Fulani attack Kaduna villages, kill 38

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62173

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

Fulani attack Kaduna villages, kill 38 窶｢Wrote communities before the attacks

BY LUKA BINNIYAT

K

ADUNA窶年O fewer than 38 persons, including women and children, were killed on Monday night in separate attacks on Fadan Karshi and Nandu villages in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Already, Gover nor Continues on page 5

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POCKET CARTOON

OPEC—From left: Dr Abdel Bari Ali Al-Arousi, Minister of Oil and Gas of Libya and President of OPEC; Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, Minister of Petroleum Resources and Alternate President of OPEC; Günther Oettinger, EU Energy Commissioner; and Abdalla Salem El-Badri, Secretary-General, OPEC at the 11th EU-OPEC Energy Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, Belgium.

Fulani attack Kaduna villages, kill 38 Continues from page 1 Ramalan Yero has condemned the attack at Fadan Karshi village, describing the act as a "provocative attempt by some unpatriotic people to cause confusion and unrest."

Confirming the tragedy to Vanguard on telephone, yesterday, Chairman of Sanga Local Government Area, Mr. Emmanuel Adamu, said: “They came around 10 p.m. last night (Monday night) and started

killing people in Fadan Karshi village. They killed 17 people there.

“We first thought they were unknown gunmen, but we later discovered that they were Fulani.

The youths were able to capture two of them. One of them is dead. The one who is still alive has been taken to the hospital in Jos. “Around 2a.m., they regrouped and attacked Nandu village, close to Gwantu Local Government headquarters. I am well informed that 21

LIFEWORDS

people were killed there.

“Many were injured. I cannot tell you how many now, but I have directed that they should be treated in good hospitals in Jos. The Army and Police have come in now.

I am appealing for calm.”

Adamu informed that security agencies were on the trail of the attackers, while measures have been adopted to forestall recurrence.

State govt blamed However, the National President of Ninzon Progressive Youths, NPY, Mr. Bezard Wuya blamed the state government for the killings.

He said: “The Fulani wrote a letter to our Chief in Gwantu early this month, warning that they will come and kill

our people even when we never offended them.

“We took the threat seriously and took copies of the letter to the government. But no efforts were made to protect vulnerable places. This is the third, but most barbaric, of the attacks on us.”

Gov. Yero reacts Meanwhile, Governor Yero, who reacted to the attack in a statement by his Director-General, Media and Publicity, Mallam Ahmed Maiyaki, condoled with families of victims for the unwarranted attack on innocent citizens in the area.

Yero said: “We call on people in Fadan Karshi and other parts of the state to remain calm as security forces have already been deployed to the area to maintain law and order.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us — Socrates When you’re truly at your edge, do not take unnecessary risks. You’re already at your edge so there is no need to compound it. As you approach the edge, pay attention to your body and mind. Are you going too far? Do you feel fatigued? Ask yourself if you’re really committed to this level of edginess. If you’re not, pull back. At this point, pushing yourself to keep going is just ego creation and is harmful to the self. Beware of artificial pride keeping you on the edge. Do you know you should pull back but you’re too proud to do so? Is fear keeping you frozen on the edge? Leave Out Expectations!

Likewise, make sure that going to your edge is not something you’re doing to feed your ego. You don’t go to your edge in order to get a certain outcome, because lots of time when we’re at the edge, the outcome isn’t what we expected.

COLUMNISTS:

DEFECTION: Court adjourns suit against 5 govs sine-die

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Malcolm Forbes said: ‘The biggest mistake people make in life is not trying to make a living at what they enjoy.’ As a result, they simply endure their working lives instead of making the most of it.

They live for the weekends. They try to hang on until retirement. That’s a shame, because your chance of success is directly proportional to the degree of pleasure you derive from what you do.’

“We should remain united and resolute in resisting obvious attempts by agents of darkness to create confusion and sow seeds of discord in our state.

"Security agencies have already been directed to commence investigation into the matter and are on the tracks of the criminals. No stone shall be left unturned in our resolve to bring perpetrators of this attack and all other criminal assaults on our people in the past to justice.”

He asked the people to continue to live in peace with one another, and to be more vigilant in observing happenings in their areas with a view to assisting security agencies with relevant information on suspicious persons and movements within and around their communities.

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA—TEMPO RARY respite came the way of five Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governors, who defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, as the Federal High Court in Abuja, held that their former party, the PDP, failed to properly serve them with copies of the suit seeking to declare their seats vacant.

Consequently, trial Justice Gabriel Kolawole, declined to assume jurisdiction on the matter, even as the suit was, yesterday, adjourned sine-die (indefinitely).

Justice Kolawole stressed that the issue of service of the originating summons on the defendants was fundamental to the determination of such legal dispute, adding that PDP had by its own action, failed to effectively activate the jurisdiction of the

court on the matter.

Therefore, the court, went ahead and declared the purported service of the court process on the governors through the national headquarters of the APC in Abuja as invalid and defective, noting that the governors ought to have been served personally or through the Attorneys-General of their respective states.

Justice Kolawole further maintained that in view of the fact that the governors challenged the legal propriety of the said court papers which were pasted at APC office situated at No. 40 Blantyre Street in Wuse 2, Abuja, the PDP ought to have applied for a variation of the earlier order that okayed service of the suit on the defendants via substituted means.

He blamed the PDP for not approaching the court for a fresh ex-parte order that would have allowed

it serve them through the APC new office or where they could be easily reached, probably at their state liaison offices.

Meantime, it will be recalled that the governors had vehemently opposed the suit on the ground that PDP attempted to serve the court papers on them at a venue which they said was not mentioned in an ex-parte order for substituted service the court made on December 13, 2013.

While upholding their contention, yesterday, Justice Kolawole observed that: “The plaintiff ’s motion on notice dated March 20, 2014 seeking an order for leave of court granting substituted service on any senior adult in the liaison offices of the various states of the defendants, is an admission that the service effected on the defendants was logically incongruous and defective."

The military and Abuja's coup •P.19 rumours

He refuses to accept his lack of libido •P.42

Mr & Mrs

6 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

Abductors demand N50m for kidnapped UPU treasurer

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

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ARRI — ABDUC TORS of the National Treasurer of Urhobo Progressive Union, UPU, Chief Mike Ederiwhevwe, have asked for N50 million ransom to free him.

Ederiwhevwe was kidnapped, Sunday, at Ugolo community, Okpe Local Government Area while returning from a UPU meeting held at the residence of the National President, Major General Patrick Aziza (rtd).

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Celestina Kalu, confirmed the demand, saying: "The gunmen have just contacted the family and demanded N50 million for his release.

They also carted away three million naira in the victim's car at the time of the incident.

"We are doing everything possible to secure his release. We strongly warn the family against succumbing to ransom."

Two men remanded for conspiracy, rape

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USAU— A Gusau chief magistrate's court, yesterday, remanded two men, Hamza Musa, 25, and Lawali Sarki, 18, in prison custody over alleged conspiracy and rape.

The accused, both of Manau village, Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara, are facing a two-count charge of raping a 12-year-old girl.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Daniel Longwal, told the court that on June 10, one Abubakar Koroso of the same address, reported the case at the Bakura Police Station, Gusau.

Longwal said on June 7, while the complainant's 12-year-old daughter was on her way home from market, the two accused conspired with two others, now at large, and abducted her.

He said the accused persons took her to one Ali's house where they kept and raped her for three days.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 97 and 283 of Penal Code.

18-yr-old Pakistani remanded for trafficking in heroin

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE, WITH AGENCY REPORTS

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AGOS — A Federal High Court in Lagos, yesterday, remanded a Pakistani, Iftikhar Arslan, 18, in prison custody for allegedly trafficking 25.4 kilogrammes of heroin.

Arslan, arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), is standing trial on a one-count charge of unlawful possession of narcotic drug.

The prosecutor, Mr Emmanuel Vembe, told the court that the accused was allegedly caught with the drug on April 5 at the Murtala Mouhammed International Airport, Ikeja,Lagos during the inward clearance of Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Lagos.

He said the offence contravened Section 11 (a) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor urged the court to remand the accused in prison custody.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, therefore, remanded the accused in Ikoyi Prison and adjourned the case till September 26 for trial.

The accused could get life imprisonment if convicted.

grammes of Indian hemp.

Bello, who was arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), is standing trial on a count charge, bordering on unlawful possession of narcotic drug.

The prosecutor, Mr Jeremiah Aernan, a lawyer with the NDLEA, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offence on May 19, at Afebe area of Ikorodu, near Lagos.

Aernan alleged that the accused was found in possession of 300 grammes of Indian hemp, a narcotic drug.

He said the alleged offence contravened Section 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

The accused, however, pleaded guilty.

The prosecutor urged the

court to remand the accused in prison custody and asked for a short time to review the facts of the case.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, therefore, remanded the accused in prison custody and adjourned the case toill July 4.

Man, 67, jailed three and half years

Another Federal High Court also in Lagos same yesterday sentenced a 67-year-old man, Ichi Ukegbu to three and half years imprisonment for ingesting 89 wraps of heroin.

Ukegbu, who lives at 109, Hospital Road, Aba, Abia State, attempted to unlawfully export the drug to the US. He pleaded not guilty on arraignment on June 2, 2011, but

later changed his plea.

Justice John Tsoho sentenced Ukegbu without an option of fine.

“Based on the plea of the accused and the evidence before the court, the accused is convicted as charged and sentenced to three and half years imprisonment which will take effect from the date of arrest,” Tsoho said.

The judge also ordered that the convict's international passport should be confiscated by the Federal Government.

Tsoho ordered that the drug should be destroyed after 90 days if the convict did not appeal the judgment.

He added that the convict should forfeit to the Federal Government $8,800 seized from him.

Nigerian, 22, also remanded

Also, another Federal High Court in Lagos, yesterday, remanded a 22-year-old Nigerian, Muyideen Bello, in prison custody for allegedly trafficking 300

A burnt fuel tanker with number plate, GGE 645 XB, at Ijesha Bus-Stop on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos yesterday. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

Judge orders Police to produce murder suspect in court

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS — JUSTICE Raliatu Adebiyi of a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere has issued a production warrant on a murder suspect, Isaac Ajisegiri.

Ajisegiri, 31, who allegedly murdered his wife by slicing her throat with a kitchen knife, was expected to be arraigned before the court but was absent from court because he was not produced by the prosecutor.

AJisegiri was said to have murdered his wife, one Endurance Ajisegiri, 31, on April 14, 2013, at their Shasha, Egbeda residence.

Sister to the suspect, Esther Ajisegiri, who was at the scene of crime and allegedly washed the blood stains, which caused distortion of evidence, was also charged alongside Isaac.

They were charged on a twocount charge of conspiracy and murder, an offence punishable under Sections 221 and 229 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State,

2011.

Justice Adebiyi, however, adjourned the matter till October 6, for production of the suspect from prison and arraignment.

The deceased was said to have abandoned her matrimonial home when she got wind of an illicit affair between her husband and an employee.

The deceased relocated to her parents' home in Ibeju-Lekki and after several entreaties, she returned to her husband's house before she met her untimely death.

The Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Sergeant Moses Godgift of the State Criminal Investigating Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, said the Police received a report on April 14, 2013, that a woman was murdered at 2, Ajani Salau Close, Shasha, Akowonjo, Lagos.

How trouble started He said in the course of their investigations, the deceased was

discovered to be one Endurance Ajisegiri, wife of the suspect.

While narrating how the incident happened, the IPO said the deceased and the suspect got married in 2008 and had an educational outreach that thrived.

Trouble started between them when the deceased started accusing the suspect of infidelity, until it degenerated to the extent that the joint business broke up and the deceased deserted her matrimonial home.

He further said after the deceased left her matrimonial home, the deceased and the husband were running the business independent of each other.

The deceased was also reported to have left home with documents of some of the landed property acquired when they were on good terms, an action the suspect was not happy about and was making frantic efforts to get the documents back.

To get the documents back,the suspect and his sister on April 12, 2013, started making moves to trick the deceased back home, os-

tensibly to settle the disagreement and bring her back to her matrimonial home.

Unknown to her that she was being tricked, and on Saturday, April 13, 2013, the deceased fell for the trick and followed Esther to the house of the suspect.

According to the IPO, the deceased on reaching the house for settlement, the suspect, his sister and mother pretended to discuss and settle the disagreement between the couple at about 10pm of the same day after which the suspect and the deceased slept together in their bedroom, while the other people slept at the living room.

In the night "at about 3 am of Sunday, April, 14, 2013, the suspect and his sister woke the deceased up and continued the discussion until about 4 am and at about 5:30 am, the suspect raised an alarm that attracted other members of the house that the deceased had been found dead in the kitchen, her throat slit with a kitchen knife," the IPO said.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 7

Psychiatric patient stabs herbalist to death

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE — A 24-year-old psy chiatric patient, Iijisakin Ayoola, has reportedly stabbed to death his 60-year-old traditional doctor, Alfa Iliasu Waheed, in Idanre, Ondo State.

Consequently, the Police in Akure has detained the suspect.

The suspect reportedly stabbed the traditional doctor in the neck with a broken bottle which caused his death.

Vanguard gathered that the

One killed as building collapses in Lagos

deceased before his death specialised in healing psychiatric patients.

Sources said that the deceased who resided at 9, Isanwo Ijigbokin Street, Idanre was from Osun State.

He was married to an Idanre woman before he met his untimely death in the hands of one of his patients.

Vanguard learnt that the suspect, after stabbing the deceased also attempted to set the house ablaze before he was later apprehended.

According to the sources the deceased, who had no premonition of the attack, was approached from behind by the suspect who drove the broken bottle into the neck of his doc-

tor in his apartment.

The shout for help from the deceased attracted his neighbours who rushed to the Police station in Alade-Idanre Divisional Police Headquarters.

The DPO, SP Martins Ohalete, reportedly dispatched a team to the scene of the crime where they met the deceased in a pool of his blood. Although he was rushed to the general hospital, he died before any treatment could be administered on him.

The deceased, according to family source, has been buried according to Islamic rites.

Police image maker, Wole Ogodo, who confirmed the in-

cident, said the suspect escaped after committing the crime but was later arrested.

Ogodo said the suspect was among the patients the deceased was treating for mental disorder.

According to Ogodo, the suspect is presently being detained at the State Criminal Department(SCID) while detectives are probing the immediate cause of the death.

Ogodo said: “We will take the suspect to a psychiatric hospital to ascertain his level of sanity before charging him to court because nobody has the right to take another man’s life in whatever situation."

BY EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS — A BUILDING under construction at Okegbo village in Ikorodu, Lagos, collapsed yesterday, killing one person and injuring several others.

According to reports, the building was initially used as a poultry farm before its undisclosed owner decided to construct a storey building on it.

Six persons were reportedly working on the decking when all of a sudden it caved in.

Three of the construction workers, whose identities were given as Olaoluwa Olayinka, Mubarak and Yaya, were said to have been trapped under the debris. But the duo of Mubarak and Yaya were said to have been rescued while Olayinka lost his life.

Policemen from Shagamu road division and other rescue workers among who were officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and the Lagos State Fire Service, were at the scene to salvage the situation.

A food vendor , Toyin Alabi, who escaped death by the whiskers said: "I went to the building site to sell amala to the workers. But for Yinka, I would have been dead by now.

He was the last person to buy food. While I was waiting for them to finish eating so as to take my plates get paid, he angrily told me not to hasten him, that I should come back for my plate and money. I left angrily.

"But barely had I stepped down than the building collapsed. Had I stayed back, perhaps, I would have been dead by now or be among those in the hospital."

Trainees of Yuguda Vocational Training Centre (YVTC) paying a solidarity visit to Governor Isa Yuguda at Government House in Bauchi, Monday. Photo: NAN.

Man pushes lover to death during quarrel

BY EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS — THE Police in Lagos have arrested a man for allegedly beating his girlfriend to death during a scuffle in Odogunyan area of Ikorodu, Lagos, Monday.

The deceased, identified simply as Kemi, 20, was said to have visited the suspect, one Muyiwa, an auto mechanic, at his workshop around Rufu area about noon.

Eye witnesses told Vanguard that barely had the lady settled down than an argument over money ensued. Kemi, as gathered, had demanded an unspecified amount from Muyiwa who kept assuring her he would give her.

An eye witness said: "On that fateful day, she told Muyiwa she would not leave his workshop if he did not give her the money. We all kept quiet at first, expecting

them to settle their differences.

"But all of a sudden, a fight ensued. In the process, Muyiwa pushed Kemi and she hit her head on a brick.

She became motionless. Everyone thought she was pretending.

"At that point, Muyiwa dragged her inside the workshop and told us she was alright. But to our surprise, we later heard she was dead."

Vanguard gathered that when onlookers discovered that Kemi was dead, they alerted policemen from Shagamu road, who arrived and removed the corpse.

Suspect flees to church But Muyiwa was nowhere to be found when the policemen arrived. He was said to have fled to a church and hid in an abandoned office in the church premises. When it

was night, he reportedly joined other worshippers in a vigil.

Unknown to him, one of the worshippers living in the area where the tragic incident occurred sighted him and alerted the Police who subsequently apprehended him in the early hours of yesterday.

The suspect, according to Police sources at the State Criminal Investigation Department where he was transferred to, expressed regrets over the death of his girlfriend, saying he pushed her out of provocation.

"I was angry because she threatened to quit the relationship because I did not give her the money she requested," the suspect told operatives.

Contacted, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, said she was yet to be briefed on the matter.

Man docked over television set theft

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AGOS — ONE Emmanuel Obot, 44, was yesterday charged before an Apapa senior magistrate's court in Lagos, for allegedly stealing a plasma television set valued at N100,000 from a hotel room in Lagos.

Obot, who lives in the Olodi-Apapa area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and conspiracy.

The prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, had told the court that the accused, with one other still at large, committed the offences on June 5 at Jema Hotel, situated at 2, Ora Street, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos State.

He alleged that the accused with one other at large, unlawfully removed the plasma television set from the hotel room he lodged in.

“He was, however, caught by the hotel's security guards while attempting to escape with the set," Iberedem said.

Iberedem said the offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The senior magistrate, Mr P. A. Adekomaiya, in his ruling, granted the accused bail in the sum of N20, 000 with a surety in like sum.

Two women docked for stealing N22.8m

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AGOS — TWO women, who allegedly obtained N22.8 million under the guise of reproducing the money in dollar bills, were yesterday charged before a Yaba magistrate's court in Lagos.

The accused, Gloria Osuji, 36, and Bose Onabanjo, 36, who both reside at 12, Asalu St., Ikotun, a Lagos suburb, are charged with stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.

The prosecutor, Inspector Peter Nwangwu, told the court that the accused obtained N22.8 million from one Miss Tochukwu Okafor under the guise of buying some chemicals and materials with which to produce dollar bills.

“The accused for a period of two months obtained N22.8 million from one Miss Tochukwu Okafor, a pharmaceutical sales representative, on the pretext of reproducing dollar bills for her.

8 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

Cashless policy goes nationwide July 1

Wike, Wogu shun meeting with NASS over ASUP/COEASU strikes Poly on strike for 337 days; COEASU, since December 2013

BY OMOH GABRIEL

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday, said it had granted a one-year waiver on charges above the withdrawal limits for both individual and corporate bodies in the 30 states that will join the train of the cashless policy on July 1.

The apex bank said, however, that the charges on withdrawal limits will continue to apply in Abia, Anambra, Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Rivers states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, where the pilot phase of the policy had been s u c c e s s f u l l y implemented.

The CBN, in a statement by its Head, C o r p o r a t e Communication, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, said: “Having successfully completed phases 1 and 2 of the cashless policy in six pilot states and the Federal Capital Territory, the management of the Central Bank of Nigeria, hereby, notifies all stakeholders and the general public that phase 3 of the policy’s implementation will commence as scheduled on July 1 in the remaining 30 states of the federation.

“Charges on withdrawals for both individual and corporate account holders will only take effect in the 30 states from July 1, 2015.

“This waiver is to allow ample time for the deployment of adequate infrastructure needed to support the policy, as well as additional sensitisation of various stakeholders on the merits of the policy.”

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

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OPES that the striking Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, would go back to classrooms after yesterday’s scheduled meeting of the lecturers with the Joint Committee of the National Assembly and other stakeholders have once again been dashed.

This was because the meeting was postponed till end of the month following the absence of relevant ministers.

Yesterday’s meeting was reportedly fixed about two weeks ago, following cries from parents, guardians, students and other stakeholders in the sector that students of polytechnics have lost over a year, following alleged insensitivity of the relevant authorities to the plight of the students.

ASUP has now been on strike for 337 days, while

students of colleges of education have remained at home since last December.

A stakeholder from the COEASU camp, who spoke on the botched meeting, told Vanguard: ‘’We were already at the meeting this afternoon when we were informed that it had been adjourned.

“Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, his counterpart in the Ministry of Labour and productivity, Emeka Wogu, and other key government officials, were absent.

"Other relevant government agencies expected at the meeting were the Minister of Finance and representatives from the Salaries and Wages Commission. Because of their absence, the meeting has been adjourned to Tuesday, July 1.’’

ASUP had at its National Executive Council, NEC meeting two weeks ago, expressed hopes that the issues at stake will soon be resolved in view of an earlier intervention of the National Assembly.

COEASU sources believed

that yesterday ’s meeting would be the final intervention to settle the grievances of the unions.

In an earlier interview, ASUP President, Dr. Chibuzor Asomugha, had expressed optimism that the meeting would see “the Federal Government making a legitimate commitment to funding CONTISS 15” among other issues.

Our expectations — ASUP, COEASU In an earlier interview, ASUP President, Dr. Chibuzor Asomugha, speaking on his union’s expectations for yesterday’s now adjourned meeting, had said: ‘’We expect the Federal Government to live up to its responsibility by, among other issues, making a legitimate commitment to funding CONTISS 15 and setting up a committee to look into other issues when the strike is called off.

“But nothing is beyond our expectation as far as the

meeting is concerned.”

For COEASU chairman, Mr. Asagha Okoro, the meeting would have been a productive one if it had led to “the release of the white paper of the NEEDs assessment carried out on colleges of education; the full implementation of CONTEDISS salary structure and the establishment of a committee to address other issues even after the strike is called off.

“We know that all these issues cannot end in one day, but the other issues cannot be overlooked and must be solved expeditiously. This is why the establishment of such a committee is very important.

“The strikes by COEASU and ASUP have gone on for too long, but we believe that this time, government will be reasonable.’’

Both unions were set to hold emergency NEC meetings at their different levels to relay the outcome of yesterday’s meeting, and then decide whether or not to end the protracted strikes.

SECURITY CONFERENCE: From left— Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker, House of Representatives; Alhaji Mohammed Dasuki, National Security Adviser; and Vice President Namadi Sambo, representing President Goodluck Jonathan, at the opening ceremony of the international conference on security and development challenges of pastoralists in West and Central Africa on The Role of Pastoralists in Preventing Insurgency and Conflicts for Sustainable Peace and National Security, organised by National Security Adviser, in Kaduna, Monday. PHOTO: Olu Ajayi.

Glo leads in subscribers' porting for March, April— NCC

P

ORTING figures released by the Nigerian C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Commission, NCC, for March and April indicate that Nigeria’s national telecommunications operator, Globacom, is the network preferred by telecoms subscribers in the country.

The Port Out Activities of Mobile Network Operators’ report made available by the

industry regulator on Monday and published on NCC’s website showed that 3,212 subscribers ported into Globacom from other networks in March.

The number of subscribers who switched to Glo platform from other operators in April was 7,955, giving a total of 11,167 for the two months.

Airtel came second with

8,565 for the two months. The company gained 5,749 porting subscribers in March, while 2,816 subscribers joined it from other operators in April.

Etisalat was next with 3,016 porting subscribers in March, while its April figure was 3,280, making a total of 6,296 new customers from other networks.

For MTN, the figure for

March was 1,780, while that of April was 552, making a total of 2,332 subscribers who ported into the network from other service providers.

A total of 14,183 telecom users engaged in porting out activities across the networks in April, as against 13,383 recorded in March.

The porting activities showed that telecom users

were most comfortable with the services of Globacom, hence, the movement of most subscribers from other networks to its network.

Globacom had recently embarked on a massive network expansion and technical network upgrade project which had significantly enhanced the quality of customer experience on the network.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014—9

2015 ELECTION: Shell rules out candidate sponsorship

CONFAB : From left— General Raji Rasaki (rtd), Alhaji Salvador Moshood and Chief Olabode George, at National Conference in Abuja. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

BY CLARA NWACHUKWU

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APC rebuffs pressure to contest Ekiti guber election result

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor

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RESSURE by some leaders of All Progressives Congress, APC, on Governor Kayode Fayemi to recant his concession of victory to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s Ayodele Fayose in last weekend’s gubernatorial election in Ekiti State has been rebuffed by party leaders.

Meeting in Abuja last night, party leaders resolved to forge along with the outgoing governor ’s decision with a pledge to support him despite what some party apparatchiks claimed were increasing evidence of systematic rigging by the victorious PDP. “We will not contest the decision,” a party source present at the meeting told Vanguard last night.

The pressure on Fayemi, Vanguard learnt, came from many party leaders mostly from the South-West, who complained that the governor was too quick in accepting defeat. They cited what they claimed as glaring evidence of election offences which they claim tilted victory in Fayose's favour.

“We will make a declaration in the next few days,” one of the lawyers involved in the mobilisation of evidence for a possible petition told Vanguard yesterday before the party elders took the decision to back Fayemi’s acceptance of defeat.

Before the meeting, some of the senior party officials, Vanguard learnt, were angered that Governor Fayemi took his stance without consulting the national leaders of the party.

Party leaders based in Lagos, Vanguard learnt were taken aback by the concession speech

of the governor, while they were yet studying the development.

Among the evidence being compiled to present a petition, Vanguard learnt, is the allegation that the ballot papers used in the election were scientifically programmed to obliterate votes.

Party officials, it was learnt,

were miffed by the results from some polling stations, where some national leaders of the party voted with members of their families.

In one instance, a national leader of APC, who went to a polling station with 11 members of his family, was enraged to find out that Fayemi scored one vote out of more than 50 votes recorded

at the unit.

The APC, by its decision not to contest the declaration of Fayose as winner, sources said, is now expecting PDP and the Presidency to show good faith in the forthcoming election and resolve some past controversies including the debacle that split the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, last year.

... as Fayose thanks Jonathan

BY HENRY UMORU

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BUJA—WINNER of last Saturday ’s Ekiti State governorship election, Chief Ayodele Fayose, said yesterday that he owes his victory to President Goodluck Jonathan, who insisted that primaries be held for all aspirants on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Fayose, who pleaded with PDP chieftains to resolve their differences and close ranks in the South-West, said that if PDP resolves all its differences, it is going to be

a tsunami as the party will win the entire South-West, adding that All Progressives Congress, APC, does not have the manpower as “they rely on propaganda.”

He spoke, yesterday, in Abuja when he visited the national secretariat of PDP Reloaded, a forum which is at the forefront of President Jonathan’s re election bid.

Fayose said that as a way of paying back, he would spearhead the campaign for President Jonathan’s reelection in the South-West zone, just as he said that he would make sure he puts in

everything humanly possible to ensure that the President comes back in 2015, even as he warned the All Progressives Congress, APC, that change was imminent in the zone.

National Coordinator of PDP Reloaded, Richard Lamai who described Fayose’s victory as a remarkable feat, said: “As an apostle of change, his victory has opened the gate into the South-West.

“It shall be repeated in Osun, Oyo and Lagos states until we drive APC into the Atlantic Ocean.”

