JONATHAN TO AMNESTY COMMITTEE: Help end excessesof Boko Haram

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61868

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Military responsible •P.8 for power problems—FG

Senate throws out bill on salary for •P.8 ex-presidents, others

JONATHAN TO AMNESTY COMMITTEE:

Help end excesses of Boko Haram

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR & BEN AGANDE

•Charges members to restore peace in the North •Why I declined to serve in the committee — Shehu Sanni

•Says FG not serious with proposed dialogue

BOKO HARAM AMNESTY COMMITTEE

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BUJA—PRESI DENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, expressed the determination of his government to put an end to the excesses of the Boko Haram sect. President Jonathan

Continues on Page 5

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COLUMNISTS:

Is'haq Modibbo Kawu

•P.17

OCHEREOME NNANNA •P.19

Josef Omorotionmwan •P.19

INAUGURATION—President Goodluck Jonathan (5thL); Vice-President Namadi Sambo (6thL) with members of the Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North after their inauguration at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

1.7m candidates sit for JAMB •P.15 UTME Saturday

10 killed in fresh •P.7 Benue attack

NGF: Presidency, govs battle —P.9 over consensus candidate

Mr & Mrs

2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

C M Y K

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4 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

C M Y K

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POCKET CARTOON

SMALL ARMS COMMITTEE—President Goodluck Jonathan (3rdL); Vice-President Namadi Sambo (4thL) with members of the Committee on Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons after their Inauguration at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Help end excesses of Boko Haram— Jonathan Continues from page 1 who expressed this resolve while inaugurating the Presidential Committee on engagement with members of the Boko Haram Sect charged the committee members to come up with solutions that will restore peace in the troubled Northern part of the country.

Inaugurating the com-

mittee as well as the committee on the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday, President Jonathan prayed Allah to grant members of the committees the wisdom to do their job.

He said: “Nigerians are expecting this committee to perform magic and we pray that Allah

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

What you are interested in will be attracted to you.

Be careful what you attract, and what is attracted to you.

TAKE HEART

Y

BY ELLA RANDLE

OU never know what’s around the corner. It could be everything. Or it could be nothing.

You keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then one day you look back and you’ve climbed a mountain —Tom Hiddleston These words by Plumb best illustrate those times when we think that life is too challenging; but one must try to remember and be patient with oneself and God. “Well everybody’s got a story to tell. And everybody’s got a wound to be healed. I want to believe there’s beauty here. So, I guess if you’re holding on I can’t let go, I want to believe there’s meaning here.

How many times have you heard me cry out “God please take this”? How many times have you given me strength to just keep breathing?

Standing on a road I didn’t plan, wondering how I got to where I am. I’m trying to hear that still small voice I’m trying to hear above the noise.

Though I walk, though I walk through the shadows. And I, I am so afraid, please stay, please stay right beside me with every single step I take.

How many times have you heard me cry out? And how many times have you given me strength? This much I do know, we must always be patient with God and with ourselves. There is a better plan and a purpose for everyone.

should give you the wisdom to do so, because without peace we can’t develop no matter how committed we are”.

He charged members of the committee to establish a link with members of the Boko Haram sect and develop a framework through which disarmament will take place.

Jonathan tasks committee on peace options The president further enjoined the committee to work out a sustainable option that will lead to the granting of amnesty to members of the sect and develop a comprehensive victim support programme, “because a number of people are victims of the excesses of the Boko Haram. And as we try to address the issue of the Boko Haram, we must also comprehensively address the issues directly affecting the people. The committee must also come up with suggestions on how to address the underlying causes of the crisis, to ensure that as a nation we don’t face similar threats in the future,” the president said.

He continued: “The Federal Government is ready to work with you and any other organization to make sure that

these excesses of Boko Haram are brought to an end so that as a nation it is issues of development not issues of conflicts, issues of peace not issues of disaster that will engage us.

President Jonathan, last week, announced the setting up of a committee to ‘constructively engage key members of the Boko Haram sect’ with a view to defining a “comprehensive and workable framework for resolving the crisis of insecurity in the Northern part of the country”.

The setting up of the committee ostensibly followed the recommendation of the National Security Council which met in Abuja to deliberate on the workability of granting amnesty to members of the Boko Haram sect.

Members of the committee headed by Minister of Special Duties, Mallam Kabiru Taminu Turaki include Sheik Ahmed Lemu, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Col. Musa Shehu, (rtd.), Sheik Abubakar Tureta, Senator Sodangi Abubakar, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Hon. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, Amb. Zakari Ibrahim, Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed, Malam Adamu S. Ladan, Dr. Joseph Golwa, AVM A. I. Sheh, Mr. R. I. Nkemdirim, DIG P. I. Leha, and Prof. Nur Alkali.

Others are Malam Salihu Abubakar, Alhaji

Abubakar Sani Lugga, Barrister Ibrahim Tahir, Brig-Gen. Ibrahim Sabo, Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda, Group Capt. Bilal Bulama, Rtd, Prof.

Bolaji Akinyemi and Representative of SGF as Secretary. Two members earlier nominated, Mallam Shehu Sani and Alhaji Datti Ahmed rejected their membership of the committee, saying they were not consulted by the Presidency before announcing their names.

FG probing Baga Massacre — Jonathan Speaking on the recent clash between members of the Joint Task Force and Boko Haram sect that led to the death of civilians in Baga, Borno State, President Jonathan said the incidence is being investigated and government will take steps to ensure that if errors were made, such people are cautioned and are treated in line with our own laws and regulations.

He enjoined members of the security services to ensure that in carrying out their duties, care should be taken to ensure that innocent parties do not suffer unjustly.

Speaking on the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, President Jonathan said the effect of small arms and light weapons “is worse than the effect of nuclear weapons, because most African states are so unstable because of the free flow of small arms and light weapons and we plead that the industrialized nations who manufacture small arms and light weapons and push them into Africa are not doing good to the world.

“The effect is as bad as

the production and distribution of drugs because what the thrills of small arms and light weapons is creating I believe is even more devastating than that of drugs. Without the free flow of small arms and light weapons even the war against drug trafficking would have been easier in the states,” he said.

He charged members of the committee on proliferation of small arms and light weapons to “establish links and cooperation with similar institutions and agencies that help build capacity, enhance information sharing and develop multi-level international support relationship as well as strengthen regional cooperation”.

He further charged them to focus on putting forward policy suggestions even as it reviews existing ones and recommend implementation strategies to combat ilicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons as well as measures to enhance border security, propose legislations and regulatory framework to strengthen control of proliferation of small arms and light weapons in line with international standards.

The president noted that while his government will continue to do its best to guarantee the security of lives and properties in the country, it behoves on Nigerians to compliment the efforts of government by providing information that would be useful in combating crimes.

Committee prepared to work — Turaki In his response, the Chairman, Committee on Dialogue and Peace

Continues on page 16

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

NUPENG suspends branch chairman for protesting Alams' pardon

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BUJA — THE Petroleum Station Workers Branch of oil workers’ union, NUPENG, has handed down an indefinite suspension to Comrade Aminu Hussaini over his protest against the pardon granted by President Goodluck Jonathan to exGovernor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and Bank of the North ex-MD, Alhaji Shettima Bulama.

Jonathan‘s pardon to these ex-officials drew the ire of several Nigerians including Hussaini, the chairman of petroleum station workers branch of NUPENG, FCT chapter.

Hussaini had written a protest letter to “The Chairman, Committee of Public Petition, National Assembly, Abuja” entitled “Complain of unlawful exoneration of former Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and former Managing Director of the North Bank, Alhaji Shettima Bulama by President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

In the letter, Hussaini said: “If Mr. President of Nigeria is celebrating corruption, what it means is that no hope for the youth in Nigeria at large.” He urged the president to revisit the pardon and “get them re-arrested.”

Hussaini suggested that Jonathan should be impeached by the National Assembly if he failed to rescind his pardon for the duo.

His letter was dated March 25, 2013.

Among those copied were President of the United States of America, Queen of England, Femi Falana, Attorney General of the Federation, Governor of Edo State, Governor of Lagos State, NUPENG President; President, Nigeria Bar Association; President, Nigeria Labour Congress and President, Trade Union Congress.

Body of drowned teenager recovered in Lagos

BY EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS — THE body of a teenager who drowned, Tuesday, in Oniyanrin river in Owode village, in Ikorodu area of Lagos, was yesterday recovered by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA. The deceased identified as Feyisetan Owonifari was a Junior Secondary School, JSS2, student of Ikosi High School, Ketu.

He was said to have gone to bath in the river in company of his younger brother, penultimate Tuesday, at about 10.20 a.m.

His younger brother reportedly raised alarm on noticing that Feyi, as he was popularly called, was drowning. But help came late as other children said to be bathing in the river, fled abandoning the wailing boy.

Confused, his younger brother was said to have rushed home to

inform his mother. The incident caused panic as parents and sympathizers thronged the river, without seeing Feyi.

His distraught mother, Mrs Kemi Owonifari, who is a member of the Lagos State Neighborhood Watch group was said to have made concerted calls to various rescue teams.

Officials of NEMA and Merchant Navy reportedly arrived the scene at about 4.30pm, where search was conducted round the river, to no avail.

The Lagos State spokesperson for NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye, told Vanguard: “We suspended the operation Tuesday and commenced the search this morning (yesterday) and by 10:59 a.m. we recovered the body. We have handed the body over to the vice chairman of Isheri Local Council Development Area,who handed it over to the bereaved family.”

A wooden boat laden with an estimated 8,000 bags of 50kg parboiled Nigeria Customs Service along the creeks of Badagry, Lagos.

Fugar crisis: Newly sworn in chairman remanded in prison

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—NEWLY elected Chairman for Etsako Central Local Government Council of Edo State, Mr. Emma Momoh, who was allegedly involved in the Fugar crisis that claimed two lives on the eve of the council polls in the state was, yesterday, remanded in Auchi Prison by a Fugar Magistrate Court.

It would be recalled that during the crisis, apart from the loss of lives, property worth millions of Naira were destroyed.

Vanguard gathered that a tense atmosphere has, however, enveloped Fugar and its environs following the court’s order just as the lawmaker representing the constituency in the state House of Assembly, Mr. Johnson Oghuma, alleged that the Zone 5 of the Nigeria Police hurriedly re-arrested him, Tuesday, and charged him to court yesterday.

Oghuma told newsmen in a telephone interview that the action of the police was necessitated by the lawsuit instituted

against them over human rights violation the chairman suffered in police detention in Abuja.

The legislator said Momoh, through his lawyer, had instituted a N100 million suit against

the police for violating his fundamental human right.

However, Momoh's counsel, A. A. Itemuagbon, said the case would come up tomorrow where the motion for his bail applica-

Two nabbed over attempt to derail trains in Ogun

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Ogun State, yesterday, said it apprehended two suspects, Popoola Sunday, 30, and Dell Taiwan 25, at Igbore village near Obada-Oko, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state while attempting to derail trains.

Public Relations Officer of the Corps in the state, Kareem Olanrewaju, in a statement in Abeokuta said the duo were caught while removing the railway chains used to tighten the

rail to allow for a firm grip.

According to Olanrewaju, the suspects were caught in the act.

He said their act was capable of derailing trains which may result in loss of lives.They were arrested by NSCDC men on patrol.

Olanrewaju said: “The state Commandant Aboluwaye has ordered for a thorough investi-

Police recover drowned 7-yr-old’s body in Ekiti

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

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DO-EKITI — THE Police have recovered the body of the 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.He missed his steps and fell into a heavily flooded drain while returning home in the rain that lasted for several hours.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Mr Victor Babayemi, said his body was recovered at Housing Estate, along Afao Ekiti

tion would be taken.

Three other persons apart from the chairman who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the town were also remanded in prison custody.

road in the state capital.

Babayemi said the father of the boy, Mr Matthew Ayeni, had identified the corpse and it had been released to him for burial.

Vanguard gathered that the boy’s corpse was found in a ditch behind the Police Station at Oke Ila.

The suspects

gation to enable the corps unravel the reasons behind their action and they will be charged to court after investigation.

“Rail vandalism is not common in this part so, there must be a motive behind this act. The corps will look into the case from all possible angles. Rail chains and other tools used in the act were recovered from them."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013—7

10 killed in fresh Benue attack M

d rice intercepted by the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Ikeja of the

BY PETER DURU

AKURDI — JUST few days after nine persons were slaughtered in an ambush by Fulani herdsmen, another 10 Tiv farmers were, yesterday, feared dead in a fresh attack in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The attack has also left many missing while farmland, houses and huts were not spared.

Vanguard gathered from an eyewitness that the assailants attacked Mbasenge community in Mbagwen in the early hours of Tuesday, killing and burning houses and farmland of their victims.

A survivor of the attack, Mbaungwa Igboko and Kahemban, who narrated his ordeal amidst tears, said his parents, Igboko and Kahemban as well as his brother ’s wife, Mbalumunga Ananya, were killed.

He said two other persons, Kwaghsaa Iorbee and Orsaa Akosu, were also killed in his

Butchers invade court premises, protest alleged imposition

BY EVELYN USMAN & UJU MBANUSI

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AGOS—PROTESTING butchers, yesterday, took over the premises of the Lagos High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square, agitating against what they described as imposition of the new ‘Eko Meat Van’ on them by the state government at outrageous cost.

The state government had introduced Eko refrigerated meat van and customized tricycles, to phase out unwholesome means of transporting beef within Lagos abattoirs to markets and finally to consumers, recently.

To ensure strict adherence to the use of the new meat vans, the state government reportedly set up a task force that would arrest butchers found using motorcycles or other means than the state government’s preferred vans to convey meat.

It was against this backdrop that the butchers dragged the state government before the Lagos High Court.

Spokesman for the association, Wasiu Akande, who lamented that the meat van provided by the state government at N7.5 million was expensive, added that it was coming at a time when they were yet to recover from a similar one supplied to them at N3.5 million.

Aside this, he disclosed that the vans were being managed by third parties, who pegged the transportation of two cow laps at N5,600, as against N2,000 which was the case.

He expressed fear that with the

the trend, the price of meat might be beyond the reach of the common man.

Counsel to the association, Ismail Mohammed, said in spite of the court’s pending action to

stay on the matter, several butchers were allegedly battered by security operatives who were enforcing the state government's laws on the new Eko meat van.

A cross section of aggrieved members of Lagos State Association of Butchers at the cour tpremises, yesterday.

presence before he managed to escape. “As I talk to you, there are many others we are yet to ascertain their whereabouts,” he said.

Calling for the intervention of the state and Federal Governments in the matter, he lamented that the attacks were coming at the time of full scale farming activities.

Speaking to newsmen in a telephone interview, member representing Guma/Makurdi Federal Constituency, Mr. Emmanuel Jime, expressed displeasure with the recurrent insecurity in his con-

Dana crash: Photojournalist recounts ordeal with undertakers

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BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

AGOS — THE Leadership Newspapers photojournalist, Mr Benedict Uwalaka, who was allegedly battered by a Director of TOS Funeral Homes (undertakers), Bayo Ogunsola, and his accomplice, yesterday, gave a vivid account of how he was brutalised while covering the release of corpses of victims of the Dana Airline crash, last year.

Giving his account before Magistrate B.O. Osunsanmi sitting in Ikeja, Uwalaka said he was beaten almost to a stupor by the accused persons.

The photojournalist, whogave the account in an emotion laden voice was led in his Examinationin-Chief by the Police Prosecutor, Inspector Benson Emuerhi.

He said: “On August 9, 2012, I went to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), for the release of the corpses of the ill-fated Dana Airline crash.

“I saw a lot of reporters and photojournalists from different media houses both from within and outside Nigeria.

“We were there for many hours when some one shouted that they had started to release the bodies.

“We all rushed to the scene and discovered that they used two vehicles to block the ambulance that carried the dead bodies.”

He explained further that he started looking for an angle where he could get a good shot since he could not go back to the office without shot of what hap-

Police nab 2 more suspects of MMIA robbery

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

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AGOS — THE police in Lagos State, yesterday, said they have arrested two more suspects who took part in the March 13, 2013, robbery at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where two policemen were killed and several others injured.

Seven members of the gang were earlier arrested and paraded by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Umar Manko, with five AK47 rifles,

magazines and dynamites.

Vanguard gathered that operatives of the Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS traced the robbers to Kwara and Rivers States, where they arrested one Shina Aremu aka Chinaa in Kwara and Chimobi in Port Harcourt.

Vanguard also learnt that Chimobi, is a dynamite explosive expert who is regularly hired by all robbers that specialize in bank robbery in the South-West. According to

stituency and the wanton killings and destruction of property.

Jime said the National Assembly would have to take urgent steps to check the recurrent bloodbath being unleashed in parts of Tiv land by Fulani invaders.

When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Superintendent of Police Daniel Ezeala said the command had not received information on any fresh attack in the state.

sources, Chimobi had participated in all the bank robberies in the region.

Meanwhile, Vanguard further gathered that when Chimobi’s apartment was located, the police laid ambush for more than three days before arresting him.

The source said he was fatally injured when he snatched a pistol from one of the SARS operatives who was trying to handcuff him.

pened at the scene.

He said: “From a distance of about 30 metres, I took pictures of the ambulance twice. The next thing I heard was: 'What did you snap? Show me your camera. Give me your camera.'

“I held onto my camera but this man in black shirt, who I later identified as Ogunsola came and dragged my camera.

“He started giving me blows.

While he was beating me I still held onto my camera. Someone wearing a white shirt came from behind, pulled my leg, hit my head with something and so collected the camera.

“I was soaked in blood as a result of the beating. It was later when I watched the television account that I saw that he hit me with a bottle.”

In his statement at the Police station, he told the court that he wrote the man in black shirt and white shirt since he didn’t know their names.

“I was later told by my colleagues that the man in black shirt was Ogunsola, who had been arrested by the Police and the one in white shirt was Idowu.

“I was treated at LASUTH and asked to stay for 24 hours for medical observation.”

When asked for the evidence of his injury by the prosecutor, Uwalaka burst into tears.

“My photojournalist colleagues showed me pictures, I equally watched it on TV and downloaded a picture on Internet.

I saw myself soaked in blood,” Uwalaka said in tears.

The prosecutor tendered the statement Uwalaka made at the police station, medical report from LASUTH and the downloaded picture from the internet as exhibits in the case.

Though the defence counsel, Tunji Ayanlaja (SAN), objected to the downloaded internet picture as exhibit based on admissibility issue, the court admitted it.

The magistrate adjourned the case till May 10, 2013 for further hearing.

H o w e v e r, M a g i s t r a t e , Osunsanmi admitted the picture saying: “The witness identified the camera shown in picture as his own so picture admitted as exhibit.”

8—Vanguard , THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Money laundering: EFCC raids hotels, real estate firm ...arrests 3 persons

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

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BUJA—THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, raided a real estate firm, First Group, and some hotels in Abuja for non-compliance with anti-money laundering rules.

The raid carried out by the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML, resulted in the arrest of three persons by the commission.

Those arrested were Isemede Mac-Henry, General Manager/Accountant, First Group Real Estate Company; Fadipe Emmanuel Abiodun, Managing Director, Alexis Hotel and Ekanem Ibok Essien, Managing Director, Rittman Suites.

They were said to have failed to comply with extant regulations mandating Designated Non- Financial Institutions, DNFIs, to register with the SCUML in line with the anti-money laundering laws.

Aside from enforcing compliance with regulations, Angela Nworgu, Head of SCUML, said the intelligence-driven raid was aimed at uncovering the beneficial ownership of entities that could be used to launder money within and outside Nigeria.

First Group Real Estate Company, with substantial foreign ownership, has been involved in marketing, promotion and sale of off-shore real estates primarily in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Nworgu called on DNFIs to continue to abide by extant regulations to avoid the wrath of the law.

Section 5 of the Money Laundering Act 2011 requires existing DNFIs to submit to the Ministry of Commerce, within three months from the commencement of the Act, a declaration of their activities and records of transactions in chronological order, indicating each customer’s surname, forenames and addresses.

DFNIs include dealers in jewelleries, cars, supermarkets, chartered accountants, audit firms, tax consultants, clearing companies, legal practitioners, hotels, casinos, or such other businesses as the Federal Ministry of Commerce or appropriate regulatory authorities may from time to time designate.

BY HENRY UMORU

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BUJA—THE Federal Gov ernment, yesterday, shifted blames for the problem of power in the country on the 30 years of military rule, just as it said that planning was relegated to the background during the period.

Speaking when he presented his scorecard to the National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and other members of the National Working Committee, NWC, Minister of National Planning Commission, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman was pessimistic on achieving the set goal of becoming one of the top 20 most developed economies by the year 2020.

Shamsuddeen Usman said: “During the military era planning was relegated and for more than 30 years we neglected the power sector".

The minister also disclosed that the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, NIMP, designed for the next 30 years will be ready in July, even as he said 50 percent of the nation’s bilateral agreements were presently not functioning as some of them were already dead.

50% of bilateral agreement not functioning He added that the Commission at the moment had reviewed 488 of such agreements, noting that it was quite unfortunate that Nigerians were not getting the full benefit of the signed agreements.

On Vision 2020, Shamsuddeen, who noted that Nigeria was number 44, said if by 2020 the nation rises to number 25 he would be a proud man.

According to him, “Where were we in 2009? We were number 44. By the end of 2011, we were number 39, by the end of 2012, we were in number 36, this is progress. We made quite a lot of progress. In other areas we are not.

"I don’t want any of you to meet me in 2020 and say you are the one telling us that we are going to be among the top 20. But what I am saying is that even if we are not among the 20 by that time, we were number 44 in 2009.

"If by 2020 we are number 25, I will be a very proud man. The reason is because we are consciously moving and doing all the necessary things to move up there".

He added: "It’s not saying we must be there. What it’s saying is if we get there then these are the actions we need to take as a country. We must do this and that in governance, in human development, in infrastructure. That is what the document is saying and we are actually taking those steps”.

The minister explained that

FORUM—From left: Dr Wale Ahmed, Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties; Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (Rtd), Chairman of NADECO; Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Campaign for Democracy, (CD); Mr Jeffrey Hawkins, U.S Consulate General in Nigeria; and Mrs Dehab Ehebreab, Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate General, during a forum organised by Campaign for Democracy and other Civil Society Organisations at Airport Hotel, Ikeja Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

FG blames power problem on military rule Vision 20: 2020 not realistic — Minister the Federal Government was on its way to transforming the power sector as the telecom sector had already been handled.

Explaining the challenges facing the Commission, Shamsuddeen, however, lamented inadequate funding of programmes and projects as well as capacity

gaps in Ministries, Departments, Agencies, MDAs, due to high turnover of staff, the pooling system and current subjective training and performance measures.

Senate throws out bill to remunerate ex-Presidents, others

BY HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA—MOVES to pro vide for the remuneration of former Presidents, Senate Presidents, Speakers of the Federal House of Representatives, Chief Justices of the Federation, among others, yesterday, suffered a major set back as the Senate rejected the Bill.

After a very hot debate by the Senators, it was agreed by the lawmakers that there was no need for such an arrangement.

The rejection of the Bill followed a lead debate by Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, who had argued that the Bill was first read on the floor of the seventh Senate in November, 2012, just as it was earlier passed by the 4th, 5th and 6th National Assembly, but was not assented to by the President before it lapsed.

According to him, it became imperative to reintroduce the Bill for an Act to remunerate all former Presidents, Heads of Federal Legislative Houses and Chief Justices of the Federation and other Ancillary Matters 2013 due to what he described as the exigencies of the time of the nation.

In his lead debate, Senator Ndoma-Egba said, ‘’I decided to reintroduce this Bill due to the exigencies of our time and the uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing economic situation of past leaders of this country. ‘’The thrust of this bill is essentially to repeal the provisions of CAP R6 LFN 2011 which provides for remuneration packages for former Presidents, Heads of State, Vice Presidents and Chief of General Staff to ensure that only democratically elected former Presidents are entitled to benefit from entitlements and benefits enumerated in the schedule to this Bill.

"The Bill automatically shuts out all former Military Heads of States who usurped political power through undemocratic means. ‘’The Military government of General Abdusalami Abubakar on May 10, 1999 in the twilight of his administration decreed a remuneration package for our former leaders.

"The 4th, 5th and 6th National Assembly thought it otherwise and in a bid to strengthen our democracy went beyond bars to remove former Military Heads of State and Chief of General Staff who came to pow-

er through the bullet rather than by ballot box from any benefit. ‘’Another important feature of this Bill is that persons who were removed from any of the offices referred to in this Bill through the process of impeachment are also not in contemplation of any remuneration package provided . ‘’Similarly, any person who has held two or more offices referred to in the Bill shall be entitled to only the benefit accruing to the highest of those offices which he has held in order of National precedence. ‘’The time has come for us as a country to begin to acknowledge the services of people who rise through hard work and commitment to certain positions constitutionally. One way of recognising such persons is to provide for them after office so that there is life for them after office. ‘’This Bill does not limit itself only to those who have attained the office of President and Vice President but it also applies to those who have attained offices as presiding officers of both Houses of the National Assembly and those who have attained the position of Chief Justice of the Federation which is a sharp difference from CAP R6 LFN 2011 which provided for the executive arm only.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 — 9

NGF poll: Presidency, Govs battle over consensus candidate

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

BY HENRY UMORU

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BUJA—THERE were indica tions, yesterda,y that the attempt by forces close to the Presidency to influence choice candidate for the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, might backfire, as most of the governors were opposed to the idea.

Similarly, it has emerged that most of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governors tapped by the Presidency to replace the current chairman, Rotimi Amaechi, were not too keen on the offer.

A reliable source close to the NGF said two northern governors, one of them being Ibrahim Shema of Katsina, who were handpicked by the Presidency to succeed Amaechi, may have politely told the Villa that they were not too keen to fly the flag so as not to jeopardise the interest of the North in 2015.

The governors are reported to be arguing that accepting the post would jeopardise the clamour by them to produce a northern president in the next election and could put them at loggerheads with their people.

However, given its alleged determination to drive out Amaechi from the post, which it claims has made him to be too powerful, the forces against the Presidency are said to have opted to anoint a consensus candidate during its meeting with PDP governors.

The matter is said to have infuriated governors who are opposed to the idea of the President imposing a candidate on them, reasoning that such a move would weaken the forum and defeat the purpose for which it was established.

One governor said: “We do not want the Presidency to handpick anyone and impose on us as a consensus candidate.

Govs against imposition "That is why we want to be present at the meeting with the President and to appeal to him to allow us to elect our new chairman based on our own conviction and the competence of the candidate".

A source hinted that as a result of the resolve of the governors to protect their frontiers from being invaded by the Villa, it was learnt that many of the PDP governors were ready to attend both the meeting called by its chairman, Godswill Akpabio in Abuja, yesterday and another one with President Jonathan today.

Presidential sources said the reaction of the Katsina governor has rattled the Presidency, which has believed that he would have no objection to his choice as Amaechi’s replacement in the NGF’s election in May. The governor is said to have re-

Job-for sale scam: Dead civil servant signs employment letters

A

AGREEMENT—United States Deputy Commissioner for Customs and Border Protection, Mr Thomas Winkowski (left) and Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Abdullahi Dikko during the signing of Customs' mutual agreement by the two countries in Washington, DC, on Tuesday.

jected the push by the Presidency on him to confront Amaechi in the next NGF poll, citing the fact that most of their colleagues were behind the Rivers State governor.

Shema is said to have been ruffled by the fact that despite Presidential intervention, most governors, including PDP governors may have decided to return Amaechi, when the election comes up in May. He is said to have confided in close associates that he was not interested in running against Amaechi because of the support he is currently enjoying from members of the NGF. Beyond the presidential onslaught to stall Amaechi’s reelection, majority of NGF members are said to have resolved to return Amaechi for a second term, irrespective of the attempt by the Presidency to stop him from being re-elected.

Governors opposed to Amaechi are reported to have assured the President that they would rely on the PDP constitution to stop him from presenting himself for re-election in May. The governors also said they would elect a consensus candidate so as to forestall a secret ballot, in which Amaechi could win.

Although unwritten, the governors reminded the Presidency that NGF elections had always been conducted through secret ballot and that they were not in the mood to change it.

Findings by Vanguard revealed that governors in support of Amaechi, have even

dusted up a copy of the NGF constitution, which makes provision for the chairman to run for two terms of four years.

They cited Section 6.9 of the NGF Law of 2009, which states:“The chairman and vice chairman of the NGF shall hold office for a term of two years but shall be available for re-election for another but final term of two years”.

It was learnt that once antiAmaechi group leant of the provision of the law, they immediately drew the attention of the Villa to the fact that Amaechi was likely to win a landslide if he signifies interest to run.

Although Amaechi has not indicated his interest to run, the Presidency is reported to have taken steps to stop him from running at all.

....Amaechi, Akpabio, Saraki in secret meeting

BY HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA—FORMER Chair man, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, Senator Bukola Saraki, PDP, Kwara Central, his successor and governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi and Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governors’ Forum, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State have held a closed door meeting.

Vanguard gathered that the meeting was part of moves to nip in the bud the political quagmire between Amaechi and Akpabio, especially following the formation of PDP Governors’ Forum.

A source told Vanguard that the trio met on Tuesday in Abuja for three hours, just as Senator Bukola Saraki was said to have pleaded with them to collectively ensure the survival of

the larger forum of governors, the NGF as well as not to heat the polity for the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.

According to a source, Governor Godswill Akpabio assured his colleague that the PDP Governors Forum was not created to undermine the Nigeria Governors Forum under the leadership of Rotimi Amaechi.

“At the end of their meeting, they agreed to work together while Senator Bukola Saraki pleaded with them to collectively ensure the survival of the larger forum of governors, the NGF.” It would be recalled that the Rivers State governor had been having a running battle with the Presidency and the PDP NWC over his leadership of the Nigeria Governors Forum, even as he was accused of using the Forum as an opposition platform against the PDP-led Federal Government

BUJA—THERE were rev elations, yesterday, before the Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta, PDP Niger joint Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs and Employment, Labour and Productivity that dead civil servants signed employment letters.

Speaking when she appeared before the Senate Commission which is investigating the job for sale allegation, Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission, FCSC, Deaconess Joan Ayo disclosed that the two employment letters tendered by Mrs. Odey and Idachaba were mere “photocopies.”

She also told the Committee that Ahmed Dantanko, who allegedly signed the employment letter issued to Odey and Tijani was dead.

It would be recalled that Mrs. Rose Odey and Idachaba Tijani blew the whistle on the alleged N250,000 paid for fake jobs in federal ministries.

