FG names 13-men panel to probe yar' Adua, jonathan

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62478

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Bad governance, injustice breed terrorism —UN scribe Calls for release of Chibok girls

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DSS charges ex-NSA, Dasuki, to court >>8

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FG names 13-man panel to probe Yar'Adua, Jonathan

•AVM Ode (retd) heads panel, to probe from 2007 to date •This is not a govt of probes, but of due process, law and order —Aide •Says it was Jonathan’s responsibility to probe Obasanjo, Yar’Adua

Global price crash shocks Nigeria's capital market

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By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA — PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, set up a 13member panel to probe two of his predecessors, late Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, on Continues on Page 5

Baba Sala discharged from UCH >>11

Mr & Mrs MEETING: From left, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Group; United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, and Ms Amina Mohammed, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Post-2015 Development Planning during a meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

COLUMNIST:

Flood submerges C-River towns as FG's dam project collapses See Inside C M Y K

Why I'll vote for Donald Trump

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POCKET CARTOON

former President Jonathan would wait until now to champion the cause of probing past governments before Jonathan.

NBA CONFRENCE: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (left), receiving a aouvenir from President of

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Augustine Alegeh, during the NBA 55th Annual General Confrence, in Abuja, yesterday. With them is the ex-president of the association, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN). Photo: NAN

Buhari probes Yar'Adua, Jonathan Continues from page 1 procurement of arms and ammunition for the Armed Forces.

The investigative committee’s mandate is to identify irregularities and make recommendations for streamlining the procurement process in the Armed Forces.

The committee, which was constituted by the the National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno (retd), on the directive of the President, is headed

by AVM J.O.N. Ode (retd.) while Brig-Gen. Y. I. Shalangwa is secretary.

Other members are Rear Admiral J. A. Aikhomu (retd.), Rear Admiral E. Ogbor (retd.), Brig-Gen. L. Adekagun (retd.), Brig-

Gen. M. Aminu-Kano (retd.), Brig-Gen N. Rimtip (retd.), Commodore T. D. Ikoli, Air Commodore U. Mohammed (retd), Air Commodore I. Shafi’i, Col A. A. Ariyibi, GP Capt C.A. Oriaku (retd) and Mr. I. Magu (EFCC).

A statement from presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, said “the establishment of the investigative committee is in keeping with President Buhari’s determination to stamp out corruption and irregularities in Nigeria’s public service.

“It comes against the background of the myriad of challenges that the Nigerian Armed Forces have faced in the course of ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the northeast, including the apparent deficit in military platforms with its

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO

A

LWAYS measure your performance in life by the amount of results you generate rather than the activities you engage in. It really doesn't matter how many hours a day you spend working but how productive those hours were. Develop a resultoriented mentality.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply— Stephen R. Covey

H

AVE you ever been a part of a conversation where the person you are talking with is always stepping on your words and interrupting your flow by cutting you off at every turn? Compare that experience to having a conversation with a person who is attentive, making eye contact and processing your words before responding.

Active listening is a skill worth mastering for successful relationships.

attendant negative effects on troops’ morale.

“The committee will specifically investigate allegations of nonadherence to correct equipment procurement procedures and the exclusion of relevant logistics branches from arms procurement under past administrations, which, very often resulted in the acquisition of substandard and unserviceable equipment.”

This is not a govt of probes, but of due process, law and order Meanwhile, the Presidency has declared that Buhari’s administration is not a government of probes but of due process, law and order.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, who spoke with Vanguard, yesterday, also stated that the administration of President Buhari will not shy away from probing the government of former President Jonathan in the face of alleged fraud and corruption.

He spoke following an accusation of selective probe against Buhari by a prominent northern leader, Tanko Yakassai.

The presidential aide said there are sensitive matters arising from briefings and official engagements, which the President cannot overlook and described as

laughable, allegation that Buhari has excluded former presidents like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo because he was close to them.

He said: “Let me say that officially, nobody is under probe, even Dr. Jonathan. People should not make mistakes about the fact that what is going on are routine investigations. These are matters that the President has found on the table.

“So, there is nothing like a probe. If Jonathan will be probed, you would have heard of, may be, an administrative panel of enquiry or judicial panel of enquiry. But it hasn’t come to that. These are matters of routine engagements of due process of law and order.

“President Buhari in his campaign said his government was not going to probe into the past. We are not probing but as a responsible government, you cannot bring to the table matters such as we are dealing with and then, the President will wave them off.

“The Office of the President may be powerful but it is controlled, regulated by due process and the constitution of the country. The President cannot wave away matters that are arising from either handing-over or the routine briefings.

How can anybody say he was part of the Obasanjo military regime and that’s why he’s not probing them?

Speaking further, the presidential spokesman queried why the allies of

It was Jonathan’s responsibility to probe Obasanjo, Yar’Adua He stated that it was Jonathan’s responsibility to probe the governments of Obasanjo and Yar’Adua.

“Let me tell you, if Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and all of the past governments before Jonathan needed to have been probed, why did Jonathan shy away from his responsibility? Why didn’t he probe them while he was in office?

Why didn’t Tanko Yakassai ask Jonathan to probe Yar ’Adua, Babangida, Obasanjo? Why do they have to wait for Buhari to come and do what he should have done?

“It is common sense. So, if he didn’t probe them, why should his people ask some other person to probe them? If they felt it was desirable to probe the past administration, as a party, why didn’t they do it themselves? Why do they have to wait for President Buhari?

“This is not a government of probes. It is a government of due process and law and order. President Buhari is dealing with the matters he has found on the table and he has no power under the constitution to wave them. If somebody had stolen Nigeria’s one billion dollars of oil, President Buhari is not authorized to wave it off under the law. He should ask questions. There is no probe going on now.

People who are creating the spectre of probes in the country just want to create unnecessary fear.”

On allegation of running unilateral

govt On the issue of running a unilateral government having not appointed ministers, Shehu said the allegation was unfounded.

According to him, the government is running well and its ministries and agencies were competently manned by the permanent secretaries.

Shehu, however, assured that President Buhari would form his cabinet soon.

He said: “The constitution is very clear about the powers of the state. Legislative powers are there under the parliament. The President has not interfered with the powers of the parliament.

Even when the clamour was there for him to save the parliament from the crisis of leadership, he stayed out of it.

“The executive arm of government is the first arm which President Buhari has under him and he is not interfering in the other arms of government.

However, all the ministries of the government are being competently run under the supervision of the permanent secretaries.

“They consult the President and the President consults them.

He consults the party and the party consults him. So, if anybody is not in the room when these matters are being discussed, don’t go out there telling people that there is no consultation going on.

You cannot be an adviser to PDP president and also be an adviser to the APC government at the same time.

“The President will appoint ministers. There is no question about that.

The President will decide when he will appoint his ministers. If it is auspicious for him to appoint them in September, he will.”

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

Father of 19-yr-old boy killed by land grabbers seeks justice

RAZED : Fire razed some shops at Police Barracks, Ojuelegba, Lagos, yesterday.

NAN PHOTO.

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—ROTIMI Akinde, father of 19year-old Bidemi Akinde, killed at Oke-Ore town in Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State by stray bullets allegedly fired by thugs and policemen, who accompanied a suspected land speculator (names withheld) to the town last Wednesday, has cried out to Ogun State and Federal governments to bring the culprits to book.

Akinde, 34, said though his son was gone forever, government must check the activities of land grabbers and speculators to forestall senseless loss of lives in the state.

Bidemi was the second of Akinde’s five children.

The bereaved father spoke shortly after the chairman, Community Development Council, Oke Ore town, Kunle Amosu, told newsmen that the suspect had been a thorn in the flesh of the community and was bent on dispossessing them of their land.

The community alleged

Police rescue 6 children from kidnappers in Abuja

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA—POLICEMEN at Force Headquarters have rescued six children kidnapped by a gang and arrested the culprits who masterminded the abduction of the children.

The kingpin was discovered to have made over N5 million from the kidnapping trade in the last three years.

Parading the suspects (names withheld) in Abuja yesterday, Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, noted that the accused persons connived to kidnap three children, out of which two were sold for N600,000.

While noting that all the six children had been recovered, Ojukwu said they would be reunited with their parents.

He said the suspects would be charged to court either in Kaduna or Owerri.

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—POLICE detectives in Ondo State are probing the death of a twoyear-old-boy during a scuffle between his mother and a neighbour at Idanre area of the state.

Vanguard gathered from a source that one of the thugs brought by the suspect to settle scores with the mother of the deceased reportedly forcibly removed the baby from her back and smashed him on the concrete floor.

Consequently, the neighbour, Toyin Akinrosotu, has been arrested and detained, while mother of the boy, identified as Beatrice, has appealed to the police for justice.

Another source, however, said the baby fell off the back of his mother during a scuffle occasioned by an argument.

It could not be confirmed what led to the argument, which degenerated to a scuffle that resulted in the death of the twoyear-old boy.

However, the remains of the deceased had since been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in the town for post-mortem examination after pictures were taken.

The police authorities in the state has transferred the matter to the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, CIID, of the state Police Command to probe the cause of the fight that led to the boy’s death.

2-yr-old boy dies in fight between mother, neighbour police station and the suspect was arrested.

Police spokesman in the state, Wole Ogodo, who confirmed the death of the boy, said the mother reported the matter to

the suspect would be charged to court as soon as the investigation was concluded.

He warned people against taking the laws into their hands during disagreement.

... as 4-year-old disappears in Ondo I suspect my ogogoro customer—MOTHER

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—THE Criminal I n v e s t i g a t i o n Department, CID, of Ondo State Police Command is investigating the mysterious disappearance of a four-yearold boy, identified as Sunday Daniel, who was last seen in his parents’ house in Akure, Ondo State.

Sources alleged that the victim was taken away by an unknown person while he was playing with his mates at Alaba Sawmill area in Akure

metropolis.

It was alleged that a man, who is the missing boy ’s mother ’s customer, was the last person seen with the boy.

The boy’s mother, Maria, sells alcoholic drinks in area.

Report had it that Maria’s customer, identified as Sunday, reportedly lured the boy from where he was playing with his mates with a promise to buy him biscuits. Police detectives are on the trail of the suspect.

Confirming the incident, spokesman of police in the

state, Wole Ogodo, said the boy’s mother reported the case at Ifesowapo Police Post located in the area.

Ogodo said the mother of the child, in her statement, said she suspected a man who usually bought alcoholic drinks (Ogogoro) from her.

He assured that police would employ all necessary strategies to rescue the victim and smoke out the suspect from hiding.

Ogodo appealed to parents to always be vigilant and look after their children.

I beat my wife for refusing sex, man tells court He threatened me with boiling water—WIFE

By Bartholomew Madukwe

Eyewitness’ story

An eyewitness account said the suspect, who lives at Awolata Street, Idanre, reportedly led some suspected thugs to the house of mother of the deceased and allegedly beat her up, causing the death of the baby boy.

While the fight was ongoing, the baby, who was allegedly smashed on the floor, was rushed to the hospital where he later died while doctors were trying to save his life.

The mother of the baby boy later reported the incident at the

the police and upon investigation, the suspect was arrested.

Ogodo disclosed that the command was investigating the cause of the fight, adding that

A

40-year-old man, Salau Kehinde, has told a Customary Court in Ikorodu, Lagos, that he physically abused his wife, Shakirat, 32, whenever she refuses to have sex with him, but that he had no intention of bathing her in hot water.

Shakirat had approached the court seeking for dissolution of their 10-year old marriage, blessed with two children.

According to her, “he would

beat me whenever I returned from work. He would beat me when I told him I was too tired to have sex, or for any flimsy excuse. I want this court to dissolve our marriage and grant me custody of our children.”

Reacting to the wife’s allegation, Kehinde, who resides at 9, Fatai Oloko Street, Haruna, Ikorodu, assented to the claim that he used to beat her whenever she denied him sex and if she came home late from her trading business.

“I merely boiled the water so I could threaten her with it. I had no intention of bathing her in the water.

“She refuses to cook for me when she is pregnant. She also said I should look for another wife.”

Kehinde promised to stop beating or threatening his wife, adding that he was willing to take her back if she wants to stay with him.

The Court President, Olu Adebiyi, adjourned the matter to September 13 for possible reconciliation.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015—7

Matron of Lagos Assembly found dead in office

By Olasunkanmi Akoni, Ebun Sessou & Monsur Olowoopejo

T

HE Chief Matron, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Caroline Oriola, has reportedly died in her office within the assembly premises.

It was gathered that Oriola had gone to the office on Saturday, August 22, but that her corpse was discovered yesterday by a cleaner, who had gone to clean the clinic.

Sources in the assembly revealed that the woman had

gone to her office on Saturday to take some drugs and was said to have put on the air conditioning unit in the office and locked the door.

It was gathered that the security men on duty were oblivious of the incident though the woman signed in before she picked the keys to the clinic, being a weekend.

A visit to the House revealed a sad atmosphere as the place was calm and some of the staff of the assembly were seen discussing her death in groups.

A source said: “It is, indeed,

sad news. Nobody expected that she would die when she did. We were told that she was in the clinic to pick some drugs only for her dead body to be found on the floor by a cleaner.”

Another source disclosed that Oriola’s husband, who had waited endlessly for her to return home that Saturday, had gone to check on her at the Assembly, but could not find her car in the car park, adding that he was unaware that she parked at the lawmakers’ car park in the

assembly.

The body of the deceased was later conveyed to the morgue in the early hours of yesterday in the assembly’s ambulance, accompanied by some staff of the House, led by the Clerk, Mr. Segun Abiru.

Mr. Musibau Rasak, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Mubashiru Obasa, who confirmed the report, expressed the condolence of the Speaker to the bereaved family and friends.

He prayed to God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.

RAZED: Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State (foreground), inspecting Karu-Mararaba-Nyanya Highway during a tour to sanitise and decongest traffic at Mararaba, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

Pandemonium as drunk Naval rating shoots 3 in Ikorodu

By Bose Adelaja

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HERE was pandemonium yesterday at Majidun area of Ikorodu as a Naval personnel allegedly shot three persons, leaving them in a critical condition.

Vanguard gathered that the incident occurred around 3p.m. at Tipper Park, when the Naval personnel, suspected to have been drunk, allegedly left his duty post to unwind and, thereafter, visited the park where he was playing with his gun, which went off and injured the three persons, who were going about their businesses at the park.

It was learned that the incident resulted in pandemonium as business activities there were grounded for hours, while the victims were rushed to the hospital.

Information was scanty at press time, but the victims were said to be in critical condition and were immediately referred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH.

The suspected naval rating was said to be one of the personnel mounting surveillance in the area to checkmate pipeline vandalism.

Vanguard gathered that one of the victims was a tipper driver, while the others were yet to be identified.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Patricia

Amadin, confirmed the report, adding that the suspect had been arrested and was currently being detained at Naval Base, Ikorodu, while investigations into the matter continue.

Nine die in Abia auto accident

By Anayo Okoli

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M UA H I A —N I N E persons were killed in an accident, Sunday, at Ossah in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, when their bus had a head-on collision with a truck laden with fertilizer.

Several others, who sustained various degrees of injuries, were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.

The victims were among the 35 passengers of a mini bus, which was conveying them back from a traditional marriage.

The accident was said to have occurred around 9p.m.,

near the Luxury Bus Terminal point on Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressroad in Umuahai.

The truck, a Man Diesel model, with number plates KUJ 824 XB, was said to be fully loaded with fertilizer and was travelling from Port Harcourt to the Northern part of the country, while the mini bus, a Mercedes Benz 608, with number plates XM 935 KJA, left Ossah in Umuahia and was heading back to Obehie in Ukwa West Local Government Area.

It was learned that the driver of the truck disappeared immediately the accident occurred, while the driver of the mini bus survived the crash.

It took men of Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, till yesterday morning to clear the road.

FRSC’s Sector Public Education Officer of Abia State Command, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwosu, said the agency’s men had to contact Aba sector that night to come with their towing truck before they were able to clear the road of the wreckage.

He said: “We first rushed 26 persons to Federal Medical Centre for treatment before making arrangement to move the dead bodies to the mortuary. ‘’We were there throughout the night with the police to avoid more crashes until this morning, when we had made sure that we had cleared the wreckage from the road.”

2 women arraigned over obituary publication

M

AKURDI—POLICE in Benue State, yesterday, arraigned two women, Martha Tina and Victoria Agber, in a Makurdi Magistrate’s Court for allegedly publishing a false obituary of one Patricia Paul.

The women were charged with criminal conspiracy, intimidation, defamation of character and causing public disturbance.

The prosecutor, Inspector Gabriel Ebonyi, told the court that the victim reported to the state Commissioner of Police in July when she noticed that her passport photographs were missing.

She said some weeks after, she started seeing her obituary posters on walls and trees all over Makurdi and in her school at Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo.

Ebonyi said investigation into the matter was still in progress and urged the court for an adjournment.

The magistrate, Mr. Cyril Enyi, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N50,000 each and a reasonable surety each in like sum and adjourned the case till September 9 for hearing.

...man for alleged stock fish theft

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—A trader, Chukwuemeka Ndiwe, was yesterday docked before an Ebute Metta Chief Magistrate’s Court over alleged theft of a bag of stock fish valued at N50,000.

The defendant, who is 23 years old, is facing a threecount charge of stealing, obtaining and issuing of a dud cheque preferred against him by the police.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Matthew Akahaluode, told the court that the offences were committed on December 13, 2014, at Otto Market, in Ebute Metta area of Lagos.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Magistrate O. I. Adelaja, granted the defendant N100,000 bail, with two sureties in like sum, who must be gainfully employed and adjourned the matter to September 21.

8—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

Lalong pleads with Buhari over Immigration boss’ suspension

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA—PLATEAU State Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, has intervened in the suspension of Comptroller-General of Nigerian Immigration Service, David Paradang, pleading with President Muhammadu Buhari to show mercy.

Lalong, who was at the Presidential Villa yesterday on behalf of the embattled Immigration boss, spoke to newsmen after a meeting with the President.

Speaking on security in his state, the governor stated that he had set up a 13-man committee to find solutions to the rift between Fulani herdsmen and farmers.

He said: “I came to see the President on some issues affecting my state.

I feel comfortable with the response I got and that is why I am smiling.

“I told him what we are doing on insecurity in our state. Also on the prevailing issue of the suspension of the Comptroller-General of Immigration, who incidentally is from my state.

“When you have issues like this in a political period, you must find ways of looking for reasons; if anything affects any part of your body you must show concern.

“Paradang’s case is still under investigation. A man was suspended and he is from Plateau State.

It is my concern because I am the governor of the state.

“For every appointment, we must show concern, no matter how small. The President is handling it.

“At the end of the day, I will agree the outcome.

But I also need to get some explanation as the governor of the state.

“On insecurity in the state, there are still pockets of crisis in Jos, especially between Fulani and Berom.