Confab okays voting rights for Diaspora Nigerians

BY HENRY UMORU,JOSEPH ERUNKE & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

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BUJA— THE National Conference, yesterday, unanimously approved the recommendations of its Committee on Foreign Policy and Diaspora Matters that Nigerians living in Diaspora should start voting in future elections.

While considering the

report of the committee, the conference equally approved the establishment of a Diaspora Commission to coordinate activities of Nigerians living abroad.

If this conference recommendation sails through, Nigerians living abroad would be allowed to vote during the conduct of 2015 general elections.

The committee was chaired by Professor Ibrahim Gambari and deputised by

Ambassador Lawrence Ekpebu.

The committee observed that millions of Nigerians living abroad are currently unable to vote.

According to the provisions of Sections 13(1)(c) of the Electoral Act 2006 as amended and Sections 77(2) and 117(2) of the 1999 Constitution, only citizens present in Nigeria at the time of registration of voters can register to vote in any election.

HELL Companies in Nigeria, SCiN, have ruled out any possibility of sponsoring any candidate in the forthcoming elections in Nigeria.

Oil companies operating in Nigeria, particularly the International Oil Companies, IOCS, are allegedly being compelled to sponsor candidates for election, particularly from Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to get approvals for some of their outstanding projects.

Country Chair and Shell Managing Director, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, who spoke in Lagos, however, denied the allegations saying, “there is no pressure on us from anybody in government to sponsor any election or candidate.

“As if prompting this question, I sent out a memo today to all staff in all our units that on no account must they get involved in politics.

“We are not politicians and we do not play politics and any staff who sponsors a candidate or a party must think twice and declare his interest.”

Sunmonu, who was responding to a question from Vanguard on the subject, argued that even he as the country chair cannot indulge in politicking According to him, “there is a thin line between what I can do in my private capacity and as Shell country chair. So I cannot even dare. To answer your question directly, the answer is, no.”

With regard to the unending controversy over Shell’s acquisition of Oil Prospecting License, OPL 245, which the Federal Government withdrew from former petroleum minister Mr. Dan Etete, the Shell boss refused to give much details surrounding the feud on the block ownership.

10 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

We made good use of World Bank's $90m loan, says Fashola L

BY IKENNAASOMBA

AGOS—BARELY six months after a rights group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, asking the Lagos State Government to release information on the spending of $90 million World Bank loan meant to improve education in the 639 public secondary schools in the state, Governor Babatunde Fashola, yesterday, revealed how the state government had spent the said loan.

Speaking at the launch of the book “Lagos Eko Project (2009-2013) A Legacy of Excellence", at Vetland Senior Grammar School, Agege, Fashola said that the judicious use of the loan in improving public education has been proven in the state’s increased performance from 18.41 per cent to 41. 06 per cent of students having five credits including Mathematics and English Language in the past four years in the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations, WASSCE. The governor said: “I have always said at various fora that in this government, our collateral is our collective integrity. We have nothing to hide, and when our teachers, our principals, our public officers who are meant to serve are vilified without cause, I will stand to defend them,

because it is an insult to their integrity and their sacrifice. As we have done since I assumed office, every 100 days, we account for our activities, because we have nothing to hide. The results are now in the open for all and sundry to see."

Fashola, emphasised that of the 14,000 schools in Lagos, the state government owns and efficiently manages over 2,000 schools operating free education. He said it is the major reason why public

schools in the state are overcrowded.

Defending the World Bank loan, he said: “It must be confirmed that some of today’s generation of young people may not know how pepper grows, how maize is planted or how beans is planted. These were things we were raised with. For all of you who have joined hands to help the state, I say thank you.

“Yes, the World Bank project will end, because it is only a

loan that we borrowed and we will pay back. But, the model that made that money work is more important for me than the money. Now that the model has been internalised, I assure you that the idea of direct grants into the classrooms, into the schools, is one that will remain firmly with us in Lagos State, even after the World Bank project has gone and even after I stop being your governor."

CAMPAIGN: Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, with party supporters, during his ongoing re-election camppaign in Ikirun, Osun State, yesterday.

Court restrains PENGASSAN from holding delegates confab

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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AGOS—THE National Industrial Court, NIC, in Lagos yesterday, restrained the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, from holding its June 25 national delegates conference in Abuja.

Justice Kenneth Amadi, ruling on the ex-parte motion, granted an order of interim injunction, restraining the defendants from holding any delegates conference until the substantive suit is determined.

He then adjourned hearing of the motion on notice till June 30.

The order followed a suit filed by two plaintiffs, Messrs John Nwanosike and Jonathan Omare, against PENGASSAN over alleged breach of their rights.

The plaintiffs, who are members of the Chevron branch of the association,

had sought an order restraining the defendants from holding any delegates conference pending determination of the suit.

Joined as defendants in the suit were PENGASSAN, its Chevron branch, Mr Esanubi Frank and Mr Ayanate Kio. The plaintiffs had earlier filed a suit before a Federal High Court in Lagos, but

had to file a notice of discontinuance following an objection raised by the defendants.

The defendants had challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to hear the suit which they claimed was a labour-related matter.

Consequently, the plaintiffs instituted a fresh suit before the NIC by way of ex-parte application, seeking similar relief.

EFCC coerced me to lie against Atuche, witness tells court

BY ABDULWAHAB

ABDULAH KEJA—A former employee of Keystone Bank, Mr. Uguru Onyike, yesterday, said he was coerced to make false allegations of forgery against Francis Atuche, a former Managing Director of Bank PHB Plc. Onyike made the claim while testifying before Justice Lateefat Okunnu of an Ikeja High Court at the resumed trial of Atuche in Lagos.

Atuche and his wife, Elizabeth, are standing trial for allegedly stealing N25.7 billion belonging to Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank).

They were charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, alongside a former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Ugo Anyanwu.

Led in evidence by Atuche’s counsel, Mr Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, the witness said he was a former head of operations of the bank’s Central Shared Services, CSS, Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Onyike said that on March 4, 2013, one of the staff, Mr. Joachim Nnosiri, brought to his attention three documents which were earlier subpoenaed by Okunnu in Atuche’s trial.

He said the board resolutions emanated from Futureview Securities Ltd., Tradjeck Ltd. and Extra Oil Ltd. and were addressed to Keystone Bank, the successor of Bank PHB.

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LASU: SSANU vows to continue strike

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AGOS—THE Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo chapter, yesterday, vowed to continue its month-long strike, until its demands were met.

The union’s chairman, Mr. Saheed Oseni, said in Lagos that the decision to continue the strike was taken at the union’s congress Monday June 23.

The union had embarked on an indefinite strike on May 26, to press home some of its demands.

They are demanding for the repeal of the ‘no vacancy, no promotion’ policy of its management, a reduction in the tuition fees hike and implementation of the 65 years retirement age policy.

Oseni said that the National Executive Council,

NEC, of the union, at its meeting on June 19, pledged to support the union in its struggle for the implementation of its demands.

He said: “SSANU national chapter had sent representatives of the union to the management in February to dialogue on why the management should do the needful, but to no avail.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 11

Afe Babalola writes Fayose, advises on moving Ekiti forward

BY GBENGAARIYIBI

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DO EKITI — A LEGAL lu minary and founder of the only private university in Ekiti State, Chief Afe Babalola, yesterday, wrote the governor-elect, Mr Ayodele Fayose, urging him to attract federal presence to the state.

The legal icon equally tasked Fayose not to disappoint the people of the state, especially the youths.

He urged the governor-elect to provide jobs for the teeming youths roaming the streets, and commended both Fayemi and Fayose for reaching a compromise on how the state would work.

Afe Babalola's letter reads in part: “I write as a stakeholder in (the) Ekiti project and in particular as the one who used the blueprint for Ekiti State to draft the memorandum for the creation of Ekiti State which I personally defended before Mbanefo panel at Akure, to formally congratulate you most heartily and warmly at your resounding victory at the Saturday, June 21, 2014 gubernatorial election, as pronounced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“I observed that your electoral victory could be attributed largely to large number of youths most of whom were unemployed and unemployable who are hoping for a better tomorrow, as well as students who are angling for affordable education, particularly at the tertiary level of education.

“In a land-locked state like Ekiti which is afflicted with a high dosage of unemployment, it is for you

to justify the trust and confidence the electorate had willingly reposed in you by delivering on the promises you have made.

“Because of the peculiar nature of Ekiti as a landlocked state with very poor means of transportation and without any other means of revenue, apart from the monthly allocation from the centre, which is about the least

among the 36 states of the federation, Ekiti cannot afford to be in opposition to the government at the centre.

“It is for this reason that I urge you to use your God-ordained and God-given position as the next Governor of Ekiti State to get close to the centre and secure enough of Federal Government presence in Ekiti this time around."

...as S-West PDP commends Fayose, Fayemi

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BY ETOP EKANEM

HE South-West zone of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi and the governor elect, Mr Ayodele Fayose for displaying a high sense of maturity over the just concluded governorship election in the state.

The party made its position known in a statement issued by its Zonal Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Waheed Lawal, in Ibadan, yesterday.

It said unlike the old practice of throwing fire and brimstone

by the contestants and planning litigation,the governor congratulated the winner and embraced him while the latter reciprocated the kind gesture.

According to the party, ”honestly, this is a confirmation of genuine patriotism and passion for the growth of Ekiti State where the two contestants come from.”

The PDP congratulated the people of Ekiti State for effecting the change of government in a peaceful and constitutional manner, adding: “Truly, the state demonstrates being

a fountain of knowledge.”

The party said both the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the security operatives should be given a pat on the back for the peaceful conduct of the election and appealed to INEC to replicate the feat during the August governorship election in Osun State and the 2015 election respectively.

The party said it was vindicated in its position that PDP would reclaim its mandate in the South-West, stressing that all the party chieftains are now ready for subsequent elections.

2015: Akala joins Oyo guber race

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN — FORMER Gov ernor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State has finally joined other governorship aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state.

Akala, who governed the state between 2007 and 2011, said his coming for re-election in the state was to show a ‘red card’ to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state and the South-West.

He boasted that the broom party had messed up governance in the zone, adding that with the re-election of Ayodele Fayose in Ekiti, the people had seen the alleged deception of the APC governors.

He vowed that in the same manner that PDP won Ekiti election, it would also sweep other states including Osun, Ogun and Oyo States.

Akala spoke in Ogbomoso during his adoption as PDP candidate in Ogbomoso zone yesterday.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

JTF repels attack, kills three suspected pirates in crossfire

Akpeki hails Uduaghan on demolitions

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HE Joint Task Force, JTF, in the Niger Delta, code named Operation Pulo Shield, yesterday, said three suspected pirates died during a cross-fire with the group at Robot creeks in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Lt. Col. Mustapha Anka, the JTF Media Coordinator, told NAN in Yenagoa that about 30 pirates, armed with AK-47 riffles in two speedboats, attacked the JTF patrol troop.

Anka said that in repelling the attack, a soldier in the patrol and two boat operators were injured.

He said the troops also raided and destroyed an illegal oil bunkering site at Okpoko Creek, in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, seizing nine Cotonou boats loaded with stolen crude oil.

Also impounded were seven speed boats loaded with 75 jerrycans containing illegally refined Automated Gas Oil, AGO, and five pumping machines.

The spokesman said that five suspects were arrested and are in custody of the command for preliminary investigation before being handed over to the prosecuting agency.

He said: “JTF troops deployed at Patrick Water Side and Opobo Creek in Rivers State, while on patrol, intercepted and destroyed a wooden boat filled with substance suspected to be stolen crude oil, at Bodo waterways.

Bayelsa to host business leaders

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AYELSA State Government will from July 16 to 18, host global business leaders at its maiden investment and economic forum, Bayelsa State Investment and Economic Forum, with the theme, Unlocking Bayelsa State’s Economic Potential.

Briefing newsmen yesterday in Lagos, the state Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Kemela Okara, said the forum will provide an opportunity for foreigners and Nigerians who want to invest in the state to interact with government officials.

He assured that the legal framework to protect all business interests of potential investors would be taken care of in addition to the Free Trade Zone will be established as an incentive to the investors.

“Also at Baragbene community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, troops destroyed four wooden boats filled with crude oil and illegally refined AGO. Two dumps were also destroyed alongside one Cotonou boat.

“The JTF troops deployed along Elele axis of Rivers State intercepted a truck loaded with unascertained volume of crude oil suspected to be stolen. The driver escaped on sighting the troops while the truck was towed to a safe place and set ablaze.

“Another vehicle was also

intercepted along Sapele/ Warri express road close to Okover community in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State conveying 85 jerrycans loaded with products suspected to be illegally refined AGO. The driver and other occupants fled on sighting troops, while the vehicle and the product were destroyed.”

ETISALAT CLOUDNINE: From left: Head, Corporate Communications, High Value Events and Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Ebi Atawodi; highlife legend, Bright Chimezie; Director Channel Sale, Etisalat Nigeria, Ken Ogujiofor and Head, South-South Region, Etisalat Nigeria, Enekwachi Aja, at the Port Harcourt session of Etisalat Cloudnine, in Port Harcourt.

Bayelsa commits N150bn to Agge Deep Seaport

BY SAMUEL

Y

OYADONGHA

ENAGOA—AS part of its quest to diversify its oil dependent economy, Bayelsa State Government, yesterday, said it had committed N150 billion to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Seriake Dickson, during the state's Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, executive committee meeting in Yenagoa, said the move was geared towards creating wealth through the expansion of its infrastructural base.

Government, he added, will soon launch a small and medium enterprises loan scheme and an Entrepreneurial Training Institute for Bayelsans, who are desirous of doing business as the process of acquiring certificate of occupancy had been computerised.

He urged people of the state to shun violence and be wary of those he described as agents of destabilisation, noting that peace and security are achievements they should cherish, as no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour.

He said: “There is no PDP executive that has this level of peace and tranquility. We appreciate the cohesion that you have and the cordial relationship that you have with other organs of the party. I want to also appreciate the state House of Assembly and its leadership. Since the inauguration of the current Assembly, there has been no bickering as it used to be in the past.

“I want to thank you all and our leaders for being available, whenever your assistance and input is needed in critical state matters."

BY GODWIN OGHRE

A P E L E — D E LTA State Commissioner for Housing, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, has hailed the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, for a job well done in the ongoing demolition of illegal structures in the state, particularly in Sapele and environs.

He described the exercise as, “the right step in the right direction, done for the facelift and development of the state for the overall interest of the people.”

Chief Akpeki, at his home community in Okpe Local Government Area of the state, also denied rumour that the state government was engaging in selective demolition.

He said: “That is just an unfounded rumour. I am the Commissioner for Housing in this state and I have asked my officials to demolish any of my houses erected on unauthorised land.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 13

14 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

Osun guber polls 'll be better —Jega AWARD: From left: Obong Inih Okorie, Hon. Hassan Hyat, former Minister of Aviation and chairman of the occasion, Princess Stella Oduah, the awardee, Chief Goddy Nwazurike, President, Aka Ikenga, Hon. Samuel Mafuwai, former Minister of Aviation, during a reception/award dinner for Princess Stella Oduah, organised by Finum Aviation Services in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

Reps move to condemn Tambuwal's harassment today

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

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BUJA—THE House of Representatives would today move a motion to condemn the alleged harassment of Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal by soldiers in Kaduna last Monday.

The House, which reconvened yesterday from two weeks recess, suspended sitting in honour of Senator Kuta who died on June, 2014.

The motion, it was reliably gathered, will be moved by the minority leader of the House; Femi Gbajabiamila, to condemn the shabby treatment meted out on the speaker and warned against a recurrence.

The Lagos born lawmaker is to anchor his motion on matters of urgent national importance and ‘breach of privileges’ of the speaker.

Vanguard also gathered that the motion would have been moved yesterday but for the postponement of plenary, and had to be put off till today.

Also, though attendance was relatively poor yesterday,

lawmakers were seen openly condemning the acts of the soldiers in Kaduna.

It will be recalled that the speaker was on Monday allegedly prevented from entering the venue of a security summit in Kaduna by soldiers who claimed they were acting on orders from above.

The incident occurred at the

CALEB AYANSINA BUJA—SUPERVISING Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, yesterday, tasked all educational institutions across the country to improve on security around their premises, in liaison with relevant security agencies, to avoid the condemnable targeting of schools by terrorists.

This came on a day the National Orientation Agency, NOA, rallied relevant stakeholders to raise security alert among the primary and secondary schools’ students in the nation’s capital.

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to the speaker, the soldiers were adamant, forcing the speaker to abandon his car and walked to the venue of the event, attracting condemnation from a cross section of Nigerians.

Some lawmakers who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity, described the incident in Kaduna as a deliberate act to frustrate the ever focused speaker.

Assemblies of God Church crisis worsens as members clash in Enugu

BY TONY EDIKE

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NUGU—THE crisis in the Assemblies of God Church Nigeria, with its polarising effects, took a dangerous dimension, yesterday, as members of the two camps clashed leaving some people wounded.

An attempt by the faction loyal to the Assistant General Superintendent, Rev. Chidi Okoroafor, to hold anti-Paul Emeka meeting at Isiagu

Minister tasks schools on security

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE &

international conference on security and development: challenges of Pastoralism in West and Central Africa, organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Speaker Tambuwal’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, had disclosed that in spite of pleas from the security details attached

The Minister stated this in Abuja while condemning the terrorist attack on the School of Hygiene in Kano State.

He described the terrorist attack as a cowardly attempt to create fear in the minds of Nigerian youth and children who are willing to enrol in educational institutions to improve their lives through acquisition of knowledge.

He said the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to work with all stakeholders at the federal,state,localgovernmentandnongovernmental levels to stem the tide of attacks on educational institutions in parts of the country.

Street, Achara Layout branch of the church was the major cause of the clash.

The embattled General Superintendent of the church, Rev. Paul Emeka, and some top members of the church had engaged in a protracted dispute over issues relating to lack of accountability and conspiracy in the church’s leadership.

The anti-Emeka members of the church’s executive committee had slated a meeting yesterday to review the crisis that engulfed the church, following the purported suspension of the

General Superintendent by a group in the church.

The District Pastor incharge of Isiagu street branch of the church, Pastor Isaac Ochu, who is in the anti-Emeka faction, accepted to host the meeting, even when some leaders of his branch, including the deacons, were opposed to the meeting.

Pastor Ochu was said to have announced the meeting last Sunday but his members who were sympathetic to the GS, told him point-blank that the meeting of the alleged renegades should not hold in the church.

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

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BUJA—AS Nigerians continue to shower encomiums on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for conducting a hitch-free governorship election last Saturday in Ekiti State, the electoral body has reassured Nigerians that next August’s gubernatorial polls in Osun State would be better.

This assurance was given yesterday by INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, while speaking at the commission’s quarterly meeting with the 26 registered political parties in Abuja.

Jega also expressed his satisfaction with the efforts of the registered political parties in ensuring a hitch free poll in Ekiti and also urged them to use the opportunity provided by the election to support the commission’s efforts in conducting a free and fair poll next year.

The INEC boss further urged all stake holders who were involved in the conduct of the Ekiti polls that was adjudged the best the commission has so far conducted not to rest on their oars adding that it is the commissions’ resolve that the August 17 Osun polls and 2015 general elections would be better than the Ekiti polls.

Less than 50% of Nigerians have access to electricity —Prof Nebo production

BY CHINENYEH OZOR

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SUKKA—LESS than fifty per cent of Nigerians currently have access to electricity, Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, has said.

Prof. Nebo, who disclosed this at the 15th Herbert Macaulay bi-ennial lecture organised by the Engineering Faculty of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, yesterday,

said the federal government was, however, working hard to increase access to 75 per cent by 2020.

He said government was also looking at the possibility of exploiting the country’s untapped coal resource, currently estimated to be in excess of three billion tons in reserve, to power electricity in the country.

He explained that coal

declined in Nigeria due mainly to the discovery of oil and the perception that coal was a dirty energy, adding that a large quality of coal deposits was wasting away in such states as Enugu, Benue, Kogi and Gombe.

The minister noted that with the current shortages of gas, the federal government was pursuing coal development as new frontier in the country.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 15

C M Y K

16 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 17

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18— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 HAS Nigeria degenerated to the extent that a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria would regret that his ministerial position was standing between him and a public brawl? He sounded as if the shackles of office distressed him in the matter.

Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Abduljelili Adesiyan, one of the President’s newest Minister Ready To Fight ministers is the one in question. His opponent would be the former Governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adeleke. The minister Osogbo last April. The meeting was part of promised a physical fight with Adeleke the PDP state primaries. Adesiyan disputes whenever he leaves office as a member of the Adeleke’s account of the incident, especially Federal Executive Council, FEC. where Adeleke claimed that Adesiyan punched We do not share in Adesiyan’s pain. It is a him on the chest. scandal that a Minister still wants to rely on The minister told the media that Adeleke and physical combat to settle disputes. How would his supporters frustrated him at the event. His he resist the temptation to use the police to calmness, he said, merely postponed the fight. beat up his opponents until he is able to do so “If I had not been a minister, I would have himself? Why would a minister threaten beaten Adeleke to pulp on that day,” Adesiyan anyone, the type of conduct unexpected of stated. His seriousness and the depth of the ordinary people? animosity the Minister felt were underlined Adesiyan and Senator Adeleke had a by the platform he used in threatening disagreement during a stakeholders' meeting Adeleke. of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in With all the security challenges the country

BY ALEX AKPODIETE

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HEY say hindsight is 20/20. That is why sometimes it is good to get a glimpse into the future with the hope of preventing mistakes. A periscope is a very handy tool.

The Ekiti governorship election penultimate week serves as a periscope for us into 2015. In 2015, there will be governorship elections in at least 30 states and presidential election in 774 local government areas. The eyes of Nigerians were on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to see how it will conduct the gubernatorial polls, just as some other Nigerians were praying that the Super Eagles will beat Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup or return home from Brazil.

Many observers wanted to see if we can have hitch-free elections and disprove the nay sayers who believe that "free", "fair" and "credible" are three adjectives that should never be used to qualify elections in Nigeria as they are not in our lexicon.

INEC Chairman Prof. Jega The following salient ten (10) lessons will guide us in preparing for 2015: Lesson 1: The number of political parties must be reduced. With the recent court challenge to the power of INEC to de-list political parties, there will be a glut of political parties. There are over 20 active political parties in Nigeria, with over 12 participating in the Ekiti governorship elections. Yes, there are pretenders and there are real contenders. In reality, it was expected to be a contest involving All Progressives Congress, APC; Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Labour Party, LP. We also need independent candidates that are not sponsored by any political party to make it more robust.

faces, the M inister of Police Affairs had the time to issue a press statement over a tiff with another politician. The main cause of their disputation was control of the PDP in Osun State.

Adeleke has departed to the All Progressives Congress, APC, but that does not stop the tiff.

Abduljelili has postponed the fight to another day. It is a promise.

“I will one day leave office as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and any time I leave office, I will fight Adeleke. He alleged that I punched him on the chest, for God’s sake, if I had punched Adeleke, could he still be moving around?” Adesiyan asked.

Nobody should threaten another, definitely a public office holder is not supposed to threaten another person. Threat is a criminal offence. Adesiyan has not denied the statement, which an aide issued. Most newspapers used it on Monday, and online publications have re-published it.

The Minister would not utilise legal options in resolving disputes. He should resign, if he does not disclaim the statement.

OPINION 2015: Ekiti periscope Lesson 2: We need instant results to reduce election frauds. As at 2:00am on June 22, 2014, the Ekiti governorship result has not been announced by the State Returning Officer, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University in Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Isaac Azuzu. Results should be announced instantly from the various polling units and wards. The results were written by hand and brought to the state collation centres. The only use of technology was that the results were entered into Excel spreadsheet and displayed as the results were read by the collating officers.

Lesson 3: We must do away with anachronistic use of ballot boxes and opt for electronic voting. As I have stated before, ballot box is archaic and prone to problems. Most of the developed world, including America, use electronic voting. In one voting unit in Ekiti, the results were cancelled because the total votes cast were more than the total accredited voters, meaning there was rigging somewhere.

Lesson 4: We need to avoid negative election campaigns. Ekiti governorship election appeared to be highly charged with allegations of private jets being denied access to the state or governors' convoys stopped by soldiers. This was not made easier by the fact that the immediate past governor, Segun Oni, decamped from PDP to APC a few weeks back and was made the National Vice Chairman of the APC South. It may be because he realised he will not get the governorship ticket or was aggrieved about something else because the party he joined has been jokingly nicknamed Aggrieved Peoples Congress.

Lesson 5: Political parties need manifestoes. During most of the campaign, it was just about keeping power in the ruling APC or returning power to PDP. There were no identifiable manifestoes that clearly distinguished one party from the other.

Parties in civilised climes have manifestoes or ideologies. In Nigeria, it is difficult to say this political party stands for this belief and that political party stands for that belief. That way, you can choose which party to join based on whether what the party stands for aligns with your own personal beliefs. So, political parties and candidates must have a manifesto and the elections must be based on issues.

Lesson 6: We need politicians who have excelled in other professions that they can fall back on if they were to lose the election so that they are not desperate and the elections do not become a "do or die." I feel more secure with a politician with pedigree who has also proved himself in a non-political career. This may be achievable if the recommendation of the National Conference that we need part-time lawmakers is implemented because the elections will attract only those that really want to serve instead of those that want to line their pockets.

Lesson 7: We need security in Nigeria to have elections, especially with Boko Haram now everywhere. So we cannot have elections without soldiers. In fact, INEC has already expressed concerns over 2015, saying security will be a critical issue. The problem here is that the losers will sometimes claim that the security agents were used to intimidate their voters, as they alleged in Delta Central

senatorial bye-election last year.

Lesson 8: The election process must be transparent, not opaque, so that we can have an election in which the losing party congratulates the winner without going to court. This will encourage parties and their candidates to accept the fact that they could lose. There is no gainsaying that the parties in the Ekiti governorship election are headed to court.

Lesson 9: We need a better means for voter registration and maintenance of electronic voters' register. The permanent voters cards are a step in the right direction, but not wholesome. In the Ekiti election, an INEC spokesman was on television stating unequivocally that the permanent voter's card will be cross-checked against a list of those that actually collected their cards and voting will only be allowed if you have your permanent voter's card.

Lesson 10: Finally, INEC cannot and should not carry the burden of ensuring free, fair and credible election alone. It is a collective effort because Nigerians, as a whole, are part of the problem in the "do or die" syndrome.

In my analysis of the Anambra State governorship election last year, I stated: "Clearly, INEC has a long way to go in conducting hitch-free elections and Nigerians, who make up the electorate, have a longer way to go, concerning how to conduct themselves in elections."

Think about it.

*Prof. Akpodiete, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Asaba, Delta State.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014— —19

, I

DON'T know if it was somebody's idea of a sick joke or an attempt to test the waters to know Nigerians' disposition to such an idea but the reported rumour of a coup some days ago could only have come from a diseased imagination. Quite frankly it was not a report that the Nigerian press appeared to know anything about. And if they did, they rightly ignored it.

It was more like a red herring or something only the military, personified by the Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh, seemed privy to. The press didn't appear to know of it. Perhaps not until the CDS found it necessary to debunk it. It was like a bolt out of the blues, and it made no meaning at all except when read in the context of the recent but growing militarisation of the polity. Which is the more reason Nigerians need to be wary of such report that looks like another clear attempt at mischiefmaking.

What could or would be the justification for a coup at this time?

Who could be

contemplating a thing like that at this time? Such a person couldn't have been in Nigeria in the last one and half decades. Anyone hallucinating along such line must be a recent returnee from outer space. No right thinking person could be contemplating a thing like that. No Nigerians should even allow themselves to think in terms of such misadventure. But in case there is anyone entertaining such infernal thoughts, just perhaps there are some groups or individuals allowing their imagination to run amok in such direction, let them be quickly warned that they are coming nearly 20 years behind time. Their case would be worse than that of a pariah. Compared to such a person, Sani Abacha would look like an American president that came into office by a 'landslide' victory.

