.

Many families experience stress both emotionally and financially once their bread winner dies or gets disabled, but a life insurance plan is a hedge or protection against such life events.

Life is very uncertain and you never know what will happen, however, you can prepare against its uncertainties by anticipating what could happen, accidents and death are certain, you just don’t know when.

Taking out a family life insurance can help solve these problems, before taking out insurance you would want to compare life insurance policies and when doing so consider comparing family cover. Not only will you be able to make a better deal and get better cover but also drastically save on the premiums, compared to what you would pay if you were to take individual policies. A family life insurance will cover all the family members.

Benefits of getting a life cover Benefits of having a life insurance policy is that if you end up in financial trouble for whatever reason, there are ways that you can secure a loan against your life insurance policy.

If you are paying off your house and something happened to you suddenly, a life insurance policy would ensure

that your family doesn’t get saddled with additional debts or losing everything you’ve worked so hard for.

They also won’t have to worry about paying for your funeral or any related expenses and can grieve without the added stress.

Buying a life cover policy is a simple way of ensuring that your family is well cared for when you are no longer around.

A life cover or life insurance policy will pay an amount of cash to your beneficiaries in the event of your death from natural or accidental causes.

Most families don’t have the capital to settle huge amounts of outstanding debt without warning; a life cover policy will ensure that your family won’t struggle financially when you are no longer around. If you do not have a house already, getting a life cover policy will enhance your chances of getting finance from your bank when you apply for a home loan because you already have collateral.

Apart from basic life cover, you may also want to consider critical illness cover, work disability insurance, accidental death cover and funeral cover, critical illnesses include cancer, heart attacks, strokes and a number of other diseases. Critical illness cover provides you and your family with cash resources to cover the cost of surviving these diseases.

casualty (liability) insurance, life insurance and annuities, accident and health insurance.

For example, brokers play a significant role in helping small employers find health insurance, particularly in more competitive markets. Brokers provide services beyond procuring insurance, such as providing risk assessments, insurance consulting services, insurance-related regulatory and legislative updates, claims assistance services, and helping to resolve benefit issues.

Retail and commercial insurance brokers Retail insurance brokers usually arrange insurance policies for individuals or companies and deal directly with them. Policies range from motor, house, travel or health cover for individuals or property to employer’s liability and public and product liability insurance.

Commercial insurance brokers deal with high value and more complex insurance cover in areas such as marine, aviation, oil and gas and financial risks.

Having a good broker In Nigeria, insurance brokers are registered by the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, NCRIB, which is then regulated by the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM. A broker must be registered by the NCRIB before he can be licensed by NAICOM. Accordingly, there is need for you to deal with a registered insurance broker who has been certified to operate by the NCRIB. Negligence on the part of insurance brokers can have severe effects upon clients when they discover their insurance coverage is worthless, which in turn illustrates why retaining a competent insurance broker is so important.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013 — 33

A

S a business owner, you can’t personally control or eliminate every potential risk that threatens your livelihood.

Business insurance can provide the protection against the risks of your business.

Unfortunately, insuring your business is not as simple as insuring your car. Because your business is unique, you’ll need to design a package of insurance that meets your business needs and provides the level of protection you are comfortable with. Your first decision is to decide which types of insurance your business needs.

What is business insurance?

Business Insurance, according to experts, is an extensive name for different coverage available to the business owner to protect against losses and to insure the longlasting operation of the business.

Business insurance, they say, spreads and manages the risk among many business owners.

Insurance companies take in premium payments from several covered businesses, invest those payments, and create a pool of money to pay out to a covered business if that business has a covered loss.

When you talk about business Insurance, many individual,organizations and business owner are reluctant about it. Majority of these business owners view insurance as unnecessary expenses. Business insurance is very important to a business owner. Therefore to protect a business from risks one needs an insurance cover.

According to the experts, the two reasons why every business needs insurance cover are: 1. Company Liability and Disaster: As many organization and business owners regard business insurance as additional expense yet, is very important. When planing for the company’s monthly and annual budget, you have to budget for business insurance, as you don’t know the kind of problem

Is your business protected by insurance? or catastrophe that might strike your it may be that a customer slips and fall business or the natural disaster that inside your store/office, which might will strike your business location which bring trouble to the business especially may lead to the collapse of your when the case moves to court, so it will business. But with the help business be cool if you get business liability insurance, you are assured that no insurance to cover such accident. matter what sort of calamity that be falls 2.Litigation and Thieves: your business, you are covered with With no doubt companies and insurance. Some of this natural disaster business are mainly target of thieves are: earthquake, hurricane. Sometime as some of the business equipment can the business may close up due to the Because your business is expensive loss, so unique, you’ll need to design a no matter the size of your business package of insurance that make sure you get meets your business needs and b u s i n e s s interruption provides the level of insurance. In some protection you are comfortable situation the with, Your first decision is to company is held liable for any decide which types of accident that insurance your business needs happen in your place of business,

,

BY CYNTHIA MGBEOKWERE

,

From left: Adegboyega Adepegba, Director General, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN); Wale Yekini, resource person; Wole Adetimehin, President, CIIN and Omotunde Omoshola, resource person and vice Chairman, Oyo Chapter, CIIN during a media retreat organised for Insurance journalists, in Ibadan.

Royal Exchange to commission Enugu regional office

R

OYAL Exchange General Insurance Company, (REGIC) has announced plans to commission its state-of-the-art regional office in Enugu, which will serve the needs of the South-East geopolitical zone.

Its Managing Director Richard Borokini, in a statement said Enugu is a functional watershed location from which the company’s customers in the South-East can access premium insurance products and experience excellent customer service.

He said, “We have noted the centrality of Enugu and its importance in the historical and socio-economic development of the region, and it is our firm belief that Royal Exchange can leverage on this to take insurance deeper to more of the critical mass of the people.

“Our desire is to deliver value-added C M Y K

be stolen and resold, so getting replacement insurance for your business it the best idea. In some business that are undergoing their equipment upgrades and may be building renovation are always a target of criminals and ill minded individuals but with the help of insurance, (replacement insurance) you will be remunerated for any loss as a result of theft. And in some situation were your business is undergoing litigation problem which will give the owner the courage and peace of mind that his business is protected by business liability insurance, professional liability insurance and malpractice insurance.

As a business owner you should be prepared as you will not know when someone will sue you. and in situation where you lose you may be ask to pay more than your business capacity. So the best tips to getting ready is to be insured with good and quality insurance company and always work with a good insurance broker

service to the discerning customers in the region. Besides, our company’s new focus on retail insurance means that more job opportunities will open up through our agency programme, thereby complementing the government’s efforts to meaningfully engage the youths of this country.

“Royal Exchange has taken note of the low insurance penetration in Nigeria and is embarking on a deliberate policy of developing and deploying an extensive branch network, replete with the requisite skilled manpower, throughout Nigeria, to be able to reach out to the masses and elicit their interest in insurance”.

He said the firm has hitherto maintained a low key presence in Enugu and Aba, but going forward, it intends to reinforce its unique attributes of enviable claims profile,

robust technological backbone and pleasant customer experiences through an audacious branch expansion programme covering the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory.

On entrepreneurship, Borokini, said the company was out to support both established and fledgling businesses by providing them with adequate risk covers necessary for growth and profitability.

He expressed confident that underwriting firm will, in the shortest possible time, achieve strong traction with the market and a seamless connection with the people of the South East.

Borokini noted that the opening of the new South-East Regional Office in Enugu is in keeping with the policy of the Board of Royal Exchange Plc to provide a conducive environment for the conduct of the company’s business and also in line with the company’s transformation strategy to once again be one of the dominant players in the insurance industry in the coming years, since Group places a high premium on the condition of the operating environment of its staff and customers, as signified by the modern office complex in the region.

Royal Exchange General Insurance Company (REGIC) currently has 26 branches across the Federation and eight regional offices in Lagos three, Ibadan, Enugu, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kaduna.

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS TO insuranceandyou@yahoo.com

34 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,

Wife accuses husband of taking 2-yr-old son to hotels daily

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

A

YOUNG graduate, Mrs Bilkis Orebe, has told an Oshodi Customary Court in Lagos that her husband, Mr Olakunle Orebe, has been carrying her two-year-old son to different hotels at night. Pleading with the court to dissolve her union with her husband, Bilkis also said that he (respondent) always lock her and her baby out of the house.

She said: “Every time, my husband comes to carry my son to different hotels at night. But ever since I brought the matter to court, he has stopped coming to beat me in my shop.”

The petitioner who claims to own a shop where she sells provisions on Araromi Street, Oshodi, said also that her estranged husband comes to her shop to harass her stating that she moved out of the house for Olakunle with the two-year-old baby that their union produced.

The petitioner, however, informed the court that ever since she brought the matter to court, her husband has stopped coming to beat her in her shop.

“He was not like this when I first met him because we were in courtship for eight years before we got married in Oshodi here. He just changed suddenly,” she added.

Official duty Crime Alert gathered that Olakunle (respondent) was first billed to appear in court on February 20, 2013 but he failed to show up and the case was adjourned till March 20, 2013. The court president, Alhaja A. Olorunibe, asked the bailiff if the respondent didn’t get the letter from court but he said that he called to inform him that he was on official duty outside the country and wouldn’t be able to be in court.

Responding, the petitioner told the court that her husband brought their son back to her shop around 8 pm yesterday and as at 9 pm, she still saw him somewhere on Araromi Street.

The court president ordered the registrar to write a letter to the respondent and ask him to meet the court in chambers, in order to explain his own side of the story. While the case was adjourned till June 6, 2013, the respondent is to meet the court in chambers on April 24, 2013.

MARCH 24, 2013

By DAYO JOHNSON, Akure

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22-year-old leader of a notorious sev en-member kidnap gang, Joseph Akogun that stormed the Aiyedun quarters, residence of the wife of the former Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Taye David-West, on March 23 this year, has opened up on how the gang planned and executed the operation which fetched a whooping N3m for them.

Speaking with Crime Alert during the parade of 64 suspected criminals terrorizing the people of Ondo state by the state police command, Akogun revealed that a family member facilitated the payment of the ransom and collected the lion share.

According to him, “The man gave us details of how we would carry out the operation. He was also the link between us and the family of our victim while we kept her incommunicado inside the Owo forest reserve. It was after our arrest by the Police that we were told that the woman is a wife of the Minister of Petroleum.

Kidnap business Continuing, the gang leader said, “When the kidnap business came to me, I jumped at it because I saw it as a fast way of making cool money. But when the man that brought the business proposal told me the sharing formula, I was discouraged.

He later increased the percentage that will be given to me as the leader of the gang.

That was when I became interested because half bread is better than nothing.

When he started giving me details of how we would carry out the operation, that was when I knew that he is one of the family members of the woman to be kidnapped.

He told me to ask for a ransom of N5million and that I should not agree to anything less than N3million because of our own share.

After collecting the money, he gave me N150,000 out of the N3million and others were equally given small-small money.

The suspect further jokingly told Crime Alert that if they knew before that the husband is a former Petroleum Minister, he would not have agreed to the sharing formula. He, however, was quick to add that

“things are so hard in Naija.

What he gave us was better than just roaming the streets doing nothing.”

The victim was kept in Owo forest reserve for 12 days until a ransom of N3million was paid by her family through the member that masterminded the kidnap.

Crime Alert gathered that after the deal had been sealed and the woman released, members of the gang went about spending •The suspects their loot. Their jamboree was however shortlived when detectives who had been on their trail for over a week picked up four of them including Akogun at different places in Akure and Owo towns.

The state police Commissioner, Patrick Dukumor gave the identity of those arrested in connection with the kidnap of the former minister’s wife as; Dare Olofinji, Dada Bamidele, Fanibe Olayemi and Joseph Akogunthe gang leader.

The police boss said the suspects have all confessed their involvement in the kidnap saga and will soon be charged to court.

The initiator of the crime is said to be on the run just as the police said they are still on the trail of other members of the gang.

Kidnap kingpin up on their ope

‘It was an insider’s job’ In a similar development, the state police command has also rounded up another suspected kidnappers of a female journalist in the state recently. The kidnappers however, collected a ransom of N1m before releasing the female journalist who was nursing a six-month old girl when she was abducted at about 9pm after returning from work that night.

The kidnappers reportedly asked the house help of the female journalist to carry

Police hunt for fake developer that swindled clie ••arrest agent

By UJU MBANUSI

T

HE police in OjoduBerger, Lagos, last week, arrested an estate agent identified as Laitan Oladeji, 40, for allegedly swindling about 200 prospective tenants of about N60 million. The suspect reportedly collected the sum from the prospective tenants as rent for two buildings located at Bashiru and Jide Taiwo Streets in Ojodu Berger area of the state.

Trouble, however, started for the prospective tenants following delay from Oladeji and the developer (still at large) with an unknown identity, to give them keys to their respective apartments.

It was learnt that some of the apprehensive victims cleverly moved their belongings into any of the vacant flats when it became apparent that the estate agent was not forth coming with a favorable response. This, caused an

uproar as others who claimed they were also given keys to the flats ordered the ‘intruders’ to vacate their apartments.

A resident in the area told Crime Alert that , “Trouble started about two months ago, when some people who had paid money to the agent came around to check if the apartments they paid for were ready for them to move in, only to realize that other occupants were already occupying them.

Further investigation by these prospective tenants revealed the occupants were legitimate tenants as well, as they equally paid and have their receipts as evidence.

The very next day, this street was filled with over 200 people, mostly women, who came with receipts claiming they paid money for the apartments. Some of them came with lawyers, some even came with police men. At this point we

discovered the developer was no where to be found and his phone number was not going through.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2013

mother who is also a staff of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA,Akure, Mrs. Olubunmi Oke, on March 21, this year have equally been arrested and would be charged to court.

According to him “detectives traced one of the criminals, Mr. Michael Onaibre, to Benin and arrested him through the blackberry phone he stole from the journalist.

Onaibre then led the security operatives to the house of one Shedrach Etuwe, believed to be the younger brother of the gang leader.

Also paraded included a three-man gang of fraudsters led by a 38year-old HND graduate who sent a fake bank alert to a car dealer in Akure after collecting a N1.6 million car from him. Akinjide who was later arrested in Lagos said he hacked into the bank’s website using his Laptop. The car was recovered in Ajegunle, Lagos. Another armed robbery suspect paraded was a 22year-old Oladejo Olalere, a 300 level Accounting students of the University of Ado Ekiti.

The police commissioner said that many of the suspects arrested for car snatching were arthe baby who was sleeping inside • O n d o rested in Army barracks her Toyota Corolla car and dis- CP-Dukumor following a tip off that they drive the snatched embark from the car after which they took cars there and after a week of changing many the nursing mother away only to abandon things on the car, will drive them out to car dealher car in Igbara Oke area of the state. She ers in other states to re-sell them to unsuspecting spent barely a week before she was released buyers. He added that one Honda Accord car because they later discovered that she is a marked SQ 147 AAA was stolen from one Adenursing mother and do not want to continue bayo Oluwajemiluyi but was later recovered after to deprive the baby of breast milk. it had been re-sprayed and re-registered with a The Police Chief said that two of the fivenew registration number KS F154 BC. member gang who kidnapped the nursing

opens ration

ents of N60 million When Crime Alert visited one of the buildings located on 13 Bashiru Street Ojodu Berger, it was discovered that all apartments in the two storey building, ranging from ‘ t w o bedroom, mini and self •The two contained buildings in flats were all contention occupied.

The second building, a s t o r e y building located on Jide Taiwo Street, which e q u a l l y comprises flats of v a r i o u s categories were also

reportedly occupied by the prospective tenants who allegedly forced the lock on the door open , to occupy them.

But for those who were not lucky to lay their hands on either of the paid flats, it was a tale of woe as some lamented that they borrowed the money.

Some o f them claimed to have paid sums ranging from N750,000 to N1Million as two years rent including agency fee, for two and three bedroom flats respectively.

The residents said those who could not get any of the apartments, threatened to burn it down. But that was never to be as policemen from Ojodu - Berger Division reportedly arrived the area when contacted and invited all aggrieved persons to the station, at the end of which the agent, Oladeji was arrested.