Because of that I set up a 13-man committee of credible people.”

FORUM: From left— Mr. Tunde Owolabi, Group Head, Lagos Island, FirstBank; Mrs. Funke Smith, Group Head, Lagos Mainland, FirstBank; HRM Oba Owolabi Adeniyi, Oba of Igbobi-Sabe, and Mr. Ibrahim Salau, Managing Director, Environmental Accord, at the FirstBank Voice of the Customer Forum in Lagos.

DSS charges Dasuki, ex-NSA to court

By Soni Daniel & Chris Ochai

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BUJA—THE Department of State Services, DSS, yesterday arraigned the former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (retd), for illegal possession of firearms.

Lawyers told Vanguard last night that Dasuki risks spending not less than 14 years in jail, if convicted by the court over the alleged offence.

DSS, in a statement, released by Tony Opuiyo, said that the arraignment of Dasuki followed the search operation it carried out in his residences in Abuja and Sokoto last month.

The DSS statement said Dasuki was charged to court based on credible evidence that he was in possession of weapons without licence, an offence punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (1) of the Firearms Act Cap F28 LFN, 2004.

Although DSS was silent on which court Dasuki was arraigned, it made it clear that the action was necessitated by credible intelligence which linked him to acts capable of undermining national security.

The service said that the arraignment was to demonstrate the fact that nobody was above the law and that the service was committed to democratic practices.

The statement read in part: “You may recall that on July 16, the Department of State Services, DSS, carried out a search operation on property belonging to the immediate past National Security Adviser, Mohammed Sambo

Dasuki, in Abuja and Sokoto.

“The search operation led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition among other things and for which further investigation was conducted.

“Consequently, on Monday, August 24, he was charged to court based on

evidence so far obtained, but which relates to possession of fire arms without license punishable under Section 27(i)(a)(i) of the Firearms Act Cap F28 LFN, 2004.

“This is in line with democratic practice and our avowed commitment to the rule of law, in which nobody

is deemed to be above the law no matter how highly placed in the society.

“Meanwhile, the Service recommits itself to the fundamental role of providing adequate security for all Nigerians to enable them pursue their legitimate aspirations and businesses.”

Lamorde may shun Senate’s invitation over alleged diversion of N1trn

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

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N D I C AT I O N S emerged yesterday that the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Lamorde, might not appear before the Senate to answer questions on the alleged diversion of N1 trillion recovered from the sale of the property of a former governor.

This emerged as Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senators have distanced themselves from the attempt by the Senate Committee on Public Petitions to drag the EFCC Chairman to the National Assembly for questioning when members resume from vacation.

The PDP caucus in the Senate, led by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said it would not be part of the probe of Lamorde by the Senate and asked the Committee to suspend the action for now.

The PDP senators said that while they are not opposed to any committee performing its oversight function, they felt that inviting Lamorde at this

time was inappropriate since such action mooted in the past had failed to produce any result.

The statement was jointly issued by Senators Akpabio, Phillip Aduda, Emmanuel Bwacha and Abiodun Olujimi.

The chairman, it was learned, was suspicious over the strange invitation at the time the Senators were on vacation and no formal debate had ensued over the said matter.

A source close to the commission said that it was doubtful if Lamorde would honour the invitation slated for today.

EFCC also issued a statement last night, saying it was surprised over the claim that the commission diverted N1 trillion when such never happened.

A statement by the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said that the commission had never seen anything close to N1 trillion since its inception and wondered how those bent on destroying the commission came by the said amount.

Wilson said: “In the first instance, claims of a N1 trillion corruption in EFCC is infantile and assaults the sensibilities of all reasonable stakeholders in the anti-corruption fight.

“Even if EFCC had not returned a kobo of recovered assets in its 12 years existence in addition to the yearly appropriated funds from the Federation Account, it will be nowhere near a trillion naira.

“This clearly exposes the mission of the so-called petitioner as nothing more than mischief, designed to smear Lamorde.

“More sinister is the discovery that the so-called petition did not follow the procedure for consideration by the Senate. It was sent, not to the senate, but to a member, Senate Peter Nwaoboshi, a first term senator from Delta North.

“Under the Senate rules, petitions meant for consideration by the Red Chamber are sent to the Senate, not to a member of the senate.

“Also, petitions meant for the Senate are tabled at the plenary, before they are referred to the relevant committees for further consideration.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015—9

Global price crash shocks Nigeria's capital market As oil price free fall L

By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor

AGOS—LAST week’s massive losses in the international commodities and financial markets have resonated further in the Nigerian space at the opening of business yesterday as the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, benchmark index, the All Share Index, ASI, declined 2.2 per cent to 29,214.13 points bringing Year-To-Date loss to 15.7 per cent, the greatest loss in six months.

Investors lost N227.7 billion yesterday to peg market capitalization at N10 trillion at the close of market. Likewise, market activity declined as value and volume traded shed 43.9 per cent and 25.5 per cent to N2.8 billion and 257.7million units respectively.

This development came as oil price crash in the international market continued with Brent Crude, Nigeria’s Sweet Crude benchmark, and West Texas Intermediate crude both traded at six-year lows of USD43.48 (down from last weekend’s price of USD45.46 and USD38.89 (down from USD39.89 last weekend) a barrel, respectively.

“negative investor sentiments persisted across regions given sustained pressures on oil prices while slowdown in the growth of the Chinese economy (world’s 2nd largest economy) has further exacerbated poor sentiment.”

The analysis

The analysis added that the recent devaluation of the Chinese currency, Yuan, has heightened uncertainties across regions, prompting a further pullback in the global equities markets last week.

Global equities market had

extended downward trend Week-on-Week (W-o-W). In the developed markets, the UK FTSE sustained its bearish run as the index lost 4.1per cent Wo-W. The European markets continue to grapple in fears of a slower Chinese GDP growth.

This was observed in the performance of the German DAX and France CAC which declined 5.8 per cent and 4.6 per cent W-o-W respectively despite manufacturing data that showed stronger growth during the week.

Asian markets

In the Asian markets, the China Shanghai Composite index tumbled 11.5 per cent following the release of manufacturing data that showed a slowdown in pace of growth after the recent devaluation of the Yuan.

Similarly, the Hong Kong Hang Seng and the Japan Nikkei depreciated 6.6 per cent and 5.3 per cent respectively as negative sentiments linger on in the markets.

In the rest of the BRICS markets, Russian RTS declined 7.4 per cent as

Greater China equities

Basic provisions of 2015 budget

This meant further erosion of Nigeria’s ability to implement the basic provisions of 2015 budget.

Financial and investment bankers who spoke to Vanguard yesterday at close of markets indicated that they expected the development in the international markets to worsen market outcomes in Nigeria this week.

According to Afrinvest Group, a Lagos investment banking firm; “Today ’s (yesterday) performance reflects the negative sentiments that have persisted in the Nigerian equities market.

Given the sustained run of losses in the market and the absence of a catalyst to excite investors, performance is expected to be driven by speculations in the short term, thus, we advise investors to maintain medium to long term investment horizons as headwinds continue to bedevil the equities market in the short term.”

The bears had sustained its reign over the Nigerian stock market last week as the market closed in the red on four trading days of the week extending weekly losses for the third consecutive week.

Analysing the global trend Afrinvest economists had said

persistent fall in oil prices coupled with economic sanctions heightened negative sentiments towards the market. The Brazilian IBOVESPA showed signs of improvement close to the end of the week as a mild rally lifted the market. However, the index slipped 3.5 per cent to close the W-o-W in the red.

The South African FTSE and India BSE also dipped 3.3 per cent and 2.5 per cent respectively.

In Asia, the Shanghai Composite Index slid 8.5 percent and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 5.8 percent, tumbling further into a bear market. The measure is about 25 percent below an April high, with a gauge of price momentum dropping to the lowest since the October 1987 stock-market crash.

INVESTITURE: Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (right), Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga ( 2nd left), Primate of the African Church, Emmanuel Udofia (3rd left), his wife, Lady Evangelist Ene Udofia (3rd right), Evangelist Ebenezer Okunowo, (2nd right) and Mrs. Titilola Koleoso, during the investiture of Archbishops of the African Church, at the African Church Cathedral, Bethel, Lagos.

Greater China equities plummeted, with Taiwan’s benchmark gauge dropping as much as 7.5 per cent. More than USD4 trillion was wiped from the value of Chinese equities from June 12, 2015 to last weekend.

Performance of the African markets mirrored other regions as all the markets along with Nigeria’s traded downwards W-o-W save for the Ghana GSE (+0.7 per cent).

The Egypt EGX lost the most (-9.0 per cent) W-o-W, followed by the Nigerian All Share Index (-2.7 per cent), and the Kenya NSE (-2.0 per cent).

The Bloomberg Commodity Index fell 1.8 percent, heading for the lowest closing level since August 1999.

Lagos govt wants FG to relocate 199 illegal immigrants from ER Centres L

By Simon Ebegbulem

AGOS—THE Lagos State Government has urged the Federal Government to prevail on its agencies, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Nigerian Immigration Service to take up their statutory responsibilities by relocating the 199 illegal immigrants currently camped at the Lagos Emergency Resettlement Centres, ERCs, in Igando, Alimosho Local Government Area and Agbowa, Ikorodu back to their home countries.

Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, yesterday, stated that the state government can no longer continue to accommodate these illegal immigrants due to the enormous pressure put on the ERCs at Igando and

Agbowa facilities.

Mr. Bello explained that the Togolese nationals were first sighted at Awolowo road, Ikoyi directly in front of the United Nations Refugees office. And immediately the governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode was informed of their illegal presence at the location, he promptly directed that the relevant state agency should take up responsibility of accommodating them, initially at the Emergency Relief Camp, ERC, in Igando and later at its camp in Agbowa, Ikorodu.

Mr. Bello further explained that the governor also directed that the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Immigration Services should be notified, a directive that was immediately carried out.

Surprisingly, the state government realized that these agencies have not taken any step to address the situation because the numbers of illegal immigrants from Togo have continued to increase by the day.

As at today, the number of Togolese illegal immigrants has increased from 114 to 199, putting serious pressure on the limited spaces at the two camps.

Investigations by the state according to Mr. Bello revealed that these Togolese immigrants were expelled from Benin Republic where they had lived for over 10 years.

They came to Nigeria, Lagos to be precise, and because of the accommodation provided by the state government at its ERCs, those illegal immigrants at the Igando camp started calling others on phone in Benin

Republic to come to Nigeria, telling them that they now have a new home. As at the weekend, another 85 illegal immigrants of same Togolese descent were taken to ERC, Agbowa.

The state has discovered that many of them smuggle their ways through the Nigeria borders.

Mr. Bello warned that the state’s magnanimous hospitality to Nigerian residents and other lawful inhabitants in distress should not be abused or overstretched as the ERC was built to accommodate Lagosians and Nigerian residents, not illegal immigrants, during emergencies and period of disasters.

"These two emergency facilities as at today are seriously been pressurized and can no longer accommodate anybody. What becomes of legal residents of the state in case an emergency occurs, God forbid", he said.

10 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

JAMB begins UTME forms sale Aug 31

T

HE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says arrangements have been concluded for the sale of its 2016 application forms.

This is contained in a statement by the board’s Head of Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria yesterday in Lagos.

According to the statement, the measure is to prepare candidates early for the 2016 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

It urged candidates to purchase the examination scratch cards from Zenith Bank, Skye Bank and First Bank.

“The registration fee for the (JAMB) UTME is N5,000 and candidates are also to pay N500 to obtain the textbook, ‘The Last Days’ at Forcados High School.

“Candidates will, however, be issued the book at the point of registration after showing evidence of payment,” the statement said.

It added that the registration period would be from August 31 to January 15, 2016.

According to the statement, the registration website will close on January 19, 2016.

It noted that the UTME had been slated to commence on February 29 and end on March 14, 2016.

Court vacates order stopping Ayangburen’s coronation

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

L

AGOS—AN Ikeja High Court has vacated an order of interim injunction restraining the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode from performing the

L

AGOS—ASSOCIATION of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, has urged Nigerians to key into the anticorruption war of President Muhammadu Buhari, to rid the country of the canker worm.

In a joint statement issued in Lagos yesterday, the ASCSN National President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama and the SecretaryGeneral, Alade Bashir Lawal, lamented the over N11 trillion allegedly looted from the treasury by the previous administration, saying “this is not only outrageous but scandalous.”

It contended that there was urgent need to reduce corruption to the barest minimum if not completely eradicated because “we believe that if corruption is wiped out in Nigeria, trillions of Naira of public funds that are

slated for the following day.

The Ayangburen stool became vacant on August 1, 2014, after the demise of Oba S.A.A. Oyefusi, following which the former governor, Mr Raji Fashola, announced Shotebi as the

PRESENTATION: From left; Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Deputy Governor, Lagos State; Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, Director-General, LASPEB and Mrs Grace Uzoro of the National Pension Commission, Abuja at the 18th Batch of Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate Presentation Ceremony.

DPR clamps down on 87 erring fuel marketers in Lagos, environs

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A G O S — T H E Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, says it has sanctioned 87 erring marketers over various offences in Lagos and its environs.

A statement signed by its management said yesterday in

Labour urges support for FG’s anti-corruption war

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

coronation ceremony of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi.

Justice Olabisi Ogungbesan of an Ikeja High Court had on August 14, put on hold the proposed coronation ceremony of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu,

diverted into private pockets will be deployed for national development. It is our view that not only should stolen money be retrieved but those who looted the collective wealth of all Nigerians should be made to face the full wrath of the law.”

ASCSN called on President Buhari to ensure that the antigraft war was total and not selective while all recovered funds should be pooled together in a special account and used for identifiable projects such as electricity supply, good road network, potable water, improved health care delivery, affordable decent housing, functional refineries, free and qualitative education, light rail system, etc It advised the Government not to allow retrieved fund to enter into “voicemail” as was the case in the past

Lagos that 67 retail outlets, operating without storage and sale licences or approval to construct a filling station, were also shut down from August 3 to date.

“In a routine week-long surveillance operations of retail outlets in the Lagos Zonal operations of the Department of Petroleum Resources, we visited 90 petrol filling stations.

“Some had a number of their pumps sealed off, while others had the entire facility completely shut down as a result of various infractions which ranged from under dispensing of petrol, to illegal operation of a station without a license, and, in some cases, outright abandonment of the facility.

“A lot of the filling stations were found to be selling petrol above the stipulated official pump price of N87.00 and even under dispensing by as much as two litres per every 10 litres. “ In other words, consumers were paying for the equivalent of 10 litres of petrol, while actually being served about eight litres.

“In particular, DPR completely sealed up those stations found to have been operating without a licence and have given them the opportunity to formally apply for a licence as a means to regularise their operations.

The statement said that the

inspections of retail outlets of the downstream sector were a routine activity that was carried out daily in order to ensure compliance to basic regulations and the continuous availability of products to consumers at official prices.

The Lagos zone operations covers Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Kwara and Lagos states.

new Ayangburen.

The court, upon listening to the unanimous application of all the counsel to the effect that the matter be further adjourned until a date after vacation to enable all pending applications be argued together, was of the view that the earlier adjourned date of October 6, 2015 be vacated accordingly.

The counsel for the claimant also prayed the court for an extension of the interim order of injunction earlier granted until after the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

Having listened to all counsel, the Judge, Hon. Justice Olabisi Ogungbesan in her ruling refused to grant an extension to an earlier order dated August 14 2015 in which she granted an interim injunction.

She said the order of interim injunction was for a period of seven (7) days by effluxion of time automatically lapses on Friday 21st August 2015 following upon which the said order of injunction will thereby stand vacated accordingly.

It is on record that Hon. Justice Ogungbesan had earlier found merit in the exparte application of one Odupitan Eniola seeking an order of interim injunction restraining the Lagos State Government or its agents from performing the coronation ceremony on Saturday, August 15.

Lagos State Government, had sought to quash the earlier order of interim injunction made by the court, halting the coronation ceremony, be set aside for an order dismissing the suit to be made on grounds of constituting an abuse of the court process.

BAD ROADS: Truck owners threaten to withdraw services

By Godwin Oritse & Adebisi Adekanbi

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AGOS—ANOTHER round of port congestion will soon hit the Lagos seaports as the Association of Maritime Transport Owners, AMATO, vows to withdraw its services following the deplorable state of the Tin-Can end of the Apapa – Oshodi expressway.

Speaking to Vanguard in Lagos, Chairman of AMATO, Chief Remi Ogungbemi said that if the road was not repaired

by Wednesday, August 25, the group will down tools.

Ogungbemi said that the Tin Can port is currently inaccessible as a result of the state of the road, just as containers continue to fall off their trucks.

He explained that containers

continue to fall off their trucks because of the deep gullies in and around the Tin Can port area.

He further explained that AMATO decided to withdraw their services from the port was reached by the truckers in order to draw government’s attention to the suffering of road users.

He said that instead of the government to clamp down on the agencies that have failed in their responsibilities of maintaining the road, it was clamping down on trucks, a development which according to him, have left many of the truckers indebted.

According to him; “As from August 26, we will withdraw our trucks from roads in protest against the deplorable condition of Tincan and Apapa roads, if the roads are not repaired on or before then, we will stop all operations.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 11

OONI: Giesi ruling house stakes claim

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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SOGBO—THE Giesi Ruling House, More, IleIfe, Osun State yesterday formally announced its intention to present names of candidates for the next Ooni of Ife to the government following the completion of the rites of passage for late Oba Okunade Sijuwade.

The spokesperson of the ruling house Prince Adelowo Ogunleye, in Osogbo yesterday said it was the turn of their house to present the next Ooni.

According to the ruling house, “It is on record as indicated by the government declaration captioned ‘The Ooni of Ife Chieftaincy Declaration’ reference no CB141/7/1/540 dated 22nd August, 1977 addressed to the then Executive Secretary of Oranmiyan Local Government Ile-Ife from the office of Military Governor of Oyo state of Nigeria and duly signed by the then Secretary to the Military Government and Head of Service.

“Paragraph a in the letter states that: ‘’The order of rotation among the ruling house should be as follows: Osinkola, Ogboru, Giesi, Lafogido.

“To buttress our claim, we like to refer to another memorandum released by the Executive Council

of Oyo State of Nigeria number OYSGM,(80) 107 dated 16th September, 1980 captioned: ‘Appointment of a new Ooni of Ife, Memorandum by the governor.’

Paragraph one of the Memorandum states that ''The Ooni of Ife is a category one ruling house chieftaincy in Oranmiyan Local Government Area (which now comprises of Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North and Ife South local government areas of Osun

State) to which part II of the Chief’s Law, Cap 19 has been applied.

“It has an approved and registered declaration provided for four ruling houses, the identity of which is as follows: The Osinkola House, Ogboru House, Giesi House and Lafogido House in that order of rotation.