What am I saying? That anyone thinking of a coup right now would fail woefully because should they, God forbid, succeed in taking over the reins of government they would have to decide over whom they would exercise their stolen 'mandate'.

,

Certainly not Nigerians whose support they wouldn't have. And that is where their problem would start from. If they couldn't count on Nigerians welcoming them, what can they expect from the rest of the world? Abacha didn't fail because the world just didn't want him. His problem began and ended with the fact that Nigerians simply wouldn't have him. That was why the world didn't and wouldn't have anything to do with him.

T

hat was why he ran his regime holed up in his socalled villa that was more like a prison. It was also why he literally went berserk making enemies of Nigerians from all walks of life whose respect he couldn't earn, to say nothing of earning their support. A coupist in the Nigeria of today must be dangerously deluded. Such would need to have their head examined. They would look like a mental case gone terribly bad.

These warning words should

Scam, quacks and abandoned community projects

BY BONS OBIADI

O

UR governors are doing what they must, but some of them are not doing enough. What is going on in respect of the road network in our states? I have asked this question and will continue to ask. The deterioration in governance in some of our states is comparable to the decay in our moral values that were undoubtedly stable and stronger before the civil war and immediately after the Nigerian civil war and in the 1970s and 1980s. Some of our states are in shambles: infrastructure in disrepair and need total overhaul no matter how viewed. Politically, we have lost our stronghold and are struggling, looking for a place to lean-on and most times, blame others for our mistakes. Economically, some of the states are not in the position to sustain themselves, yet we do not have enough job creating businesses and some of us within the privileged class have succeeded in moving their production and economic base outside the boarders of our states and by so doing, enriching other states, yet we complain that our states are not doing well.

Socially, we are not doing enough to retain and maintain the social safety net we once enjoyed in this country.

The security of some of our states have been a laughing stock within the last couple of years, yet our privileged class found comfort in making foreign lands with minimal to adequate security services their home base. Academically, I do not know of any state in Nigeria with adequate or perfect school infrastructure and facilities. We have forgotten the fundamental mission of education and are destroying the entire generations of our growing children. Our young and

supposedly, the generations to take over from us, are not receiving the best education we can afford and their teachers not properly paid and cared for. If our states are in shambles today, what would they look like when today’s children, we are denying fundamental educational facilities, take over the mantle of leadership and running of the states?

It is true that each member of our society has a civic responsibility to do all that he or she can to make life comfortable for both himself and his family, but it is equally true that it is the absolute responsibility of our government to start addressing the needs of our people, providing the necessary facilities for the citizens to help themselves. Given our limited infrastructure and facilities, many people are already doing more than what they must to survive within the current structure of our tough economic situation. An average Nigerian man strives in adversity to sustain his family, but how long would that continue?

We must not continue hiding behind the shell in denying ourselves and our generations to come the opportunities and privileges due to us and them because we have not been blessed with good governance. The governments in some of our states, to some extent, have failed our people and we condone that.

We must stop living in denial and start facing the challenges among which are: to tell our governments that it is their responsibility to make provisions for adequate security services within the states, create and encourage facilities that would boost jobs for both our young school leavers and anyone that wants a gainful employment, build standard and motorable roads, educational facilities, factories, industries, health care facilities,

,

The militar militaryy and Abuja's coup rumours

suffice for anyone better than a

suicidal fool.

In case there is So then what could have given wings to such an unfounded anyone rumour as that of a coup? What entertaining such could have given rise to talks like which only the military infernal thoughts, these deemed fit to react to? The words Badeh sounded not just let them be quickly oflikeAlex that of a military pledging warned that they its allegiance to its CommanderIt sounded also like the are coming nearly in-Chief. words of the head of a military aware of its lack of subordination 20 years behind to civil power. Badeh sounded like time; their case a soldier aware that its conduct might be unsettling to a civil would be worse populace in need of reassurance.

He was condescending even if he than that of a didn't mean to be. Which brings me to why rumours of a coup could be pariah

flying at a time like this.

Any observer of the Nigerian polity couldn't be blind to the growing militarisation of the country. There have been clear breaches of democratic norms in the last two weeks or thereabout.

These breaches have been attributed to the military. The attempt at attributing these breach of civil norms to a military didn't look convincing.

It looks like an attempt by a civil power afraid to own up to a growing despotic tendency. It all became obvious with the attack on the press by the military. In what was a throwback to our military years, newspaper vans were hijacked by military personnel. Several newspapers were affected by this rape of press freedom. In addition to this hijack of vehicles conveying newspapers, drivers of these vehicles and even news vendors were detained. This went on for days in a row.

There was no sense of outrage from Abuja. Rather than condemning this breach of press

Some of our governments have not done enough to embrace the common man’s needs, yet our intellectual class found comfort flirting with them, giving them undeserved credence

,

ventilated and habitable market facilities for our business men and women, affordable housing, water, electricity, etc.

When in this life time can we buy lands to build our dream homes without first designating areas for electric generators and boreholes? We give priority to ancillary support services (generator houses and boy’s quarters) instead of the primary unit which is the main building and it is a scam because the primary unit should come first.

A

s unfortunate as it may sound, those of us within the intellectual class have not done enough to challenge our governments despite our personal concerns and interests. We have always rushed to identify what our governments are doing and have failed to identify and tell them what they are not doing that would impact and advance the standard of living of our unprivileged class. Some of us are only interested in echoing the songs of our governors, especially after listening to their well written speeches and campaign gimmicks.

Our intellectual class has forgotten that it is only through them that we can bridge the

freedom and the right of Nigerians to access information, all the Presidency did was to attribute the seizures of newspapers to the military.

The military spokesperson claimed security measures made the raids necessary. The military claimed these vehicles or vehicles that looked like them are used to convey lethal weapons by insurgents. It is curious that the waylaid vehicles were stopped not in the well known theatres of insurgency like Maiduguri or anywhere close to Chibok or indeed the entire North East. No, press vehicles were being waylaid in Port Harcourt, Abuja and Ibadan, etc.

If the military went on like this on its own one would think there was need to address the fears of Nigerians about their growing presence by the Presidency. But what Nigerians saw was a Presidency that looked acquiescent and ready to align behind the military. The Presidency appeared to wash its hands off the whole issue. And so the military continued with its rape on democracy. Abuja made it all looked like the military was independent of the elected civil power and couldn't be called to order. It was therefore no surprise when two governors in the opposition APC, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Adams Oshiomhole, had their aircraft grounded in Akure on their way to campaign for their counterpart in Ekiti State. Again the military, Nigerians were told, was responsible for this.

In the light of this growing power of the military should it surprise anyone if there are rumours of a coup and it is the military that is left to respond to it?

gap between the governments and the poor people of our states and only by integrating the debates and allowing the governments to consider the people’s needs and their day to day struggles can we start formulating agendas for the growth and development of our states. Our governments have formed the habit of taking advantage of our intellectual and savvy class in subduing our needs.

I will not denigrate the accomplishments of some of our governments and some of our past governments except that they have not done enough to embrace the common man’s needs, yet our intellectual class found comfort flirting and affiliating with them, giving them undeserved credence without knowing what it takes to live with relations who are jobless. They do not have family members who could not afford one balanced meal a day, have children in the family and community who attend schools without decent chairs, windows and even their teachers have to borrow chalks to write on charcoal boards.

Because they are privileged, they do not have family members and members of their communities who could not afford taking their sick ones to private hospitals and ended up in our poorly equipped and staffed public health centres where the governors’ family members would never go when sick. They never had any reason to ply our major roads.

Most times, they were flown from point A to point B and used government escorted siren motorcades that never exposed them to the dangers of the roads.

While some states and communities around the world are harnessing the creative abilities of their well trained engineers and tapping into their innovative capabilities, some of the Nigerian states seem to be promoting quacks and businessmen who can manipulate the process in securing contracts to build our roads. *Mr. Obiadi, an architect, wrote from Awka, Anambra State.

20 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

Unemployment, insecurity: Youths proffer recipe STORIES BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME, Port Harcourt

I

T was a moment for frank talk in Rivers State when youths gathered under the aegis of Integrated Youths Economic Empowerment Programme, IYEEP, to discuss the challenges of unemployment, cultism and other related vices facing youths in the country. They also condemned the killing of youths, women and children by the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram, in some states in the North.

President of Rivers State chapter of IYEEP, *A session during the youths parley Mr Samuel Uchechukwu, identified unemployment as the greatest pain plagu- ation and youth empowerment proing youths in the state and the grammes as twin areas they should country. While thanking President give priority attention to, noting that Goodluck Jonathan for coming up it would reduce incidents of crime

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We disagree with the killing of our fellow youths and children in the North who are the leaders of tomorrow

with, IYEEP, an initiative aimed at providing empowerment programmes for youths at the grassroots levels all over the country, Mr Uchechukwu also appealed to all levels of government to see job cre-

,

and other related vices.

“Unemployment amongst our youth is one of the biggest challenges in our a state,but this is a challenge we are willing and ready to address to unlock the vast poten-

Boko Haram: It’s stop-and-search time in Port Harcourt

P

OLICE have beefed up security around government facilities and some major gateways into Port Harcourt. This may be to fortify the capital city of oil-rich Rivers State against any attack by insurgents.

To this end, Police counter-terrorism squad now subject motorists driving into the magnificent secretariat complex to a “stop and search operation”.

Some motorists were asked last week to alight from their vehicles for thorough search. A gigantic anti-bomb scanning facility has been installed by the side of the entrance leading to the entry gate of the secretariat. Some Policemen with ferocious dogs presently stand guard there.

The exit gate of the complex is also heavily policed as staff of the secretariat coming through the pedestrian lane of the back gate area are thoroughly scanned and occasionally frisked for any life threatening object.

There are about four stop and search points mounted by heavily armed anti- riot policemen before the popular Choba bridge that connects the state capital with the west end of the state when coming from Bayelsa, Del-

ta, Edo and Lagos states.

Visitors that have not been cleared by those they want to come and see inside Government House, Port Harcourt are no longer allowed to wait inside the security room at the official gate of the Government House. They are told politely to go to about 100 metres away from the gate to ask the person they came to see to call security men on duty to clear them. So no hanging around the gate. There is also a security scanner at the gate that scans every vehicle cleared to drive into the Government House.

At the Police headquarters on Moscow road, the security situation is also very tight. Except for vehicles belonging to Police officers and top government functionaries visiting the station, all other vehicles are made to park on the median of Moscow Road, The state House of Assembly that has been under lock and key for about nine months is also heavily policed.

There is an amoured personnel carrier, APC, in front of the exit and entry gate to the Assembly complex with fierce looking policemen all over the place.

tials of Rivers State youth and Nigeria at large,” he said.

Uchechukwu said his body was going to empower about 600 youths across the state even as he pleaded with Boko Haram members to sheathe their sword and toe the path of peace. Continuing, he said they should accept offers made to them by the Federal Government to end hostility in the North.

The youths also hailed efforts by security agencies in the country to bring the activities of Boko Haram under control.

Addressing of any disagreements “We also use this medium to inform those responsible or encouraging crises in the North that violence has never been an effective means of addressing any disagreement. Therefore, we ask them to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue and accept what Mr President offers them so they can also benefit from the Integrated Youth Economic Empowerment Programme. We in Rivers State disagree with the killing of our fellow youths and children in the North who are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

National Coordinator of IYEEP, Mr Obinna Nwoke, said the body was part of the transformation agenda of the Federal Government aimed at developing youths in all corners of the country. He appealed to youths in the state to shun violence and acts capable of threatening the peace.

Most of the youths who spoke to Vanguard Metro enjoined government and the private sector to partner with a view to reducing the high rate of youth unemployment in the country.

We are breeding future terrorists (2)

BY EBELE ORAKPO

Continues from last week. members of the National Assembly work ‘LonETpart-time basis as suggested by partici-

pants at the ongoing National Conference so that some of the funds used in paying them and maintaining the Assembly will be available for other things,” suggested Nike.

Replied Chioma: “Exactly! They could put the excess fund into education. Nothing is too much for education. Ignorance is too expensive. Can you imagine having an army of illiterate, unemployed able-bodied young people roaming the streets? Na serious wahala be that.”

“Our legislators to work on part-time basis? You know it won’t happen. We copy whatever suits us from the West. We say we are copying the US, yet US congressmen and women are parttimers. Politicians always copy what suits them and throw away whatever does not suit them even if it is the best for the people and the nation. We are too self-centred. They are already kicking against that suggestion, so you see why it will be most unwise to pass the reports of the National Conference to the National Assembly members for final decision?” asked Tony.

“But of course! National Conference report to National Assembly! Remember a Second Republic governor in the North who was asked why he had so much cash belonging to government in his house and he replied that Government money is for Government House? Shikena.

Case closed. But on a more serious note, the truth is that whatever happens, education must be made very affordable so whatever they have to do to release more money for education, should be done, even if it means slashing the salaries of public servants, so be it,” said Joshua.

Said Nike: “That’s right; otherwise, one worse than Boko Haram will be witnessed in Nigeria.

Imagine a Lagos public servant/politician asking whether it is compulsory for everyone to be a graduate. He said those who cannot afford university education should go and do something else like becoming motor mechanics, vulcanizers, etc. This is somebody whose parents could not afford to send to school. He benefitted from the state government’s free education. If not, perhaps, he would have been a truck pusher or motor park tout now. But government sent him to school and today, he is in government and does not want to give others the opportunity to get education and better their lives.”

“Another government official said if he could pay N4 million as school fee for his son, why can’t LASU students pay?” reported Tony.

“No, I don’t believe a public servant would open his mouth to say such, but if he did, it is unfortunate. Where did he get that kind of money as a civil servant? How much is his salary? If Nigerians are serious, we should be asking them questions. But rather than doing the needful by holding our leaders accountable to us, we allow them to use us against one another to play their ethno-religious politics. We foolishly break into camps and fight ourselves while they enjoy our common wealth and we wallow in poverty. Honestly, I pity us,” said Chioma.

“Our leaders are not servants; they are there to be served. I like the way things are playing out anyway. May be we will come out better. We are now seeing the kind of leaders we have; those who don’t care a hoot about us,” said Joshua.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 21

Commodity Exchange to boost agric devt with electronic warehouse

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

HE Nigeria Commodity Ex change (NCX), formerly known as the Abuja Commodities and Securities Exchange is set to boost agriculture development in the country with the introduction of electronic warehouse receipt system (eWRS).

The formal launch of the ewarehouse system, which is in its pilot stage, will take place on July 10, 2014.

The Managing Director/CEO of NCX, Mr. Yusuf Abdurrahmin, who disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos, said NCX is collaborating with Stanbic IBTC Bank, Central Securities Clearing System, CSCS, Bank of Agriculture, BoA, and the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria (FACAN), on the project with Stanbic IBTC Bank acting as the settlement bank.

Abdulrahman said that the new platform will enable farmers to place their commodities at an NCX-accredited warehouse in different parts of the country and will be issued an electronic receipt stating details such as commodity type, quality and quantity, owner and other relevant information.

The depositor, he noted, will have the choice of using the receipt as collateral to obtain bank loans or for trading on the Exchange, adding that such depositor could also chose to keep such commodities in the warehouse until their prices stabilize or appreciate.

He also explained that apart from ensuring liquidity on the

BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

T

From left: Mrs Maryam Lemu; Mr Dick Kramer (celebrant); his wife, Wanda; Pascal Dozie (chairman of the occasion); Princeton Lyman, former Ambassador to Nigeria at the KPMG lecture tagged: “Partnering for nation-building” in celebration of Dick Kramer‘s 80th birthday in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele Exchange, the initiative will encourage the provision of standard storage facilities for operators in the agricultural value chain and make the warehouse receipts a prime tool of trade, while facilitating access to finance.

“It will also strengthen small scale farmers and agro-allied businesses while creating jobs and sustainable economic growth,” he added.

He emphasized that an active commodity exchange will significantly help in unlocking Ni-

175.15

1.9

3,099.00

-18.00

17.78

-0.14

114.05

-0.76

106.06 -0.77 Currency DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

Buying(NGN) Central(NGN) elling(NGN) 154.73 263.2731 210.3864 172.8634 1.5187 0.3016 237.9386 24.8513 41.2514 28.2174 238.671

155.23 264.1238 211.0662 173.422 1.5237 0.3116 238.7075 24.9321 41.3847 28.3086 239.4423

N1bn SMEs loan: Ogun, BoI advises youths to take advantage

155.73 264.9746 211.7461 173.9806 1.5286 0.3216 239.4764 25.0128 41.518 28.3997 240.2135

CBN Exchange rate as at 24/06/2014

geria’s agriculture potential, while describing agriculture as a game changer for the country if the sector receives the desired level of commitment by both the private and public sectors.

Also speaking at the event, Sola David-Borha, Group Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Bank, said: “The commodity exchange and the warehouse receipt system will be instrumental in opening up Nigeria’s farm produce to the global commodity market. The

transparency it will engender is crucial in ensuring participation from across the world.

And with transparency comes improvements in efficiency and pricing. It also makes it easier for banks to provide financing for operators in the agricultural value chain.”

“Stanbic IBTC considers agriculture to be a very strategic sector for Nigeria. We are deploying our expertise and products towards the development of agriculture business in the country.”

Arco gets Nigerian Academy of Engineering’s award T

HE Nigerian Academy of Engineering has named Arco Petrochemical Engineering Company Plc in the Gold category of its Appreciation Award.

The honour was bestowed on the company during the Nigerian Academy of Engineering Technology Lecture in Lagos.

The outgoing President of the Academy, Prof. A. F. Ogunye described Arco as a reliable ally of the Academy in the efforts towards the realization of its objectives, adding that Arco has been steadfast in its support of the work of the Academy.

Arco Group’s Managing Director, Alfred Okoigun, said that the award was yet another fluffy feather to his company’s cap of honours.

He expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian Academy of Engineering for the Appreciation Award, especially in the Gold category, a spot that Arco shared with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

He said that Arco’s core business is engineering and so it is obligatory on the part of its management to be mindful of institutions that are dedicated to the promotion of engineering education and practice and offer its own widow’s mite to enable such institutions to act as catalysts in that endeavour.

He was particularly pleased that the Academy as a non-profit organization has been striving through thick and thin to influence the development and growth of the engineering profession in Nigeria.

As an engineering company, Okoigun said: “Arco believes in indigenous human capital development in all fields of human endeavours. I have always held the view that acquisition of science, technology and engineering education by increasing number of Nigerian youths is an imperative to moving our nation forward.”

He said that he has always suggested that Nigeria should join the league of nations that are net exporters of skilled labour.

HE Ogun State Commis sioner for Commerce and Industry, Bimbo Ashiru, has tasked trainees under its Start-Up Ogun Youth Enterprise Training - Young Farmers’ Version in partnership with British American Tobacco of Nigerian Foundation, BATNF, to take advantage of the Bank of Industry, BoI and the state’s N1billion Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) loan for actualisation and practicality of their learned businesses.

The commissioner made this disclosure at the closing ceremony of the start-up Ogun Youth Enterprise Training Programme in partnership with British American Tobacco of Nigeria Foundation, BATNF. Ashiru, whose ministry works with the BATNF and the Kinderlech Centre on “StartUp Ogun Youth Enterprise Training, declared that the state government would continue to expand its initiatives in wealth creation and employment generation through economic engagement of jobless youths in the state.

He added that the BATNF enterprise initiative would go a long to provide support in strengthening government socio-economic plans as regards agriculture and industrialisation.

“Not everybody will do white-collar jobs; you can use internal creativity to become who you want to be in life. You could see the business plan presentations they did today.

Six groups presented different vocations and businesses which are highly creative and innovative “, he said.

Speaking, Executive Director of the Foundation, Mrs. Oluwasoromidayo George, disclosed that the Foundation has identified the agrarian status of the state and decided to invest in Corporate Social Investment, CSI. George said the training, empowerment and mentorship on agriculture-based enterprise was designed to foster creativity and innovativeness in business idea development and business networking promotion geared towards the creation of both direct and indirect jobs as well as the wealth creation.

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

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Insurance agents generally estimate the value of the “stuff” in your home by simply using a percentage of the value of the home

, INSURAN

C

Home insurance: How much is your stuff worth?

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hen deciding how much home insurance to buy, it helps to think like an insurance agent. There are industry norms for estimating the value of your contents, such as furniture, TVs appliances and other belongings, says Peggy Eichhorn, vice president, personal insurance with Cook, Hall and Hyde, an insurance company in East Hampton, N.Y. “If you know how agents figure the costs, it makes it easier for you to see how much coverage you need,” Eichorn says. Insurance agents generally estimate the value of the “stuff ” in your home by simply using a percentage of the value of the home. Typically, the contents value is estimated to be 50 per cent to 75 percent of the dwelling, she says.

While such estimates can give you a good ballpark figure of how much insurance you’ll need, you may need to take other steps to make sure you are fully covered.

Home insurance and scheduling For example, if you have costly belongings in your home, such as a special piece of jewelry or fancy artwork, have them appraised. Then, purchase separate insurance coverage for such high-end items – a process known as “scheduling.”

If you do not schedule such valuable items, your standard policy may not offer enough coverage to replace these items in the event of a loss. Another easy but often overlooked method for valuing items in your home is to look at old receipts. If you have no t kept

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If you have costly belongings in your home, such as a special piece of jewelry or fancy artwork, have them appraised.

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,

BY MARGARETTE BURNETTE

Once you’ve determined the value of your belongings, make sure you receive full value in return for contents that may be stolen or damaged in the future

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receipts in the past, start doing so now so you can make better estimates in the future. An added bonus: Receipts also help you prove ownership of the property.

However, do not always expect to reimbursed for the total amount you paid for the item. It depends on your policy.

If you have an “actual cash value” policy, you will be reimbursed for the item’s replacement cost, minus depreciation. Guaranteed replacement cost coverage pays for the full cost of replacing your item.

Inventory your belongings Once you’ve determined the value of your belongings, make sure you receive full value in return for contents that may be stolen or damaged in the future. Go through your home and videotape or take pictures of all its contents. When filing a claim, estimating an item’s worth is only a part of the equation. You will have to prove that you owned the property in the first place, says Steve Erigero, a partner with the law firm Ropers, Majeski, Kohn and Bentley in Los Angeles who specializes in insurance.

Another key to getting future claims fully covered is to buy “ replacement cost” policies, Eichhorn says. This means you’re insured for the full cost of buying a replacement item at today’s prices.

By contrast, people with “actual cash value” polices are compensated at depreciated values. If you aren’t sure whether your present policy is “replacement cost” or “actual cash value,” check with your agent, Eichhorn says.

•Culled from insurance.com

From left: Dorothy Udeme Ufot (SAN),award recipient with her husband Mr. Udeme Ufot; Uto Ukpanah and Company Secretary MTN Nigeria at the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Lagos branch 50th anniversary award dinner, in lagos

How to buy life insurance

BY BARBARA MARQUAND

I

F someone would suffer financially after your death, then you need life insurance.

Your survivors could use the policy’s death benefit to pay off debts, cover funeral expenses, pay ongoing bills and meet long-term financial goals like college education for your kids.

Some forms of life insurance also include an investment component known as cash value, which can serve as a sort of forced savings account.

These policies can protect an estate or business, provide support for a lifelong dependent, benefit a charity

or provide money to heirs no matter when you die.

Most people buy life insurance to replace the income they would have provided their families. But life insurance is not just for breadwinners. Stay-at-home parents should have enough life insurance to cover the cost of services, such as childcare, that they provide.

There are two basic types of life insurance — term life and permanent life.

Term life: Affordable but temporary Term life is structured to cover you for a certain period, such as five, 10, 15, or 20 years. If you are young and healthy, you can buy a lot of coverage at a low price. The average cost for a 20-year, $250,000 levelpremium term life policy for a healthy 30-

WPS holds first Africa specia

BY CHIMEZIE CYNTHIA

T

HE World Pension Summit (WPS) a global body for pension professionals is set to hold its first “Africa special” summit in Abuja.

World Pension Summit is the only platform ‘for and by ’ Pension Professionals, exchanging knowledge and innovative ideas on how to secure sufficient pension provision.

This year ’s summit which coincide the tenth anniversary of the pension reform in Nigeria, was organized jointly with the National Pension Commission of Nigeria and the WPS. The World Pension Summit ‘Africa Special’ will kick-start a unique knowledge platform for all African nations on pension market development and how to address all complexities involved.

The aim of this Summit is to exchange expertise between pension

professionals in Africa and to stimulate pension market developments and pension innovation.

The annual summit which holds later in the year was bring together over 400 pension professional across the globe to exchange expertise and best practices to further essential development in social security, innovation and pensions.

The Summit, which is for all African pension professionals will present and debate upon specific African pension innovation, key scenarios, and scheme development. Global insights and best practices will be presented, shared and discussed by renowned international experts. According to Eric Eggink, Chairman World Pension Summit, “The World Pension Summit “Africa Special” is most eager to be the platform of learning and getting inspired. We think that new developments can only be fostered with meeting and sharing information and expertise.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 —

year-old is just $150 a year, according to the LIFE Foundation, an industry education group, and LIMRA, a research and consulting organisation that tracks the life insurance industry. That’s for a policy with a premium guaranteed to stay the same throughout the term. Another choice is annually renewable term life; premiums start out lower than they would with a level-premium term life policy, but then increase each year.

If you die within the term, then the policy pays a death benefit to your beneficiary.

After the term is up, premiums skyrocket and the policy becomes unaffordable. Once you stop paying premiums, the coverage disappears, and the policy is worth nothing.

Cash-value life insurance Permanent life insurance covers you for your entire life. Permanent life is far more expensive than term life for two reasons. One, it pays a death benefit no matter when you die; and two, permanent life policies have cash value. The cash account grows over time tax-free. You can borrow money from the account or cash in the policy if you decide you no longer want the insurance coverage. A variety of permanent life insurance policies are available.

• Whole life is the simplest form of permanent coverage. The premium and death benefit stay the same, and the return on the cash value is guaranteed; universal life provides flexibility.

As long as you meet the initial minimum payment, you can pay more or less or even skip premiums, and increase or decrease the death benefit; variable universal life offers the potential for greater growth in the cash value than traditional permanent policies, but it comes with risk. You choose how the money is invested, and the policy’s death benefit and cash depend on the investment’s performance.

Riders give more benefits You can pay more to add special features, called riders, to a term life or permanent life insurance policy. Available riders vary by company and policy. Common riders include: • Waiver of premium rider waives the premium if you become disabled.

• Return of premium rider returns the premiums you paid at the end of the term if you haven’t used the policy.

• Guaranteed insurability rider lets you purchase more insurance later without providing information about your health.

What type of policy is right for you?

•Culled from insurance.com

l summit in Abuja “More and more key budget component as housing, healthcare and pensions are becoming key to citizens of the world and securing sufficient provision is becoming a joint challenge for government, employers and the individual,” said Harry Smorenberg a financial services marketing and positioning strategist.

He added that, “WPS “Africa Special” is the place to exchange key developments and solutions and learn from each other.”

Since 2004, Nigeria has taken up a leading role with her pension reform, a true showcase for the African continent. The enactment of the Pension Reform Act 2004 has proven to be the key starting point of a new era in pensions for Nigeria.

This inaugural edition of the World Pension Summit ‘Africa Special’ will focus on key lessons learned amongst African Nations and share experiences on relevant topics and developments such as on pensions investments, risk management, funds management, administration, regulatory essentials and communication / financial literacy. The World Pension Summit ‘Africa Special’ will be held annually, with Abuja as the conference location.