The number of people that showed up at the station totaled 253. Sources at the station told Crime Alert that the suspect would be charged to court, adding that effort was still on to arrest the fleeing developer.

— 35

Drama as suspect weeps in court •pleads for leniency because of family Stories by ONOZURE DANIA

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30-year -old security guard, Ebi Robert Abariko, wept bitterly at an Ijeshatedo Magistrate’s Court, pleading with the Magistrate to spare him the agony of going back to prison because he was recently released from custody on bail.

He told the court that his wife had just delivered a baby girl and if he was confined in prison custody, his wife and the new baby would suffer since his wife does not have any means of livelihood to support the family.

Abariko, was said to have been caught in a roof of a shop where he went to steal pampers, provision, cosmetics and perfumes valued N220, 000, belonging to Mrs Santes Bob, who owns the shop.

However, his pleas to the presiding Magistrate, Mrs A.O Gbajumo, fell on deaf ears. Abariko, who is from Delta state, was said to have just been released from Kirikiri prison last Month and he went back to commit similar offense that has now landed him in prison again.

The father of two was caught inside a shop roof at 224, Ijesha road, Ijeshatedo, Lagos where he went to steal. He was unlucky again and was caught and he escaped been lynched by an angry mob.

He was said to have succeeded in burgling another shop at number 142 of the same street within the vicinity belonging to Mrs Mariam Salami, while he was still facing trial at the same court.

When he was arraigned in court, he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Kunle Shonobare told the court that Abariko had similar matter in the court which he was granted bail and he went again to committee the same offense.

However, Magistrate Gbajumo, granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the matter to April 24, 2013, when he would be facing another matter in the court. While he was being taken to the prison, he told Crime Alert that he was a security guard and his monthly salary is N15, 000, which he said was not enough to take care of his family.

...Housewife docked for false information in Lagos

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45-year- old woman, Mrs Eucharia Onuorah has been arraigned before an Isolo Magistrate’s court for allegedly claiming that a young man, Daniel Chile raped her in their Mushin home.

Onuorah, who is facing a one-count charge, was docked before Magistrate Mrs Osho Adebiyi for false accusation after her alleged attempt to lure Chile into having sex with her failed.

The incident was said to have occurred at 8, Dosunmu street Mushin, Lagos where both resides.

Crime Alert gathered that the relationship between Eucharia and Chile were cordial before it went sour because of undisclosed reasons.

On the day the allegation was made, it was learnt that Chile returned home at 2.00pm and the woman who was around suddenly shouted and raised alarm which attracted neighbors who came out to know what has happened Onuorah was said to have

alleged that she was raped by Chile in her apartment and showed neighbors her torn underwear, bra and cloth.

Chile who was shocked about the allegation was said to be speechless and could not defend himself.

He only managed to say that he didn’t do it and alleged that the woman has been pestering him severally to have sex with her which he has refused.

However, the matter was reported to the police at the zone D division, Mushin where the parties were invited and interrogated.

It was learnt that during the interrogation, the woman opened up and confessed that she was not actually raped by Chile. When the charge preferred against her by the police was read, the mother of five pleaded not guilty to the charge.. Magistrate, Adebiyi granted her bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The matter was adjourned to April 24, 2013, for trial.

36 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Delta lawmaker rallies support for PDP candidates

Deposed Edo monarch loses libel suit over contempt of court

BY INNOCENT ANABA

A

N Edo State High Court sitting in Benin has dismissed the libel suit by deposed Aidonogie of SouthIbie clan, Alhaji Aliyu Danesi, against some prominent sons of South-Ibie, Estako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Trial judge, Justice E. Ikponmwen, in his judgment, held that Danesi was in contempt of the Court of Appeal judgment deposing him as the Aidonogie of South-Ibie, as he (Danesi) in the suit claimed that he was the Aidonogie, in clear disregard to the appellate court’s decision.

Defendants in the suit were Prof I. Bello-Iman, Chief Shaibu Imogore, Chief Dirisu Ekhalefo, Chief Zubiri Momodu and Alhaji Jafaru Saliu.

Danesi had in the suit claimed that the defendants libeled him by petitioning the state Police Commissioner, accusing him (Danesi) of hiring assassins to go after certain persons.

The court, in its judgment, said: “In the case at hand, the order of the Court of Appeal is that the claimant is not the Aidonogie of South-Ibie and by his claim before this Court, he is defying the court by stating the contrary.

BY SIMON ADEWALE

P

EOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, member, representing Ndokwa East constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Friday Ossai, is canvassing support for the party candidates contesting the chairmanship and councillorship elections in his constituency.

He advised chairmen of the wards and PDP members to harmonise everybody to be under the umbrella of the party.

He added that he was going to roll out his usual dividends of democracy at the PDP general meeting in the council, slated for tomorrow.

MEND urged to heed Uduaghan's advice

M

OVEMENT for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, has been called upon to heed the well-intended and timely advice of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State to rescind its reprisal threat against Boko Haram Islamist insurgency.

Special Project Director, Mr. Francis MakuEyituoyor in Sapele, Delta State, said: “I agree with the state governor that any reprisal attack by MEND against Boko Haram has a high tendency to throw the entire nation into a religious war."

“Does he deserve an audience? In my humble view he does not.

“That he got this far with his case is alarming. The claimant’s conduct is worth contempt is facie curie and this Court has inherent power to punish or commit a person for contempt of the Court in facie curie summarily and brevi manu.

“This is to preserve and maintain the dignity of the court. The court is entitled to deal with the contempt in the face of the Court as I have a plethora of evidence before me of what has transpired in this case with claimants even in his evi-

dence, bragging with a title that a Court of Appeal has said does not belong to him.

“In as much as the court has inadvertently given the claimant audience when the Supreme Court says he should not be granted audience, by extension this judgment would not be delivered where the claimant has deliberately flouted the order of the Court of Appeal by describing himself as the Aidonogie of South-Ibie.

“The claimant started his case on that introductory note and it is offensive, contemptuous and cannot be proceeded with. The offence of contempt of court is sui

Stakeholders caution against bloodbath over Edo election results

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—COALITION of Registered Political Parties, CRPP, in Edo State and a political group in the state, Edo is in Safe Hands, have urged protesting members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who are aggrieved over the conduct of last Saturday local government elections in the state to go to court rather than take actions that may

lead to bloodshed in the state.

Meanwhile, Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Folunso Adebanjo, yesterday, said he averted what would have led to a bloody clash between supporters of PDP and Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, at Ring Road Benin City.

While PDP supporters were protesting the swearing-in ceremony of the elected council chairmen, ACN supporters staged a rally, commending

FAAN staff want BASL hotels as hqtrs

W

ORKERS of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, have urged the authority’s management to convert the hotel being built by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, to the agency's headquarters.

In a message to the man-

agement, they said the best way to effectively use the structure was for it to be use as FAAN's headquarters.

They said it was better than building another office complex since it had terminated the lease agreement that led to the building of the uncom-

pleted hotel.

It will be recalled that last month, FAAN announced that it had taken over the hotel being built on lease concession opposite the domestic terminal, MMA2, owned and managed by BASL.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Edo State Independent National Electoral Commission, EDSIEC, for conducting a free and fair council poll.

However, the Commissioner sent a team of mobile policemen to disperse the youths, when it was obvious that they were to engage each other in a physical combat.

Meantime, Chairman of CRPP, Dr. Samson Isibor, told newsmen that the late arrival of materials, which marred the elections, was a human error and wondered the condemnation of the entire election by PDP. He said: “We commend the governor and EDSIEC because this election was the freest and fairest we have ever witnessed in the state. When PDP was in government, we never held any council elections and that was why we are surprised that they are protesting."

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

generis.

“Consequently, no matter how meritorious the claimant’s case may be, he must cease to have an audience before me albeit at this judgment stage.

“His case is incompetent and must be dismissed. Consequently it is ordered that any subsequent processes filed unto court in respect of this order for dismissal must not bear that acronym, HRH. “The claimant must not describe himself as the Aidonogie of South-Ibie. In my view this is sufficient punishment for claimant’s obvious contempt facie curie. Case is accordingly ordered dismissed.”

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

What's your take on rotational presidency?

T

HE issue of rotational presidency, as practiced by Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, for instance, was done to satisfy certain interest within the party. Rotational presidency is not in our constitution. So it should not arise.— Mr. Ovie Okotie, Lawyer.

I

believe that in a democratic setting, producing presidents from zones will not reflect true democracy.

Any candidate that is eligible should come out and let the people cast their votes for whoever they want.— Mr. Manuel Ogunnoiki, Lawyer.

T

HE idea of rotational presidency will not work in Nigeria. Let us leave the choice to voters, whether or not there is rigging of elections. What led to the Biafra war is not unconnected to the issue of rotational presidency.— Mr. Usman Izuagie, Lawyer.

W

HAT I think is that rather than placing presidency on a rotational platform, it is better that Nigerians choose their president by vote. The choice should be the electorate's. It is better that we do not have a mediocre as president.— Mr. Ekene Maduagwuna, Lawyer.

R

O TA T I O N A L presidency is ac tually an admission that federalism has failed in Nigeria. Why would we need rotational presidency that will not necessarily mean that the best person will emerge to rule the country?— Mr. Ademola Olowoyeye, Lawyer.

I

feel that rotational presidency is devoid of democratic principles, because democracy itself is the ability of a people to elect who they want to govern them. So a rotational system will definitely hamper democracy, so it should not be allowed.— Mr. Noah Oyewale, Lawyer.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013—37

PDP faults Lagos govt policies

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

C

HAIRMAN, Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, SouthSouth Forum, Mr. Sunday Ekanem, has said that most of the policies of Lagos State Government were callous and antipeople Ekanem noted that despite the state having the highest internally generated revenue, IGR, in the country, highest collector of Value Added Tax, VAT, coupled with revenue from the Federal Government allocation, the state is strangely the most indebted in the country.

In a chat with Vanguard, he noted that the banning of commercial motor bikes, commonly called okada, was wrong and wicked because majority of the populace were not considered.

“We can all see that the programmes of the Lagos State Government are anti-poor. There is no provision for the poor. The Makoko people are still homeless and the government is still demolishing houses everyday.

“We are not saying that government does not have any right to ban Okada or demolish houses obstructing drainage, but they should have made alternative provision to relocate the people affected."

Oil firm empowers 155 Deltans

BY EMMA ARUBI

W

ARRI—AS part of its corporate social responsibility to its host communities, Matrix Energy Limited, has empowered 155 persons in five Itsekiri communities of Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State.

The number is made up of 94 women and 61 undergraduates in Universities across the country.

The benefiting communities, are Aja-Etan, Ifiekporo, Ijala, Ubeji and Egbokodo.

Presenting the cheques to the recipients, Managing Director/Chief Executive of Matrix Energy, Alhaji Abdulkabir Aliu, said the empowerment scheme was initiated two years ago.

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Rivers Assembly rejects new PDP exco

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State House of Assembly has rejected the new executive of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the state.

Twenty-five of the 32-members PDP Assembly, in a briefing, yesterday, pledged support for the displaced Chief Ake-led executive of the party.

In a statement by the Speaker, Mr. Otelemaba Dan Amachree, the lawmakers said the Ake-led executive, which had been in place since the state congress of March 17, 2012, was duly elected.

He said: “It beats our imagination that several months after, persons who did not show interest or contest the election, went to court to seek redress.”

An Abuja Court, had recently upheld the Felix Obuah faction of the PDP as the duly elected state executive of the party.

The lawmakers considered

the development as part of “the conspiracy of betrayal

by Abuja based Rivers politicians bent on distorting history, events and development of Rivers State, to massage their inordinate ambitions.”

The lawmakers also dissociated themselves “from the leprous contraption known

as Rivers State Legislative Forum purportedly led by Kingsley Chinda,” while pledging absolute support and confidence in Governor Rotimi Amaechi, whose administration, they said, the Abuja detractors were trying to collapse.

Before the briefing, the lawmakers had at brief sitting,

PROTEST: Political party supporters, at King's Square, Benin City, Edo State, protesting results of last weekend's local government elections in Edo State. Photo: Barnabas Uzosike.

Edo deputy gov denies reports on LG polls

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN CITY—DEPUTY governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Odubu, has denied media reports linking his convoy to the distribution of election materials during last Saturday’s local government elections in the state.

In a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr. Kelly Odaro, he said: “The attention of Edo State deputy governor, Odubu, has been drawn to an erroneous report used by a sec-

tion of the media after last Saturday’s council elections in the state.

“The deputy governor was reported to have said that his vehicle conveying electoral materials was waylaid and vandalised by hoodlums suspected to be opposition party members in the ward headquarters.

“To set the records straight, Odubu merely mentioned in the course of the interview, that the bus assigned to escort the vehicle conveying electoral materials to Urhonigbe North, in Orhionwon

Local Government Area to avert diversion, was attacked and vandalised by miscreants, whose intent was to cart away the materials for rigging purpose. And indeed, electoral materials meant for two booths were destroyed by hoodlums despite the security measures taken.

“It is pertinent to stress that the deputy governor is not the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission, EDSIEC, Chairman, whose duty it was to provide the necessary logistics for movement of electoral materials.”

Justice Shoremi, an accomplished jurist, says Court of Appeal President

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—ACTING Pres ident of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, has described Justice George Shoremi as an accomplished jurist, who has made outstanding contributions to national development, the growth and deepening of legal practice and jurisprudence in the country.

Justice Bulkachuwa, spoke, in Benin, Edo State, during the valedictory session held by the Benin Division of the Court of Appeal in honour of Justice Shoremi, who voluntarily retired from the service of the court

cleared seven nominees to constitute the caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, whose elected cabinet, the Assembly suspended a day earlier pending investigations of reckless spending and breach of security leveled against them.

in December 2012. He noted that since joining the appellate court in 2005, Shoremi had left no one in doubt as to his resolve to give his best to his most cherished profession.

He said: “He is a great legal mind of all times, for ‘it takes the deep to drink in the deep.’ He is a highly detribalised and God-fearing Nigerian, a team-player, who gets along well with his colleagues and brother justices. The presence of all justices, who served with him in this division is a testimony of this. He provided moral support for the staff; he is approachable and is gifted with listening ears and a

heart of gold. He is kind, caring and compassionate, a loving father and a husband, a mentor and a role model.

“Justice Shoremi, I cannot but say in all these, that you have made your mark, you have left imprints in the sands of time, for you came, you saw and you conquered.

You imparted and added values to lives and you are leaving this division better than you met it, for you served your fatherland faithfully, zealously, conscientiously, judiciously, judicially and meritoriously these past years without fear or favour and without blemish, at such a critical time in our nation’s history."

Senator rejects Akpabio’s appointment

BY TONY NYONG

U

YO—CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Establishment and Productivity, Senator Alloysius Etok, has fired back at Akwa Ibom State governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, for saying that he (Etok) will be his campaign manager for the 2015 senatorial election in the state.

Etok, representing Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, in a chat with Vanguard, said there would be no vacancy in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District seat come 2015, and that the governor’s recent comment was an insult to him.

The two-term Senator, said: "The governor has not consulted me. I am a serving senator and I am very busy with my task in the Senate. I am busy trying to give effective representation to my people, and my people are satisfied with me, so I don’t know what the governor is talking about.

“Akpabio must, as a matter of fact, respect my office. If he does not respect me, as I respect his office as the governor, then that will not be fair. Nobody can rubbish my office or intimidate me. As for the governor seeking to go to the senate, I have told him there is no vacancy in the senate for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. He can look elsewhere."

38—Vanguard , WEDNRSDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Ebonyi VVF Centre treats 1,600 clients since inception

Man charged for stealing N3.4m petroleum product

BY ONOZURE DANIA

BY PETER OKUTU

ABAKALIKI—THE National Obstetric Fistula Centre in Abakaliki, had since its inception in 2008 treated and discharged more than 1600 indigent clients across 20 states of the federation.

Wife of Ebonyi State governor, Mrs Josephine Elechi, made this known during the visit of the Country representative of United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, Mrs. Victoria Akyeampong, and her team to the Centre in Abakaliki.