The Senate Committee was also told by the FCSC chairman that Dantanko was not only dead, but he left the services of the Commission in 2008 and was never a Director, just as he was said to be a pool officer.

The FCSC boss, Ayo also told the Committee that the two known job-for-sale racketeers, Juliet Egobunor and Simon Odujebe, fingered by Odey and Tijani, as the masterminds were on the run, just as Juliet has absconded from duty at the Ministry of Lands and Housing where she works and Odujebe has “jumped bail,” She said, “There’s no record of the employment of Odey and Tijani anywhere in the FCSC. This has nothing to do with us.

If we have apprehended Simon and Juliet, we would have got to the end of this case.

“They are on the run. We have told their ministry that they must produce them. If they can’t, they must produce their next-of-kin because that record must be in their files.

“We wanted to bring him before the committee but, unfortunately, he died in an accident last year. He was a civil servant and not a Director. He signed for the then chairman. He was posted out of the Commission as a pool officer.”

When asked by a member of the committee if she could prove that the said Dantanko was, indeed dead, she said, ‘’I asked for the record and that was where we got to know that in addition to leaving the Commission, he was also dead.”

10—Vanguard , THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Police nab 2 more Lagos airport robbery suspects

BY IFEANYI LIE

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OKO-

OLICE in Lagos State have arrested two more suspects, who allegedly took part in the March 13 robbery at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, where two policemen were killed and several others injured.

Seven members of the gang were earlier arrested and paraded by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, with five AK-47 rifles, magazines and dynamites.

Vanguard gathered that operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, led by Superintendent of police, Abba Kyari, traced the suspects to Kwara and Rivers states, where they arrested one Shina Aremu A.K.A. Chinaa in Kwara and Chimobi in Port Harcourt.

It was also alleged that Chimobi is a dynamite explosive expert, regularly hired by armed robbers that specialise in bank robbery operating in the South-West.

The sources said: “He was prominent in the CCTV footage of the first bank robbery at Share Road, Kwara State on September 9, 2012 and this year's robbery incidents."

It was gathered that detectives from SARS laid ambush for more than three days after locating the suspect’s apartment before arresting him.

The source added: “It was then that one of our experienced officers, who had already taken good position knowing the type of person they were arresting, aimed at his leg and shot him.”

6 federating units is solution to Nigeria's devt woes— Anyaoku

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

L

AGOS—FORMER Secre tary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has advocated for true federalism and a return to the six federating units structure as panacea to Nigeria’s developmental woes.

He spoke in Lagos, yesterday, as special guest of honour at the Island Club’s Diplomatic Night.

Anyaoku said: “We have to return to true federalism. The present structure does not favour anyone. When we re-

turn to the six federating units that we had before, we will be better and most of our problems will be solved.

“With the six federating units, we had a federation which was viable and sufficient. We now have monoculture economy. There is a need for us to return to six regions and we will be able to develop.

“No country has ever developed when it spends over 70 percent of its revenue or budget on recurrent expenditure. How do we explain this to our unborn chil-

dren? It is absolutely wrong.

“I was in Papau New Guinea in 1995 and met 19 Nigerian professionals there.

In a country like that, most Nigerians don’t expect to see our professionals there.

“It shows the quality of manpower that we have in this country. All they need is the right infrastructure. With true federalism, and the six federating units, we do not have to spend such exorbitant amount on administration of Nigeria.

“The regions will do its own and grow constantly.

Within a short while, we will be marvelled with the astronomical growth.”

Chairman, Island Club, Prince Ademola Dada, added “ when we have true federalism, we will be able to produce and export cocoa that has been abandoned.

“Most of us will not forget the groundnut pyramids in the north?

"The country is blessed and with the federating units having its own control, these resources can be well harnessed.”

Lagos Assembly approves Fashola's request for funds

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

L LECTURE: From right— Prof. Ayo Ogunye, President; Engr. Vincent Maduka, past President, both of Nigerian Academy of Engineering, NAE, and Prof. Adebayo Sanni, Chairman of occasion, at the Academy's public lecture on Leveraging the Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation System in Nigeria for Sustainable National Development, in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: Biodun Ogunleye.

World Malaria Day: Lagos identifies challenge, distributes RTD kits

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

L

AGOS—AS Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s World Malaria Day today, a study by Lagos State Government has identified improper malaria diagnosis before treatment as a major challenge to the fight against the scourge.

The state government in collaboration with its partners has, therefore, pushed into the healthcare system microscopes and Rapid Diagnostic Test, RDT, kits to boost diagnosis of the disease and Artemisinin Combination Therapy, ACTs, anti-malarias being provided free for treatment in all the state-owned facilities.

At a briefing to mark 2013 world malaria day in Lagos, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, said the study showed that out of all fever

cases presented at its health facilities in 2012 only, 26 percent was confirmed malaria case.

Emphasising the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment, Idris pledged that the state would continue to sustain and improve upon all activities geared towards malaria control.

He said: “We will continue to improve and sustain diagnosis of malaria cases and treatment with effective medicines, distribution of insecticide-treated nets, ITNs. "This is to achieve full coverage of populations at risk of malaria, and the Indoor Residual Spraying, IRS, exercise.”

Ikuforiji's trial adjourned indefinitely

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EDERAL High Court Lagos, yesterday, adjourned indefinitely the trial of Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly. He is charged with laundering N773.3 million.

Justice Okechukwu Okeke adjourned the case following what he described as “deliberate act by prosecution to delay hearing in the case,” also alleging “blackmail.”

Mr. David Ibenu, counsel for Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, for the defence were present.

However, before the matter could proceed for hearing, Okeke expressed his dissatisfaction with the delay in the case.

He said EFCC had on several occasions, deliberately stalled hearing in the case.

AGOS—LAGOS State House of Assembly has approved the request by Governor Babatunde Fashola for infrastructure intervention fund for procurement of transformers and subsequent installation across the state as part of measures to boost power supply.

This came as the Assembly waded into the crisis in Oshodi-Isolo Legislative Council, following a petition sent to it tagged Invasion of Oshodi Isolo Legislative Council, where five councillors accused the Chairman, Mr. Bolaji Ariyo, of invading the legislative chamber with thugs where some councillors were allegedly battered.

The approval was given to the governor’s request by the Assembly at its plenary session to pay off the balance used for the purchase of 140 unit of transformers distributed to constituencies of lawmakers throughout the state.

The governor had last year, in accordance with the provision of the constitution, sought approval of the House for the purchase of 140 unit transformers.

70 percent payment was made, necessitating the request.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013—11

Ogun First Lady gets UNIDO support on Going Green

GOING GREEN: From left— Dr. Victor Fodeke, Technical Adviser on Climate Change, African Union Commission; wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, and Mr. Muiz Banire, former Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, during the UPLIFTING the Environment— Ogun State Goes Green International Conference & Workshop organised by Mrs. Amosun in Abeokuta, yesterday.

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NITED Nations In dustrial Development Organisation, UNIDO, Regional Director and representative of Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Patrick Kormawa, yesterday, expressed readiness of UNIDO to partner with Ogun State and Mrs Olufunso Amosun, the wife of Governor Ibikunle Amosun, in the Going Green initiative to increase environmental protection and ensure waste-to-wealth scheme through public private partnership.

Kormawa said this while presenting a paper entitled Strategies of Regional and International Entities to Foster and Support Going Green-related PPP, Joint Ventures and FDIs, during the UPLIFTING the Environment— Ogun State Goes Green International Conference & Workshop holding in the state.

He noted that creation of public awareness on the use of energy to improve the environment was germane to achieving the Going Green projects, explaining that development could not be possible without energy.

Kormawa noted that 1.3 billion people in the world had no access to electricity and an additional billion was underserved due to poor supply quality and intermittent supply problems.

S

IERRA Leone Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Henry Macaulay, has commended Nigeria’s roles in the development, peace and stability of his country.

Macaulay stated this at a briefing in Lagos on the forthcoming 52nd independence anniversary of the Republic of Sierra Leone, which comes up on April 27.

He said every Sierra Leone citizen had every reason to celebrate as the government of Ernest Koroma had delivered on its electoral promises.

According to him, the government had provided a greater access to quality education and

F

ORMER InspectorGeneral of Police, IGP, Mike Okiro, is to deliver a lecture entitled Re-thinking Global Security: An African Perspective, tomorrow at Calendonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.

Similarly, Mr. Stephen House, Chief Constable of Police, Scotland, would deliver a lecture entitled A European Perspective.

CIPM forum

Ekiti stands still for Olayinka

BY GBENGA ARIYIIBI

A

DO-EKITI—ADOEKITI, Ekiti State capital, yesterday, stood still when the remains of late Deputy Governor, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka, arrived the city at 4.35p.m. The body was received at Governor’s Office by Governor Kayode Fayemi.

A team of government officials, family and friends, including Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Ganiyu Owolabi and the Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, had earlier traveled to neighbour-

ing Ondo State to receive the body.

Residents of the state capital and its environs trooped in to receive the body of the deceased back home.

Law enforcement agents had hectic time trying to control human and vehicular movements.

In his short speech at the occasion, Fayemi lamented that Olayinka died in the process of rebuilding the state.

He said: “We thank God for the arrival of our Princess, who sacrificed herself for the

service of the people. We cannot thank God enough.

The elders say Igi to ba dara, kiipe ninu igbo.

“She lived a short and eventful life. We thank God for her life for taking her to the world where there would be no worries.

"We pray that the God will grant her husband, children and the entire Famuwagun family and her political family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Some youths later did candle light procession at the popular Fayuyi Park.

My critics 're jobless— Amosun

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA—GOVER NOR Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, yesterday, hit back at the opposition political parties in the state which accused him of crippling the

Nigeria contributed to S/Leone's stability— Envoy

BY NNAMDI OJIEGO

Okiro for UK global security lecture

healthcare services, job opportunities and social protection, sustainable management and people-centered investment among others.

On the relationship with Nigeria, the envoy said: “Nigeria is a major stakeholder in Sierra Leone development and stability. Nigeria made a very big impact towards ending the war in Sierra Leone.

“I want to tell you that Nigeria didn’t waste her time in helping us. We will do everything to sustain this relationship.”

On the security challenges facing Nigeria, Macaulay said his country was partnering with the Federal Government.

local governments by withholding fund, describing the accusation as an idle talk.

The governor, who spoke after inspecting some ongoing projects in Ogun Waterside and Ijebu-East councils, described the activities in the local governments since he assumed office as encouraging.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy

Affairs, Bashorun Oladipo, the governor said the opposition political parties in the state criticised his government because they wanted to be heard.

Labour Party and Peoples Party of Nigeria in the state had in recent times claimed that chairmen in the 20 local governments had failed to perform since they were elected, accusing the government of muzzling them.

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HARTERED Institute of Personnel Management, CIPM, has concluded plans to hold its 5th Special Human Resource Forum today, in Lagos.

The one day special forum, targeted at senior people in human resources practice and heads of departments of organisations, is aimed at enhancing the practice of human resource profession in the country.

NEC c'ttee on power to submit report

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ATIONAL Executive Council Committee on Reinvesting Plan for Power Sector is set to submit its report to the Vice-President today.

This was disclosed, yesterday, by a member of the Committee and Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, after a meeting to review the reports of the Committee in Abuja.

Attack on Ekiti monarch condemned

PDP group faults killer-squad claim

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P

NITIRE of Itire, Oba Lateef Dauda, has condemned last week’s humiliation of the paramount ruler of Ado-Odo in Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Abdulateef Akanni.

It will be recalled that Oba Akanni was abducted at gunpoint at 8am on April 15 from his car at Ido Oniporogun Junction, Ado-Odo by gunmen, beaten, stripped naked and dragged on the floor to a distance of over 500 meters into a market square.

The timely intervention of a police patrol team prevented the unruly mob from setting him ablaze.

The Onitire said: “This is an action that offends the gods of our land, the age-old tradition of Yorubaland and a desecration of our culture.

"Consequently, we condemned in strong terms those who were in a position to prevent this ugly situation but looked the other way.

"I call on all Obas throughout Yorubaland to rise up against the sacrilege on our culture and tradition.”

ATRIOTIC Forum, has faulted the claim that former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, had a killer squad that may have been used for some unresolved assassinations during his tenure, among others.

In a statement by its State Coordinator, Mr. Enitan Odulaja, the group said it was preposterous for Messrs Richard Odusanya and Segun Seriki to use an online medium to launch such an “invidious attack.”

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

A-Ibom 2015: Eket to sanction traitors

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OLITICAL stakeholders in Eket Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom State, have concluded plans to introduce and place traditional injunction on any indigene of the district, who betrays the position of the district in the 2015 governorship election in the state.

The district has urged its candidates to start unveiling themselves and make their manifestoes known to the people of the state.

Chairman, Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District Assembly, Chief Nduese Essien, during the third meeting of the Assembly in Eket, said it was pertinent for all sons and daughters of the district positioning to play the spoiler’s role to come back to the fold and claim their birthrights.

Rivers govt accused of displacing land owners

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT—A CIVIL society group, Social Development Integrated Centre, has accused the Rivers State Government of using agricultural development as ruse to displace many landlords and assume ownership of vast farmlands bearing oil wells in Ogoni- land.

The group stated this while presenting a book, Killing For Banana, a compendium of the hostilities, struggles and socio-economic impact on local farmers following government’s seizure and transfer of estimated 2000 hectres of farmland to Mexican farmers, Union De Iniciative S.A de C.V. for development of a Banana Plantation in Ogoni. It said that the lands are in Tai and Khana Local Government Areas.

The report claimed that over 30,000 farmers were displaced, when government forcefully acquired the lands in Korokoro, Tai, Ueken, Luusue Sogho, Zor Sogho, Nuaga Sogho, Akporo Sogho, Teka Sogho, Barakaani Sogho as well as Khana I and Khana II communites.

Amnesty to Boko Haram: PFN President calls for caution

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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E N I N — N AT I O N A L President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Dr. Felix Omobude, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to be very cautious in his planned amnesty for members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect.

Omobude, in statement in Benin, Edo State, yesterday, said that in as much as PFN recognised Federal Government’s right to grant amnesty to any group or individuals, including the Islamic Boko Haram sect, for the purpose of peace, there was need for government to be very cautious, so as not to give the impression that it was encouraging criminality and giving the international community the impression that Nigeria was a lawless country.

He said that instead of considering amnesty for Boko Haram members, the Federal Government should be more concerned with ways of compensating victims of the insurgency.

Saying that no amount of money can bring back the

lives of dead victims of Boko Haram insurgency, Omobude noted that all the victims should be adequately compensated and comforted in every way possible.

He said: “The victims and their families deserve adequate compensation to mitigate their grief and to demonstrate that the government also cares about them.”

He also appealed to Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, to stop further hostilities in the Niger Delta and give peace a chance, just as he called on its leadership to engage the Federal Government in constructive dialogue to resolve issues

SEMINAR: Enugu State Head of Service, Mr. Chidi Ezema (middle), with the SPA to the Governor on ICT, Ozo Okechukwu Igbonekwu; S. A. to the Governor on E-Governance, Mr. Arinze Chime (left) and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Chukwudi Achife, Knowledge Management Adviser, SPARC, Mr. Tim Donaldson, during a workshop organised by the state government, for Information Officers and PROs, in Enugu.

Edo ex-deputy gov, PDP leaders at loggerheads over election day killing

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—FORMER deputy governor of Edo State, Rev. Peter Obadan, a chieftain of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and leaders of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, were, yesterday, at each other's throat over the killing of one Imounu Orianran, at Sabongida Ora, during last Saturday’s local government elections in the state.

While Obadan described the deceased as a PDP thug, who was sent to assassinate

him before his orderly shot him, former chairman of Owan West Council, Mr Dan Asekhame, argued that the deceased was not a political thug, accusing Obadan of using police to harass the people on the election day.

Asekhame called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the killing “so that justice will be done.” But Obadan, who spoke to newsmen on how he escaped death, narrated that “On Friday, the day before the elections, I was told to be careful on election day, that the PDP had marked some of us for elimination. Somebody leaked the information to my orderly. So, on the election day, after casting my vote and I was about leaving the polling station,

we started hearing gunshots everywhere.

“I told my driver to drive off and head to the police station.

But as we were leaving, we noticed some youths pursuing us, speeding and shooting. When it became clear that they were about blocking us, I told my orderly to return fire and one of them was shot on the leg. I came down from my car to see the man, we collected the gun from him and I asked him who sent him to kill me. He was only saying Honourable, Honourable. The man was taken to the hospital but we heard later that he died. It was also later that we found a 9mm bullet, which they shot at my car."

N-Delta Action Plan to mobilise $200m for investments in the region

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

U

YO—DETERMINED to fast track development in the Niger Delta region, a Multi-Stakeholders Trust Fund, MSTF, has been established to mobilise funds for investments in the region.

The proposed MSTF is expected to solve the funding problems facing develop-

that are in contention.

Reiterating PFN's belief in peace as a condition precedent for national security, growth and development, Omobude called on all Christians in the country irrespective of their denominations to pray for peace and good governance at all tiers of government.

ment in the region.

Under the arrangement, as contained in the Niger Delta Action Plan, MSTF will mobilise an additional $200 mllion (about N3.2 billion) as the first tranche of funding.

The fund, according to the action plan, is expected through the proposed MSTF, which is to provide a new, complementary, funding vehicle to support investments of high impact and

short -term return, as it will serve as a catalyst for development by providing grants to organisations/communities involved in the establishment of inclusive business models.

The fund, which is being proposed in the new action plan for the oil rich region by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Niger Delta will focus on market development initiatives.

Edo LG polls: ACN wins in Esan West

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—THE postponed local government elections in Esan West and Esan North-East of Edo State, held yesterday, amidst tight security, with Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, defeating Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Esan West, while the result in Esan North-East is being awaited.

It will be recalled that elections in the two councils were postponed by Edo State Independent National Electoral Commission, EDSIEC, last Saturday, due to the late arrival of election materials to the areas.

As it stands now, ACN has won in 16 councils, while elections in Ikpoba/Okhai and Oredo Local Government Areas will hold today.

Chairmanship candidate of PDP in the area, Mr John Yakubu, lamented that “they are stealing results sheets here and there. I can’t even find the Returning Officers from EDSIEC. I know that I won in all the wards so far but I don’t know what they are doing. But we are watching.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013— 13

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14—Vanguard , THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Monsignor Obiora Ike loses 101 year old father

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A RICHARD Madu-abuchi Ike, father of acclaimed scholar, human rights and pro-democracy activist, former Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Monsignor Prof. Obiora Ike, has passed on, aged 101.

Pa Ike, an elder statesman and pioneer founding father of Ezeagu Local Government Area, of old Anambra State, was former chairman of defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Ezeagu Local Government Area in the Second Republic.

He reportedly died after receiving all his children and signing in their presence the sacraments of holy anointing.

The late Pa Ike, who lived a dignified and simple life, will be buried at his country home, Umana Ndi Agu in the Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State on May 16, 2013.

Sanusi on growing insecurity, urges FG to compensate unemployed youth

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA — WORRIED by rising insecurity in the country, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Sanusi, has called on the Federal Government to create an Unemployment Compensation Policy to assist teeming unemployed youths, with a view to discouraging them from crimes and other deviant life styles.

He also suggested the creation and maintenance of biometric and forensic data base for all Nigerians.

Mallam Sanusi spoke yesterday in Umuahia, Abia State, as guest lecturer at the first Abia State Youths Empowerment Summit, where over 200 vehicles, 700 tricycles and other equipment would be distributed to youths in the state.

Speaking on the topic, 'Youth empowerment as a panacea for insecurity,” Sanusi said: “The government should adequately fund the security agencies through competitive remuneration, provision of modern security equipment and gadgets, training and retraining all security personnel to meet modern day challenges.

“In the South-South and East, the act of kidnapping,

youth restiveness and other violence have become rampant. Specifically, the spate of kidnapping across the country, the incessant wave of crime and armed robbery point to the fact that insecurity is a big challenge to development in Nigeria.

“Related to the above is the challenge of poverty level.

Governments at all levels are unable to address this because there is no realistic social security programme in Nigeria to meet the people’s basic needs. This often provides the

basis for desperation and criminally minded activities.”

Sanusi, who also called for the provision of conducive environment and other logistics for security personnel, noted the importance of youths in any nation and need for them to be provided for, especially when not employed, the CBN governor said there was need for the Federal Government to emulate developed nation where social safety nets were provided for unemployed youths.

Earlier in his speech, Gover-

nor Theodore Orji stressed the importance his administration placed on youth empowerment, noting that it helped the state to effectively tackle the menace of kidnapping.

Commending the youths for their role in combating kidnapping, Orji flagged off the distribution 200 vehicles, including buses and township taxis, 700 tricycles and other equipment such as computers, sowing machines, among others.

Second Republic Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas (left), commiserates with Senator Ben Obi on the death of his wife.

Jonathan, Mark call for cordial executive - legislature relationship .Executive, Legislature not in a battle of supremacy — Jonathan .We need collaboration — Mark

BY HENRY UMORU, EMMA OVUAKPORIE & JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

BUJA — THE importance of cordial relationship between the executive

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and legislature came to front burner, yesterday, at the first National Conference on

Executive-Legislature Relations.

Both President Goodluck Jonathan and the Senate President, David Mark spoke on the need for a robust relationship between the two arms of government.

They stressed it was only through such development that the country could move forward, especially in making available to the people dividends of democracy.

Both leaders said that if Nigerians must attain the much needed democratic height, there was the need for collaboration between the two arms.

President Jonathan particularly noted that the executive and the legislature were not in a battle of supremacy or competition against the backdrop that the roles of both arms have been well established.

They added that both arms must not be divided as the people of Nigeria expect much from them.

Represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, President Jonathan, said the disagreement often being witnessed between the executive and the legislature should not be misinterpreted for battle for supremacy, saying it was a normal thing in any democratic nation.

The two-day conference organised by the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emodi, has as its theme, 'Strengthening Executive-Legislative Collaboration in Governance.'

President Jonathan said: “The executive and the legislature are not in a competition, we are not in a battle for supremacy, we are messengers sent to bring democratic goods.

"Our roles, duties and responsibilities are well defined and there is no reason whatever for us not to work together for the progress of our country.

"It is true that as humans, we will once in a while, have reasons to disagree but we should never allow it to divide us. We should never allow it to be blown out of proportion.”

The President who c h a r g e d parliamentarians, irrespective of their political parties to work with the executive for the provision of good governance to the people, said, “ what Nigerians want and desire is good governance from us.

Speaking earlier, Senate President, David Mark, said the two arms of the government had not done anything to suggest that there was rancour between them, stressing that the leadership of the National assembly would always work with the executive for the progress of the country.

He said, “The National Assembly and the Executives are on the same wavelength. The

only difference is that sometimes we see things from different perspectives and the emphases are different.

In his remarks, chairman of the occasion and former Senate President, Senator Joseph Wayas who hailed the convener of the conference, however, stressed that the lawmakers will learn much at the end of the day. He added that there is no separation of powers in Nigeria.

“The checks and balances as provided in the constitution are appropriate and ought to be there and be observed by all parties," he said.

Earlier in her remarks, Senator Joy Emodi said, ‘’though recognised by the constitution as separate branches of government; both sides often cannot and are not expected to function in isolation from each other. Each side needs the other to do the peoples’ business.

Vanguard , THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 —15

Guber poll: Appeal Court to decide case against Akpabio today

BY SONI DANIEL

ABUJA — THE lingering legal tussle over the 2011 gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom State, in which Chief Godswill Akpabio was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, may be resolved by the Appeal Court, today.

Former Special Adviser on Projects to Governor Victor Attah, Engr. Frank Okon, who contested the election against Akpabio, wants the appellate court to disqualify Akpabio and declare him as the duly elected governor of the oil-rich state.

Okon, whose case had earlier been struck out by a Federal High Court, is contesting the verdict which, he said, amounted to a miscarriage of justice by the learned trial judge, who dismissed the case on the grounds that it had no jurisdiction to entertain it.

In dismissing the case, Justice Abdu Kafarati, had held that it did not consider the appellant as a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the re-run primary election of the party held in Akwa Ibom State on January 15, 2011.

But Okon, the judge insisted, erred in law by refusing to follow the true position of the law as set out by the Supreme Court as to when a person becomes a candidate of a political party.

According to the particulars of the appeal, made available to journalists in Abuja, the appellant maintains that he was the candidate of the PDP in the election, having been screened and cleared to run in the election.

Okon is praying the court to declare him the duly elected governor of Akwa Ibom State since he was screened and cleared to take part in the poll.

AWARD WINNER —Rosemary Onuoha, Vanguard reporter and winner of the Citi Journalistic Excellence Award 2013, being presented with a certificate by the Chief Executive Officer of Citi Bank Nigeria, Mr. Omar Hafeez, at the bank’s corporate head office, in Lagos, yesterday

Over 1.7m sit for JAMB UTME Saturday ...Only 520,000 for admission ..196 inmates for exam

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

A

BUJA — Over 1.7million

candidates will this Saturday sit for this year ’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The examination will hold at the same time in 3,168 centres in 378 examination towns in the country and six foreign countries, including Accra in Ghana; Buea in Republic of Cameroon; Cotonou in Republic of Benin; London in United Kingdom; Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Johannesburg in South Africa.

Of the grand total of 1,735,720 candidates, only 520,000 would be admitted into tertiary institutions, leaving the bulk of over 1.2 million without admission this year.

Disclosing this, in Abuja yesterday, Prof ‘Dibu Ojerinde, JAMB Registrar, said at a press briefing that the 520,000 was an improvement in the carrying capacity of tertiary institutions in the country, compared to what it was two years ago.

He said: “The carrying capacity of all tertiary institutions, including Colleges of Education, is 520,000. It is, indeed, an improvement from the 450,000 we had two years back.”

“Of the grand total of 1,735,720 candidates writing the UTME from Saturday, April 27, 2013, 1,629,107 candi-

dates applied for the PPT, 15,008 for the DBT and 91,610 CBT for the exam.

“The Paper Pencil Test (PPT) and the Dual Based test (DBT) is scheduled to hold on Saturday, April 27, 2013, while the CBT will commence from Saturday, May 18, 2013, and end on Saturday, June 1, 2013.

“Consequently, the board has concluded all arrangements for the smooth conduct of the 2013 UTME using the three testing modes.

“Also 196 inmates who applied from Lagos and Kaduna

respectively are also sitting for this Saturday UTME, while 145 visually impaired candidates will sit for the same exam as provisions have been made for bailey questions and answers.”

He said the board had provided baillies questions and answers for the visually impaired with an extra time of 15 for each an hour paper He advised visually impaired candidates to report at their respective centres on the day of the examination, as adequate arrangements had

been made to take care of them at the examination centres.

Some of the visually impaired candidates had applied for the DBT and CBT. Such candidates have been reverted to PPT as there is not provision for visually impaired candidates to write CBT and DBT The board said it had also created additional 167 centres in order to accommodate all the candidates that registered for the UTME.

FG needs N921.4bn to complete 195 roads

BY BEN AGANDE

ABUJA — THE Federal Government needs N921.4 billion to complete about 195 ongoing road projects across the country.

Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, who disclosed this to State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC), said government had so far spent N1.39 trillion on ongoing road projects.

Giving a breakdown of the projects, the minister said 31 were in the north central zones, covering a total length of 1,054 kilometers, and estimated to cost N262.3 billion.

He said the north east had a

total of 30 ongoing projects, covering a total of about 1,461 kilometers at the contract sum of N332.9 billion.

According to him, the north west had a total of 23 ongoing projects, covering a total of about 1,028 kilometer at the cost of N255.5 billion.

The minister said the south east had a total of 40 ongoing projects of about 978 kilometers with contract value of N149.6 billion.

According to him, with the volume of work and financial commitment of the federal government in other sectors, it is no longer feasible that road constructions will continue to be financed through annual budgetary provision.

He added that if government was to depend solely on

annual budgetary allocations, the completion of on going roads would take another eight years.

In order to navigate through this challenge, the minister said his ministry was exploring various options to fund projects across the country.

According to him, of N143.5 billion capital budget approved for the Ministry of Works in 2012, only N111 billion was released, out of which N110 was spent and 32 projects completed during the year under review.

He said N85.5 billion from the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P, was being used to fund six projects, including the Lokoja- Abaji-Abuja road.

Leadership reporters' trial not affront on press freedom — Maku …inaugurates FRCN, VON board members

BY CALEB AYANSINA

A

BUJA — The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, has urged Nigerians not to see the current trial of some journalists from the Leadership Newspapers as a step by the government to curtail freedom of the press.

The Minister stated this in an interview with newsmen shortly after the inauguration of the newly constituted board of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, and Voice of Nigeria, VON, in Abuja.

Maku described the trial as a good step in the right direction to e n s h r i n e constitutionalism in the country.

According to him, “this does not mean that the government is trying to suppress press freedom.

“People should not see it as means to restrain the freedom of the press, this is evidence that democracy is at work, unlike in the dictatorship era, where some journalists were burnt or brutalised.

16—Vanguard , THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

VANGUARD'S SALES REPS CONFERENCE

Help end excesses of Boko Haram — Jonathan Continues from page 5 ful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North and Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, said “members of this committee are prepared to bring everything that we have, our diverse experiences, our education, professionalism, tactics, skills and above all our integrity to bear in the work of this committee.

"We are not under any illusion that this will be an easy task, but we are resolute, we feel challenged by this enormous responsibility that has been given to us. I want to assure you and indeed all Nigerians that in doing and carrying out this assignment, we are not going to bring any presumptions, conclusions or assumptions, we are coming with open mind.

I therefore want to appeal to all Nigerians to assist us with useful information to enable us carry out our assignment.

“Let me thank you and assure you that at the end of the day, we hope to come up with suggestions, recommendations that will assist you and the Federal Government to tackle the challenges in the Northern part of this country. The confidence you have reposed in us individually and collectively by the special grace of God will not be derailed,” he said.

Why I declined Boko Haram peace committee – Shehu Sani Meanwhile Civil rights activist Comrade Shehu Sani has opened up on why he rejected President Goodluck Jonathan’s offer to serve in the presidential committee to engage the Boko Haram insurgent group, saying the government was not serious in its efforts.

He has nevertheless offered his Facebook page as a platform for those who want to engage on behalf of the government, saying that the insurgents would contact them as he ob-

served that the insurgents are following him on Facebook and Twitter.

Sani who made name for his pioneering efforts in engaging the group and leading former President Olusegun Obasanjo to a family of the group’s slain leader, Mohammed Yusuf had last week rejected his nomination to serve on the presidential committee conceived by the president.

In two postings on his Facebook page yesterday, Sani said: “When I took the personal risk and facilitated a dialogue with the insurgents, to end the violence in my country, the government threw away all my proposals because they ‘want to crush them by force’ and because they can’t talk to terrorists’ and that ‘I’m seeking self glory’.