,

CE & YOU

Permanent life insurance covers you for your entire life. Permanent life is far more expensive than term life for two reasons. One, it pays a death benefit no matter when you die; and two, permanent life policies have cash value

23

,

5 industries that millennials are destroying

BY JEFF REEVES

T

here’s a lot to be said for watching demographic shifts as you craft your long-term investing strategy. And while Baby Boomer stocks like health care and insurance get a lot of attention, long-term investors should also consider the impact Millennials will have on businesses — and their portfolios.

There are about 80 million Nigerians who were born between 1980 and 1995. And while much has been made about the challenges for Millennials to get good jobs or contribute to the economy that is sure to change. As the Boomer population starts its inevitable decline, the power of this age group will grow substantially in the years ahead.

Some of that will be good as the tech talents of younger people are put to work in the economy and as they grow into a powerful consumer class. But for some stocks, the rise of Millennials is assuredly bad news. Which picks? Well, here are some specific businesses that Millennials are shunning, which could cause a lot of pain for investors over the long-term if current trends continue.

Cars Cruising around in rusty Chevrolet Cavalier with the sunroof open and the radio up was the very definition of freedom at 18. But these days, there’s simply not the interest in cars like there used to be.

Consider that in 2010, about 12 per cent of 16-year-olds had driver’s licenses, compared with about 40 per cent in 1980.

Car sales in Nigeria, US and others have rebounded in recent year’s thanks, in part, to pentup demand after the Great Recession, but the sad reality is that the U.S. love affair with the automobile may be coming to an end. That’s in large part due to a lack of interest among younger generation who look to live in walkable, urban locations and who now prefer car-sharing services like ZipCar or ride sharing services like Uber.

A car is just an expensive hassle for the younger generation, as technology equals freedom in 2014.

Sure, U.S. car sales could top 16 million in 2014 to mark the highest level of vehicle sales since 2007. But General Motors GM +0.63% and Ford F +0.83%

are up only about 6% in the past 12 months vs. 18% gains for the broader stock market. So clearly there are concerns about how sustainable this success is.

And as the reluctant drivers in the Millennial generation become a larger share of the car-buying public, the pressure could persist for some time — and after big rebounds since the bailouts of the Great Recession, too much optimism may be baked in to

automakers.

Cable TV It’s unclear where streaming video is headed in the next several years. But it’s clear that the future is likely with Netflix or Google property YouTube and not an oldguard cable company.

Consider that for the first time ever, the number of pay-TV lines in the U.S. fell last year — with a drop of about 250,000 subscriptions over the calendar year. That’s a big number, and a number that seems to be growing at an alarming rate.

Alarming, at least, if you’re a company like Comcast CMCSA or Time Warner Cable TWC. •Culled from Marketwatch

From left: Babatunde Akinola, General Manager -Finance; Franck Gueit, Factory Manager; Robert Kretschmer, Managing Director/Chief Executive; Dumme Osadebe, General Manager – Sales & Marketing all of Nexans Kabelmetal Nig. Plc at the the company's 2014 Annual Safety Day.

Get more income using this creative strategy

BY KEN ROBERTS

C

onsistent cash flow can be obtained by selling covered calls against dividend paying equities. Remember, options aren’t suitable for all investors. The main drawback to selling covered calls is that you are limiting the upside potential of your stock, by giving someone else the right to call it from you at the strike price on or before the expiration date.

However, if cash flow is your primary objective, covered call writing might be a strategy worth considering.

Volatility is an important concept for investors to understand. Two different stocks may have very similar returns, but have completely different volatility characteristics. High portfolio volatility can make retirees nervous.

Two different types of volatility that covered call writers need to understand are historical volatility and implied volatility. The historical

or statistical volatility is a measure of how volatile the stock has been and can be measured over different time frames. The implied volatility is derived from the price of the option contract and will vary with different strike prices and expiration dates.

If you’re considering writing some covered calls for income, be careful if you are attracted to stocks that have very high option premiums. If the option you want to sell has high premiums, it may seem like the return potential is good, but the option is expensive for a reason — that’s because the implied volatility is elevated.

High implied volatility indicates that the market is anticipating large price movement in the stock.

Maybe there is some pending news, like an earnings report is due or a legal action is about to be settled. Pharmaceutical stocks can have extremely high option premiums prior to FDA trials.

C M Y K

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

Portland cement, pricing and building collapse (2) From left: Chairman of the occasion, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Senator Annie Okonkwo; Group Managing Director/CEO of Diamond Bank Plc, Dr Alex Otti, winner ZIK Award for Professional Leadership and his wife, Priscilla during the ZIK Prize Award 2013 organised by Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre, in Lagos.

Morgan Capital eases stocks transaction, introduces online trading platform

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

M

organ Capital has joined the list of other stockbroking firms in the quest to make investing in the capital market easy with the introduction a new online real-time trading platform called MorganCapital iTrade.

The introduction of MorganCapital iTrade has brought the number of online trading platforms in the Nigerian capital market to four.

The trading platform empowers investors with direct access to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to execute sell and buy mandates online real time anywhere in the world.

The Managing Director, Morgan Capital Securities Limited, Mr. Ayoleke Adu, told Vanguard that launch of MorganCapital iTrade marked the introduction of the first real-time online trading platform in the capital market, adding that it is another way the company ensures that its customers enjoy world-class stockbroking experience.

The Morgan Capita boss, who said it took two years to develop this platform,

noted that its customers would enjoy the full view of real time market data and analytics at an astounding brokerage fee of just 0.25 per cent.

According to him, unlike other platforms, where the investors send the orders to stockbrokers, who in turn key them into the system, with Morgan iTrade, the investor can key in orders directly by themselves.

“With Morgan Capital, you are seeing the orders yourself. When you click on any equity, you see all the orders, all the people who want to sell or buy that equity.

With that, you already know whether you have more buyers or sellers and at what prices. That will assist you to take decision by yourself. It makes your decision taking to be very fast and in transparent manner. So, there will not be complaints of brokers short-changing you,” he said.

He stated that the launch of the online trading platform is in conformity with international best practice of stockbroking, saying that the new NSE trading technology has made it possible for that to happen in Nigeria.

Wapic Insurance grows total assets by 76%

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

W

APIC Insurance Plc has announced 76 percent growth in total assets for the year ended December, 2013.

Specifically, the total assets grew from N12.68 billion in 2012 to N22.30 billion in 2013. Similarly, its shareholders’ funds increased significantly, rising from N7.62 billion in 2012 to N14.18 billion in 2013.

The figures showed that Wapic maintains the second highest solvency ratio in the industry standing at 473 percent as at 31 December 2012. The release of the results on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange makes Wapic the fourth company in the Nigerian insurance industry to receive approval to publish its accounts for 2013 under the newly introduced International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Further review showed that the company kept its commitment on claims settlement as its Claim Ratio doubled from 43 percent

in 2012 to 80 percent in 2013.

However, the results indicate a 10 percent drop in Wapic’s gross written premium (revenue) from N4.17 billion in 2012 to N3.76 billion in 2013; a signpost of the company’s compliance with NAICOM’s requirements on No Premium No Cover (NCPC). Its expenses and provisions increased by 26 percent growing from N2.23 billion in 2012 to N2.80 billion in the year under review.

According to the company, this reflects the capabilities being built within the company for timely settlement of claims, adding that the combined effect of these was N208million loss position for the company.

Commenting, the Managing Director, Mr. Ashish Desai said, “The past year has been a transformative one for Wapic and we are proud of the determination with which we have fundamentally restructured the business. Wapic is now more than ever positioned to deliver on all fronts.

HE previous week, we identified that according to European Commission nomenclature, CEM I and CEM II are the types of cement produced in Nigeria. CEM I is ordinary portland cement whilst the local production of CEM II is portland limestone cement.

We identified the three strength classes, 32.5, 42.5 and 52.5. The strength of any cement is determined from tests on concrete made with the cement.

Concrete is made by mixing cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate and water in specified proportions. The fine aggregate used locally is usually sharp sand whilst the coarse aggregate is crushed granite.

For reinforced concrete, it is usual to have a nominal maximum aggregate size of 20mm. There is a chemical reaction between the cement and water to form a calcium-silicahydrate, the cement paste subsequently hardens binding the fine and coarse aggregates together. In order to obtain the best results, the wet concrete must be fully compacted to make it dense, the strength of the concrete develops with the hardening and the hardened concrete must be cured. Methods of curing are designed to maintain the concrete in a continuously moist condition for several days, either by preventing evaporation or keeping the surface of the concrete continuously wet.

Curing allows the initial reaction between the cement and water to take place over an appropriate period.

Thus, if cement is not applied properly, the strength that would be observed in the concrete would not correspond with the strength class of the cement.

Essentially, the coarse aggregate in concrete should be twice as much as the fine aggregate and by increasing the quantities of cement applied to a specified quantity of fine and coarse aggregates, one would obtain increasing concrete strengths. In building construction, we often specify concrete made with 1 to 2 to 4 mixture of cement to fine aggregate to coarse aggregate.

This would correspond to having 350kg of cement in a cubic metre of concrete. This should be the minimum specification for building construction.

The major elements in a building structure are the foundations, the columns, the beams and suspended floor

slabs all built with reinforced concrete. I have often observed that when concrete is being mixed and placed for a suspended floor slab, the workmen feeding the concrete mixer do not put the cement, sharp sand and granite in the correct proportions. There is always a tendency to put too much sharp sand. On one occasion, I asked one of the workmen why one had to be correcting them repeatedly as to the quantities of the materials fed into the concrete mixer. The response was that the concrete would be too heavy to carry if the specified proportions were fed into the mixer. I then suggested that the quantities of concrete put into each head pan could be reduced and the response was that it would take longer to complete the work for that day.

The cement manufacturers should join hands with the Building Collapsed Prevention Guild and others in getting the workmen to understand and to adopt the correct practices and standards. When a blockmaker

,

T

The major elements in a building structure are the foundations, the columns, the beams and suspended floor slabs, all built with reinforced concrete

,

learns that there is a cement that gives him a higher strength the tendency would be to increase the quantities of sand in the cement/ sand mixture such that more blocks are produced from one 50kg cement bag than previously. Sand/ cement blocks from the block makers are not tested for strength and blockmakers should be encouraged to make blocks having a higher density through the adoption of equipment that incorporates a hydraulic press in addition to the vibrating plate which supports the block.

The portland limestone cement that is available from local manufacturers is marked either CEM II A-L or CEM II B-L on the cement bag. A corresponds to 80% to 94% ordinary portland cement clinker and 6% to 20% limestone.

With CEM II B-L marking, B corresponds to 65% to 79% ordinary portland cement clinker and 21% to 35% limestone.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 25

DIARY  World

congress on computational intelligence International Convention Center Beijing,China

06 Jul - 11 Jul 2014

 Cisco Connect Sun City, South Africa Nov. 2 - 4, 2014

•Cards

Preview

A

team of engineers has developed what they are claiming is the world's smallest wireless earbud. In creating Earin, the vision of the team, led by mechanical and design engineer Olle Lindén, was to produce earbuds that not only did away with the messy wires and cables, but fit unobtrusively in the ear to provide a high quality listening e x p e r i e n c e .

The Earin buds weigh 5 g (0.17 oz) and feature a plastic casing with a silicon tip on the end that is designed to create a snug, noiseisolating fit inside the ear. Measuring 14 mm (0.55 in) in diameter and 20 mm (0.78 in) in length, they are a similar size to your typical earbuds and use Bluetooth 3.0 and 4.0 to wirelessly stream audio from a paired device.

I N S I D E

‘Nigeria’s e-market worth N1trn'

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU & RICHARD UDOFIA

N

IGERIA may generally be known as a country whose economy stands on two pillars- oil and the economy. But recent developments suggest that other strong pillars exist which on their own are capable of perfectly sustaining the economy.

While investments in the oil and telecom sectors account for the mainstay of the economy, practitioners in the cards and payment sec-

Etisalat whets subscribers appetite for iPhone6

tor have declared that theirs is a trillion Naira sector which the government must also protect to harness its full potentials.

Rising from a threeday confab on development of cards and payment systems, organised by Intermarc consulting Limited, in Lagos, some of the stakeholders who shared insights with Hi-Tech, said that considering the growth and potentials of the Nigerian electronic payment systems, the country should be ready to host hordes of investors who

Maximum traffic on MNP platform

would soon be flooding the market.

Solid infrastructure They warned that Nigeria must build solid infrastructure, network backbone, and avoid poor regulation and other pitfalls that have limited other countries with similar potentials from recording meaningful progress.

Mr. Uche Elendu, Divisional Head, e-banking and payment at Appzone media, described the sector as a money spinner for those who know the act of spinning.

Elendu’s Appzone is a tech driven outfit with the objective of empow-

,

New inventions shaping life and living

able customer record keeping, accounting and reporting at a minimal cost.

For him, “the Nigeria e-market has improved, we have seen an increase in adoption of electronic payment system, thanks to new government policies like the cashless policy, which favour increase in the adoption of electronic means. That regulation alone has already created a lot of demand and driven the adoption of electronic payment system, overall, across the country."

Benefits in abnormality He added that Nigeria’s purchasing power

The Nigeria e-market has improved, we have seen an increase in adoption of electronic payment system, thanks to new government policies, like the cashless policy, which favour increase in the adoption of electronic means

ering people with unlimited access to quality financial and technology services, while enabling financial institutions to achieve reli-

Nigeria’s app market has huge potentials —Toks Ogun, Ericsson App award winner

,

may turn out to be the tonic to this new ecosystem. ”Currently Nigeria is known as a consumer nation. We spend hundreds of billions of naira here only on consumption. Now the benefit in this is that since electronic payment business is directly proportional to spending power, there is a huge market here.

This is basically the calculation needed by any investor in this Continues on page 26

26 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

‘Nigeria’s e-market worth N1trillion'

Etisalat whets subscribers appetite for iPhone6

By PRINCE OSUAGWU

T

HE long awaited iPhone 6 smart phone from Apple, may come into the country on the stables of one of Nigeria’s telecom operators, Etisalat Nigeria. This is as it has just announced a trade-in offer that will allow Etisalat customers exchange their iPhone 5s devices for the yet to be released iPhone 6. The offer is a follow up on its recent official launch of the iPhone 5s with 12-month warranty. The iPhone 5s was unveiled at its recently launched Gold Series Etisalat Experience Centre at Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Director, Retail Sales at Etisalat Nigeria, Charles Ogunwuyi, had at the event, described the partnership between Etisalat and Apple as a demonstration of the company’s commitment

to providing customers with world class telecommunication services.

Although Apple has not revealed the official specs and features of its next flagship smartphone, there are indications that the iPhone 6 will come with amazing features such as larger and stronger screen display, more powerful 64-bit A8 processor, Adreno 330 GPU, iOS 8 and fingerprint sensor.

Apart from these, the device is also rumored to pack other useful features such as heart rate monitor, barometer and air pressure sensors. iPhone 6 is expected to be released in September .

According to Ogunwuyi, “Our partnership with Apple is a match of two innovative giants. It acknowledges our sus•Iphone6 tained investment in network infrastructure and capacity to ensure consistent quality of service. There is no doubt that the iPhone 5s will be at its best while running on the Etisalat network.”

A delighted Ogunwuyi highlighted that Apple chose to partner with Etisalat Nigeria in acknowledgement of the quality of its network and service offerings that would optimise user experience on the iPhone 5s.

Maximum traffic on MNP platform

•Over 87,000 subscribers port in 14 months

•NCC EVC, Dr. Juwah

I

N just about 14 months, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC introduced the Mobile Number portability, a huge traffic of over over 87 thousand is recorded on the system.

This traffic represents a steady adoption of the service and underscores the level of poor network among the operators.

The traffic includes the number of telephone lines that have ported from one network to another since the launch of the service. In fact the official figure is pitched at 87,887.

The figure comprises incoming and outgoing

porting and on all the Global System for Mobile Communication, GSM, operators including MTN, Airtel, Globacom and Etisalat.

Incoming porting results in the gaining of new subscribers by a telecoms network from competitors while outgoing porting shows loss of subscribers on a network to its competitors.

In an official data, from NCC, recording MNP on the various GSM networks between May, 2013 to February, 2014, 87,887 phone users have ported in the first 10 months after MNP launch.

In porting, the number

of outgoing porting usually equals the same incoming porting but the distribution of the figure for both outgoing and incoming porting differ depending the network a subscriber decides to port to.

On the incoming porting, latest industry data revealed that, 7,164 ported in May; 5,759 in June; 6,870 in July; 14,440 in August while a total of 16,185 subscriber lines were ported in September, last year.

Figures for incoming porting In October, November and December, 2013, the figures for incoming porting stood at 8,112; 8,242 and 6,962 respectively.

In January and February this year, the incoming porting figures on the four GSM networks were 6,888 and 7,265 respectively.

However, the Commission stated in the data that outgoing ported lines were 7,013; 5,802;

6,753; 12,039; 13,072; 8,105 for the months of May, June, July, August, September and October respectively while in November and December, the figures stood at 7,830 and 5,850 in that order.

By the end of January, 2014, the figure was 6,880 while in February; it was 7,080, according to the NCC data.

Though the service is not compulsory, MNP has been described as a service that is very useful for telecoms consumers in a country such as Nigeria, where the networks are not robust yet, even as telecoms operators continue to work with the Interconnect Clearing House, ICH, for more flexible ways to make migration from one network to another less time-consuming.

Etisalat Nigeria, at a press conference recently claimed to have been most favorable among other operators since the introduction of MNP, recording 45 percent of the portings in its favour.

Continues from page 25

business and with the massive population yearning to go cashless, in no time, investors would start flooding in. ”In my estimation, Nigeria is about one trillion naira e-market. If you calculate the level of adoption of e-payment in the formal sector business and add the about 60 percent informal sector which make up the large chunk of enterprise customers you can see this market as a one trillion market. And there’s no doubt, it’s a market that the potentials are barely being tapped.

Now, if the government protects this sector, sustains the policies in place at the moment by ensuring financial inclusion and prioritizing use of cards and electronic transactions, the sector will provide a strong pillar to complement gains from oil and telecom sectors”.

Attracting investors Elendu added that if the Nigerian economy must attract investors, 'one thing that need to be considered is a framework for doing business in the sector.

CBN basically has tried to chart the course. Actually a synergy with NIPSS is done in such a way that proper registration is put in place to support e-business and drive the adoption of electronic payment system.

So favourable regulation is needed.

Nigeria is a developing country, too many people do not use their cards for payment, but today that number is improving, it then means you have a vast market out there, a large number of people waiting to adopt that service. So there is a lot of potentials and that means there is a lot of work to do, educating the customers on the trends, market dynamics among others. Today, Nigeria market is bigger than any, in West Africa, at least.

Down side The downside of this sector is that other technology frameworks and infrastructures needed

to enable seemless access to electronic finance are not measuring up.

E-biz is technology driven, apart from the software, a robust network infrastructure is needed and that translates into simple internet data service. The reason why the POS business has been having challenges is due to poor network services and decayed infrastructure.

Today we have higher failure rate in the use of POS in making transactions because a lot of times when you try to initiate such transactions, there is poor data service, and they use normal Simcards.

But on the overall, I think the biggest challenge aside regulation and financial support would be robust network infrastruture. In that vein I support the call to classify telecoms infrastructure as critical national infrastructure.”

Way forward Besides having similar opinions to that of Elendu, Public Relations Manager of Secure ID, Mr. Kehinde Ajayi, added that proper orientation and massive public awareness should be sustained to keep the sector on its solid footing.

According to Ajayi, “People are now comfortable carrying cards, but yet the awareness level is not much, so if people understand the benefit of using cards and disadvantages of not using cards they will rush to card usage, that is for sure because it's what I am seeing right now in the market.

Before now, we have people who when going to the East to buy goods, they strap cash and most times they get attacked by armed robbers but since informed of the importance of cards they quickly adjusted because they have seen the advantages themselves.

Today armed robberies of that nature have seized. They just do their transactions on their cards and the rest is history. The advantages are there but the awareness is still low.

People need to know that beyond the ATM, they can do business online”.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 27

28 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 29

C M Y K

30—V anguard 30—Vanguard anguard,, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 , 2014

Rightful words for the national anthem

The Power to appoint Chief Justice lies finally with the Governor (3) Being the third instalment of excerpts from “Appointment of A Chief Judge of a State in Nigeria My Experience and The Ascent of Pragmatism and Constitutionalism”contributed by Hon. Umezulike to Judicial Integrity Independence and Reforms: Essays in Honour of Hon. Justice M. L. Uwais (GCON) (CJN)

I

BY JUSTICE INNOCENT UMEZULIKE

N their desperation, the pei t i o n ers alleged that I was a Professor of Law of Ebonyi State University and earn salaries from the institution, that I was too friendly with the Governor to make a good Chief Judge and safeguard the independence of the judiciary; that among others, I showed disrespect to elders.

No allegation of corruption or incompetence was made as none could sanely be made against the writer.

It is also important to note that immediately the Governor of Enugu State received the recommendation of N.J.C. that Justice R. C. Agbo be appointed, he in obedience to the precepts of the Constitution sent the name of the House of Assembly for confirmation. By a unanimous decision and the House speaking with one voice rejected our colleague Justice R. C. Agbo.

The reasons for the rejection were not made public and the Constitution did not demand any explanation from the House in doing so. The House formally informed the Governor about the development. The Governor in turn communicated the t

tion was corrected. It should not see it as an opening to go into power contests with relevant arms of state government.

The N.J.C. under the honoured must be commended for not allowing meta-legal factors operating outside the appointing process to affect or prevail over its decision in the matter.

To allow faceless and vindictive petition writers to influence who gets appointed as a Chief Judge, would herald the obituary of boldness on the bench.

The judicial system should evolve some form of protection for judges who discharge their functions boldly and honestly.

All we are saying is that the career of bold and incorruptible judicial officers should not be allowed to be adversely affected by mendacious petitions from those they may have found guilty one time or the other in the course of their judicial inquiries and adjudications. Last minute desperate allegations to the N.J.C. To allow faceless and vindictive when the victim is not in petition writers to influence who a position to gets appointed as a Chief Judge, defend himwould herald the obituary of bold- self must be seen as ness on the bench wicked and inhuman N.J.C. At its meeting of Decemand must be ignored. ber 2004, the N.J.C. resting If judges should conduct pubagain on the principle of seniorlic inquiries and judicial duties ity recommended the writer as with the fear of what those found the next so-called senior judge guilty could do in future to abon the list to the Governor for breviate their career, then we appointment. As usual the Govcan as well announce the obituernor sent the writer’s name to ary of justice, firmness and fairthe house of Assembly which ness in our justice delivery sysunanimously confirmed the aptem. Such meta-legal factors pointment. outside the process must be comIt was common knowledge that pletely kept away from the evalsome belligerent minds at the uation of who becomes a Chief N.J.C. were smartening for a Judge of a State. Those outside long drawn battle with the Govthe process should not be alernment and House of Assemlowed to double cross it. My apbly of Enugu State. But ultimatepointment has obviously set forth ly the N.J.C. under the highly a pragmatic and constitutional intelligent, savvy, transparent approach which should be perand dedicated Chief Justice of mitted to endure in the interest Nigeria meandered away from of honour and integrity in the this ignoble collision course. As process. And the obvious surwe pointed out above, where a mise from my experience is that House rejects a nominee, a disthe N.J.C. has the prestige to interested N.J.C. should be recommend but not the power grateful for the indication that to appoint or insist on a particusomething was amiss and see lar appointment. There is absoto it that the dangerous condi-

,

lutely nothing to point to in the Constitution’s text to support a contrary view. As legal minds we must look solely to the constitution as determinative of the question; or at least mainly thereto. We are not entitled to superimpose our personal ideas on the constitutional provision that is clear. By training and by our external hunt for authority, we are not entitled to move outside the text of the Constitution. But if we must, the approach shall be solely pragmatic.

Concluding remark: One thing which we can take away from the above exposition is the awareness that the framers of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, intended the process of appointment of a Chief Judge of a State to be political. Consequently, none of the agencies in the appointing process is entitled to objectify what the Constitution treats as political.

The rule of seniority usually exploited by the J.S.C. and N.J.C. in the appointing process must be abandoned. In any case, resort to seniority as the only objectives basis for the selection of a Chief Judge is a lazy approach.

Objectifying the process If we must objectify the process there are obviously weightier considerations. The rule of seniority as the only criterion is contrary to political and constitutional trend and should not be further pursued. Every judge of a High Court of a State is a potential Chief Judge of the State and must be seen as such. In that hallowed climate every judge will want to work hard; want to stay away from corrupt influences and bribery; want to stay away from improprieties and hope for the best. And this development would be good augury for the entire judiciary and the judicial system.

It is also important to emphasise that the principle of federal structure of government in Nigeria has increased the importance of yielding the floor to the Governor and the House of Assembly to ultimately decide who becomes the Chief Judge of a State. Nothing but confusion can result from the attempt to wrestle the decision from the political agencies of the State. No doubt seniority on the bench is a respected criterion but must not be determinative of the selection or succession process especially where there are other measurable performance criteria that will enhance quality and higher standards in our judicial institution. It was this dynamic force that prevailed in my case.

To be concluded

Being a memorandum to the National Conference on the need for changing a word in the natiional anthem

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By OLUBUSUYI ONABOLU

EVERAL years ago, in 1986, I woke up suddenly stream ing with thoughts of my beloved country. The impacts of these thoughts were so strong that I wrote them down in a letter form hoping one day I shall find the appropriate means of bringing it to the knowledge of the authorities of my country. Despite previous attempts at reaching appropriate channels, this national conference provides the best opportunity yet and the call for submission of memoranda God sent.

In summary, it asks that this Conference moves to let a line in the second stanza of our National Anthem be more effective for its anticipated effects. Thus, instead of ‘And living just and true Great lofty heights attain...’ the couplet should be: ‘And living just and FREE Great lofty heights ATTAIN.’ Statement of facts on the subject matter. This comes in the single concept... “Consider a bird in a cage. No matter how just, and no matter how true the intentions of the owner the bird can never rise above the cage.”

Issue from statement of fact for determination: This National Conference is in recognition that the nation is yet to realize its potential and the people are more or less victims of governance rather than being active participants in it. Indeed the people are ‘caged’ - a cage that has prevented us from attaining higher heights.

A national anthem is considered a symbol of hope, encouragement and moral force, uplifting the spirits of its citizens to serve and to achieve great deeds. It, therefore, must be without blemish. Our national bird is the eagle, the strongest of birds soaring to the highest heights in the sky only because it is FREE and so must we be free.

Arguments in support of issue for determination: Our National Anthem recently became a topical issue with the adoption of its second stanza as the Nigeria National Conference 2014 official conference prayer by the delegates. A research into the issue of official prayer revealed that this same second stanza was, in 2012, adopted by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as the official prayer at all public functions and in fact that the President, Vice-President and other members of the FEC recite it as the ‘National Prayer’. This it is claimed would help to engender the spirit of cohesion and unity in supplication to God in the country. It was also recognized that the practice of saying separate prayers by different religious faithful at public functions divides the group along religious lines. (PUNCH August 2, 2012- FEC adopts second stanza of national anthem as official prayer) THIS DAY report of March 19, 2014 - captioned ‘For National Conference Delegates, Religion Strikes a Sensitive Nerve’ captured the division along religious lines that was imminent at the very first day of deliberations but was apparently gracefully, unanimously and peacefully calmed with the adoption of the second stanza of our national anthem as the official conference prayer.