Mrs. Elechi, who witnessed the discharge of 25 more clients from the centre after they were successfully treated and certified clinically fit to rejoin members of their families explained that the centre specialised in the provision of free treatment, training of medical and paramedical p e r s o n n e l , rehabilitation, research and prevention of Vesico Vaginal Fistula, VVF among women.

LSBTS canvasses voluntary blood donation

BY CHARLYNE IKPE

L

AGOS — Lagos State Blood Transfusion Services, LSBTS, has called on Lagosians to develop the culture of voluntary blood donation with a view to closing the gap in blood supply.

Speaking at a voluntary blood donation programme organised by the agency in collaboration with Four Square Gospel Church, spokesperson of the agency, Mr. Solomon Eka, noted that there was need for Lagosians to increase the pace of voluntary blood donation for those in need of it for survival.

According to him, “blood is a scarce resource which makes it necessary for blood banks to continuously source for safe and adequate blood to meet the growing needs of the patients."

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L

From left: Sarwiyat Rahaman, Senior Manager, Business Excellence; Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, CEO/MD, Airtel Nigeria and Osondu Nwokoro, Director of Regulatory Affairs, during the company's press conference, in Lagos, on their readiness for the Mobile Number Portability programme, which kicked off April 22, 2013

AGOS — A man, Kunle Oyediran, was, yesterday, arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’ Court, sitting in Ikeja, for allegedly receiving stolen petroleum motor spirit, PMS, worth N3.4million, belonging to one Okonkwo Amenike.

Oyediran, 35, is facing a count charge of stealing preferred on him by the police.

The prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Barth Nwaokoye, told the court that the crime took place at Agege area of Lagos on

Presidency seeks cooperation with Senators, Reps

.Organises first conference on Executive - Legislature's relations

BY HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA — IN its effort to strengthen the relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government, the Presidency is organising the first ever national conference on Executive-Legislature relationship.

The two day conference drawing international speakers is being organised under the aegis of the office of the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly.

A statement by Senator Joy Emodi, Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly, explained that it was the first of its kind in Nigeria as she noted that it would add to the knowledge Senators and members of the House of Representatives have, even as she stressed that the conference will go a long way in reducing friction between the two arms.

The event which will be declared open by President Goodluck Jonathan, with Senate President David Mark as Special Guest and all Senators and House of Representatives

members in attendance, will hold in Abuja from April 24 - 25, at the International Conference Centre.

The conference which has as its theme, 'Strengthening Executive-Legislature Collaboration in Governance', is aimed at boosting the capacity of the Legislature and Executive in the area of intergovernmental relations. ‘’It is designed to add to the knowledge of the participants on topical issues such as executive-legislature relationship, the powers of the executive and the legislature for effective national budgeting and

implementation, the opposition in parliament, and the relationship between parliamentary majority, the party and the executive, ‘’ Emodi said.

Among the Speakers are the former Speaker of the South African National Assembly and former Deputy President of South Africa and current Chairmanship of African National Congress, ANC, Ms Baleka Mbete; the Minority Leader in the Jamaican Parliament, Andrew Michael Holness; former senator in the US Senate, Senator Norman Coleman, among others.

November 23, 2012, at about 1.30p.m.

He said that Oyediran unlawfully received 33,000 liters of petroleum motor spirit valued at N3,399,000, property of one Okonkwo Amenike.

He said the defendant knew the product was stolen but he still received it.

The prosecutor said the offence committed was punishable under section 326 (2) criminal law of Lagos state of Nigeria 2011.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the count charge when it was read to him.

Magistrate Demi Ajayi granted him bail in the sum of N1million with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the matter to May, 20,2013.

Anambra to construct 1,000 housing units for workers

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA — ANAMBRA State government has spoken of plans to commence soon construction of 1000 low cost housing units for civil servants in the state.

Governor Peter Obi, who gave the cheering news while flagging off the construction of access road to Ngozika Housing Estate in Awka, said the aim was to

provide workers with good houses at competitive prices.

According to him, for the first time, the state government will deliver proper and well planned housing estate to the people in partnership with private developers.

The governor advocated a robust mortgage system that would enable more Nigerians own houses which they could repay in instalment.

He explained that when

completed, the road would further enhance the quality of the Ngozika estate and assured that money to complete the project has been set aside.

The Commissioner for Works, Mr. Callistus Ilozumba said the Obi administration has introduced a new innovation in developing housing estates in line with global best practices which provides all key infrastructure, including road, water and electricity.

Driver involved in head-on collision with Gov. Okorocha's car unknown

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI — THE identi ty and whereabouts of the Mercedes Benz 200 saloon car driver that allegedly rammed into the staff car of Imo State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, has remained a mystery.

Imo State Commissioner of

Police, Mr. Mohammed Katsina, did not help matter, yesterday, when he was asked to give details of the road traffic crash involving Chief Okorocha and the Mercedes Benz driver.

Mr. Katsina only reaffirmed that there was a head-on collision between the governor’s staff car and a yellow Mer-

cedes Benz 200 flat booth, adding that the driver did not sustain any injury.

The Imo police boss, however, failed to say if the driver of the said Mercedes Benz car was arrested at any point and if he was still in their custody or not.

“The police is investigating the incident and when we are

through with it, the public would be informed of our findings,” the police commissioner said.

Vanguard recalls that Governor Okorocha, who is now receiving medical attention in a London hospital, was involved in a road traffic crash last Friday, along the ever busy Owerri-Orlu federal highway.

Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013 —39

SERVICE OF SONGS FOR LATE CHIEF PETER NDEGO OMEDE—From left: Mrs Harmony Oma Djebah, (Daughter); and Mrs Ogorolise Hope Omede during the Service of Songs for Late Chief Peter Ndego Omede at the RCCG Victory House, Festac Town Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe.

BRIEFING—From left: Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Commissioner for Health; Gbolagade Busari, Special Adviser, Information and Orentation and Mr Demola Solalu, Special Adviser Media to Oyo State Governor during a briefing on efforts to combat malaria by the Oyo State Commissioner for Health.

Photo: Dare Fasube.

FORUM—From left: General Manager, Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, Ms. Olayinka Fashola; Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Science and Technology, Mr. Tokunbo Fashola; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Onikepo Animasahun; and Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Gbolahan Yishawu, during LASRRA stakeholders forum in Lagos.

LECTURE—From left: Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of Area A Police Command Lagos, Mr. Imohin Edgal; Security Operations Manager Finance Division, MTN Nigeria Communication Limited, Innocent Enubuje and Wilson Esangbedo, Asst. Vice President Asis International, Region 11A, during a lecture organized by Asis International, Lagos, on the challenges of community policing.

C M Y K

From left: Mr Bright Omede, Son; Mr Henry Omede Son; Pastor Olise Omede, Son; Mr Charles Omede, Son; and Tessy Olise Omede, during the Service of Songs for Late Chief Peter Ndego Omede at RCCG Victory House Festac Town Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe.

From left: Mr Otis Ojeikhoa, MD, Footprint Communication; Mr Benson Abraham, Marketing Manager, TLCC and Mr Obarotimi Bayo, Marketing manager Brand Lacasera at the Press conference on Lacasera Apple Star held in Lagos yesterday.

LAUNCH—Head of Gloworld, Mrs. Titi Ebinisi (left) and members of the Glo MNP Team, Mr. Issac Thomas, Dammy Olarinde and Femi Steve during the launch of mobile number portability by the NCC in Lagos.

PRESENTATION—From left: Director, Customer Development, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr. Kweku Boateng; Regional Sales Manager, Lagos, Mrs. Nkechi Omozeje; winner, Unilever Seasoning Visibility Challenge, Mrs. Kehinde Abari and Customer Marketing Manager, Foods, Unilever Nig. Plc, Mrs. Folake Awe, during the prize presentation in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

PRESENTATION— Dr. Paul Ifeanyi presenting award and certificate of fellow by the Authority of the Council and Board of Education and Regent of Strategic Finance and Administrative Institute to Arch. Ambby Okuhor at UNILAG conference hall, Lagos.

40—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

NOA to support National Identification Number project

Nassarawa State varsity to remain closed — Gov

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

L

AGOS—DIREC TOR General, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri has said that the agency would support the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, to ensure the success of the National Identification Number, NIN, project, as according to him, the scheme was a necessary step towards addressing the security challenges in the country.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the NOA, Mr Paul Odenyi stated that Omeri spoke during a working visit to the NIMC where he registered and received his NIN immediately.

He also said the efforts of the NIMC at unifying other existing forms of identification will eliminate problems hitherto experienced in data collection in the country by streamlining the activities of all agencies involved in identification data collection.

FG pledges to repair federal roads

BY WOLE MOSADOMI

M

INNA—THE Federal Government has pledged to rehabilitate all the federal roads in the country.

The Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolemenmen made this known in Minna, Niger State, yesterday.

Onolemenmen however, spoke through the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Works, Dr. Abubakar Mohammed, at a conference of Directors of Electrical and Engineering Department in Ministries of Works in the country.

“We are embarking on the rehabilitation of all federal roads and highways throughout the federation".

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BY ABEL DANIEL

L

PRESENTATION—From left: Governor Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State; National Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN),Alhaji Lai Mohammed and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the public presentation of Alhaji Mohammed's book,Witness to History in Lagos on Monday.

Customs intercepts 8,000 bags of rice at Badagry L

AGOS—THE Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Ikeja of the Nigeria Customs Service, has intercepted a wooden boat along the creeks of Badagry laden with an estimated 8,000 bags of 50kg parboiled rice.

Conducting newsmen round the seizure at Gbaji area of Badagry, the Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Inuwa Mohammed Abubakar, attributed the giant stride to careful planning and logistics by the CGC which was executed by his unit.

The Controller said the unit became more aggressive in the campaign to stop the importation of rice through the land borders sequel to the meeting they had with comptroller-general and the management team, adding that he created the enlightenment squad that was charged with the responsibility of educating and sensitizing people at the border areas and beyond on the dangers of allowing their domain as smugglers haven.

Abubakar said the seizure was effected by a patrol team led by CSC Yusuf, M.A comprising other officers and men, adding that the patrol team laid ambush for the smugglers for 13 days following an intelligence report before the latest onslaught.

He commended the collaboration and synergy from the Seme and Western Marine Customs commands, the Customs Intelligence Unit and the military for provid-

ing complimentary security force which provided the needed impetus for evacuation of the consignments.

He also lauded the Rice Millers Association for their

generous donation of 150 patrol vehicles to the Nigeria Custom Service to complement the existing structure for this fight against smuggling of rice and other uncustom goods.

AFIA— HOPES of students that the Nassarawa State University would re-open for academic activities soon have been dashed as the state governor, Tanko AlMakura has ordered that the institution should remain closed until further notice.

Deputy Governor, Damishi Luka, spoke on behalf of his principal on the occasion of the presentation of report of the committee which investigated the recent students’ unrest over poor water supply in the institution, leading to alleged death of some of the students.

His words: "While government was still awaiting the report of the investigation Committee, the management of the university took a unilateral decision to re-open the institution without due consultation".

Youths, agents of economic transformation —Okonjo-Iweala L

AGOS—COORDINAT ING Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala has said that youths are the engines of economic transformation. She said this at the just concluded 2nd edition of The Future Awards Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders held in Ekiti State, last weekend. She spoke on the topic: ‘The Cost of Involvement: Why your Generation Must Get Involved’.

“As engines of economic transformation, the involvement of our youth is crucial to sustaining the achievements made by this government through its transformation agenda”, she said, adding, “Nigeria’s youth if properly harnessed can empower economic activity over the next 30-40 years”.

She said that getting involved would start with youths believing in themselves and in Nigeria, doing the right things and encouraging others to participate in government.

The interactive session kicked off with a speech by Prof. Pat Utomi, who later joined the panel of discussants conducting a re-

view on the state of Nigeria.

Other discussants with Utomi, were Kola Oyeneyi of the Venia Group; Japheth Omojuwa, a social media activist; Ajayi Olowu, Gbenga Sesan, Social Entrepreneur and Dr Oke Okechukwu of Thisday.

Chude Jideonwo, the Ex-

ecutive Director of The Future Project, charged participants to build the capacity for leadership and learn from the massive pool of political knowledge the speakers dished out, “only with this will we as young Nigerians be able to define our character of involvement for the 2015”, Jideonwo said.

Plateau College of Education yet to convoke after 23 yrs

J

OS—THE College of Education, Gindiri, Plateau State, has not held a convocation for its 19 sets of graduates, 23 years after it was established, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports.

“We have graduated 19 sets of students without holding a single convocation. In fact, the temporary results issued them are being rejected in some quarters,” the Provost, Prof. Shem Binda, disclosed.

Binda spoke with NAN shortly after Gov. Jonah Jang

visited the college to inspect its facilities.

“For 19 years now, our graduates have been using temporary results; we are getting worried because most of them are losing their jobs because such results are being rejected by employers.

“We are also worried that the non-issuance of the original certificates to the graduates is posing a serious threat to the image of the college,” he said.

Binda said that he had written three memos to the state Ministry of Education on that issue.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013—41

L-r: Dr Abayomi Ajayi, MD; Mr Yinka Daramola, Managing Consultant, ETCH & CREST Advertising; and Mr Dayo Fowe,Head Business Development during the visit of the management of Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos to the Corporate headquarters of Vanguard Newspapers in Lagos yesterday.

Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

L-r: Mortein DOOM Brand Ambassador, Omawumi Megbele; Director, Office of Population and Health, USAID,Mrs Barbara Hughes; and Managing Director, Reckitt Benckiser, Kenya, Mr. Richard Perreira during Omawumi's malaria eradication advocacy campaign to Kenya

Kaduna Poly teachers seek conversion to varsity status

K

A D U N A — LECTURERS of Kaduna Polytechnic, yesterday, called on the Federal Government to hasten the process of converting the institution into a university.

The lecturers said they disagreed with the recent opposition to the idea by the President of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP. The institution’s ASUP Chairman, Malam Mustapha Bida, told journalists in Kaduna, that the national body of the union was not representing the interest of the academic staff of the polytechnic, stressing: “His stand is completely at variance with national interest and the desire of Kaduna Polytechnic community and indeed any academic common sense.”

He said the views were “unreasonable, personal and has no bearing with the position of Kaduna Polytechnic, ASUP Kaduna Polytechnic chapter."

Bida who said the conversion of the institution into a university would promote skills development and reduce discrimination against HND holders, noted: “ Kaduna Polytechnic has resources, both human and infrastructural to actualize these, all that is required is the political will.”

According to him, the institute currently offers more than 60 programmes, has over 25,000 students with staff strength of 3,000 professionals.

He lamented the delay in actualising the conversion, which he explained had passed through several committees and second reading during the sixth National Assembly.

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42—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Bayelsa's transparency initiative raises the bar GOVERNOR Serikae Dickson’s monthly briefings on the finances of Bayelsa State is one of unusual signs of hope for those beleiving that the state is turning around.

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

state to develop.

Interestingly, the new tax regime has brought about sharp increase in the state IGR from a paltry N50m to N300m.

Dickson, who also noted that the “Local Government Amendment Law 2012” was to streamline the administration of the local government system, said no political appointee is expected to be a signatory to any council account.

W

HEN Governor Seriake Dickson promised on his inauguration on February 14, 2012 to give a monthly account of the administration’s income and expenditure many believed it was cheap talk.

However, when he not too long later forwarded a bill to the State House of Assembly to make it an impeachable offence not to give the account, many began to take him even more seriously.

Indeed under the law passed by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly last year the failure by the governor to render the account of the state’s finances in two months is an impeachable offence.

Indeed, for the first time in the history of the state, Bayelsans are told the state’s monthly income and expenditure at monthly briefings styled as Transparency Briefing.

Govt spending

Dickson, whose election was seen as a coronation by his opponents due to the alleged influence of President Goodluck Jonathan in ensuring his smooth ride to the ‘Creek Haven’ has surprised those who believed he was an imposition and does not have the quality to pull the state out of the woods.