“We want all and sundry to please note that the Osinkola house produced our father, Oba

VERIFICATION EXERCISE: Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State (right), addressing teachers during a visit to the centre of the verification exercise for Secondary School teachers in the state, at the CAC Grammar School, Akure, yesterday.

Ikorodu robbery suspects sue IGP, others

By Innocent Anaba

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AGOS—THE four suspects paraded in connection with the recent bank robbery in Ikorodu, Lagos State, have dragged the Inspector General of Police before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, saying that their alleged confessional statements given out to journalists, was extracted from them behind their lawyer.

The four suspects had reportedly confessed to playing different roles in the robbery while three Sport Utility Vehicles allegedly bought from the proceeds of the robbery were recovered from them.

The suspects - Agbojule Bright, Promise Abiwa, Monday Omoboye and Monday Ikuesan, were on July 6, 2015, paraded by the police in connection with the robbery of the Ipakodo branches of First

Adesoji Aderemi, who ruled for 50 years in Ile-Ife and was immediately succeeded by Oba Okunade Sijuwade from Ogboru house, who has just transited to greater glory.

“It then follows that the next ruling house to produce the next Ooni of Ife should automatically and normally come from Giesi Ruling House as per the two government approved rotational arrangements sited above.”

and Zenith Banks in Ikorodu, where an 18-man gang, which they allegedly belonged to, made away with about N80 million on June 24, 2015.

In their fundamental rights enforcement suit filed before Justice Mohammed Yunusa, counsel, Akanbi, claimed that the police violated the right of the suspects to remain silent or to avoid answering any questions until consultation with a legal

practitioner or any person of their choice as stipulated by Section 35(2) of the 1999 Constitution.

Akanbi in the suit said that the suspects “made confessional statements to newsmen under duress,” arguing that the police had no right to parade the suspects to be interviewed by the press “unless such a suspect wishes to give interview after the matter has been charged to a court of competent jurisdiction.”

According to him, the suspects might not be able to get fair trial in court since they have “already suffered prejudice in the eye of the public due to unfair publicity and unprofessional acts of the defendants.”

He claimed that the police had neither allowed him nor the family members of the suspects to see them since their arrest, adding; “The applicants’ counsel were not allowed to see the applicants even to have a brief interview when they visited the defendants on July 15, 2015.

STAFF VERIFICATION: Mimiko vows to prosecute offenders

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—GOVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State yesterday vowed that anybody found to be criminally liable in the ongoing staff verification exercise across the state would face the wrath of the law.

He clarified that the verification exercise would afford government the opportunity to clean up its payroll and eradicate sharp practices.

This is coming on heels of impersonation and many other frauds discovered during the exercise which started last week.

Dr Mimiko stated this during an unscheduled inspection visit to Oyemekun and C.A.C Grammar Schools both in Akure the State capital, where the exercise was being conducted.

The governor explained that there are shortcomings in the electronic data capturing system in the state.

Baba Sala discharged

by UCH

By Ola Ajayi

I

BADAN—THE ace Yoruba comedian, Chief Moses Adejumo Olaiya popularly known as Baba Sala who was hospitalized at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, last week has been discharged.

The Head, Public Relations Unit, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Mr. Deji Bobade disclosed this to Vanguard in a telephone interview.

When asked if the octogenarian had fully recovered before being discharged, the management said he was perfectly alright before being discharged.

He said, “Yes, Baba Sala has been discharged. We discharged him after giving him necessary medical care.

He was on admission at the teaching hospital for a week.

If he was not alright, we could not have discharged him.”

Pa Adejumo who is reputed for his rib-cracking comedy in his hey days, was rushed to the teaching hospital by his son, Mr. Emmanuel Adejumo the penultimate week.

Truck drivers accuse Ogun govt of multiple taxation

By Daud Olatunji

A

B E O K U TA — TRUCK owners and drivers in Ogun yesterday, said it has resolved to resist the forceful collection of multiple taxes from them on the highways across the state and Lagos by revenue agents of the local governments, state and the Federal Government The drivers also vowed to henceforth confront the alleged touts mounting roadblocks on the highways and enforcing the collection of such illegal multiple taxes.

Addressing newsmen at the end of their general meeting held at the Asero Stadium in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital,the truck drivers said henceforth they would resist the collection and payment of such illegal fees.

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

DESOPADEC LAW: I stand by my 7 days ultimatum —LORI-OGBEBOR W

By Charles Kumolu

ARRI—NIGER Delta activist, Chief Rita LoriOgbebor, has said that she would not back down on her ultimatum to the Delta State Government to repeal the Delta State Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC law, recently signed by the state governor, noting that no amount of propaganda would make her to do so.

She noted that she had instructed her lawyers to write the state House of Assembly to make available, the record of budgetary allocation to the commission since it was established.

Briefing newsmen, yesterday, in Lagos, she challenged the state government to provide evidence of how the commission had impacted positively on Deltans.

He said: “Governor Ifeanyi Okowa worked against the proposed controversial amendment of the DESOPADEC bill before assumption of office and the bill was thrown away. He later put up his bill and it was quickly passed in a big rush without letting the people who actually produce the oil in the riverine areas know what he was talking about.

“The so called public hearing

was rushed. Even people like us were not given the opportunity to make our contribution. The controversial bill was eventually passed into law and it is a senseless law that will divide Delta State as usual. Divide and rule is the practice of all governments in the state because of ethnic diversity. I have nothing personal against the government, I am only interested

in how the lives of my people can be bettered. ‘’Two days ago, one Mr Ofoburuku and Tonye boasted on television that DESOPADEC has done so much for the people and were prepared to take any body to the oil producing areas to see the wonderful work they have done. I jump to accept this offer to see this wonderful work supposedly done

by DESOPADEC. However, if

that is not done, I will take the media, government officials and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to the oil producing areas. ‘’My lawyers have been instructed to write to the Delta State House of Assembly to submit the budget to us since the creation of DESOPADEC. With this, we shall be able to marry the jobs on ground with money spent.”

CAMPAIGN: From left: Deputy Superitendent of Elites, DSE, Joshua Ikpi, state Commandant, Superintendent of Police, Etim Aidams , and DSE Barnabas Jerome, Public Relations Officer, during the Awareness Campaign of Elites Advancement for Peace Initiative Corps of Nigeria, at Isaac Boro Park, Mile One, Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

DELTA POLL: Tribunal dismisses Okowa, PDP's

application to stop INEC subpoena

A

Festus Ahon

SABA—DELTA State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Asaba, has dismissed motions by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, challenging the subpoena for INEC to testify at the tribunal.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, state governorship candidate in the April 11 election, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, is challenging the declaration of Okowa of the PDP as the winner of the April poll.

Emerhor’s bid to call witnesses last week was stalled by three fresh applications by Okowa, PDP and INEC as the trial was to begin.

At the resumed hearing in the fresh motions on Thursday, counsel to the petitioner and the APC, Chief Thompson Okpoko, SAN, described counsel to the three respondents as “Meddlesome interlopers and rabble rousers,” whose applications were meant to cause confusion and stall the hearing of the petition.

He said that it was only INEC that could apply to set aside the subpoena, adding that in the instant petition, the provision of law was not applicable.

Okowa’s counsel, Dr Alex Izinyon, SAN, in moving the applications, however, urged the tribunal to set aside APC subpoena, earlier granted by the tribunal on INEC to appear at the

tribunal.

Also, PDP’s counsel, Timothy Kehinde, SAN, aligned with Okowa’s counsel, arguing that the subpoena was an indirect way of asking the tribunal to sit on appeal

over an earlier ruling refusing the petitioner’s application for further and better particulars.

He said that the documents of the petition were documents not pleaded or listed in the petition, urging the tribunal to dismiss request.

Ndokwa youths urge Okowa to probe alleged diversion of DESOPADEC stipends

O

By Ochuko Akuopha

LEH—YOUTH Wing of Ndokwa Neku Union, NNU, Delta State, yesterday, appealed to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, to address what they described as the continuous diversion of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, monthly security stipends due to youths of Ndokwa nation by some political office holders for selfish

gains.

NNU Youth Wing, in a letter addressed to the governor, lamented that youths of Ndokwa nation had in the last eight years, not had their share of the stipends paid to all oil producing ethnic nationalities in the state for the development and empowerment of their youths.

The letter by the body’s National President, Marcus Enudi, said: “The rightful channel for issues

affecting youths of Ndokwa nation to be addressed and related to is through NNU Youth Wing which is the apex youth body in Ndokwa nation.

“It is in line with our earnest desire to get the stipends at the grassroots level for proper development of youths of Ndokwa nation that has necessitated us to partner the leadership of Host Communities of Nigeria, Oil and Gas, HOSTCOM,inNdokwanation.”

Owie lauds PDP NWC on e-registration who are experts in de-registering to them and their families.” of members Owie who described the members to shame.”

B

By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN CITY—FORMER Chief Whip of the senate, Senator Rowland Owie, yesterday, commended the National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the introduction of the E-Registration of members into the party, saying that the decision “Will put some cabal of leaders

Owie who also is the leader of the Edo New Dawn, a pressure group in the Edo State PDP, recalled that a former National Chairman of the party, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo made attempt to introduce E-Registration of members in the party, but his efforts were thwarted by some persons, whom he described as dictators, “Who think that the party belongs

decision of the NWC as good omen for the party, said that “The NWC of the PDP has opened the door of the detention camp that the PDP has been since 2000 National Convention of the party at Eagle Square, where the truth was destroyed in the party with the approval of E-Registration of party members."

Why Bayelsa workers promotion is delayed —ASSEMBLY

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—BAYELSA State House of Assembly, has exonerated Governor Seriake Dickson's administration of blame in the delayed implementation of the state workers promotion.

It described as misplaced and cheap propaganda, the rising criticisms against the present administration over the delayed implementation of the workers promotion.

The Assembly through the House Committee Chairman on Public Service and Establishments, Mrs. Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, said that the huge debts incurred by the past administrations in the state and the negative impacts of the deductions from federal allocations were responsible for the inability of the government to implement promotions in the civil service.

‘Dates for Edo PDP Congresses remain unchanged'

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By Gabriel Enogholasae

ENIN—EDO State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, said that the dates for the party congresses in the state as approved for it by the National Working Committee, NEC of the party has remained unchanged.

A statement in Benin by the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Chris Nekhikhare listed the dates to include September 12, 2015 for Ward Congress, September 16, for local government congress and September 23, 2015 for state congress.

He called on party faithful in the state to disregard a statement purportedly released by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metu on the internet about changes in the approved dates for the party congresses in Edo State.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 13

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14 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

THE NIGERIAN GUILD OF EDITORS, NGE, HONOURS FEMI ADESINA AND SHEHU GARBA @ TRANSCORP HILTON HOTEL, ABUJA. Photos by Abayomi Adeshida.

Patron, Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN, From left; Governor Adam Oshiomhole of Edo State, his wife, Iara and Patron, Mallam Ismaila Isa Funtua (left) presenting a portrait to the Special Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN, Malam Isa Funtua.

Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

Wife of Governor Oshiomhole, Iara (left) presenting a portrait to Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu.

From left; Adesina; Malam Isa Funtua, Ms. Comfort Obi and Kelly Elisha of AIT

From left; MD, New Telegraph Newspaper, Mrs. Funke Egbemode; former General Secretary, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Isaac Ighure and Mr. Bode Opeseitan of Globacom

From left; GMD, Leadership Newspaper, Mr. Mike Okpere; ED, Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Ahaziah Suleiman and ED, News, NTA, Mr. Sola Atere.

(LEFT) From left; Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, National President, M r . Wa h e e d Odusile, Garba Shehu; Editorin-Chief, Chronicle N e w s p a p e r, Mr. Samuel Egbala and Femi Adesina.

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 15

Ebonyi gov assures investors of protection sign with communities in the state Development Union, ICDU, Mr. community, stated that the royalties so that there will be peace Stanley Ayim who thanked the from the company would be used throughout the state”.

Governor for his timely for road maintenance and payment Responding, the President intervention in the impasse of tuition for students among BAKALIK—GOVERNOR Dave Umahi of Ebonyi state General, Ishiagu Community between Crush Rock and Ishiagu others. yesterday, assured the public that his administration was committed towards the protection of investors doing businesses across the state.

Umahi gave the assurance when he received in audience, Management of Crush Rock Company and its host community of Ishiagu in Ivo local government area of the state at government House, Abakaliki.

The Governor who directed Crush Rock company operating in Ishiagu to pay all outstanding royalties owed the host community for over two years, condemned the attitude of some investors who are only interested in what they would gain at the expense of the welfare of their host community.

He further charged Ishiagu community to be law abiding and eschew bitterness, acrimony, youth restiveness and all forms of criminality that are capable of scaring investors away from the SUMMIT: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (right), in a hand-shake with the state.

Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, “We are ready to protect Enugu, on his way back to Abuja, after the 2015 South East security summit, at the Governor’s investors in the state. They should Lodge, Awka, in Anambra State. be able to keep to any MOU they

By Peter Okutu

A

Hearing in Biafra’s self-determination suit fixed for Sept 22

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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NITSHA—LEGAL fireworks are expected to continue at the Federal High Court, Owerri, Imo State on September 22, this year in the human rights suit filed by the

Bilie Human Rights Initiative on behalf of the Supreme Council of Elders of the Indigenous People of Biafra, SCE-IPOB, against the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The suit which was filed on their behalf, by their counsel, A. C. Emeka of Mekadolf Law Chambers, Owerri, had earlier

Okorocha orders ex-political appointees to return govt property

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI—IMO State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, has ordered all his former political appointees to immediately return all government properties that are still in their possession.

The Governor’s directive to this effect, which came as a rude shock to his former appointees, was aired on the radio and television channels of Imo Broadcasting Corporation, IBC, Owerri.

According to the government announcement, the Office of the Chief of Staff was also directed to go after the erring political appointees and recover all such properties that are still in the custody of Okorocha’s former

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aides.

Vanguard investigations revealed that the governor’s move not only sent cold shivers down the spine of the former appointees, but has also generated serious division in the ruling party’s camp.

However, some careful political watchers in the state, described the current mind-set of Okorocha as “expected and a very healthy development”, especially as he did the same thing to Chief Ikedi Ohakim’s appointees as soon as he assumed office.

They advised the embattled appointees not to complain because they were the same people that applauded Okorocha for embarking on the recovery of cars used by Ohakim’s appointees.

been scheduled for hearing on June 16, but due to the inability of the court to sit, the case was adjourned to September 22 for hearing.

Before the June 16 hearing date, the presiding judge of the court, Justice S. M. Shuaibu had awarded a N5,000 cost against the defendants for filing their statement of defence few months after the statutory required period.

The statement of defence and counter-affidavit were filed on behalf of the defendants, by their legal counsel, Prof. Yemi Akinseye George (SAN).

In the suit No FHC/OW/CS/ 192/2013, brought under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the Bilie Human Rights Initiative representing IPOB, the claimants who are indigenes of the South East geo-political zone of Nigeria, parts of South South geo-political and the Middle Belt zones had dragged the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its Attorney-General of the Federation to the court as first and second defendants, seeking to be given the right to selfdetermination.

According to the originating

summons, the claimants are seeking a declaration of the court to enforce their right to selfdetermination, pursuant to the relevant Articles on African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, adding that they are equally asking the court to order the defendants to redress all wrongs inflicted on them by the defendants in consequence whereof.

The claimants further prayed the court to determine whether the IPOB who are the remnants that were not consumed in the NigeriaBiafra civil war of 1967 –1970 have the right of self-determination pursuant to Articles 19 –25 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

They also want the court to determine whether the claimants who identified themselves as Biafrans by indigenous identity were committing any offence by doing so contrary to any provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 or contrary to any provision of the Criminal Code and whether it is a crime under any national or international law to mention the name of Biafra or for the remnants of IPOB who were not consumed by the war to maintain their indigenous identity as Biafrans with their native emblems and symbols as they do now, even though they are Nigerians by citizenship and nationality laws.

Nteje battles Umunya over attempted land trespass

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

N

N

t

NEWI—THE e j e

community in Oyi Local Government Area, of Anambra State has warned Umunya community also in the council area not to use the alleged assassination attempt on the life of their traditional ruler, Igwe Chris Onyekwuluje as a ploy to trespass into Nteje lands located at Aguocha and Isiyi.

Umunya community has been involved in intra communal land crisis which has resulted in polarizing the community into two, leading to the purported bid to assassinate the traditional ruler, Igwe Chris Onyekwuluje and the alleged encroachment into their neighbouring Nteje community lands at Aguocha and Isiyi.

A faction of Umunya community had raised alarm that another faction in the community is trespassing into Nteje community lands at Aguocha and Isiyi, a situation which prompted Nteje community to react yesterday.

But the traditional ruler of Umunya, Igwe Onyekwuluje when contacted, denied any involvement of Umunya in any land matter or any connection of the alleged assassination attempt on his life to any land matter involving Nteje.

The intra communal land crisis in Umunya has led to the division of the community into two, with those loyal to the traditional ruler on one side and those against the monarch on the other side.

The allegation of encroachment jolted the Nteje community which is worried that the Umunya crisis is snowballing into Nteje, with the claims that some youths from Umunya are being incited and deceived into believing that Aguocha and Isiyi Nteje lands,belong to Umunya.

However, addressing newsmen on the purported trespass by youths said to have come from Odumodu in Umunya, the Chairman of Amakpu Ifite Nteje, Chief Paul Alegbune said, “some youths from Odumodu Umunya want to drag Nteje into their internal problems, and that is unacceptable to us.

“The land at Aguocha and Isiyi which are being mentioned in the petition the youths from Umunya sent to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomom Arase and Governor Willie Obiano have been decided on by the court."

16—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

President Buhari receives UN Sec-Gen, Ban Ki-Moon in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari and the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, during the Secretary General's two-day working visit to Nigeria, at the State House, Abuja yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida

The UN Secretary General, immunizing some children to mark the end of polio cases in Nigeria.

UN Secretary General, laying a wreath in remembrance of those who died in the UN House terrorist attack, at the UN Building, Central Business District, Abuja.

Ban Ki-Moon with some students in a classroom during his visit to a Junior Secondary School, Garki, Abuja.

Ki-Moon challenges Dangote, others on partnership with FG Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

T

HE SECRETARYGENERAL of the United Nations, Mr. Ban KiMoon, yesterday, called for a tripartite partnership between the federal government, the Nigerian private sector organisations and Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, for the nation to witness the desired rapid development.

Speaking at a meeting with captains of industry in Abuja, the UN scribe said that good governance and good government policy would make no meaning if the privates business owners failed to work with the public sector.

He stressed that while the government had the C M Y K

responsibility to provide a peaceful environment characterized by justice, private sector operators had a critical role to play if the goal of a sustainable development was to be realized in the country.

His words: “While the government has the primary responsibility towards providing an environment for peace, justice and sustainable development, businesses and philanthropists also have a critical role. That is why we are meeting.