The second stanza of our national anthem which reads, ‘O God of creation, direct our noble cause, Guide thou our leaders right, Help our youths the truth to know In love and honesty to grow And living just and true Great lofty heights attain To build a nation where peace and justice reign’ has, therefore, taken on a very significant role in uniting the body of delegates at this National Conference and its adoption as the conference prayer, without argument or controversy is a revelation of what ought to be and should be, maybe after due consideration of one of its words, a prayer said across the length and breadth of the nation as a prayer for the nation.

Furthermore, its adoption is on behalf of the 170million Nigerians of which, according to data from various world population statistics, more than 120million are youths aged 30 and below.

And as one of the line urges in line three of the second stanza ‘Help our youths the truth to know...’ And in line 5 it reiterates ‘And living just and true...”

Yet most of our youths are unemployed, their lives in shambles and have to eke out a living for themselves under the most trying conditions. So how do they relate to the words... ‘And living just and true’! What they need is to be free to strive, to seek and not to yield in a nation wanting to elevate its youths who in a very short while will assume the mantle of her leadership. They need to do this by believing in their nation through freedom, in the same way that our founding fathers of the 1950s and 1960 did.

RELIEFS/PRAYERS SOUGHT That this conference will move to let the second stanza of our National Anthem ring true by means of the RIGHTFUL WORDS: And living just and FREE, Great lofty heights ATTAIN.

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 31

Fear of sell-out grips Nigeria N

igerian officials were very uncom fortable yesterday with the news of a possible sell-out of the all-important match between Iran and Bosnia Hezergovina.

Bosnia are yet to come to terms with losing 1-0 to Nigeria after Osaze Odemwingie flicked in a cross provided

by Emmanuel Emeinke. Many observers believed that Emenike had fouled Bosnian defender before bulldozing himself to give the cross that led to Osaze’s goal. Before then, Edin Dzeko scored a goal which was disallowed by the New Zealand referee but replays showed that he was not in an offside position.

With a controversial offside call disallowing a goal by striker Edin Dzeko, Bosnia-Herzegovina fell to Nigeria 1-0 in a Group F matchup. The loss eliminated Bosnia-Herzegovina from contention in its first-ever trip to the World Cup. “Today we should have won this game.

The referee was shameful. We are going home, we are sad because of that but this referee should be going home too.

He changed the result and he changed the game. That’s why we lost.” , Dzeko said.

Thereafter, a picture of goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama hugging the referee after the match went viral as comments suggested that the referee was celebrating Nigeria’s victory.

All these have heightened fears that Bosnia could compromise with today’s match against Iran to punish Nigeria. ‘’We’re looking up to FIFA and want them to monitor the match between Iran and Bosnia. Everything is possible”, a Nigerian official complained yesterday.

If Iran beat Bosnia and Argentina beat Nigeria, the Iranians would sail through to the second round. The fears are palpable.

A

Keshi chides Nigerians A

furious Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has lashed out at the country’s fans, saying it is a shame they have abused his person for the team’s showing at Brazil 2014.

The Super Eagles and coach Keshi came under heavy fire from angry fans after they could only manage a 0-0 draw with Iran in their opening group game at the World Cup in Brazil.

But Keshi has taken serious exception to the fans’ rage, saying there was no justification for them to

insult his person.

“I am disappointed, totally disappointed (by the personal attacks), but it’s their thing, no wahala (no problem),” blasted Keshi in Brazil.

“It’s a shame, just a shame that we keep doing the same thing and then they come back and they say they are sorry. Sorry for abusing my mum? Sorry for abusing my siblings? For what? That I am representing Nigeria?”

Keshi has already fired a salvo at his fellow former

China student jumps to death after losing World Cup bets

football stars who tore at his team and tactics in Brazil.

He said he had expected much better from them as they ought to know better about the game than the man on the street.

Nigeria take on Argentina on Wednesday in Porto Alegre and if they avoided defeat, they will qualify for the knockout rounds of the World Cup for only the third

time in their history.

Nigeria’s qualification for next round within reach – Glo??

The major sponsor of the Nigerian national teams, Globacom, has congratulated the Super Eagles for recording an important win against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their second Group F match of the on –going 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

college student in China leaped to his death after losing more than $3,000 gambling on the World Cup. The second-year student, identified only by his surname Lin, jumped from the seventh floor of a building on his campus on Monday.

“I heard him say ‘do not force me’ and ‘give me two more days and I’ll return you the money’,” the report quoted the witness as saying.

“He talked on the phone for more than 10 minutes. I saw him hang up and stand up and then all in a sudden he just disappeared,” she said.

Lin was rushed to hospital in Panyu in the southern province of Guangdong, but doctors were not able to revive him, reports said.

Another student described as a classmate of Lin’s said the gambler had lost nearly 20,000 yuan ($3,200) in bets on several World Cup games, it said.

“We heard that he borrowed quite a lot of money and the interest rate was rather high,” said the student, according to the report.

It did not specify which teams Lin had backed.

China has millions of football fans, some of who are both devoted viewers and passionate gamblers.

Sales of a government-run World Cuprelated lottery reached four billion yuan by Saturday, nearly twice the 2.3 billion yuan sold during the 2010 tournament, the China News Service reported Tuesday.

Total sales of the tickets are expected to exceed 10 billion yuan, it said, citing an official with the General Administration of Sport.

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34 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

France. If that happens three teams would be level on goal difference, with France first, Switzerland second and Ecuador third unless the huge scorelines as noted above occur.

Honduras: Must beat Switzerland, and probably by three goals to stand any chance, although though a 3-1 win would put them ahead of the Swiss on head to head and 4-2 on goals scored. They would also need Ecuador to lose to France by at least two goals. There is a scenario when all can finish with goal difference of 4-6, which would see the group decided on threeteam head to head, and in that Honduras would finish second by virtue of the big win against Switzerland they would need to force that situation.

ONOCHIE ANIBEZE’s Diary June 23, Sao Paulo:

Never walk alone R

onaldo is a staff of Transporte Metropolitano. He speaks passable English and was glad that he met me to rehearse the language. He saw me at the Fabaguara Subway studying a map on the connections I had to make to get to Itakira where Corinthians Stadium is located on top of a hill. It is one of the venues here.

Ronaldo asked if I understood the connections and I told him I would take the Blue Line to Se where I would change to the Red Line which takes me straight to Itakira. He said perfect and that he was heading the same way. Once inside the train he never stopped talking, but always repeating “my English not good.” I told him it was understandable and that encouraged him to talk more. He was pleasant, telling me about Brazil – the people, the football culture, the rich and the poor. He said Brazil was a beautiful place to work and live but reminded me that there’s also crime here.

“Never walk alone at night,” he warned me. Always go in a group if you must go out at night, he says. “They rob and even kill,”he says but adding that it is not like that everywhere in Brazil. There are good and bad places, just like other cities of the world.

When we got to a station called Se, he told me that it was the heart of Sao Paulo and that I must endeavour to visit the place in the evening.

“You have music, entertainment, you have many womans(women), slim ones, big boobs, everything you have here.”

One woman close to us who probably understood what he was saying started laughing and nodding.

Will I visit Se at night to see things for myself? There they also have viewing centre with stadium atmosphere when matches are going on. I’ll be leaving for Porto Alegro for the match against Argentina.

Ronaldo was to stop at a station before Itakira but he continued just to keep me company and practice the English language which I felt excited him.

“I asked him to have a drink with me at Itakira and

he retorted “no, me no drink for 15 years. I drank too much before but now I’m from God, no drink no smoke, man of God.” I appreciated his transformation but recalled many things he said about women and the seeming red light areas of Sao Paulo he wanted me to visit and saw him as just a liberal jolly good fellow.

We parted as I headed for the stadium as security

would not allow him access to where my media accreditation could take me. We exchanged telephone numbers and he bid me bye saying I must return for a holiday and “meet many womans.” Man of God? Brazilians are proud of the beauty of their women and they talk about them the way they talk about football. And the women are liberal. Tony Ubani who has been roving everywhere here can testify to this.

Fireworks on empty streets S ao Paulo, June 23: Brazil did not play Cameroon here in Sao Paulo, the third largest city in the world.

They played in Rio where they hammered the Africans 4-1 to top their group and will now face Chile in the round of 16. But when Brazil are playing the fever is everywhere in Brazil. Before the match everybody is in their colours singing and moving as if they are heading for the match venue. The moment the match begins you don’t see anybody on the streets. No vehicular movements. The DSTV 60 subscribers which I’m part of here had watched the first half in our Ibis Hotel and hurriedly moved out for dinner at half time, hoping to get to the restaurant in good time to watch the second half. It was amazing finding the ever busy Sao Paulo streets empty, totally

empty. To Brazilians, it will be unusual for one to be on the road not watching the game when Brazil are playing. The ever busy Sao Paulo streets turned empty.

But there were crackers and loud fireworks. Each time Brazil scored the fireworks were louder. You could know when a goal is scored even if you are not watching the game. This is truly the home of football going not only by the players they produce but also by their passion for the game. Never seen anything like what is happening here when Brazil play. English fans are loud and passionate too.

The difference is that Brazilians are very emotional about their team. I fear many will suffer shock if they do not win the cup. Uruguay beat them the last time they hosted the World Cup and there were casualties.

People died. May it not happen in 2014, I pray to God.

World Cup Group permutations Group E Fixtures (Today, 9 p.m.): Honduras vs. Switzerland, Ecuador vs. France France: Need a point to be certain of both qualification and top spot in the group, though their far superior goal difference would require a four-goal defeat to Ecuador, and probably a fivegoal win for Switzerland for them to finish third. Even one of those would have to happen for France to lose top spot.

Group F Fixtures (Wednesday, 5pm BST): Nigeria vs. Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Iran Argentina: Have qualified and need a point against Nigeria to top the group.

Nigeria: Need a point to go through, and will finish first if they beat Argentina.

Iran: Must beat BosniaHerzegovina and hope Nigeria lose to Argentina. If Iran do win and Nigeria lose it will Ecuador: Will qualify with come down to goal difference. a win unless Switzerland win If the two teams finish level on goal difference and goals by two more goals in their scored (for instance 1-0 in both game, or if they better Switzerland’s result. If both games would do this), and this is certainly very possible, then games are draws then second would be decided by Ecuador will qualify. drawing of lots (names out of a Switzerland: Must better hat).

Ecuador’s result. If both teams win, Switzerland will Bosnia-Herzegovina: The have to win by two more only debutants at this World goals than Ecuador beat Cup, have been knocked out.

Neymar hails Brazil’s ‘best performance’

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wo-goal Neymar hailed Brazil’s 4-1 victory over Cameroon as the hosts’ “best performance yet” after a manof-the-match display that fired his team into the last 16 Monday.

“The most important thing was the team and I think this was our best performance,” said the 22-year-old after receiving his award at the National Stadium in Brasilia.

“Not because of the number of goals we scored but because of how we played, pressing our opponents in the way we wanted to. Congratulations to everyone.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 35

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Roli Bode-George

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o item has rocked blogosphere in the last week more than the news of Roli Bode George’s appointment by the Federal Government.

President Jonathan has appointed Mrs. Roli Bode-George as the new Director-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Mrs Bode-George takes over from Mr Olufemi Ajayi, who is now the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF). The appointment is with immediate effect.

Bode George was arrested and jailed for fraud and abuse of office when he served as chairman of the Nigeria Ports Authority, but his conviction was later upturned by the Supreme Court.

There is outrage on cyberspace.

Women Trending in Cyberspace

Meriam Ibrahim

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he whole world rejoiced at the release of the Sudanese doctor death row inmate this week, only to be rearrested yesterday with her husband and two children at Khartoum airport on Tuesday as the family attempted to leave the country.

Agents from the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) detained the family just 24 hours after Ibrahim was released on the orders of the appeal court.

Her lawyer, Elshareef Mohammed, who

was with Ibrahim at Khartoum airport at the time of the arrest, said more than 40 NISS officers apprehended the family as they attempted to board a plane to the US. Ibrahim’s husband, Daniel Wani, is a US citizen.

Ibrahim, 27, had been sentenced to death for apostasy. She insisted that she had been brought up as a Christian, despite her father being Muslim.

She was also sentenced to be publicly flogged for adultery following a court’s ruling that her marriage to a Christian man was invalid.

The whole world cries foul on cyberspace.

Joke Silva and Uche Jombo

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n a soon to be released movie titled ‘Folly’, actress Uche Jombo plays a younger version of veteran actress Joke Silva. Jombo gushed about a resemblance between them on her instagram account, writing: ‘That proud moment when ‘they’ say you look like a great lady! My first ever #WCW is the beautiful #jokeSilver.’

The movie, directed by Alex Mouth, stars Joseph Benjamin, Yvonne Nelson, Belinda Effah and a few others. It tells the story of a couple who thought their love was perfect until the husband lost his sight, etcetera, etcetera.

We think the resemblance is more than striking, and proves Nollywood is now getting serious about doing proper castings. The debate rages on nonetheless about just how striking the intergenerational pair is.

Hannatu Musawa

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igerian female politicians appear to have imbibed the roles of cheerleaders and lookeron, and are seen more than heard, even when they are in elective positions. that is why Hannatu Musawa has been regarded well on blogosphere as her comments on the state of politics in the nation made an online presence last week. And she does a mean anaylysis too: For APC, when the story of its outing in the 2015 election is eventually told, five vital elements will likely stand out: the combination of nationally acceptable candidates to carry the presidential and vice presidential tickets, the strategy and intelligence, bar sentiment, used to employ the presidential and vice presidential candidates, the validity of the process exercised to produce those candidates,

Tonto Dike

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the impartial platform provided for the emergence of other candidates at every level and the extent that the party is prepared to go in order to ensure that there is internal democracy in its entire conduct. It will be upon these five scenarios that APC will make it or break it come 2015.

Will APC do the incredible and displace PDP at all levels in the next election? she asks. This has proved particularly pertinent, in view of the upset in the just concluded Ekiti state gubernatorial elections.

uperstar performer D’Banj has come under an unfair amount of criticism in recent times, and not least of all because of a new alliance he has formed with controversial actress Tonto Dike on his record label.

Speaking on her new deal with D’banj, she says I feel great, I feel honoured, I feel blessed, like I have butterflies in my stomach. I am excited about everything. I’m overjoyed.

And how it happened, I do not know.

Tonto’s new song titled Suga Rush features D’banj but is not adjudged too promising. Blogosphere is gener-

Ara A

s the music industry mourns the death of singer, Kefee, female drummer, Ara, has thrown up another revelation concerning her death.

According to the talking drum progidy, about two years ago, she had a revelation that Kefee was going to die and immediately put a call through to Kefee to warn her and advice her to take her prayer life serious.

Ara has been a very close friend of Kefee for years.

The question on everyone’s lips is, does the drummer girl possess some spiritual powers and is used to seeing what is going to happen in the future?

ally of the opinion that the superstar is merely using Tonto, while some argue Tonto is not a spring chicken herself in the business of showbiz.

Tantalizing Tonto’s previous album had been a fundamental flop, but had boasted millions of views on i-tune, a fact many are not aware of.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 37

I’m passionate about giving sound education •Says parents have run schools for 45 years

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•Kate Imansuangbon, educational service provider

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ne does not come across a lady who combines beauty, brain and humility, like Mrs. Kate Imansuangbon often. The Director of Abuja-based Pace Setters Group of Schools and wife of popular Edo consummate lawyer and businessman, Kenneth Imansuangbon, Kate is quietly contributing to Nigeria’s human capital development through providing world-class educational services.

The Pace Setters Group of Schools which is currently in five different locations in the Federal Capital Territory is not only among the biggest and most soughtafter, but also has excellent academic records. In this interview with SAM EYOBOKA, the mother of four speaks on her life, love for giving quality education and her marriage among other issues. Excerpts:

Let us into your background… come from a very hum ble background. I grew up at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where I was born. I attended the University Primary School and later the UNN Secondary School. I also attended the Federal Government Girls Secondary School, Potiskum.

My father was an administrator in the university while my mother was a teacher for 40 years. She retired as director and inspector of education. I am the fifth of six children. I wrote JAMB when I was in SS1. I passed and was admitted into the university from SS1. After my youth service, I got married. We’re blessed with four children.

Can you cast your mind back to how you met your husband?

We met in Abuja. I did my first degree in Microbiology and while waiting for my NYSC call up, I decided to engage myself by selling a

I

ou have Pace Setters’ Schools in five locations in Abuja Municipal; what has been your experience running the schools?

My parents have owned schools (Deo Gratia Schools) across the country for the past 45 years. I was actually born into the school system and went through my parents’ nursery school. School is part of me. The passion is in me. I love the children, they love me too. I create a bond with the children. I orientate them. I attend the assembly, we dance together, and they make my day. When I walk along and they call ‘Mrs. Kate’, I get so excited. If I am sad, they make me happy. The secondary school students are also my friends because I try to relate with them in the language they understand. They are my friends, they hate to break the rules because they don’t want to make me frown and get upset. I always remind them from the cradle up that they’re pace setters, because that’s the name of our school. The children are actually keying

I was actually born into the school system and went through my parents’ nursery school.

School is part of me few things because I don’t like to stay idle. My mum is into business, so I took some of her wares to sell. I drove to a bank to market some of the products I had. That was where we first met. I had wares like bed sheets, shoes, belts and so on. He wanted to buy what I had, but he decided to buy me instead. So, the rest is history.

Kate Imansuangbon

in and doing great things.

They win several laurels. In fact, when other schools meet Pace Setters in a competition, they begin to fidget, they begin to fret, because the children are set to be the best, and they are trained to be the best.

Academically, socially, morally, they are doing awesome.

They have wonderful selfconfidence, they have great self-esteem. And they are doing great things.

How easy was it fitting into the teaching profession?

Being a teacher to teachers has been one of the best things that happened to me.

I love touching lives through constant teachers’ and students’ orientation and supervision; lives are transformed one teacher at a time. A ready and happy teacher makes a ready and happy student, and in turn makes a ready and happy nation.

What stands your school out from other schools and do you give special offers like scholarships?

My husband and I run the school together. In fact, we do a lot of things together.

Through hard work, passionate personal involvement, team work and thorough supervision, Pacesetters stand very tall. We are passionate to step in the lead. We offer scholarships to the fatherless and to orphans.

Do you intend setting up branches in other parts of the country?

It would be nice to do that.

Presently, we have schools in five different locations in the FCT. We enjoy changing lives; it’s like making stones into diamonds.

What is your ultimate dream for Pacesetters?

My dream for Pacesetters, teachers, parents, past and present students is to see them live and succeed by those values we are known for. That “once a pacesetter always a pacesetter” by word, thought and action; wherever you are and in whatever you do, step in the lead for others to follow. If we are all stepping in the lead, we will build a great nation that will step in the lead for other nations to follow. It is possible.

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Obiano’s first 100 days: How far?

BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka

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OVERNOR Willie Obiano, who is 100 days in office today, is giving Anambra people a ray of hope that his administration would take the state to the next level. Within the period, the governor took decisions that have gone a long way to bring sanity in the state.

Barely one week after assuming office, Obiano literally relocated to the commercial city of Onitsha and began a battle against hoodlums who had over the years injected fears in inhabitants and visitors passing through the city. His first action was to set up a special task force comprising the police, the army and the navy to handle the issue of ensuring security in the state.

The task force immediately swung into action such that few days after the take off of the special task force, the hood-

cuit televisions would be mounted in various parts of the city to track suspected criminals in their hideouts. The programme is expected to be extended to the other major cities of Awka and Nnewi.

To gain the confidence of the people, Obiano in his first days assembled prominent leaders of the state to a parley at the Governor ’s Lodge during which they pledged their support for him, despite the fact that most of them belonged to other political parties. The assurance from them was indeed a morale booster for the governor and he has promised to tap their knowledge whenever necessary.

One other area the state governor has placed much emphasis is in infrastructural development. Early this month, the governor awarded contracts worth about N2 billion on roads in Ogbunike community in Oyi local government area that hosts the famous Ogbunike

,

The governor's next action was to confront kidnappers and the first place of call was his home town, Aguleri where three buildings built by suspected kidnappers were demolished

lums in Onitsha fled and relocated to neighbouring towns of Obosi, Nkpor, Oba, while others fled to Asaba in Delta State.

The governor’s next action was to confront kidnappers and the first place of call was his home town, Aguleri where three buildings built by suspected kidnappers were demolished. More building demolitions were to take place at Azia in Ihiala local government area, Ogidi in Idemili North local government area and Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area. Also within the period, no fewer than 50 suspected criminals have been paraded by the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, Awkuzu in Oyi local government area.

To sustain the security of lives and property in Onitsha, the state government, in partnership with Safety Institute and Integrated Security Services, a private security outfit, began a programme in which close cir-

,

Cave, one of the biggest tourist centres in the country. The governor said there were also plans to transform the cave into a world class tourist attraction.

Already, feasibility study for the proposed project is underway.

To show the determination of government to realize the project, Obiano said the state government has already advertised for competent professionals to handle the feasibility study, explaining that the tourist centre would have all the necessary facilities that would promote the cave and its environs as a tourist centre. Facilities to be sited at the center include a standard hotel and recreation facilities.

Only on Monday, Governor Obiano flagged off the construction of three flyovers aimed at easing traffic in the state capital. The flyovers, which are to be constructed at Aroma, Kwata and Amawbia junctions in the city would ensure free flow

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS •Sought and won confidence of the state’s fractious political class.

•Confronted insecurity headlong •Flagged off infrastructure projects to lift Awka, the state capital

Obiano acknowledging cheers from his supporters at a recent function in the state of traffic.

The overhead bridges, he said, are part of efforts to transform Awka as a modern city., In addition to the overhead bridges, Obiano’s government has started the construction of the three arms zone, a five – star hotel, a 5000 sitting capacity conference center and a shopping mall in the capital city. The governor said all the roads to be constructed by his administration would be complemented with street light to improve the skyline of the state capital.

At the last count, no fewer than 10 new road projects have been awarded across the three senatorial zones of the state.

Obiano has in his first 100 days also made his mark on the state’s work force.

During his address to the workers at the state secretariat, the governor promised to provide them with buses that would be taking them to and from work. Four days after he made the promise, the air conditioned buses began the shuttle that has resulted in workers being in the office as early as 7.30 a.m. everyday.

Keynote address As part of activities to mark the 100 days in office, the multiple prize winning novelist, Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who is from the state, has been chosen to deliver the keynote address at the special lecture for the day.

The event, which will take place at the Women Development Centre, Awka, will also feature a formal unveiling of the corporate symbols of the new brand Anambra which has been in the works for some time now. The governor is also expected to flag off some of his legacy projects in the state during the occasion.

Some prominent people in the state who commented on the governor’s 100 days in office believe that if he sustains the tempo, Anambra State would become one of the fastest grow-

Obiano briefing newsmen after inspecting a project ing economies in the country in the next four years. National chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh expressed happiness that the party was part of the vision that would transform the state.

Umeh observed that the governor has started well with emphasis on security, sanitation and infrastructural development and urged the people of the state to give him maximum support. According to Umeh, the governor’s performance is already attracting the attention of well meaning Anambrarians both at home and broad, adding that if he continues the way he is going, notable sons and daughters from the state in other political parties would switch to APGA. He said that some of those who have been to the state in recent time have been calling to commend the governor and promised that with the renewed unity in the party, there would be no more distractions for the governor.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Nnamdi Meko commended the administration on its ability to sustain the developmental strides on ground on assumption of office and initiating new ones .He observed that the governor has fitted properly into former Governor Peter Obi’s big shoe and proved his capability of a good administrator. Also speaking, Mr Godwin Ezeemo who was the PPA governorship candi-

date in November 16 2013 election said that the governor had achieved a remarkable height in his 100 days, especially in area of security, noting that the drastic reduction in crime in the state had added to the influx of genuine business men, thereby yielding the much –needed revenue for the state.

Ohanaeze Chief Chris Eluemunoh, who is the Anambra State chairman of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo said that Obiano had done expectedly well in his 100 days in office by touching every sector with special regard to security. He said that the governor’s security summit was a giant step which the country had emulated, adding that it was a sign that a seasoned technocrat is in charge. Mr Noberth Obi, the Commissioner for Special Duties said that the dividend recorded in 100 days by the governor was a tip of the ice berg on what he has in stock for the state.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, however, preferred to be quiet on Obiano's performance for now. The chairman of the PDP in the state, Prince Ken Emekayi told Vanguard that the “PDP cannot comment now as it is too early. The party is watching the governor to know the direction of his administration. For now, we hae no comment.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014—41

Jonathan has touched Nigerian women — Ajayi Mama Diaspora CHIEF Temitope Ajayi alias Mama Diaspora was selected to represent the National Council of Women Societies at the ongoing National Conference. In this interview, she talks about the treatment of women by the Jonathan administration and what the Diaspora people are bringing to Nigeria to assist the government in boosting the economy. Excerpts:

BY SONI DANIEL, Northern Region Editor

W

HAT has been your ex perience at the confab so far? Do you think it can change anything in Nigeria?

I strongly believe that the conference is one of the best decisions taken by the President to change the way things have been in this country. It is a decision that is going to take the country to the next level and I am happy that our women have been made part of the history to rewrite the history of this country for the better. Initially most Nigerians did not believe that we can work together at the conference and bring about the required change but I am very happy that as the days went by, the delegates began to work as members of the same family not minding their religious, ethnic, political and professional differences. I am happy about the progress being made because at the end of the day, the outcome will stabilise Nigeria and move it to the next level in terms of socio-political development.. The vision of Mr. President is certainly going to help us to consolidate our democracy and develop the country. That is the way I see the conference.

Of what use is the conference and how is it going to change things in the country?

It was very timely in my mind for Mr. President to have convoked the conference, which to me is a blessing to the present and future generations of Nigerians because the decisions, which are going to be taken are likely to outlast us and affect the future positively. You can see the plural setting that the confab has created, bringing all Nigerians from all shades to be able to brainstorm on the future of this great country. The kind of dedication and passion that has been brought into this conference is unprecedented and it is like a happy reunion by all the delegates. Partisanship has been removed and the real issues affecting this country thoroughly examined and key decisions taken.

As a female delegate from the NCWS to the conference, do you think that women have been adequately taken care of in Nigeria?

For me I always thank God for

what we have in Nigeria. Let us first of all commend the President for what his administration is doing for women in Nigeria and then press for more. If you go down memory lane, you will discover that since amalgamation from Sir Lord Luggard to the present, this is the first time in history that women have been taken seriously and given their pride of place through an Affirmative Action. We are blessed to see the work that is being done for the women through the involvement of the Nigerian First Lady, who has been quietly working to bring the women into the national limelight. Obviously, without trying to sound immodest Mrs. Jonathan means well for the women and we must stand

•Ajayi with her to achieve more for the Nigerian women. We are not saying that all has been done for the women but we can say that the present government has done much to lift the womenfolk to a point that we have not disappointed our men. With the quota that this government has given

to women, we are in a better position today than we were many years ago and we are going o use that to work harder and achieve better results for this country. What I can say is that we have made progress and when men see more of our strides they will give us more

room to achieve more for the nation.

Is Nigeria ripe for a female President?

What I can say is that there is time for everything and with maturity and time and when God says it is time, one day a woman can become the president of Nigeria. That is the only thing I can say for now.

What should the President do to move Nigeria forward as a Nigerian who has seen it all from the Diaspora perspective?

I will want to say that we are proud of him and his achievements so far. The sky is his limit.

For me, the slow and the steady win the race. The President knows what he is doing and he is going to win the battle to put Nigeria on a solid pedestal and I urge him to remain firm and do what he is doing to move the nation forward. Nigerians will get to appreciate him better when the results of what he is investing in, begins to yield fruits. The Northern boys should be encouraged by getting big time farmers to build farm settlements for them to end the orgy of insurgency in the country.