Fondly called the 'Countryman Governor', his zero tolerance campaign on corruption and decision to entrench due process in the use of public funds has not only earned him the sobriquet “super glue” but also earned him popular confidence.

The civil society organisations have been impressed by his cautious and purposeful approach to governance and have lauded what they term the most pragmatic innovations in governance culture of the state which is pursuant to the promises made by the governor during his electioneering campaign to initiate the Bayelsa State Income and Expenditure Transparency Bill along with the Bayelsa State Fiscal Responsibility (Amendment) Bill.

The Bayelsa State Income and Expenditure Transparency C M Y K

•Dickson: New era in Bayelsa Bill 2012 and the Bayelsa State Fiscal Responsibility (Amendment) Bill 2012, according to Governor Dickson, was intended to entrench transparency and accountability in the business of governance and also place at the doorstep of the people, the right to inquire about any aspect of the government of the day.

Transparency Bill The governor also directed that with the passage of the Transparency Bill into Law, the eight council chairmen should like the state government, render account of their stewardship, including the state of finance of their local government areas, to the people.

The immediate past Secretary of Civil Liberties Organisation in Bayelsa State, Comrade Alagoa Morris, one of the most outspoken and respected human rights/environmental activists in the state, who

though is critical of some of the governor’s policies has lauded Dickson for making public the state monthly income and expenditure.

Also others have argued that the governor ’s much vaunted war against sleaze is nothing but a smokescreen to curry popular support insisting that in spite of the media hype about his acclaimed anti graft crusade no single official linked to the rot in the state civil service had been convicted to serve as deterrent to other corrupt officials.

According to this school of thought, government should not only ensure the prosecution and conviction of all indicted officers but also ensure the forfeiture of their ill-gotten wealth to the state.

Though some of the bold progressive decisions and pronouncements of the administration have caused pain to the civil servants such as the new tax regime but they have been patient with the administration reform which they believe would help the

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Transparency briefing

Also conscious of the implication of the bloated wage bill the government took concrete steps to address this malady blamed for stifling development in the state by evolving measures aimed at drastically cutting down on the wage bill said to be second to that of Lagos State in spite of Bayelsa’s sparse population.

The move by the present administration so far has led to a drastic reduction of the wage bill from the initial N5.4bn to N3.7bn. Even then, the verification process to ascertain and weed out ghost workers from the civil service is on going and it is believed that at the end of the exercise, the wage bill will be further scaled down to make available funds for capital projects.

The present administration has also taken the bold initiative to institutionalize the culture of

unforeseen shock.

The Bayelsa State Compulsory Savings Bill 2012 (already passed by the State House of Assembly), makes it mandatory for the state to make savings in this account. By the provision of the proposed bill, funds in the account cannot be accessed by anybody, except for specific purposes and only with 2/3rd approval of the State House of Assembly.

There is also the proposed State Reserves Funds Management Council to be composed of persons of proven integrity, which will advise government on the utilization of this fund.

It was against this backdrop of the administration’s desire to enforce fiscal discipline in governance that Governor Dickson last Friday announced that the state would no longer fund the Africa Movies Academy Awards (AMAA).

The state government annual hosting of AMAA, a private initiative, which premiered in Bayelsa in 2005 had been criticized as drain on the resources.

According to him, the state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had increased from N50 million to N1 billion monthly.

Dismissing the alleged imposition of stringent taxes on civil servants, the governor said, “we didn’t impose any tax on civil servants. We only applied the Personal Income

Fondly called the 'Countryman Governor', his zero tolerance campaign on corruption and decision to entrench due process in the use of public funds has not only earned him the sobriquet 'super glue', but also earned him popular confidence

savings in government with the opening of two separate strategic bank accounts. The first is the Bayelsa State Strategic Development Project Account.

The second account is the Bayelsa State Strategic Reserve and Savings Account. As the name implies, this account according to the state governor is an interest yielding account dedicated to providing savings for the raining day, a form of stabilization for the state’s economy in the event of any

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Tax Act as approved and implemented by the federal government.

According to him, government is currently making efforts to address the ghost workers syndrome in the state civil service.

The governor, however, assured Bayelsans that his administration would spend the tax revenues on developmental projects.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013 —43

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Boko Haram:

POLITICAL METABOLISM with

EMMANUEL AZIKEN detritetradetoxifiedpolitics@gmail.com SMS 08052201189

Jonathan’s gift to Nigerian women television cameramen.

From a mere two women in 1979, that is Mrs. Janet Akinrinande and Mrs. Ebun Oyagbola, the number of women in the federal cabinet has risen to 13 today, giving the female gender an estimated 30% of the federal cabinet.

It is at least one area where the president and his minders can robustly claim to have wholly delivered on a preelection promise.

Even more strategic is the positioning of the women in the Jonathan cabinet. A woman, in the person of the delectable Mrs. Dizeani AllisonMadueke is in charge of oil accruals into the treasury through her stewardship of the petroleum sector. Another

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HE beauties that have become the cynosure of cameramen covering the weekly meetings of the Federal Executive Council, FEC is one indication of the increasing prominence of the female gender in the polity.

Newspaper editors aiming to give their pages some lustiness or fresh air easily resort to the pictures of these radiant women who grace President Goodluck Jonathan’s executive chambers every Wednesday.

It is not surprising then that some male ministers mutter now and then about being blacked out by the press photographers and television cameramen.

More ingenious male ministers craving for reckoning or projection by the cameramen have picked up the habit of perching themselves to the female ministers during the photo opportunities preceding the FEC meetings.

Whether the females are discussing those feminine things or their latest acquisitions or whatever, it is no bother for some of the desperate male ministers who interject, if only, that they could be captured by the lenses of the newspaper photographers and

So, on both sides of the country’s balance sheet, you have women fully in charge of receipts and disbursements

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woman in the person of the intellectually gifted Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is in charge of finance. So, on both sides of the country’s balance sheet, you

have women fully in charge of receipts and disbursements!

Any challenge to the ascendancy of women would be crushed by another woman in the person of the politically hardened Erelu Olusola Obada who is minister of state for defence. Strategically too, President Jonathan has also positioned one of the finest products of the legislature in the person of Senator Joy Emodi to fine tune relations with hawkish legislators so that even with alleged malfeasances by the presidency, the legislators are continually soothed by his likeable Special Adviser on National Assembly matters.

Many women also hold very crucial positions in the Jonathan presidency sometimes formally and sometimes informally.

No doubt, the tilt of the administration towards the female gender could not have come without the push of one woman, who remarkably, many Nigerians had in the past believed would be an inconsequential passage through the presidential villa.

Without a formal position in government, Dame Patience Jonathan has arguably dwarfed

Giv e amnesty tto o MASSOB ttoo oo — Seigha Give

MR. Manijar Seigha is chairman, Niger Delta Nationalities in Lagos State. In this interview, Seigha states that the proposed amnesty package for Boko Haram members is in order. He also argues that President Goodluck Jonathan has not lost grip in tackling insecurity challenges facing the country.

Excerpts:

BY DAPO AKINREFON

C

ONSIDERING the state of insecurity in the country do you think the president has lost grip?

President Jonathan has not lost grip of the situation in any way.

However, the President’s greatest challenge is his political opponents, his enemies and a huge population of ignoramuses not Boko Haram. This is because Boko Haram‘s continuous existence is dependent on the above.

Jonathan’s next challenge (if not a problem) is the body language of the judiciary and the attitude of the legislature.

It is clear to all discerning minds that the judiciary and the legislature are not in a hurry to support Mr. President in the fight against insecurity.

If they were, new, effective, and unambiguous laws would have been enacted. In the light of the above, I think Jonathan is being pushed to step on banana peels.

Therefore the solution to Boko Haram is a collective deal, the three arms of the Federal Government, the Northern Governors, Northern leaders of thought, and Islamic clerics in

the north must sit together for a collective solution so that Jonathan as a person will not be held for the fallouts.

At the formation level, it was mainly an organization whose ideology was the hatred of western education. oday the ideology is in the least a sextuplet if not a seven dimensional octopus.

Boko Haram has moved from the ideology of the hatred of western education which by the death of their leader necessitated the attack on security personnels and formations, but thereafter to local ethnic cleansing between the majority Kanuri and the minority Biu tribe in Borno state, then to religious cleansing in other northern states.

The other level is using it as a weapon of warning for those perceived to be preparing to rig the 2015 election. It is also seen as a regional army in the waiting.

The latest is the use of it as an instrument of blackmail to persuade the Federal Government to give in to an abnormality and be blinded from rectitude. This includes the demand for amnesty for Boko Haram, meaning the genuine purpose of Boko Haram has been

T

*Seigha: The solution to Boko Haram is a collective deal displaced.

I therefore sympathize with the initial ideology of the hatred of western education rather than the hijackers demanding to Islamatise the whole nation.

Should amnesty be given to the Boko Haram insurgents?

The call for amnesty in favour of Boko Haram is the handiwork of the hijackers on the one hand and sympathizers of Boko Haram on the other hand. Firstly, it is another avenue to grab more oil money to the north.

Secondly, it is the replica of rotational presidency where the north says it is her turn to produce the next president of Nigeria. Like the former, the north seems to be saying it is their turn to grab the

amnesty, since the Niger Delta got it first.

Sometimes, experts believe the acquisition of the 3 E’s that is education, exposure, and experience is all that is needed to proffer the right and sound judgement on critical issues. In any case if I may ask, can’t the n o r t h e r n Governors grant Boko Haram the said amnesty?

After all, it is the northern economy that is suffering. Note also that the amnesty granted to Niger delta militants was because their activities affected the heart of the national economy directly not a regional economy.

Jonathan can just go ahead and deliver amnesty to Boko Haram. What will be a challenge, not a problem is when it will be delivered to MASSOB and OPC too? Just give it to them without rancour since we are about practising rotational amnesty.

But during the President’s visit to Borno State, he referred to members of the sect as ghost...

There is no doubt that a number of those taking on the President for referring to Boko Haram as

the influence of previous presidential spouses.

With a husky voice that one would stretch to hear, Mrs. Jonathan has become the biggest gift to women empowerment, cudgeling to submission, the many critics of her style. Of course she may not have pleased many people and especially the male population, but she has in her period redefined the position and placement of women in governance.

Of course a number of the women came to office because of their sex. There were times when some of them who appeared for senate screening were managed through the ministerial clearance, but a good portion of the women as cited above have held their own in office.

Given this latent capacity of Mrs. Jonathan it is not surprising that speculation is gaining ground about the first lady gunning for the governorship of Bayelsa which is her husband’s birthplace or Rivers State which is her birthplace. Ahahaa!

What a sight in 2015 to behold Governor Chibuke Amaechi handing over to Governor Patience Jonathan!

That will be it. ghosts understand him.

However, a large number of ignorants, whose trade in stock and daily source of joy is the ability to challenge Mr. President on any issue, are at it again.

Those whose intent is to intimidate President Jonathan out of office using any terrorist means might be making a slippery and catastrophic mistake, because we know their target. Capture the natural resources of the Niger Delta (crude oil) and appropriate it without question on how, where and when. This will be resisted.

Should Jonathan contest the 2015 presidential election given the tension in the land?

The answer is yes.

Constitutionally, it is his right as a bonafide citizen of Nigeria.

Rotationally, it is the right of the Niger Delta to consolidate its turn. The point needs to be made very clearly that Obasanjo representing the South West got his two terms in office. Musa Yar’Adua would have gotten his two terms in office if he did not die.

So what is the offence of the Niger Delta zone in this rotational formula? Indeed Nigerians owe this zone for obvious reasons. It is not about Jonathan, but the Niger Delta, The goose that lays the golden egg.

A Niger Deltan is already in office, I think it is in the interest of all Nigerians that that Niger Delta is allowed to complete its tenure. A word is enough for all Nigerians.

C M Y K

44 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

COLOSSAL WASTE:

Unoccupied FG property dot the landscape

By JUDE NJOKU

A PLETHORA of abandoned or underutilised buildings currently dot the nation’s landscape. Lagos, the former seat of the Federal Government and unarguably, the country ’s commercial capital, is littered with most of these structures, majority of which used to be beehive of activities in the 1980s and 1990s. They were, however, abandoned when many Federal Government-owned ministries and establishments relocated to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

Some of these buildings include the Independence Building which used to house the ministry of Defence , Glass House by Okesuna Street which housed the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Ministry of Education Building, the National Assembly Complex at Tafawa Balewa Square and the 37-storey NECOM House at No.15 Marina Street, which was sold to a company owned by Chief Alani Bankole, father of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole at a paltry sum of N4 billion. Others are the NITEL Building, former Supreme Court Building, former Navy Headquarters on Marina, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs once used, the NNPC Complex in Ikoyi, NITEL offices at Falomo and Iponri and the uncompleted NPF Building at Okokomaiko, off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

An aggrieved Governor of

Federal Secretariat,Ikoyi, Lagos.

criminal activities and sharing their ill-gotten loot. An example is a 17-storey building abandoned since the 70s by the Federal government in the Okokomaiko area of Badagry Expressway, which has become a hideout for criminals who terrorise residents of of the area.

The security agencies have conducted a number of joint raids on the property but as long as it remains standing and

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There are a number of abandoned offices and houses all over Lagos resulting from the movement of Federal agencies to Abuja

Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola told his audience at the 6th Town Hall meeting on security, that these abandoned Federal Government properties now serve as hideouts for criminals, including armed robbers and miscreants, popularly called Area Boys.

“There are a number of abandoned offices and houses all over Lagos resulting from the movement of Federal agencies to Abuja. These buildings attract criminals and miscreants who use them as hideouts for planning

Mr. Emeka Eleh, NIESV president

Old Senate Building, Lagos.

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unutilised, it will always attract criminal elements and remain a constant security issue,” Fashola was quoted as saying.

A forum of Lagos elders, which included Oba Rilwanu Akiolu and former Federal Commissioner of Works, Chief Femi Okunnu, had made a strong case for these buildings, some of which are national monuments, to be handed over to Lagos State Government.

While the owners of Great Nigeria House and similar highrise buildings on the Island are

making huge profits from their investments because these properties are fully occupied, the ones owned by the Federal Government are inhabited by hoodlums who use them as their base to perpetrate all forms of crime.

The President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV, Mr. Emeka Eleh called on the Federal Government to lease such properties to private sector investors. He was however quick to point out that some investors may be unwilling to lease such properties because of inconsistencies in government policies.

Issue of ten year lease “The government can still go through the PPP. There are those who can take the lease. Why people are shying away is because they don’t know what would happen tomorrow. If Government can give you a 10year lease today, another government can come and cancel the lease; you may have borrowed money from bank and you are stuck. Nobody wants to be going to court everyday, so that issue

of government’s policies being consistent is the only way that can create confidence in the PPP arrangement,” he said.

Eleh who described the plethora of abandoned and under-utilised Federal Government-owned buildings that dot the Lagos landscape as unfortunate, noted that vacant houses deteriorate faster than the ones in use. “ Vacant houses run down faster than occupied houses. Naturally, once a house is vacant for some time, it tends to run down very fast.

Therefore, our advice to the government is, if the houses are not being used by the government, since the capital has moved to Abuja, government should lease the houses to individuals who can use them.

Governments at various tiers will make money because the individuals will pay tenement rates, the person who leased it will also make money and employment will be created because people will work there and society will be better off. I don’t subscribe to the houses being left vacant. Government must find a way to ensure that these properties are utilised,” he said.

NIESV 2nd Deputy President,

Dr. Bolarinde Patunola-Ajayi had a slightly divergent view. “ What I think is the solution is that there should be a synergy between the Federal and State Governments, because I believe this type of abandoned or neglected projects that are wasting away can even be in some other States, apart from Lagos.

Trading off property Even when the States and the Federal are in the same party, you still see this dichotomy, this is mine, that is yours. I believe that the best solution would be to collaborate with the states.

When the state needs it, release it to them, if you want to sell it, sell it. Let there be a way by which it should be traded off so that these properties will now be in use.