“In my eight and half years as a secretary general, I have learnt the most important lesson, this is inclusive global partnership. Partnership among governments, business community, private sector and civil society organizations.

“Without this tripartite partnership, however good

the vision or policy of government will be, it can’t be realized. No country and no institution can solve the challenges on its own. We must harness the power of the private sector and civil society for shared solutions to complex challenges.

“We need to build an inclusive global partnership with a view to accountability and fair share of responsibilities. We must combine our strength, capacities and resources to achieve meaningful result.

For this sustainability, development goals provide a platform for aligning shared actions for common good. We are everyone’s business everywhere.

“Good governance and good policies by the government combined with active global partnership with the private

partnership provide the passport for success”.

Business mogul and President of the Dangote Group, Alh. Aliko Dangote, assured that the organized private sector had been playing various roles in the effort towards developing an economy that would comfortably support the Nigerian citizenry and become a global player.

According to him, there has been a well-nurtured collaboration between the federal government and the business community in Nigeria and that works were on-going to strengthen that relationship.

He added that, many operators in the sector were not only working for profiting but had been giving back to society by investing in the social sector with a view to ensuring a rapid socioeconomic development of the

country and would continue in that regard.

Earlier, Mr. Ki-Moon was at the UN Country Office in Abuja where he laid a wreath in honour of the 13 staff of the organization who were killed by the suicide bomber that rammed an explosives-laden car into the building on August 26, 2011.

He commended the courage of the survivors and their resolve to continue in the business of making the world a better place for all global citizens, in spite of the attack and urged them not to be deterred.

The UN boss who expressed appreciation at the federal government assistance to rebuild the office urged global collaboration against terrorism and that all hands must on deck to ensure that the world became a place “where no one is left behind.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 17

Whither Jega's child voters?

Underage voters

I

T'S an undiluted shame that one has to write about the voting age in Nigeria in the year of our Lord 2015! All the preceding ages of civilisations that humanity ever knew had addressed standards in one way or the other.

From stones depicting prices,through King Henry I stretched arm making a yard to the French King's foot until international standard weights and measurements evolved,the issue has been managed by stages of enlightenment.

The procedure for verification of the foot as described in the 16th century

by Jacob Koebel in his book Geometrei. Von künstlichem Feldmessen und absehen is: Stand at the door of a church on a Sunday and bid 16 men to stop, tall ones and small ones, as they happen to pass out when the service is finished; then make them put their left feet one behind the other, and the length thus obtained shall be a right and lawful rod to measure and survey the land with, and the 16th part of it shall be the right and lawful foot."

55 grueling and suffocating years of what we assumed was independence, Nigeria has yet to evolve standard measures in most of our national life because we are a country pretending to be a nation. Even the status of our country-hood has come under scrutiny with Chinua Achebe's "There Was A Country"

Former INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega responded "Don't mind Wale sir,the title is WHAT A COUNTRY". He could hardly finish when Baba (not the non-fatherly who wears it about as a title) said " NOT A COUNTRY is more apt" So it was that our many senators thought it was at least a country when the Upper chamber was to take a vote on the age when citizens can renounce their citizenship during the ritual of constitutional amendment in July 2013.They voted that "full age" should be 18 in concurrence with other laws setting the age of consent at same.

That would only last for a few minutes until Senator Ahmed Yerima the renowned groom to child -wives literally reminded the chambers of the

Not a country A few years back,Kunle Ajibade of The News presented a compendium of his essays under the title "What A country". But the holder one of the most gifted pens of my generation, Wale Adebanwi, in a cerebral review at the MUSON centre ran through the essays and surmised "Not A Country".

He asked for instance how a space where the thieves who are supposed to be hunted are the head hunters for the EFCC chairman should be calling itself a country.

Shortly after the presentation, an old man was said to have called Ajibade asking for a copy of his "Not A Country" to which Ajibade C M Y K

There should be nothing like Marriage Act for a multi-ethnic country. Rather each unit of the federation should have their own marriage laws and Alhaji Yerma should be able to pick his bride at 5 in areas where their culture permits

clash of civilisations in Nigeria. Against the rule of the Senate, he asked for another vote on a settled matter with the blackmail of the clash between secular and Islamic laws. "By Islamic law any woman that is married, she is of age, so if you now say she is not of age then it means that you are going against Islamic law".

By the time a second vote

was called many Muslim Senators changed their mind and the amendment could not secure two thirds. Thus, a Nigerian could change his/her citizenship at the age of 18 but child-wives of any including Yerima's could also do so since a married girl is now considered an adult in our duality.

"Every Nigerian should bow his or her head in shame because instead of crushing the head of the lustful beast that seeks to fornicate with our children, to steal their virtues and to destroy their future, what the Senate did the other day was to compromise with and cater for the filthy appetites and godless fantasies of a bunch of child molesters and sexual predators," Femi Fani-Kayode had fumed at the Senate decision .

The same Senate session at the peak of its infamy in its last days fixed the age of consent at 11. Much as I share Fani Kayode's angst,the Federalist in me keeps nudging on the

imperatives of cultural democracy. In that context, I am of the view that there should be nothing like Marriage Act for a multi-ethnic country.

Multi-ethnic country Rather each unit of the federation should have their own marriage laws and Alhaji Yerma should be able to pick his bride at five in areas where their culture permits but must not touch a girl of 17 in areas where child marriage is abhorrent.

While I'm willing to give unto Yeima what is Yermia's as per age of consent. I do not concede to Attahiru Jega the insidious attempt to deregulate the voting age in Nigeria.The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)) has the following information on its website as to eligible voters in Nigeria according to the laws:

The voter: Who is he/she?

S

/He is a Nigerian citizen.

• S/He is 18 years and above.

• S/He has registered in the constituency where he intends to vote.

• S/He possesses a registration card obtained during voters’ registration PERSONS WHO CANNOT VOTE • The following persons cannot vote at election.

• All persons below the age of 18 years.

• All non-Nigerians.

• All persons who did not register as voters.

• All persons who do not hold a voter registration card.

• All persons whose names are not in the voters register.

The age of eligibility was however observed in the breach in the 2011 and 2015 General elections conducted by INEC in areas of the North of Nigeria under Jega leadership.The use of Permanent Voters card and card readers for the 2015 elections was expected to erase this oddity.

The issue was however not given much attention as INEC under Jega kept creating one distraction after the other in the build up to the election. If it was not creating 30,000 new polling units, it was distribution of over 90% cards to Boko Haram ravaged states where people already fled and 40% in areas that never witnessed any crisis. The recent debate on insurgency (terrorism is more apt) in the North East by the Senate recently should sear Jega's conscience as contributors lamented

how many towns and villages have been destroyed and emptied by the wave of terror for years are now ghost towns. It is bewildering how those folks heard Jega's clarion call and return to pick their voter cards only to disappear again

Voting population As we got to the polls in March 2015, the kid voters turned up again in droves giving the impression that Jega did aerial throwing of PVCs and it was a free pick by even infants and in the process the the voting age was permanently deregulated in a section of the country.

This duality has great implication for oneman- one-vote in our country if we don't resolve it before we hold future elections in Nigeria.

Are those kids now permanently part of our voting population as the cards they are holding suggests? Are we going to permanently live with this duality of "one nation" and different rules?

We have to open the voting age debate afresh and agree whether there is a cut-off point. We can also agree not to have a voting age nationally and by this any person who can grab a card is a voter.

One thing we must never witness again is to have different standards for different folks.This odious legacy bequeathed by Jega must go with him.

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 TODAY, Nigeria will be celebrating her inaugural Diaspora Day. President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to lead activities for this fiesta, which is going to be an annual event.

According to the Permanent Secretary (Political Affairs) Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ibukun Odusote in a press conference last week, this year’s activities will be primarily focused on three thematic areas such as health, education, and youth/sports.

The importance of Nigerians living outside the country can no longer be overlooked. In fact, it is a great blunder that we are only now beginning to give the phenomenon due attention. The population of Nigerians in Europe, America and recently Asia, is huge.

They are part of the large tranche of people sent to further their education since the 1970’s who chose to reside permanently there. They also include the

Celebrating Diaspora Nigerians professionals who left the country in the 1980’s in search of more conducive climates to ply their trade, a process known as the “brain drain”. They also include the not-so-successful segments who require some kind of rehab.

The Nigerian Diaspora has become a great pillar of the country, helping to build a positive image for Nigeria through their exploits in their various disciplines, especially healthcare, technology, academia and business. Unbeknownst to many Nigerians, our Diaspora kith and kin have a place of pride in our economy. The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Di-

aspora Organisation, Dr George Manuwuike, disclosed that between 2011 and 2014, Nigerians living abroad remitted to the country, a princely sum of 63 billion US Dollars or over 10 trillion Naira.

The World Bank recently confirmed this cheering news, adding that the Nigerian Diaspora ranks fifth behind those of China, India, the Philippines and Mexico.

In view of this, we urge the federal government to take the Diaspora Day activities beyond the usual official celebration. A high powered committee should be set up comprising officials of the federal government and delegates

of Nigerians in the Diaspora to document the scope of collaboration needed to bring them fully on board as partners in the development of the country.

We are convinced that our medical professionals living abroad have the manpower and financial muscle to help make Nigeria a prominent destination for health tourism. We must open up the system and encourage them to invest in our economy and reap the bounties, and also give them the opportunity to vote.

We must also take steps to reclaim our children lost to foreign cultures by providing ample opportunities for our children living abroad to learn our local languages and embrace our cultural values for their eventual reintegration into our society.

We wish all Nigerians happy Diaspora Day.

OPINION Curtailing violent cult clashes(2) Continued from yesterrday's pg

By Adewale Kupoluyi

I

N the pandemonium that ensued, people scampered for safety while the hoodlums vandalised several vehicles. A few days later, youths from another area were said be on the rampage on a reprisal attack, hacking down their targets with machetes and damaging vehicles parked by the roadside before disappearing.

The death toll of the lingering bloody war between two rival cult groups in Idemili North council Area of Anambra State was said to have led to the murder of their victims in cold blood.

Similarly, members of cult groups suspected to be students of the University of Ibadan, reportedly clashed at the Agbowo area of Ibadan, Oyo State, killing a 35-year-old man.

No fewer than nine persons were murdered in Port Harcourt, Rivers State while residents of Bomu community in Gokana local government council were also sacked from their homes as two people were

C M Y K

reportedly killed at the Welfare areas, Kanshio near Markudi, Benue State by cultists. Despite the few examples highlighted above, many cases are officially never reported.

On the upsurge in the crime, it is widely believed that guns and other dangerous weapons being used by the perpetrators were at one time employed by politicians to fight their battles during elections and now that elections are over, the attackers have not returned the weapons said to have been given to them by the politicians; rather, they have turned on themselves and other residents with the illegal use of the weapons.

A number of factors should be

Many actors in cultrelated attacks have been found to be jobless, which could account for why politicians have found them vulnerable as the Devil’s workshop

considered in reducing this social problem to the barest minimum. To begin with, parents should show more interest in the welfare of their children and wards. Many youths have easily become targets of cult groups due to their innocence and vulnerability.

When parents monitor their children more effectively, it becomes more difficult for them to be initiated into cultism. Again, our law enforcement agencies, most especially, the police and the neighbourhood vigilante groups should work together to bring incessant cult attacks to a halt.

Security agencies should work more closely and harmoniously to achieve better results. They should muster the necessary will to confront this challenge head-long while proper intelligence gathering would go a long way in preventing pre-planned attacks before they are hatched.

People have complained that distress calls to the police on cult attacks are not responded to in good time because they do not arrive until after the havoc is done. This should stop. And when suspects are arrested, they are soon set free after their godfathers’ intervention. Sadly, very

few of these cases ever get to court as police prosecutors are known to cite one reason or the other for not taking such cases before the law courts.

Hardly do we see anyone being tried and jailed for cultism.

The government should urgently address the issue of acute unemployment without further delay.

Many actors in cult-related attacks have been found to be jobless, which could account for why politicians have found them vulnerable as the Devil’s workshop. Traditional rulers and religious leaders too, being close to the people have a key role to play in ending this menace. Rather than settle personal scores using cult clashes, people should embrace legal means of resolving their differences.

Stakeholders in the judicial system and alternate dispute resolution mechanism should restore sanity and confidence into the system. Certainly, the daunting task of curtailing cult clashes requires collective effort that can never be too much to give in wagging the war against violent cult clashes in the nation.

Concluded •Mr. Kupoluyi, Iwrote from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015— —19

Compromise of the professionals

By Sunny Ikhioya

I

N every profession, there are ethics. These involve quality or standards of service, fidelity, community or corporate social responsibility, development of the profession,etc; each according to its peculiar demands. There is no way our country can get out from the doldrums without the positive contributions of our professionals. But,viewed from what they have done so far, they have not lived up to expectations, in other words, they have failed the people.

Just as one can blame the lawyers for the failure in the judiciary, behind the failure of every big business is an accountant. It is the accountant's duty to trace the income, marry it with expenditures or out flows and declare profit for the organisation. Without the action or inaction of the accountant, it is impossible for any chief executive or official to steal. The accountant can manipulate the books and designate any expense appropriately as legitimate and this cannot be query it.

The shirking of professional responsibilities cut across all

professional groups. It is therefore not surprising that our very esteemed medical professionals, the group that is most revered in the manner of priests is now only remembered for the numerous strikes they embark on yearly and for their shylock tendencies when attending to patients. We shall revisit the state of our medical profession some other time. Our focus here is on how the accountants have helped to run our economy into troubled waters.

Like the leopard, they never change their spots; when they get caught in one area, they find ways to metamorphose into other areas; failed banks,pension funds, defence contracts, various government accounts and now the very hot NNPC. Everything about accounting is founded on incomes and expenditures. We receive incomes and incur expenses daily. When the expenses have grown beyond what comes in as income, the organisation is treading on dangerous grounds and when we face such situations, the duty of the accountant is to sound the alarm to all concerned. The question then is; why have the accountants in our various government agencies and

parastatals kept quiet in the face of obvious accounting abuses?

Why have they failed to draw the lines when the danger signals came up? Why must they flout the ethics of the profession which demand accountability and openness amongst many others?

The answers to these questions are very important because no matter how we try to change the system for better, if the professionals refuse to tag along, we have failed.

The NNPC for instance has an abundance of qualified chartered accountants at the management levels and across boards. Why has it become so difficult to reconcile the accounts of that sector? It is obvious that greed have rendered all attempts at best practices in our public service useless. Everyone wants to build

If the rules are made simple for everyone to understand and open to independent verifications, the level of our accounting misdemeanour will be diminished

Buhari’s probe and the monstrosity of corruption (2) Continued from yesterday's Viewpoint

By Bobson Gbinije

A

T a Retreat held at the instance of former president Olusegun Obasanjo at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos between February 23rd and 25th, 2001 for Ministers and Permanent Secretaries, a 12-point declaration was adopted at the end of the retreat. Buhari can use this as an ideological format for strategic repositioning of the fight against corruption in Nigeria. It states that: 1. We subscribe to the new National ideology, which is to build a truly great African democratic country, politically United and targeted at creating a stable economically prosperous, socially organised, with equal opportunity for all and responsibility from all to become the catalyst for black Renaissance, and making adequate all-embracing contribution sub-regionally, regionally and globally.

2. We adopt the new orientation as an agenda for dealing with immediate and future issues of governance of Nigeria: Removing impediment to efficiency and execution of programmes initiated by the Federal Government, and expeditors by actualisation of government objectives and vision of national renewal and reconstruction.

3. We re-dedicate ourselves and those who serve under us to the value of patriotism, honesty, hard work, and diligence, merit and excellence, trust worthiness, personal discipline, tolerance and mutual respect, justice and fairness,

C M Y K

love, care and compassion.

4. We pledge to eschew corruption, slothfulness, nepotism, indiscipline, bitterness, prejudice and other manifestation of anti-social behaviour.

5. We shall undertake critical review of the practices and procedures in every department of Government, so as to rapidly increase the productivity and service delivery to the public.

6. We shall foster a culture of efficiency in the Management of funds and other resources, maintaining high standards of resources, management and reducing waste at all times.

7. We shall efficiently supervise all government departments and agencies, ensuring timely reports and returns, and undertaking regular spot-checking.

8. We shall abide by the terms of the code of conduct which we all have signed, as expression of our commitment to the crusade against corruption and working closely with all relevant agencies such as the Independent Corruption Practices and other related offences Commission, the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Public Complaints Commission, etc.

9. We undertake to strengthen the partnership in working with the private sector, since this partnership translates to a better appreciation of the wealth creating capacity of this sector, and the

It is not an easy road for corruption and its quintessential sponsors and promoters will fight back

his own house and allow the It is therefore our burden as it country to go up in flames. affects the NNPC and similar That is why all the excitement government agencies that; the about the forensic audit of the more we try to dig into the rot that NNPC and other key agencies is in place, the more confused it must be done with utmost caution becomes, because the because we have seen it all professionals will always before. The auditors cannot see introduce their jargons. beyond the facts and documents The solution therefore is to make that are presented to them. the process as simple as possible.

Therefore, before they come I have suggested in the past that calling, the process has been all previous accounts that have defeated. When those in charge question marks be placed on hold of the process agree to open up while investigations continue on without inhibitions the purpose them to unravel the puzzles, will be achieved but this is hardly while a fresh account is opened, done in all instances because of beginning with this government. the fear of protecting jobs and The account should contain interests. simple rules in operating and Secondly the auditors being regulating and above all; open asked to undertake the forensic to scrutiny by all and sundry. audit in the system are probably The investigations should be friends and colleagues of the done by the enforcement resident accountants in our agencies as against professional corporations and they must have auditors who will only end up done one favour or the other to with professional jargons. That one another in the past, which way, we save the huge cost of they are obligated to pay back. engaging them.

Therefore, the comradeship factor If the rules are made simple for will jeopardise a clean report. everyone to understand and open This is why all the trials involving to independent verifications, the past bank executives have hit level of our accounting dead ends, except for those who misdemeanour will be reached consensus agreements. diminished.

It is instructive to note that the It is time for us to salvage our accountants will always introduce common destiny. a caveat in their reports, stating the limitations in reaching a truly *Mr. Ikhioya, a commentator reflective conclusion, like the last on national issues, wrote forensic audit carried out on the from Lagos.

NNPC account.

need for Government, through its various Ministries and legislative processes, to create an enabling environment for the sector to function efficiently as the major driver of the economy.

10) We shall strive to strengthen and inculcate the culture of working closely and in consultation with the leadership of labour and societal organisations.

11. We shall mobilise, evolve and promote the interest of all stake holders, namely, the society in general; since, in the ultimate all decisions and actions of government are aimed at the promotion of public welfare, there is also the need for a new attitude that has that welfare permanently in focus, as the only goal, and the economic well-being of all citizens, under unfettered freedom, is of cardinal importance and we shall design strategies and techniques of implementation for the New Orientation so as to ensure that the values being inculcated are ingrained in the citizenry at large.