Chibok: It's bad our govt turned against us— Ademolekun YEMIE Ademolekun, Executive Director Enough is Enough that we have Nigeria, EIE, in this interview flays various appeals to the Islamic Boko Haram insurgents to bring back the abducted Chibok girls. She also states that there is so much inconsistency and dishonesty in the efforts at bringing back the girls, among other issues.

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

Y

OU were active during the occupy Nigeria protest, since then much has not been heard of EIE? EIE is a coalition of civil society organisations. It was not started as a formal organisation. It spurned off from a protest in 2010 when president Yar’Adua was ill. Then we were not sure if he was alive or dead.

That was why we planned a protest in Abuja and Lagos.

That was probably the largest youth led protest in Nigeria.

Following the protest, we thought it was important for young people to participate in the process and ensure that they have a say in who comes into office. That was why we decided to set up Enough is Enough organisation that did a lot of work around the election process. We coined the campaign as RSVP. It means Registration, Voting and Protection of Votes. Protecting votes involves making the votes count.

After the elections it is also incumbent on them to hold the leaders accountable so as to know how your money is spent.

Is this movement basically

for electioneering periods or it’s activities also extend beyond elections?

We do a lot. Like the Chibok issue. We have been very active from the first day the girls were abducted. They are not the first girls to be abducted.

They are the largest to be abducted. A very easy reference point was the Baga massacre of last year. In June 2013 the National Human Rights Commission issued a report that in some parts of Bornu women have stopped going to the farm because of abductions. It was also stated that women have stopped going to the fish market because of fear of abduction. Let us not forget that twenty girls were abducted in February this year. So it’s a pattern and not just Chibok girls alone. It is a fundamental security issue.

When you look back will you say that you have gone far in achieving your goals since your organisation came on board?

I will say yes and no. I think we know that it is a journey.

And if you have a system that is as decayed as ours, it will be illusional for anyone to expect a quick fixing. The yes part is

done a good job in raising awareness and maintaining awareness. It is not about us having a protest.

Our interest goes beyond that because we want citizens that are engaged in how they Re governed. We want our citizens to know their rights and un•Ademolekun derstand that the rights are not supposed to be are asking them to bring the begged for or demanded for. I girls back. So appealing to think we have done a good job Boko Haram and begging by putting that in the front burne r . them is stupid. You are telling So what has your group done us that you cant negotiate with on the abduction of the Chi- terrorist yet, yet you are appealing to Boko Haram. I was bok girls?

The fortunate issue about disgusted when a lawmaker Chibok is that it got people in- begged Boko Haram to allow terested. It happened on a the children’s day celebration Monday while Oby Ezekwesili hold. started the campaign almost So, you are against diaimmediately. There was online logue? response spontaneously. It was It depends on the prisoners very unfortunate to watch the you are talking about. If some government not acting and beof their wives are imprisoned ing very antagonistic against its own citizens. The protests are and the deal is to swap with not attacks on the government. their wives, I am fully in supThey are demands from the port of that. I am fully in supgoverned. At the heart of this port of dialogue on the part of we are asking the government the federal government, but I where are the girls are and we am saying that they flip flop on the matter.

42 — VANGU ARD, ANGUARD,

WEDNESD AY, JUNE 25, 2014 WEDNESDA

Will he ever commit?

Dear Bunmi, I met this older man in a plane on my way to Abuja. We sat next to each other and got talking. He offered me a lift from the airport and we struck a friendship that eventually led us to having a relationship.

I live and work in Abuja but he resides in Lagos. He told me he was married and that all his children were grown up. He said he now wanted a new wife who would look after him and was glad that I stayed far from his family. As a result of this, I gave up my boyfriends, intending to settle with him.

He has finished the contract he was handling when I met him and doesn’t come to Abuja often. When I offered to relocate to Lagos, he said he didn’t want any scandal. In fact, he promised not to stand in my way if I found a younger man willing to marry me. I am really devastated especially when I learnt he’s involved with another girl in Lagos.

Should I tell his wife? I had invested four years in this failed relationship.

Rebecca by e-mail.

Dear Rebecca, What would be the point in

telling his wife? I’m sure she knows the type of man she is married to. Don’t blame yourself for what has happened to you. Many women would have had their heads turned by a worldly wise wealthy man. And he probably cared for you, up to a point. The honey-moon is obviously over

and you need to pick up the pieces of your life and move on.

Getting over being dumped is difficult but not impossible.

I hope you’ve learnt you lesson that all that glitters is not gold. When you start a new relationship, you’ll be more cautious.

He refuses to accept his lack of libido Dear Bunmi, My partner wasn’t very keen on love making when we first met, but I thought all would change if we moved in together. But that was not to be. I am a very loving person, but it is totally wasted on him.

He won’t let me touch him, and turns away in bed if I reach out for him. We hardly ever make love, and if we do, he finds it hard to get an erection.

Please help. I feel so lonely without love and he’s not helping by being stubborn to discuss things, snapping that he has no problems.

Eki by e-mail.

Dear Eki, Almost certainly, the prob-

lem here is not that your partner doesn’t want to make love, it’s that he’s scared he can’t. He doesn’t even want to be affectionate in case you think he’s leading up to love making, and then when you get down to it, he can’t deliver.

Tell him you are trying to understand his fear. He may not be able to respond at first, but if you’re gentle and patient, he will slowly relax and admit there’s a problem.

Then he can do something about it. His doctor should certainly be able to help.

In the meantime, don’t show your frustration and resentment until this problem is finally sorted out.

I’m addicted to pain killers

Dear Onari, Medical findings have revealed that the distress of coming off painkillers and prescription medicines such as anti-depressants, sleeping pills and tranquilisers can endure far longer than the pain

of ditching hard drugs like heroin and cocaine. It’s vital not to stop taking abruptly any substance on which the body has become dependant.

This, explained the medics, is because your central nervous system has been compromised by pills that are easily available. These drugs are prescribed by doctors yet they carry a risk of dependency that is often worse in its symptoms than the original condition. They should be used sparingly and for short period. Human beings are well equipped to survive pains, anxiety, sleeplessness and

,

Dear Bunmi, I am in my early 20s and live with my mum. I’m currently addicted to pain killers. They were prescribed to me when I had migraine but I can’t seem to get off them, no matter how hard I tried. My mother too is addicted to a number of different medications.

I am now determined to break this habit and have stopped taking the pain killers but things have been really tough. I know that pain killers are not hard drugs like cocaine or heroin but they’re still very difficult to come off.

I’m so embarrassed. Can you suggest anything that might make it easier for me? My mum refuses to believe she has a problem.

Onari, by e-mail.

Dear Mareenah, Looks to me like you’re trying to take this man away from his wife and kids and this is causing a friction between the

two of you. He doesn’t want to abandon his family to be with the woman who is merely his young bit - on the-side. It’s obvious your lover sees you when you continue to massage his ego - and other parts! He can’t choose between you and his marriage because that will definitely end his stolen relationship with you.

Do you really want to accept the responsibility of damaging the happiness of his wife and children? Will he even allow it?

Be rest assured that we not only choose who we fell in love with but also the nature of our relationship with them. You paired with a married man when you split up with your ex because, unlike him, the new man offered no commitment that he might withdraw, hurting you in the process. He could even play the role of a standby father to your daughter.

Unfortunately, the illusion that you are loved by him is wearing thin.

This borrowed husband of yours has served his purpose.

He’s allowed you to feel safe while you got back on your feet.

Now get rid of the cheat! You and your daughter deserve better than an adulterer’s faked love and lies. Find a relationship with a man that is honest, open and guilt-free.

,

He used me for four years and I want revenge

Dear Bunmi, I turned 30 recently and have a 5-year-old daughter. I broke up with my daughter’s father four years ago when he turned violent and cheated on me.

I met my current partner shortly after and fell in love with him. We’ve been together for years now despite his being married. He refuses to make me his second wife because his wife would leave him if she knew and he doesn’t want to leave his wife because he’s scared of hurting his children. He says he is no longer in love with his wife but he cares for her. They have five children.

I love this man with all my heart. My daughter was just over a year old when we met and thinks he’s her dad. I’m not getting younger and he’s promised to leave his wife when I stop fighting with him all the time. My friends believe our relationship is wrong that I should look for a man who is free to acknowledge my love publicly. But I tell them that you can’t stop who you fall in love with.

Mareenah, by e-mail.

Get rid of the cheat; you and your daughter deserve better than an adulterer’s faked love and lies; find a relationship with a man that is honest, open and guilt-free

,

How long should a widow abstain? low moods. Flooding our brains with chemicals, on the other hand, impairs our natural ability to cope.

There is no need for you to feel ashamed or embarrassed. Seek your doctor’s help to come off the painkillers. He will then help you to withdraw slowly and safely.

As for your mum, you need to suggest to her that she too needs to ask her doctor for help with her dependency. It is tempting to simply feed an addiction instead of admitting the problem exists and that help is needed in defeating the habit.

There is no need for you to feel ashamed or embarrassed; seek your doctor’s help to come off the painkillers; he will then help you to withdraw slowly and safely

,

Dear Bunmi, My husband died a few months ago after a protracted illness that lasted almost four years. His death was a relief as he was virtually bedridden.

My question now is: How long do you have to wait to remove your mourning dress and let others know you are now available for a relationship?

I’m currently discreetly involved with a man who was a pillar of support for me when my husband was ill. He’s in his early 50s and I’m 43. He’s currently single but I don‘t want to tarnish the memory of my dear husband by acting too quickly after his death.

We had three children together.

Joy, by e-mail.

Dear Joy, The standard grieving period for a widow is a year, though some people feel that in a longer marriage, the period ought to be one month for each year of the marriage. But those are just general guidelines and it’s really up to you and your children. Since your late husband suffered through a long illness, your grieving may have actually started a long time ago. Both of you are not all that young and you may not want to wait too long to take the relationship further. In the end, you need to do what you believe is right for you.

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos. or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

44—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

Bayelsa engages 168 workers to fight illegal logging

Rivers S'East seeks support for governorship slot

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA— BAYELSA State says it has engaged 168 forestry officers of various cadres, including forest guards to check the activities of illegal loggers and the attendant impact on its rich forest reserves.

Governor Seriake Dickson, who disclosed this in Yenagoa, said the state government under his administration as the environmental trustee of the communities, would not fold its arms and watch its already fragile environment completely decimated.

Vanguard gathered that about 10 truck load of logs are transported daily out of the state from the SagbamaZarama forest stretch off the East-West Road alone.

Dickson said: “To protect our rich forests, we have recently employed 168 forestry officers of various cadres, including forest guards.”

He described the forest and its resources as potential sources of revenue that must be protected, especially at a time when government was trying to harness the tourism potentials of the state to attract tourists from within and outside the country.

“Towards the conservation and harnessing of our forestry resource, we along with the private sector and leading environmental nong o v e r n m e n t a l organisation, shall soon be exploring feasible options

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT— AS tension continued to mount in Rivers State over which senatorial district should produce the next governor of the state, Rivers South-East senatorial district, yesterday, appealed to other senatorial districts to concede the governorship seat to the area in 2015.

Coordinator, Rivers South-East Renaissance Movement, Mr. Dornu Nwinang, who spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday, said the other two senatorial districts had been lucky to produce governor of the state at different times, adding that only Rivers SouthEast had not been fortunate since the creation of the state.

He insisted that for the sake of fairness and equity, other sections should support a candidate from the senatorial district, adding that “it is on record that we have never produced a state governor.”

Already there are stop contenders for the governorship seat from Ogoni and Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government areas of the senatorial district.

for providing affordable alternative/renewable energy access for our people, especially at the community level,” he said.

The state government, he further explained, intends to engage the multinational oil companies and insist on adequate redress and remediation of the impacted communities, seas and mangrove.

Register with us, BPP urges contractors, service providers

BY INNOCENT ANABA

D

IRECTOR-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, yesterday, stressed the need for contractors and service providers to register with the bureau for effective service provision.

The D-G, represented by Mr. Michael Chukwura at the 2014 annual Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers, CCSPs, forum in Lagos, said until recently, most institutions did not realise the scope of BPP, but acted on the notion that they were autonomous.

He noted that following elaborate and persistent public awareness initiatives, institutions have begun to

appreciate the scope of the BPP. According to him, the procurement process entailed several steps which include a procurement plan based on needs assessment, adequate appropriation, a d v e r t i s e m e n t s , transparency prequalification, bid submission, evaluation, approval by appropriate authority, contract award, as well as project implementation.

He said although some institutions find the process tedious, its benefits far outweighed any inconvenience they may be experienced with same.

Ezeh said BPP also sets procurement approval thresholds for tenders board, ministries,

departments and agencies of government, stressing the need for institutions to avail themselves of the registration process of the bureau.

Also speaking at the forum, the Director of Finance, Management Services of BPP, Mr. Chris Nwangwu, also highlighted the importance of registration by consultants, adding that the aim of procurement was delivery, as CCSPs must ensure that procurement process was done in line with due process.

He said that the Public Procurement Act of 2007 made it mandatory for BPP to maintain a national database of the particulars of CCSPs to ensure sanity in the procurement process.

Urhobo with Jonathan all the way— UPM

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—THE Urhobo Political Movement, UPM, yesterday, said Urhobo will back President Goodluck Jonathan's ambition, and urged him to declare his intention to vie for the presidency in 2015 without further delay.

It also passed a vote of confidence on the President and Governor Emmanuel

Uduaghan of Delta State.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the UPM National Executive committee meeting in Ughelli, Delta State, National Chairman of the group, Chief Ominimini Obiuwebvi thanked the President for nominating an Urhobo person, Dr. Steve Oru for ministerial appointment.

He said: “UPM and Urhobo sons and daughters are glad

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

According to him, it was time for the extractive industry to plough back reasonable portions of their huge profits into protecting the environment, which they have so destroyed in the course of their operations.

with the administrative style and competence of President Jonathan. We, the Urhobo people, are grateful to him and wherever he goes, we will go.”

Obiuwebi called on the North to give their total support to the President to enable him build on his laudable achievements.

He commended Uduaghan for creating “a template for peace and security in the state.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe (nwamad@yahoo.com)

On Super Eagles vs Argentina

Y

OBO played a matured game against Bosnia. He was relaxed, confident and focused, made accurate and strategic passes. I wish he improves more in his game as we are set to move to the next round in Brazil.— Mrs Irene Enu, Businesswoman.

M

ESSI is Argentina.

Without him, there is no Argentina.

Look at the extra time (4 minutes) given when Messi scored Iran.

Please, Super Eagles should watch out for Messi, if they want to qualify for the next level in Brazil.— Mr. Benson Majehinbaje, Worker.

S

UPER Eagle needs a special player to mark Lionel Messi because he is a special player.

Nigerians should stop crucifying the Eagles for playing goalless with Iran if Spain can be eliminated.

Football is not Mathematics.— Mr. Lateef Kolawole, Student.

K

ESHI and those who influenced the obnoxious selection will be disgraced.

He submitted to the whims and caprices of Warri Wolves to scheme out Mbah. It will tell adversely on the Eagles and Keshi’s boasting will be reduced.— Mr. Ogbonna Chibuzor, Worker.

I

F Osaze is made to tackle Messi wherever he goes, he won’t be able to cause any havoc. But if Messi is left to be tackled by somebody who has no speed and strength to outweigh Messi, Nigeria should be set for doom.— Ms. Ogbue Immaculate, Journalist.

M

ESSI is a legend.

But it is not just Messi. The whole team is good. The players must not give him a chance to move the ball between players because when he does that, then there is a high possibility of Argentina scoring.— Mrs Ifeoma Ayambuba, Businesswoman.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014—45

14 hard drug traffickers convicted in A-Ibom —NDLEA

2015: House of Reps aspirant assures on job creation

BY CHIOMA ONUEGBU

BY FESTUS AHON

U

U

YO—THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Akwa Ibom State command, yesterday, said it had secured the conviction of 14 persons involved in trafficking of hard drugs.

NDLEA state Commander, Mrs. Josephine Obi, who briefed newsmen, as part of activities to mark the 2014 annual World Drug-Free Day at the command's headquarters, said the convicts were among the 218 suspects arrested between January this year till date by the command.

Obi added that exhibits weighing 99.49kilogrammes, 107 litres of Combine and one packet of Tramadol were recovered during the period under review. She urged citizens of the state to join the vanguard for the prevention and elimination of drug menace in the society.

No Delta Beyond Oil without DBIR —Omovie

T

HE Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Public Accounts Committee, PAC, Mr. Dennis Omovie, has said that Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, DBIR, remains a very significant agency to the state government, adding that there will be no Delta Beyond Oil without the Board of Internal Revenue.

Omovie, when he led other members of Delta State House of Assembly Public Accounts Committee on a working visit to the Chairman and members of Delta State Board of Internal Revenue at the new Revenue House Headquarters in Warri, said they were aware of the numerous achievements recorded by DBIR, and had decided, as part of their responsibilities, to visit and see things for themselves and to ask the Chairman the magic he employed that had led to improved revenue generation since he assumed office.

MTN 21 DAYS YELLO CARE: From right: Mr. Akinwale Goodluck, Corporate Service Executive, MTN Nigeria; Mr. Michael Ikpoki, Chief Executive Officer, MTN; Mrs. Oluyinka Bello, Director/Head of Department, Lagos State Ministry of Education and Praiz Adejo, MTN Ambassador, at the closing ceremony of MTN 21 Days Yello Care, held in Lagos.

Photo: Akeem Salau.

Father cries for justice over alleged killing of son by soldier

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT—MR. Henry Akangbou, whose only son, Donbraye, was allegedly murdered by a soldier last year in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has cried out to the Nigerian Army for justice, Mr. Henry Akangbou, in a statement in Port Harcourt, said it was sad that several months after the Army authorities at the 2 Brigade in Port Harcourt claimed to have concluded investigation into the issue, the soldier allegedly responsible for his son's death was yet to be charged to court.

The worried father, in the

statement by his lawyer, pleaded with the Nigerian Army to ensure that justice was done on the matter.

It will be recalled that the late Donbraye allegedly lost his life during an argument with a soldier. Akangbou told Vanguard that life had not been the same for the family since the sad incident last year.

The family had written a letter to the Nigerian Army and Police High Commands in Abuja, seeking justice on the issue.

Mr Akangbou said the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army was yet to say when

the soldier allegedly behind the painful loss would be made to face justice.

“All I want is justice on this matter. That is what will console us as a family,” he said.

Mr Akangbou, a retiree, said: “You can imagine my pain, losing my only son in my old age.”

Effort to get the authorities of the 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, to comment on the issue was futile.

At press time, a text message to the spokesman of the Brigade, Major Michael Etete, on what the Brigade had done on the matter had not been responded to.

Economy, security: Bayelsa PDP gives pass mark to Jonathan, Dickson

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA—THE people of Bayelsa State have commended Nigerians for the support accorded President Goodluck Jonathan in his efforts at sustaining peace and stability in the country.

This was the highpoint of the statement at the end of a consultative meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Elders Advisory Forum in Yenagoa.

The meeting x-rayed the state of affairs of the ruling party in Bayelsa and the government towards charting a new course to move the state forward in the light of the prevailing economic realities.

The statement, by the Chairman of the forum and former governor of the state, Chief Di-

epreye Alamieyeseigha, also appreciated the solidarity shown to President Jonathan in his efforts at maintaining peace and security in the country.

Appreciating Governor Seriake Dickson for his developmental strides, it lauded the current state administration for the enthronement of peace and stability, noting that the governor ’s ability to carry everybody along in the government had given all a sense of belonging.

The forum also congratulated President Jonathan, the PDP and the people and newly elected governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, on his victory at the poll.

Addressing the forum, which had in attendance, former acting governors of the state, Chief Werinipre Seibarugu and deputy governor Peremobowei Ebebi, Governor Dickson noted that as the 2015 general elections draw closer, it was imperative for Bayelsans to further strengthen their support base for President Jonathan.

Describing the forum as consultative, the governor urged Bayelsans to always place the interest of the state above personal considerations, stressing that, the only way the state could make progress was for all stakeholders to work together, irrespective of differences in political ideologies.

GHELLI—A HOUSE of Representatives aspirant for Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu federal constituency, Delta State, Mr. Ufuoma Eshareturi, has promised to initiate legislations that will promote agriculture and job creation for the unemployed, if given the mandate to represent his constituency at the National Assembly in 2015.

Speaking during a consultation visit to leaders of Ughelli North Ward 3/7 of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to declare his intention to run for the seat on the party’s platform, Eshareturi also promised technology transfer, training and engagement of youths, facilitation of free medical aid and provision of educational assistance to his constituents.

He said that there had never been infrastructural audit to ascertain the percentage of development in the constituency, adding that without such report, it would be difficult to measure the level of growth in the area.

Group lauds INEC over Ekiti polls

BY OKECHUKWU NDIRIBE

A

CIVIL society group, Neighbour To Neighbour Initiative, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for making Nigerians proud in the manner the electoral body conducted a hitch-free governorship election in Ekiti State last Saturday.

Executive Director of the group, Chief John Dafaan, in a statement, also commended the role played by people of Ekiti State during the poll.

He said: “We join millions of Nigerians to congratulate the good people of Ekiti State for conducting a landmark, hitch-free, fair and credible governorship election on June 21, 2014. We also commend INEC for conducting a transparent and credible exercise in its supervisory capacity an effort which produced an election that has now made us all proud as Nigerians."

46— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 47

Kogi/Lokoja indigenes back Senator Adeyemi re-election

By BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

L

OKOJA — THE people of Kogi/Lokoja Federal Constituency in Kogi State have thrown their support for the re-election of Senator Smart Adeyemi, saying there is no vacancy in Kogi West Senatorial Districts in 2015.

The constituents made this known, yesterday, through a communiqué after the Peoples Democratic Partry, PDP, stakeholders said the present occupant of the seat, Senator Adeyemi has not betrayed his mandate freely given by his people.

The communiqué, which was read by Mr. Ben Ampitan, stated in part: “We wish to state categorically that the stalwarts of the constituency have resolved unanimously to support the re-election of Senator Smart Adeyemi come 2015. ”It has become expedient for us not to only provide for the constituency the needful democratic dividends and services, but also to join hands with them in line with their whims and aspirations in the picking of candidates for the forthcoming elections.”

According to the communiqué, Adeyemi was endorsed because of his, “exceptional performances and his quality display of legislative process and determination to reduce hardship to insignificant level” The communiqué added that Adeyemi has never allowed the perks of his office to blur his vision, but has rekindled the vibrancy the upper legislative is known for.

NCC parades 3 suspected vendors of pre-registered SIM cards

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

A

BUJA — IN its renewed bat tle against illegal sales and circulation of pre-registered SIM cards in the country and the attendant consequences, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, weekend, paraded three suspected vendors of preregistered SIM cards in Bwari area of Abuja.

The arrest of the suspects followed an intelligence report from the Department of State Services, DSS. Parading the suspects at the Bwari Police Station, the NCC Assistant Director of Enforcement, Mr. Salisu Abdul, said the raid was in continuation of NCC’s enforcement activity on fraudulent

sales and registration of new SIM cards across the country.

He said: “We are in Bwari in continuation of our enforcement activity on fraudulent sales and registration of new SIM cards. We got a very sensitive report from the Department State Services, DSS, that pre-registered SIM cards are rampantly being sold in Bwari.

That is why we are here.

"We have already visited the locations and three suspects were arrested with pre-registered SIM cards and exhibits. We are now handing them over to the Police for investigation,” he said.

According to Abdul, the campaign against sale of pre-registered SIM cards started since 2012, which had led to prosecution of some suspects and eventual conviction in Oyo State, which

From left: Deputy Managing Director, Skye Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyeama; Group Managing Director, Executive Director Officer, Skye Bank, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo; Executive Director, IT and Market Operations, NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo and Executive Director, Risk Management, Skye Bank, Mr. Dotun Adeniyi, at the bell ringing ceremony at the NSE in Lagos.

Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Legal Aid Council facilitates release of 277 prison inmates in Kaduna

K

ADUNA — THE Legal Aid Council of Nigeria has facilitated the release of 277 prison inmates in Kaduna State in the last 16 months, the Zonal Director, Mr Enoch Azariah, has said.

Azariah, who stated this in an

interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Kaduna, said the council rendered the services between January 2013 and May 2014.

He said: “The council’s statutory duty is to provide free legal repre-

Students urge Plateau citizens to support Jang's successor

BY MARIE-THERESE NANLONG

J

OS — A COALITION of students’ groups in Plateau State has appealed to the people of the state to support whoever Governor Jonah Jang endorsed as his successor in the 2015 gubernatorial election to ensure continued development.

The students said that no one in the state would want to live in a state where there was no development, hence the need to support the gov-

led to the sanctioning of almost all the most operators in connection with the sale of pre-registered SIM cards.

He said: “Because of how serious we are taking this matter, we have handed the three suspects over to the police for further investigation because we intend to get to the root of where they normally get these pre-registered SIM cards. We understand it may be from somebody supplying them or back end supplier, who have linked-up with the operators.

"We want to blush out sale and registration of fraudulent SIM cards; we intend to go to the root of the matter. We are going to continue the process of sanctioning operators, this time around, it is going to be a stiffer penalty."

ernor ’s candidate to ensure rapid and even development of the state.

Addressing a joint press conference in Jos yesterday, spokespersons of the groups, Prince Miaphen from the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS and Dabup Homsuk, President, National Association of Plateau State Students, NAPSS stressed that everybody in the state was a living witness to the enormous transformation efforts of the governor which must continue.

They said: “We hereby stand

united in purpose and with one voice to affirm that we shall not sit back and allow all the good legacies of the current administration to be eroded by any opposition elements in the state come 2015. ”Whoever Governor Jang endorses as the next governor should be accepted by the people of the state and be given overwhelming support. A look around Jos town and its environs will speak volumes of the efforts of the incumbent governor in the area of road construction and rehabilitation."

sentation, assist and advise inmates with alternative dispute resolution services. It also gives free legal aid to the less privileged in the society.”

Azariah said that the council assisted the inmates to regain their freedom from six prisons in Kaduna Central, Kafanchan, Zaria, Saminaka and Brinin Gwari.

The majority of the inmates, he said, were on the awaiting trial list, adding that they were left to rot in prison because they could not fulfill their bail conditions.

He said: “What we did was to ensure that we secure their bail so they can attend their trial from their homes."

Azariah said the council also handled more than 150 criminal cases between January and June 20, adding that it also intervened in recommending the release of some convicts who were serving their jail terms depending on their circumstance.

Life coaches offer free services on the social media

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HE Life Coaches Asso ciation of Nigeria, LCAN, in conjunction with the Olusola Lanre Coaching Academy, OLCA, has concluded plans to hold a social media week to further the philosophy of life-coaching in Nigeria.

A statement by Institutor of LCAN, Mr. Lanre Olusola, said the forum which is scheduled to run from June 30 to July 4, would afford people the opportunity of realising their innate potentials by interacting with the coaches through the social media.

His words: ”We hope that with this event, we can help as many people as possible to be all that they were born to be. We also hope to further the philosophy of LifeCoaching as well as encourage people to embrace getting professional assistance as required. ”The life coaches will be freely reaching out to everyone who connects with them through major social media platforms. Participating experts in this event will cover areas such as peak performance, relationship and love experts, doctors and psychologists, sex experts, financial intelligence coaches, human resource etc.

"Some of the names include Laila St. MatthewDaniel, a renowned transitional Life Coach and emotions therapist specialising in violence and emotional abuse. Financial intelligence and wealth creation coach, Omilola Oshikoya; productivity coach, Dr. Remy Dairo; NLP practitioner and HR consultant, Okhae Enahoro among others.”