There are demands for spaces in Lagos. The Lagos State Government is erecting new buildings for its offices, meanwhile there are these buildings lying unused and overgrown with weeds. I believe there should be synergy so that Federal, States and Local Governments will not strictly say, Continues on page 45

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013— 45

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

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Continues from page 44

this is mine. In fact, the Federal Government should be able to ask, Lagos State, “can you give me a space for so so department, ministry or a representative office of a commission? They should be able to give, even freely. That is what I believe can be done to make all these vacant, neglected properties to be in active use,” Dr.Patunola Ajayi said.

Also reacting to the spate of abandoned and under-utilised Federal Government properties, the immediate past President of the International Facilities Management Association of Nigeria, IFMA Nigeria, Pastor Stephen Jagun, decried the practice whereby people treat government-owned property as nobody’s property. He noted that if these abandoned and under-utilized houses belonged to individuals or corporate organisations, they would have turned them around to make huge profits.

Jagun who is also a former General Secretary of the Lagos State Branch of NIESV, called for the setting up of an estate unit or department in every Federal Ministry, to take inventory of all properties belonging to such ministries in any part of the country. The unit will determine the occupancy level of each government-owned property as well as what to do with the vacant ones. Government should then lease such vacant spaces to individuals, even if the rent is low. This way, he said, the government can make some money instead of allowing the buildings to remain vacant and thereby run-down.

Vacant building spaces Jagun declared that until Nigerians start running government business as their own personal business, things like this will continue to occur. He questioned the rationale whereby a government agency or parastatal is looking for accommodation to lease in the same city when another government agency has numerous vacant building spaces in the same city.

“It is a shame that the Federal Government recently set up a committee to audit its properties abroad.

That means that some of these buildings are either vacant or under-utilized. Some people who have retired, resigned or transferred might still be making use of these properties and paying nothing to the government,” he lamented. He therefore called on the government to take an inventory of such abandoned or under-utilized properties in the country and put them into immediate profitable use.

What may stall private sector involvement: VF recalls that almost seven years after the Federal Government concessioned the multi-billion Naira former Federal Secretariat Complex in Ikoyi to Messrs Resort International Ltd, the solidly built edifices have remained abandoned due largely to unresolved issues between the Federal and Lagos State governments. Specifically, the concessionaire wanted to convert the edifice into a luxury residential estate comparable to the 1004 Flats, a move which Lagos stalled with its Town Planning regulations which forbids such conversions.

UNEMPLOYMENT:

Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa youths for agric revolution

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NITEL House, Lagos.

IGERIA has a population of over 67 million unemployed youths out of a population of about 167 million persons, a 2011 report by the National Bureau of Statistics, said.

With this scaring statistics, concerned stakeholders had in the past and present, called for urgent steps towards addressing the crisis Perhaps, this need for a drastic solution, informed the plans to hold a ten-day employment creation seminar in Warri.

The workshop, which is a brainchild of Sama Books Launch Services, is primarily convened to train and empower about three thousand youths from Delta,Bayelsa and River States on wealth creation through commercial farming.

Disclosing this in an encounter with VanguardFeatures,VF, Principal Partner of the organisation, Mr. Dafe Sama said arrangements have been concluded to provide loans to successful participants. ‘’Basically when you look at the situation in the country, you will discover that a lot of youths are unemployed.This has contributed to the present crime rate, especially in the Niger Delta region. There is a high crime rate in other parts of the country, but that of Niger Delta is so unique. And one of the biggest reasons why we have this high rise in crime is because of the unemploy-

because we have a situation where some university graduates are not as bright as secondary school leavers. We are going to look for a more practical way instead of theory and once you can understand what is been taught, you are eligible.’’

Explaining further, Sama said, ‘’It is a ten-day course. We are looking at fish farming, poultry farming and palm oil production. As we move on, we are going to introduce some other courses. So, the three thousand youths we are training are going to be trained on these three skills and the examination will be conducted

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In the interim, the government should involve private organisations because if the unemployment rate is not checked, we will get to a flashpoint and it would be worst than Boko Haram

ment level. That was why we had to set up this programme, which is like a workshop for impacting skills to the youths,’’ Sama noted.

Training of three thousand youths: He further said, ‘’we intend to train about three thousand youths across Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States. After the training, we are going to conduct an examination. Successful ones among them will be put into groups. We will solicit for a take-off of loan from our corresponding banks. With the funds, we will set up farms for successful candidates and after the period of repayment of the loans, they can now own the farms. The scheme is expected to cover the 36 states in Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory eventually.’’

On modalities for choosing participants for the programme, he said, ‘’we don’t want to restrict it to university graduates alone. We want to believe that anybody, who has passed through secondary school and can read and write, is eligible to participate. It is going to be open

on the skills. After the examination, successful ones will be put into a group of ten or fifteen persons and they will be given the loans as a group. We also expect the local government to provide land for farming as their own equity contribution.’’

Continuing, he disclosed thus: ‘’we are now going to bring in the bank to purchase equipments and every other necessary thing needed for the project. If you look at it,you will discover that the youths are not going to pay a dime. We are even looking at the possibility of having corporate organisations, sponsor the participants.’’

Partnership with state governments: In addition he said, ‘’Partnership with state governments is not the real issue here. The issue is that we have sent out our letters and we have been talking to government representatives. We expect the government to sponsor certain number of the participants as it affects their state. The training is free because the participants are not expected to pay any money. We are

going to feed and accomodate them during the duration of the training. Ten days is adequately enough for the training, because we are going to teach them the basics and that period is adequate enough for any reasonable person to learn the trade.’’

Asked what could be done to address youth/graduate unemployment in the country, Sama said, ‘’Going by government records, they are trying but implementation is the problem . Government is so big that supervision becomes very challenging. But private organisations like ours, we have close monitoring system that monitors and implements programmes. That is why I am calling for more private organisations to be involved in the search for a solution to the employment crisis.

Government can only provide the funding, but implementation is the problem, that is why various poverty alleviation programmes have failed.’’

Poverty alleviation Elaborating further, he said, ‘’The private organisations, have closer links with the people than government. If government had reduced unemployment through various poverty alleviation schemes, we would not have been here. We want to actually monitor this programme and implement it. In the interim, the government should involve private organisations because if the unemployment rate is not checked, we will get to a flashpoint and it would be worst than Boko Haram. And that is my greatest fear, when a man is jobless, he is vulnerable to certain evils.’’

He also said, ‘’We are equipping people to become financially independent because Nigeria has gone beyond certificate qualification. It is an ongoing programme, we have the next batch coming up by the middle of next month. We have had support from NIMASA, because the Director General is interested in creating employment for Niger Delta youths.’’

46—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

NPC rates Niger Christian pilgrims best

BY WOLE MOSADOMI

I

4th from left: Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Yaba LCDA, Apostle Adewale Odumbo, Public Relations Officer of CAN, Lagos chapter, Rev Akintoye Buraimoh, Chairman of CAN, Lagos State Chapter, Monsignor Bernard Okodua, Mrs. Jacqueline Aaronetil and some of the newly elected executives of Yaba Local Council Development Area of CAN Chapter during the inauguration of pioneer officers of Yaba LCDA CAN chapter, in Lagos.

I'll volunteer to lead Jonathan's 2015 campaign if... — Archbishop Ojo HISTORY was made last Sunday at Calvary Kingdom Church, CKC, Lagos, when the presiding bishop, Joseph Imariabe Ojo, was installed as an archbishop. The three-inone ceremony also marked the bishop's 64th birthday as well as his 20th anniversary as a charismatic and Pentecostal bishop. The event which took place at the church's LagosBadagry Expressway drew dignitaries like Archbishop Idem Ikon, Archbishop John Osa Oni, Bishop Bola Odeleke and the host pastor, Rev. Amos Osadolor among others. In this interview with Vanguard, the celebrant ex-rayed the state of the nation. Excerpts.

BY BOSE ADELAJA

Y

OU have been in ministry for a while; could you mention the most memorable day in your life?

I became the head usher of Church of God Mission, Benin City in 1972 and was ordained a deacon in 1976. In 1979, I became a full time minister. I was ordained a pastor in 1982 and a bishop in 1993. I remember the day when late Archbishop Benson Idahosa gave me a letter to pastor a branch of Church of God's Mission but I told him: ''Sir, I am a deacon and not a pastor.'' He replied: 'God spoke to me that you are a pastor and a leader and He has instructed me not to withhold whatever He wants to do with you. You know you are my son and I love you, physically. I would have retained you here but I don't want to hinder what God wants to do in your life.'

I reported in the church but the members rejected me and said they wanted an ordained pastor.

However, God gave me the grace to preach a message that changed their mind. I told them that day 'I was a good shepherd, all that came before me were robbers but the good shepherd had come to lay his life and that was how God changed their mind.''

Security challenges in Nigeria I commend President Goodluck Jonathan's bold step to grant amnesty to Boko Haram not minding various challenges as a nation. To some extent, the step will reduce tension and within

the shortest time, crises will become a thing of the past. The gesture to call them out for amnesty is a good one; if all hands are on deck, I am sure God will help us to solve the security challenges.

Some are of the opinion that Boko Haram members do not deserve amnesty...

Those are the people who want more chaos in the nation. Irrespective of what Boko Haram has done, there is no sin that cannot be forgiven. They should be pardoned for the sake of others, so that the destruction can end. You don't expect people to share the same opinion at all times. The best thing for Nigeria is for the president to complete the amnesty procedures and we should all rally round him to restore peace to the nation.

Some people believe Boko Haram is a religious war while others say it’s political...

Well, whatever it is, I believe there must be a solution and we should not aggravate the existing crises which will continue if the sect is not granted amnesty.

Advice to Jonathan He should do everything possible to fix our roads, provide stable power supply and provide jobs for our youths. I have four children, three of them are Masters degree holders; one obtained Masters degree about six years ago but is jobless. Nigerians are very enterprising but they lack the enabling environment to thrive. If we have stable power supply, poverty will be reduced

T was a cheering news for Niger State when the state co-ordinator for last year’s pilgrimage to Israel, Mr Abraham Isah, told the governor and members of the state executive council that the state pilgrims to the Holy Land last year were rated by the National Pilgrims Commission, NPC, as the most disciplined and best co-ordinated.

This came as the governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to sponsor pilgrims to the Holy Land, describing the money spent on the exercise as “money well spent and not a wasted venture.”

Isah while submitting last year’s (2012) pilgrimage report to the governor at Government House said this commendation had attracted pilgrims and officials from other states to Niger to travel for the pilgrimage and had made the state to stand tall among other states in the country.

The co-ordinator who will be co-ordinating the affairs of the pilgrim for the third year running due to his successes said trainers were engaged to trained the pilgrims and enlighten them on the dos and don’ts of the holy land which they all complied with throughout.

He said though they were faced with challenges of not being able to visit some Biblical and historical parts at the Holy Land like Bethlehem, the birth place of Jesus, mount Horeb, Jericho among others due to the Israeli/Gaza conflicts, the pilgrims on the whole had a religions fulfillment due to other important places visited, adding that makeshift arrangements were made to supplement areas not visited to the satisfaction of the pilgrims.

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State commended the pilgrims, especially the officials, for making the state proud and promised to do more for the Christians for not putting the state to shame.

Nigerians urged to be fervent in prayers ...as TAC dedicates mission house

BY LAJA THOMAS

Archbishop, Joseph Ojo. to the barest minimum and this will enhance the economy. For instance, the amount spent on fuel, repairing and purchasing of generating sets will be diverted to other ventures and our economy will thrive greatly. Nigerians are looking unto Jonathan to provide basic amenities.

What if President Goodluck Jonathan should contest the 2015 election?

That means he wants to commit political suicide. However, if he fixes the roads, provide stable power supply and create jobs for Nigerian youths, I volunteer to lead his campaign team but if he fails to do so, he should not bother about the election so that he will not be disgraced.

N

IGERIANS have been enjoined to be fervent in prayers to God. This charge was given by Apostle Isaac Enoch, founder and presiding pastor of The Apostolic Church (Mount of Zion), Ikorodu Road, Maryland, Lagos, penultimate Sunday during a dedication of a multimillion naira worship centre.

The occasion also witnessed the ordination of six ministers to boost the work of God. Apostle Enoch who averred that prayers have been sustaining Nigeria, also frowned at the craze for titles among religious leaders, warning that titles do not take anybody to heaven.

“It does not matter how many collars I wear on my neck.

Title is meaningless,” he stated. The new auditorium has a capacity for over 1,600 worshipers. The newly ordained ministers include Pastors Gabriel Amos Ufot, Saviour Michael Ufot, Aniekan Solomon Akpan, Samuel Moses Akpan, Ekomobong Umosoh and Evangelist Imoh Stephen.

Apostle Enoch told newsmen after the ordination that God used him to found the church on September 9, 1990, adding “our membership strength has grown to more than 5,000 members.

One of the newly ordained ministers, Evangelist Imoh Stephen, said: “As an evangelist, my call is to evangelise.

Evangelism is not limited to a particular assembly but to all the branches of our church.”

CAN urges Nigerians to embrace peace

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

T

HE CHAIRMAN of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Lagos State Chapter, Monsignor Bernard Okodua has urged Nigerians to work for the preservation of the nation’s unity by embracing peace and be more patriotic.

Speaking during the inauguration of the newly created Yaba Local Council Development Area of CAN

Chapter and induction of pioneer officers, Okodua said in the midst of anomalies in some parts of the country, Nigerians should have hope in God, adding that it is only God who can bring about peace, stability and victory over the nation's challenges.

Calling on Nigerian Christians not to perpetrate evil in the county, Okodua insisted that no matter the situation, good must eventually overcome evil, saying God is still in the business of

reshaping the country.

In his welcome address, the chairman of CAN, Yaba LCDA, Apostle Adewale Odumbo called on Christians to be united, stressing that it is only when they are united that the greatest peace and progress can be achieved in the country.

Apostle Odumbo said CAN is not an instrument to pray for various leaders, nation, religious bodies, individuals and also correct those in power when they are not doing it right.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,

Girl, 9, seeks N5m for leukaemia treatment

BY OLAYINKS LATONA

C

HIOMA Ukanwa, the only daughter in a family of three is down with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia – a deadly blood disorder. The only hope of the intelligent young girl who aspires to be a medical doctor, lies in a twoyear comprehensive treatment estimated at N5 million.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is an acute (sudden onset), rapidly progressing form of leukemia that is characterized by the presence in the blood and bone marrow of large numbers of unusually immature white blood cells destined to become lymphocytes.

According to her father, Charles Ukanwa, who was at Vanguard’s corporate head office in Lagos to solicit for his daughter ’s treatment, said Chioma’s predicament started five years ago with continuous rashes and feverishness. She was treated for malaria and typhoid in a private hospital, but all effort to make her live a healthy life have been futile. It was not until 2008 at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi-Araba that the diagnosis of acute leukaemia was made.

Brandishing a medical report, Charles said the girl’s plight has paralyzed his business. The girl’s mother even had to give up her nursing job to tend to the ailing daughter full time.

The Report signed by Prof. A. O. Akinsulie said Chioma has been a patient of the hospital for almost four years where she was treated of hepat-

Chioma Ukanwa on hospital bed.

osplenomegaly with severe anaemia. The report revealed that she was managed for about four months but she later defaulted her treatment due to financial constraint.

A breakdown of the treatment goes thus: N2, 500,000 chemotheraphy for remission induction, consolidation maintenance; N1, 500,00 - investigations consisting frequent FBC, E/o, creatinin, uric acid, bone marrow N1, 000,000- supportive therapy- frequent blood and blood product transfusions, etc..

According to Charles: “Our

greatest challenge now is that doctors have told us to raise N5 millon which will be used for her treatment over the next two years. We do not have such money and I believe this girl will survive if Nigerians can help us. I am pleading with Nigerians to come to my daughter’s aid.”

To support Chioma, more details can be obtained through 08035377235, or deposited in this Bank account: Ukanwa Charles C, First City Monument Bank, 1298996016.

Medic tasks FG on healthcare delivery

By Esther Onyegbula & Peace Onyeukwu

A

medical practitioner, Dr Onyems Okorie has called on Federal government to improve the standard of healthcare delivery in the country.