We beseech the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to be of high integrity in this fight against corruption.

They must adopt the Delphic Declaration by making their assets and liabilities public. They must stand firmly by President Buhari to ensure that he leaves no stone unturned and no turn unstoned in this gargantuan fight to cleanse the Augean stable of corruption.

The constitution of Panels, Tribunals and other investigating bodies to probe Corporations and individuals must be circumspectively kept select. They must ensure that the persons constituting the Tribunals and Panels are not sent on witch hunting escapades and a vendetta mission. Buhari must ensure that his much vaunted political agenda of massively reducing unemployment rate and poverty in Nigeria are vigorously

pursued and the drive to spread the provision of amenities to the poor is given top priority.

There must be aggressive pursuit of industrialisation and agricultural revolution that will grossly alleviate poverty in Nigeria. We must be encouraged to shun ostentatious consumption. We must ensure there are checks and balances in the society at large to ensure that a man’s income is commensurate with his properties.

Unexplained wealth must be investigated.

There must be massive and colossal mobilisation of Nigerians at all levels to imbibe the mantra of the war against corruption in Nigeria. There must be no sacred cows and all hands must be on deck to ensure that the sledge hammer to deracinate corruption from all nooks and crannies in Nigeria are unsparingly applied with soldierly brevity. It is not an easy road to tread, but we must make the move to sanitise and rid Nigeria of prebendalistic graft. The Judiciary and the Press have a monumental role to play in this tortuous and adventurous journey.

Finally, the essayist and poet Edmund Burke posited that “the heights reached and attained by great men and nations, were not reached and attained by sudden flight. They toiled all night whilst others slept” and substantiated by the English playwright William Shakespeare that “if to do were as easy as to know what were good to do, beggars cottages would have become princely palaces and princely palaces heavenly paradise” (not verbatim).

It is not an easy road for corruption and its quintessential sponsors and promoters will fight back. It will make or break Nigeria.

Concluded

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

20 — Vanguard, TUESDAY TUESDAY,, AUGUST 25, 2015

Rage of rain: Flood threatens Ariaria Market •Traders cry out to Ikpeazu •Customers, traders now use rain boots Ugochukwu Alaribe, Aba

W

E now use rain boots to wade through the flood because this is the only way we can sell goods to our customers.

Nobody comes here to ask about the price of anything.

They call us on phone and we bring the goods they want to the other side of the market.”

This is the sad submission of traders in A- Line of the Ariaria International Market, Aba, Abia State while lamenting over the flood which have almost taken over their shops. The traders have sent a save-our-soul message to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, pleading for his urgent intervention in checking the flood before it puts them out of business.

In a chat with Vanguard Metro, VM, the traders lamented their suffering, saying they are daily losing their customers because their Lines have been flooded and made inaccessible since the rains set in. They also expressed fear at the continuing rise in the volume of the flood on a daily basis.

Deplorable nature of roads The traders alleged that the flood situation became worse when a building was erected at the portion of land adjacent the market formerly occupied by the Fire Service where the water flows into whenever it rained.

They also noted that the deplorable nature of roads in the Market and the Ukwu Mango area had aggravated the situation.

It would be recalled that the Ukwu Mango area leading to the Enugu –Port Harcourt expressway was rehabilitated by the administration of the immediate past Governor, Theodore Orji, a development that was heralded with much fanfare. But four months after, it is back to square one.

According to a trader, the bad C M Y K

state of roads in and around the market has made the place a nogo area, prompting customers to go elsewhere. “Before we

*Flooded section of Ariaria Market season set in. Even the barriers which they erected at the front of their shops to the check the menacing flood are no longer useful as the volume of water continues to rise.

According to a patent medicine dealer who did not want his name in print: “We are calling on the government to do something about the state of roads and the problem of flood at this market. I lost over N300, 000 worth of goods to flood last year. You can see that even the barriers I erected to check the flood has been washed away.”

Original master plan *Flooded part of Ukwu Mango, Aba had customers from Cameroun, Maiduguri, Cotonou, Ghana, Bayelsa, Calabar, Uyo and Port Harcourt. But many of them now choose to go to Onitsha and even Lagos because of bad roads at the market and around Aba. This Ukwu Mango area is

We now use rain boots to wade through the flood because this is the only way we can sell goods to our customers; nobody comes here to ask about the price of anything

a stone throw from the EnuguPort Harcourt expressway, but the access road is not passable.

We longer make sales. So government should come to our aid,” he pleaded.

VM gathered that in 2014, patent medicine dealers at the drugs section of the market near the Ukwu Mango area lost goods worth over N2 billion to flood. One of the traders at ALine, who gave his name as Joseph, pleaded with the Governor to respond to the situation with utmost urgency.

“We want the state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to come to our aid. We are really suffering and don’t know what to do. The Governor has started rehabilitating some roads in Aba; we want him to come to our aid in order to help us out of this ugly situation we have found ourselves,” he said.

Another trader at A-Line who deals in drinks and fruit juice told our correspondent that flood water had on several occasions entered her shop and soaked her wares which she later washed and dried up in

the sun.

A visit to the area revealed that some of the traders now rent lockup shops upstairs which they use as parking stores to save their wares from the flood while they display few goods at their main shops.

A cross-section of traders who besieged our correspondent, had chorused thus: “You have seen it for yourself. How many persons did you see daring this flood to come and buy or even to ask for the price of anything?

You were here when someone called me to bring goods for him at Enyimba Line. That is how we now sell things here: customers will call you on phone and you will go and deliver the order to them. Nobody comes here to buy or price anything.

We can only move in and out of our shops with rain boots. We even buy rain boots for use by our customers as no customer would want to wade through this muddy flood water.”

The fate of patent medicine dealers is no less pathetic as some of them have packed out of their shops since the rainy

However, the Abia Government says it has heard the cries of the traders and would soon to take steps to upgrade the state of infrastructure in the Market and reform it to its original master plan. According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Ikpeazu, Mr. Godwin Adindu, a new directive towards the government plan of action would soon be made public.

According to him, upgrading of the Ariaria International Market is part of government’s large-scale plan of a comprehensive infrastructural renewal of the commercial city of Aba which has begun with massive road rehabilitation and the de-silting of gutters and drainage channels in the city.

He disclosed that the original master plan of the market, which included spaces for drainage channels, banks, fire service, parking lot, police post and other support services, have been defaced, stressing that any structures outside the original master plan will be demolished.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

— 21

Stringent conditions preventing access to N220bn MSMEs fund, says SMEDAN DG Nigerian firm to export Agrochemical products to Ghana

T

he Small and M e d i u m E n t e r p r i s e s Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) says the conditions for accessing the N220 billion Micro and Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) funds are too stringent. Its DirectorGeneral, Alhaji Bature Masari, said this at a forum of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

According to him, the conditions have prevented some i n t e n d i n g entrepreneurs from accessing to the funds.

Masari said although, many Nigerians had been able to access the funds, there was the need to review the conditions for the disbursement.

“They have been doing the disbursement using commercial banks and micro finance institutions and even financial NGOs and very many Nigerians have

By Naomi Uzor

A From left: Director, Procurement, Industrial Training Fund, Mr. Dickson Onuoha; Director-General, Dr Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko; and Director, Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Hassan Umoru, during the 2015 half-year performance review meeting of the fund, in Jos, Plateau State.

been able to access the fund. But it is also true that they are having a lot of complaints by Nigerians who have been trying to access the fund. But it has proved to be a little bit difficult, mainly because

the conditions attached for Nigerians to meet up before they can be able to access the fund are a bit stringent for the ordinary Nigerians.

“Very many Nigerians who have enterprise ideas and would want to

go into enterprise set up and development lack the requisite collateral for them to approach any commercial bank for financial intervention. And the Central Bank of Nigeria did not fully take that

into cognisance when it was introducing the N220 billion MSMEs development fund. “ And that is why we are still having to contend with the problem of lack of access to finance.’’

Weakened naira affecting international trade —-Freight forwarders

By Godfrey Bivbere

naira is having an adverse effect on international HE International trade.

Freight Forwarders IFFA also charged the Association, IFFA, has federal government to recalled on the Federal Gov- float the nation’s national ernment to put in place fis- carrier as a means of boostcal policies to improve the ing maritime capacity, revalue of the nation’s cur- ducing capital flight, creatrency as the weakened ing employment and taking charge of huge freight cargo generated to and 118.5 -3.4 from Nigeria.

Making the $3,055.00 -22.00 call in Lagos, President of $10.36 -0.08 IFFA, Sam Onyemelukwe, said apart $43.41 -2.05 from putting in place fiscal 38.74 -1.71 policies, government CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL should also DOLLAR 196 196.5 197 ban or reduce POUNDS 306.9948 307.778 308.5611 the use of forEURO 219.1868 219.746 220.3051 eign currenFRANC 203.2526 203.7748 204.2933 cies in transYEN 1.5812 1.5852 1.5892 actions CFA 0.3107 0.3207 0.3307 within the WAUA 273.3478 274.0451 274.7424 country. He RENMINBI 30.6768 30.7555 30.8342 called for harRIYAL 52.2569 52.3902 52.5235 SDR 276.458 277.1633 277.8685 nessing of KRONA 29.6108 29.6864 29.7619 the various CBN Exchange Rate as at 24/ 08 /15 opportunities

T

C M Y K

in the country, especially the the maritime industry, to boost exports and shore up the nation’s foreign reserve.

According to the Onyemelukwe:, “We implore the Federal Government to urgently introduce functional fiscal regimes that will arrest this recession. IFFA believes that directing energy to build local content and economic activities will shoreup the value of the Naira.

“This can be done by har-

nessing various natural resources for export to stabilize our balance of trade and increase Naira denominated transactions. The establishment of a national liner of ocean going vessels is also imperative to boost Nigeria’s maritime capacity, reduce capital flight, creating employment and freight huge cargo generated to and from Nigeria. In doing these, the Naira will be strengthened.

“The focus on, and the extent to which foreign cur-

rencies have been given prominence even in local transactions in Nigeria are both alarming and red signs to Nigeria’s economy.

We see the problem with Nigeria as arising from corruption plus mismanagement and not dearth of resources; hence the Federal Government must generate sufficient political will to drive hard policies and insist on total turnaround of the country,”

Nigerian firm, Candel Company Limited, CCL, is set to commence export of Agrochemical products to Ghana from its i n t e g r a t e d manufacturing facility located at the Lekki Free Zone, LFZ. The Chairman of Candel Group, Mr. Charles Anudu, who disclosed this in Lagos stated that officials of the Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana has already visited his company plant for inspection and assessment.

Anudu disclosed that the inspection and assessment of the facility is to ensure that it is in compliance with global environmental and quality standards.

The CCL boss revealed that the plant, which was inaugurated barely three months ago, now has the capacity to export crop protection chemicals and foliar fertilizers to Ghana, adding that other African markets will follow shortly in line with the vision of the company as an international agroinput company with deep Nigerian roots.

According to him, “as a company, we have been operating in Ghana.”

42 shiips arrive Lagos ports with petroleum products, food

F

orty-two ships laden with food items, petroleum products and general cargo would arrive at the Lagos ports between Monday and Sept. 29, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said. This authority stated this in its daily publication, ‘’Shipping Position”, released to newsmen on Monday in Lagos.

According to the publication, 15 ships

would arrive with general cargo, while 10 others would sail in with containers. It stated

that nine ships containing frozen fish, bulk malt, bulk sugar and buckwheat were

The publication noted that the remaining three ships would arrive with vehicles

also expected as well as five other ships containing petroleum products.

The publication noted that the remaining three ships would arrive with vehicles.

16 other ships, with petrol, kerosene, diesel and bulk gas consignments and few with rice, frozen fish and general cargo, which had arrived at the ports earlier, were waiting to berth.

22 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

,

TOP 10 PERFORMING STOCKS

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

O

INVESTOR' ,

CBN and the banks should go beyond issuing the circular. The process and procedures should be widely publicised

n the top 10 performing stocks last week were the shares of Paints and Coatings Manufacturers Plc, Nestle Foods Nigeria Plc, Access Bank Plc, Forte Oil Plc and Skye Bank Plc. Others were Fidson Healthcare Plc, Great Nigeria Insurance plc, N.E.M Insurance Plc, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc and 7-Up Bottling Company Plc. PCM, which produces paint for decorative, protective marine, industrial and automotive purposes, led the cream of other gainers, rising by 14.58 per cent or N0.14 to close at N1.10 from N0.96 it started the week at. The company is presently operating below the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s post-listing rules requirement as it has not updated the market with its first and second quarter 2015 interim financial statements.

However, its available financial result for the year ended December 31, 2013, showed that it posted N3.09 billion in revenue up from N2.91 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2012, translating to 6.2 percent growth. The cost of sales rose to N1.99 billion as against N1.92 billion posted in 2012.

The profit before tax grew by 6.3 percent to N292.46 million from N275.03 million in 2013, while the profit after tax at N287.45 million represented 7.6 per cent growth over N267.15 million achieved in the corresponding period in 2012.

Nestle Foods Nig. Plc followed with 12.59 per cent or N107.98 price appreciation, closing at N965.98 from N858.00 in the previous week.

The company, like most fast moving consumer goods, FMCG, companies is suffering declines in earnings as a result of the devaluation of Naira, occasioned by the decline in the oil price which has pressured consumers’ purchasing power.

Most manufacturing companies in Nigeria source their raw materials abroad. An analyst at Meristem Securities Ltd, Saheed Bashir, had said: “We imagine that most of these firms will struggle to survive daunting pressure on costs, occasioned by the naira volatility and the passthrough impact of naira

depreciation”. “Brewers and flour millers in Africa’s largest economy import more than 50 per cent of their raw materials and other inputs. Even other household and personal product firms such as Nestle, PZ, Unilever and Cadbury which had diversified and gone into sourcing local raw materials, are not exempted from the impact of the f a l l i n g naira,” B a s h i r a d d e d .

Nestles’s six months financial statement to June 30, 2015 showed 23.86 per cent decline in profit before tax to N10.606 billion compared to N13.931 billion it posted a year earlier. Its profit after tax equally went down by 24.9 per cent, falling to N8.89 billion in 2015. the revenue also dropped marginally to N65.924 billion, from N67.200 billion in the same period last year, representing a decrease of 1.89 per cent.

Access Bank Plc ranked third, rising by 7.82 per cent or N0.34 to close at N4.69 from N4.35 per share. The bank had last week released the results of its N41.8 billion rights issue, which was 80 per cent subscribed. It also released its half year financial statement last week, which showed an impressive performance. Its revenue for the period grew by 40 per cent to N168.3 billion as against N117.9 billion in the six months in 2014. The Group posted a profit before tax of N39.1 billion, showing 44 per cent increase from N27.1 billion posted in the same period in 2014. Profit after tax was up 39 per cent in 2015 to N31.3 billion, compared to N22.6 billion in half year 2014.

The Board of Directors of the bank, therefore, proposed an interim dividend of 25 kobo per every 50 kobo ordinary share for the period.

Forte Oil plc, which recently joined the league of high priced stocks on the NSE, came fourth on the list with 6.37 per cent or N13.70 price appreciation, closing at N228.70 from N215.00 per share. Like the previous year, Forte Oil, once again received the Exchange’s commendation for high corporate governance structure in relation to timely release of its 2014 audited financial reports and accounts. The company said it has commenced auditing of its half year financials.

Before the October deadline for BVN (2)

By Babajide Komolafe

I

n response to last week’s article on the need for proper and effective communication, especially concerning registration of diaspora bank customers for the BVN, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday, issued a circular detailing the procedure and requirements for customers living abroad.

The circular can be accessed via the CBN website through this link:http:// www.cenbank.org/Out/2015/ BPSD/Circular on the Framework for the Enrollment of Nigerian Bank Customers in Diaspora for BVN Issuance.

The summary of the circular is that diaspora customers can either register for BVN in a foreign based Nigerian bank, where such is close to their location, or register through Online Integration Solution, the consultant company appointed by NIBSS for this purpose. The second option is only available in 12 locations around the world for now (first

phase), and customers would have to pay $30 to register.

While the issuance of the circular is a step in the right direction, some aspect of the procedures are potential source of hiccups that could generate controversy and crisis, especially as the October 31stdeadline draws closer.

The customer service personnel showed me on the portal that it was spelt as Ajingbade and therefore refused to accept that I am the one and the same person even though the other two names (other name and surname) were correct

However, CBN and the banks should go beyond issuing the circular. The process and procedures should be widely publicised As stated in the last edition, communication is one of the issues that the authorities need to address effectively before the deadline. But there are other issues, mostly technical and procedural errors. These are reflected in the complaint received from one of our readers, Mr. Akingbade A. Ojo, “I read your article on the BVN deadline and will like to share an experience and ask a question.

I registered for my BVN last year and had since gotten my number. Apart from my personal accounts, I also am a signatory to some official accounts. An official cheque was denied payment yesterday by a teller of one of the Zenith Banks in Benin because “the signatory (me) had not registered for BVN.” Though the same cheque was cashed at another branch of the same bank without hassles, and though I know that I had submitted my BVN to Zenith Bank as early as

MARKET NEWS

Fidson partners US firms on new product marketing

By Chioma Obinna

I

N a move to ensure that Nigerians have access to quality products, Fidson Healthcare Plc has entered into partnership with US firms, Immune Therapeutics, GB Pharma and American Hospitals & Resort, AHAR, for the marketing and distribution of LodonalTM, a patentprotected product that is indicated for the management of patients with immunecompromising diseases.

The new partnership will leverage Fidson’s strong and experienced marketing base, robust distribution channels and efficient customer and technical support services to promote LodonalTM in Nigeria.

The distribution will become effective, upon completion of the ongoing NAFDAC

approved 90 day bridging trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of the product.

Disclosing this in a statement, Managing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Dr Fidelis Ayebae, said the company is excited about the collaboration.

According to him, success in the industry into the future will be dependent on having the right partnerships, hence, the company could not have asked for better partners at this stage of its growth.

Commitment to research “The international experience of Immune Therapeutics and GB Pharma/AHAR in different markets, and their strong commitment to research will be of immense benefit to Fidson.

Likewise, Fidson’s towering presence in the Nigeria Pharma

space will open a great door for the group to access one of the biggest and most rewarding markets in Africa,” he noted.

He further explained that the partnership is another strategic approach by the management of Fidson to further strengthen the company’s growth.

On his part, President & Chief Executive of GB Pharma, Dr. Gloria B. Herndon, said: This is the crescendo of a great masterpiece that partnership of GB Pharma, American Hospitals & Resorts, Immune Therapeutics, each with its distinct role. Fidson Healthcare markets and distributes throughout the extensive Nigerian Network. We feel that Nigeria and US bilateral relationship will benefit from this amazing initiative that will enhance the health and wellbeing of people all over the world. This is the spirit of

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 23

October or November last year, I am surprised at that teller’s attitude. Our customer asked the teller whether the CBN’s October deadline had been voided, but the teller was insistent.