“Now the government wants to talk to terrorists and I said I am not interested, Mr Okupe and his friends call me unpatriotic.”

In another posting where he said trouble shooters could use his facebook page to make contacts with Boko Haram, Sani said: “My position remains unchanged. I don’t have time to waste with an unserious government. But any of my friends who thinks otherwise and wants to offer himself to mediate between Boko Haram and the government can simply do so by posting on my wall his correct GSM number and home address. The Boko Haram or the government will get in touch with him or her as surely the two sides are following me on Facebook and twitter.”

Besides Sani, another mediator Dr. Datti Ahmed, who was nominated to the committee also declined membership of the committee which was inaugurated by the president yesterday.

Meanwhile, Vanguard learnt from some members of the Boko Haram committee that some of them did not want to serve in the committee for fear of being attacked by the sect members.

Besides, Vanguard was reliably informed that the members felt slighted that the President did not consult them to seek their consent before announcing their names as members of the controversial committee.

Vanguard Newspaper held a conference for its sales representatives in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTOS: Lamidi Bamidele.

From left— Mr. Mideno Bayagbon, Editor; Mr. Temisan AmukaPemu, Circulation Manager; Mr. Emeka Nkwocha, Advert Manager; Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, Editor-inChief/ GM, Publication, and Mr. Eze Anaba, Deputy Editor, all of Vanguard Newspaper.

Dr. Anderson Uvie-Umegbo of Faculty of Media and Communication, Pan African University, delivering his lecture to the sales representatives.

From left— Ms Titi Jolaoso, Financial Controller; Mr. Victor Gotevbe, Administrative Manager, and Mr. Sola Ojo, Internal Auditor, all of Vanguard.

From left— Mr. Fred Odueme, Assistant General Manager, Brand; Mr. Temisan Amuka-Pemu, both of Vanguard; Dr. Uvie-Umegbo and Mr. Nkwocha.

From left— Mr. Victor Omoregie, Corporate Affairs Manager; Ms Chioma Gabriel, Saturday Editor, and Mr. Jide Ajani, Sunday Editor, all of Vanguard.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013— 17

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,

HEN the story broke last week, that Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had ORDERED Information Minister, Labaran Maku, to punish Yushau Shuaibu, spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), for daring to criticise her, I wasn’t too surprised really. The story was that Ngozi not only insisted that the young man be removed from NEMA, he must be posted to one of the Boko Haram areas of the North, as punishment for the “temerity ” of criticising the “super minister”, Ngozi!

Shuaib’s offence was to have written an open letter to Ngozi, but the super minister’s grouse was located in the last paragraph of the letter: “For those of us who still respect the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development, we strongly believe she should dissociate herself from the current allegations of ‘biafranization’ of top public offices in Nigeria. We are in a democratic government where policy issues should not be done in dictatorial manner of ‘we-are-now-inpower’. I therefore urge her to ensure that appointments into important positions should be done in credible and transparent manner that can withstand public scrutiny”.

Just to be double sure, I called Yushau and he confirmed that he had received a call from Ngozi, who complained that he had not been fair to her; she then demanded that he must write a rebuttal of the original piece. He was not prepared to do so.

It was in anger that Ngozi allegedly reported directly to President Jonathan, bypassing the Information Minister at first, before her subsequent demand that Shuaib be removed from NEMA and sent as a Federal Information Officer in either Borno or

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Jonathan's super minister Yobe. By late last week, the first leg of Ngozi’s wish was fulfilled with Yushau’s removal as NEMA spokesperson. The allegation of Ngozi’s alleged ‘biafranization’ project has gone viral on the web and it was actually an issue that she confronted in a lecture she gave to the Ola Ndi Igbo symposium recently in Lagos. Her presentation was titled “Values, Mindsets and Culture”; and it was significant that she acknowledged that there were allegations that “I have come to prosecute an Igbo agenda (in respect of public service appointments)”. In response, Ngozi said: “my point is, I don’t give a damn. If the people got there on merit, they deserve it and we will stick with it as long as we know they didn’t get it through the back door ”.

She then went on a triumphalist ride: “by the way, when you think of merit and competition Igbos don’t do badly and that is the problem, we do rather well. Somebody

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Bank of Nigeria, the Director General of Stock Exchange, Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission, Director General of Debt Management Office, myself and Sovereign Wealth Fund”.

Lionised guru

A

Dr.Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Finance and Economy minister: Over reacted? said everybody in the financial sector is Igbo; then they begin to list people like the deputy governor of the Central

What really happened in Baga?

I T took the international media, last weekend to alert Nigerians to the massacre of innocent people that took place in Baga, the border town on the Lake Chad, in Borno State. It was in fact one of the most horrible events of the counter-insurgency activities of the Nigerian security forces, since the emergence of the Boko Haram insurgency. As we now know, the security forces informed a shocked Borno Governor, Kashim Shettima, who visited, that one soldier had been killed by insurgents. It seemed that the military returned in force and launched a massive attack on the town. No fewer than 185 people were killed and 2000 houses were destroyed. The Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen. Chris Olukade told correspondents that one soldier died and 25 insurgents were killed. If that was the case, how did 185 civilians: men, women and children lose their lives? Why are people in the community accusing the military of having been responsible for the savagery visited upon the community? The argument of the security forces was so disingenuous and I am amazed that they expect any intelligent person to accept it. BrigGen. Austin Edokpaye said: “extremists used heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades in the assault, which began after soldiers surrounded a mosque they believed housed members of the radical Islamic extremist network Boko Haram.

Extremists had earlier killed a military officer”. Edokpaye then added that: “extremists used civilians as human shields during the fighting (apparently to justify the mass killing of civilians by soldiers!)”. His ‘tale-by-moonlight’ continued thus: When we reinforced and returned to the scene the terrorists C M Y K

came out with heavy firepower, including rocket-propelled grenades, which usually has a conflagration effect (thus passing the buck of the nearcomplete destruction of the town to the insurgents!)”.

I will be the first to agree that the security forces are doing a very difficult job in the counter-insurgency war in Borno. Most of these soldiers cannot often differentiate who the enemy might be and there is also the absence of a nuanced understanding of the cultural sensitivities of the community. However, having been back in Maiduguri in the past one year, it is clear that the military’s tactics have been more akin to the collective punishment of the people in many places where they have confronted the Boko Haram insurgents. The government has been desperately attempting to spin the events of the past weekend in Baga, with the hogwash about ‘Rules of engagement for the military and security agencies’ allegedly being in place. It is also true that President Jonathan has ordered “a full-scale investigation of high civilian casualties” as well as ordered NEMA and federal health agencies to give victims “immediate relief and medical support”. What is clear is that the town has been almost completely destroyed and the mobilisation of NEMA won’t have been necessary if the security forces had not employed scorched earth tactics in the first place.

Southern Media's bay for blood I find it instructive that there are still

very influential commentators, especially in the Southern media, who continue to bay for more blood as the best way out of the quagmire in

The removal of Yushau Shuaib at Ngozi‘s behest, underlines the danger which these Made-in-Washington “experts” constitute to the health of Nigeria; and where they are also openly implementing an ethnic agenda, then the trouble becomes compounded

Northern Nigeria. What is happening increasingly is the collective punishment of communities; the killing of innocents and the destruction of the little that very poor people in these communities have. It is also remarkable that those who will threaten Nigeria, either with war or break up, if these tragic events had taken place in the Southern part of Nigeria, have suddenly lost their voices. The human rights and NGO constituency will not get imperialist dollars, by condemning the massacre in Baga. Wole Soyinka has not said anything so far (and I am writing on Tuesday night); remember he had alleged that Chinua Achebe’s death had probably been hastened by the killing of “his people” in the North!

Baga speaks to our humanity and it underlines the dangers of the impunity trailing the counter-insurgency activities of the Nigerian security forces in the fight against Boko Haram.

Those who do not feel bothered about the destruction of that community, only abet a tragedy that can easily spread to other parts of our country. We first had Odi; then Zaki Biam followed; the next chapter opened last weekend in Baga on the Lake Chad. So bad was the invasion of that community that dead bodies were still being picked from surrounding areas on Tuesday morning. Those responsible for the massacre of so many people and the destruction of a whole community must be brought to book. The Jonathan administration’s counter-insurgency campaign has clearly reached a tragic dead end! More than ever before, it needs to move faster on the track of a peaceful end to the tragic insurgency that has ground many of our Northern communities to a halt. We cannot continue in the old way!

s THE NATION newspaper ’s HARDBALL column of Monday observed “Not only did she miss the import of the complaints against her style, especially on the issue of her interpretation of merit, she incredulously gave the impression that merit could not be compromised by subjectivity and that given Nigeria’s ethnic pastiche, public officials did not need to be more sensitive and more restrained in public service promotions.

Worse, it beggars belief that a minister of her standing could sound so ethnically triumphant by gloating that ‘ when you think of merit and competition, Igbo don’t do badly, and that is a problem, we do rather well’.

How smug!” And how smug indeed!

This ULTRA- REACTIONARY agent of imperialism can afford to gloat because she has been so lionised as some kind of guru by the Jonathan administration. And since she is the “super minister”, she can go as far as ordering the removal of a spokesman of a body that she does not directly supervise. One of the tragedies of the transition to a civilian regime in 1999, is the manner that characters who never participated in the struggle against dictatorship and do not share the aspirations of the Nigerian people, have come to occupy a central place in the policy making establishment, starting with Obasanjo. These reactionary “experts” come mainly from US-based imperialist institutions; the most prominent of them is Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. That she is ordering the removal of a public servant from position, gives an indication of their mindset. They cannot tolerate criticism, yet they force down the throat of our country, policies that serve the interest of imperialism and a tiny elite. These are policies that they did not submit for national debate anyway! They can only thrive in settings that stifle debate or where state power is controlled by a ruling elite sworn to the implementation of the unpatriotic and unpopular policies of the Washington Consensus that they espouse. The removal of Yushau Shuaib at Ngozi‘s behest, underlines the danger which these Made-in-Washington “experts” constitute to the health of Nigeria; and where they are also openly implementing an ethnic agenda, then the trouble becomes compounded!

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 RUMOURS are a big challenge facing the Bayelsa State Government. Governor Henry Seriake Dickson intends to counter rumours by law – spread rumours and be jailed. In the interim a rumour management committee has been inaugurated. Its billboards are preaching the dangers of rumours and urging the public to seek credible information from the committee.

While some have likened the proposed law to General Muhammadu Buhari’s Decree 4 that jailed two journalists in 1984, the likelihood that the Bayelsa State would clamp people to jail if they monger rumours is a rumour. The State lacks the capacity to keep its 2 million people in check, or enough jails for the hundreds of thousands who peddle rumours daily.

Rumours are the currency for living in communities that only hear about governments; never feel their impacts in meaningful ways, but are always aware that governments have responsibilities, obligations to the people, who elected them. They also know of billions of Naira spent annually, supposedly for the people’s benefit.

“Going forward, we hope to sponsor a

Stopping Rumours legislation that will provide punishment for false dissemination of information and propaganda, either against the reputation of private individuals or about government or its officials. Of course, we are all aware that the existing laws provide for offences such as criminal defamation of character and so on. But we are going to come up with a legislation to punish ‘dem say, dem say’ people,” the governor said while inaugurating the rumour committee.

Nobody can stop rumours.

Governor Dickson, in this move, failed to appreciate the importance of rumours to people who depend on speculations to fill their information needs. They have lived through years of seemingly important government projects evaporating before their eyes.

They have seen governments reply each request for accountability with unbecoming arrogance. Bayelsa State is only 17 years old, but in those years, trillions of Naira has passed through its eight local government areas, with minimal difference to the people’s growing poverty.

What are the subjects of the rumours? They are about government wastes. The people are regretting that having their own State has not improved their lives. The people want to see changes in their lives. They believe basic infrastructure can be addressed. They dread prospects of another flooding without any plans to protect them.

Their worries are opportunities for Governor Dickson to be a great leader of his people. Why would an elected government abbreviate the people’s rights to spreading information?

Rumours are people’s ways of expressing themselves.

Without information, not propaganda, people create their own stories. Governor Dickson would succeed more by working for his people.

When he does, public conversations will be celebrations of his achievements and not rumours.

OPINION

BY YUSHAU SHUAIB

RIGHT OF REPLY

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HEN I wrote an open letter to the Coordinating Minister in Charge of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, over appointments to some top positions, it was, to me, simply the continuation of an age-old hobby that I developed since my student days in the university. I write with the purest of intentions not to malign anyone. I respect characters in my writings and readers’ views.

It was through my opinion and feature writings that I won some awards in the university and the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, at state and national levels. Though I deferred an admission offered to me by the University of Nigeria Nsukka to pursue a Masters programme in PR after I was honoured with automatic scholarship for being the best writer during the NYSC, I accepted automatic employments by both the Delta State Government and the Federal Government in 1993 and 1994, respectively.

In my letter of acceptance, I reflected that I would continue to write opinion articles that will be geared towards making Nigeria a better society, that

My writings Iweala

and

every Nigerian will be proud of. My experiences with great Igbos, Itshekiris and Urhobos formed the fulcrum of my early write-ups during my youth service and after I started work at the Government House, Asaba. Their leaders, who took me as their son, protected and provided for my needs.

Prof. Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba, Chief Paulinus Akpeki and Ugoh of Okpe Kingdom were among some of the great people who made my youth service year and work experience a worthwhile adventure in Delta State.

When I moved to the Federal Civil Service, I never stopped writing. In fact most of my deployments to different offices were largely influenced by my enthusiasm for generating news items, issuing press releases and producing well-informed features.

As a Nigerian and a public official, I have always been conscious of my responsibility to ensure that the general public perceives government in a good light. I have strived to be a good ambassador of the government and people of Nigeria. I performed my roles with the best of intentions.

Dr.

Okonjo-

My writings can be divided into two major categories: official and unofficial.

A careful perusal of my writings in the media will show that I sign the first category in my capacity as information/ PR officer of the different places that I have been posted to. In the second category, I have been careful to make it clear that I write in my personal capacity as a private citizen. To make that point even clearer I affix my personal home address or email to personal opinions.

S

ince my employment, I have published books, issued over 2000 news releases, wrote news features and personal opinions, all in my bid to promote the activities of government and contribute to the peaceful coexistence of the diverse groups in the country. Most of my writings are accessible on my blog: www.yashuaib.com.

The recent article, which generated a lot of reactions and comments, was not done to malign anyone. Incidentally, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a personality I have a lot of admiration and respect for. I believe that she is

aware of this. And so, when I put pen to paper in what has become routine to me to express my viewpoints on some recent appointments into top positions in her ministry, I never expected that it would be perceived negatively. It was to draw her attention to the strong speculations making the rounds which, in my view, she is not only capable of addressing but would do well to be aware of.

Maybe I should add here that during the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration in which Dr. OkonjoIweala was also an influential member, I wrote some critical opinion articles on the activities of the President, Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Nasir elRufai, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, among others.

During the short-lived administration of President Umaru Yar’Adua, I xrayed some of the President’s policies and those of Segun Adeniyi, his spokesman.

Continues tomorrow on pg 18 *Mr. Shuaib, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013—19

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VERYONE knows what I think of dialogue with, and amnesty for, the Islamist terrorist group, Boko Haram. Let me summarise it once again. Being a foreigninspired, trained and funded part of the global al Qaeda network and enemies of our nation, our security agencies must crush them and their local collaborators and apologists. We must reassert the sovereignty of Nigeria. Terrorists must be made to pay for their crimes against Nigerians and humanity. After their defeat the nation can address the root causes of their agitation.

Offering amnesty to an unrepentant, even defiant group of murderous anarchists just because of political pressures will backfire and turn the problem into a hydraheaded one. That has been our stand here. But with 2015 around the corner, President Goodluck Jonathan who only about a month ago said he would not dialogue with “ghosts” or faceless terrorists has now set up a crowded committee to explore the option, due to unprecedented pressure

from Northern leaders.

The 25-member amnesty committee included names of two Northerners said to have close links with the terrorists: Dr Datti Ahmed and Mallam Shehu Sani.

Sani, in particular, has been very vocal in his advocacy for dialogue with Boko Haram. He was, in fact, involved in an earlier move to link up with the leadership of this group.

One after the other, they backed out of the committee. After he jumped ship, Sani was quoted in media reports as saying he knew someone who could stop the terror if President Jonathan would “pick up the phone” and put through a call.

If he believes that force alone would not end the insurgency, and he also knows someone who has the clout to call the terrorists to order, and refuses to make himself available when called upon to do so, it calls his patriotism to question. These guys are simply holding the Presidency and the country at large to ransom. After making a lot of noise calling for dialogue, Federal Government

,

invites you to join in the effort towards dialogue and you back out with flimsy and childish excuses!

Datti and Sani would rather sit on their palms and watch schools, markets, mosques, churches, motor parks and sleeping villagers bombed and destroyed across the North. They would rather watch young Muslims wearing explosives and committing suicide in order to kill fellow Nigerians, perhaps because they believe they are safe and immune from direct hit or collateral damage.

I

n truth, I am not bothered whether the entire amnesty committee backs out. In fact, it is best if they do. We can do better things with the money. We can do without the distraction that this committee and their “amnesty” farce will bring to our gallant security forces battling to safeguard the lives, property and the constitutional rights of Nigerians.

But the sad truth has been

As the Rat pursues the Cat

T

ODAY, we are starting with a simple aptitude test in which the examiner expects us to be honest to ourselves: (a) We are fighting corruption (b) Corruption is consuming us (c) None of the above.

The correct answer is (b) – Corruption is consuming our nation. With each passing day, we are sinking deeper into the abyss.

Why are these things happening mainly in the most unexpected quarters? Most churches would reserve the front seats for the highest donors without according much regard to the sources of such donations. Each time the Police authorities place a ban on fire works at yuletide, we find that the loudest sounds still come from the direction of the police barracks.

Still talking of the Police Pension Fund, in the beginning, we made the mistake of thinking that the last place a thief would go would be a police formation as the police are the thief-catchers, even for other people. Available evidence shows otherwise. The easiest places where monumental thievery now takes place are the Police and Military pension funds.

We have not stopped imagining how large sums are lifted from the treasury – are they carried in trailers or in tankers or out rightly, in containers?

The more we know, the messier it gets.

Recent sounds from the Federal Capital High Court, Maitama are not encouraging, either: “An 18-count amended criminal charge brought against Mrs. Uzoma Cyril Uttang who was the Accountant in-charge of the Police Pension Fund when N7.8 billion was stolen through 10,863 cheques. Besides tracing over 20 choice assets belonging to Mrs. Uttang, the EFCC alleges that she personally signed 1,042 cheques to the tune of N1.14 billion… The EFCC went ahead to enumerate various companies that she used in defrauding the Police

pension office”.

It sounds silly enough that in the 21st century, our system can be so porous to permit single individuals to heave so much for so long, unchallenged. And it happens all the time and at every tier of government, except that the Uttangs and the Yusufus could have been the few dogs in whose mouths, traces of excrement might have been found.

Uttang has advanced her trade to a higher level. On Wednesday April 10, 2013, she went to court with a horde of goons with a view of preventing journalists from reporting on her arraignment. She unleashed her attack dogs, as it were, on the photo and video journalists around.

This is all happening in a democratic setting and in the 21st century. No one has told us how many of the thugs were rounded up and kept in police and prison custody since then. Meanwhile, we are adopting the out-modeled stance of the foolish messenger who says: “After all, I was not the one attacked”. Tomorrow, it could be you. Who says that anyone that brings thugs to court to prevent reporting on her arraignment will not engage enough Bakassi Boys on judgement day to physically ensure she gets a favourable judgement? This is our rapid descent into anarchy.

In the quest for amnesty for Boko Haram, we saw it coming. We warned against granting amnesty to a faceless group of criminals who had not asked for amnesty. Our fear was that if they rejected the offer, we would have no place to hide our faces in embarrassment. All the same, there was no doubt in our minds that the moment the political adventurer, our President, perceived any political gains in granting amnesty to Boko Haram, he would grant it before we woke up the following morning.

confirmed: There are Nigerians who know the terrorists. There are those who believe in using them to arm-twist the Jonathan Presidency, hoping it will cave in for the North to return to power.

They are using them to blackmail the nation, forgetting that the North as the theatre of war and target of Islamisation will remain

I

N America and France, super-wealthy people such as Warren Buffet and Liliane Bettencourt have petitioned government to impose heavier taxes on the so-called “1%” club. These are citizens who have emerged at the top of the financial food chain. They are referred to as the “patriotic millionaires”.

In Nigeria, there are billionaires who convert their (often questionable) wealth into hard currency and stash in foreign safe havens. Then they live in idle opulence or simply turn into political “godfathers”. Some use their money to cause trouble in their localities, such as sponsoring chieftaincy tussles, buying weapons for communal wars, bankrolling terrorism or simply flexing muscles to show they have arrived.

We also have our own patriotic billionaires; people who made their money in Nigeria by exploiting public policies and patronage, going on to build corporate empires and providing gainful employment to hundreds of thousands of young people. I call them Made-in-Nigeria billionaires.

The most renowned ones include Dr Mike Adenuga, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Mr Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Group.

Of all these, Otunba Adenuga stands out because he is a true Nigerian pioneer. When the Federal Government in 1989 opened the way to Nigerians in the upstream sector of the petroleum industry, Adenuga as a young businessman was the first to boldly stand before the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Professor Jibril Aminu, to ask for his Consolidated Oil and Gas to be plugged in.

Years later, his company, Globacom also became the first Nigerian firm to apply for a licence to operate the new Global System of Mobile Telecommunications, GSM. He was initially denied while foreign competitors swept the fertile Nigerian market. He fought gallantly until then President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime caved in and granted Globacom the juiciest operating licence as Nigeria’s Second National Carrier. When Glo eventually entered the market it forced down shylock tariffs by introducing the “per second” billings which foreign companies had said was “impossible".

Come this Saturday, April 29, 2013, Otunba Mike Adenuga Jnr, a symbol of the Great Nigerian Possibility and rated as the second wealthiest Black man in the world with about $5 billion worth, will attain the threshold age of 60. Here is wishing him more. Happy birthday cheers!

Two things happened the penultimate week – first, in our utter confusion, things are being muddled up. We are now embarked on an indecent haste to buy peace at all costs and by all means. Our tough-talking President is already capitulating.

Our security and well-being are being sacrificed in a selfish bid to court cheap political patronage; today, Boko Haram calls the shots; we had every opportunity to make it otherwise but we blew it all

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True to type, where the carcass is, there vultures go. In that same tradition, where the votes are, there our President goes.

Following a short visit to Aso Rock, by some Northern elders, our President is setting in motion, a mechanism for granting amnesty to a group that still feels it is in a position to call the shots. A committee is being set up to work out the modalities.

S

the primary casualty. And nobody living in the war zone can boast he is above being made a victim, one way or the other.

Meanwhile, Datti and Sani should never be involved in any future national assignments.

Nigeria does not need anyone who will take this nation for a ride.

60 hearty cheers for Otunba Adenuga

,

Calling Datti, Sani’s bluff

I am not bothered whether the entire amnesty committee backs out; in fact, it is best if they do; we can do better things with the money; we can do without the distraction that this committee and their “amnesty” farce will bring to our gallant security forces

econd, Alhaji Shekau, a prominent leader of the Boko Haram sect was not in any doubt as to what the group wants: “Surprisingly the Nigerian

Government is talking about granting us amnesty. What wrong have we done? On the contrary, it is we that should grant you pardon”.

This is a clear case of the rat pursuing the cat and that’s perhaps the way our President wants it. You must quickly factor in the Ansaru faction, which claimed responsibility for the execution of seven foreign hostages a few weeks ago, a group that still shows no desire for peace. With Shekau and his team still at large, the amnesty rejection simply means that a large number of anarchists are out there totally bent on perpetuating mayhem.

They are organised and consistent. We are unorganised and inconsistent. They are unrepentant killers. We are begging them and making every effort to please their mentors because of our political ambition. These people know their next level but we don’t have any next level.

Last weekend, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu was virtually on his knees, begging members of the Boko Haram to stop the wanton destruction of lives and property.

For them, the next level would be to graciously come out and accept Ribadu’s plea during which they would name their terms, which if we fulfill, they would grant us amnesty.

In our very eyes, our security and wellbeing are being sacrificed in a selfish bid to court cheap political patronage. Today, Boko Haram calls the shots. We had every opportunity to make it otherwise but we blew it all. Evidently, things will get worse before they get better. But we have one consolation: God is still on His exalted throne.

20—Vanguard , THURSDAY THURSDAY,, ARIL 25 , 2013

*Transformer...The bone of contention

Abuja residents, PHCN contractor at war over N3.4m transformer R

ESIDENTS of Kubwa extension II, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja are presently up in arms against a contractor and a staff of the Power Holdings Company of Nigeria over an alleged ploy to deny the community of a transformer after they had paid N3.4million for it. The residents alleged that the contractor, Mr Chukwudi Chukwuleke, connived with his wife, Mrs Eyiuche Chukwudi, a staff of PHCN Kubwa, to extort them in the transformer installation deal.

In a Save Our Soul, SOS, petition to the Minister of Power and Steel, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Consumer Protection Council and Standard Organisation of Nigeria and the PHCN which was also made available to Vanguard Metro, the community accused the contractor of criminal breach of trust, intimidation and harassment by using the Nigeria Police Force, Kubwa, to threaten residents after installing refurbished and substandard transformer against the agreed specifications.

The community also alleged that the contractor’s wife had initiated a process to throw the community into darkness by disconnecting it from its power supply point, the Daughters of Charity Hospital, in order to force the community to buy a transformer from her husband.

According to the petition, the community after reaching an

agreement with Mr. Chukwudi for supply of a transformer at the cost of N3.4 million, the contractor reneged on the agreement by supplying the community with a refurbished transformer after each of the residents was persuaded to contribute N30,000 to secure the transformer. Out of the N3.4 million, the contractor had so far received the sum of N2, 850,000.00 from landlords and tenants in that community.

,

CALEB AYANSINA, ABUJA

community, the contractor has not replaced it. Rather than sticking to the agreement signed with the community, the contractor, according to them, on April 10 arrested the community chairman, Mr Kola Adebayo and the community secretary, Mr U g o c h u k w u Nnabugwu.

“The contractor ’s recent behaviour of using police intimidation and arrest of the chairman and the secretary of the community for criminal intimidation, aided by the DCO 1 and DCO 2, is a denial of basic human...(rights) of existence,” they submitted.

The community also alleged that the contractor’s “fraudulent act was being aided by one Mr. Henry, a Police DSP, who is an operative with EFCC to frustrate the effort of the community”.

They noted that due to power outage, “there has been an outbreak of meningitis among the children in the community”, and that hoodlums were taking the advantage of the darkness to rob innocent residents of their possessions.

“Presently, this arrest is creating chaos and tension within the community. We humbly request the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, to use his good office to intervene on this matter, as it could lead to great danger within the community,” the community appealed.

Meanwhile, Mrs Eyuiche Chukwudi of PHCN, Jiwa Service

The community also alleged that the contractor’s wife had initiated a process to throw the community into darkness by disconnecting it from its power supply point

The residents said they were shocked when Mr. Chukwuleke failed to supply them the specified 500KVA transformer as agreed, but opted to install a refurbished one that started supplying low voltage after two days of installation.

“The falsification of government record by a private firm, with the connivance of his wife who is a staff of PHCN, one Mrs Eyuiche Chukwudi of PHCN, Jiwa Service Centre, Kubwa Business Unit were tendered to the community as true certified copies of PHCN document,” they alleged. The contractor was said to have removed the refurbished transformer on March 27, 2013 with an undertaken to replace it on or before April 7, 2013. As at the time of going to press, according to the

,

Centre, Kubwa Business Unit, when contacted by Vanguard Metro, denied the allegation of conniving with the contractor to defraud the community.

Mrs Chukwudi explained that the problem was not about a refurbished transformer, but “the issue with the transformer is that the community does not want to listen to the contractor”, who she confirmed is her husband.

She also blamed the community for contracting an independent technician, instead of a PHCN staff, who she said poisoned their minds against the transformer. She also would want to know why the community refused to follow him (the contractor) to the place where he bought the transformer to complain to the dealer?

Debate of the masses

MASSOB judgment: Father of all injustices

BY EBELE ORAKPO

“Chei! This country is fast becoming a theatre of the absurd. Nigerian government is dancing naked in the market square,” commented Emeka, a commuter in the CMS-bound vehicle this Sunday evening. He was referring to the news at the weekend of the judgment passed on MASSOB leaders.

“The Igbos are weaklings, cowards. Why can’t they pick up arms against the state? That is the only language they understand,” said Toyin.

“The so-called Igbo leaders are not helping matters. They are wining and dining with those who persecute their people; so what moral right do they have to face them?” queried Emeka.

“No, I disagree with you. The average Igbo person is not a coward; he is simply independent and peace-loving.

All he wants is a peaceful atmosphere to carry out his business,” said Ugo. “As far as I am concerned, this contraption called Nigeria is as good as over,” said Joe. “What irks me the most is the glaring injustice in all of this. MEND was not charged for treason when they waged war against the state, killing security operatives; Boko Haram (BH) was not charged for treason when they waged, and are still waging war against the state and innocent Nigerians, crippling the economy. Instead, they were rewarded with amnesty and BH is still being begged to accept amnesty with the tonnes of money involved. Now, MASSOB, an unarmed group peacefully asking for self-determination, are charged for treason! Can you beat that? “asked Emeka enraged.

“Why should they be

asking for self-determination in a sovereign nation? That is the problem,” said Tony.

“Anything can happen in Nigeria. A seven-yearold girl raped by different men at different times was remanded ‘for security purpose’ while the rapists were granted bail by the judge. It can only happen here,” said Ugo. “They have a right to ask for whatever they want.

What is BH asking for? Is it not self-determination?

They want their way of life, religion and laws to take precedence in Nigeria. They are tired of Western education and the laws governing the nation and they even went to the extent of telling the President to convert to Islam if he wants peace to reign. Yet, they are being begged to accept amnesty,” noted Joe. “Precedence over others? No! They want total obliteration of other laws.

“I have said it before that if you want anything from the powers-that-be in Nigeria, just pick up arms against the state and be brutal about it. That is the only language they understand!” said Toyin.

“Believe me, if Henry Okah had been tried in Nigeria, he would not have been found guilty,” stated Joe. “I laugh when the FG says it wants to grant Boko Haram amnesty. I like what those guys told them. You only grant amnesty to someone you have defeated. It’s like a child being beaten by a much stronger person, telling his adversary ‘I forgive you. Just give peace a chance.’ Doesn’t it sound stupid? That is what the FG is doing,” said Iyke.