Okorie who is Group Medical Director, Onyems B Hospital, and member, World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA), lamented that government hospitals are not working as they ought to, a development he said was responsible for the poor utilization of public healthcare.

“In terms of healthcare delivery, government should do more. There should be more appropriation to health sector.

The situation whereby the budget for defense is bigger than that of health needs to be looked into.”

Lamenting the challenges facing the healthcare system in Nigeria he argued that gov-

Dr. Onyems Okorie ernment had responsibility to finance the health sector appropriately in order to enable those at grassroots have adequate access to optimal healthcare services.

“The solution is for more budgetary allocation to the health sector and equipping of the tertiary health institutions. A situation where we carry people to India for kidney transplant is economic

waste.

“In Iraq people sell their kidney. In Pakistan, people sell their kidney when their broke because it is easy to transplant. If you have renal failure and you don’t go to a media house to feature you, you can’t afford a transplant and only 0.1 percent is able to access media houses to feature them so that people can assist them.

Lamenting the need for health insurance, he called for repackaging of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, to repose confidence in the initiative. “Insurance institutions should be penalised if they breach their side of the contract; if people have confidence in the system they will get insured. On challenges facing the health sector, he called for more attention towards tackling ignorance, poverty and poor health facilities which he said leads to brain drain.

Pfizer partners FRSC, others to tackle glaucoma ON this year ’s World Glaucoma Week, Pfizer in Nigeria has joined forces with the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA and the Ophthalmological Association of Nigeria to create awareness within the populace towards tackling the menace glaucoma, an eye disease that causes progressive damage of the optic nerve at the point where it leaves the eye to carry visual information to the brain.

On a live media interview aired on NTA, Mr. Enrico Liggeri, Country Manager, Pfizer Nigeria and East Africa Region, NEAR, along with the Lagos Island Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Nseobong Akpabio, and a member of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria and a glaucoma patient, discussed the theme of the Week - “The World is a wonder to see every day, so don’t let glaucoma get in the way.”

APRIL 24 24,, 2013

—47

LASG, New Heights Pharma seek better management of HBP Lagos State T HE Ministry of Health and New Heights Pharma have called for intensified efforts towards preventing and controlling hypertension.

At an awareness drive for health check up/donation of Omron Blood Pressure Monitors to the State’s Primary Healthcare Board, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Femi Olugbile blood pressure check should be part of the daily activities of individuals.

Managing Pharmacist, New Heights Pharma, Mr. Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, said accuracy in blood pressure check was crucial, through use of comfortable blood pressure devices for selfmonitoring at home. «As partners and sole representatives of Omron we decided to add our voice to the campaign for proper monitoring of blood pressure through associating with the LSMoH and the primary healthcare board.»

On the main goal of the 5 – day free screening, Omaruaye, explained that the program was to raise awareness on the causes and consequences of untreated high blood pressure, provide information as well as encourage adults to check their blood pressure regularly with validated and registered devices.

He stressed the need for people to have comfortable blood pressure devices for selfmonitoring at home. The high – point of the event was the donation of blood pressure monitors to the state government.

48—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

He’s turned into a thug!

My dad molested my daughter Dear Bunmi, I returned to Lagos from our base in the North to escape an unhappy marriage that had become unbearably violent. I moved back to the family home with my five children.

Unfortunately, the accommodation was choky as my three siblings still lived at home but we managed. We had been living with my family for almost a year when I discovered that my 13-year-old daughter was being abused by my father.

I was so enraged that I called a family meeting but my brothers and sister wanted to keep the whole business hushed up, especially since my mum was not well.

I was so frustrated that I moved out and cut my family off. I don’t speak to my only sister because she didn’t back me up to deal with our father. I just feel sad that I couldn’t protect my daughter from a father I thought was above board.

Thankfully, my daughter seems to have forgotten about the incident and is now at the polytechnic.

Yosoye, by e-mail.

Dear Yosoye, Your sister is not accountable for your father’s bad behaviour. Like you, she too has to live with the knowledge that her father assaulted his young grand-daughter.

Abuse within the family is

often concealed because of the sense of shame. Family members often deny to themselves that abuse has taken place, or continues, within the home.

Unfortunately, this only serves to protect the abuser.

I sympathise with what you and your daughter went through, but bitterness towards your sister is misplaced. Rejoice that your daughter is living a happy life. The person to feel really sorry for is your father the abuser, who is either wicked or tragically weak.

Now, he’s no longer in your life, try to move on and put the abuse where your daughter has obviously put it— in the past.

His affection is choking me!

Dear Rhoda, You should make up your mind whether or not you want to be with this man. The fact that you find him clingy sug-

gests you’re less in love with him than he is with you.

He probably suspects this and that’s what makes him want to be around you all the time. You should both have separate interests. He shouldn’t rely on you the whole time for his social life.

’

Dear Bunmi, I’ve been going out with my boyfriend for the past 12 years and he is a great guy. The problem is that he’s very clingy.

He follows me everywhere and wants a blow-by-blow account of my activities.

I had to ditch him a few years ago when his possessiveness started irritating me. But I took him back months later because I missed him a lot.

Things were okay for a couple of years after we got together again but I’ve recently started feeling trapped all over again. I don’t want to hurt his feelings, but I need my space too. What do you suggest I do?

Rhoda, by e-mail.

He may be a great guy, but is he the man you want to be with? If he is, then you need to be honest with him by letting him know how he’s smothering the affection you have for him. The thing is, clingy men seldom change but you just might be lucky!

I’m sure that deep down you know you have to leave your violent boyfriend

’

My boss is replacing me with a new lover!

Dear Bunmi, A few years ago, at the insistence of the female Managing Director of the company I currently work with, I left my secured civil service job to serve as her purchasing manager.

I had a very impressing office and the perks were good.

Inevitably, I became madam’s lover even though she was years older. Not long after, an executive accounts director was employed and I was instructed, in a letter, to vacate my office for him and share an office with a junior officer!

As if that was not humiliating enough, I was asked to re-

port directly to this new man instead of madam.

Since then, all efforts to talk with her have proved abortive and both of them now treat me as an incompetent officer. It’s now clear that she is sleeping with the new man but I can’t leave right away as I don’t have another job to leave for. But if don’t leave, I stand a chance of being sacked. I don’t see any light at the end of this tunnel.

Joshua, by e-mail.

Dear Joshua, It’s not always advisable to mix business with pleasure and it is obvious your mistress

no longer has use for your ‘ability.’ You feel humiliated at the moment. The only option is to leave before you lose your pride.

It is true it’s not easy getting a job these days but you can work on your own until you can find something more stable.

Sex in the work-place is bad enough, but with a female boss, is like jumping into the fire without touching the proverbial frying-pan!

Some women would do anything to net a man and everything to get him out of their hair if such a man is no longer useful.

Dear Bunmi, I live with my boyfriend and he has turned into a thug. He used to be romantic and generous until I moved in with him at his insistence. Now he flares up at the slightest opportunity and uses me as a punching bag.

I’ve threatened to leave him but he said if I go he will cut my face so badly no man will want to come near me. As a result, I’m convinced he could carry out his threat. Please help!

Tai, by e-mail.

Dear Tai, I’m sure that deep down you

know you have to leave your violent boyfriend. It’s understandable that you’re scared stiff of doing this right now because of his insane jealousy and violence.

Your best bet is not to do anything on your own. Get as much protection and support as you can— people who can stand alongside you if you have the courage to ask him to leave.

As soon as you’ve gotten all the support you need, lodge a complaint with the police.

If possible, let a policeman or two escort you out of the premises the day you decide to leave your violent boyfriend’s clutches.

Could my husband be infertile?

Dear Bunmi, I have been married for two years now and we’d been trying for a baby even before we got married. My doctor has assured me that tests have proved conclusively that nothing is wrong with me.

He, however, suggests that my husband should get himself checked out too either with his doctor or at his clinic. He has refused to treat me further except my husband does this.

But my husband has refused to subject himself to a test, saying he has a 6-year-old daughter as a test of his virility.

My doctor is not impressed

by this claim and still insists on a check-up. Why is this?

Stella, by e-mail.

Dear Stella, Because it takes two to make a baby. Since your doctor says you’re okay, it’s worth having your husband’s semen examined to establish whether he is producing a high enough level of sperm.

If he’s got a daughter, then there is no reason to fear as fertility check-up for men is a simple procedure. Besides, anything could have happened in-between when he had his first child and now.

Is there really no cure for herpes?

Dear Bunmi, After a few weeks of going out with my new boyfriend, I allowed him to make love to me. A few days later, I could hardly walk as my vagina was inflamed.

The pain was intense in and outside my vagina and I felt burning sensation when I had a wee. I went to my doctor and he prescribed antibiotics which he said would ease the pain.

He, however, warned that what I had was herpes and that I might never be rid of the disease. Is this true?

Teju, by e-mail.

Dear Teju, Herpes is a sexually-transmitted disease which is caused by one type of the her-

pes simplex virus. The symptoms include an itching, burning sensation and painful fluid-filled blisters around the genital area.

The blister bursts to form ulcers and take 10 to 21 days to heal. Swollen lymphnodes, fever and headaches may occur.

Antiviral creams, saline baths and painkillers can all reduce the severity of the symptoms. Subsequent episodes tend to occur during times of anxiety or depression, before menstruation, after sex, or if the person is run down.

Recurrent outbreaks often become less painful and less severe over time. An affected individual must not have sex until sores have healed as these are infectious.

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos. or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013 — 49

Bill Clinton eyes Irish President in 2018 F

ORMER President Bill Clinton recently said that he could be eligible to become a candidate for the next Irish presidency.

The Irish Independent reports that while speaking with CNN’s Piers Morgan at the Clinton Global Initiative on Tuesday, Clinton said, “If I move to Ireland and buy a house, I can run for president of Ireland because of my Irish heritage.”

Similarly, Clinton also said that he could be eligible to run for president of France, “Any person

anywhere in the world that was born in a place that ever was a part of the French empire, if you move to, if you live in France for six months and

speak French you can run for president of France.”

Clinton was born and raised in Arkansas, which was bought from France by the U.S. as part of the

Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

While Clinton admitted that the chances of him running for office in France

French, African forces fish out rebels in Mali

F

RENCH and African forces have driven rebels out of their strongholds in northern Mali.

But what Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb left behind may prove to be valuable.

Equipment such as artillery, explosive devices, and even

posters carrying their logo act as clues to their operations. This came as the main rebel movement in northern Mali is marking one year since it declared the independent state of Azawad.

The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad

was forced out of its strongholds by alQaeda-linked groups before the French-led intervention. The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) say they are willing to drop their claims of independence for northern Mali in return for greater regional autonomy.

Kenyatta nominates finance minister K

ENYA's new president nominated on Tuesday senior finance ministry economist Henry Rotich as finance minister in his first cabinet after

pledging to deliver double-digit growth for east Africa's biggest economy.

Uhuru Kenyatta, a former finance minister, had worked alongside

Harvard-educated Rotich, 44, at the ministry. The nominees must be approved by parliament before they are confirmed to their

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta inspects the honour guard before the opening of the 11th Parliament at the National Assembly Chamber in the capital Nairobi.

AP denies tweet of explosions at White House

A

terrifying report of explosions at the White House injuring President Obama caused the DOW Jones Industrial average to plunge 100 points after the Associated Press’ Twitter account was allegedly hacked.

The false AP message said, ‘Breaking: Two Explosions in the White House and Barack Obama is injured,’ the news agency Tweeted after 1pm on Tuesday.

are poor, he did poll well in a theoretical poll about his chances in France.

Between France and Ireland, it would seem more likely for Clinton to

The White House and AP quickly assured the public that the report was not true but word didn’t appear to come fast enough to those frantically responding on Wall Street.

Then reprots came, saying, “Hacked: This terrifying report of explosions at the White House injuring President Obama has been deemed false after the Associated Press said they had been hacked”

Immediately after the false Twitter report the DOW Jones Industrial average plunged 100 points before going back up again following reassurances from both the AP and the White House.

In a graph showing traders’ apparent panic, the DOW Jones Industrial average took a straight dive before gradually shooting back up.

posts.

Kenya's economy grew by about 5 percent last year, but Kenyatta has promised to raise growth rates to double digits to make Kenya a middle income nation "within a generation" and lift 10 million of Kenya's more than 40 million people out of poverty by 2017.

Rotich's official title will be cabinet secretary for the National Treasury.

"He has been involved in formulating macroeconomic policies to ensure an affordable public spending aimed at achieving the g o v e r n m e n t 's development priorities," the president said.

They have so far rejected calls to disarm and begin political negotiations and have accused the Malian army of carrying out revenge attacks on ethnic Tuaregs.

Mali's transitional government prime minister has promised that elections will go ahead in July despite fears that his government is failing to reassert control after the ousting of rebel fighters.

•Bill Clinton get involved with Ireland.

He served as a vital part of the peace process in Northern Ireland during his run as U.S. President.

Clinton served as President of the U.S. in two successive terms from 1993 - 2001. His wife Hillary Clinton is currently serving as Secretary of State under President Obama.

EU retains suspension of aid to CAR

T

HE European Union will not restore its more than $200 million aid program to the Central African Republic until the country re-establishes the rule of law, EU development aid chief Andris Piebalgs said yesterday.

The prime minister of the transitional government, Nicolas Tiangaye, was in Brussels to appeal to its biggest donor to keep the funds flowing to the chronically unstable country.

But Piebalgs said it needed to prove the credibility of the

government to regional neighbors and international donors before funding could be restored.

The EU halted aid in December due to the growing security problems, but has not formally stopped cooperation.

"The main message to the prime minister is saying that you need to reestablish constitutional order in the country and you should also try to address the security situation ... because we can't deliver humanitarian aid," Piebalgs told Reuters.

S/Arabia deports men ‘for being too good looking’ this all I could

S

AUDI Arabia began deporting men from the country who religious police deemed too good looking and causing Saudi women to sin with them, according to press reports in Canada.““Specifically, three Emiratis have been deported by the Saudi police force during an annual cultural festival and sent back to the United Arab Emirates after suggesting that women might find them irresistible.

“The men from the United Arab Emirates were attending the

Jenadriyah Heritage and Culture Festival in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, when religious police raided and evicted the based because "they are too handsome", according to a local Saudi newspaper.““"A festival official said the three Emiratis were pulled because they are very handsome and that the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice members feared female visitors could fall for them," the newspaper reported.

“After I heard about

do is laugh. Seems like now, the Saudi government will force men to wear burqas so that women will refrain from sinning with them. Those who refuse will be deported or jailed of course,” Pamela Thompson, 36, of Miami Beach. Florida t o l d YourJewishNews.com after learning aout the deportation.““Saudi Arabia is a deeply religious and ultraconservative society that forbids women from interacting with unrelated males and refuses to give them the same rights as men.“

50— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24,

2013

Global economic agenda is to end extreme poverty by 2030

BY OMOH GABRIEL, Business Editor in Washington The World Bank Group President had an opening press conference at the 2013 Spring Meeting of IMF/World Bank Group Excerpts

I

NTRODUCTION: FIRST, let me express my deep condolences to family and friends of people who died or were wounded in the attack in Boston earlier this week, a city which I have spent much of my adult life in as both a student and a professor.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I outlined an ambitious agenda for the global community that called for a two pronged approach for a world free of poverty. The first is virtually ending extreme poverty by 2030. The second is promoting shared prosperity by fostering income growth of the bottom 40 percent of the population in every country. And for that second goal, we also mean sharing prosperity across generations, and that calls for bold action on climate change.

I have no doubt that the world could end extreme poverty within a generation, but this will be much harder than most people realize. It is far from a given. It will take ingenuity, focus, commitment, and visionary leaders.

But if we succeed, we will have accomplished one of humankind’s most historic accomplishments. Let’s take a look at the situation in the world today.

More than four years after the start of the financial crisis, high income countries continue to struggle with high unemployment, weak growth, and economic fragility. The good news is

•Christine Largade IMF, President East Asia and the Pacific, output is expanding rapidly amid fears of overheating and asset bubbles.