My first name is Akingbade and when I took my BVN, which I got from a UBA branch to Diamond Bank where I have a child’s account, it was rejected on the basis that my name was misspelt on the registration portal. The customer service personnel showed me on the portal that it was spelt as Ajingbade and therefore refused to

,

'S FORUM

Should be proactive on this issue so that only investors with genuine document can benefit from the exercise, I just hope they will not destroy the opportunity of the fund,

accept that I am the one and the same person even though the other two names (other name and surname) were correct.

I returned to UBA and the error was acknowledged but I was informed that the avenue for correction was not yet opened by CBN. The registration officer at UBA was baffled as to why such an obvious case of typographical error could become such an issue and I think I see reason with her. My question is: “What happens to my account if I cannot have this error corrected?”

,

INVESTORS SPEAK

•Owolabi

•Bakare

Be proactive with IPF, shareholders urge

By Providence Obuh

F

From left: Taiwo Obe, Founder, The Journalism Clinic; Veronica Onoja, Regional Operations Director, South Region, Airtel Nigeria and Dan Mason, International digital media expert, during the opening of Airtel Multimedia Journalism Clinic for select journalists in the South-South and South East Zones in Enugu.

collaboration that President Obama and President Buhari were talking about during the State visit”.

Fidson Healthcare Plc recently bagged Frost & Sulliva’s 2014 Growth Excellence Leadership Award in the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry; recorded sales of N9.7 billion in full year 2014. The award was in recognition of the company ’s consistent performance in the Nigerian pharmaceutical sector, which has seen its revenues rise at a 15 percent CAGR over the last five years.

The company has also won other corporate awards including the Financial Standard ‘Pharmaceutical Sector Leader’

The partnership is another strategic approach by the management of Fidson to further strengthen the company’s growth

Award in 2008 and the ‘Nigerian Pharmaceutical Company of the Year’ at the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards, NHEA, in 2014. Fidson’s definitive growth and consistent performance in the Nigerian stock market also earned her CEO the 2014 BusinessDay Top 25 CEOs Award, which the company has won consecutively for two years.

To offer options in manufacturing and grow its product portflio, Fidson will be commissioning a N7.5 billion manufacturing plant this year. The new facility will double the company ’s production capacity and will also for the first time, add intravenous fluids to Fidson’s product portfolio. The facility is built to conform to the World Health Organization (Geneva) current Good Manufacturing Practice (WHO-GMP) standards.

Also speaking, Chief Executive, AHAR, Dr. Richard Afonja, stated they are well positioned to effect the novel approach to treating HIV/AIDS and other immune compromised diseases in the whole of Africa, starting with Nigeria.

He said bringing Fidson on board will enhance the facilitation of getting the much needed treatment approach for these conditions”.

ollowing the introduction of Investors Protection Fund (IPF) designed to compensate investors' losses occasioned by bankruptcy, insolvency, negligence or wrongdoing of stock-broking firms and to boost investors’ confidence in the nation's stock market, shareholders have urged the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to be proactive in the disbursement of the fund.

transparent so that it does not look as if the Fund is being disbursed to the well to do people. The names of the beneficiaries and the companies involved should be published so that we can know and it will serve as a guide for investors who may likely fall victim. Also, the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has done well by hiking the capital base for stock-broking houses. I think the the weak among them should merge with the strong and formidable stockbroking houses.

Mrs Bisi Bakere, Pragmatic Mr. Segun Owolabi, Western Shareholder Association of ICON Shareholders Association Nigeria: of Nigeria: The trust fund is good, but it is just The number one thing I would say that there are unfortunate things in about the IPF is that Nigeria that when they the modalities have not set up such Funds, it is been released, we only the executives that We don’t don’t know how this use the opportunity to fund is being enrich themselves. That know who disbursed and to is just the problem in this are the whom the funds are clime. The objective and being disbursed. idea of setting up the eligible Secondly, we don’t is good that when beneficiaries Fund know who are the investors lose money eligible beneficiaries of of the fund, with their stock-broking the Fund, these are the houses, they are these are the issues that need to be compensated. Although addressed before we issues that they will not be given all can accept it into the the amount, but needs to be system. It is a good something tangible will addressed thing if the motive of be given to give them a setting up the Fund is soft landing. It is good if to address some they can do it, but we hope infractions that stock broking houses its not only those who are their friends have committed. In the cause of that will benefit from such opportunity helping the investors to buy shares, while the less privileged are ignored some stockbrokers will not buy and when they have similar problem. What some will even folded. I think that is I will add is that the NSE should be what the Fund sets out to address proactive on this issue so that only and if that is the case, then we investors with genuine document can should know the modalities through benefit from the exercise. I just hope which the Fund should be disbursed they will not destroy the opportunity of and let it be publized, and the the fund, NSE should know what they disbursement should be transparent. are doing and they should be proactive Now that Buhari’s government has on the issue. come into power, we must be

24— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

NNPC, AP, Sahara Oil, others flout FG regulations As DPR seals 14 outlets for infractions

By Ediri Ejoh

S

OME filling stations including NNPC, Mobil, Forte Oil, SO, and a host of others were among the 87 outlets sanctioned by the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, for various infractions, including selling above regulated prices for petrol and kerosene, and underdispensing.

Products from these stations will be traced to the depots and would be made to pay about N100, 000 each into the Federal Government coffers for these infractions before they can re-open for business.

Furthermore, if any of them is caught more than once, it will remain closed for at least 90 days before it can resume operations again.

The infractions were uncovered during an oversight inspection carried out last week by the petroleum industry regulator in the Lagos Zone of operations which covers, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos state.

The DPR noted that these sharp practices have cost the public and the economy a great deal, as a lot of these filling stations were found to be selling petrol above the stipulated official pump price of N87.00 and even under dispensing by as much as 2 litres per every 10 litres purchased by customers. “In other words, consumers were paying for the equivalent of 10 litres of petrol while actually being served about 8 litres.”

Specifically, DPR completely sealed up those stations found to have been operating without a license, and have given them the opportunity to formally apply for a license as a means to regularize their operations.

Despite series of warnings to desist from such acts, outlets found to engage in a series of infractions government regulations for the sale of petroleum products included: ·NNPC station at Irawo Bus Stop, Ikorodu Road; ·Mobil at Owode Bus Stop, Ikorodu; · SO (Sahara Oil) Super Limited at Ogolonto, Ikorodu; C M Y K

.

List of defaulters

·General Oil Limited, Ketu; ·Walesaf, Owode-Idera Bus Stop, Ikorodu; and, ·HS Petroleum at Ketu. ·Kaz Oil, Lakowe; ·Forte Oil, Gulf Road, Lakowe; ·Ona Ara Oil and Gas Station; ·Forte Oil, Molete; ·Wakass, Igando-Oloja; ·Forte Oil, Abule Folly Ibeju; and, ·Forte Oil, Oribanwa Ibeju Lekki.

PMS, and refusal to open pumps for testing by the DPR officials.

Kaz Oil, which meters read N86.50 per litre at the time of the visit, under dispensed PMS by 0.8 litre for every 10 litre, thereby making buyers pay for the product at above N90 per litre.

Ona Ara Oil and Gas Station was sealed because there was no one to attend

Stations’ offences

Specifically, at Mobil the pumps were found to be under-dispensing, while some 150 litres of water were found in one of its 30,000 litres premium motor spirit, PMS or petrol tanks.

Also an NNPC station at Irawo Bus Stop, Ikorodu Road, had three of its pumps sealed for under-dispensing, while two pumps were sealed at the MRS station at Alapere, Ketu, Ikorodu Road.

The Forte Oil station at Oribanwa was sealed for hoarding 24,000 litres of

Consumers were paying for the equivalent of 10 litres of petrol while actually being served about 8 litres

to the DPR inspectors, as the officials suspected the pumps were switched off and abandoned on the news that the DPR was in the neighbourhood.

At Forte Oil along Gulf Road, two of the pumps were under dispensing by 0.98 litre and 1.06 litre for every 10 litres.

The monitoring tour was led by the Deputy Manager, Retail Outlets, Lagos Zonal office, Mr. Olusegun Dabo, and lasted for about four hours.

Restoring downstream transparency Speaking to newsmen after the inspection, the DPR Zonal Operations Controller, L agos, Mrs. Chioma Njoku, said the move is to restore transparency in the sales of petroleum product, and in turn restore the masses’ confidence in the government.

She said, “Some of them (outlet) engage in manipulating their pumps that under-dispense to the public, which is a way of

The move is to restore transparency in the sales of petroleum product, and in turn restore the masses’ confidence in the government

over-charging the buyers and they bear the brunt of it when caught.

“They don’t have any reason not to comply with our rules. We try to trace the problem back to the depots to nip it in the bud. We found out that some of them were selling above the ex-depot price and about 22 depots were sealed in the past few weeks.

“When we get them, they have to pay a fine of N100,000 to the Federal Government and then we have them sealed until the infraction is rectified. And when we catch them for more than once, we seal them for up to 90 days, after then their licences would be seized if such act persist.”

DPR, in a recent warning, said it will place a fine of N200 per litre on any marketer who diverts petroleum products, in a bid to stem the continued fuel shortages being experienced in the country.

The decision followed series of warnings by the regulator to oil marketers and depot operators to desist from sharp practices leading to the illegal increases in the pump prices of petrol and Dual Purpose Kerosene, DPK/ kerosene, which enjoy federal government subsidy.

The warning read in part: “All marketers are hereby warned to desist from the illegal diversion of petroleum products, especially PMS and DPK. Failure to comply with this directive will attract severe sanctions, including the imposition of a fine of N200 per litre of the diverted product or prosecution in a court of law of both.

“Dealers in petroleum products who are sellers, DAPPMA, MOMAN, NIPCO and PPMC, or buyers, IPMAN and IMB, are hereby warned against buying or selling of PMS and DPK above the government regulated prices.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 —25

Gas contract: Presidency wades into Agip, Arco dispute NNPC Board has not approved new contract As Agip challenges regulators on wrong doing “The whopping difference of the sum of US$77million per annum translates to an excess charge of US$231million since January 2012!” this makes Arco to suspect that the new price might be “a strategy to bring Platgeria into the contract and NAOC will later change the terms to the status quo.”

By Clara Nwachukwu

T

HE Presidency may have waded into the impasse between the Nigerian unit of Italian oil giant, Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC, and indigenous oil service company, Arco Petrochemical Engineering Company Plc, with a view to resolving the crisis, which is now before a Port Harcourt Federal High Court.

Although there are no official confirmations from both parties, b u t Vanguard reliably gathered that the Presidency intervention is at the instance of Agip. But this was immediately denied by a top official of the Italian company, who said: “ we have more important things to discuss with Mr. President.”

Already, Agip is being accused of flouting court order to maintain status quo on the contentious interim contract for the maintenance of Agip’s OBOB/Kwale/ Ebocha gas plant pending the award of substantive contract for a 4+1 year contract by the NNPC/Agip joint venture.

The gas plant is reputed as the Eastern hub for gas supply in Nigeria, as the plat supplies gas to the Nigeria LNG, Eleme Petrochemicals and the Omoku power plants.

The Italian company also took advantage of a leeway in venture agreements to unilaterally offer the job to Platgeria Company Ltd. even when the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC had not met to approve the new contract.

The bone of contention

Relationship between Agip and Arco went sour when the former refused to renew an interim contract for the Nigerian company, upon the expiration of the existing contract for the maintenance of the gas turbines in the Agip plant.

Arco had been a subcontractor to the project since 2006, when the Board of the NNPC awarded a five year contract ending in 2011 to the duo of then Nuovo Pignone, now GE, and Arco as the local technical partner.

Apart from due process, Arco insists it has both the technical and commercial competence to handle the interim contract, which was also approved by the NNPC/ NAPIMS in July 2013.

compel Agip to stop the contract process.

Furthermore, Vanguard learnt that having being a subcontractor on the job for so long, Agip was desirous “to give another contractor a chance. There should be no monopoly in a contractual process.”

But Arco argues that a change in contractor should add value and bring more benefit, rather than in this instance where it alleges that both GE and Platgeria are poaching its staff in order to execute the job.

Due process

.

Gas plant

This is more so, as the Nigerian company was the one that maintained the gas plant satisfactorily for six months in the wake of the Niger Delta crisis when GE and other expatriates left the region.

But rather than awarding the contract to Arco, Agip awarded it to Plantgeria Company Ltd, reputed as a Nigerian-basedItalian-company, which Agip insists offered the best commercial bid, even as it was said not to have been prequalified for the technical bid.

However, Arco insists that “Plantgeria has never carried out any rotating equipment maintenance before and therefore incapable of appreciating the enormity of the job.”

Project cost

Agip insisted it favoured Plantgeria for the project because the company offered the most cost effective bid. “The tender papers were opened in the presence of DPR, NNPC/ NAPIMS, NCDMB and the seven companies pre-qualified for the commercial process. So how can we not give the contract to the company that offered the best price.”

However, Arco wonders is all the truth has been told about the transaction, given the price variation in the current process and the new process to be executed by Plantgeria.

According to Arco, “…at the peak of the Niger Delta crisis, NAPIMS directed the handing over of the plants to Arco for maintenance for six months at the rate of US$37million per annum.”

But “the job is currently being executed at the cost of US$87 per annum by GE with Arco as a sub-contractor,” it added, where Platgeria is said to have offered “to do the job at the cost of US$10million per annum.”

Also, Arco alleged that the effective cost of the stop-gap contract will be much higher than the $37million it quoted because of the offshore treaty between GE and ENI/NAOC. Under this treaty, “GE will continue to maintain its positions of expatriate personnel in the plant,” and “ will invoice directly to NAOC for these services,” which “facts are not disclosed to NAPIMS,” it claimed.

Against this backdrop, Arco queries the feasibility of Platgeria’s $10million bid, where GE had been executing the same job for $87million.

It asked: “If US10million can realistically carry out the maintenance contract, the question therefore is what has been happening to the difference between GE’s US$87million annual cost and the proposed Plantgeria’s US$10million annual price quote?

Agip is being accused of flouting court order to maintain status quo on the contentious interim contract for the maintenance of Agip’s OBOB/ Kwale/Ebocha gas plant pending the award of substantive contract for a 4+1 year contract by the NNPC/Agip joint venture

But again, the Agip source has challenged petroleum industry regulators to sanction it if found to be engaged in any wrong doing, and insisted it followed due process in the award of the contract.

He queried figures being bandied by Arco, asking, “Where did they get their figures, is Arco a member of NNPC Board?”

The source who spoke in confidence, told Vanguard, “if we’re running foul of any law, the (Department of Petroleum Resources), DPR, (Nigerian Content Development Managing Board), NCDMB, and even NNPC/NAPIMS (National Petroleum Investment Management Services), would have punished us.”

But industry analysts argue that the lack of punishment on Agip, may not be unconnected with the strong hold of international oil companies, IOCs, on Nigeria’s economy, which is more than 90 percent dependent on oil revenues for its survival. Due to the enormous power they wield, the IOCs are often accused of being more profit centric at the expense of Nigeria and Nigerians.

When asked on what authority Agip offered the job to Platgeria, if it was following due process since the NNPC Board did not approve the contract, he defended that it took advantage of the leeway provided in the joint operating agreement, JOA. According to him, “I agree that the NNPC Board needs to approve contracts of this nature.

But because of issues associated with bureaucracy, some contracts like this one can be allowed to go on. This is because this is a maintenance project that has been going on for years to keep the plat running on daily basis; it is not a new project or is it a capital project, so there is a leeway for such contracts.”

Indeed, NNPC sources told Vanguard that the inability of the NNPC Board to meet for years during the period of former President Goodluck Jonathan, contributed immensely to Arco’s dilemma, as there was little the management could do to

PAEC to generate 40,000MW of electricity by 2050

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HE Fedearal Government has assigned a target of generating around 40,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity by 2050 to help resolve the electricity crisis being faced by the country, said the chairperson of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Muhammad Naeem.

“We are confident about achieving this target within the stipulated period, as all the requisite projects and plans are in place for this purpose,” he said, while speaking as chief guest at the 13th convocation of the Karachi Institute of Power Engineering (KINPOE) on Friday. He said that the PAEC is all set for meeting the target set by the government to produce 8,800 MW of electricity by 2030.

Naeem said that the PAEC has been striving to enhance its role in power generation, as the country is facing an acute power shortage. He added that an immense contribution had been made by the graduates of the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) and KINPOE to the country ’s nuclear programme.

The PAEC has established 18 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals in different cities, providing diagnostics and therapeutic facilities to the surrounding areas. Around 800,000 patients are benefitting from these hospitals per year, which is roughly 80 per cent of the total cancer patients in the country.

Similarly in the agriculture sector, the PAEC has established four agriculture research centres, NIA at Tandojam, NIBGE and NIAB at Faisalabad and NIFA in Peshawar.

26— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

Auditor-General insists NDDC misappropriated N184bn

By Michael Eboh

CONFERENCE:

A

BUJA - Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation insists it stands by its audit report on the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, saying the Commission has a case to answer.

The Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr. Samuel Ukura, also urged the NDDC or any other person dissatisfied with the Report to take advantage of the opportunity to defend themselves before the Public Accounts Committees, PACs, of the National Assembly.

Ukura said this in a statement signed on his behalf by the Deputy Director, Media & Public Relations, Mr. Olawunmi Ogunmosunle, which was made available toVanguard.

The statement read in part: “The attention of the Management of the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation has been drawn to the claims by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in some electronic and print media denying and casting aspersions on the Special Periodic

Panelist at the just concluded National Association of Energy Correspondent, NAEC, 2015 conference

Checks recently submitted to the National Assembly.

“Ordinarily, the Management of the Office of the AuditorGeneral for the Federation would not have considered it worthy to join issues with the former.

“Nevertheless, the Office make bold its statement public, based on the negative sentiments occasioned by the NDDC’s condemnation of the Special Periodic Checks, calculated to demean the efficacy of the constitutional mandate carried out by the Office of the AuditorGeneral for the Federation.

“It is noteworthy to state that it took NDDC, 16 months to grant the Office permission to commence the periodic checks beginning from 9th December, 2011 to 6th May, 2013. Similarly, it took another 16 months and several reminders to the NDDC with effect from the 24th of April, 2014 to 12th August, 2015 before the final report was submitted to the National Assembly.

“It may interest the reading publics to know that at the time of this Press Release, the

…Blames National Assembly for oil sector rot

By Michael Eboh

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HE Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr. Samuel Ukura, has blamed the rot and corruption in the oil and gas sector, as well as other critical sectors of the economy on the lack of political will by the country ’s leadership, especially the National Assembly.