“Let me tell you where all this is going. Elections are coming and they need to get as much money as possible, hence the amnesty for BH. It’s just an avenue to siphon money for elections,” said Mercy.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 — 21

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

N

igeria loses N755 billion every month due to inaccurate metering and measurements, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga, has said.

Aganga disclosed this at the launching of the Legal Metrology web-portal of the Weights and Measures Department of the ministry in Abuja. He said the amount is the aggregate loss incurred by both government and corporate organisations on a monthly basis due to imprecision of weights and measures in the country.

The minister said the effective implementation of legal metrology would ensure proper inspection, verification and certification of meters and billing systems for electricity, water, hydrocarbon, and telecommunications. He added that it would also result in the establishment of credible and reliable database for oil and gas exports/imports data for proper reconciliation of revenues from oil and gas as required by the Pre-shipment Inspection Act. “The implementation will eliminate the loss of N755.72 billion due to inaccurate measurements at billing points every month by Nigerians. It is widely accepted that the status of a country’s measurement system is a good indicator of its development level. The inauguration of this portal this morning is therefore another major step towards the actualisation of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“The importance of legal

Nigeria loses N755bn monthly to inaccurate measurements — Aganga metrology in developing nations cannot be over-emphasised, especially as it enhances confidence in domestic trade, protects consumers, strengthens confidence in imported goods and products,

and facilitates acceptance of exported goods and products globally.

“In realisation of this, therefore, the federal government came up with the initiative to launch the implementation of

the program in Nigeria in line with the provisions of the enabling laws, which are: The Federal Republic of Nigeria Constitution, exclusive list item 65 of 1999; the Weights and Measures Act Cap W3

From left: Chairman, Association of Pharmaceutical Importers of Nigeria, Sir Nnamdi Obi; representative of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr Olaijimikan; National Chairman, Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria, Dr Lolu Ojo; Chairman, Board of Fellows of PSN, and Chairman of the occasion, Mr Ade Popoola and Nigerian Representative of Oversea Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Mr Femi Soremekun at the Pharma Industry stakeholders meeting, in Lagos.

FG to revoke permits of mining speculators

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

T

he Federal Government will soon start revoking the mining licences of companies that engage in speculations rather than use their mining permits for the purpose for which they were given.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Linus Awute, disclosed this in Lagos in an exclusive interview with Vanguard at the sideline of an interactive session with members of the Dredged Stockpilers Association of Lagos State.

“The only condition upon which one will find illegal activities taking place anywhere is only because the custodian of that place who is believed to be the rightful owner of that mineral title does not ensure that the licence is used for the purpose for which it is acquired. So from now on, those who hold mining licences, who are doing nothing, who are

speculating, will have their mining licences revoked. So we are carrying out a study that is going to give us an idea of the dimension of such illegality and then we profile that properly and then take a decision on them,” he said.

Awute who represented the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Muhammed Musa Sada, at the interactive session, noted that government’s poor regulation of the sector has resulted to illegal activities in the mining sector and an increase in the activities of the speculators especially in sand dredging.

He further noted that the ministry is advocating for a concept of Community Development Agreement, CDA, between the operators and the community where the mineral resources are located. This he noted was to ensure that all parties involved in the mineral exploitation benefit in the process.

“We have every right by the constitution of Federal Government of Nigeria to allocate mineral mining areas, to give mineral titles to any willing Nigerian but for the sake of sustainable development which expects us to ensure that there is ecological appreciation in whatever anybody is going to undertake. “To ensure that the interest of the community is also appreciated, we came up with the concept of CDA, which shall be between the business operator and the community. The concept will also advocate certain things that somebody must do for a community,” he stated.

Responding on behalf of the dredgers association, Mr. Ayo Odunlami while commending the ministry for the reforms it is undertaking in the sector, lamented the difficulties faced by members of the association arising from huge size of mining rights acquired by an individual who does not have

LFN 2004 and the Pre-shipment Inspection of Export Act Cap. P25 LFN 2004. There are other subsidiary legislations in force.

“And in line with international best practice, the weights and measures department of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has been repositioned to effectively supervise and monitor weighing and measuring devices used in trade transactions in all sectors of the Nigerian economy,” he stated.

Also speaking at the event, Director, Weights and Measures in the ministry, Alhaji Bashir Zoru, stressed that Legal Metrology is critical for economic advancement. “This is because it instills confidence in the domestic trade, protects the consumers, as well as confers integrity to imported goods and products, and facilitates acceptance of exported goods and products globally. Consumers, Traders, Industries, Government regulators and Collectors of taxes and duties make decisions on a daily basis based on measurement, and these affect economic and personal well-being of the society.

From a consumer ’s perspective, a kilogram of rice must be a kilogram and no less, a motorist needs to trust the volume delivered by a petrol pump, a mobile telephone user must be assured in the knowledge that one minute of airtime must be one minute and no less” Zoru said the department is recruiting over 200 young Inspectors and the first batch of private companies who will work as Independent Service Providers (ISPs) - providing Calibration, Testing and Verification services to cover the millions of Weighing and Measuring devices used.

the capacity to cover such areas. “For us to operate in this business, we needed and -4.95 37.55 obtained what is called cadastral permit from 2,325.00 +26.00 the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel De17.78 -0.09 velopment. After that, we went into operation, only to find one man (names withheld) 100.03 -0.36 sending us letters through lawyers, that 89.04 -0.15 we are encroaching on his cadastral. And we didn’t find that possi- CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING ble because the feder154.75 155.25 155.75 al ministry had issued DOLLAR 237.6589 the license to us. How- STERLING 236.133 236.896 EURO 201.0667 201.7163 202.366 ever we went to make FRANC 164.5926 165.1244 165.6562 enquiries about this at YEN 1.5639 1.569 1.574 the federal ministry CFA 0.2886 0.2986 0.3086 and they admitted that WAUA 231.6852 232.4338 233.1824 they issued license to RENMINBI 25.0416 25.1229 25.2043 41.2634 41.3967 41.53 that person but at an RIYAL 26.9693 27.0565 27.1436 unimaginable expanse KRONA 232.2952 233.0458 233.7963 covering about 32 kil- SDR ometers,” he exCBN Exchange rate as at 24/04/2013 plained.

22 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Foreign investment should address skills, infrastructure development — CBN

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

T

HE Deputy Governor, Fi nancial System Stability, (FSS), Dr. Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu has said that foreign investment in Nigeria can only be useful if it addresses skills and infrastructural development.

Dr. Moghalu stated this on Monday, when he hosted a team of foreign investors and their Nigerian technical partners at the CBN headquarters.

The ten-man delegation led by Chief Tony Osagie Hicks of Anita Energy Ltd, informed the Deputy Governor that the purpose of the team’s visit was to bring massive investment in the region of 100 billion dollars to the country. This is expected to add value to the transformation agenda of the oil and gas infrastructure, power generation, fast speed train, telecommunications and the establishment of a Merchant Bank. He added that this would be done in partnership with APEC Logic Investment Limited, an Australian funding investment partner and SINOPEC, one of the largest oil and gas corporations in China.

Moghalu informed the delegation that the CBN had undertaken far reaching reforms of the banking sector to make it strong, resilient and able to serve the needs of the real economy which was a total departure from the past where some individuals enriched themselves to the detriment of the economy. He reiterated that one of the four pillars of the banking reform aims to enhance the quality of banks and also establish financial stability through the creation of the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) which absorbs the toxic assets of the deposit money banks. He observed that the banks now have

a clean balance sheet and are able to lend to the economy again. The third pillar, according to the Deputy Governor, is to facilitate the evolution of a healthy financial system through the new banking model that categorizes them into commercial, merchant and specialised banks. The merchant banks, he said were established to ring - fence depositors fund from trading, while

the fourth ensures that the banks contribute to real economy. Dr. Moghalu equally informed the team of investors that there was a confluence between the banking reforms and the desire of the investors to establish merchant banks expected to facilitate concrete investment in Nigeria. This he observed would strengthen the relationship between the financial sector

From left: Kingsley Aigbokhaevbo, ED Domestic Bank, Ecobank Nigeria; Governor Kayode Fayemi of of Ekiti State and Jibril Aku, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, during a condolence visit to the governor over the death of his deputy, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, in AdoEkiti.

Unity Bank grows profit after tax by 130% U

NITY bank Plc grew its profit after tax by 130 per cent in the 2012 financial year as it improved on all other ratios.

According to its Audited Accounts which have been made available to The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Unity bank Plc grew its profit after tax to N6.18 billion as at st 31 December 2012, up from

N2.69 billion at which it closed in 2011.

The bank’s gross earnings stood at N53.76 billion up from N46.27 billion in 2011 – representing a growth of 16%. Interest and similar income grew by 30 per cent from N31.71 billion in 2011 to N41.24 billion in 2012.

Total operating expenses declined by 8 per cent from

GTBank targets 3rd most profitable bank in Africa by 2016

By PROVIDENCE OBUH

G

UARANTY Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc, has the vision to become the third most profitable bank in Africa by 2016.

Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje, who said this during its PreAGM Business Editor ’s forum, in Lagos on Tuesday, also disclosed that the bank is declaring dividend of N1.55 per share for its operations in 2012, representing 41 percent increase over that of 2011. The bank also recorded a return on equities of 33.98 percent as against 23.15 per cent in 2011; return on asset 5.22 per cent against 3.73 in C M Y K

and real economy, adding that the Bank as economic adviser to the government had advocated for the structural reform of the economy.

The Deputy Governor promised the delegation that the Bank would provide the needed support to ensure that the investment plans bear fruits and process the banking license application, provided the requirements are met.

2011; profit after tax (PAT) at ¦ 86.87 billion against N47.80 billion in 2011, a 81.34 per cent increase.

Agbaje noted that the bank’s ranking which currently stands at 13 in Africa, is expected to rise to six in 2013. “Although our bank ranks between four and five in the Nigerian banking industry, however, it is the number one in terms of profitability.

The profit driver is very simple, we keep our cost down, we run things very efficiently.” He revealed that the bank will open about 45 more branches in the year, in addition to the 207 branches functioning.

N32.23 billion the previous year to N29.67 billion in the year under review. Financial analysts believe that this has impacted positively on cost to income ratio which improved from 81 per cent in 2011 to 79 per cent in the year under review. This improvement is on the back of continued optimal resource allocation and cost efficiencies, they maintained.

The bank’s loans and advances rose significantly by 60 per cent from N117.88 billion to hit N189.04 billion in 2012.

This growth is mostly in the real sector in line with national economic imperatives of making more credit available to that sector.

According to the Audited Accounts, customers’ deposits grew by 1.19 per cent from N266.88 billion as at end – December 2011 to N270.06 billion in December 2012.

Overall total assets of the bank grew by 6 per cent from N372.93 billion in December 2011 to N395.72 billion in December 2012.

BRIEF

Fidelity Bank presents two depositors with cars

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

F

IDELITY Bank Plc, Tuesady, presented two brand new Hyundai Accent cars to two winners of its fourth Cash and Cars splash promo draw held at its head office at Victoria Island in Lagos.

The presentation was specifically for winners from Lagos area, while other presentations will take place at other locations on separate dates. The cars were presented to Mr. Ahanonou Vincent Odigonma and Musibau Abdullahi. Cash prizes of N25,000 each were also presented to Nwenyi Ugochukw Emmanuel and Elochukwu Chukwudubem Charles, while Ejiofor Emmanuel carted away N500,000.

Jubilant Vincent Odigonma said, “I won a car; to God be the glory that I am a witness of this. I never new it is real but I now believe it. I will not stop telling people that it is real so that others can also start banking with Fidelity Bank.” On his own part, Abdullahi said, “God will continue to increase Fidelity Bank; I am happy that this has come to reality today. I cannot stop thanking God.” Presenting the cars to the winners, Mrs Onome Olaolu, ED, Risk Management of the bank, said the gesture was a confirmation of the bank’s transparency and honesty. “We promised that we are going to give the cars and we have honoured our word today by giving the cars to Musibau and Vincent. If we are not a bank that keeps its word, we could have held the cars back and they will not have the means to know that they won the cars. Banking business is a business of trust. By this, we have demonstrated trust to the public that when you keep your money with us, you can rest assured that the money will come back to you when you want it because that is what we are in Fidelity,” she said.

Speaking earlier on behalf of the Managing Director, Reginald Ihejiahi, the GM in charge of Lagos operations, Mr. Emeka Obiagwu, said that the campaign has been quite successful because many people are just opening their accounts to take the advantage of the promo.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013—23

Onitsha River port has not been abandoned — Minister STORIES BY GODWIN ORITSE

C

ONTRARY to speculations that the Onitsha River port has been abandoned , Special Assistant to the Minister of Transport on Media, Mr. Innocent Ebirim has said that the port is being repositioned for efficiency and better service delivery.

Speaking to Vanguard in Lagos, Ebirim stated that the expectation is to put the port into proper use with a view to enhancing inland water transportation.

Besides, the government through the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the World Bank has concluded plans to commence the concessioning process of the Onitsha River port, Ebirim said He explained that the government is putting some measures in place such that both the public and private operators will be better for it at the end of the entire exercise .

He said“The Onitsha River port Complex which was commissioned by Mr. President on the August 30th has not been abandoned. |”The expectation of the Federal Government is to put that port into proper commercial use to enhance inland water transportation and that expectation has not been abandoned.

“What is happening now is to put arrangement in place that will be convenient for both the government and the business community in the

South East.

What is happening now is a concessioning arrangement to a private entrepreneur that will successfully manage the Onitsha River port.

There are two organisations

that are currently managing this concessioning arrangement, the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the World Bank.

“ICRC is a Federal Govern-

•From left: Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mrs Margret Orakwusi, Chairperson, Organising Committee of the this year’s Nigerian Maritime Exposition, NIMAREX 2013; Mr. Ernest Nwakpa, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Monitoring Boards, NCMB, and Mrs Ify Akerele Anozodo, Director General, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping at the opening ceremony of the event.

going and it takes about two years to start and complete the concessioning exercise.

“These two organisations are on top of the situation, so nobody has abandoned Onitsha River port”.

Ebirim who spoke to Vanguard at the 16th edition of the Maritime Industry Award bestowed on the Minister of Transport as Maritime Man of the Year 2012, said that \all over the world, it is the private sector that drives development of the economy while government provides the enabling environment by putting in place right policies and structures .

He further explained that the concessioning of Onitsha river port would have been concluded long before now only that it became necessary to integrate the Baro, Lokoja, and Oguta Rivers ports to the Onitsha River port.

“As soon as these River ports are concluded, the concession will take place.The government want to make a holistic plan to integrate all the river ports to ease the movement of people and goods within the country through the water ways.

Sea robbers attack 37 fishing trawlers in Q1 —NITOA T

HE International Mari time Bureau (IMB) (the global piracy watchdog) has said that Nigeria is still lead-

ing on the piracy map,following media reports which has confirmed that a total of 37 vessels owned by

NPA’s retirees oppose privatisation of marine operations

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ment agency charged with the responsibility of handling every private – public partnership arrangement in this country and the World Bank is there to provide gap funding and the process is on

EMBERS of the Pensioners Welfare Association of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have opposed the proposed privatisation of the authority’s marine operation saying that “it will further impoverish the nation”.

Speaking at this year ’s Pensioners’ day celebration, the President of the NPA Pensioners Welfare Association, Mr. Reuben Onotafe, said that the group thought that the Government would have learnt a lesson from the last reform exercise.

Onotafe however called on the Senior Staff Association of the NPA and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria to brace up and fight against government’s move and save NPA from the impending calamity.

He noted that privatising the marine operations of NPA will give rise to the system being taken over by a few privilege Nigerians who will further bastardize an already cannibalised system.

The group’s President also stated that a privatised marine operation of the NPA will also give rise to security challenges, unem-

ployment and inflation and urged the government to retrace its step to cacel the entire port reform process and return to the former status quo and the process has not produce any economic benefit.

He was of the opinion that capitalists have taken over the Nigerian port industry adding that if the government does not do something to check mate these capitalists, the nation’s economy will suffer for it.

Onotafe explained that port charges are higher than it was under the time of NPA and that workers now receive twenty (20%) percent less than when they were receiving from NPA. He however challenged the management of the Port authority to publish the names of concessionaires and the up to date payments of their dues to government.

He said: “We shudder to believe that after the last concessions were made to the private sector regarding the NPA officers and staff, the Federal Government is still contemplating on privatising some departments of NPA.”

members of Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NITOA) have been attacked within the nation’s territorial waters from November 2012 to date.

A secret document that was sighted by our correspondent in Lagos last week revealed that 28 of the trawlers belong to Atlantic Shrimpers Limited while nine belong to Karflex Fisheries Limited.

According to the document which detailed attacks on the fishing trawlers, the Niger Delta coast recorded the highest number of attacks (25), while the Lagos waters recorded five attacks, with one occurring on the high seas.

In one of the attacks, a Captain was killed, while the crew of many trawlers sustained severe injuries. Undisclosed ransoms were also reported to have been paid to the robbers for the crews to be freed.

The document also disclosed that many seafarers are still held under captivity by the sea robbers.

On the Lagos waters, the Lekki axis has been described as the most volatile spot where three trawlers were attacked within the period; Badagry waters recorded one

attack also.

Other place where attacks had been recorded within the period include: Opobo, Brass, Andoni, Fishtown, Dodo, Middletown, Forcados Ramos ,Barbara, Benin River, Formoso ,Sengana, Sambreiro,Kulama and Barthlomew.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has claimed to have brought down the number of attacks on vessels since it concessioned the security of the nation’s coastal waters to Global West Specialist Vessels purportedly owned by the controversial ex-militant Mr. Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo.

NIMASA’s claim of having secured the coastal waters, reduced oil theft and curtailed the activities of pirates on the nation’s water is however a far cry from the realities on ground While the rest of the world is using coast guard to secure their waters for effective securuity of their watersways, Nigeria chooses to concessioned its own water security to a private firm which is costing the government so much money.

24—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

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VANGUARD, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 — 25

learning@vanguardngr.com

Tec hnical echnical Vocational Education:

German firm take over in Rivers Page 26

Students write what might be last UTME

UNN student attempts suicide

*Pupils of Expressway Nursery and Primary School, Ketu, Lagos writing the common entrance examination into Lagos State secondary schools, weekend.

Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

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Sms-based

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BY AMAKA ABAYOMI & LAJU ARENYEKA

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HERE are high expectations from the over 1.5 million candidates who will troop to the over 3,100 examination centres to write what could be the last Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) in the history of Nigerian education, this Saturday, April 27.

If the Oronsaye report, which advocates that the powers of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) be divested and universities be solely charged with candidates’ entrance exams, these students will make an unprecedented mark in

JAMB’s 36-year- old history.

Recall that the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, directed the Board to suspend its newly introduced computer-based test (CBT) for the 2013 UTME scheduled to have held on Saturday, April 20.

Instead, the lawmakers asked JAMB to revert to its paper and pencil-based examinations, citing inadequate sensitisation and preparation, as well as lack of necessary infrastructure in secondary schools as reasons for arriving at the decision.

To this end, the House equally summoned the Minister of Education, Professor Rukayyatu Rufa’i and the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Dibu

EXAM MALPRA CTICE: Stakeholders brainstorm, MALPRACTICE: chart way forward

BY NNAMDI OJIEGO

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HE menace of examination malpractice in Nigeria has assumed an alarming and embarrassing dimension in both external and internal examinations.

Worried by this ugly development, some stakeholders in the education sector gathered at the 9th Chrisgate International Summit (a motivational network success summit for students preparing for examinations), to discuss and seek ways out of the problem. The speakers who included the President, Chrisgate International, Christopher Alabi; Managing Director, Mama’s Creche, Tonia Taiwo, and Mr. Folarin

Olayinka, among others, were unanimous on the urgent need to find a lasting solution to the fraud called examination malpractice.

Objective of the summit According to the organisers, the aim of the summit was to disabuse the minds of students from indulging in examination malpractice by bringing credible persons from the education sector to come and motivate the students to success.

“Our main aim is to curb examination malpractice by adequately equipping students for exams because when they are well prepared, there will be no need to indulge in examination malpractice.

“Before now, most people believed that we operate a ‘miracle center’

where they can just walk in with their money and buy all the papers while others believed that we would assist them with ‘expo’ to pass their exam, but they were disappointed.

“We don’t encourage examination malpractice in whatever form but lectures and mentoring only, and any of our staff found aiding examination crimes will be shown the way out immediately.

Exam Malpractice, a cankerworm Examination malpractice has become a cankerworm. It is like a disease that has eaten deep into every facet of our educational system, and has affected the quality

Continues on pg 34

Ojerinde, to provide explanations on what it tagged, “policy somersault” in view of the CBT introduced by the board.

To ensure a hitch-free exam, the Board has enlisted the services of security operatives such as Civil Defense Corps, the Police and some private security operatives, while some independent watch groups made up of Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, among others, would be on hand to monitor events.

With over 122 universities, Vanguard Learning got a mixture of responses when the candidates revealed that they are ready to go to any length to ensure that they are among those who are considered for the limited admission spaces into institutions of learning.

Chiyere Ijioma is reading extra hard and has embarked on reading till daybreak to ensure that she scores high points. “Everything is behind me and my studies have taken centerplace because I don’t want to cheat to pass.”

Idowu Oreoluwa who wants to study Food Science and Technology and is in favour of scrapping the exam body, failing UTME doesn’t mean the person is not intelligent.

“I am preparing very hard by attending lessons and reading on my own because I passed my WAEC and really want to be admitted this time around.”

For Firminus Idenyi, who opined that scrapping UTME would put financially handicapped students in a disadvantaged position said; “Preparations are being taken seriously to ensure that I gain admission this year. I don’t intend to

Continues on pg 26

26 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Technical Vocational Education: German firm take over in Rivers

Students write what might be last UTME Continues from pg 25

*From left: Commissioner for Education, Rivers State, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi; AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Rivers State, Wogu Boms and President, ZWH, Germany, Dirk Palige at the signing of Vocational Training agreement at the Ministry of Justice, Port Harcourt.

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n ensuring that no stone is left unturned to give the people of Rivers State qualitative education, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, being satisfied with the standard of education bequeathed to the pupils in primary school and students in secondary school, has shifted focus on technical education with the signing of the Vocation Training Agreement with a German company, Zentralstelle fur die Weiterbildung im Handwerk (ZWH).

The drafted agreement between Rivers State Government and ZWH, Germany, which was signed on Friday at the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, witnessed the presence of Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi, AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Rivers State, Justice Wogu Boms, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Rivers State, Dr Richard Ofuru, President, ZWH, Mr Dirk Palige, Managing Director, ZWH, Mr Hermann Roder and Deputy Managing Director, ZWH, Mr. Holger Puchalla and others.

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opy of the agreement made available to the media stated that the innovation by the Rivers State Government is part of its economic reform agenda to empowerment creation by collaborating with the private sector to improve the vocational skills and competence of its indigenes with a view to empowering them vocationally to be self-employed and employable.

It noted that areas of concentration of the German company will include: fashion design, hairdressing and cosmetics, construction, metal work, woodwork and as a possible add-on in the medium-term: car and heavy duty vehicle mechanic knowledge.

The agreement stated further that the training curriculum shall be patterned in accordance with the German standards with provisions to accommodate local conditions and

taking into account local circumstances. A part of the objectives of the programme it added, is to provide trainees with management and entrepreneurial skills both on short and long-term bases, noting that the vocational programme shall involve local trainers and training managers with a view to taking over the school management and training programmes after six years of the programme’s duration.

On each party’s obligations, it was disclosed that ZWH shall be responsible for the day-to-day running or implementation of the programme while Rivers State Government shall be responsible for general supervision of the programme. Moreover, the responsibility of ZWH will include contracting partner for RSG with

The Commissioner who lamented the low interest of youths in technical education stated; “In Nigeria, many youths are not looking into that direction. Technical education is very important to any country which wants to fly high in the comity of nations. I think Rivers State is doing it at the right time. Before a student would be admitted into the technical school, he must have possessed the WAEC which is the minimum qualification.

Speaking at the signing of the agreement, the President of ZWH, Mr Dirk Palige said that his primary target in Nigeria is to establish a vocational study centre in Nigeria that will yield the desired result like it is in Germany.

Palige who lauded the innovation of the Rivers State Government towards enriching its people with the relevant

The training curriculum shall be patterned in accordance with the German standards with provisions to accommodate local conditions and taking into account local circumstances

,

BY DAYO ADESULU

respect to foreign personnel and foreign training machines, as all nonforeign contracting shall be undertaken by the RSG provided that the quality and specification shall be approved by ZWH to ensure compliance with overall quality and standard.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Education, who represented the Governor said the vocation training agreement is an exchange programme with the German firm that if technical graduates get things right here, they can go over to Germany.

E

xplaining the choice of Germany in the partnership, she said: “When you talk about technology, we can rate them as number one in the world. The choice of Germany came when the Governor travelled to Germany and went to their factory and saw what they were doing technologically.”

,

knowledge that will lead to economic growth said; “The development of a nation depends on its qualified employees.” He promised that the success story we have been hearing about Germany is already here with us in Nigeria to repeat itself. “We are ready to start with you immediately,” he said.

I

n his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Rivers State, Mr Richard Ofuru, who showered encomiums on the governor said Amaechi has thought ahead for the poor masses in establishing such laudable project. He said vocational training is what the world is depending on now.

Singapore, Malaysia and others are depending on vocational training. We are believing that Rivers State is setting a pace for others as other states are just talking on paper. He said by January, a lot of activities would have started in Rivers State.

cheat because the consequences are dire and I don’t want to waste all my family has spent on my education.”

For Bukola King, a second timer, perfecting her timing would mean being a step closer to gaining admission this year. “I would improve on all the subjects I did last year.

Though I’m prepared, and my plan is to improve on my timing as I didn’t finish the questions last year and that affected my aggregate score.”

Calling on students to shun all forms of exam malpractice, a tutorial center coordinator, Mr. Joseph Ajibola, urged them to put in their best and be hopeful for admission.

“The truth is that it is not all students tat sit for the exams are offered admission, but hope is not lost as those that can afford it can go to neighbouring countries to further their education.

Old Students donate library

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HE Akoka High School Old S t u d e n t s ’ Association (AHS) will, today, at the school premises, donate a library to the school and also inaugurate its Board of Trustees.

According to the chairman, Planning Committee, Mr. Kayode Yeku, the refurbished library, which was done in partnership with Laterna Ventures Ltd, Edysyl Bookshop, Mobile Knowledge Solutions Ltd, Rite Foods Ltd, Promasidor and other well meaning old students of the school, boasts of motivational/educational books, desktop computers equipped with e-learning software/virtual educational cinemas, educational tablets equipped with approved school curriculum, self tutor lecture videos, among others.

Special Guest of Honour at the inauguration is the Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye.

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28— Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

BY WHYTE HABEEB, UNILORIN

H

ISTORY was made in the University of Ilorin's Geology Lecture Theatre on April 9, 2013 as the Junior Chamber International, (UNILORIN) chapter presented a Femi A. Adetola Business Seminar themed: 21 st Century Youth: Entrepreneurship and Creativity, focused on entrepreneurship as an avenue for job creation.

The occasion was chaired by Mr. Femi Adetola, one time Students’ Union President of Unilorin. Dignitaries at the event were the Dean, Students’ Affairs, Prof. Yomi Omotosho; Mr. Deji Oni, Special Assistant to the Kwara State Government on Transport; Comrade Yinka Dallas, Mr. Segun Oyelabo, Dr. Rasheed, Performing Art Department, Alh. Olayinka Oduwole, Mrs. Funmilayo Adetola, Mr. Femi Oladokun, Mr. Nasir Abdulkadri, Mr. Leke Ogungbe, Mr. Alex

JCI presents business seminar

Dr Oyediran Oyewole, Senior Lecturer, Dept of Human Nutrition, University of Ibadan (standing), delivering lecture during the training programme on healthy hydration among school pupils by Nestle in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

Akanmu, among others.

Chairperson of the planning Committee, Miss Abass

Olayainka(400-level, Law), said Nigeria’s economy has not been particularly

favourable to the youth to the extent that majority of them that are privileged to acquire

UNN student attempts suicide

BY ABUTU AGADA, LUCKY IBEAKANMA

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ONTHS after a student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, committed suicide, another student of the institution (names withheld) has attempted to put an end to his life.

The student, who is a class representative in one of the classes of the Department of English and Literary Studies, allegedly sent text messages to some of his lecturers informing them of his intention to commit suicide.

According to our source who pleaded anonymity, the student cited the death of three of his family members in a road mishap recently and three Fs in his released results

as reasons why he intends to put an end to his life.

Lecturers were reportedly said to have swung into action after receiving the text by raising alarm, interrupting classes and sending students in search of the student. The student was apprehended by other students on his way to the university’s cricket pitch and subsequently handed over to authorities.

In a chat with one of the students at the scene of the arrest, Chidiebere Anene is of the opinion that, “it is despicable for anybody, much less a student of a reputable institution to contemplate suicide.”

Another student said “He should be pitied because he must have come under serious mental and psychological strain to decide, this should be the end.”

that is used to show each of two or more people does something to the other(s). The normal thing to say is ‘Husband and wife should love each other’. Reciprocal (not selfish) love is essential for a stable marriage.

Other examples:

...love themselves …love each other It is common to hear some people say ‘Husband and wife should love themselves’ when what they intend to express is ‘Husband and wife should love each other’. The statement, ‘Husband and wife should love themselves’ implies that ‘the husband should love himself; the wife, herself ’. This, of course, is not the speaker ’s intended meaning. Each other is the compound reciprocal pronoun

*My wife and I love each other, in spite of our different temperaments. *Ojo and Aina are arguing with each other. *The bride and groom kissed each other on their wedding day. *Husband and wife should pray for each other.

higher education find it difficult to get employed and unfortunately, the content of courses in the universities are such that make the youth dependent on paid jobs after graduation.

President of the JCI (UNILORIN), Mr. Akingbola Paul, said economic justice can be won by free men through free enterprises and this business seminar is a practical proof. He said; “We all clamour for change, not just change but a positive change. You will agree with me that making the positive change a reality is our collective responsibility by gathering a line in the linking stone of history with our names boldly written thereon through creative thinking and action.”

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Femi Adetola said black nations have been greeted with unprecedented economic recession, high rate of unemployment, insecurity occasioned by terrorism and of course, leadership problem.