UNIJOS 1978-1984 Medical Class holds reunion dinner

T

HE Medical Class of the University of Jos (1978 -1984) will on Friday hold a reunion dinner at the Grand Bee Suites, Joel Ogunnaike Street GRA Ikeja, Lagos.

A statement from the group said the event which has been planned to start at 6pm will have the Vice Chancellor, Dean of Medicine and Executive Director of the Advancement Office in attendance.

48— Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

AGM: From left: Mr. Babatunde Savage, Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce, Nigeria, Mr. Segun Fagboyegun, member PRESENTATION: From left: Sarah Roja, Captain, Alamuwa Grammar School, Ado- International Chamber of Commerce, Nigeria, and Mr. Odunbaku Odo, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Managing Director, GTBank, Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun and Adesina, Assistant Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, during the presentation of trophy and NCS, representing Comptroller General, NCS, during the 15th Annual General Meeting and annual lecture, by Comptroller General, NCS in cheque to the winner of the state Principals cup competition in Abeokuta.

Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

LECTURE: From left: Mr. Dosumu Oluwole, Administrative Manager, NEPAD Business Group Nigeria, NBGN /Acting Head of the Secretariat, Mr. Okpanachi, P. A., Deputy Director, Programmes Development and Implementation, PDI, NEPAD, Mr Olurotimi Aleshinloye, Head, Strategy Brand and Corporate Communication, representing Mr. Edwin Igbiti, MD/CEO, AIICO Insurance Plc, Mr. Mazi O.C Nzem, Director, Admin. and Finance, NEPAD, Chief Chris Ezeh,Chairman, NBGN, Mrs. Eniola Fadayomi, 3rd Vice Chairman, NBGN/President, IOD, and Chief Victor Oyolu, Managing Patrner, Avis, Oyolu & Associates, at the NBGN public lecture on Insurance Industry Tools for Wealth Creation and Sustainable Economic Growth in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau.

LAUNCHING: From left: Director, Retail Sales, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Charles Ogunwuyi, Country Manager, Core Group Africa and authorized distributor of Apple products in Nigeria, Mr. Sachin Verma, and Head, Devices, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Olayiwola Onafowokan at the official launch of iPhone 5s on the Etisalat network in Lagos.

HONOUR: Investor of the anti-corrossive paint for companies operating in the country, King Clement Uwemedimo, (3rd left), flanked by monarchs, representing Okon Clan in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, when the chiefs came to honour him for the invention of the paint.

PRESENTATION: From left: Mr. Etchie Peter, Senior lecturer, Alfred Omajugho, Admission Officer of the College, and Comrade Jerry Atigan, Chairman, Koko Community Management Authority, during the presentation of cheques covering tuition fees for 70 beneficiary of College of Education, by Koko Community, Delta State.

HEALTH WALK: From left: Deputy Director, Press & Public Relations, Lagos State Ministry of Rural Development, Mrs. Modupe Ileyemi, Commissioner for Rural Development, Cornelius Ojelabi, Babatunde Hunpe and, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Olatunde Agoro, at the community health walk for Epe division, Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

ADDRESS: Former Oyo State Governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala addresing his supporters after his adoption as the leader party by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogbomosho zone. Photo: Dare Fasube.

GRADUATION: From left: HRM, Oba Kamila Isiba, Olu of Agege, Alhaji Abdulkareem Jubril, Chairman, Agege Local Government, Lagos State, Mr Adebola Omodele, Initiator, Youth Independent Coalition and Mr. Adebisi Abubakar, Skill Development Officer, Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board, during the graduation and presentation of business kits/prizes to the first set of YIC empowered youths in Lagos. Photo Lamidi Bamidele

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 49

How US has failed an American's wife on death row

120 DAYS IN CHAINS:

By CAMERON THOMAS

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ASHINGTON, D.C. —IT'S been four months since Meri-am and her son's initial incarceration. While so much has changed, including the birth of her second child (a daughter named Maya), the United States' confirmation of her husband's citizenship, and the filing of her case with the Khartoum Court of Appeals, one glaring fact remains unchanged: Meriam Yahia Ibrahim will be put to death for her Christian faith if the world fails to intervene.

Sudan, designated a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the Department of State since 1999, has perpetrated "ongoing, systematic, and egregious violations of religious freedom" for more than a decade, according the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, ranked the absolute worst of all living dictators according to David Wallechinsky's The World's Worst Dictators, has forced Sharia-inspired laws upon the country's Christians and other religious minorities since his rise to power via a military coup in 1989.

A microcosm for the continent at large, the Sudanese regime is struggling to build a homog-

*US citizen, Daniel Wani and his wife, Merian Ibrahim international community intervened in support of southern rebels who, for decades, had been waging war against the central government in Khartoum. That intervention resulted in the creation of the world's newest country: South Sudan. A state which is now, regrettably, tearing itself apart in a civil war divided along ethnic lines.

And so, the track record has been set. The Obama administration, with then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, recognized the Sudanese regime as so illegitimate that it chose to take an active role to "liberate"

,

,

Throughout Sudan, and throughout the Islamic world, Christians remain susceptible to arbitrary arrest and detention, cruel sentences...

enous ethnic, cultural and racial state on the dividing line of Arabic, Islamic, North Africa and black, Christian and Animist, Sub-Saharan Africa. In the case of Sudan, al-Bashir continues to push the country toward a wholly Arabic and, in his own words, "purely Islamic" identity. To secure the support of gulf state financiers and the Arab League, al-Bashir, under the advice of Hassan al-Turabi (best known as the "Pope of Terrorism"), has harbored terrorists and personally funded terror training camps for the likes of al-Qaeda and al-Shabaab.

The Sudanese regime has also implemented Islamization and Arabization policies, under which al-Bashir has oppressed religious minorities, committed state-sponsored genocide against the peoples of the Darfur and perpetrated gross human rights violations, primarily against Christians, other non-Muslims and blacks.

After standing by as alBashir's proxy militia, the Janjaweed (a coalition of ethnically Arab nomadic tribes), slaughtered more than 400,000 innocent civilians, the US and

millions from al-Bashir's control. And yet, when that same regime placed a mother of two and wife to an American citizen on death row, the Obama administration has not only chosen not to intervene, it has actively impeded her and her children's release and safe relocation.

Meriam Yahia Ibrahim, a 27year-old mother of two and wife to Daniel Wani, a US citizen, was arbitrarily arrested and detained by Sudan's Public Order Police on February 17, this year. She was later charged with and convicted of adultery. Being the daughter of a Muslim father, Meriam is considered a Muslim by birth. In Sudan, Muslim women cannot legally marry men of other faiths. Not only is Meriam's husband a practicing Christian, Meriam is as well, which makes her an apostate. In Sudan, committing apostasy, or the crime of leaving Islam, is punishable by death. And so, on May 15, Meriam was sentenced to 100 lashes for adultery and death by hanging for apostasy after declaring in court, "I am a Christian, and a

Christian I will remain."

Meanwhile, Daniel was actively pleading with the US Embassy in Khartoum for help.

The response? A mandate that Daniel and Meriam's children be administered a DNA test to determine Daniel's paternity-paternity Sudan's Sharia court recognized in its determination that Meriam's children are direct outcomes of and, thereby, evidence for her "adulterous" marriage to Daniel.

While unconfirmed sources have stated that the State Department may now delay the administration of a DNA test until after Meriam and her children are released and safely evacuated from Sudan, the US continues to justify its impediments to ensuring their release and safe relocation.

Legal protections Despite remarks by Secretary of State John Kerry issued hours after a protest ICC cosponsored took place at the White House demanding US action, the State Department has yet to publicly confirm Meriam and her children will be granted legal protections by the US, should they be released. This needs to happen immediately.

Furthermore, President Obama, consistent with his administration's characteristically lethargic response to the imprisonment of Christians abroad, has failed to publicly address Meriam's case by name. As ICC's Advocacy Director, Isaac Six, stated in addressing outraged demonstrators in front of the White House: Omar al-Bashir is waiting and watching to see if President Obama will take that next critical step to mention Meriam by name. The prison guards in the Omdurman Federal Women's prison are waiting and watching to see if the US President himself will care enough to mention the innocent woman

under their watch by name.

So today, as we stand outside of one of the most influential offices in the world, we call upon President Obama to take that crucial step, to address Meriam Ibrahim by name, and to condemn the Sudanese government for its unconscionable actions.

The need for the US to take decisive action in ensuring Meriam's release and in stressing the importance of the respect for human rights and religious freedom is pertinent not only to this case, but to the plight of Christians throughout Sudan. Hundreds of thousands of Christians suffer an existence of religious repression, forcibly subjected to the dictates of Sudan's Sharia-inspired Public Order laws. They remain economically disadvantaged, treated as though foreigners in their own land, and in their own homes.

Just weeks after Meriam's story broke headlines in the west, Morning Star News published the story of Faiza Abdullah, a 37-year-old Christian who, in applying for a national identification card, was asked her religious preference.

Professing Christianity in response, the officers present accused Faiza of apostasy and arrested her immediately. Her case remains outstanding; her fate is unknown.

Arbitrary arrest Throughout Sudan, and throughout the Islamic world, Christians remain susceptible to arbitrary arrest and detention, cruel sentences handed down by Sharia-inspired courts, and violence at the hands of state and non-state actors liberated by their respective cultures of impunity. Without the clear voice of the US and international community resonating in support of universal respect for human rights and religious freedom, the lawful persecution of Christians and other religious minorities will continue. Meriam will be but the tip of a growing iceberg, tearing through the protective hull of the global Church.

In address at a recent Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, Secretary Kerry said, "I am also issuing a policy guidance cable directly from me to every single embassy and every single bureau in the United States Department of State...every diplomat and every officer at every level, in order to...advance the status of women and girls in all aspects of our diplomatic work."

Meanwhile, Meriam waits to receive 100 lashes, per the dictates of a Sharia-inspired legal apparatus that specifically targets women, and baby Maya, a US citizen, languishes in a Sudanese prison. The disconnect between the promises and actions of this administration has and continues to fail to alleviate the suffering of those it purports to serve. *Mr. Thomas is the Regional Manager for Africa of International Christian Concern, ICC.

Jonathan assures Nigerians

P

RESIDENT President Goodluck Jonathan has again insisted that there is hope for Nigeria, calling on Nigerians to have faith in God and the leadership of the country, reports CALEB AYANSINA. Jonathan gave the hope at the opening of a 3-day conference on ‘Be the Change You Want to See’, organised by the African Forum on Religion and Development (AFRED), in Abuja.

He maintained that people must change from things that divide the country to “those things that build us as a nation.”

Represented by the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, the president said “in spite of what we are passing through, God made this country a great country He will transform. The message is that, Yet! There is hope for Nigeria and God is going to use us as an instrument of transformation, and this must begin with us.”

He explained that the Church and the Government’s missions are mutually inclusive, adding that “truly Nigeria needs transformation and this is the way to do it, by transforming every one of us, when all that is done, the transformation agenda will be a huge success.”

The president noted that people are leaders in their different spheres of influence, therefore, “we must strive to protect our integrity and negate the stereotypes that typify all Nigerians as corrupt and self seeking."

Tom Samson bags integrity award

G

ENERAL Overseer of Christ Royal Family Church, Bishop Tom Samson has been conferred with the Global Leader of Integrity merit award (GLIMA) for honesty, transparency and accountability in leadership, reports DAYO ADESULU. This was disclosed recently by Proven Integrity Communication Networks Limited, publisher of Integrity International Magazine in Accra, Ghana.

The event attracted accomplished professionals across the African continent and beyond.

According to the head African Operations of Integrity International, Dr. Richard Ipada, the aims of the award were to sensitize African leadership, promote sustainable economic and social political development in Africa. Others include to promote excellence through selfless service that will stimulate economic growth.

He said: “Bishop Tom Samson has been proven worthy as a Nigerian leader who has distinguished himself as an individual in his contribution to Christian leadership, an icon of hope and God's General for the end time ministry."

50 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

15,316 Nigerians languish in foreign prisons * Delegate calls for Nigeria’s immediate withdrawal from OIC, Sahel states STORIES BY HENRY UMORU, LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

D

ELEGATES were told yesterday that 16, 300 Nigerians were as of 2012 languishing in prisons abroad with some of them on death row.

According to the revelation, 6,000 Nigerians are awaiting death penalties for drug-related offences, while 5,145 Nigerian girls are in bondage after being trafficked. Another 3,719 Nigerians are also suffering in Canada; over 752 are in British jails, about 700 in China, 500 in India and 96 in Indonesia of which 23 are on death row.

Former Health Minister and a delegate on the platform of South East Geo- political zone, Prof Ihechukwu Madubuike, reeled out these figures while contributing to the report of the Foreign Policy and Diaspora Matters Committee chaired by Prof.

Ibrahim Agboola Gambari.

Madubuike noted that consular services were not enough to take care of challenges faced by Nigerians in the Diaspora and staff, which has led to the recommendation for the creation of Foreign Service Commission.

His words: “If a nation’s foreign policy is a mix of strategies to safeguard the interest of the nation, then they must pay special interest to our diasporan citizens, especially those diasporans who are in jail or who have been detained justly or unjustly.

“The figures I heard are staggering as well as sobering. 5, 145 of our girls are in foreign countries languishing because of trafficking, 3719 Nigerians are somewhere in Canada languishing and this is according to a report released by the High Commission in Nigeria to that country. 18 of them are awaiting trial. A report from the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently said that 6,000 Nigerians are in various countries because of drug-related activities, other reports yet from the foreign services is that 15,316 Nigerians are in various prisons abroad, many of them awaiting death penalty.

“The foreign policy of a country begins and reflects its domestic policy. What you call your person is what he answers. If our domestic policies can take care of our people, give them jobs and provide social securities for them, many of them who are languishing in prisons abroad would not be there today.

Immediate withdrawal for OIC, Sahel states A delegate representing Christian

leaders, Godswill Iyoha Iyoke, yesterday, called for the immediate withdrawal of Nigeria’s membership of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) and Sahel States because of her secular nature.

These came up during the consideration of Amb Lawrence Ekpebu as deputy chairman.

Presenting the report, Prof.

Gambari stressed that foreign policy was not about foreigners but about Nigeria, what we want for Nigeria, for ourselves, from the world as well as to position Nigeria in a globalised world.

80% of our foreign missions on rented apartments –Nwachukwu In his contribution, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and a delegate on the platform of Elder Statesmen Category, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) disclosed that 80 per cent of Nigeria’s Foreign Missions, since 1960, have been under rent. He called for an increase in budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enable it address its multifarious challenges.

Stop NGOs from collecting money from foreign donors –Ali Also contributing, a delegate representing the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Ahmadu Ali called on the Federal Government to stop NonGovernmental Organisations, NGOs, from taking money from foreign donors, who insult Nigeria, saying that our contribution to other countries must be beneficial to Nigeria.

Why foreign policy is expensive – Aminu Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and a delegate representing the Elder statesmen category, Prof. Jibril Aminu, who noted that nonchalant attitude of the government contributed in making foreign policy expensive, advised that a good foreign policy must be built upon a good domestic policy at home adding, “with all their money and power, America makes sure their people are safe.”

Aminu who noted that Nigeria International Affairs, NIA operatives were not promoted and made ambassadors as at when due called for a redress of the anomaly.

Nigerians in The Diaspora should be allowed to vote –Ozekhome A federal government delegate, Addendum, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN who noted that Nigerians in the Diaspora were contributing so much to the country, supported the recommendation that they should be allowed to vote during elections.

KANO BLAST: Delegates to write Jonathan, Kwankwaso

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ELEGATES, yesterday, resolved to write a letter of condolence to President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Rabiu Kwankawaso of Kano State over the latest bomb blast. The resolution came after Chairman of the Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi urged delegates to observe a minute silence for the victims and prayers offered for the repose of the souls of the dead.

A suicide bomber on Monday blew himself up at Kano School of Hygiene

Technology located along Gida Murtala BUK road killing seven, while 20 persons sustained life threatening injuries.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of the Conference, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi who presided over the early proceedings, however, cautioned against the politicisation of any bomb blast, adding, ”The bombing in Kano is a very disturbing phenomenon and is one too many. Let us be careful not to politicize tragedy.”

Anozie takes over as consul general to China's Guangzhou

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

N

IGERIANS in China, weekend, heaved a sign of relief following the resumption of Ambassador Cyril Anozie as the first Consular General of the new Nigerian Consulate in China’s commercial nerve centre, Guangzhou. Ambassador Anozie, in his keynote address, declared his readiness to work with Nigerians in China, towards achieving a more harmonious relationship with the Chinese.

He said his office will apply all

the strategies needed to ensure that complaints related to consular services and unwarranted harassment of Nigerians in China become a thing of the past.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian businessmen community in China, Chairman, Shanghai Engineering Construction & Industrial Works Ltd., Uzoma Festus Mbisiogu, applauded efforts of the home government in ensuring that Nigerians who are resident in Guangzhou, the “Chocolate City” and or “Little Africa” in China are relieved of the dangers associated

with having to travel as far as Beijing for consular services.

Festus said, “This is the day that the community of Nigerian businessmen and Nigerian residents felt the warm impact of the good governance of President Goodluck Jonathan. Our prayers and efforts have been rewarded, more so, with an Ambassador who seems committed and interested in the affairs of his citizens.

“A culminated journey and consistent effort of over 10 years, spearheaded by the former President of Nigerian Union in China, Dr. Basil Ukaere, a clergy

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 51 and elder statesman to Guangzhou, China. He was Association of Nigerian reported to have organised a town communities in China was not hall meeting with Nigerians in in vain. There are so many things China, including businessmen. to commend the Federal According to a source, the Government for in its choice of outcome of that meeting Ambassador Cryl Anozie.” culminated into the first Business Vanguard Consular Advisory Seminar ever held in the city of gathered that Ambassador Guangzhou by Nigerian Anozie swung into action the business owners resident in moment he resumed office as the China. first Nigerian Ambassador to

8m Nigerians live in Cameroun – Envoy

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

M

ORE THAN eight million of Cameroun’s 22 million population are Nigerians, her High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Salaheddine Ibrahima, has disclosed.

Ibrahima who spoke while signing a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between the two countries on standardisation at Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, in Abuja, Nigeria, said “over eight

million duly registered Nigerians live in Cameroon aside the ones that came through the back door.

Also the presence of Cameroonians in Nigeria goes to show the strong ties between the two countries.”

The Cameroonian envoy, described the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Cameroon as the best in the world, adding that Nigeria was the first country to sign trade relations agreement on importation with Cameroon immediately after independence.

Ibrahima whose visit was ahead of the 20th General Assembly of the African Organization for Standardisation, ARSO holding in Kigali, Rwanda noted that the importance of standardisation in the continent could not be compromise. He said, “The forthcoming coming ARSO is geared towards tackling the problem of standardisation in Africa.”

UK changes Visa Application Centres in Nigeria

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

T

HE UK embassy has announced that in July 2014, the new commercial partner for UK visa services, Teleperformance Ltd, will take over the running of their Visa Application Centres in Lekki, Lagos.

A statement from the Embassy said the Visa Application Centre will, July 1, be moving to Churchgate street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Visa Application Centres in Abuja and Ikeja, Lagos, it stated, “ will continue to be operated by VFS Global Services.”

Also, “UK visa customers will continue to complete their applications and pay their visa fee online at Visa4UK before selecting an appointment at their nearest application centre. Hours of operation at the new centre will be 0800-1600hrs. We are making no changes to our customer service standards as a result of this process.

We will work closely with our commercial partner to ensure continuity of service during the transition period.”

52 — V anguard Vanguard anguard,, WEDNESAY, JUNE 25 , 2014

BRIEFS

Israel re-arrests dozens freed in Shalit deal

Sisi rules out interferring in jailing of journalists

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GYPTIAN President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has said that he will not interfere with judicial verdicts, following an international outcry over lengthy prison sentences given to three Al Jazeera journalists on Monday.

Sisi said Egypt’s authorities would respect the independence of the judiciary. ”We will not interfere in judicial rulings,” Sisi said in a televised speech on yesterday at a military graduation ceremony. “We must respect judicial rulings and not criticise them even if others do not understand this.”

The guilty verdicts were announced on Monday by a Cairo judge against Peter Greste, Mohamed Fahmy, and Baher Mohamed.

Greste and Fahmy were sentenced to seven years

S

J

Journalists protest the jailing of Al Jazeera staff by Egyptian in prison, while Baher Mohamed was sentenced to an additional three years for possession of ammunition. Mohamed was in possession of a spent bullet casing he had

Eman Abdul-Rahim, the lawyer, said 27-year-old Mariam Yahya Ibrahim was held yesterday along with two children and her husband at the international airport in

•Meriam Ibrahim

found on the ground during a protest.

Other Al Jazeera journalists who were tried in absentia, including Sue Turton and Dominic Kane, were sentenced to 10

years.

The journalists - an Australian, a CanadianEgyptian and an Egyptian - were convicted of aiding a “terrorist organisation”, a reference to the banned Muslim Brotherhood.

Khartoum, the country’s capital.

Ibrahim was sentenced to death last month for converting to Christianity from Islam, but was released on Monday, after what the government said was unprecedented international pressure.

The security official said he did not know the reason for the re-arrest.

Ibrahim was freed by an appeal court on Monday which cancelled her death sentence. She was then sent to a secret location for her protection after her family reported receiving threats. The sentence had drawn i n t e r n a t i o n a l condemnation, with Amnesty International, the UK-based rights organisation, calling it

“abhorrent”.

The US State Department said it was “deeply disturbed’’ by the sentence and called on the Sudanese government to respect religious freedoms. Her release was welcomed by human rights groups and Western governments that had voiced outrage at the death sentence.

Ibrahim was earlier also sentenced to 100 lashes for what it deemed her adultery for marrying a Christian. She gave birth in prison to a daughter, her second child by her American husband Daniel Wani. A number of Sudanese have been convicted of apostasy in recent years, but they all escaped execution by recanting their new faith.

Hacking: Cameron’s former aide found guilty

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NDY Coulson, the UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s former communications chief and former editor of Rupert Murdoch’s News of the World, has been found guilty of a charge of conspiring to hack phones after a seven-month trial.

But Rebekah Brooks, the former boss of Murdoch’s British newspaper arm and Coulson’s predecessor at the News of the World, was acquitted of all charges

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massive Israeli military operation in the West Bank seems to be winding down, but the government is pursuing legal steps to hold hundreds of Palestinians indefinitely and reinstate its policy of home demolitions.

Thousands of troops have been deployed throughout the occupied territory since June 12, when three Israeli settlers disappeared while hitchhiking home from their religious seminary in an illegal settlement near Hebron.

Hundreds of Palestinians were arrested and more than 1,400 homes searched during nearly two weeks of nightly raids. Eight Palestinians were detained on Monday night, far less than the dozens held on previous days, and army officers said the operation was “reaching its conclusion.”

Jordan beefs up border security against ISIL

Sudanese authorities re-arrest woman freed from death row UDANESE authorities have re-arrested a Sudanese woman just hours after she was freed from death row, according to a security source and her lawyer.

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unanimously by a jury at London’s Old Bailey.

The conviction prompted an apology from the prime minister, who said he was wrong to hire Coulson as his media chief in 2007.

I’m extremely sorry that I employed him, it was the wrong decision,” Cameron said of Coulson, saying he was making a “full and frank” apology for hiring him.

“I asked him questions about if he knew about

phone hacking and he said that he didn’t and I accepted those assurances and I gave him the job,” said Cameron. Coulson reportedly showed no emotion as the verdict was read.

On hearing the verdict, Brooks showed little immediate emotion but was led out of the court by a nurse and later rushed through a group of photographers into a taxi.

She was followed by her husband Charlie who was

also cleared of any attempt to hinder the investigation. Her former personal assistant, Cheryl Carter, was cleared of all charges as well.

Brooks’s lawyer had argued that the prosecution failed to produce a “smoking gun” during her 14 days of intense questioning on the stand, and likened the decision of the authorities to take her to court to a medieval witchhunt.

ORDAN has intensified its security measures near the Karama border crossing with Iraq, known in Iraq as Tirbeel corssing, amid unconfirmed and conflicting reports that it has been seized by armed groups.

There was growing concern over the rapid territorial gains made of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on the other side of the border.

A security source from Jordan’s armed forces, who asked to be anonymous, told Al Jazeera that they could only confirm from Jordan’s side that security measures were being put in place but “on the other side we cannot confirm who is actually there, as it is a different country”.

However, according to the Reuters news agency, Sunni tribesmen took control of the border crossing after Iraq’s army pulled out of the area following clashes with armed fighters, Iraqi and Jordanian intelligence sources said on Monday.

Putin renounces right to send troops to Ukraine

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RESIDENT Vladimir Putin asked Russia’s up per house on Tuesday to revoke the right it had granted him to order a military intervention in Ukraine in defence of Russian-speakers there.

Minutes before he spoke, Kiev said pro-Russian rebels in east Ukraine had shot down a military helicopter, most likely killing all nine on board. It was the most serious breach of a temporary truce agreed in talks between government and rebels less than 24 hours earlier.

Putin’s move received a cautious welcome in the West as a sign Moscow was ready to help engineer a settlement in Ukraine’s largely Russian-speaking east, where a pro-Russian uprising against Kiev began in April.

UN to broker deal on Afghan election stalemate

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HE United Nations said Tuesday it had stepped in to help broker a solution to Afghanistan’s election crisis, hosting talks between presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah and the election authority that he has boycotted. Afghanistan’s first democratic transfer of power was thrown into turmoil when Abdullah said the Independent Election Commission (IEC) was guilty of fraud and he considered it illegitimate.

The dispute threatened to tip the country into political instability at a sensitive time, with the withdrawal of US-led combat forces after 13 years of fighting Taliban insurgents.

Democrats want Hillary Clinton to join midterms campaign

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ACING a potential Republican surge at No vember’s midterm elections, Democratic candidates are clamoring for Hillary Clinton to join them on the campaign trail.

The former secretary of state’s high ratings and connections to a vast roster of major party contributors makes her the most sought after surrogate for Democratic hopefuls in a difficult election year.

In contrast, President Barack Obama is expected to have a muted role due to his dropping popularity.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 53

54 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

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HEN Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State launched the new logo for the state recently, he said the idea was to open a new vista and opportunity for the state at the both state and international levels. The government, he informed, was taking giant steps in the health, agricultural and tourism sectors that would create investment and employment windows for Kwarans and indeed all residents.

So, for him, what is close to his heart the most is how to tackle the army of the unemployed in the state. It is to deal with this challenge that the QuickWin initiative was born. The scheme, according to the Governor, has so far employed 10,200 youths with plans to absorb an additional 3,000 youths before the end of the year.

Good fortune At the flag off ceremony recently,beneficiaries of the scheme beamed with joy and could hardly believe their good fortune. The Governor admitted that while the fortunate ones now have a job, there were still thousands of others still hanging out there, “not because they are unwilling or incapable of work, but because the opportunities are limited”.

Governor Ahmed who drew a connection between unemployment and insecurity hinted that there was need to tackle the high rate of unemployment both at the Federal and state levels.

So, for him, the State Government was not driven by political expediency or the euphoria of victory but the need to empower youths who make the largest component of the population. It is against this backdrop that the government has provided about N640 million revolving credit for 41,000

•Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed handling over a letter of employment to a graduate employee

Unemployment, crime:

A Quickwin response in Kwara

By JUDITH UFFORD aside N2.4 billion to fund the scheme for the next one year, while N164 million has been expended on the newly-created Environmental Corps and an enhanced Kwara State Road Traffic Management Agency, KWARTMA,” he said.