Ukura, who disclosed this at the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ Roundtable on Oil and Gas Reforms, in Abuja, also lamented that the legal framework within which it operates is now obsolete.

The Auditor-General, who was represented by a Director in the ExtraMinisterial Audit Department, Mr. Rotimi Dada, disclosed that since 1999, none of the reports prepared by his office had been brought to the plenary sessions of the National Assembly.

He further noted that sanctions listed in the recommendations of its audits were rarely carried out, adding that all these had served to promote corruption in critical sectors of the economy, and therefore, became a hindrance in the discharge of its duties.

He said, “The legal framework within which

we operate is a major challenge to our major activity, which is the auditing of the country’s accounts. The office of the Auditor-General of the Federation operates under the 1956 Ordinance, which has become obsolete.

“Since 1999, none of the reports of the AuditorGeneral has been taken to plenary. These do not augur well for our activities.”

He also cited the lack of political will to implement the office recommendations as one of the major problems in the fight against corruption.

According to him, leadership problem was the cause of the huge losses suffered in the Nigerian oil and gas sector as well as in other critical sectors of the economy.

Ukura called on Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, and other stakeholders to continue putting pressure on the relevant authorities on the need to implement the recommendations of its audit reports.

He further expressed optimism that with the current leadership and the quest to bring about change, there would be a significant deviation from what was obtained in the past.

Also speaking, Mr. David Ugolor, Executive Director, ANEEJ, applauded the ongoing reforms in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and the oil and gas sector in general. “…we welcome these much-talked about reforms particularly in the area of production sharing arrangements, Joint Venture contracts, and the oil for product swapping currently going on; operations in the oil and gas sector that are conduits for siphoning billions of dollars,” he said.

He further lamented that one of the many outcomes of the mismanagement in the NNPC and in the sector was the large scale incidences of corruption and massive embezzlement among key players in the industry.

However, he said, “The role of Civil Society in engaging ongoing reforms in the oil and gas sector is crucial to ensuring the effective reversal of the resource curse phenomenon we have unfortunately found ourselves, even as the thirteenth largest producer of oil in the world and Africa’s leading oil producer.”

NDDC is yet to respond to the Special Periodic Checks.

“It is pertinent to state unequivocally that the Office of the AuditorGeneral for the Federation has a constitutional mandate to submit its Reports to the National Assembly and in doing so, due process are usually followed.

“It is therefore important to let the NDDC and the public know that the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation stands by the Special Periodic Checks on

the NDDC and its contents.

“However, any person or corporate organization that is not satisfied with the contents of the Special Report has opportunity to defend itself before the Public Accounts Committees (PACs) of the National Assembly.”

The Auditor-General, had about a week ago stated that N183.7 billion could not be accounted for by auditors who conducted a special check on the NDDC from 2008 to 2012.

Ukura, who stated this after submitting three special reports to the National Assembly, said a lot of discrepancies were noticed in the NDDC account, adding that about N183.7 billion is expected to be refunded to the federation.

He revealed that the outstanding sum included the N70.4 billion unaccounted for from the mobilisation of various contractors that never reported to site. It also included “the N5.8 billion paid to contractors for projects not executed or abandoned. N90.5 billion was spent on extra budgetary expenditure without approval by legal authorities, while undeducted taxes from contractors are N1.2 billion.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015—27

Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo with UNILAG dons

An evening with the Vice President

Security, social empowerment top our priority

By Dotun Ibiwoye

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EFORE becoming a poli tician, Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo was first and foremost a lawyer. He would have loved to practice law in its true sense but ended up in the academia as a law teacher. He is still nostalgic about advocacy even when he knows that the possibility is remote.

“I want to say a special thank you to Prof Akin Oyebode, he was my inspiration to teach law.

I’ve always seen my self as an advocate, that is seeing myself as a lawyer who will practice in the court but the person who persuaded me - just by conduct - was Prof Oyebode. He didn’t speak to me about. I remember walking into his international law class, a jurisprudence class where he was teaching the sociological school. I remember that he means so well and taught the class excellently.

When I walked out of the class, I made up my mind that I will teach law.”

enumerating government’s priorities. He spoke on poverty, insecurity, education and how to turn the economic fortunes of the country around.

The VP was in his element when he cracked not a few ribs with his jokes. He turned to Professor Taiwo Osupitan and said, “Of course we still have a few scores to settle. He is an Ijebu man like me and he knows I don’t forget any money that is due to me. He must not forget, especially now that I am in public service. Most importantly, he must not forget that I am on half salary.”

He assured his immediate community(the academia) that he would ever remain accessible and to his ‘sister’, Professor Chioma Agonma, “no matter what, I will always call her.”

The VP said government had confidence in the Nigerian military, particularly in its war against terror group, Boko Haram. “We have the where-

Corporate community As Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who came on the crest of a popular vote, Professor Osinbajo knows the weight of expectations from the masses is high. His background as one from the academia has not helped matters as his admirers believe he should provide answers to the myriad of problems bedeviling the country.

At a gathering of mostly those from the academia, professionals of different callings, journalists and the corporate community, Professor Osinbajo did not mince words while

We have to fix this car while the engine is running, that is what we are doing now

Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (m) with former VC of UNILAG, Prof. Ibidapo Obe and others withal to take this country to where it belongs. The Chief of Defence Staff has responded appropriately by saying that the military is capable. We as a government would give them the necessary backing and we are aware of the problems they are confronted with – like poor equipment and low morale. But this is being addressed.

Osinbajo noted that the change mantra has gone so global that the international community is also anticipating the transformation.

Speaking at dinner organised in his honour by the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, weekend, the Vice President said that educated people in the country also have special roles to play in the transformation of Nigeria.

According to him, the expectations from the international community was known to him when he recently delivered a paper abroad and several other invited guests converged around him after delivering the paper asking him about the change which the international community is anticipating.

He also said that government would continue to initiate policies and programmes that would impact on the lives of the majority.

“The difference between this government and any other is that we have made certain promises about social protection in particular, about protection, about poverty, about taking people out of poverty and I said that we made clear and specific commitment on this issue that

has never happen before, he said “One of the things that struck me as we campaigned is the great responsibilities that we have. We the academia are an extremely privileged community. In many ways we have the training, we have the knowledge, we have everything that it takes to take our country out of where it is and to put our country right there on the map.

Problems of poverty “I do not believe for one moment that we need to be in political office to do so; there are so many different ways that we can make serious contribution.

Of course it helps if we are in political office, but I think that there are so many different ways, so many different outlets for us to focus our minds on solving the problems of poverty.”

It is a much bigger challenge because that number of people are not just extremely poor, many of them lack education. I was in Borno State to visit the IDPs in the camps. One of the most frightening things that I’ve seen especially going around some of those states is the fact that so many people are completely illiterate, especially women and when I say completely illiterate, you can imagine someone who lives in the north and does not even speak Hausa.

“That’s the level of illiteracy we are talking about. That you are living up there in the north and you only speak a local

dialect, you don’t even speak Hausa let alone English or any other language. That’s the kind of situation that our country is in especially in terms of a broader picture and I think that for those of us who are academics and professionals, it is a great challenge to us to generate answers/big ideas that would solve these problems.

We, who are there are all ears to whatever ideas/thoughts you may have about these issues.”

The vice president observed, “Over time, I have come to recognise the incredible responsibility that we have, especially those of us who are professionals.

Political office And I think that in many ways we have the training, we have the knowledge and everything that it takes to take our country out of where it is and put it where it belongs on the map and I do not believe for one moment that we need to be in a political office to do so.

“There are so many different ways by which we can make a serious contribution. It helps if we are in political offices but I think there are so many things we can do, so many different outlets for us to focus our minds on solving the problems of poverty.”

On the deadline given the military to end terrorism in the North East, Prof. Osinbajo said it was achievable, adding that what President Buhari did was pass a presidential order to the newly appointed service chiefs, who he said, have also expressed their willingness to execute same.

“I know that it is entirely possible, I know that they can do it and we have a great military, we know that there have been problems such as lack of equipments and resources, but that’s a problem that we have to deal with as we go along.

“We have to fix the car while the engine is running, you cant say we are going to wait until we get all the equipment before we do it. We have to fix this car while the engine is running, that is what we are doing now”

28—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

India to sell $1.5bn stake in oil firm

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NDIA said Friday it will sell a 10 percent stake in top performing state-run refiner Indian Oil Corporation, the latest effort to raise money to plug the fiscal deficit.

The government, which owns 68 percent of the company, will sell 240 million shares on Monday through a stock market auction, it said in a regulatory filing to the Bombay stock exchange.

The sale is expected to raise more than Rs.95 billion ($1.5 billion) based on the current price of the stock.

The government is seeking to raise as much as $11 billion this fiscal year by selling stakes in its string of state-run companies, in a bid to narrow the fiscal deficit.

Earlier this month, the government said it was aiming to sell a 10 percent stake in giant Coal India that experts said was valued at around $3.7 billion.

Indian Oil is the country’s largest refiner with annual sales of around $73 billion. It has outperformed the market this year, reaping the benefits of lower global crude prices.

Exports of Iran’s gas, petrochemical products up by 30-40%

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ALKING to IRNA, the Chairman of the Iranian Oil, Gas,& Petrochemical Products Exporters Association Farzan Golchin predicted that the amount of gas and petrochemicals would be increased by 30 to 40 percent during the mentioned period.

‘The elimination of sanctions would facilitate the exports of gas and petrochemical products.The removal of sanctions would pave the way for solving the problems to provide insurance coverage for the shipments shipping and maritime transportation,’ Golchin added.

On Aug 18, Department of Planning and Supervision on Hydrocarbon resources of Oil Ministry announced that the average of crude oil and gas condensates exports since the August 2013 until March 2015 have been increased around 14 percent.

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Nigeria spends N453bn on fuel impor ts in 6 months imports Stories byMicheal Eboh

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IGERIA spent about N453.45 billion on the importation of fuel in the first half of the year, HY1, January to June 2015, the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, has revealed.

The NBS, in its Foreign Trade Statistics for the Second Quarter of 2015, pointed out that the amount spent on fuel import in the first six months of the year accounted for 14.08 per cent of total imports of N3.22 trillion recorded in the period.

Specifically, in the first quarter, Q1, 2015, the country spent N288.87 billion on fuel import, which dropped by 43 per cent to N164.58 million in the second quarter, Q2, of the year.

Month on month breakdown of the fuel import revealed as followed: ·January N49.2 billion; ·February - N105.97 billion (+115.4%); ·March - N133.7 billion; ·April - N33.407 billion (75%); ·May - N59.025 billion, and; ·June - N72.15 billion.

Overall month on month total import by the country for the period I review stood at: ·January - N537.19 billion; ·February - N552.385 billion; ·March - N683.1 billion; ·April - N463.446 billion; ·May - 465.09 billion; and, ·June - N564.7 billion.

Apart from fuel, Nigeria also imported the following during HY1: ·Food and live animal N511.68 billion; ·Beverages and tobacco N17.75 billion;

.Power station ·Crude inedible materials N52.13 billion; ·Oils, fats and waxes N81.93 billion; ·chemicals and related

Data processing is done using the Global Eurotrace software and the processed data is banked in the trade database

products - N428.9 billion; ·Manufactured goods N468.4 billion; ·Machinery and transport equipment - N1.112 trillion; and, · M i s c e l l a n e o u s manufactured articles N140.4 billion.

Commenting on the methodology and others, the Statistics Bureau said the trade volumes were computed from data compiled largely from secondary data sources.

The NBS said: “The Nigerian Customs through the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System; Cobalt International Plc, on export commodities; Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and various oil companies in the upstream

and downstream sectors of the oil industry; Nigerian Ports, Petroleum Products Price Regulatory Agency and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“After collecting data from the above sources, it is verified for outliers. Data validation is undertaken through a sample of the various Nigerian Customs outposts in Nigeria.

Weight harmonisation is carried out through the various entry posts of imports and exports in Nigeria.

“Data processing is done using the Global Eurotrace software and the processed data is banked in the trade database.

We use the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) to categorise trade items.

Auditor- General blames National Assembly for oil sector rot

T

HE Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr. Samuel Ukura, has blamed the rot and corruption in the oil and gas sector, as well as other critical sectors of the economy on the lack of political will by the country ’s leadership, especially the National Assembly.

Ukura, who disclosed this at the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ Roundtable on Oil and Gas Reforms, in Abuja, also lamented that the legal framework within which it operates is now obsolete.

The Auditor-General, who was represented by a Director in the Extra-Ministerial Audit Department, Mr. Rotimi Dada, disclosed that since 1999, none of the reports prepared by his office had been brought to the plenary sessions of the National Assembly.

He further noted that sanctions listed in the recommendations of its audits were rarely carried out, adding that all these had served to promote corruption in critical sectors of the economy, and therefore, became a hindrance in the discharge of its duties.

He said, “The legal framework within which we operate is a major challenge to our major activity, which is the auditing of the country’s accounts. The office of the Auditor- General of the Federation operates under the 1956 Ordinance, which has become obsolete.

“Since 1999, none of the reports of the AuditorGeneral has been taken to plenary. These do not augur well for our activities.”

He also cited the lack of political will to implement the office recommendations as one of the major problems in the fight against corruption.

According to him, leadership problem was the cause of the huge losses suffered in the Nigerian oil and gas sector as well as in other critical sectors of the economy.

Ukura called on Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, and other stakeholders to continue putting pressure

“The legal framework within which we operate is a major challenge to our major activity, which is the auditing of the country’s accounts.

on the relevant authorities on the need to implement the recommendations of its audit reports.

He further expressed optimism that with the current leadership and the quest to bring about change, there would be a significant deviation from what was obtained in the past.

Also speaking, Mr. David Ugolor, Executive Director, ANEEJ, applauded the ongoing reforms in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and the oil and gas sector in general. “…we welcome these muchtalked about reforms particularly in the area of production sharing arrangements, Joint Venture contracts, and the oil for product swapping currently going on; operations in the oil and gas sector that are conduits for siphoning billions of dollars,” he said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 29

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30 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 31

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32—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

THIS WEEK World Water Week 2015 August 23 - August 28 World Water Week in Stockholm is the annual focal point for the globe's water issues. It is organized by SIWI. This year is the jubilee year for both the Week and the Stockholm Water Prize.

The theme is Water for Development.

2015 Global Forum on Research and Innovation for Health August 24-27, 2015 Manila, Philippines Forum 2015 is a unique global platform to promote the role of research and innovation in creating better health, enhancing equity and stimulating development.

Science World Study links breastfeeding and exposure to toxic chemicals

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WIDELY used class of industrial chemicals linked with cancer and interference with immune function--perfluorinated alkylate substances, or PFASs-has been found to build up in infants by 20-30percent for each month they're breastfed, according to a new studyfrom Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Researches said while small amounts of PFAS can occur in breast milk, serial blood analyses now show a buildup in infants the longer they are breastfed.

The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, noted that PFASs tend to bioaccumulate in food chains and can persist for a long time in the body and have been linked with reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and immune system dysfunction.

In children exclusively breastfed, PFAS concentrations in the blood increase by roughly 2030 percent each month, with lower increases among children partially breastfed. In some cases, by the end of breastfeeding, children's serum concentration levels of PFASs exceed that of their mothers.

The results suggest that while breast milk is a major source of PFAS exposure during infancy, it may not be not enough reason to discourage the practice, even though there are concerns the pollutants are transferred to the next generation at vulnerable ages.

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People will forget one day what polio looked like --- Dr. Sanjay Gupta, host, CNN’s ‘Vital Signs’

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N recent times, practicing neurosurgeon, and multiple EmmyAward winning CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, was in Kano State, northern Nigeria to document Nigeria’s fight to wipe out polio, and the potential end of polio in Africa.

Nigeria is the last remaining country on the African continent yet to eliminate polio, but recently marked one year without a single case of the disease. Last week, Gupta, best known for his captivating reports on health and medical topics, on CNN’s TV series, “Vital Signs”, spoke to the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who was largely instrumental in changing attitudes towards the oral polio vaccine in the state and northern Nigeria generally.

Prior to the chat with the Emir, Gupta spoke exclusively to SOLA OGUNDIPE, on his expectations of the emergence of a polio-free world. Excerpts:

IN Nigeria, we have crossed a milestone, one year without polio. In your estimation what is the significance of this to the polio eradication drive?

It's a pretty remarkable milestone. When you think of polio, you think about the wild polio virus and the fact that it occurs naturally in an environment. Obviously, when vaccinating people and disinfecting them, you expect declining infection rate and when you go on for years, I think the significance is you are on your way to eradicating it. Given the vaccination rate now and the fact that it seems to be working, there has not been any case of polio for a year, we could be celebrating the eradication of polio sometimes in the future.

With this milestone, what should Nigeria be doing to obtain certification from the World Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

Health Organisation as a polio free world?

As you know, there are still some areas that need to receive large data base of people who traditional belief and some the immunisation for a period of are not necessarily part of the issues about the vaccine. As time. Polio often times involves official census just for the good a result of that, many people giving several vaccinations to of polio eradication, they knew refuse to accept people over a period of time. Each where people live and who re- immunisation for their chiltime you get additional drop, ceived the vaccines. dren. What can be done by your protection goes up.

They had a lot of data and that way of helping to overcome was one of the important things these challenges?

Worry about to do. They also had locals (inIt happens everywhere health services siders) in the areas that are not around the world, where stable, so as to know how to ad- people reject vaccines for difProviding vaccines will prominister the vaccines to them be- ferent reasons. Such places retect as well as encourage cause one can't just go to some quire education about vaccines people to seek health care. area without proper knowledge and leadership from the top They know they will get sigof the people and their culture. needs to be involved as well. nificance from seeking the In Nigeria, especially in the For example, In Kano State, health care in the first place. north-eastern part, one of the the leaders went to some of And even if they are not worissues with polio these areas and talked about ried about polio, they will be immunisation is rejection as the polio vaccine. So, I think worried about something else. result of some cultural and good information from people It improves the number of they trust and leadership as people that will seek out health well will help. services.

How can we ensure that To date, India is the last some of the benefits accruing country to eradicate polio. Are from the polio eradication can there specific lessons for Nibe plowed into combating geria from India's experience? other vaccine preventable There's a couple of issues in diseases? the last few countries that poWell, you can really build on lio needs to be eradicated and the polio eradication they are learning from each programme.

Polio eradication In Nigeria, other's experiences. has got a lot of attention. So I malnutrition There are areas where people think that using the structure are very hard to reach because of the polio eradication remains a great of their religion or where they programme to provide not only challenge, live or because people are mithe vaccine but other basic grating back and forth between health services for the people particularly for places, you have got to come is a real opportunity. mothers and up with strategies to vaccinate You are going to help save such people. For example; in lives of people. Also, you have children India, they started creating a a situation where people who

don't really trust the polio vaccine will do as a result of other health services being offered.