“It is no longer news that tables of many families are regularly been attacked with all manners of feeding formulae in an attempt to structurally adjust to the reality of our time. Turning to our universities for solution is not out of place but how much of book knowledge can sustain anyone today? How many degrees will each require to cope conveniently?"

Descry - Decry It is easy to confuse words that are similar in sound and spelling. Descry and Decry are almost similar in spelling but they mean different things. Descry (literary) means ‘to detect; to suddenly see somebody or something’. Decry means ‘to condemn; to strongly criticize somebody or something, especially publicly’. Descry and decry are not interchangeable. (Descry is not found in some dictionaries) Examples: *Many Nigerians decried the wave of crimes in the country. *The measures to stop corruption were decried as useless. *It was difficult to descry exactly what was happening in the dark room.

CONTINUES NEXT WEEK. Send requests/problems to Gabriel Osoba, Ph.D, Department of English, Lagos State University, Ojo, through Editor, Teach Yourself English, Vanguard Newspapers, PMB. 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or email: editor@vanguardngr.com & gabosoba002@yahoo.co

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013— 29

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30 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013—31

Ex-student, colleague eulogise Achebe

BY EBELE ORAKPO

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ULOGIES have continued to pour in for the late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe, this time from an ex-student and a colleague who spoke on his relationship with students and colleagues.

Prof. Damian Opata of the Department of English and Literary Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) whom Achebe taught postgraduate course between 1978 and 1979 at UNN has this to say; “Achebe was a great, kind, humble teacher, who saw teaching both as a mission and a heavily ideological undertaking. He was patient, humble, friendly and always helpful.”

On his part, Prof. Joseph Ezigbo, the Managing Director of Falcon Petroleum Ltd, and Achebe’s former colleague described him as a fantastic man who could keep you on your toes for hours on end. He described his relationship with colleagues as very cordial.

Recalling an incident that

happened back then, Opata said; “We were three students in his class: late Prof. Okey Umeh, Mr. Nicholas Onyechefuna (now at Fed. Poly Idah), and myself.

"He had asked us to “Define an appropriate role for the writer in Nigeria (Africa?). I don’t recall exactly. But I recall the manner I approached the question. As all his scholars know, one of Achebe’s important critical essays is, The Novelist as a Teacher.

"At the end of the exams, my colleagues were telling me how much they ‘finished’ Achebe by quoting copiously from this essay. I was satisfied with myself for another reason.

"I had critically, I supposed, deflated that essay. I had argued that it is not the right of any person to decree on how a writer should write. To assure Achebe that I had read his essay, I tried to recall in what a manner a novelist is not a teacher in the usual sense of the term.

“I do not know the merit or

Achebe lack of it of my answer, but I scored a “C” in the exam. My colleagues scored better and I attributed my score to Achebe’s ‘ narrowness of mind,’ the normal faultfinding students do when they do not perform well in some courses.

"Much later in life, I had reasons to rethink my opinion.

After all, I answered three questions. So my assessment was not based just on that one question. In all probability then, I must have performed

badly in the two others. I still don’t know the truth.

“It is not just social maturation that led me to reconsider this grade affair.

Something else brought me closer to Achebe.

"I had written an article published in Research in African Literatures in which I tried to exculpate Okonkwo from the act of killing Ikemefuna in Things Fall Apart.

"In the process, I repudiated the narrative voice which says that “he was afraid of being thought weak.” Shortly after that, there was a discussion in the Institute of African Studies in which Achebe featured. I didn’t know he had read the article until he called me and said to me that he had read my article on the killing of Ikemefuna, adding that he never knew that any writer could argue along that line.

Then to my surprise, he said, “and you are right.”

Prof. Ezigbo who noted that Achebe was super intelligent, however, regretted that “until he died, the powers-that-be

did not find it fit to give him the Nobel Prize. He was a very strong personality who knew how to express himself and put things in the context in which they belonged, a man of very rare qualities.

"A lot of us valued him because of his abilities, his command of language, whatever language it is. He can hold a conversation and thrill you, the way he crafts and delivers it. I will say he was a man of the people. A man who had to leave the stage at the peak of a controversy which people little understood but I know his works will certainly set the records straight.”

On relationship with colleagues, Opata said; “He treated us as colleagues, although I was a Junior Fellow in the same department. He was ever waiting for us in his office anytime we had a class with him.

"He never really pontificated on any emergent issues, always leaving us to come to our own informed decisions."

32 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

BY AMAKA ABAYOMI

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ETERMINED to provide quality education to their citizens, a delegation of directors from various departments of Basic Education Board of Sokoto and Bauchi states are in Lagos to understudy the workings of Lagos education system.

The team leader, Dr. Garba Ibrahim, who described the transformation in the education sector saddled with very large number of schools and population as very amazing and encouraging especially in a tight economy like Nigeria, said they are in Lagos to see how such feat can be replicated in their home states.

“Lagos is wearing a new look, the state is indeed the Centre of Excellence and first amongst equals in terms of development which should be accepted and acknowledged by all.

“Our mission here is to rub minds with the officials of Lagos State Ministry of Education so as to gain more experience not only in the educational sector but in all aspects of development as the state is really the symbol of Nigeria.”

Welcoming the delegates, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, said the achievements recorded so far by the state were made possible through the commitment of the state governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, who has preferred to commit the little resources of the state on developmental projects, especially in the core areas of need of the state.

“Lagos is working towards the transformation of the country from BRICS to BRINCS states, and for

Sokoto, Bauchi States understudy Lagos educational system Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye (middle); Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Omolara Erogbogbo (3rd right) and delegates from Sokoto and Bauschi States SUBEB.

Nigeria to belong to the circle of the great states in Africa and the world at large.

“Lagos State is focusing on PATH development i.e. Power, Agriculture, Transportation and Housing, as prioritised and agreed on at last year’s Ehingbeti Economic Summit. PATH adoption is the only route to success if Nigeria is ready to join the great states.

The delegates were availed explanations on the workings of the education sector of Lagos by directors of all the departments in the Lagos State Ministry of Education.

Thanking the commissioner and the management team of Lagos Education Ministry for their cooperation, Mallam Ibrahim Aliyu from Sokoto State said they will continue to rub minds from time to time with Lagos.

Educationists commend NVQ

BY AMAKA ABAYOMI & ABDALLAH EL-KUREBE

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HE Lagos State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Mr. Samson Idowu, and the Rector, Sokoto State Polytechnic, Prof. Bashir Garba, have commended the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for institutionalizing a six-level national vocational qualification framework for the countr y.

According to the Minister of Education, Professor Ruqqayatu Rufai, the framework, as approved by the Council, would recognise and certify skills and vocations outside the school system and place same in the scheme of public service.

It would also address the challenges of shortage of skilled workers and reduce unemployment in the country.

“The skill gap is very critical, and the increase in unemployment is because we did not provide skills that are recognised for anybody to hold and work. With this in place, the high level of unemployment will be addressed.”

The framework has six levels - from Junior which is equivalent to Trade Test and post-tertiary institutions. The

National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 1 will be equivalent to Trade Test Three; NVQ Level 2 will equal Trade Test Two, NVQ Level 3 would be the equivalent of Trade Test 1 while NVQ Level 4 would be equivalent to the National D i p l o m a .

NVQ Level 5 would equal Higher National Diploma and the NVQ Level 6 would be the equivalent of Post-Graduate Studies.

Commending the new framework, NUT Chairman, Idowu said it would recognise people with psychomotor skills which gave birth to the

6-3-3-4 system of education.

“In as much as government wants to recognise this set of people, there is still the need to send them to technical schools so as to fully harness their potentials.”

In the same vein, the Rector, Sokoto State Polytechnic, Prof. Bashir Garba, has said that the school management has concluded plans to implement the directive.

This, he disclosed at the school’s 2013 orientation ceremony where he said “the NVQF is a system for the development, classification and recognition of skills,

knowledge and competencies acquired by individuals irrespective of where and how the training or skill was acquired.

“The NBTE visited the Polytechnic twice in 2012 and inspected some programmes for accreditation and reaccreditation exercises, and it is gratifying to note that all the programmes visited have received full accreditation.”

He added that the state government had built an ultra modern library complex, laboratories and workshops, while additional buses were added to its fleet of students’ vehicles.

P&G donates sporting materials to 40 schools

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ROCTER & Gamble, a leading consumer goods company, has donated sporting materials to 3,000 children in 40 schools across Nigeria as part of its commitment to youth sports under its 10-year International Olympic Committee partnership.

The donations, ranging from jerseys and footballs to first aid kits, amongst other items, started on March 4, 2013 and will run through the end of May, 2013.

The Brand Communications Manager, P&G Nigeria, Miss Ngozi Coker, said the company is making these donations because it believes that future athletes have to be

given the right equipment to succeed.

“These donations are part of P&G’s commitment to youth sport as a 10-year International Olympic Committee partner.

We thank Nigerians for making these donations possible as a result of the ‘buy one pack of any P&G product and help improve sports in your child’s school’ campaign that was run in April and May 2012 leading up to the London 2012 Olympics.”

Also, P&G has completed a complete overhaul of the sporting facilities at Mea Matter Elizabeth High School, Enugu.

LASU VC receives COLED Award

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

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HE Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, LASU, Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, has received an award from the Conference of Leaders of Epe Division, COLED, during its official launch in Epe, Lagos.

Those who also received awards were Prof. Olu Fatai Akeusola, Otunba Tajudeen Adenuga, Chief Olu Obagun, Chief Ganiu Akintola, Alhaji Bode Oyedele, Alhaji Gani Akanbi Belo, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, Mrs Nike Iwajomo, Mrs Margaret Adeyemo, Mrs Oluremi Bakare, Mrs Ronke Marquis, Mrs Modupeola Oguntade and Alhaja Ashafa Ninalowo.

Chairman of the Protem Executive Committee, Chief Lanre Razak, in his welcome address, said that a logo which depicts the characteristics of Epe Division has been designed, and stressed that the committee was formed to pave way for the formal launching of the Conference.

“The Protem Executive Committee held series of meetings towards this occasion and many projects were embarked upon. This includes the drafting of a constitution which we hope will be finalized today with your ratification. We have equally made an elaborate plan for an election to hold today so that a new elected executive that will focus on our main objectives will come into office for the next two years,” he added.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013—33

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Sms-based multipurpose security system

wrong when the system electromagnetic induction, begins to beep and will run the students were able to for his dear life. create an ac inverter.

“Also, any slight change in The law states that The temperature immediately induced electromotive force triggers the device and it in any closed circuit is equal starts beeping and once it to the negative of the time starts beeping and alerting rate of change of the the environment, it magnetic flux through the immediately sends message circuit. “We brought this into to anybody whose phone play as can be seen in the number is s t e p - u p stored in the t r a n s f o r m e r. cell phone We have the connected to p r i m a r y, the device secondary and If someone t h e r e b y coils. goes into your magnetic alerting them So once you house or if the introduce an that there is a problem in alternating environment t h e i r current to the is unsafe, the environment.” primary coils, device alerts Continuing y o u r you, letting he said; “The electromotive p o w e r you know that force (emf) generated by reduces in the something is the inverter is secondary wrong; with 220 volts ac coils, which which can be means the this, your used to voltage in the environment power a secondary coils is safe home, shop will be greater or factor y. than that at the Once the primary coils power is so this is what generated to the device, it has we use to generate power,” a step-down transformer said Justin Tobi Chimora. which steps down the 220 Contributing, Ado Isaac volts to 9 volts ac, then it Epamowei said; “To keep the moves through a grid rectifier system running for 24 hours, which converts the ac to direct we made it multi-powered. current (dc). Subsequently, First, it can be powered by the 9 volts is further split into inverter, the grid (PHCN), 4.5 volts each, so the device generator and also solar panel just uses 4.5 volts to power but in the absence of all these itself. sources of power, we installed “For the sound section, we a battery inside to keep it installed a 555 timer. Each running continuously without 555 timer gives the device the you coming to change beeping sound/the danger anything. In the absence of alert. Without the timer, it will the inverter, it will still work just be a plain noise like the without being connected to motor horn. any source.”

The phone is connected to an electromagnetic relay Appeal to govt and which enables the it to send organisations: messages automatically. If The students appealed to someone goes into your government and the private house or if the environment sector for funds to enable is unsafe, the device alerts them produce the device you, letting you know that commercially. “You can save something is wrong. With the money you pay security this, your environment is guards every month by using safe,” he said. just a part of it to buy this Using Faraday ’s law of device,” they said.

,

,

*From left: Ado Isaac Epamowei, Justin Tobi Chimora and BioIbogomo Ebikienmo.

cell phone, switch, LM331, 555 timer fitted to the sound system, etc.

*The device, SMS-based multiputpose security system

BY EBELE ORAKPO

T

he need to improve security and power supply cannot be overemphasised. Realising that this task should not be left to government alone, that all hands must be on deck, some science students of New Total Child Academy, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, decided to contribute their quota by putting into practice what they had learnt. In this chat with Vanguard Learning at the University of Lagos during the 9th edition of the annual Nigerian Secondary Schools Science Fair and Quiz Competition organised by Genius Illumina, they spoke on their latest innovations.

Excerpts Reason for the project: According to the students, the security system powered by an alternating current (AC) inverter, is multipurpose because it detects fire as well as burglary. The students said they embarked on the project when they observed that most enterprises do not survive due

to power problem and insecurity, so they came up with a durable, noise-free and affordable inverter. The device consists of potentiometer (for measuring the potential (voltage) in a circuit), light-dependent resistor for burglary, transformer, battery, buzzer,

Mode of operation: Explaining how the device works, Bio-Ibogomo Ebikienmo said; “Once you are not in your environment, you turn off the sound and immediately a thief walks into your house, the system sends an sms to you, alerting you that there is someone in your house without alerting the criminal. You can then call the security operatives to catch him/her red-handed.

You know with the sound turned on, the criminal will be aware that something is

Blind students shine at VTC-NSB inter-house sports

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

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LUE House, with 124 points, has won the 18th Annual Inter-House Sports competition of the Vocational Training Centre for the Nigerian Society for the Blind (VTC-NSB) held at the University of Lagos Sports Complex.

Chidozie Obianyo, the house captain of Blue House, who lost his sight just after secondary school in 2007, was overjoyed at the victory. He said; “After I lost my sight, I had to learn how to do everything again, it was not easy, but since my enrolment here, I am back on my feet. I am familiar with typewriter, the Braille and the computer.” Some of the winners in their different categories include 50 metres race - Sunday Oladele; Rounders game - Godwin

Israel; Long Jump female - Nike Oguntope; Walking race - Rasaq Adekoya; Shot put - Hamed Omolosho.

Guest schools also participated in the event. There were relay races by, Corona International Secondary School (boys and girls), Lagos City College (boys and girls) and University of Lagos Staff Primary School (boys). Corona girls won the female relay race and Lagos City College boys won the male relay race.

The principal of the centre, Mr. Sola Ogunsiji, speaking on the event said; “This is our first time of doing this outside our campus. We want to showcase what the blind people can do. They can run, jump and do all sorts of sporting activities that people with

sight can, even better. You will recall that during the Olympics, it was the disabled that won a lot of medals for Nigeria. There is ability in disability, and we are out to prove that the socalled disabled people are well able.”

Mrs. Abiola Agbaje, the Chairperson, NSB, encouraged the government to pay more attention to empowering the physically challenged. “I do not believe that the government is paying enough attention to the physically challenged, we have found out that some of our students represent Lagos State in national competitions. Since they are good enough to join the Lagos State team, we feel they are good enough to be recognised here and trained to fit international standards,” she said.

34 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Stakeholders brainstorm, chart way forward

By DAYO ADESULU

I

N continuation of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive to improve science education in Nigeria, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles has once again donated science laboratory equipment to Morocco High School, Shomolu, Lagos.

The presentation exercise which was held recently at the premises of Morocco Junior High School, Shomolu was witnessed by representatives of Shomolu Local Government, the school management, teachers, as well as students of the school.

Items donated to the school include physics, biology and chemistry laboratory equipment lacking in the school.

Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, Public Relations/Event Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, while presenting the equipment, explained the rationale behind the company’s strong commitment to the development of the educational sector in the country, saying; “As a corporate organisation, we are very passionate about the growth of the education sector of the nation, most especially the development of science education which is central to national development as science/technology is the future of the human race.”

He continued; ”We believe in the future of this great nation, Nigeria and the future of every nation depends on the quality of human resources it produces. “Science/ technology keeps advancing as time goes on, thus the need to provide future leaders with what is needed to develop them for that role, in the area of science/technology so that in the nearest future, Nigeria would be a force

*Dr Ayo Ogunsan, Chairman, Executive Trainers Ltd; Mrs Molly Hudson, Director, Harvard University and Mrs Ajoke Ogunsan, MD, Executive Trainers at the training agreement signing ceremony in Boston, United States.

Dufil donates lab equipment to schools to be reckoned with among other great nations in the world.”

He charged both the teachers and students of the school

to make the best use of the equipment for the benefit of the students and improvement of science education in the school which should reflect in future results of the students.

Continues from pg 25 of graduates being churned out by our educational institutions. The situation has become so worrisome that students not only cheat but also employ more sophisticated means of executing the act.

One of the major causes of examination malpractice is over-emphasis on paper qualification, which has been the yardstick for employment. This has discouraged concentration on vocational training and relocated the mentality of large number of youth to taking formal education as a must. This, also, has made a lot of people cheating during exams.

Speakers at the summit agreed that parents have important roles to play in what their wards become. Therefore, they believe that parents have contributed to the alarming rate of examination malpractice, and some go as far as hiring ‘mercenaries’ to write exams for their children. They urged parents not to neglect their responsibility to their children. “It is not enough to feed them and pay their school fees, but parents need to be there for them - talk to them, monitor, encourage and support them. Parents can’t afford to fail their children because whatever the children turn out to be in future will directly or indirectly affect their parents.”

Blaming government for not doing enough to stem the tide of exam malpractice, the organizers called on government to create the enabling environment for education to thrive.

“Some policies, such as quota system, are violating academic merit and these encourage giving preference to lesser qualified candidates.

Also, some states offer free education to their indigenes, but the central government has not done much to support that move by ensuring that education is free across the nation.

Not sparing the students, the speakers urged the students to be serious with their studies.

“Students should motivating themselves and avoid being carried away by things happening around them. They must believe in themselves, have a sense of purpose and faith in achieving whichever goal they have set for themselves.”

Foundation takes cardiovascular education to schools

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

W

ORRIED about the growing incidences of cardiovascular diseases among Nigerian youths, experts have taken the campaign for early cardiovascular education

among teenagers to secondary schools in Lagos.

Addressing, the students during the second grassroots cardiovascular health programme organised for students of Herbert Macaulay Senior Girls' High School and

Birrel Avenue Senior High School by Chike Okoli Foundation, COF, the experts said the need for teenagers to be conscious of their hearthealth could not be overemphasised as cardiovascular diseases affect

every individual irrespective of the status, age or race.

They maintained that early cardiovascular education among teenagers would drastically reduce the burden of heart diseases and its complications.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 — 35

Malaria: Knowing the common enemy

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

H

OW well do you know the disease call ma laria? Did you know that malaria is a major public problem in Nigeria? Nigeria contributes a quarter of malaria burden in Africa. Over 90 per cent of the country’s 167 million people are at risk. It contributes 30 per cent to childhood mortality in the country and contributes 11 per cent of maternal mortality. The cost of malaria is exorbitant due to pricy treatment and the reduction of labour or wage-earning days caused by the disease.

The true tragedy of the disease is that even though it is preventable and treatable many people are contracting and dying from the disease that can be avoided. This is no doubt one of the major reasons why in the year 2000 African leaders first decided to put a Malaria Day on the calendar of the world, the ravages of malaria were barely visible to global decision-makers in prosperous countries.

• Anopheles mosquito

Malaria occurs when a parasite from the species Plasmodium infects a person’s red blood cells. Malaria is endemic to areas where the Anopheles mosquito occurs – usually in hot humid climates. The cycle of malaria starts when a female Anopheles mosquito bites a person with malaria and ingests blood containing malarial parasites.

When the mosquito bites another person, the parasites are injected into the body along with the mosquito’s saliva.

Once in the body, the parasites circulate in the bloodstream until they reach the liver, where they multiply and mature over an average of one to two weeks. Thereafter the parasites leave the liver and enter the blood stream and infect red blood cells, where they multiply and eventually cause the infected cells to rupture. The parasites released from the ruptured red blood cells infect even more red blood cells, setting off the cycle once more.

If not treated, malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs.

The first symptoms usually appear between 7 and 10 days after the patient was bitten and are very similar to that of the flu – fever, chills, muscle pain and headaches.

After a few days, the typical cyclical symptoms of malaria may occur – chills, followed firstly by a high fever, and then by profuse sweating.

Malaria may also present with unusual symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea. In rare cases there may not be the typical fever. Any symptom of illness after visiting a tropical country with malaria should

therefore alert one to the possibility that one may indeed have malaria.

In severe cases the patient may experience convulsions or go into a coma.

According to Dr. Olusegun George Ademowo, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, 100 countries in the world are malarious, two bil-

lion people are exposed to the risk of malaria infection annually. For Ademowo, to effectively reduce malaria burden early diagnosis and prompt treatment of the disease, reduction of contact between man and mosquito, strengthening of local capacities of health workers, poverty and deprivation need to be alleviated, mass health education about the disease and its control should be intensified. He also notes that treatment of malaria should be subsidised.

Fidson advocates healthy lifestyle

N

IGERIANS from all walks of life have been admonished to make concerted effort at preventing the incidence of high blood pressure or hypertension, by living healthier lifestyle .

General Manager, Marketing, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Ola Ijimakin, who gave the charge on this year's World Health Day, encouraged Nigerians to adopt healthy habits such as regularly visiting the doctor for thorough check-up , even as he called on government and private institutions to create enabling environment to enhance healthy behaviour and lifestyle.

Ijimakin who lamented daunting reports from the World Health Organization, WHO, about the effects of hypertension on wellbeing particularly in Africa, said the alarming rate of high blood pressure globally is a challenge that should not be handled with levity, especially as more people in Africa are exposed to unhealthy behaviours like poor eating habits, very little physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol intake and stressful lifestyles.

Consequently, in line with the campaign against high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases which is the theme of this year's event, Ijimakin said there is the need to create public awareness on the risks associated with high blood pressure and the importance of a healthy life style as a preventive measure.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

H

ELLO everybody and welcome. Today we con tinue with our introduction of new novelties for the month of April and beyond, and we will kick off with pheromones. Pheromones are perfumed sexual attractants capable of attracting the opposite sex to you, if you are looking to start a relationship. They don’t work like magic. Wearing a pheromone does not mean women or men will chase you like bees after honey. Pheromones make the opposite sex interested in you sexually, based on the way you smell.

This means that when you make a move on them, they are more open to giving you a chance or saying yes. This makes the process of befriending people easier especially for shy folks who find it hard chatting up a girl or boy. For women, we have the Simply Sexy Pheromone and the Crazy Girl Pheromone Body Mist. Both are very popular and powerful. For men we have the Namiko Pheromone Cologne, an equally powerful sexual attractant for men.

New games to aid romance in relationships have also arrived. Often couples complain about their love lives being boring and this is one of the reasons couples cheat. But thanks to these games, there will never be a dull moment and there are hundreds of sexual ideas that couples can explore in their private moments. These new games are the Mile High Club, Pleasure Island and Sealed with a Kiss game.

And finally for the day, we have new aphrodisiacs for women. Very often, male libido problems and solutions dominate our weekly discussions but women do have libido problems too. The first of these new aphrodisiacs is the Rock On Daily Supplement, a natural sexual enhancer in capsule form capable of lifting energy and libido levels at any age while enhancing sexual pleasure and satisfaction for women.

Rock On Daily Supplement is very good. The second aphrodisiac is a stimulating gel called the Mood Tingling lubricant. Mood Tingling eliminates vaginal dryness and the related sexual pain while arousing

female users for more pleasurable and orgasmic results.

We will continue with more new products in the coming weeks. Let us take a few questions from our readers.

I am newly married and I will like to learn more about how my wife and I can have a successful long term sexual relationship. Do you conduct seminars?

Tayo Tayo at the moment, we don’t do seminars. But you will find the information you are looking for in books such as Sex Secrets and movies like Great Sex for a Life Time. The advantage movies and books have over seminars is that you get to see some of these sexual ideas and recommendations demonstrated and not just talked about. Sex is very physical after all – Uche I take Xzen 1200 to make my erection and performances stronger. So far so good but I will like to know if it has side effects when used for too long – Samuel Samuel manufacturers always advice regular users of aphrodisiacs to give a one or two week break after using it for one month before continuing again. This will enable the body flush out any unwanted residues or toxins that may accumulate over long periods of time, if any. Xzen 1200 is 100% natural and safe. The human body processes natural supplements like natural foods , which is why we recommend them – Uche I use condoms during sex and on few occasions, the condoms have broken during intercourse. Can you recommend something more reliable? Jonah Jonah this is why more people are using penis sleeves instead. Sleeves such as the Glow in the Dark Sleeve and Nasstoys Penis Extender are thicker than condoms, stronger and can be reused. They also prevent premature ejaculation – Uche Adults in need of these treatments and novelties can call us on 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com.

36—Vanguard , THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Why no date for LG elections yet —Uduaghan

A

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

SABA—GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has described the process of establishing the state Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC as “very challenging,” attributing it to the delay in conducting the muchawaited local government elections in the state.

Fielding questions on a phone-in programme on television in Asaba, the governor said: “The process of putting up the commission has been challenging because when we sent the list of members of the commission to the state House of Assembly, the Assembly said one of the members was less than 40 years.

“But some people in the nominee local government area are opposed to the provision and they argued that the Nigerian constitution says if a person is above 30 years, the person can occupy that position and one of our sons took us to court. So we had to deal with it.

“We called him and said this is an issue that we can resolve in-house. I want to thank him because he has withdrawn the case from the court."

... lauded over monarchs' installation

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HE Ovie of Mosogar Kingdom, HRM Sampson Omene and Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, HRM Erhiekevwe I, have commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, for installing and giving staff of office to their counterpart, HRM Noble Eshemitan, Orefe III, Uku-Ogharaname, Ovie of Oghara Kingdom all of Ethiope West Local Government Area.

The monarchs spoke at the special thanksgiving service for a successful coronation and presentation of Staff of Office to their Oghara counterpart and the presentation of a book, entitled The Life of HRM, Noble Eshemitan, Uku-Ogharaname, (Orefe 111), Ovie of Oghara Kingdom.

Community apologises to Oyakhire 9yrs after witch trials accusation

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—NINE years after Prince Amen Oyakhire, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police and former Governor of Taraba and Oyo states was falsely accused by some persons in his community, Ozalla in Owan-West Local Government Area of Edo

State, of being involved in prosecuting suspected witches and wizards said to be responsible for mysterious deaths in the town, the community, yesterday, apologise to Oyakhire.

The community described as “false, spurious and libelous publications in the electronic and print media” against him, insisting that Prince Oyakhire merely hon-

oured the invitation sent to him and did not play any specific role during the meeting.

The community, in a statement by Reuben Aizenabor, Secretary to the Onotare in Council in Benin, cleared Prince Oyakhire of wrong doing, saying he was innocent and remained innocent of all the allegations made against him.

The community said: “He

was falsely and wrongly accused through the uncivilised conduct of a few misguided persons, who have themselves repented in this community.”

Noting that the matter had taught the people lessons, the Ozalla community said it knows Oyakhire’s usefulness, importance and pleaded with him not to abandon the community.

Okeme tasks Delta workers on hard work

BY FESTUS AHON

U

BRIEFING: From left— Prof. John Idoko, Director-General, National Agency for Control of Aids; Dr. Mark Dybul, Executive Director, Global Fund, and Mr. Emmanuel Babayero, Ambassador, Friends of the Global Fund Africa, during a briefing in Abuja, yesterday.

Delta gives oil firm May 10 ultimatum on Abavo community's compensation

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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ELTA State Government has given Pan Ocean Oil Corporation up till May 10, 2013, to pay compensation to Abavo community for drilling oil in their land.

Traditional ruler of Abavo Kingdom in Ika South Local Government Area of the state, Obi Uche Irenuma II, made the disclosure at a tripartite meeting with the state government, Abavo community and the oil company.

The meeting took place at the deputy governor’s office in Asaba.

The monarch, noted that the deputy governor, Prof.

Amos Utuama, who presided over the meeting, also advised the oil company to respect and abide by the Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, reached with Abavo community to avoid crisis.

On the controversial flow station being proposed for Owa-Alidima, he said the state government and security agencies had asked the oil company to stay action on

the issue as it involves OPL 275 until a meeting between the state government, the oil company and Abavo community was held.

Irenuma 11 expressed happiness at the outcome of the meeting and commended the state government for wading into the crisis be-

tween the oil company and Abavo community, saying that the flow station was paramount to Abavo community.

He maintained that Abavo people were peace loving and as such would continue to promote the peace and security agenda of the State government.

GHELLI—SPECIAL Adviser to Delta State Governor on Labour and Industrial Relation, Mr. Mike Okeme, yesterday, appealed to workers in the state to be more honest and hardworking in the discharge of their duties.

Okeme, in a chat with newsmen, said; “There is good working relationship between the state government and labour,” adding that the state government was committed to the welfare of the workers.

He said workers in the state were being promoted as at when due and salaries paid regularly, adding that workers in the state have no cause to go on strike as experienced in some other states in the country.

Okeme said he will continue to facilitate and promote good relationship between government and labour.

... as monitoring group faults Jonathan, minister on local content, PIB

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ARRI—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan and Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke have been faulted by the Niger Delta Indigenous Movement for Radical Change, NDIMRC, over alleged total failure of the Nigerian Local Content, three years after it came on stream.

The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act was signed into law

by President Jonathan in April 22, 2010 to enforce the growth of local capacity and promote indigenous participation in the oil and gas indus-

try.

However, the oil monitoring group, NDIMRC, in a statement, yesterday, by its President, Nelly Emma; Secretary, John Sailor and Public Relations Officer, Stanley Mukoro, lambasted President Jonathan and Alison-Madueke, said: “We want to say that the Nigerian Local Content is a total failure three years after the Act was signed into law by President Goodluck.

“In April 22, 2010, when the President signed the bill into law, we were excited. But three years on, we cannot say that this is time for celebra-

tion.

"Multinational oil companies are picking up all the juicy contracts, leaving southerners in penury. Enough is enough.

The President and the Petroleum Minister must go back to the drawing board and find out why the Nigerian Local Content has failed.”

On the Petroleum Industry Billl, PIB, the group said: “We have observed that some Nigerians are against the passage of the bill because it is favourable to the Niger Delta people.