But growth in several major middle income countries including Brazil, India, Russia, and Turkey, has slowed, in part, because of unresolved bottlenecks in these economies.

Elsewhere in the developing world, recovery has been more elusive. This diversity of experience among Developing Countries means that there is no one size fits all prescription for policy, and external developments

,

Next month, UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon and I will travel to the Great Lakes region of Africa. I believe that the combined efforts of the United Nations and the World Bank Group on the political and security fronts can make a major difference in moving fragile states out of fragility

that, taken as a whole, Developing Countries are doing relatively well, with growth expected to reach about 5.5 percent this year.

This should strengthen to just under 6 percent by 2015.

Indeed, Developing Countries are accounting for more than half of global growth.

But too often we lose sight of the fact that this overall story hides a wide range of outcomes across countries. In Africa, about a quarter of the countries grew at 7 percent or higher last year, and a number of them are among the fastest growing in the world. In

,

can no longer be seen as the principal source of problems. Now more than ever, solutions need to be found in domestic macroeconomic and structural policies that address distinct conditions in individual countries. If we are to end extreme poverty within a generation, we’ll need at least three things to happen: First, the high growth rate in the developing world over the past 15 years must accelerate. Second, growth has to translate into poverty reduction and job creation and it must be inclusive to curb inequality. And, third, we must avert

or mitigate potential shocks such as climate disasters or new food, fuel, and financial crises.

In particular, doing better on growth means doing more of the kinds of reforms that have underpinned the strong Developing Country growth for past 15 years. That means eliminating bottlenecks; additional investment in infrastructure; and, to ensure that the poor participate in the benefits of growth, much greater investments in education and healthcare.

As we move ahead, we must also address climate change with the plan that matches the scope of the problem. Climate change is not just an environmental challenge. It is a fundamental threat to economic development. Unless the world takes bold action now, a disastrously warming planet threatens to put prosperity out of reach of millions and roll back decades of development and poverty reduction.

Poverty reduction At the World Bank Group, we are stepping up our mitigation, adaptation, and disaster risk management work. Some 130 countries have asked the World Bank for assistance in climate related work. Also, as we move towards these poverty goals, we must be far more effective in fragile and conflict affected states. We now hope to shift more funding towards fragile States under our

concessionary lending fund, the International Development Association, or IDA. If we hope to meet our goals of ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity, we must be successful in fragile states. Next month, UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon and I will travel to the Great Lakes region of Africa. I believe that the combined efforts of the United Nations and the World Bank Group on the political and security fronts can make a major difference in moving fragile states out of fragility.

As we know, BRICS and countries have reached a deal to establish a BRICS Development Bank that will rival the Western-backed institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank. So, what do you think of the prospect of this BRICS Bank and its future relationship with the World Bank and the IMF? And the second question is: What do you think of China’s weaker than expected GDP growth and also its increasing inequality issue?

You know, I visited all of the BRICS countries, and in each of them there are huge needs for infrastructure in the short term, medium term, and long term. So, for example, just in India, one country, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance said to me that over the next five years they have a $1 trillion infrastructure deficit. About half of it, they think, can be met with public resources, but then half of it will

also have to be met through private sources. So, every single one of the BRICS countries has an enormous infrastructure deficit that simply can’t be met by a single institution, certainly not the World Bank in and of itself.

So, for us, the BRICS Bank is quite a natural extension of the need for more investment in infrastructure, and so we would welcome it. We work with many development banks, but I would point out that the World Bank has been around for 66 years.

We have 66 years of experience in building infrastructure. We have knowledge that cuts across all that have been developed to working with all 188 member countries. And so our sense is that whatever other banks are built, one, there is plenty of infrastructure that needs to go around, and our sense is that they would want to take advantage of the knowledge that we have. I think everyone was disappointed at the lower projections in China, but we’ve worked with China on a 2030 report that looks very specifically at the strategy going forward, and our own sense is that the Chinese leadership is laser focused on doing those things that will build the foundations of their future growth.

Moreover, when I visited China, the very specific thing that they asked me about was to work with them on urbanization. It’s a huge issue. So, my own sense is that the Chinese Government is looking forward in a way that will be very helpful for them in not just looking at short term changes. I mean, these numbers go up and down all the time.

Consumption oriented growth The key for China is to think about how their growth is going to be shaped in the future, and some of the commitments they’ve made, having a more consumption oriented growth, looking at how they’re organizing their cities so that they’re both cleaner and more efficient. These are the kinds of things that every country has to do, not just sit around and react to the short term fluctuations in growth figures, for example, but think about the medium term and long term and make those kinds of investments that are necessary to ensure growth going forward.

You said that 130 countries had asked the Bank for help with climate change and you’ve stepped up work on mitigation and adaptation. How much money has the Bank actually allocated so far to these 130 countries itself for climate change work?

So, our work on climate change, we’re doing lots of things. The first thing, Larry, is that, as you know, we’re trying to come up with a plan that is equal to the

Continues on page 51

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013—51

Global economic agenda is to end extreme poverty by 2030

PIB and the IOC's final final

BY ABIYE MEMBERE

O

N April 4, Vanguard reported that the IOCs - or International Oil Companies - have responded aggressively to the latest draft of Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB. It is no surprise that they’ve been so critical. The IOCs making the criticisms - including ExxonMobil, Chevron, Total and Shell - under the platform of the Oil Producers Trade Section, OPTS, of the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, is a body that was founded to speak for both Map of Nigeria international and indigenous companies in the Nigerian petroleum industry. These complaints were, however, dubious. They related solely to the interests of international companies.

If they had not been, then indigenous producers might have been expected to be party to this attack on the PIB. Of course they were not. They even claimed to be speaking in the interest of the Nigerian people but it is apparent from their submission that their interests are diametrically opposed to that of Nigerians.

The people of this country need and deserve to know the facts about the PIB, but at the same time, it has to be understood that Nigerian public interest is not in any way compromised in the Bill - even if IOCs have problems with it, for reasons of their commercial interest.

So, what are the IOCs' grievances with the PIB? One of the obvious points noted Petroleum minister, Diezani Allisonin the Vanguard article is the preference Madueke of IOCs to export gas, rather than Contrast this, however, with the 1993 producing it for the Nigerian market, Deep Water and Inland Basins Act where despite the fact that the PIB comes with both rates are stated in the law, and incentives, including tax breaks, to through whichthe IOCs gained an 80 per encourage gas production for Nigerian cent share of profits, and it becomesclear consumers. Natural gas is important, and why the IOCs are dissatisfied with the the PIB makes a powerful and justified PIB model. Predicating their argument on effort to encourage oil companies to ensure the need to avoid uncertainty, they the local market is properly provided with would like all rates expressed in the Bill. gas for power generation and domestic But there is nothing novel about setting royalty rates in regulation. Indeed, this is industries.

However, rather than responding the practice in many parts of the positively by taking advantage of the world. The system offers regulators the incentives provided in the PIB, the IOCs flexibility needed to respond to changing seem intent on allowing export-oriented market conditions without locking the gas projectsto take precedence over the nation into a fixed regime.The processes

The International Oil Companies have warned loudly that investment will dry up after the PIB. But it seems very strange for them to be engaging in this kind of scaremongering whilst at the same time making such huge investments

,

needs of the Nigerian people. The new arrangements under the PIB mean that if International Oil Companies are determined to continue to operate that way, then that will come at a price, and this fact is the crux of their attack. Nigeria has every right to secure this protection for its people today and for posterity through legislationthat is fair, balanced and transparent. The draft PIB 2012 is poised to do just that.

In a further criticism, the IOCs took objection to the use of regulation for aspects of the fiscal terms. The PIB introduced two new tax regimes - the Nigerian Hydrocarbon Tax, HNT, and the Companies Income Tax, CIT, and the rates for these are contained in the Bill.

However, royalty rates are to be detailed in regulations in much the same way as the current Petroleum Profits Tax, PPT.

,

by which these regulations are to be rolled out are defined in the PIB and are not subject to arbitrary change.

Another complaint expressed by the IOCs is the supposedly high Government Take in Nigeria which they compared with those of a number of countries including Equatorial Guinea, 44%; Ghana, 52%; the UAE, 77%; and Angola, 83%. It is in fact notable that we have not seen an exodus of investors from Angola to Ghana or UAE to Equatorial Guinea and that is because the Government Take is but only one of the metrics for determining the attractiveness of a nation’s fiscal terms.

The International Oil Companies have warned loudly that investment will dry up after the PIB. But it seems very strange for them to be engaging in this kind of scaremongering whilst at the same time making such huge investments. Many

might think that their purpose is less to provide a true warning than to stave off competition. Another key feature of the PIB is the introduction of a modern acreage administration system which would ensure that tracts of acreages that have been lying dormant under the current regime are operated in a vigorous and continuous manner that would shore up the nation’s reserves and production. So, under the PIB, sitting on valuable acreage without actively working them would be a thing of the past.

This new system will not only help Nigerian oil companies, but will also attract new independent players that are ready to take exploration risks to increase production. Predictably, the system would put some IOCs under pressure and open them up to competition from independents thereby reducing their dominance in the Nigerian upstream space. In recent times, much success in major oil and gas discoveries globally has been by independents, not risk-averse IOCs who expand through acquisition and mergers. So we welcome their arrival here.

In a final attack, the IOCs criticised the introduction of productionallowances, which reward companies by output thereby discouraging wasteful behaviour

by IOCs. Once again, these rules have turned the tables on the IOCs, improving the terms for the taxpayer and Nigerian citizen. IOCs also complained that the authorities are not paying enough attention to their needs, and haven’t consulted them sufficiently.

It is clearly reasonable and right for Government to listen to the IOCs as indeed to other stakeholders but having to “consult” with a group before changing the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a different matter. It took the better part of three years for the Government to reach a position with the IOCs for the Deepwater terms in 1993 with Government eventually giving way just to ensure that the project got off the ground... But this time round, we are determined that these kinds of tactics by the IOCs simply will not pay off.

But it does seem that the IOCs have trouble accepting the right of the Nigerian Government to create and change its own laws without external approval. Not only do they complain at lack of “consultation” but they demand that the fiscal arrangements in the Bill should be subject to review by an independent assessor, such as the World Bank. This certainly will not happen. The very suggestion is quite patronising and offensive. Nigeria needs no third party to review its legislation. It has taken 13 years to get the PIB to this point. Previous attempts have been killed off in the past.

Continues from Page 50 problem. And that plan has to be huge. It has to really tackle issues like carbon markets and a stable price on carbon. This is a difficult issue. There is no way that the Bank could do that on its own. It requires a lot of agreement across the board.

And there are other issues like fossil fuel subsidies which we know we have to remove, but they are incredibly difficult politically. So, for example, in just one area, we spent $9 billion on agriculture last year, and what we are trying to do is ensure that every single project we do is focused on what we call “Climate smart agriculture,” and that is ensuring that we do things like help to recover degraded lands, help to increase yields by bringing in varieties of crops that quite literally have longer roots and take more carbon and put it back into the earth.

Sustainable energy for all.

We’re focused on trying to find a way of providing energy for Africa, for example, that will use sustainable sources of energy.

And just in our own portfolio of energy, we’ve gone from 22 percent focused on renewable energy sources or sustainable energy in 2007 to double that number.

Sustainable energy We’re closer to 50 percent in 2013 in terms of the proportion of our portfolio. So, we’re making large investments in areas like sustainable energy, agriculture — looking, for example, at how to build clean cities. Those are things that we do all the time and we’re doing everything that we can to be more climate smart in every one of those activities.

And we’re also trying to contribute to these larger debates about stable price on carbon and fossil fuel subsidies. So, it’s hard to give you an exact number, but it’s many, many billions of dollars that we’re putting into things like sustainable energy, climate smart agriculture, and clean cities.

I would like to follow up on the first question. I wanted to know, don’t you fear that the World Bank could be outpaced by institutional countries that impose less conditions than the World Bank Group before granting loans?

And secondly, are you worried about the side effects of the monetary policies on some Emerging Countries? So, in visiting every single one the BRICS countries, I did not experience even slightly a diminishing of demand for our services. You know, it’s true that the BRICS countries, many of them are extremely well financed and have money, but they continue to come to us for very specific reasons. For example, the Chinese came to us and asked us to help with urbanization.

52—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

It's Nigeria, Chad, Niger operation — Army Continues from Page 5

tigation to unearth the truth, as this is a recurring decimal in all such past instances in Borno State”.

After his presentation, Senate President, David Mark, who was the only person to respond, said the matter was a security one and considering the security implication, there shouldn’t be any debate on it by the Senate.

“I don’t want any debate on it because there is already a committee set up by the Federal Government to investigate it", he said.

He thereafter directed the Senate Committees on Defence, Police and National Security to investigate the incident and report back within 14 days.

But Mark directs the Senate joint committee to call the Chief of Army Staff with a view to ensuring that the military task force in the area keeps to rules of its engagement.

“You should call the Army Chief and ensure that our boys adhere to the rules of engagement”, he said.

The Senate subsequently observed a oneminute silence in honour of the victims.

Speaking with newsmen later, Senator Ma’aji admitted that the insurgents, according to reports available to him, first attacked the military that, he said, were on a routine patrol in the area.

But he faulted the retaliatory action by the military, saying it was wrong for them to have involved civilians in their action against the insurgents just as he said the resort to using higher fire power against the insurgents was not the best way of arresting the Boko Haram insurgency in the country.

“The resort to arm in fighting terrorism in the country is a lazy way of going about it”, he insisted.

Senator Ma’aji who confirmed that the Boko haram have taken over 10 local government councils in Borno State, blamed it on security personnel, whom he said, abandoned their duty posts.

“I can confirm to you that there is no security outpost standing in Borno State now. All those needed to man these security posts have abandoned their areas and when you are not there, the person with the gun rules”, he said.

He said the “ultimate solution to this insurgency is a genuine dialogue that must necessarily address the immediate and remote underlying causes of the insurgency", even as he commended President Goodluck Joathan for setting up a committee not only to probe the Baga massacre but consider amnesty for those linked with Boko Haram activities in the country.

He appealed to concerned agencies of government and spirited individuals to come to the aid of the surviving victims, whom he said, were mostly women, children and the aged, saying they were in dire need for assistance.

The House of Representatives on its part urged President Goodluck Jonathan to set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the massacre following the adoption, without debate, of a motion brought by Hon Mohammed Tahir Mongonu.

The House presided by the Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal yesterday also called on the Boko Haram Sect members to embrace the amnesty offered by the Federal Government, just as it further urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the victims who lost their property.

ACN cautions JTF against extrajudicial killings In its reaction, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, warned the JTF against engaging in extra-judicial killings, saying the security agencies must respect the relevant rules of engagement in their ongoing onslaught against the sect in order to spare the lives and property of in-

nocent civilians.

"Without jumping to any conclusion on what really transpired in Baga, we hasten to say that the military, in fighting an asymmetric war against insurgents, must ensure a strict observance of its rules of engagement to avoid the kind of deaths that were recorded in the border town.

"No matter what defence the military may put forward, the mass deaths and destruction in Baga during the JTFinsurgents’ clash portray the Nigerian military as having little or no respect for human rights and the sanctity of lives. This is not a flattering portrayal for a military that has made its mark in global peacekeeping," it said.

The ACN also criticized the Federal Government’s handling of the killings, calling it slow and disrespectful to the sanctity of human lives.

Northern Elders condemn killings Also the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) yesterday, condemned the alleged killing of Baga residents, alleging that the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in Borno State carried out the alleged killings to avenge the death of one soldier ostensibly killed by the Islamist militants, Boko Haram in the town.

The NEF then asked for a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the incident, in place of the probe of the violence as promised by President Jonathan Goodluck.

The forum also said that it does not have confidence in some members of the committee set up

by President Jonathan Goodluck to look for ways of engaging Boko Haram for a possible amnesty, as it was headed by government officials instead of those who have the trust and confidence of Boko Haram.

Former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University , Prof. Ango Abdullahi, spoke to the Press on behalf of the group during a meeting the NEF had with the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna.