“To further stimulate economic activities and enhance public works, QuickWin also in-

,

It will act as an important catalyst in improving the livelihoods of youths and create valuable skills to fill existing gaps in the economy, making crime and criminality less attractive options for survival

Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs and structured Skill Acquisition Centres, targeted specifically at the youths. According to him, “QuickWin is perhaps the only empowerment scheme of its type in this country that is open to all residents, regardless of their skill sets, levels of education or state of origin.”

“To underline this scheme’s importance and ensure its sustenance, government has set

,

cludes low-hanging projects, such as classroom rehabilitation, transformer installation, and borehole construction across the state. With the launching of QuickWin, my assurance becomes even stronger that entrepreneurship and vocational skill acquisition remain the most viable pathways for sustainable empowerment.

I have no doubt that it will act as an important catalyst in improving the livelihoods of

youths and create valuable skills to fill existing gaps in the economy, making crime and criminality less attractive options for survival.

“My administration therefore remains committed to creating a new crop of youth entrepreneurs through training, advocacy, re-orientation and access to affordable credit.

Indeed, the most significant component of QuickWin is entrepreneurship under which eligible youths will undergo paid training for up to 12 months,” he said.

Continuing, the Governor said: “The issue of unemployment has been with us in this country for a long time even though at different levels of impact. However, if you recall, in the late ‘90s to early 2000, it became a critical issue. Unfortunately, it is part of what we are witnessing today in the society, which is insecurity.

In Kwara State, when we came in 2003, I was then the Commissioner for Finance under the last Governor, Bukola Saraki, there were deliberate efforts aimed at empowering the youths. Several programmes that were youth-oriented were brought forth and

•Some of the recently employed youths

there were some that were carried out under the Telecoms, where youths were empowered with telecoms sets to enable them set up call centres. Youths were also supported in conjunction with the Peak Milk Company, whereby, we established a system where a kitting tool was put in place for youths to enable them sell Peak Milk products.“ And of course, there was the vehicle support scheme for transporters, including motorcycles. But we saw it (unemployment) as something very critical when we came in 2011 and the first thing we did was to do a statistical study.

Levels of youth unemployment “Nationally, we have been talking about youth unemployment but there has never been any clear statistics of the levels of youth unemployment. So, when we came in, we set up a database for unemployed youths. “Within the first few months, we found out that we had over 40,000 to 50,000 (unemployed youths) that registered across the 16 local gov-

ernments and it became clear that we must carry this into a planning process. In other words, it must be encapsulated in our policy strategy for governance in the next four years and we decided to come up with the Kwara Bridge Empowerment Scheme, which is primarily to engage 2,000 youths immediately.

And immediately the programme started, we engaged 2,000 youths with the hope that these 2000 youths would transit to proper employment within a year or a year and half.

Unemployment to empowerment I am happy to tell you that that was exactly what happened. We now moved new people from the database onto this bridge and the bridge has since then been servicing the youths, moving them from unemployment to empowerment and ultimately, some would end up in employment or entrepreneurship as the case may be.

“We also decided to follow up with this by looking at the levels of youth engagement in the country. We gave it a clear analContinues on page 55

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

Message every Nigerian mother must hear GRAMMY Award winner Angelique Kidjo, reflects on her engagement in polio eradication and calls on mothers in Africa, especially in Nigeria, to action to immunise their children. Angelique writes this in her role as a polio eradication ambassador for Rotary International. To support the cause, she released a special video version of the song “Eva” that illustrates the importance of having all of children vaccinated against polio. Born and raised in Republic of Benin, Angelique believes she is alive today because she received a polio vaccination as a child

By ANGELIQUE KIDJO

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Y family and my mu sic are the treasures of my life. They are inseparable, in fact. My mother, Yvonne, has always been my mentor, instilling in me at an early age a deep appreciation of Africa’s rich musical traditions.

Nurturing, supportive – and firm when she needed to be – she set the standard I strive to meet as a mother to my own daughter. You may then understand how emotional it was for me to finally join my mother in song on my most recent album, “EVE,” which is dedicated to her and to all the strong and resilient women of Africa.

Since the album was released, I have further dedicated one of its songs, “Eva,” to a cause that also is very dear to me: the eradication of polio, the infectious virus that has disabled and killed so many of our children over the decades.

As a polio eradication ambassador for the humanitarian organisation, Rotary International, I have released a special video version of “Eva” that illustrates the importance of having all of our children vaccinated against this incurable, but totally preventable, disease.

I want this video to be available at no cost to everybody who cares about protecting the world’s children by stopping

polio once and for all. I encourage every mother to enjoy the video and to share it with your friends, followers and family members.

But most important of all, I urge every African mother: Be sure to have your child vaccinated against polio, for that is the only way we can wipe out the disease permanently. When all of the world’s children have been vaccinated, polio will have nowhere to go other than to the history books where it will join smallpox as the only human diseases to be totally vanquished.

Until then, however, every unvaccinated child remains at risk as long as polio exists anywhere in our evershrinking world. The disease, quite literally, is always a mere plane ride away, if not closer.

Angelique Kidjo

Across our vast continent, only Nigeria has not yet stopped the wild polio virus within its borders, although the Nigerian government and its dedicated partners – including thousands of Nigerian Rotary club members — are making tremendous progress.

But until the disease is stopped in Nigeria, it can spread back to areas where it had been driven out. We saw proof of this last year, when polio outbreaks infected children in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya. These cases were

— 55

traced genetically to the polio strain in Nigeria.

So, mothers of Africa – and especially the mothers of Nigeria — please seize every opportunity to have your children immunised.

Be alert for news announcing the next National Immunisation Day. Explain to your children why it is so important to receive the oral polio vaccine.

Make it a family affair by enlisting your older children to help bring their little sisters and brothers to the vaccination sites.

I remember, as a teenager in my native Benin, being captivated by the beautiful Nigerian highlife song, “Sweet Mother,” by the late Prince Nico Mbarga. This lovely tribute to motherhood swept across West Africa and still stands among the most popular African songs ever recorded.

Its lyrics describe the unconditional love, devotion and protection African mothers provide for their children. Be inspired by this: Be a “sweet mother” — not only to your own children, but to the world’s children — by protecting them from polio.

Unemployment, crime: A Quickwin response in Kwara Continues from page 54 ysis and realised that we have fundamental problems with our educational system, to the extent that we have not been able to create a proper match between human capital needs and human capital training as it is today. If you look at the educational system in Nigeria, it has

secondary school or veer into entrepreneurial skills. The provision that was put in place on paper makes sense, but in practice, we found out that only those who ended up in regular secondary schools had the option of going through to SS1, SS2 and SS3. Those who could not cope and became early

,

,

If you look at the educational system in Nigeria, it has suffered policy somersaults; not that the policies were wrong, but they were not allowed to mature before they were changed

suffered policy somersaults.

Not that the policies were wrong, but they were not allowed to mature before they were changed. And in the process, they were not matched with the desired human capital needs and input. So, you begin to see disparity in human capital developmental scheme.

“For example, our students would move from primary school and enter junior secondary school where they are supposed to learn things like Introductory Technology and which would decide whether they would ultimately complete (their studies) at the regular

school leavers, did not get the prerequisite training for the Introductory Technology type of entrepreneurship scheme that they were supposed to get. In the process, we ended up churning out unemployable, unskilled school leavers and that created the current problem we are faced with in the country.

“Having seen this, we tried to do a reversal. The first thing is, how do we ensure that those who dropped out of school, early school leavers are properly engaged? That led us to set up one of the first international vocational centres in

Ajasse, which hopefully, would be commissioned in the next two months.

“Now, why this type of school? We have looked around. How many of such schools do we have, where our youths can go and learn handson entrepreneurship training for services in the system, such as electrical, mechanical, civil engineering; marine, welding, refrigeration and air conditioning training?

How many of these skills acquisition centres do we have in the country today that bring out the standard that would make the graduates of this place compatible with global best practices?

Vocational school “There is none! The evidence is in the fact that, when we need these (technical) services, we usually bring in outsiders to do it. Ghanaians, Togolese and others come in to do these jobs. So, it tells you that those skills are not available here and we must start addressing the problem by building institutions that would put these skills on the table. That

was what prompted our setting up of the Ajasse Vocational International School.

“Now, you would recollect that we used to have City & Guilds (C&G) in the country.

But a new body has since replaced that, to examine and conduct technical related courses. But then, this has not produced the much-desired growth that we want to see in entrepreneurship training scheme.

Global market “In our own wisdom, we looked at what is obtainable in other parts of the world and we found out that those who have acquired those skills are able to key into the global market because they have internationally recognised certificates.

That was why we decided that our scheme in Kwara would be structured in line with the provisions of the Federal Government, in driving entrepreneurship.

“But at the same time, we would provide the wherewithal to enable the schools train students to be able to write the C&G examinations internally.

We train them such that they can write the examinations as external students, acquire the certificates and become useful even beyond the shores of this country. We want to see an institution where we could create a huge capacity of handson entrepreneurs, that are useable beyond the shores of this country.

“If you recall, in the ‘60s, late ‘70s and early ‘80s, part of India’s foreign exchange earnings came from human capital deployment in several parts of the world, especially in Nigeria, where we benefited. What stops us from benefiting from that if we have a huge number of unemployed youths that we can train and make useful?

The same skills that enabled us to set up the Technical Aid Corps, that enabled us to send lawyers, doctors and other professionals to different parts of the world. We can do that for skilled labour that we would train with certification that is comparable to what is obtained globally.

“With this hope in the horizon, Kwara youths can really say of their state: ‘It is good here’”.

56 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 57

58 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

Omisore flays assassination attempt •Says Aregbesola not an engineer Stories BY GBENGA OLARINOYE, OSOGBO ENATOR Iyiola Omisore has flayed what he yesterday claimed was an assassination attempt on him saying politics should not be seen as a do or die affair.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate has also welcomed what he claimed, yesterday, was the decision of Governor Rauf Aregbesola not to identify himself as an engineer saying the governor has properly reverted to his academic status as a WASC holder.

The Director General of the Iyiola Omisore Campaign Omisore being welcomed by market men and women in Ila on his way to Oke-Ila Organisation, Akogun Oyewumi in a statement made see that some politicians are so des- Aregbesola who initially claimed to available to Vanguard spoke follow- perate that they have made the be an engineer has reverted to his ing the alleged break-in by gun- forthcoming election a matter of life original status as a school certificate men into the Ikoyi, Lagos residence and death. holder (WASC) in his form to the of the candidate.

Akogun Lere maintained that no INEC. This is contrary to the He said, “we can now make a amount of assassination attempt or engineering profession that he had guess where such assassination threat from the All Progressives laid claim to when he assumed office attempt is coming from. Those who Congress, APC will dampen the in November 26, 2010.” have made blood letting a campaign morale of the electorate who are He thus urged the security issue can do anything, no matter ready to vote out the Aregbesola agents in the state to be more how heinous to win the forthcom- administration in theAugust 9 gu- vigilant in order to nip in the bud ing election”. bernatorial election. any attempt by those he claimed He, however, called on the police “We are tired of government by to be agents of the APC to unto parade one of the culprits that proxy and mediocrity. It is now leash terror on the people of the was apprehended for the people to crystal clear to all and sundry that state.

Aregbesola’s man decries death threats EP Rotimi Makinde representing Ife Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, yesterday alleged death threats to him upon his support for the APC candidate, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Makinde who said this at a press briefing in Ife, accused the PDP of being behind the threat.

He said he had received several calls from anonymous persons warning him to withdraw his support for the re-election of Governor Aregbesola.

But the PDP said Makinde was only crying wolf when there was none, saying Makinde should identify those threatening him and report them to the Police if he had a genuine case.

Prince Diran Odeyemi, the media aide to the PDP candidate, Senator Omisore said nobody was after Makinde’s life adding “we don’t want anybody to blackmail Omisore, it is the APC that has been preaching violence in all its campaigns”.

Makinde also alleged that some individuals who he referred to as PDP members had attacked his supporters in Ile-Ife and also threatened to kill them.

According to him, “the threat to my life became serious when I

LP vows to liberate Osun from Lagos cabal

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BRIEFS

received some messages from anonymous persons last week who threatened to kill me. This is different from the several phone calls also from anonymous callers.”

Makinde who said he had reported the matter to both the State Police Command and the Police Area Command in Ile-Ife,

urged security agencies to investigate the allegation.

While recalling how he was abducted by unknown people in 2007, Makinde stated that he had previously suffered intimidation in the hands of some politicians in his Ile-Ife home town.

Don’t expect Ekiti pattern here — Aregbesola

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PC candidate, Governor Rauf Aregbesola has affirmed that a repeat of the Ekiti election where the incumbent APC governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi lost should not be expected on August 9.

The Governor who spoke at a rally in Ikirun, said the fact that Ekiti went the way of the PDP did not mean that the same scenario would be repeated in Osun.

“The people of Ekiti state had decided to go the way they wanted and we have nothing to do to that.”

Aregbesola who promised to employ more civil servants in the state, stressed the need for all civil servants in the state to support him.

While warning security agents against devilish acts during the election, the governor threatened

that “any security agent who misbehaves during the election would be shown that we are in Yoruba land.” ”We are ready to co-operate with the security agents before and during the governorship election.

Any security officer who, however, misbehaves will know that we are children of Oduduwa.”

Aregbesola who noted that he had not completed the projects his government embarked upon, assured that he would complete the projects in his second term if voted into office by the people of the state.

The governor also blamed the federal government for the dwindling allocation to the states, especially APC controlled states.

ABOUR Party, LP in Osun State has assured that it is ready to liberate the people of the state from bondage to strange elements from Lagos ,it claims the APC led government has forced on the people.

Labour Party candidate Alhaji Fatai Akinade Akinbade who made the vow during an interactive session with newsmen in Oshogbo said the party would spring a surprise that would shock many.

Akinbade who served as Secretary to the State Government, SSG during the administration of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola said:

” I left PDP because it is a sinking ship. The party believes so much in thuggery and manipulation, but those who know my antecedents in politics will know that I detest thuggery, manipulation and harming my fellow human beings”.

“Let unity of purpose be our word in Labour Party and let us unite to wrestle power from these Lagos people who don’t know our behavior, history and wants in Osun State. Let us not vote for those who have mis-ruled the state for seven years, but let us vote for LP in the coming election come 2014".

SDP appoints 45-member campaign committee

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SUN State Chapter of Social Democratic Party (SDP) has set up a 45member campaign committee towards the August 9, 2014 governorship election in the state.

The committee which is headed by a former governorship aspirant of the party and an educationist, Mr. Bibire Abolubode, according to a statement by the Segun Akinwusi Campaign Committee (SACO) has three university dons as members.

Meanwhile, the

governorship candidate of the party, Mr. Olusegun Akinwusi has expressed confidence that he will defeat both the incumbent governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola of All Progressives Congress APC and his arch-rival, Otunba Iyiola Omisore of Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the forthcoming polls.

Akinwusi while addressing chieftains of Accord Party, AP who crossed to SDP at the weekend in Ejigbo, the headquarters of Ejigbo Local Government of the state explained that the impending election won’t be about party affiliation but about personality.

Disregard alleged Okada ban — APC

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HE Director General, Ogbeni Aregbesola Door-to Door Campaign Organisation (OD2D), Mr Segun Omoworare has urged the people of the state to hold as only rumour, assertions that Governor Rauf Aregbesola would ban the operation of commercial motorcyclists known as Okada and the intercity commercial buses called Korope if he wins re-election.

Omoworare averred that Aregbesola who has been enjoying the supports of the Okada riders and the Korope drivers would never place a ban on their business, saying that doing such would mean fueling the same hunger and poverty he claimed the gover-

nor has been combating.

He spoke against the background of assertions that the rumour that Governor Kayode Fayemi planned to ban the operations of the commercial motorcyclists was one of the factors that cost the governor the election in Ekiti State last weekend.

Omoworare faulted the PDP for fanning the rumour saying the opposition party was doing it so as to incite the populace against the Aregbesola administration.

Speaking at an APC rally at Ikirun, Omoworare maintained that the opposition parties are jittery over the support for Aregbesola from the people saying that it was why the PDP resorted to telling lies to misinform the populace.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 59

Suarez bites Chiellini

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UIS Suárez appears to have bitten another opponent in a key World Cup clash just over a year after he faced universal scorn for doing the same thing in Britain.

Live footage of the match in Brazil appeared to show the controversial Uruguayan forward biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini.

Both fell to the ground with Suárez clutching his infamous teeth while Chiellini gesticulated furiously and pulled down his shirt to show the point of impact on his shoulder.

Within minutes

Eagles out to end Argentina’s jinx W HEN the Super Eagles file out at the Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, it will be with an objective to make certain their qualification into the Round of 16 at the ongoing World Cup in Brazil.

Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi, was quoted to have made this objective clear to his players.

“We have come a long way. We have won one match, got a draw from another. Our chances are brighter now in the group.

“We shall go out there to put up a fight of our lives. In terms of technical preparation for the game, we are ready,” Ben Alaiya, Media Officer of the Super Eagles, quoted Keshi as saying.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Nigeria met Argentina first at USA ’94 World Cup. The Eagles also lost to Argentina at the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup and 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Nigeria has lost 1-2 to

•Chiellini #Suarez was Britain’s quickest-trending phrase on Twitter as fans reacted with a collective groan.

Kanu, Idah tip Eagles for semi-finals

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ORMER Nigeria internationals, Nwankwo Kanu and Peterside Idah have predicted that the national team campaigning in the FIFA World Cup will, for the first time get to the semi-final of the tournament.

“Yes, I love it! Do I think I will be here for the whole tournament? I would say yes, because we are going to get to

the semi-finals of course.”

On his part, Peterside Idah who is a football pundit with cable network, Supersport said, “the Eagles will get to the semi-final.

They will surpass all expectations but I don’t see them winning the semi final match. If it happens that they win in the semi final, then they will be good enough for the trophy.

Five zones for ARS 4 tournament

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VEN as global attention is focused on Brazil where the biggest football event, the World Cup is going on, Airtel Nigeria has named five cities as zonal camp hosts for season four of the annual Airtel Rising Stars U-17 football tournament.

The cities include Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Ilorin and they will play host to the screening camps from

which zonal teams will emerge for the National Finals in July. The zonal camps open on June 30 beginning with Abuja and Ilorin Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt and Enugu served as zonal centres in the last three seasons of the tournament. The fifth centre, Ilorin, earned the spot following the grouping of Oyo State under Lagos zone.

•Osaze in training.

Okoku tips Eagles to qualify A Eagles’ ll qualify

S the Super Eagles play Argentina today in Brazil, an exinternational Paul Okoku believes that the African champions have the capacity to reach the round of 16 stage.

“These players have what it takes to rise up to the challenge to prove they belong in the midst of the very best on the world stage ”, said. Okoku.

While describing goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama as the best goalie in the world, and Emmanuel Emenike as a megatron, Okoku urged the Eagles to brace up for today’s tough task against Argentina.

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— Glo

Globacom, has congratulated the Super Eagles for recording an important win against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their second Group F match of the on –going 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Globacom in a press statement released in Lagos immediately after the match hailed the Super Eagles for the victory which not only gave them three points

but also brightened their chance of qualifying for the second round. It was Nigeria’s first victory in the World Cup in 16 years.

“We wish to advise the team to remain focused for the task ahead while we enjoin the Nigeria Football Federation and the entire nation not to waver in supporting and praying for the Eagles,” the statement further said.

Argentina in Boston, USA on June 25, 1994, and was again pipped 10 courtesy of a Gabriel Batistuta goal in Ibaraki, Japan on June 2, 2002.

When both sides met in South Africa four years ago, an early goal

by Gabriel Heinze condemned the Eagles to a 1-0 defeat.

Go for victory, TAN tells Eagles

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S Super Eagles battle Argentina today, Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) has urged the African champions to go for victory in their last Group F encounter.

Some of TAN’s ‘Fly Me To Brazil’ Promo winners said that the Eagles have the chance to beat Argentina Solomon Onu noted that the Eagles have the potential to do well in Brazil and called on Nigerians to continue to support the team.

“The game is a big one for the Eagles, but I am sure that the team still have the chance to qualify if they have a good result against the Argentines,” stated Onu, who also called on the government to encourage the players with incentives.

•TAN winners in Brazil for the World Cup

Coca-Cola charges Eagles

OCA-COLA Nigeria has hailed the Nigerian Team for their victory over the Zmajevia of Bosnia on Saturday, saying that the 1-0 win is a precursor of the team’s

future exploits at the world football fiesta taking place in Brazil.

Clem Ugorji, the Public Affairs & Communications Manager for Coca-Cola said the atmosphere at the

viewing centre depicts the euphoria around the country.

He said: “The turnout at this viewing centre at this time of the night is indicative of the love and support

Nigerians have for, as well as their expectations of, their national team. I am very happy that the team lived up to the expectations of Nigerians by beating the Bosnians.”

60 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 61

Keshi eyes maximum points against Argentina S

TEPHEN Keshi has reiterated that he is eyeing maximum points when the Super Eagles clash with Argentina this afternoon.

Going into that fixture at Porto Alegre, the African champions, who are targeting qualification to the next round, are not in a tight corner, as even a draw against their illustrious opponents would suffice.

“We can win, of course.

Let’s get the win even try to be the group leader. We defeated Bosnia, we played a good game, we can get another win.

“I never think about losing. We know we can qualify even in defeat, but I do not think about it.

“If I lose, I’ll have to pray for Bosnia to get points from Iran and I do not have to do that. I have to prepare my team to win,” Keshi said.

CONTROL — Italy's Andrea Barzagli contests the ball close to Luis Suarez during yesterday's World Cup match. Uruguay won 1-0. Photo: AFP

Argentine fans take over Brazil

B

ESIDES Lionel e s s i , Angel Di Maria is regarded as the most potent striker in the Argentina side that confronts Nigeria today.

Looking ahead to the Eagles match, Di Maria said that the Nigerians would pose a lot problems because every team wants to avoid France who are explosive topping their group.

“Yesterday we watched M

the Nigeria match (Nigeria beat BosniaHerzegovina 1-0) and the truth is that they have played a good match, they have good players. They won and I believe that they are going to give their all (against Argentina in Porto Alegre). They will give everything playing against us because, a win can take them to the next phase”, he said. ‘’It is important that

we’re getting better with each match. It is also important that Lionel Messi is in a good form.

We always play to win and playing against Nigeria won’t be easy but we want to win always”.

To the advantage of the Argentines, Porto Alegre is close to the Argentina border, and thousands have already crossed over to Brazil to lend their support to the team.

Beware

Continues from BP explosiveness, he has the pace that tricks defenders. He is one man who can change the course of game”, my Brazilian Journalist friend Felipe said.

Undoubtedly, all eyes will be on Messi today after he sublimely turned events and won the two matches for Argentina that have guaranteed their 2 nd round qualification.

As the two tangle today, it would be a tooclose to call encounter knowing that defeat to Argentina who sit top with 6 points could see Nigeria prolong their stay in Brazil, if Iran fail to beat Bosnia in Salvador. And FIFA might even have to get out their straws for the drawing of lots should Iran win 1-0 and Nigeria

lose by the same score, leaving the sides inseparable on points, goal difference, number of goals and head-tohead.

Argentina boasts of names who ordinarily would rattle any team.

They include Messi, Angel Di Maria, Gonzala Higuein, Aguero, Zabaletta etc, but Nigeria has also shown character in their game against Bosnia with Emenike, Osaze, Mikel, Omeruo and indefatigable goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

Osaze said yesterday that they could cause problems for Argentina because of the present confidence in camp where an anonymous Nigerian has promised mouth-watering N10million for each goal scored against Argentina.

Keshi Continues from BP Osaze Odemwingie clinically finished to give Nigeria a 1-0 victory that has now placed the Super Eagles on a good stead to qualify for the second round of the ongoing World Cup in Brazil.

The Eagles play Argentina today in Porto Alegro and a draw sees them through. If they lose and Iran beat Bosnia with a wide margin Eagles could be going home.

Stephen Keshi, Nigeria’s coach does not see that happening if the players play for one another.

Before that Emenike’s pass, he had done everything to score, sometimes being selfish with the ball. There were times he attempted to score when his team mates were better positioned. He looked away and carried on.

Even after the goal , Emenike did a lot to score a World Cup goal, sometimes shooting when another player was in a better position to do that.

Ogenyi Onaze did the same thing a couple of times.

Keshi says nothing is wrong with a struggle to score but he is telling the players that the most important thing is team victory and not who scores.

“We have worked on that and I have told them not to be selfish.

Sometimes players show excessive hunger in the field. It is good but team victory is absolutely important,” Keshi said yesterday as he prepared the boys for the big clash with Argentina.

Eagles can be assured one thing today.

Brazilians will support them massively. The rivalry between Argentina and Brazil in football is bitter. The fans here will be cheering Nigeria and Keshi hopes that a good team play will give Nigeria a good result to move on to the next stage. Eagles will still qualify if they lose and Bosnia beat Iran or draw with them. Keshi is positive and not thinking of a defeat.

62 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 — 63

C M Y K

VANGUARD, WEDNEDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 Today's Matches Nigeria Bosnia Honduras Ecuador Italy Costa Rica

vs Argentina 5 pm vs Iran 5 pm vs Switzerland 9 pm vs France 9pm Results 0 Uruguay 1 0 England 0

Nigeria v Argentina — 5 p.m.

Eagles out to end Beware of Messi!

Argentina's jinx T HE Super Eagles play Argentina today for a place in the 2nd round of the Brazil World Cup with only one player in mind – Messi.

Out here, the constant mention of Messi would mislead people to think that the match is between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and one Argentine player, Messi. ‘’Messi is merciless.

He has acceleration, Continues on Page 61

•Page 59

•Enyeama

•Messi

Don’t be selfish, Keshi warns Eagles

BY ONOCHIE ANIBEZE in Brazil

E

•Keshi

•Sabella

MMANUEL E m e n i k e powered past a Bosnian defender to provide the assist that

•Di Maria

•Emenike

Fear of sellout grips Nigeria — P. 31

Continues on Page 61

More stories on pages 31 & 34

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Secure (4) 4 Droop (3) 6 Rod (4) 8 Ring (6) 9 East (6) 10 Rank (3) 12 Enlist (5) 14 Trivial (5) 15 Inane (5) 18 Ebb (6) 20 Flight (6) 24 Dissuade (5) 26 Brute (5) 28 Squander (5) 30 Encountered (3) 32 Forthcoming (6) 33 Enquiring (6) 34 Despatched (4) 35 Illuminated (3) 36 Boulder (4)

DOWN 2 Foreigner (5) 3 Surround (7) 4 Prophet (4) 5 Increase (4) 6 Scold (5) 7 Continuous (7) 11 Lubricate (3) 12 Stray (3) 13 Cover (3) 16 Guided (3) 17 Still (3) 19 Perform (7) 21 Stitch (3) 22 Biscuit (7) 23 Watch (3) 25 Sheep (3) 27 Feat (5) 29 Pick-me-up (5) 30 Repast (4) 31 Sour (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Stalk 7, Haste 8, Newer 10, Elite 12, Fat 13, Repel 15, Ensured 17, Eroded 19, Get 20, Rotated 23, Arch 25, Drop 26, Handset 30, See 31, Damage 34, Dessert 37, Lemur 38, Too 39, Yield 40, Match 41, Early 42, Pearl.

DOWN: 1, Water 2, Steed 3, Teller 4, Late 5, Refuted 6, Feted 9, War II, Engaged 13, Repay 14, Porch 16, Set 18, Doddery 21, Dream 22, Upper 24, Hassock 27, Nee 28, Taller 29, Petal 32, Medal 33, Gully 35, Sot 36, Tire.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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