“It is worrisome that the bill has not been passed six years after it was introduced."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013—37

Flood: Ughelli North LG to demolish illegal structures

BY FESTUS AHON

U

G H E L L I — CHAIRMAN of Ughelli North Local Government Council Transition Committee, Delta State, Chief Friday Akpoyibo, has said that the council will demolish illegal structures blocking natural waterways in the area.

Akpoyibo, who addressed newsmen in his office, said: “I want to assure the people of the council of flood free rainy season,” adding that his administration was committed to the human and infrastructural development of the council.

Noting that the council was committed to the welfare of teachers, he said that the council had embarked on the building of toilets and sanitary pits for staff and pupils of primary schools in the locality.

He said: “My administration has completed some abandoned and ongoing projects it met when we came on board in November last year; the council’s staff canteen is now wearing a new look.

“We have embarked on the repair and maintenance of the council’s broken down graders and tractors and when functional put into use, we will commence the immediate grading of streets within the council.

“The council has also embarked on the perimeter fencing of the Ughelli public field."

Garden of Life Assembly holds deliverance vigil

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ARDEN of Life As sembly, in Effurun Delta State holds its powernight of salvation, healing and deliverance programme on Saturday.

A statement by Dr. Philip Edward, said the vigil with the theme, Nothing is impossible with God, will hold at the church premises, 7, All Saint Lane, off Okere/ Ugborikoko Road, Effurun.

Why I relocated to Warri —Uduaghan

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI—DELTA State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has said that his moving from Asaba, the state capital, to Warri, recently, was to increase the tempo of government activities in the South and Central senatorial districts of the state.

Speaking on a phone-in programme on Delta Rainbow Television, DRTV, Warri, Uduaghan, said: “My presence is to first increase the activities around here and it will also give me an opportunity to carry out on the spot assessment of the things we are doing in terms of development and security.

“I have been in Warri for more than a week and since the beginning of this year, we have been in Warri. Across the world today, when you mention the name Warri, what comes to mind is a place of crisis, which is not true. Though there are some security situations, it is not as bad as people are painting it. I am going to work from here (Warri) and Asaba. I will be making my presence here more visible than before.

“We are doing a lot in the state and there are people who are

complaining that we are not doing enough in Warri and Effurun axis. Secondly, the security situation in Warri axis is not improving the way we expect. In Asaba, there is tremendous improvement. However, in Warri axis, the situation is not improving. I had decided that my presence in Warri axis would be more henceforth.”

Investigations by Vanguard

showed that in the past few weeks, the governor had inspected road, school and other projects being executed in Umeh, Warri, Effurun and other towns in the two senatorial districts.

Last week, he visited Umeh in Isoko South Local Government Area to inspect the 7.6kilometre Umeh road.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work by the

INAUGURATION: From left: Mrs. Daba Manua, Prince Lewis Osobase, Mr. Ebitare Otrofanowei and Chief Igochukwu Amadi, during their inauguration as members of SouthSouth PDP Forum's Board of Trustees (BoT), in Lagos.

Obio/Akpor LG dissolves standing c'ttees ….As PDP chieftain urges Amaechi to resolve party crisis

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT— CHAIRMAN of the newly constituted Caretaker Committee for Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr. Dike Chikordi, has dissolved all standing committees in the council.

It will be recalled that the new caretaker committee was set up after the elected Chairman, Vice-Chairman and 17 councillors were suspended, Monday, by the state House of Assembly over allegations

of abuse of public fund and breach of security.

Meanwhile, a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Emma Anyanwu, who blamed the sack of the elected officials on the crisis rocking the party in the state, has urged Governor Chibuike Amaechi to resolve the problem in the party or resign.

He said if the governor failed to address the problem, then he should not hesitate to go because as governor, it would be improper for him to remain in office after losing the soul of his party.

Prince Anyanwa, a frontline chieftain of the party, regretted the recent political developments in the state, saying that he made effort with other well meaning Nigerians to make peace between Governor Amaechi and the Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike.

“There is crisis on the group and if Governor Amaechi can’t resolve it, then he is not a leader. And if you lose the heart of the party as a governor, then you should go because you cannot control the party,” he said.

My arrest by EFCC, illegal —Edo Labour Party dep chair fused to give the papers of the

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—DEPUTY Chairman of Labour Party in Edo State and activist, Mr. Patrick Eholor, who was arrested and released after 72 hours by operatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over a disputed land, has described his arrest as illegal and a breach of his fundamental rights.

Eholor, who has been at the fore-front of campaign for better representation by elected

contractor, Setraco Nigeria Limited, saying, asphalting of the road will commence in three weeks barring uncomplicated weather situation.

On the 18-month target for the completion of the road, Uduaghan was optimistic that it would be met, but explained that N3.625 billion project, had been reviewed by about N800 million because of the inclusion of a bridge, which was not captured in the earlier design.

National Assembly members in Edo State, said he was still in shock over his arrest “because I was just at my private residence, when four armed men from EFCC came and said they were in possession of a petition against me over a land scam and they dragged me into a waiting vehicle and took me to Lagos.

“I was whisked to Lagos and the most shocking thing was that my rights were not read to me as same were violated. It was alleged that some people said they bought a land from me and that I re-

land to them.

“There was a transaction and all the documents had been prepared by my lawyers and agent. I really don’t know where all these came from. Injustice to one is injustice to all.

It is preposterous that EFCC is interested in a 100 by 100 land matter in Edo State and came to arrest me because of same. I wonder why the petitioner did not report the matter to state Police Command in Benin City but EFCC that had to take me to Lagos, where I will find it difficult to meet bail conditions."

Operators decry ban of tricycles in P-Harcourt

BY EGUFE YAFUGBOHI

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ORT HARCOURT—OPERATORS of commercial tricycles, also known as Keke, in Rivers State, are worried that the plan to extend the ban on the vehicle to outskitrs of Port Harcourt metropolis will render many persons jobless and pose a threat to peace and security in the state.

The state Chairman of Keke Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, KORAN, Mr. John Ademola, in statement in Port Harcourt, appealed to the Rivers State Government to reconsider the extended ban on their operations because of its attendant consequences on its members and the society at large.

He said: “A significant percentage of Nigerians have gained meaningful employment in the keke business with many acquiring skills on assembling, repairs and other services, in addition to the actual riders. The teeming riders and all other benefiting stakeholders need encouragement and not ban, which could push those that would be displaced into unlawful acts to survive.”

38—Vanguard , THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

NUJ President tasks politicians on security ...warns against over-heating polity

BY ANAYO OKOLI

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MUAHIA — PRESI DENT of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mallam Mohammed Garba, has urged politicians in the country to focus on how to tackle the current security challenges, instead of overheating the polity because of 2015 general election.

Garba warned that inciting comments and statements curGov. Theodore Orji of Abia State (right) with Mohammed Garba, National President, Nigeria rently coming out of politicians Union of Journalists, NUJ, at the opening ceremony of National Executive Council meeting could lead to anarchy.

He said the current security of the NUJ, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia. challenges in some parts of the

Eradicating corruption not easy in Nigeria — Igwe Ogakwu

BY CHINENYEH OZOR

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RADITIONAL RULER of Udi, Enugu State, His Royal Highness, Igwe Chris Ogakwu, has given reasons corruption would be difficult to eradicate in the country.

Ogakwu, who is the Okwuloha 111 of Udi spoke when he received members of the Centre for Moral Mentor-ship, CMM, led by Maureen Chima, in his palace.

His words: ‘’When we talk about corruption, you can find out that those who say they want to stop it in Nigeria are even more corrupt.

"You may not understand what I mean!

If you pick me up for example and make me a minister today, I will be worse than people who were there before me.

"That is the Nigerian character; you will see somebody that preaches against immorality, give him chance and see how immoral he or she will be. Bad character seems embedded in us."

FCT owes Abuja indigenes N150bn in compensation

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE

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BUJA — Federal Capital Territory (FCT) currently owes Abuja indigenes over N150 billion in arrears as resettlement compensation .

Director of Abuja Infrastructure Investment Center (AIIC), Mr. Farouk Sani, stated this yesterday while briefing journalists on the programme of event for a special town hall meeting on land swap initiative of FCTA. He said proper resettlement and compensations of the affected communities was a must for the administration.

Sani noted that the town hall meeting would give the general public the opportunity to ask questions on the land swap policy of FCT. He said: “We have been talking about land swap initiative for over two years; unfortunately, many people are yet to understand the scope and that is why the administration decided to hold two town hall meetings.

“The administration understands the benefits of this initiative. During the two town hall meetings members of the public would be given opportunity to ask

Orji charges traditional rulers to fight kidnapping, violent crimes

BY ANAYO OKOLI

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MUAHIA—Governor Theordore Orji of Abia State has charged traditional rulers in the state with the task of fighting kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The governor, who gave the charge while presenting staff of office to 22 new traditional rulers in the state, warned that he would not hesitate to de-

throne any of the traditional rulers who failed to show exemplary leadership.

He also charged the new Ezes to be prepared to work in accordance with the precepts of the government.

Most of the new royal fathers were elected to replace deceased traditional rulers and according to him, transparency and due process were followed in their selection.

questions and give suggestions.

“There is this erroneous belief that we are out to grab lands. This meeting would give us this opportunity to correct this.”

He said despite the fact that the private sector would be paying for compensation, and resettling of the indigenes was huge on the shoulders of the

administration.

He noted: “It is the private sector that is bearing the cost of compensation for resettlement of the affected communities.

“We want the communities to have best value and the private sector would pay the compensation immediately, that is one of the advantages of this land swap initiative.”

country should be a major concern to politicians, rather than heat up the polity for selfish reasons.

Garba, who spoke at the union’s National Executive Council, NEC, meeting which was declared open by Governor Theodore Orji in Umuahia, Abia State, said: “The political situation in the country is now very tense, as there are increasing cases of arrest, assault and intimidation of journalists in the country.

“The security challenges as currently faced in some parts of the country should be a source of concern to all.

“This is because of the general insecurity within our country, the political setting as we are aware, we are still in 2013, and we have 2015, you will agree with me that the political situation is tense.

"The politicians have started strategising towards 2015 and this is causing tension.”

Though the NUJ president noted that the country had attained a great height in the area of press freedom, he, however, condemned the recent arrest of four journalists, redeployment of an information officer at the federal level and imposition of N2 million fine on a Kaduna-based radio station.

Senior Advocate faults Imo Assembly's impeachment of Dep Gov

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI — Imo State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Sir Eze Duruiheoma,SAN, has taken a swipe at Imo State House of Assembly for failing to take a holistic view of the circumstances that led to the eventual impeachment of former deputy governor, Sir Jude Agbaso.

Duruiheoma, who made his feelings known during an interview in Owerri, also reasoned that the House ad-hoc panel and their decisions had credibility problem.

“The panelists ought to have gone the whole hog to verify Joseph Dina’s evidence. That the panel did not do this compromised their credibility.

“Moreover, when you are acting out somebody’s script, you will not know where to

add your own,” he said.

“It is scandalous, for instance, for anybody to approve payment of a staggering N1.3 billion to a contractor without benefit of certificates that the job had been successfully executed,” Duruiheoma said.

“If they had taken some serious steps to properly investigate the alleged bribe, they would have arrived at what they have now seen,” Duruiheoma said.

Man arraigned over alleged N9m theft

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS — A man, Sylvanus Onuorah, 64, was, yesterday, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate court for allegedly stealing N9million belonging to one Chief Chris Ani of Excellent Way Global Services Nigeria Limited.

Onuorah was said to have induced Ani to off set the loan of N9million that he obtained from Fidelity Bank Plc, with a promise that he will collect Lagos State certificate of Occupancy.

The defendant, who was docked before magistrate Demi Ajayi, is facing a fourcount charge of conspiracy, felony and stealing.

The police prosecutor, Superintendent Barth Nwaokoya, told the court that Onuorah and others now at large, between April 11 and May 9, 2012, at Ajao Estate in Lagos, defrauded Chief Chris Ani on the pretence that if he offset a N9 million loan he obtained from Fidelity Bank, he would collect Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy with

No. 28/28/2004, dated 7/6/2004 of the land lying and situated at 9, Johnson Umejie Street Ajao Estate.

He said the suspect, however, disallowed Ani from collecting the certificate after he had offset the loan.

He alleged that in February 2013 at Fidelity Bank plc on Victoria Island, Onuorah stole one Lagos State certificate of Occupancy with No. 28/28/ 2004, property of Ani. The defendant had pleaded not guilty, was granted bail in the sum of N1million and case

Vanguard , THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 —39

VISIT—From left: Mrs Omolara Smith; Mrs Gloriastene Agboola; Maria Jose; Presidentelect and Chief Folake Solanke during a visit to the palace of Alaafin of Oyo by Zonta International District 18 Governor. Photo: Dare Fasube.

VALEDICTION—From left: Chief Bayo Sofolahan; Mr. Toye Akiyode, former Editor Vanguard Newspaper; and Chief Jare Dada, Chairman, Board of Directors, Ogun State Radio during a valedictory court session in honour of Justice G.O. Shoremi at the Appeal Court, Benin-City. Photo: Barnabas Uzosike.

BRIEFING— From left: Mr. George Kayode Noah, Managing Director of Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency, LASAA; Mr. Tunde Fowler, Executive Chairman, Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue; Mrs. Oluseyi Williams, Supervisor of Taxation and Revenue; and Mr. Abimbola Shodipo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation and Revenue, during 2013 ministerial briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

CONCERT— From left: Peoples Warden, Bunmi Osunrinde; Bishop Lagos Mainland Diocese; Revd.

Samuel Ajayi; Vice Lay President, Lagos Mainland Diocese, Babatunde Odufuwa; Provost, African Church Cathedral Salem, Ven. Samuel Bamiselu and Chairman Planing Committee, Mr. Adetoro Osunrinade during the first Diocesan Praise Concert at the Lagos Mainland Diocese, The African Church Cathedral Salem in Lagos.

THANKSGIVING— Former EFCC Chairman, Mrs Farida Waziri(middle) after being decorated in Tiv costume by the paramount ruler of Ushongu, HRH Ambrose Iortyer, the Ter Ushongo(2nd right) assisted by other members of the traditional council at a thanksgiving service in honour of Waziri in Uga-Mbakuha, Benue State.

PUBLIC HEARING—Deputy Minority Whip House of Reps, Samson Osagie (left); Lagos State Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Taofik Tijani (right); Perm Sec, Mrs Regina Obasa (2nd left) and Rafeequat Onabamiro (middle) during a public hearing in Lagos.

ROUNDTABLE—From left: Juliet Ehimuan, Google Nigeria Country Manager; Goetz Trillhaas (Head, Agency Business Development CEEMENA and Country Manager for new market in Central Eastern Europe); and Oyinda Honey Ogundeyi, Industry Manager, Google Nigeria, during Google Adwods roundtable in Lagos.

PRESENTATION—Mr. Jamal Ahmed, Vice President NorthWest (left) presenting the award to Ibrahim Mohammed on behalf of the President at the SGF Main conference hall, Federal Secretariat, Abuja.

DEDICATION— From left: Apostle Isaac Nathaniel Enoch, Pastor, The Apostolic Church, (Mount Zion, Maryland); and Evangelist Imoh Stephen, during church dedication and ordination of ministers at Maryland, Ikorodu Road, Lagos.

C M Y K

40—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

NLC slams Benue Govt over failure to pay N18,000 minimum wage to teachers

Lamido's campaign posters flood Kebbi

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BY PETER DURU

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AKURDI —THE Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has decried the failure of the Benue State government to commence the payment of the N18,000 minimum wage to its teachers, warning that this could constitute a major threat to industrial harmony in the state.

Labour ’s warning is coming few days after a protest match by the affected teachers over the issue, which later turned violent in Makurdi, the state capital.

Addressing newsmen yesterday after the state Executive Council meeting of the union, the Vice Chairman of the NLC, Emmanuel Jumpa said: “Labour would continue to stand by Benue State teachers in their moment of challenge".

Bauchi State govt to recruit 5,000 teachers

BY SUZAN EDEH

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AUCHI—THE Bauchi State government says it would soon recruit additional 5,000 teachers to augment the services of other serving teachers in the state.

The State Chairman of the Teachers’ Service Commission,TSC, Yahaya Baba who spoke in an interview with Vanguard in Bauchi said the measure was to improve the quality of education in the state.

Baba said that about 7,000 people applied for the jobs, adding that the board had already started interviewing the applicants in a bid to ensure that competent hands were employed.

BY SAAWUA TERZUNGWE IRNIN-KEBBI — PRESIDENTIAL campaign posters of Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State have flooded some major streets and other strategic places in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State c a p i t a l .

The posters were pasted on electric poles and fences, gates to public places and residential houses in the area.

They were pasted by unknown persons late Tuesday night as residents of the area woke up yesterday morning to discover them, thus generating heated debates and discussions among the peop l e .

In the state capital, Birnin Kebbi, the posters were particularly noticed at Badariya; one of the busy parts of the state capital where the state Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Shehu Mansur and the state ALGON Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Dan Illela as well as other prominent personalities reside.

They were also noticed at the entrance of Gesse Phase 1, Adamu Aliero Housing Estate, and a number of roundabouts in the state capital.

CONFERENCE—Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal (L), welcoming Vice-President Namadi Sambo to the National Conference on Executive–Legislature Relations at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, yesterday. With them is the Senate President David Mark.

We’ve not plundered ALSCON —Rusal

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

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BUJA—RUSSIAN Aluminum, Rusal, said yesterday, that it had not in any way plundered the assets of the troubled Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria, Alscon, in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State.

The firm insisted that the reported looting of the assets of the firm, which the Nigerian Supreme Court has asked to quit, was misleading and untrue.

The company’s Director of Public Affairs, Tatyana Smirnova, told Vanguard that the audit report on the financial operations of Rusal for the year 2011 by an independent audit firm, KPMG, which was being reported upon by the media, was not unknown to the company.

Rusal said: “The published information is misleading and incorrect. Currently, the Board of Directors of ALSCON does not have in its possession the independent audit report for the aforementioned period which has been duly approved by the audit firm and certified with the relevant signatures and stamps.

“In compliance with the procedure of conducting an independent audit, which is aimed at confirming the reliability of financial information prepared by ALSCON for use by its investors, creditors and shareholders,

ALSCON provided KPMG with the necessary administrative reports for 2011 in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Currently, KPMG has not provided ALSCON with the documented results of its independent audit of the activities of the Company.

Tatyana stated that the company was still an operating enterprise despite being shut down temporarily on the orders of its board of directors.

“The Company is maintaining its operations in a power generation mode and

is in the process of implementing plans for structural, material and production improvements while fully fulfilling its social obligations.

She emphasized the fact that the suspension of production was temporary and was necessitated by the need to avoid the complete shutdown of the plant, assuring that Aluminum production would resume as soon as the legal uncertainty over the ownership was sorted out and steady power supply achieved.

The company also denied claims that it was broke as a result of unpaid loans from its parents company; Dayson Holdings.

Jonathan to lead fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria worldwide

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BUJA –NIGERIA’S President, Goodluck Jonathan, has agreed to help lead the Global Fund’s efforts to raise funds to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria all over the world.

President Jonathan met with Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund, on Monday to discuss joint efforts to control these deadly diseases in Nigeria and globally.

Dr. Dybul praised President Jonathan’s effective leadership and personal commitment to expanding health services, embodied by Nigeria’s “Save One Million Lives” initiative that is aim-

ing to dramatically increase access to basic quality health services, particularly for women and children.

President Jonathan accepted an invitation to be a Co-Chair in this year ’s replenishment efforts by the Global Fund. Other CoChairs include UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and heads of states from developed countries, emerging economies and the private sector.

“Working together, we can make tremendous gains,” said Dr. Dybul. “With the existing science, our understanding of the epidemiology and our collective experience in combating the dis-

eases, we now have an opportunity to control them. If we do not, the long-term costs will be incalculable.”

During his first visit to Nigeria as Executive Director of the Global Fund, Dr. Dybul also met with the Minister of Health, Prof. Chukwu Onyebuchi and Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammad Pate, and other key stakeholders, partners and implementers to discuss opportunities to further strengthen collaboration.

Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Friends Africa, said: “The upcoming replenishment of the Global Fund ought to be given the highest levels of support for the fight against these diseases to be won.”

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

I N S I D E

Ngige, Nwadioke task NBA on urgent reforms— 42

The Supreme Court's approach to exemplary damages — 43

— 41

Counsel Corner: Bearing burden of children upkeep alone — 43

Why we insist on death penalty for kidnappers — Bayelsa AG

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH Chief Francis Egele, is the AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Bayelsa State. Egele who has been in legal profession for almost three decades was in private practice until his current appointment. In this interview he sheds light on why the Bayelsa state government had to take a bold step in enacting a law prohibiting kidnapping in the state. He explained that in spite of the criticisms that trail the state government's decision on the law, the decision was the best for the state to contain orgy of kidnapping.

Also, he disclosed that the land disputes between Bayelsa and Rivers state is purely an issue of law and equity, adding that the issue will be resolved through the instrumentality of the law. The commissioner also rated the present administration as a respecter of the law.

Excerpts:

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AN you shed light on what propelled the state governor, Seriake Dickson to initiate the bill against kidnapping to the state assembly?

First and Foremost we are very legalistic in whatever we do in this state. The issue of kidnapping, the grundnorm of it must come from the constitution we operate. The constitution clearly states that nobody should be deprived of his

•Chief Francis Egele person that kidnap should be stoned to death. The hallmark of my argument is that laws are made to govern situation, which is the jurisprudence of the law.

What we have done is to deter those people who have seen kidnapping as a trade against our developmental ideals.

Considering the situation in Nigeria, where several condemned men and women fill our prisons without implementing their death sentence. Do you think this new law on kidnapping in Bayelsa state will fly?

,

,

We are yet to develop to that point, so we must put a law in place to deter such persons from carrying out their dastard act. Laws are created for different situations and purposes

liberty. Though, the constitution did not give out penalty, but outlawed it. The issue of kidnap is a very serious offence that endangers development in our areas. Apparently when we talk of development in economy like Nigeria, you don’t stand up on your own to develop.

Definitely, you must have business partners and technology to come and help in developing your area. It is only when you are ok that you may not talk of laws that take care of such situation like kidnapping.

We do not want to encourage a situation where foreign as well as Nigerian investors are kept away because of kidnappers. Now the Kidnappers have turned it to a trade where they kidnap for ransom.

Even in the bible, kidnap is made an offence, where there was a sanction for it. The sanction in the bible is that such

I don’t have any doubt about it. It will definitely works. Our judges can be ranked among the best in the world.

They carry out their jobs fearlessly. Like I said, if the laws say this is how something suppose to be done, we don’t need to mix morality with law. If there is death penalty and there is no option of fine, then there is no option than to sentence the person accordingly. So, there is no two way to it. What can save such situation is when the court did not find the culprit guilty.

The current agitation in the world was to abrogate death penalty, especially when your governor is a lawyer. So why imposing maximum punishment for such offence?

Like I said, the law is meant to deter.

If you look at the criminal code, the offence of armed robbery also attracts death penalty. The United Nations or

its agencies can call for the abrogation of death penalty because of the level of their development, where they impose minimal penalty on offences. We are yet to develop to that point, so we must put a law in place to deter such persons from carrying out their dastard act. Laws are created for different situations and purposes. So, what the human rights crusaders are asking for cannot be generic.

We cannot say we will be living in barbaric situation and not curb crimes.

There are certain people in the society that are ready to live in the prison. So, if you do not give sanction that will deter them, they will always commit such offence that will only take them to the prison, where the government will continue to feed them. Definitely, the law will either be abrogated or amended if the situation improves. So, the background of the governor as a lawyer has nothing to do with the law, but the society.

Considering the security situation in some northern states, do you think this anti-kidnapping law is capable of adressing issue of terrorism?

There is no relationship of the law with terrorism, because the criminal code has taken care of that right from the beginning. Terrorism comes in different dimensions. So, if you said somebody is terrorizing your life, is kidnap not part of it? We are very particular about kidnapping which was our headache here.

The implementation of the new law on kidnapping may lead to controversies in Bayelsa state, whenever the governor appends his signature to a death sentence for convicted kidnapper while those

condemned to death for armed robbery are not executed. What kind of reaction you think this will generate?

I know my governor very well, he is a progressive, principled and a positivist when it comes to the issue of law. For Bayelsa now, I don’t know if we have anybody on death roll. However, if there is pending judgment on death sentence and that is not a subject of appeal, he will definitely append his signature.

The boundary crisis between Rivers and Bayelsa states has reached its peak.

Can you shed some light on this?

As we are talking, Rivers state is making a mistake, perhaps they don’t know that after the creation of Bayelsa state out of Rivers state, the Supreme Court made it clear in the assets declaration case between the two states as per Onogen, JSC, as he then was, that the old Rivers state is gone. In effect, Rivers and Bayelsa States are created on the same day, that is 1st of October 1996.

The question begin answer is that on the creation of Bayelsa state and Rivers state on October 1st 1996, has there been any boundary delineation between the two states? The answer is no. This is because the only existing administrative plan which Rivers is relying on was made in 1992, which encompasses Bayelsa state.

So, the map only shows the different between Rivers state and the other states, not between Bayelsa and Rivers.

Apparently, on the creation of the two states, there must be a boundary that must be done. And the national boundary commission did that and came out with the 11th edition, which Rivers state is now disputing.

They have the rights to quarrel, what did the Supreme Court say at the end of the day? It said that both parties should go back and get a map that will delineate the two states. That is the exercise we went into, before they withdrew from it.

There is one issue I want to address which borders on the argument from Rivers state that the money coming out from the disputed areas, particularly in Continues on page 42

EDITORIAL TEAM Dayo Benson (Editor) Innocent Anaba Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri

42 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

BY DAYO BENSON

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senior advocate of Nigeria and member, Body of Benchers, BOB, Chief Emeka Ngige has tasked the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, on certain provisions of the association’s Constitution, saying the exercise has become “urgent” to restore the glory of the lawyers’ union.

Chief Ngige who contested against the incumbent NBA President, Chief Okey Wali, SAN, at the last general election in a memorandum to the Committee on NBA Constitution Review, stated that while the proposals are not exhaustive, it represents critical areas of the association’s constitution that require urgent reform.

According to him, the NBA Elections had continued to generate concerns among members and the public.Ngige observed that “these worries were further escalated during the last NBA Elections, thus threatening the moral standing of the Association in fostering the rule of law within the Nigerian socio-political space.” Ngige narrowly lost the

Ngige, Nwadioke task NBA on urgent reforms elections to the incumbent NBA President Okey Wali (SAN), alleging electoral infractions. He then proposed measures to check the disruptive tendencies of such h i c c u p s .

In the memorandum jointly submitted to the Constitution Review Committee by Ngige and Barr.

Emeka Nwadioke, the duo noted that most of the controversies that trail NBA Elections “are rooted in the independence of the Election Committee.”

They warned that “the Election Committee must not only be independent, but must be seen to be so,” adding that members of the committee should henceforth be nominated by the NBA Trustees and approved by the NBA NEC. According to them, the committee must be entirely independent of NBA national officers both in form and substance. Their words: “Every effort must be made to insulate the Election Committee

•Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN

•Chief Okey Wali, SAN

from the influence, authority, direction or control of the National Secretariat or the National Officers. Under no circumstance should the Election Committee take directives or instruction from a National Officer or the National Secretariat.” They

also canvassed financial autonomy for the committee, adding that “its funding should constitute a first-line charge on the finances of the Association.”

The memorandum stated further that the Election Committee must not later than 30 days to the elec-

Why we insist on death penalty for kidnappers — Bayelsa AG Continues from page 41 sector 4 where the problem is, was being collected by Bayelsa state to their exclusion. My argument is that the rule of equity only demands that if there is a dispute between two people or states, the money coming from there shall be shared equally or put in an escrow account. But from October 1996, when the two new states were created, oil revenues have been collected exclusively by Rivers state, without any reference to us, until 2005. That means Rivers state had collected the money for nine years. Since there was no boundary between the two states, equity demands that since state ‘A’ had collected the revenue for nine years, the other state should also collect it for nine years.

Escrow account So, we have been collecting the money from 2005 till date and we just make only seven years till date. We still have two years to go before that equity will rest. There is no way anybody could pay any money into an escrow account for now, otherwise, Rivers state will be made to refund what it had collected and pay it into an escrow account and we too will be ready to pay the funds collected into an escrow account too. So, we are also entitle to our own dues.

By this, the Revenue Allocation Commission and Bayelsa state do not owe them (Rivers) any apology. So, this situation will continue until there is boundary delineation between the two or we equalised on the nine years for which they have earned the revenue.

What efforts is the state making to review some of the old laws still in existence in the state?

There are committees put in place by the government to review some of theses laws. As we are talking, the committees are working to give us new criminal and civil procedure laws. We want to bring our laws in tandem with what is obtained presently in the society. The civil procedure rules we have now was partially borrowed from Rivers state. But there is a new one that was done, however, we are reviewing it now.

Issue of corruption in the judiciary has been a source of concern to all stake holders.

What is your take on the problem and how do you think the situation can be remedied?

Corruption is something that is endemic in our society. This came because of greed and lack of principles from majority of our

people. If you take a job, you should learn to live by it. Just like those of us in practice. Now if I realised that my salaries are not up to my standard, I opt out of the system. That is how it supposed to be. I wouldn’t say categorically that the judiciary is corrupt, this is because most of these things that people say are unseen. The only thing is that whenever any officer is found guilty of corruption, such officer must be charged to court.

Corruption is what we condemned totally. The judiciary also has the right to protest and lodging in whatever are militating against it. One major issue that could come up for discussion is their (judges) emoluments, which is not good enough. I am of the view that majority of our judges and legal officers are not well paid. The problem is actually from the executive arm of government.

If you look at the budget, you

can see what goes to the executive, what goes to the legislature and the judiciary. When people complain about delay in cases, one fails to realize the workload of these judges. So, part of ways to address the situation is for the employment of more Judaical officers. Nigeria has the capacity to pay. It is only that Nigerians are corrupt. So, we need to do something about their (judicial officers) pay and see whether there will be an improvement.

How would you rate the performance of the Bayelsa state government on rule of law in the last one year?

I have not seen a government that is as legalistic as Bayelsa state government now. You cant believe that within a period of one year, for every action we take, we guide it by the law. We make ourselves culpable with such laws.

tion publish the list of eligible voters on the NBA website and ensure that branches receive copies of the list within the same period.

The list should also be issued to all candidates for the election not later than 30 days to the elections.