No cause for alarm on Nigeria’s economy—Okonjo-Iweala, Sanusi

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

C

OORDINATING Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Governor Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mallam Lamido Sanusi have told the International Monetary Fund, IMF, that there is no cause for alarm over Nigeria’s economy.

The duo had led the Nigerian official delegation to the just concluded 2013 IMF/ World Bank Spring Meetings to a meeting with the Managing Director IMF, Christine Lagarde over some observations made in the recent IMF Article IV Conclusion report on Nigeria.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stated that macroeconomic fundamentals of Nigeria are strong but with equally strong vulnerability arising from the drop in crude oil output and price, noting that should the trend continue, Nigeria could be losing on average, about $1billion monthly.

She further told the IMF MD, that there

was no cause for alarm, stating that Nigeria already accumulated a buffer of about $7billion which had become handy in cushioning the expected revenue shortfall, stating that the budget remains on course.

She reminded the head of the IMF that Nigeria would be rebasing its National Income Account and requested the Fund to work with the Nigerian official on the project and to set up an advisory board to supervise the process in order to instill global credibility.

On his part, Sanusi, in response to the recommendation of the IMF report that the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, should be closed, argued that the Corporation should be allowed to complete the designed 10-year timeframe required to complete its operations. He explained that the model used in establishing AMCON shows that the Nigerian banking system would be able to recover the debts under 10 years.

PIB: Echoes of resource control resonate at House Public hearing

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

T

HE debate over petro leum resource control re-echoed, yesterday, during the second day of the House of Representatives Public Hearing on PIB for the South-West Zone held in Lagos.

The resource control debate which has raged across the country for over two decades was re-introduced by Godwin Ojo, the Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action (ERA) during the group’s presentation at the occasion.

He said: “There is the need to address the lingering issues of resource ownership and control to accommodate local demands of several decades. Entrusting full ownership, control and management of hydro-carbon totally in the hands of the Federal Government negates principles of true federalism. If the community and individuals can own land, then the resources on such land should belong to the rightful owner. Hence, there is the need to amend the Land Use Decree of 1978 to reflect this.”

The group’s leader further pointed out that "there is serious contention that oil resources belong to the regions/communities rather than Nigeria as it was during the groundnut pyramid, cocoa and oil palm boom which saw the old Northern, Western and Eastern regions respectively control at least 50 percent of resources while they pay royalties and taxes to the

national government.”

The group maintained that it was serious oversight not to acknowledge community claims to local resources insisting that this issue has been at the heart of violent resource conflicts.

Ojo further advocated that the PIB should address the decades of ecological devastation of the Niger Delta by putting in place remediation measures which will ensure clean-up and

restoration of the environment.

Said he: “The Bill should also address the level and rates of compensation which have been arbitrary, leading to unfair competition. It should attempt to describe what is meant by fair competition to avoid ambiguities. The compensation regimes currently in place are truly laughable and further impoverish the local people.”

••As Govs Yero, Kwankwaso reject bill

BY LUKA BINNIYAT

K

ADUNA — TWO northern governors, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State and Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State, yesterday, rejected the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, saying it would make impoverish their states.

Kwankwaso told members of the Adhoc Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill, North West zonal public hearing held in Kaduna, that the people of Kano State opposed the bill in its totality.

Yero on his part said the term “host communities” would amount to creating a fourth tier of government.

Said Kwankwaso: “The decision is that we kick against the bill came after due consultation with stakeholders and the ordinary citizens of Kano State.

Northern legislators must not to be bought over like during the case of the offshore/onshore debate in

2002. The people of Kano State will not be deceived to endorse the Petroleum Industry Bill. The South South region has a Federal Ministry; it has13 per cent derivation; it has an amnesty programme as well as Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, against other parts of the country."

On his part, Governor Yero who was represented

by Permanent Secretary, Kaduna State Ministry of Justice Hajia Hauwa Dalhatu said: “There is also in existence Niger Delta Development Commission and Ministry of Niger Delta, in addition to the autonomous amnesty programme. To create a host communities fund therefore, will not only be tantamount to creating a fourth tier of government, but also making provisions that will further alienate other parts of the country economically. The term host communities as used in the bill is nebulous."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013—53

C M Y K

54 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

I expect Borussia to go all out — Mourinho “D

IEGO Lopez, Ramos, Varane, Pepe, Coentrão, Khedira, Alonso, Özil, Higuain,

•Mourinho

Cristiano Ronaldo and hopefully Di Maria will play today”, said the Real boss in the press room (preview) The Real boss and Mesut Özil answered questions from the press in Signal Iduna Park’s press room, and the coach explained his feelings ahead of his team’s important match: “Klopp is a fantastic coach; I think he’s genuine and honest. After listening to his statements I can’t expect anything other than a Borussia with an attacking style that’s going to go all out. We’re playing against a team that has its own style of play, it won’t be easy. We’ll face the game calmly, just like Galatasaray and United, trying to win”.

Real Madrid seeks a positive score in Germany

in order to face the second leg in the Santiago Bernabeu with things in their favour.

Mourinho gave his starting eleven for tomorrow ’s match: “Diego Lopez, Ramos, Varane, Pepe, Coentrão, Khedira, Alonso, Özil, Higuain, Cristiano Ronaldo and hopefully Di Maria, who had a good but emotionally tough day because his daughter was born, will play tomorrow”.

When asked whether Borussia might be affected by Götze’s transfer to Bayern, Mourinho responded: “I don’t know the player or Borussia’s mindset and culture. I have no idea whether it can have positive, negative or no consequences”.

•Lewandowski

Lewandowski fit to face Real Madrid

R

O B E R T Lewandowski has handed Borussia Dortmund a timely boost by revealing that he will be fit to face Real Madrid.

Die Borussen take on los Blancos in the firstleg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday and Lewandowski, who has

Did you Dortmund set to repeat group stage know? triumph B B

O R U S S I A Dortmund overcame Real Madrid in the group stage this season, triumphing 2-1 at home and drawing 22 away.

Midfielder Nuri Sahin spent one season at the Santiago Bernabeu and a loan period at Liverpool before returning to BVB in January.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are the only unbeaten team in the competition and knocked Malaga out in the last round.

Real Madrid have won just once on 24 visits to Germany and crashed out of the Champions League to Bundesliga opposition at this stage last season.

Star playmaker Mesut Ozil (pictured, right) was born in Dortmund’s Ruhr heartland and started his career at local rivals Schalke.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 11 goals in the Champions League this season. He needs three more to match Lionel Messi’s total from last year.

C M Y K

O R U S S I A Dortmund will have the luxury of naming a full strength line-up for the visit of the Spanish champions, with Mats Hummels having got some minutes under his belt in recent weeks following a hamstring injury.

All eyes will be on Mario Gotze, after the stunning revelation of his summer move to Bayern Munich for a fee of 37 million Euro.

Meanwhile, Sven Bender and Ilkay Gundogan will see off competition from former Blancos midfielder Nuri Sahin and club captain Sebastian Kehl to start in the middle of the park, with Jakub Blaszczykowski preferred to Kevin Grosskreutz on the wing.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have a few injury worries ahead of their visit to the Westfalenstadion. With Alvaro Arbeloa suspended, Sergio Ramos will start at rightback, with Pepe and Raphael Varane at the heart of the defence.

Marcelo has a hamstring knock,

scored in each of his last 12 competitive matches, is certain he will be ready for the crunch European encounter.

“I wanted to reassure you that my appearance on Wednesday is not endangered,” the Poland forward posted on his Facebook page.

“The muscle is bruised but I’ll be fit for the match against Real!”

Lewandowski had earlier complained about pain in his thigh after his team’s 2-0 victory against Mainz and originally thought he would struggle to make BVB’s European tie.

“I felt pain in the last minute. All I can do is apply ice to the thigh and hope it doesn’t swell anymore. It’s touch and go whether I play on Wednesday,” he was quoted as saying on Uefa.com.

Dortmund meet Jose Mourinho’s men on April 24 at Signal Iduna Park, with kick- off scheduled for 7.45 pm

• Ronaldo and Gotze set to thrill meaning Fabio Coentrao will start at left-back.

Elsewhere, Jose

Mourinho’s men will be more or less at full strength, though Luka

Modric and Karim Benzema are nursing minor injuries.

Siasia storms Champions Planet for Real, Dortmund

F

ORMER Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia will be the ‘Legend of the Night’ at the Heineken Champions Planet tonight, as guests get the opportunity to interact with him during the second semi final first leg match of the UEFA Champions League.

The Beijing 2008 Olympics silver medal winning

coach for Nigeria, who also piloted the Flying Eagles of Nigeria to a runner up feat behind Argentina at the FIFA Under-20 Championship in Holland in 2005, confirmed his intention to be part of the premium viewing experience at the Heineken Champions Planet in Victoria Island, Lagos.

“I feel highly honored to be invited for this unique programme. Although I was part of the premium experience some seasons ago, I would be delighted this time around to mix and interact with guests who will also be willing to know more about my career in the game,” Siasia remarked last night.

•Siasia

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013 — 55

CAF U-17: We’re ready for Tunisia – Eaglets Skipper

BY SOLOMON NWOKE, Marrakech

T

HE national under 17 team, the Golden Eaglets perfected their plans yesterday ahead of today’s 2013 CAF U-17 championship semi-final clash against Tunisian at the Marrakech Grand Stade.

The players were upbeat about making Nigerians happy after today’s game. They were upbeat as they chanted war songs as they rode back to their Hotel Riad Magador camp in a luxury bus after training.

The players engaged the combined team of the coaching crew, medical and back room staff in a singing competition as they rode back to their hotel. While coach Amu-

nike triggered the ‘old school ‘ songs sang during his playing days in the Super Eagles which he rendered for about two minutes, the players replied with a gospel song and it continued till they got back to their hotel.

The players ended with the National Anthem and they were very happy.

Speaking on their readiness in the semi final match today, captain of the team, Musa Mohammed said they are ready

Keshi Continues from BP Everton and is set to have his most successful season for the Toffees since he burst onto the scene in 2005.

“Anichebe is a good

for the match and would give it their all to make Nigerians proud.

He said, “We have prepared very well and are battle ready against Tunisia in tomorrow’s (today) semi final match. All my teammates are ready and I am happy that the injured players from the last game against Congo are back.”

Defenders Chidiebere Nwakali and Prince Izuchukwu; and Bernard Bulbua a striker picked up injuries in the last game.. player who would add value to the Super Eagles attack. I need him in the team but I cannot force him to play for his country. “He has to show the zeal to play for Nigeria before we call him to join the Eagles,” Keshi added.

Continues from BP So these folks that are RUINING our football instead of running it still have money to embark on this fruitless venture!

Fact: The NFA Act 2004 subsists. The ‘NFF’ is not known to law!

Fact: The ‘National Sports Commission (NSC)’ too does not exist in law as I have always pointed out, and this will be the case until the ‘NSC Draft Bill’ becomes law after going through necessary processes in the National Assembly.

Fact: If what qualifies you to ‘speak on the administration of the game’ is your willingness to engage in those corrupt practices that Coach Kadiri Ikhana MON in exasperation publicly accused the ‘NFF’ and its cohorts of, then I am certainly not qualified to speak on it!

Fact: Amiesimaka will not speak about himself because he does not need to do so. But when an organisation that depends on public funds

NFF to run our football believes that members of the public should let it act with impunity and cannot comment on its actions you can see how misguided it is and how low it has sunk on the public accountability scale.

Fact: If you think you are being ‘proactive’

Kenya Continues from BP alongside Sofapaka’s Duncan Ochieng, Wilson Obungu (Bandari) and Martin Musalia (AFC Leopards).

Thika United forward Kennedy Otieno has earned a call up to the team for the first time after he scored a hat-trick against Karuturi Sports during Sunday ’s KPL fixture in Thika. Other new faces include Chemelil Sugar’s Daniel Mutai, Ben Barasa of

when your actions can only make a bad situation worse, then you probably do not understand the essence of that concept.

Fact: It is simply bad management in the context of wanting to produce a winning team that even you acknowledge to be ‘work in progress’, to sack trusted assistants of the Chief Coach without any prior reference to him.

Sony Sugar, David Mwaura (Mathare United) and of Benedict Owuor KCB. Coach Adel Amrouche also confirmed he had axed AFC Leopards defender Edwin Wafula for indiscipline as he unveiled a 25 member squad comprising of local based players.

Wafula was sent off against Chemelil Sugar during their Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Top 8 match last Wednesday in a move that has cost him his place in the team.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Champions League — P.54 Dortmund vs Madrid 7.45 pm CAF U-17 Nigeria Vs Tunisia 4.00pm

NFF is run by bad managers – Adokiye

Eagles: Keshi explains Anichebe’s exclusion T

HOUGH Victor Anichebe remains in the plans of Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi, he was not listed in the 30man team for matches in May and June because he has refused to communicate with Super Eagles officials, it was gathered yesterday.

This is why the Eagles Chief Coach has not officially invited to the team.

“I made several efforts to discuss with Anichebe but all to no avail and he has even refused to respond to messages left for him on his phone,” Keshi told reporters.

“He has refused to pick my calls or even call me.

He has also not responded to messages and calls from the Team Secretary, Dayo Enebi.”

The 25-year old has been in good form for Continues on Page 55

•Onyango... Kenya first choice goalkeeper

HE war of words between former Rivers State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Adokiye Amiesimaka and the Nigeria Football Federation continues after the former national

Midweek Sports Vanguard Xtra — P.28 & 29

team players described the football house as made up of “terribly low calibre and immature people.”

He reacted to the response of the NFF this way: Fact: If you ever had any doubt about the terribly low calibre and immaturity of people running our football and want to know why they find it so challenging to get sponsors, what more evidence would you need? Surprise, surprise!

Continues on Page 55

Bayern maul Barca 4-0 B

AYERN Munich last night demolished Barcelona 4-0 in a match that could end the Span-

ish giants’ search for Champions League glory this year.

A brace by Muller and

goals from Gomez and Robben ensured Barcelona left the Allianze Arena without a point.

Kenya name 25-man squad for Nigeria

G

•Anichebe

CAF U-17: We’re ready for Tunisia – Eaglets Skipper — P.55

PUZZLE

OR Mahia goalkeeper Jerim Onyango has been recalled to the Harambee Stars squad to start preparations for the

return leg match of the World Cup qualifier against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Nairobi on June 5.

Onyango, who has

been in and out of the team, makes a comeback to fight for the goalkeeping position

Continues on Page 55

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

T

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Span (6) 5 Entrance (4) 8 Wrath (5) 9 Tavern (3) 10 Between (4) 11 Close (4) 12 Plunged (5) 13 Feverish (6) 16 Footwear (4) 18 Tart (4) 20 Insect (3) 22 Manage (3) 23 Circuit (3) 24 Accompanying (4) 25 Irritation (4) 28 Deserved (6) 30 Adhesive (5) 32 Midge (4) 33 Manhandle (4) 36 Mirth (4) 37 Dozen (6)

DOWN 1 Clever (6) 2 Blameless (8) 3 Free (6) 4 Poverty (9) 5 Widespread (7) 6 Parched (4) 7 Resound (4) 8 Help (3) 14 Noel (9) 15 Gratuity (3) 17 Abroad (3) 19 Festivities (8) 20 Sicken (3) 21 Playhouse (7) 26 Sanctify (6) 27 Stick (6) 29 Expectant (4) 30 Servant (4) 31 Consume (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS

ACROSS: 3 Arrow 9, Battle 10, Arrive 11, Empty 12, Edam 15, Face 17, Disease 20, Lad 21, Steer 23, Edit 25, Tend 26, Tower 28, Use 30, Retinue 33, Real 35, Tern 36, Augur 38, Exempt 39, Subdue 40, Tenent

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 1, Ebbed 2, Atlas 3, Ale 4, Remiss 5, Oath 6, Wry 7, Vital 8, Sewed 13, Difuse 14, Merit 16, Candour 18, Ether 19, Get 22, Remit 24, Top 27, Reduce 28, Urged 29, Eaten 31, Needy 32, Ended 34, Mute 36, Apt 37, Rut

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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