To be eligible to vote at any NBA election whether at national or branch level, it suggested that each member must have paid his/ her practicing fees and branch dues for the 3 years preceding the elections, save for those called to the Bar less than 3 years before the election, in which case receipt for one full year will be acceptab l e .

The memorandum also noted that an Election Appeals Committee (EAC) has become imperative, which he said should be mandated to handle pre- and post-election grievances as they relate to disqualification of aspirants and the conduct of the elections.

Practising fees and branch dues They added that: “This will save the NBA needless public odium. Members of the committee would be nominated by the NBA Trustees and approved by the NBA NEC.” They also argued for the adoption of universal suffrage in NBA elections, noting that all lawyers who have paid their practicing fees and branch dues for the 3 years preceding the elections should be eligible to vote.

They suggested that a “Code of Conduct for NBA Officers” should be fashioned out to promote professionalism and good behavior among NBA national officers, adding that “infringement of certain provisions of the code shall constitute an impeachable offence.” Crucially, the duo suggested that “under no circumstance should officers of the NBA at national and branch levels accept Federal or State Government apContinues on page 43

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

— 43

The Supreme Court's approach to exemplary Bearing burden of children upkeep alone damages I was just going through Vanguard daily and I saw your column which I cherish. I am a civil servant I got married in 1992. My husband and I lived happily until one day when his elder brother died. After the burial, my husband told me that he is going to marry the widow because it was his right.

When I said no, he asked me to leave our matrimonial home with my five children. It’s about seven years now and he has not been giving me any money for maintenance. I have been suffering alone to feed and train our children. Please help me, I am sick and tired of doing all this alone.Thanks and God bless.

— Sandra It’s a pity that you are going through this kind of experience.I wonder why your husband decided to take his brothers widow as his second wife when the two of you had a happy married life according to you.

Although you did not disclose the type of marriage you contracted. Did you marry in a registry or you contracted a customary marriage? If your marriage was contracted in a registry, it means that it is a statutory marrige and as such it is an offence for your husband to take a second wife.

But if your marriage was conducted under native law and customs,it may not be out of place if he decides to marry his brothers widow because some customs permit this.However,whatever the case may be,it is wrong for him to neglect the upkeep of the five children that you had together.As I said earlier,the type of marrige you contracted would determine the remedy you can get under the law.So I think you need to contact a lawyer who would tell you what to do in this instance.

Between next of kin and intestate Please be kind enough to educate me on the power of ‘’A WILL’’ and ‘’NEXT OF KIN’’ with reference to the following posers:1what happens where there is A WRITTEN ‘’Next of kin’’ (official) BUT ,NO WILL(Intestate)? 2-where there is NEXT OF KIN,(officially mentioned), intestate, BUT the siblings from other wives went ahead to use the deceased property/(ies) as collateral for Bank loan and the end defaulted in repayment,- leading to the seizures of such property/(ies) 3-IF the above occurs in a State in Nigeria where THE WILL ACTS,1837 is still being used and practised, will the location of such property/(ies) determine the type of LAW that would/should apply and use? 4, Under intestate, can any other family member exercise any RIGHT WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE NEXT OF KIN? Bright-O.

Due to space constraint answers to these questions would be provided next week.

You can send your questions to dayobenson@yahoo.com or 08056180119 (text only)

BY LAWRENCE ATSEGBUA

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HIS article examines the Supreme Court’s approach to the award of exemplary damages in civil law. As will become evident, the Supreme Court appears to have sanctioned the award of exemplary damages in civil law in exceptional circumstances. We argue that exemplary damages have no place in civil law and that the Supreme Court should have stated boldly that exemplary damages should not be awarded in civil law. Exemplary damages are damages on an increased scale over and above special or actual or ordinary damages, awarded in aggravated circumstances.

Exemplary damages They are punitive in nature. General damages are damages which the law presumes to flow naturally from the wrong complained of. They are damages implied by law and need not be proved specially. While the law of evidence requires special and exemplary damages to be proved, general damages need not be proved. Exemplary, punitive, vindictive or aggravated damages, are usually awarded whenever the defendant’s conduct is sufficiently outrageous to merit punishment as where, for instance, it discloses malice, fraud, cruelty, insolence, or flagrant disregard of the law and the like.( See There are certain instances, where the court would award exemplary damag-

•CJN Mariam Aloma Mukhtar es i.e. damages to punish the defendant. They are however to be awarded only in very restricted categories of cases. This was laid down in Rookes v. Barnard [1964] AC 1129. In this case the House of Lords held that the defendants were liable for intimidation but that they could not be liable to pay damages other than that which would compensate the plaintiff for his actual loss. Lord Devlin with the concurrence of other Law Lords stated that exemplary damages would only be awarded where the defen-

dant’s conduct is, oppressive, arbitrary or unconstitutional action by the servants of the Government, where the defendants action is calculated to make a profit and where exemplary damages is authorized by statute.

Before Rookes v. Barnard in 1964, courts in Nigeria awarded exemplary damages under the same circumstances as in England.

After Rookes v. Barnard, Nigerian courts were in a dilemma as to whether to follow Rookes v. Barnard or not. In Ezeani v. Ejidike (1964) 1 All NLR 402, a Lagos High Court awarded exemplary damages without reference to the case of Rookes v. Barnard.

Also in Shugaba Abdul Rahman v. Minister of Internal Affairs (1982) NCLR 502, the learned trial Judge awarded exemplary damages. In this case, his Lordship treated Rookes v. Barnard as binding on the courts in Nigeria. This was the position before the decision of the Supreme Court in Eliochin (Nigeria) Ltd

*Professor Lawrence Atsegbua , Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Benin.

•To be continued

Man re-arraigned for fraudulently obtaining N100m from

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

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45-year-old man, Olu Osho, has been re-arraigned before a Lagos High Court in Igbosere for allegedly obtaining N100 million from First Bank Plc by false pretence.

The re-arraignment was sequel to the death of one Sunday Akinyemi, who was charged along with the defendant (Osho) in

the initial charge, and was admitted on bail to enable him treat himself.

In the amended charge, Osho was charged along with Osborne Park Ltd, a company said to be owned by the deceased.

The defendant was re-arraigned on a six-countcharge of forgery and fraud, which he pleaded not guilty to and was allowed to enjoy the initial bail granted him.

According to the charge

Ngige, Nwadioke task NBA on urgent reforms Continues from page 42 pointment whether honorary or otherwise and whether with or without remuneration, except committee appointments reserved for NBA.” To promote transparency and accountability, the memorandum suggested the establishment of an Internal Audit Unit and a Tenders Board/Procurement Unit, with the latter empowered to advertise all contracts above N1 million on the NBA website and communicate same to branches prior to the award of such contracts. Also, the National Treasurer must be a mandatory signatory to all

v. Mbadiwe[1986] 1 NWLR, p. 47. In this case, the 1st plaintiff appellant claimed N100,000 exemplary damages for unlawful entry on the premises at No. 1 Goriola Street, Victoria Island and an injunction restraining the defendant, his servants and agents from continuing such trespass. The 2nd plaintiff claimed N50,000.00 exemplary damages for trespass of his goods while the 3rd plaintiff also claimed N50,000.00 exemplary damages for trespass to her goods. The 2nd and 3rd plaintiffs also claimed an order of injunction to restrain the defendant, his servants and agents from continuing such trespass.

The evidence before the court was that 1st plaintiff company occupied the premises in question with the acquiescence of the defendant.

cheques payable by the Association for capital expenditure, while the accounts of the Association should be posted to the NBA website on a quarterly basis.

On the controversial co-option of members into NEC, they suggested that the list of co-opted members should be posted on the NBA website and published in at least 3 national newspapers immediately after the list is approved by the NEC. Also, NEC meetings should be held in the open and “should be accessible to any lawyer who desires to observe same, provided that the said lawyer should

within 2 weeks before the meeting indicate in writing his desire to observe the m e e t i n g . ” The memorandum also contained proposals on the duties of NBA national officers, increase in the number of standing committees, procedure for creation of branches, powers of NBA trustees, establishment of liaison offices in the six geo-political zones, and the need to promote the rule of law and justice sector reforms by, among others, sanctioning lawyers who argue trite and unarguable points to delay cases to frustrate opposing counsel and litigants.

sheet: “Olu Osho, Sunday Akinyemi (now deceased) and Osborne Park Ltd, on July 23, 2006 in Lagos within the Lagos Judicial Division with intent to defraud, conspired to obtain the sum of one hundred million naira by false pretence from First Bank Plc.” It was gathered that Akinyemi (deceased) was the Managing Director of Texas Connection Ferries, while Osho was the Executive Director of same company. Both directors were joint signatories to an account opened for Texas Connection Ferries in First Bank Plc. The deceased allegedly took a loan of N100 million and used the company as corporate guarantor, but the money was allegedly transferred to Osborne Park Ltd. Mr Oyedepo Rotimi, counsel to the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) informed the court that the offence was contrary to Section 1 (3) and (8a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act No 14 of 2006. The trial judge, Justice Ebenezer Adebajo adjourned the case till May 28 for mention.

44—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Student to die for robbing colleague of N2,000

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan and his wife, during the thanksgiving, yesterday.

Trauma of my abduction will forever haunt me — Bamigbetan, Council boss

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BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

AGOS — TRADITIONAL rulers, clerics, party leaders of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN; council workers, well wishers and residents were among hundreds of people that attended a special thanksgiving service organised by the management of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, yesterday, for the safe return of the Chairman, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan, from the custody of kidnappers.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the council secretariat, Bamigbetan said it would be hard to erase the experience from his mind.

In an emotionally laden speech, Bamigbetan, while recounting his state of mind, before the large crowd, said as he stood, he still carried the trauma of torture in the dungeon of the kidnappers.

Hear him: “In the last 72 hours, I have discovered that traumatic experiences like this leaves a large scar not only on your body but mainly on your mind.

“As I stand here, I still carry with me the trauma of being beaten till blood oozed from my nostrils while the hands I could have used to wipe them were tied to the arms of the chair of punishment.

“I carry the scars of being turned into a reptile, demoted to lying prostrate on the floor like a lizard, while the eyes I ought to use to find my way were blindfolded and all I could see was pitch, black darkness.

“I cannot forget the coldness of the violent steel, the AK-47 pressed against my cheek, then put into my mouth to actualise the idea of biting the bullet, that

until then, had been a safe idiomatic expression.

“These scars are now part of my psyche. They form part of the story that I will carry to old age.

"Yet, from this same pot of blackness arose a kindness so rare and outstanding that could only have come from the grace of the Almighty; from the mercy of the Creator. The result of the prayers that rose from the mouths of men and women like you across all faiths united in the conviction that the devil will be defeated.

“Else, how can we explain the captors who were turned into servants to dote on me and attend to my menial needs? How do I account for the free chef and the free chauffeur services that fed and ferried me into the bosom of my wife, children and family? In the space of five days, God showed that the powers of darkness may reign but the reign will be for a short time, that the devious rule will be cut short by the forces of goodness..

“All of us seated here today, workers, community leaders, politicians are the forces of goodness whose prayers and activism crushed the forces of darkness. All of us here today, who worked individually and collectively to ensure that evil does not occupy our land are the movement and vanguard for the change that we all desire.

“From the bottom of our hearts, my wife, children and the entire Bamigbetan family are indebted to you. We thank you for sharing our pains. God will be with you in your trials and triumphs.

"A thousand tongues will not be enough to thank God for this mercy He has generously bestowed on us. What we know, right from our childhood, is that in everything, we should give

thanks to Him. No leaf falls off the tree without his approval.

Nothing happens without his design. We pray that God continues to guide us through the challenges of life.

“Permit me to thank a man who has shown so much interest in my development, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, our delectable amazon at the Senate, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, for their concern.

“I declare my appreciation to the First Family of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and wife, Dame Emmanuella Fashola, for the sacrifices they made to make sure that I did not disappear like smoke.

"I thank the Hon. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji and the entire House of Assembly for their solidarity. I cannot forget the fatherly role of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adekunle Adisa Ojoola, the Ojon of Ejigbo and Ijan land and the Council of Chiefs. The list is endless.

“Finally, let me assure that this spiritual rebirth has recharged my conviction to serve mankind and rescue our country, the most populous and promising black nation from the hands of the People’s Democratic Party whose backward, clueless and reactionary government has become so embarrassing that it is now the duty of every Nigerian to sweep it out of power.

“While the PDP-led Federal Government continues to demonstrate incompetence in addressing the problem of graduate unemployment that is turning kidnapping and ransom taking into the newest flourishing criminal venture, the governments of the Action Congress of Nigeria have demonstrated the superiority of vision by creating over 100,000 jobs for graduates in the last three years.”

SABA —AN Ogwashi-Uku High Court in Delta State has sentenced a 23-year old student, Aruhor Ezekiel, to death by hanging for robbing another student of N2,000 at gunpoint.

The convict was arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms punishable under sections 1 (2)a and 3 (1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap R.II Vol. 14 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Prosecution led by Deputy Director in the state Ministry of Justice, Mr. E. Ferdinard, told the court that “Aruhor Ezekiel, on or about the 26th of July 2010 at Umu-Otu quarters within Ogwashi Uku judicial division robbed one Idakpo Friday of his Nokia handset, MP3, wallet containing N2,000, school identity card, clearance card and some complimentary cards while armed with a gun.”

He was also charged for “robbing one Ijie Theophilus of his phone and wallet while also armed with a gun.”

All victims, according to prosecution, were students of OgwashiUku Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, while the convict was a student of Ozoro Polytechnic Ozoro, Delta State.

Hoodlums steal relief materials for flood victims in Adamawa

BY UMAR YUSUF

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OLA — CONFUSION enveloped Yola, Adamawa State capital as hoodlums attacked one of the major stores where relief materials for flood victims in the state were kept.

Eye witness account told Vanguard that moments after officials of the Red Cross International were about distributing the materials, the hoodlums in their dozens cordoned off the entire vicinity where they had a field day carting away the materials.

Report said after the state deputy governor, Bala Ngillari, and other dignitaries departed, the thugs numbering about 20, armed with bottles, sticks and machetes descended on the distribution venue.

An official of the state emergency agency who pleaded anonymity said: "We saw hell as these thugs attacked us with sophisticated weapons. They carted away all the items.”

Confirming the attack, the state chairman of the Red Cross who is also the permanent secretary in the state Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Mahmood Abubakar, said the items carted away by the hoodlums included kitchen sets, shelter kits, detergents, blankets and mosquito nets donated by the society’s head office.

Why we prefer neighbouring ports — Importers

BY GODWIN ORITSE

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AGOS — NIGERIAN importers and traders, yesterday, gave reasons for patronizing ports of neighbouring countries to the detriment of Nigerian ports, saying “duty rates in neighbouring ports are far lower than what obtains in Nigeria.”

Speaking at a sensitization workshop on “Sustaining import/ export business through awareness rules and procedures," importers and traders at the International Trade Fair complex along the Badagry expressway in Lagos, Mr. Arinze Ezeani, Chairman of the wine beverages and provision section of the traders in the complex said high duty cost, delayed process and transfer of containers by terminal operators without importers' consent were some of the reasons they had abandoned the Nigerian ports.

Ezeani said wrongly assessed Risk Assessment Reports (RAR) by some of the service providers had also dampened their confidence in the Nigerian port system.

He noted that the ports in Nigeria were too expensive for them (importers) to clear goods, adding that the shipping companies and terminal charges are sometimes higher than the duty they pay on their goods.

Ezeani explained that these terminal operators and shipping companies employed delay tactics to ensure that their cargoes run into demurrage that they are compelled to pay.

He disclosed that about 30% of the goods they cleared from neigbhouring ports were lost in the course of moving them to Nigeria.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 — 45

Executive – legislative relations:

Now Talking

A TWO day conference for members of the National Assembly aimed at strengthening relations between the two arms of government opened yesterday.

It promises to douse bellicose relationship between the two arms

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

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T is an important gesture from the two chambers of the National Assembly. Both chambers are closing their doors today in response to an invitation from the presidency to a two day conference in Abuja on strengthening the relationship between the legislative and executive branches of government.

Principal Officers of the two critical arms of government had since 1999 seen themselves as rivals. That is despite the fact that the two arms had since the advent of the fourth republic been led by members of the same party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The rivalry between the executive and legislative arms of the Federal Government may have weathered several storms, including stormy titfor-tats during the Olusegun Obasanjo era.

The advent of the Goodluck

•Tambuwal, left and Emodi: Can we talk please?

Jonathan administration with its proclamation of détente, it was assumed, would steer the relationship between the two arms off the path of acrimony as had been characteristic of the dealings between the National Assembly and the two previous administrations. Alas, it was not. Despite the appointment of Senator Joy

Emodi, a likeable former senator as the president’s Special Adviser to the National Assembly, distrust has continued to pervade the relationship between the two arms. Indeed, it took extraordinary efforts on the part of Senator Emodi and the two presiding officers of the National Assembly, for the 2013

budget of the Federal Government to be passed before the end of last year. Even when it was approved, signing the budget became another issue and it was not until the end of February that the president signed it.

So, given the historic frictions that have characterized the relationship between the two arms, stakeholders are thus welcoming a two day conference aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two arms. The conference which is an initiative of the office of the special adviser to the president on National Assembly matters is the first talk shop between the two arms since the advent of the fourth republic.

Other capacity building initiatives had largely been focused on building capacity of individual arms of government.

Before inauguration members of the National Assembly are usually passed through induction programmes aimed at boosting their capacity in lawmaking. However, such induction programmes rarely prepare them for the cantankerous wheeling and dealing they are usually faced

with in their practical deals with the executive arm of government.

It is thus welcoming that the conference whcih opened yesterday with the theme, ’Strengthening ExecutiveLegislature Collaboration in Governance” has as participants, some international figures among whom is Ms Baleka Mbete, the chairman of South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress, ANC. Mbete’s has remarkably had experience in both arms of government of South Africa first as speaker of parliament and deputy president of the country.

Also expected to speak is former US Senator Norman Coleman who like Mbete had experience on the executive arm as Mayor of Saint Paul, Minnesota before proceeding to the US senate.

Coleman it would be recalled lost reelection in 2009 by 312 votes out of about 3 million votes.

The conference is coming against the background of sentiments that Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and the House of Representatives as a bastion of opposition to the administration.

Jonathan can do better — Ogunewe IN this interview, former member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Independence Ogunnewe speaks on some of the dominant issues in the nation’s polity including amnesty for Boko Haram, the presidential pardon for the former governor of Bayelsa state among other national issues. Excerpts:

BY BEN AGANDE

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HAT is your assessment of the administration?

President Goodluck Jonathan is doing his best only that a whole lot of Nigerians believe he could still do better.

All over the country, infrastructure decay is still staring us in the face, our educational system is not so impressive; the state of security is something that one would love to see more action, even though the character and dynamics of the present security challenge is one that no person would have eliminated in one fell swoop.

What is your take on the pardon granted former Governor Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa State?

Here is one person who was charged, convicted and sentenced and part of his loot, if not all was recovered. He also

served prison term. In the old testament of the Bible, one of the conditions for granting pardon is confession of sin and if possible restituting for the extent to which you trespassed. In the case of Alamaseigha, he was not just convicted but he also went to jail which means he paid the price for his crime.

He also restituted because they collected back from him what they said he stole. n that light, you can say that scripturally and spiritually he is qualified for pardon, more so that he has conducted himself in such a dignified manner that even the government had to rely on his extensive reach to get the militants to be off the creek.

If somebody went to jail for committing a sin, they collected everything from him and he still came out to work for the interest of that state by being part of amnesty deals that got the militants to drop their arms then

•Ogunewe: Only enemies of Nigeria oppose amnesty for Boko Haram

why wouldn’t he be pardoned?

These are some of the salient issues which the emotions of today have made it difficult for people to appreciate.

I would also say that as a democrat and a firm believer in the constitution, I would want the constitution to be the winner for it. In granting this man pardon, does the president have the powers to do that? The answer is yes, because the constitution gives him such powers. In the

exercise of that power, did the constitution qualify how it will be used? The answer is no. It is a discretionary thing. He decides who he wants to grant the pardon. The constitution made a demi-god out of the president as regards the granting of amnesty.

Nobody can question his discretion. Nigerians who have been criticizing the president should take an introspective and deep analysis of the issues involved because emotions cannot take them far.

If the president feels that it serves the overriding public interest to grant amnesty to Alamieyeseigha, then he is supported by the constitution.

Are you also supportive of the amnesty to the members of Boko Haram?

Anybody who is opposed to granting of Amnesty to Boko Haram is an enemy of the state because if amnesty is the only thing that can guarantee peace, then they should be granted amnesty. My only concern is that you must know who you want to grant amnesty to. I support amnesty but you must know who you want to grant amnesty.

This is because you need to discuss with leaders of the group on what to agree on for amnesty and who to call when there is a breach.

When Amnesty was granted to the leaders of the militants in the Niger Delta, their leaders were known and they were the ones who were interfacing between the federal government and the other ranks. If Amnesty will solve the problems of insecurity in the north, I support it.

The sultan has a duty to work hard to unveil the identity of members of the Boko Haram.

Members of the Boko Haram have to show themselves and get this amnesty things wrapped up.

46 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Artists arise against proposed National hotel in place of National Theartre

GTBank supports Nollywood Studies Centre

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•Demonstrating Artists at the National theatre pixs by Prisca Sam-Duru

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU RIGHT from the minute it was rumoured that the Federal Government has made arrangements to concession the premises of the National Theatre to private profiteers, to the time when the rumour was confirmed by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke, things have never been the same again for artists who make their daily bread from doing business in the area.

You are either greeted with sad faces of the agitated artistes who are busy, mapping out strategies of how to confront the Federal Government on the matter or a much more aggrieved stonefaced mascot who positioned himself on the top of the National Council for Arts and Culture’s (NCAC) Artist Village gate, from dawn to dusk, making sure every visitor understood the import of the proposed sale of the National edifice on the arts and culture industry.

Acting in compliance of the two-week ultimatum giving to occupants of the Theatre premises, to vacate the area, Works at the National Gallery of Arts (NGA), were also seen being moved into storage.

During a conference which later culminated into a mini protest within the premises of the

Theatre, held last Thursday at the NCAC Artist Village, organised by stakeholders in the industry, representatives of associations such as the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA, Lagos chapter), Guild of Nigerian Dancers (GONG), Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), Directors Guild of Nigeria(DGN), Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Universal Studio of Artists (USA), and several others, which formed a coalition; ‘Artist Collective’, took turns to condemn the proposed plan.

Artists collective Veteran writer and Dramatist, chief Lari Williams MFR, enjoined the artists to be ready for war and stressed that the plan of the Minister Edem Duke and Director General of the National Theatre Alhaji Kabiru “to build the so called five star hotel, shopping malls etc, is totally unaccepted because without arts and culture, no nation can stand, which is why artists built the Artist Village with self help and have been at the fore front of nation building.”

Arts manager and producer, Babatope Babayemi who operates ‘The Little Theatre’ at the National Theatre Annexe,

said that the challenge facing artists is that government has not realised the vital role arts can play in boosting the economy as well as governance of Nigeria.

Significant percentage of Nigerians he said, “are culturally deprived because Nigeria is building a nation of hustlers.

Nigeria’s biggest problem is no longer corruption but mediocrity because mediocres are running the country down.” Babatope pointed out that President Goodluck’s government is exhibiting gross ignorance by bringing a five star hotel, car park, bar, etc into the only cultural centre in Nigeria, which is a

,

Last week, Nigerian artists under the umbrella of an association called Artists Collective held a rally to challenge Federal government’s decision to make the nation’s cultural symbol, the National Theatre, a five star hotel.

promoter of the Arts and Culture of Nigeria and indeed the black race as it did in 1977, needs content providers to keep it running and generate self sustaining revenues. The National Theatre requires a very robust programming to enable it attract and showcase the vast cultural heritage of Nigeria.” In a statement read by the chairman of SNA Lagos Chapter, Dotun Alabi on behalf of the Artist Collective, the group condemned in strong terms the move to displace the Artist village in order to make room for hotels and shopping malls which if allowed, will mean gradual death of the

Artists Collective which harped on the need to form a synergy in order to win the fight against injustice, pointed out that rather than dislodging the creative hub of Arts and Culture in West Africa, the Federal Government should support the NCAC in developing a world class initiative of an Artists Village

result of lack of specialised skill to run the National Theatre. Artist Collective which harped on the need to form a synergy in order to win the fight against injustice, pointed out that rather than dislodging the creative hub of Arts and Culture in West Africa, the Federal Government should support the NCAC in developing a world class initiative of an Artist Village.

“The National Theatre as a

,

National Theatre thus denying artists of the synergy and creative energy that an Artiste Village creates.

The artists further stated categorically that the “National Theatre and its surrounding should not be concessioned to private profiteers and land speculators, Edem Duke and Kabiru Yar’Adua must go and the government should only appoint professionals to manage the

IGERIA'S global phenomenon known as the Nollywood industry last week recorded another mileage in its recognition as vital player in the country’s socio- cultural and economic development.

This recognition is coming from Guaranty Trust Bank plc, one of Nigeria’s foremost financial institutions, which recently announced its support for The Nollywood Studies Centre of the School of Media and Communication, Pan African University.

The support for the center by the Bank is guaranteed for one year at the first instance based on the memorandum of understanding signed with the school.

The center which is now known as GTBank Nollywood Studies Center is designed to be a one-stop resource center providing research materials to artistes, script writers, producers, journalists, researchers and film festival programmers on the rich heritage of the Nigerian movie industry. The GTBank Nollywood Studies Center will also serve to project the African story telling culture and the unique contribution of Nigeria to global film production.

Speaking on the initiative, the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje stated that the support of the center is consistent with the Bank’s objective of promoting African Art in all its ramifications. He stated further that the GTBank Nollywood Studies Center, which is the first of its kind in the world, will provide a comprehensive and reliable source of information on the Nigerian movie industry.

National Theartre and the Art and Culture Sector”, adding that, “the National Gallery of Art (NGA) should not be turned into a store house but should continue to showcase the country’s Art collection.”

The group further disclosed that following a recent threat by some unidentified men who visited the premises of NCAC, to storm the NCAC’s Artist Village with bulldozers in a few days, it has put plans in place, to stage a rally this week and also, to present the case to the National Assembly.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 —47

abandoned projects. How does the government abandon 40,000 projects in a period of 20years?

About 6 months ago, it was discovered that the federal government has about 500 containers abandoned along with their content. The abandoned projects include schools, bridges, roads”.

“This joke is made about South Africa but I think it is more relevant to Nigeria. It is said that South Africa has a great future behind it. We can say that Nigeria has a great future behind it.

If you look at some of the unrealistic dreams of Nigeria becoming one of the leading economies in 2020, you will see that the calendar does not care about what you expect. It keeps on counting. So in a situation where you are not doing anything differently but you are expecting a different result, that means vanity and insanity,” he said.

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

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T an evening of conversations with media men and art enthusiasts which took place last Wednesday at Jazzhole, Ikoyi, as part of activities lined up to commemorate the 70th birthday of Professor Bankole Omotoso, the short story writer, novelist, dramatist, critic, actor, biographer of Nigeria, founding General Secretary and a former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), seized the opportunity, to open up on reasons for his relocation abroad which he said was as a result of the social realities of the country.

Omotosho in this regard, opined that the Nigerian situation can best be described as ‘dislocation’, leaving him with the choice of relocation even when it was a difficult decision for him as a writer.

One of the issues that bothered him was non availability of electricity which has forced Nigerians into dependence on generators and as such, speaks volume of the people’s readiness to turn emergency measures into a way of life. “Where there is no electricity, there’s no way I would come back to Nigeria.

For me, it just doesn’t make sense. How can a government be budgeting for generators?

And we all sit down and accept it. One thing I can live with is when one-night stand becomes recognizable as a wedding.

How do you have successful politicians in an unsuccessful country? For me it was not easy to leave this country. I had offers and temptations to stay.”

Making known his unwavering commitment to social change through what looked like a 7 point agenda which he said corresponds to his 70 years on earth, the critic

Omotosho @70 : Nigeria is a dislocation expressed concern on the lackadaisical approach towards war against corruption in Nigeria with particular reference to a situation whereby public servants with good record of integrity involve themselves with the already polluted business of g o v e r n a n c e .

On the planned sale of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos by the Federal government, Omotosho lamented that the theatre is not the only legacy of Nigerians that had been mortgaged but frowned at how Nigerians show so much care free

attitude to the decayed system.

According to him, in “OkonjoIweala’s book, Reforming the Unreformable, she made this submission that the Nigerian civil service is unreformable.

It cannot be reformed and it will not allow itself to be reformed. The Port Authority and anything that has to do with import and export cannot be reformed. But OkonjoIweala is back as Minister of Finance. Will she be able to reform the wreck that is or just sit back to enjoy the fruit of the gang?”

He further noted that, “It is impossible in Nigeria to punish

,

Difficult decision

Where there is no electricity, there’s no way I would come back to Nigeria.

For me, it just doesn’t make sense

,

corruption. It has got so powerful that it has become the system. When you look at the issue of dislocation in Nigeria, you have to look at the issue of

Vanity and insanity Rather than sit down and watch the system decay further, Omotosho disclosed that his recent work asks several mind boggling questions that Africans need to be asking at the moment.

“In my novel that would be published soon, there is a driver that is given the task of taking 30 mentally ill patients from a provincial hospital to the state capital. A former minister in the British government had once looked at the possibility of mental illness and political power.

That’s one area that we have never bothered to look at”, he said, stressing that, “One of the things I do with my writing is to link artistic purpose to political purpose.”

He tasked Nigerians to engage the government on accountability, transparency and integrity in governance.

V-Monologues returns with stellar cast I

•Cast of V Monologue

feoma Fafunwa will be taking a second stab at the global phenomenon but this time she will be directing the Nigerianized version.

She will be helming a stage production that boasts a stellar cast of female actors which includes ageless screen goddess, Taiwo Ajai Lycett, Bimbo Akintola, Ireti Doyle, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Omonor, Biola Segun Williams and new comer Rita Edward. The cast also includes Lala Akindoju who is wearing two hats; as producer and actor.

The play will go on stage at the Agip Recital Hall of the Muson Centre on May 3 and 4, 2013 with a command performance at 5pm on May 4.

Speaking on what she is bringing to the play this time around, Ifeoma who trained as an architect before moving into directing and the stage said she is glad

to be directing such a spectacular cast and then noted that “Nigerians will be amazed at what these 8 incredible women will be bringing on stage.”

Lala Akindoju who is acting and producing explains why she is taking on the project. “I am producing the VMonologues this year because I am very passionate about women and as an actor, performer and artiste I think we don’t use the platform that we have to speak on issues enough.”

The young producer went on to add that “ you can never get tired of doing the VMonologues. First of all, it’s a big deal artistically around the world. Thankfully, the Kudirat initiative for democracy has worked hard and made the Nigerian version. It hasn’t been on stage for 2 years because nobody was ready to sacrifice themselves and do the house girl work.”

48—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

need to build a new Labour that will be proactive rather than tail events and that can serve as a catalyst in national transformation.

Towards this end, Congress will in the next four years -concentrate on organising and mobilizing, collective bargaining, assisting unions to build capacity and tackling the challenges of casualisation and violation of workers’ rights. Those were promising and encouraging words for workers, both union members and prospective ones. But looking back today, has labour lived but to those promises? Keep the answer to yourself.

Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, President of NLC

Comrade Peter Esele, President of TUC

Labour losing bite as inhuman practices rule workplaces

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

I

N time past, aggrieved workers, pensioners and even jobless Nige rians trouped to Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, offices across the country, to seek for redress and intervention in their plight. Redress and intervention they were getting that employers were not only thinking twice before victimizing workers, they were indeed afraid to victimize workers because the fear of labour was the beginning of wisdom for employers perceived as anti-labour.

But today, the reverse is the case. Victimized, abused workers, even their

have replaced permanent and pensionable jobs. The sad thing is that even in public sector where hitherto jobs were considered permanent, in the name of reforms and failure of government to perform its constitutional roles, has imbibed the evils of casualisation of workers. It is now a common knowledge that employers engage casual workers or whatever name called, with impunity.

Though labour law says no employer should engage any worker for more than six months maximum as casual, employers only obey the law in breach.

In the manufacturing sector, no big employer can boast of not having over 1000 casual workers in the company’s payroll. In fact, Labour Vanguard’s findings revealed that the bigger the em-

,

The most frustrating and even annoying aspect of it, is that labour leaders have not only gone on recess or slumber, but have become armchair unionists who sit in the comfort of their offices, collect the dwindling check-off dues and spend on frivolities

loved ones in case of deceased workers have nowhere to go as organized labour appears to have practically abandoned the Nigerian workers to their fate.

On May 1, six days from today, Nigerian workers will join their counterparts in the rest of the World, besides the United States of America, USA, to celebrate the May Day, also known as the Workers’ Day. Is there anything to really celebrate?

Policies and practices perceived as unfair to labour now pervade most workplaces in Nigeria. While permanent jobs are not only disappearing in frightening Manner in the Petroleum, financial, manufacturing, construction among other sectors of the economy, casual, contract, outsourced workers and other forms of non-pensionable employment

,

ployer, the higher the number of casual workers who have spent between a year and 10 years directly employed by the affected company, that is, not through labour contractor. The most daring and lawless employers in Nigeria today are those of Asian origin; the Chinese, the Indians and the Lebanese (known as the Koras).

Armchair labour leaders The most frustrating and even annoying aspect of it, is that labour leaders have not only gone on recess or slumber, but have become armchair unionists who sit in the comfort of their offices, collect the dwindling check-off dues and spend such with frivolities without servicing the source of the dues. Though all the unions or associations as the case

maybe, have departments or units headed by organizing secretary or any other name called, they organise every other thing except workers. While employers brazenly casualise and retrench workers with ease and in most cases, without following due process, labour leaders have become reactionaries.

Some have perfected the art of negotiating union members out of jobs even with ridiculous terminal benefits, while others will not even know what is happening to their due paying members until they are sacked with employers being the only determinant of workers’ final benefits.

In the financial sector for instance, Labour Vanguard’s check, revealed that the industry based collected agreement between organised labour and employers, was done in 2005 and when it was due for a review two years later, the employers refused to negotiate, claiming they had not formed a quorum. Till today, it is either the employers’ body; the Nigeria Employers Association of Banks, Insurance and Allied Institutions, NEABIAI, has ceased to exist or simply lacks the power to negotiate.

The unions, the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Employees, NUBIFIE, and its Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions, ASSBIFI, or both NLC and TUC that they are affiliated to have no political will to compel the employers both individually or collectively to come to the table for negotiation.

During the last National Delegates Conference of NLC in March, 2011, President of NLC, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, in his speech, declared “Labour Movement has been alive to its responsibilities and lived up to expectations, the fact is that it needs transformation into an efficient fighting force that will hold employers and government accountable under the constitution, our laws and international conventions. We

Declining labour power Lamenting the declining power of organised labour, a renowned industrial relations practitioners and Group Deputy Managing Director, Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr. Victor Eburajolo, argued that non-conventional forms of employment such as outsourcing and contract staffing were now in vogue and urged organised labour in the country to catch up with the trend in their own interest.

According to him: “Today, across the world, outsourcing is the inthing. I said in Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies, MINILS, two years ago that I expect the labour unions to get these outsourced workers in every industry organized. You are looking at the main union, but the membership of the union is dwindling. Most of the people in the place of work are outsourced. What have you done? Can’t you unionize those workers? Since then they have not done anything. Their check-off is getting smaller, and government and private employers are getting stronger. So they (unions) are getting weaker.”

Loss of credibility He expressed sadness that the situation had degenerated to the extent that unions were now busy fighting themselves while employers and government were getting stronger and stronger even as the unions continued losing credibility in the eyes of observers due to inconsistency in management of disputes with government or employers.

There is no doubt that Eburajolo spoke the minds of most Nigerians especially in the wake of the controversial circumstances that led to the termination of antifuel hike protest in January 2011 and the aborted April 10, 2013 one day national protest in solidarity with pensioners over their plight.

That a one day protest was called off before it even commenced because of a purported agreement with a government that has penchant for reneging on agreements is not only very surprising, but against labour tradition. When next labour calls out workers and Nigerians for a protest, it is definitely going to be a hard sell. Years after the N18.000 new minimum wage was signed into law, labour has not been able to ensure its full compliance in all the states and workplaces. You hear occasional barks, but no bite.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 — 49

What you must know about trips to Malaysia

Mba: Gov Uduaghan, please act now – a rejoinder

BY AMAJU MELVIN PINNICK

T

HE business of news gathering and dissemination, if left in the hands of the Patrick Omorodions of this world, will earn the practitioners an odious reputation, which is reminiscent of the infamous era of tokenism and unethical tirade. It should not be so, not in the 21st Century, as facts remain sacred. Writing this rejoinder, in reaction to an article with the abovementioned caption is not to dignify the writer. Rather, it is intended to put the records straight, jettison the impunity of half truths and entrench a culture of developmental journalism that does not thrive on ambush and cheap blackmail.

The author of the article in question, in his sports guard column of Vanguard of December 16, 2012 we can vividly recall, did accuse the Delta State Government of buying up already-made athletes to win national sports festival, lacking in grassroot sports development and canvassing for open sports festivals to pave way for their elite athletes in Europe and America to compete and win, among others. We proudly canvassed for open sports festivals because that is supposed to be the Nigeria’s version of the Olympics where elite sports form the basis of our participation and appearance in international sporting competitions like the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.

The National Sports Festival as it is now only encourage junior and intermediate sports while there is no relationship and defined transition between the juniors and intermediates

Map of Delta State

ment areas as it relate to the geographical/topographical terrain of athletes. For instance, swimmers have been discovered in the riverine areas of Torugbene and Obiaruku, wrestlers in remote Ijaw villages; cyclists in Agbor, athletics and other sports have their catchment areas in the State. It is, therefore, no fluke when such athletes, after the necessary exposure, go on and on to win medals for the State and Nigeria. For instance, in the last sports festival held in Lagos which Delta State won in an unprecedented manner, 24 gold medals were garnered in swimming out of the 40 gold medals available in that sports.

In the just-concluded Africa Youth Athletics Championship (AYAC) held in Warri where 36 countries participated, about 40 per cent of the athletes that represented Nigeria were from Delta State. Of the 13

,

The Delta State Government cannot, must not and should not be faulted for funding sports. The Government, ipso facto, has no regret doing this

on one hand, and between the intermediate and senior categories (elite) on the other hand. So, whether close or open sports festival, Delta State, with its sequence of programmes will always finish in a comfortable position as the structure of the Sports Commission had made it so. While we took exception to the said article of last year, we maintained a dignified silence because it was golden to do so.

We also believed that at the appropriate time, we would respond with facts and figures while consigning the vituperations of the columnist to the dustbin of yellow journalism.

The Delta State Sports Commission is patterned after the Chinese Model, where athletes are discovered, nurtured, conditioned and mentored; such that at any given competitive sports, a medal is sure to be won. While not sounding immodest, the hope of Nigeria picking a medal in the Olympics in the next 12 years lie on Delta State. This is so because the technical directorate of the Sports Commission concentrate on catch-

,

gold medals won by Nigeria in the championship, Delta State accounted for seven which represented 95 per cent. The athletes are all products of grassroot development programmes. This clearly shows that Delta State is churning out quality athletes with future. In the last secondary school games held in Port Harcourt, Delta State emerged second overall best, even though the Ministry of Education has more statutory responsibilities in this regards, the Sports Commission only providing technical and supportive roles.

The Delta State Government initiated a sports summit in the month of October last year where members of the sporting press, stakeholders, ex-internationals and experts brainstormed and aggregated ideas to move sports forward in Nigeria. It is this summit that formed a template which other developmental programmes revolve. A two-month athletics programme christened the “Awoture Eleyae Athletic Championship” is around the corner in Del-

ta State. The programme, segmented into the Junior, Intermediate and Senior categories will start at the ward level to the local government levels and then to the senatorial levels. The Delta State Government cannot, must not and should not be faulted for funding sports. The Government, ipso facto, has no regret doing this. Sports has taken the youths off the streets, minimize crime and given direction and hope to the teeming population.

On Sunday Mba, it is amazing and preposterous that people can throw decorum to the winds to achieve their selfish interests. To further debase this noble pen profession, the author chastised Pa John Ojidoh, an 86-year old wheel chair sports administrator for his comments on the Sunday Mba saga. Today, Pa Ojidoh and indeed all right thinking stakeholders are vindicated, whether or not it took the authorities of the Nigeria Football Federation (NF) time to give their verdict on the ownership of Sunday Mba. Agreed that Bruce Ijirigho is a proponent of grassroot sports revolution, it is not the character of the Delta State government through the Sports Commission to deprive one of her own from seeking greener pastures, within or outside the country. Truth to tell, we share useful ideas together till this moment, which shows that we are still bonded. It is instructive to at this point advise Patrick Omorodion to toe the line of caution, civility and professionalism so that the organization he represents (which in our estimation is a tabloid of substance) is not caught in the web of libel. Some persons and their employers might not be patient enough. It would be unfortunate through the carelessness of an individual writer cause Vanguard newspaper to pay legal fees when the former seek legal redress.

When governments deliver on their promises, they should not be crucified or vilified. The Delta State Government welcome ideas from all and sundry, to make the society a better place for citizens, investors and the general public.

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

N

should carry your passport which contains the Malaysian entry stamp and associated sticker with you at all times.

Eastern Malaysia: To be able to travel into the eastern Malaysian states will require that you declare your passport to immigration authorities because these parts of Malaysia have their immigration authorities who will determine if you can enter and for how long. It is very important for you to be mindful of the period of stay that is allotted to you in order not to exceed it.

Over staying your visa validity: You would be detained by Malaysian immigration authorities if you overstay your permit.

The Malaysia immigration authorities routinely detain foreigners who overstay their social visit visas and once you are detected, a fine or detention and legal proceedings may be imposed upon you.

In view of the foregoing herein, you should check your visa status periodically,

IGERIANS intending to migrate to Malaysia for various reasons and those resident in Malaysia are promptly advised to get themselves acquainted with the local rules and regulations that are bidding in Malaysia, in order not to fall into any kind of trouble.

Nigeria’s laws and customs are quite different from Malaysia's, and this makes it important that prior to migration, you develop the mindset that is expected to make you freely interrelate with Malaysia’s laws and customs, as well as connecting with the Nigeria embassy in Kuala Lumpur about your trip for a better consular protection and updates concerning important safety and security information in cases of emergencies.

Malaysia: It is important for you to understand a bit of Malaysia description as a multi-ethnic c o u n t r y, having Islam as her official religion, and is being practiced by over 60 percent of the • Mr. Gbenga Ashiru , Minister of c o u n t r y ’ s Foreign Affairs population. Malay is the and follow immigration official language of the laws and regulations strictly country, and though to avoid any unnecessary English Language is form of detention in spoken widely, migrants connection with overstay of could still avail themselves visa by the Malaysia with the opportunity of immigration officials. having access to their Detentions may last from a official language few hours to several weeks, (Malaysia) for easier inter- or more, depending upon relations. the nature of the violation, Entry Permit: You have to pending a formal hearing. possess a passport that is Safety and Security valid for at least six months Threats: It is imperative in and upon entry. Malaysian this case, that you register immigration officials are your presence and itinerary mandated to place entry in Malaysia with the stamp in your passport to Nigeria embassy as soon as specify your validity period you enter Malaysia. of stay. Migrants generally This will enable you are given a period of ninety receive updated safety and days validity period of stay security information that

by Malaysia immigration will guide you through officials, but since this is not your stay in Malaysia and a guarantee, you should also be notified in cases of endeavor to check the any possible attacks from stamp in your passport any extremists groups. The quickly after you enter, to Nigeria embassy also is be certain of the expiration mandated to draw your of your entry permit. attention to the risks Travellers to Malaysia surrounding travels to the are electronically eastern islands and coastal fingerprinted on arrival, regions of the state of and again on departure. Sabah, Malaysia.

To be concluded While in Malaysia, you

50 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Syria: Russia wants chemical weapons report probed A

NY reports of the alleged use of chemical weapons in the Syrian conflict must be carefully investigated to avoid the repetition of the “Iraqi scenario,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said.

“We believe that any concrete reports that chemical weapons were used or that there are serious concrete suspicions that there was such use should be immediately investigated by experts on the spot,” Lavrov said at a news conference after a meeting of the Russia-NATO Council in Brussels.

He said Syria should not face the repetition of the so-called “Iraqi scenario” in which unconfirmed

suspicions that Saddam Hussein’s regime possessed weapons of mass destruction were enough for invasion. The Russian minister described the delays in sending a UN mission to investigate the reports of the use of chemical weapons in Syria as “an attempt to politicize the issue” and force the “Iraqi scenario” on Syria.

Last month, the Syrian government and rebels accused each other of using chemical weapons in an incident in Khan alAssal in Aleppo province.

A team of international experts was dispatched to Syria to investigate the incident, but it is still in Cyprus awaiting permission to enter the

country as the Syrian authorities have refused to allow the experts to probe other reported instances of chemical weapons use, according to UN officials.

Britain and France informed UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon last week that they have reliable evidence, based on soil samples and witness accounts, that

President Bashar Assad’s forces used chemical weapons in two locations near Damascus on March 19, as well as in the city of Homs on December 23.

A senior Israeli military

official claimed on Tuesday that troops loyal to Assad’s regime had used chemical weapons against the rebels several times.

Bangladesh building collapse kills 87

A

T least 87 people have been killed and many more are feared trapped after an eight-storey building collapsed on the outskirts of the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka, government officials say.

Firefighters and army personnel are leading the operation to rescue those caught beneath the debris in Savar.

More than 600 people have been injured. The death toll is expected to rise.

Building collapses are common in Bangladesh where many multistorey blocks are built in violation of rules.

The Rana Plaza building contained several clothing factories, a bank and a

market.

It collapsed at about 0900 local time (0300 GMT), during the morning rush hour.

Rescuers at the collapsed site in Savar, near Dhaka, Bangladesh, yesterday.

After 2 months without leader, Italy set to get new PM

I

TALIAN President Giorgio Napolitano on Wednesday asked centerleft politician Enrico Letta to form a new government, signaling the end of a damaging two-month stalemate since elections in the euro zone’s third largest economy in February.

Letta, from the Democratic Party (PD), said he would start talks to form a broad-based coalition on Thursday. It is likely to go to parliament for a vote of confidence by early next week.

whose own unprecedented re-election last weekend opened the way for an end to the crisis.

Accepting his mandate, Letta said he would not

•Letta The prime minister designate is expected to select a group of ministers, likely to be a mixture of politicians and technocrats, under the guidance of Napolitano,

Boston remembers slain officer

T

•Collier

HOUSANDS of mourners held a memorial for a university police officer killed during the hunt for the Boston marathonbombingsuspects.

US Vice-President Joe Biden addressed the service in memory of 26-year-old Sean Collier at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. As many as 10,000 students, staff and

police officials from around the country attended the memorial. Authorities said Collier was killed by the brothers suspected of the bombing. He had worked for the prestigious university’s police department for more than a year and was involved in campusactivities,inaddition to his role as an officer.

form a government “at all costs”, warning that the warring parties must make compromises or he would withdraw.

He said Italy faced an untenable situation and

the government must provide answers on jobs, poverty and the crisis facing small businesses in a recession that now matches the longest since World War II.

Putin creating ‘worst human rights climate since Soviet times’ — HRW

V

LADIMIR Putin is presiding over the worst era for Russian human rights since the Soviet Union, according to two new reports by Amnesty and Human Rights Watch.

Putin , who was reelected as president almost a year ago, stands accused of bringing in new laws to stifle criticism of his regime and adapting existing laws to silence dissent.

“The Russian government has unleashed a crackdown on civil society unprecedented in the country ’s post-Soviet history,” the HRW report

states.

“The authorities have introduced a series of restrictive laws, harassed, intimidated and in several case imprisoned political activists, interfered in the work of NGOs and sought to cast government critics as clandestine enemies.”

•Putin

Tutu in hospital for infection

N

OBEL Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu checked into a South African hospital Wednesday for treatment of a persistent infection, his foundation announced.

Tutu, 81, also will

undergo tests at the hospital in Cape Town to determine the cause of the infection, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation said. Details of the infection were not released.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 — 51

Heynckes remains wary of Barca B

AYERN Munich boss Jupp Heynckes has refused to take anything for granted despite his side’s 4-0 demolition of Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.

The German champions produced a stunning display to dismantle Barcelona at the Allianz Arena to leave them with one foot in next month’s final at Wembley.

Heynckes believes the tie is far from over and knows they must stick to their gameplan in the second leg at Camp Nou if they are to finish off the job.

“I am happy about the result, but I am not moved by it,” said Heynckes. “I know that we still face 90 very difficult minutes in Spain.

“We will enjoy what

•Heynckes

Messi: Don’t blame me for Barca’s humbling IONEL Messi said that Bayern Munich’s strength rather than his own lack of fitness was behind Barcelona’s 4-0 hammering in Tuesday evening’s Champions League semi-final first leg at the Allianz Arena.

Barca talisman Messi, making his first start since picking up a thigh injury in the quarterfinal first leg at Paris Saint-Germain on April 2, was a peripheral figure throughout as Bayern steamrolled the Catalan side with a powerful and tactically astute display.

UEFA’s official distance covered statistics released after

•Xavi

Xavi: Tie not over yet B

L

happened tonight, but not more. It is important to stick to your tactical guidelines against Barcelona and that is what makes my team stand out this year.”

Heynckes admits Bayern’s hunger to make up for their disappointment in the Champions League in the last two years is the driving force behind their success this season.

“We have been displaying extraordinary football for the entire season now,” added Heynckes.

“Falling short of success in the past two years has only made them more hungry to win this year.

“The tactical awareness of this team is top notch as well, just like their willingness to run and fight for one another. Today’s game was a perfect example of that.”

the game showed that Messi (7,409m) had run more than three kilometres less than both Bayern wingers Arjen Robben (10,997m) and Franck Ribery (10,487m), but “La Pulga” told reporters in the mixed zone that he had felt physically okay out on the pitch.

“I had been out for a while without playing since the injury, but I felt fine,” Messi said. “I could not do much about the result, it was a pity.

“They have shown they are stronger, they beat us in everything,” Messi said. “You could see on the pitch that they were superior.”

ARCELONA will head into the second leg of their Champions League semi against Bayern Munich believing they can complete a historic comeback.

The Catalans were given a taste of their own medicine last night by a bold and confident Bayern side who showed their march to the Bundesliga title this season was anything but a fluke thanks to two goals from Thomas Muller and one each from Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben.

However, after overturning a 2-0 defeat to AC Milan in the last 16, Barca are not giving up the ghost just yet.

“We are Barca and we’ve got to try to get to the final,” said midfielder Xavi Hernandez.

“We need to play a great game, but we know at the same time that it’s practically impossible.”

Xavi paid tribute to a Bayern side who outplayed and outmuscled the 2009 and 2011 Champions League winners like very few have achieved over the past six seasons.

“They were quicker than

us and it was like a siege,” he said. “We expected it to be like this.

“They are very strong physically and they were better than us.

“When you make mistakes in the Champions League, you pay the price.

“They were stronger

than us. I don’t know why we didn’t attack well.

“They have extraordinary players like Robben and they just found it too easy to get past us.”

Barca have been used to receiving rather than giving praise in recent years, regularly being

branded as one of the greatest sides in history under their former coach Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola now looks likely to inherit a side receiving the same kind of plaudits when he replaces Jupp Heynckes in the Bayern hotseat next season.

Advert for new Cameroon coach Frenchman Denis shocks Akono Lavagne but worked

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AMEROON coach Jean-Paul Akono said he was shocked and confused by an announcement from the country’s sports ministry that it is seeking a new man to take the helm with the national team.

“I was completely shocked and embarrassed when I heard over state radio yesterday that Cameroon is looking for a new coach,” Akono told Reuters in interview on Wednesday.

“I’m confused because negotiations were already ongoing for me to sign a contract with the government. In fact, I was called up the ministry on Friday for discussions

with the minister.”

Akono has been coach since last September when he replaced

without a contract and now looks on his way out after his job was advertised.

EASTERN CONFER ENCE FINAL: Bayelsa State player (in white) with the ball as he is challenged by a Rivers team player in Milo Basketball final.

52— Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Mikel says Chelsea up for Basel battle M

Mikel (r) jublates with team mate, Victor Moses

Gymnastics can give Nigeria 10 Olympic gold medals — coach

BY BETHEL OBINNA. Abuja

N

IGERIAN Gymnastics coach, Tony Asuquo has stated that the country has the prospective to

groom Gymnasts that can take the world by storm and win up to 10 gold medals at the forthcoming Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

Speaking with Vanguard Sports in

Minister Continues from BP without due process.

The official, Sports Vanguard gathered withdrew the said money after the meeting of purported Club owners which came up with a decision to disassociate themselves from the League Management Committee led by Honourable Nduka Irabor. We were made to understand that the affected officer has been giving tacit support to the club owners in their fight with the LMC which has been making efforts to reform the league.

The official, we further gathered, did not seek the consent of the LMC board or its leadership before making the withdrawal.

On discovering the irregular withdrawal, the LMC leadership petitioned the Minister.

Speaking in Ilorin, where the National Council of Sports meeting is holding, the

Minister, Mallam Abdulahi said his Commission would ensure the affected officer is taken to the EFCC for questioning.

In addition, the minister condemned the conduct of football club owners who said they had sacked the League Mnagement Committee. They had no such powers.

“Their action is condemnable and smacks of ignorance,” the minister said, pointing out that the Nigeria Football Federation as the only organ vested with the administration of football in the country should have been contacted.

“If they had any grouse against the LMC the right place to go to should have been the NFF. But they did not go to NFF or even come to me. None of them did and they went ahead with their empty declaration,” the minister said, adding, “they want to hold Nigerian football to ransom.”

Abuja, Mr. Asuquo who is the proprietor of Tony International Gymnastics club noted that the country is blessed with budding talents that can do her proud in i n t e r n a t i o n a l competitions such as the O l y m p i c s , Commonwealth and All Africa Games but lamented that administrators have been the major factors in the dwindling situation of sports in the country.

Asuquo boasted that if given the chance, he could assemble a team that will represent and

win at least, 10 gold medals for the country at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. ”Right now I am targeting the Olympics. I don’t know if I’m going to be called or not but I know I’m going somewhere in gymnastics.”

He sounded optimistic but followers of the sport knew that such would be very difficult, almost impossible going by our potential in gymnastics.

Even countries strong in the sport hardly boast of 10 gold medals in one Olympic Games.

Eaglets Continues from BP midfield just two minutes into the game.

On 21 minutes, tournament leading scorer, Isaac Success and Musa Yahaya combined well for the latter to score Nigeria’s second goal.

Four minutes later, Success benefited from poor defending by the Tunisians to side-foot home for Nigeria’s third goal on the day.

The Tunisians scored two quick goals through Mohamed Firas Ben Larbi and Hazem Haj Hassen on the 25th and 30th minute respectively to reduce the tally.

The North Africans nearly levelled the game when Nigeria goalkeeper, Adeyinka

Adewale gifted the ball away in his area before captain Mohammed Musa cleared off the line.

In the restart, Iheanacho missed a scoring chance to put Nigeria in front.

But 13 minutes into the second half, winger Yahaya got his second of the game and gave Nigeria a two-goal cushion.

Yahaya took the ball out from the left channel before teasing his way past Marouane Sahraoui and then finished off with a curling effort.

Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire will now face off in the final of the tournament at the Stade de Marrakech on Saturday.

IKEL Obi has t o l d MTNFootball.com Chelsea expect FC Basel to give them a tough match in Thursday ’s Europa League semi-final.

Basel defeated Manchester United 2-1 in 2011 UEFA Champions League to consign United to the Europa League for the first time under Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Swiss side also defeated Bayern Munich 1-0 in the first leg of the round of 16 of this year ’s Champions League.

Mikel reckoned that for Basel to have sent out Tottenham Hotspur from the competition and still be alive to this stage of the competition speak volumes of their quality. ”They must be a good

team to have reached this stage of the competition. We won’t take them for granted.

They will be as tough as any other team could be.

The fact that they beat Tottenham in this competition speaks volumes of how good they are,” Nigeria international midfielder Mikel said.

“But we are going for victory. This is the only trophy we are contending for now. And I am upbeat we will come out victorious.”

Mikel’s compatriot Victor Moses who is also on the trip to Switzerland said he expects a good outing from ‘The Blues’. ”Landed ahead of tomorrow ’s massive Europa League game come on #Chelsea,” Moses tweeted.

CBN Tennis Open serves off April 26 ly challenged players in

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that it was including wheel chair tennis into the 35th edition of the CBN Senior Open tournament, serving off on April 26 on the tennis courts of the National Stadium, Lagos.

Disclosing this yesterday at a news conference in Lagos, the Director, Corporate Communications at CBN,,Ugochukwu Okoroafor, said the inclusion of Wheel Chair Tennis was to encourage the participation of physical-

L

sporting activities.

He however noted that the wheel-chair tournament would be used as trials for the selection of players for the BNP Paribas World Team Cup, serving off May 17 in Turkey.

“We are happy to inform Nigerians especially Tennis lovers that the 35th edition of the CBN Open will feature Wheel Chair Tennis.

“It is not going to be an exhibition event for the physically challenged as winners of this category would smile home with mouth watering prices but also book their places at the BNP Paribas World Team

Suarez

IVERPOOL striker Luis Suarez has been suspended for 10 matches for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic in last weekend’s English Premier League match at Anfield, the Football Association said on Wednesday.

“A three-man Independent Regulatory Commission yesterday

upheld The FA’s claim that a suspension of three matches was clearly insufficient and the player will serve a further seven first-team matches in addition to the standard three,” the FA said on its website thefa.com.

“The suspension begins with immediate effect,” it added,

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013— 53

54 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013— 55

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

—P.52

Sports minister threatens to drag football official to EFCC

BY PATRICK OMORODION

T

HE Minister of Sports and chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has threatened to drag a top official of the League Management Company to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over an alleged withdrawal of N10 million from the coffers of the LMC

German machines crush Real B

ORUSSIA Dortmund last night moved like machines and made it another memorable night for German football when they inflicted an egodampening 4-1 defeat on Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal clash in Dortmund.

CAF U-17: Eaglets qualify for final •To face I’Coast again

BY SOLOMON NWOKE, Marrekech

Continues on Page 52

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IGERIA’s Golden Eaglets have reached the final of the African Under-17 Championship (CAN U17) after defeating Tunisia 4-2 in GOAL BOUND! Dortmund’s striker Robert Lewandowski (2dL) controls the ball to score next to Real Madrid’s defender Pepe (R) during the UEFA Champions League semi final match last night in Germany. PHOTO / AFP

PUZZLE

Marrakech in the semifinals on Wednesday.

Kelechi Iheanacho opened score when he slipped the ball past Tunisia goalkeeper, Hamza Ben Chrifia, after a great pass from Continues on Page 52

EUROPA Fixtures Fenerbahçe FC Basel

vs vs

Benfica Chelsea FC

9.05 pm 9.05 pm

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

Striker Robert Lewandowski was the star of the night as he scored four goals, three coming in the second half of an entertaining match, to edge the Germans closer to the final, set to hold in May in Wembley. Ronaldo scored Real Madrid’s only goal in the first half.

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Fishing-basket (5) 5 Heaping (6) 8 Spirit (5) 10 Discussion (6) 11 Dispatched (4) 14 Saneness (6) 15 Liberty (7) 18 Colour (3) 19 Sailor (3) 21 Sort (4) 23 Rot (4) 24 Facts (4) 27 Father (3) 29 Serpent (3) 31 Charming (7) 32 Spoke (6) 34 Ancestry (4) 35 Astounded (6) 38 Apportion (5) 39 Pulled (6) 40 Standard (5)

DOWN 2 Regret (3) 3 Avoided (6) 4 Fate (3) 5 Go by (4) 6 Finch (6) 7 Breakwater (6) 9 Dedicated (7) 12 Spike (3) 13 Neat (4) 16 Roster (4) 17 Parrot (5) 20 Fundamental (7) 22 Precise (4) 24 Loathe (6) 25 Lofty (4) 26 Enquiring (6) 28 Property (6) 30 Enclosure (3) 33 Deceased (4) 36 Crowd (3) 37 Epoch (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS

ACROSS: 1, Bridge 5, Gate 8, Anger 9, Inn 10, Amid 11, Nigh 12, Dived 13, Hectic 16, Shoe 18, Acid 20, Ant 22, Run 23, Lap 24, With 25, Itch 28, Earned 30, Paste 32, Gnat 33, Maul 34, Vie 35, Great 36, Glee 37, Twelve.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 1, Bright 2, Innocent 3, Gratis 4, Indigent 5, General 6, Arid 7, Echo 8, Aid 14, Christmas 15, Tip 17, Out 19, Carnival 20, Ail 21, Theatre 26, Hallow 27, Adhere 29, Agog 30, Page 31, Eat.

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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