So, you can use the energy and momentum from polio eradication for other health services as well.

From your perspective, what can we anticipate of a poliofree world?

I think this will be a momentous occasion, especially for people who have been part of this vaccination programme. It is our job to keep reminding people how significant it is so we don't become complacent with it.

A polio-free world will be an amazing world. People will forget one day what polio looked like. It is our responsibility to remind them not to scare them but to make sure they don't get complacent.

What's your last word?

When you talk about health, about vaccines and preventable diseases, it is important to everybody regardless of your politics, cultural background, gender, age etc. And overcoming health challenges is going to make Nigeria, Africa and ultimately the world a better place.

The next edition of ‘Vital Signs’ airs Saturday 29 August at 1330 and Sunday 30 August at 0630 and 1930.

Protect us from erosion, Bomadi residents cry out PAGE 4

FLOOD ALERT: I see Delta making blunders like 2012, says Oghenejabor Ikimi PAGE 8

VOL. 1: No. 63

TUESD AY, AAUGUS UGUS 15 TUESDA UGUSTT 25, 20 201

•Outlet channel.

•The about 150m dyke almost submerged by water.

•A victim, Elder Abraham Ewa (left) and another victim before a ravaged house.

FLOOD ALERT:

FG dam project collapses; overruns C-River towns *Submerges homes, cocoa, yam, cassava farms *Embattled communities drag contractor, CRBDA to court *They were warned, paid compensation—Govt official

BY IKE UCHECHUKWU

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ETTING to Okobuchi, Akatom and Buniya communities in Irruan Boki Local Government Area, Central Senatorial District in Cross River State, submerged by water from a Federal Governmentsponsored dam project was not a trouble-free undertaking.

A journey that would ordinarily take less than five hours took Niger Delta Voice, NDV, reporter, Ike

Uchechukwu, who left Calabar at 5a.m., about 10 hours to get to Okobuchi, one of the affected settlements.

Himself and Mr. Peter Abua, his guide, got to Ogoja at about 1p.m. on a vehicle. They then took a motorcycle to the communities.

Accessing the dam site was another kettle of fish, as the terrain is horrifying.

Uchechukwu got his first baptism on the jarring road, as black fly, sand fly and other insects, implacably attacked

him.

The upshot was swollen hands and legs, which an expert at El-Vigo Laboratory, Calabar, who took his blood sample on return from the revealing trip, diagnosed as onchorcerciasis and leishamaniasis. He went to a private clinic for treatment on the instruction of his Editor after debriefing.

He said: “Editor, the communities look quite neglected and completely Continues on Page 3

•The dam and reservoir area.

•Niger Delta Voice man, Ike Uchechukwu, at the site.

2 — Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

AKWA IBOM… LAND OF PROMISE

By CHIOMA ONUEGBU

I

W U O K P O M — RESIDENTS of floodprone communities in Akwa Ibom State have alleged that the state government and Niger Delta Development Commission, NDCC, have not put in place proactive measures to deal with probable flood catastrophe in the state.

Speaking with Niger Delta Voice, Village Head of Iwuokpom in Ibeno Local Government Area, Chief Okon Sunday Akpanowong, said: “Ibeno is suffering a lot in terms of flood.

“We are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and have a straight coast, which is more than 60 kilometres. Rain falls here almost every day; very heavy rains for that matter and sometimes we experience overflow of the ocean.”

People are dying

He said: “The flooding in this area about two months ago seriously affected our people and so many people’s houses were submerged, lives were lost. Two weeks ago, people died because of flood in Ibeno.

“Some people are even parking out, relocating to other places because of the heavy rains this year. There is serious tension here. We cried out then, but government did not do anything. We are tired.

“We are just living at the mercy of God. We do not have proper drainage system, no measures taken so far to protect the communities against flooding. The situation is sad and unfortunate.

“We do not understand the politics in NDDC. The villages of Iwuokpom, Mpkanak and Inua-Eyet-Ikot have not benefited from NDDC. The commission said it is the responsibility of Mobil to take care of these communities in

THE TEAM Emma Amaize, Editor Jimitota Onoyume Samuel Oyadongha Simon Ebegbulem Gabriel Enogholase Festus Ahon Egufe Yafugborhi Emmanuel Una Akpokona Omafuaire Godwin Oghre Tom Moses Chioma Onuegbu Ike Uche Davies Iheamnachor Emem Idio Brisibe Perez Theresa Ugbobu Ochuko Akuopha Barnabas Uzosike Nath Onajoke Chijioke Nwankpa

Villagers flee A’Ibom waterside communities •Say Govt, NDDC insensitive to our predicament terms of development, so we do not have any drainage here.”

Similarly, Village Council Chair of Afaha Atai in Eket Local Government Area, Mr. Samuel Udobong, explained that following the incessant rainfall this year, many residents of critically-affected areas in Eket, such as James Town Road, Grace Bill, Etebi-Idong Iwak and Udo Umoh streets, have started relocating to less affected areas for fear of the unknown.

“The last time we experienced flooding due to constant heavy rainfall, so many houses and business premises were submerged and property worth so much money destroyed. The flooding this year is the worst I have experienced compared to past years. The experience we have this year is worrisome.

Relief items not solution

“I am telling you that we did not experience August break in Eket this year. It has been raining every day in the past few weeks. It has not been heavy and people are praying because the last time it rained

heavily, it was a serious disaster caused by flooding.”

Udobang asserted that “the state government came and I heard that it gave palliative to the flood victims, but that is not the remedy to this problem. We need proper drainage system that can address future occurrence.”

Rights group reacts

Head of Programmes of Policy Alert, a rights group, Mr. Tijah

During the World Humanitarian Day, marked few days ago, we urged government to strengthen humanitarian response to flood disaster issue

Bolton-Akpan, said to avert earlier warnings from Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency that Cross River sub-basin would be seriously affected by flooding this year, the state government should activate its disaster preparedness and emergency response plans.

He said: “During the World Humanitarian Day, marked few days ago, we urged government to strengthen humanitarian response to flood disaster issue.

“Government's response to flooding menace should be proactive and not reactive.

When we visited most affected communities in the state like Oron, Ibeno, Eket, Onna during the last flooding, we noticed that women and children are the worse affected.

“We saw several children, who could not go to school because they were locked in by the flooding. The state government has to do something urgently about this issue of flood, not only in the state capital, but also across the state.

“We should be prepared for

AS CAMEROON OPENS LAGDO DAM:

more floods; we should not relax because it is not over until it is over.”

Akpan stated: “Some months ago, we called on government and communities to put in place disaster readiness and emergency response plans to deal with possible re-occurrence this year, to avoid loss of lives and property usually associated with flooding.

“Communities that lack infrastructure in the state are usually worse hit because it destroys their farms, takes away their means of livelihood and increases cases of internally displaced persons, which is a very key issue because it deepens poverty.”

Gov awards pipe-jacking drainage contract Contacted, Chief Press Secretary and Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, said the governor had already put measures in place aimed at arresting the flood menace throughout the state with priority attention given to perilously affected rural communities.

He said: “The governor has given contract to Julius Berger Construction Company for the second pipe-jacking drainage system to be put in place and that is going to arrest, in a profound manner, the flood problem in the entire state, including Uyo. “The governor personally went round the state during the last occurrence and assured that the incidence of flooding will be a thing of the past. Priority attention will be given to worst affected communities.”

BAYELSA… GLORY OF ALL LANDS

In Bayelsa, riverine dwellers race against time

By SAMUEL OYADONGHA

S

AGBAMA—IT is a fight in opposition to time for indigenes of communities along riverbanks and creeks of Bayelsa State, many of whom are toiling to harvest their crops because of the rapid rise in the water level.

Worse threatened are communities along the bank of the River Forcados and River Nun, both tributaries of the River Niger, which traverse several communities in the state before emptying into the sea.

Among them are Elembiri, Asamabiri, Ekperiwari, Agbere, Odoni, Trofani, Anibeze, Adagbabiri and Sagbama communities. Besides fishing, which is the major means of subsistence, the dwellers were into farming.

Majority of them have not recovered from the devastating flood of 2012, which submerged about 80 percent of the state. Yet, they are faced with an impending disaster in the wake of the alleged release of excess water from Lagdo Dam by the

Cameroonian authorities.

Reports that flood had submerged several homes at Markudi, Benue State and other settlements in some Northern states have further heightened tension in the riverine communities of the state, predominantly riverine, with most of its communities lying along the rivers and creeks.

Farmers hurriedly uproot crops

It was, therefore, not surprising seeing the recent flurry of activities on farm settlements along the rivers.

Some of the natives have practically relocated to their farms, struggling to get their crops out of the soil before ocean surge overruns them.

Etched on the faces of the riverside dwellers who spoke to Niger Delta Voice was the fourletter word— fear.

A commercial yam farmer on the bank of Forcados River, Jones, asserted: “This is a trying period for us. We have relocated to our farms, battling daily to harvest our yam to avoid been overwhelmed by the surging water.”

A resident of Sagbama, Preye, lamented: “The rate at which the water is rising is alarming and if it continues this way, we might be heading for another deluge.

“Our shoreline is low, making us vulnerable to flooding. But the reported release of excess water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroun will further compound our woes.”

Another inhabitant, Toru, said: “Remember flooding is an annual problem here but we are not taking chances, especially as the 2012 incident is still fresh in our mind.

“The planned construction of dyke along the low-lying section of the waterfront is yet to commence and we are here again confronted with another flood.

“Even if we move out to a safer place, what happens to our belongings? We cannot carry them along with us. So, we are only praying that the water level will not be as high as that of 2012.”

A government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “Flooding is a perennial phenomenon,

which is beyond our control. But government is not unaware of the threat of another overflow this year.

“But we have put in place measures to tackle the menace if it rears its head.”

Govt stockpile relief materials, clear IDP camps Head of Administration, State Emergency Management Agency, Torukuru Adakien, said government had purchased relief materials worth millions of naira in anticipation of the flood.

He said government had purchased clothing, blankets, foodstuffs and other relief materials and plans concluded to sensitise the public on the measures to take to avoid and reduce the effect of the flooding.

The agency also urged residents to clear all blocked drains in their neighbourhood and avoid erecting structures on the canals right of way and dispose their refuse properly.

He added: “As part of our preparedness for the flood alert, since Bayelsa is one of the vulnerable states, we have cleared all IDPs camps in all the eight local government areas.”

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 3

•Cocoa dealer, Pastor Joshua Abua.

•Submerged Cocoa farms Continues from Page 1 forgotten as almost all the bridges were either constructed in the 60s or none at all, because they still use ‘Monkey bridge.’

“Most of the communities like Bawop have no access road. It took about three hours to come out from that place back to Ogoja, where I lodged that night as myself and my guide, Abua, got to Ogoja at about 12 midnight.”

NDV findings showed that the snag that led to the buckling of the dam, which the current Managing Director of Cross River Basin Development Authority, CRBDA, Mrs. Eyo Oyo Ita, not in charge at the time of the construction, was battling to rectify, is a technical deficiency.

According to a reliable source, “the Federal Government has also not released funds since this year to complete the project.”

The entire episode is a good read. Also in this edition is the tension in Niger Delta, following the red alert on impending flood.

O

KOBUCHI—A defectively executed Federal Government dam project has caved in in Cross River State, submerging Okobuchi, Akatom and Buniya communities in Irruan Boki Local Government Area, Central Senatorial district and wreaking havoc on residential buildings, cocoa, yam and cassava farms, and other assets estimated at over a billion naira.

Villagers' rage

Hundreds of displaced villagers are enraged that the Federal Government executed a bad job and have dragged the Cross River Basin Development Authority, CRBDA, under which auspices the Federal Ministry of Water Resources awarded

FLOOD ALERT:

FG dam project collapses; overruns C-River towns the project in 2013, to court.

Also joined in the suit is the contractor, who had since left the site because of lack of funds.

The communities, in a letter to the governor of Cross River state, Professor Ben Ayade, stated: “We wish to bring to your notice the dire circumstances that had befallen the hardworking and farming communities of Buniya, Akatom and Okobuchi as a result of the dam project, which pleased the Federal Government to site in this area.

“In 2011, officials of Cross River Basin Development Authority and a contractor arrived the community with the otherwise good news that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, through the Cross River Basin Development Authority, had awarded a contract to Oweni Nigeria Limited for the construction of Buniya/Akatom dam project in Boki Local Government.”

In the letter, signed by the Chairman, Bunyia Central Committee, Mr. Dominic Kidzu, the communities said: “The people were full of joy and happiness hoping that perhaps the dam project will shore up the water level in the area, which is too low that no borehole or well has been performed around the year.

“Throughout 2013/2014, we noted that the contractor was either not properly financed or was not just serious with the project at all.

“However, by early 2015 they excavated a large area around River Ribokom and constructed a dyke, thereby blocking the natural flow of the river. When the rains came

this year, all hell broke loose.

Disaster

“The upper part of the river being unable to discharge water, downstream supply swelled into a large uncontrollable flood, expanding sideways and consuming several hectares of cocoa farms, which is the mainstay of the people’s economy.

“Also, access to farms far across the river is no longer there, while the body of swelling water is threatening several houses on the Okubuchi axis of the community.”

The communities pointed out that “even from a lay man’s point of view, a team of representatives from the three villages noticed that the dam is already eroding away just with the first rains.

The upstream and downstream concrete construction is poorly done.

The dyke, about 150 metres long and eight metres in width, is not properly controlled to prevent it from eroding away.”

They noted: “The water

My cocoa and yam farms are also gone; I just do not know what to do next. I am using this medium to appeal to our President, Muhammadu Buhari and His Excellency, Professor Ayade to please come to my aid. I am living like a stranger in my own land

discharge pipes are too small, thereby causing automatic blockade and overflow. There is no standard site office or even one technician on site to clear pipe blockage and no automatic release valve system to check excess water upstream. Nobody is aware of the contract sum vis-a vis the shabby job done. “

Official exonerates CRBDA, contractor

A government official, who absolved CRBDA and contractor of culpability, said: “The dam would have been completed, but for non-release of funds from the 2015 budget till date, which led to the job being stopped half way.

“I can tell you that the people living in the area were warned before hand during the environmental impact assessment, EIA, that something like this could happen and some of the communities have already being paid compensation, while others will be paid in the second phase.”

Living in pain

Clan Head of Irruan, HRH Otu James Abua Abang, called on the Federal Government to come to their rescue, saying that since the calamity, his subjects no longer to go farm, which is their only source of livelihood.

He declared: “We have made efforts to reach out to the Cross River Basin Development Authority to ensure they come to our aid.

We are appealing to government at all levels to come and help alleviate the suffering of my people; we are living in pain.”

•Mr Dominic Kidzu.

Kidzu told Niger Delta Voice that the people were appealing to the governor, whose commitment to the welfare of the citizens of the state, even before he became governor, had never been in doubt, to as matter of urgency, step into the matter to help them regain their livelihood.

He said: “We are groaning in anguish and rejection of a project that is now destroying farms and eroding houses.

“The three affected communities are facing the worse time of their lives because of the devastating situation the dam has put them in. The mainstay of my people’s economy has been grossly affected.

“For months now, my people no longer go to their farms because it has been consumed by water and the only thing we produce here are purely agricultural with cocoa being the chief crop. As we speak, hectares of cocoa farms are now under the water.

“Look at the trees, they are dying, houses have been overrun. While some houses are under the water, others have collapsed with their inhabitants now displaced.”

‘Why we took contractor, CRBDA to court’

Counsel representing Okubuchi community, Mr. Ewah Obi, said the water from the dam, which submerged many farmlands, has brought untold hardship to the people in Okubuchi and environs.

He said: “The damage in now in billions of naira because as a people, we no longer know our fate. We have being in this location for more than a century. Where do we go from here?

“We are highly devastated, which is why we have gone to seek redress in a court of competent jurisdiction because that is the only civil thing to do.

“In the suit, FHC/CA/CS/ 125/2015, filed at the Federal High Court, Calabar, we want

Continues on Page 7

4 — Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 A stitch in times saves nine

•Chief James Awari of Akinima Community

•Orashi River in Akinima community.

Our fears, Rivers riverside residents open up •CDC chairman of Mbiama, Mr. Ebine

RIVERS...

THE

TREASURE BASE OF THE NATION

By DAVIES IHEAMNACHOR

E

NGENE—RESIDENTS of riverine communities in Rivers State, particularly those who experienced the 2012 flood catastrophe, have expressed trepidation over the coming flood.

Anxious inhabitants of Engene in Ahoada West Local Government Area, Egbema and Ndoni clans in Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, said they were scared stiff because they had not seen any visible plan indicating that government was making any arrangement to stalk the disaster apart from the radio announcement.

Although, government has not constructed relief camps, some of the residents said they have places they would camp within their areas if flood would not take over such places too.

Niger Delta Voice gathered that farmers had prematurely harvested their crops and stored their farm produce to reduce the level of loss that may hit them.

Community Development Committee, CDC, Chairman of Mbiama community in Engene, Mr. Godgift Peter Ebine, said: “This community is strategic because we are left at the boundary between Bayelsa State and Rivers states, yet the government does not look after us.

“We are deeply afraid of the information we got that flood

will come this year again when we have not recovered from the previous flood. When it happened in 2012, we lost so many things: our farms, houses, businesses.

“Even as this one is about to come again, government has not put any plan on ground for this community. Therefore, we are afraid. Government should do something now before it comes.

“They have not even acquainted the people of the area of their plan, knowing that our areas are flood-prone.”

Panic measures

A respected elder in Akinima community, one of the floodprone communities in Ahoada West, Chief James Awari, said: “The last experience of overflow of Orashi River into the community that was caused by

that of River Niger was terrible here. All our houses were submerged except mine.

“We have been hearing over the radio that flood will come this year and have started directing our minds towards that. Our preparation is small here in Akinima; small in the sense that many do not have the awareness.

RIVERS'GOVT'S PROMISE Last year was like the first experience. So now it is not new to us. All we are doing now is preparation. It will be properly handled with the plans we are putting in place

“My own area of preparation is that between now and September 14, I want to make sure that I have saved some money, which will enable me to travel out of the village if the flood is too ruthless.

“If it is that same level as the last one we experienced, then we are preparing to go up the village at Akira where the water did not get to the last time.

“Most people in the community have started harvesting their farm producecassava, yam and others.

“We lost all our farm produce to the last flood so we do not want such to repeat. We want to sell some and store others.

The level of rain is showing that same will happen because we are experiencing heavy rain shower in August as we have not seen before in Akinima.”

“We also call on the government to make early preparation and plan for the flood-prone communities. It is not when things get out of hands that they will begin to run about.

“Government should also get to the communities directly if they are sending anything to us.

They should give it to reasonable people to share to the affected people.

“This is because last time, those that government gave something for the people sidelined us.”

Mrs. Eke Juliana grumbled: “All the things we lost have not been recovered. We are afraid that the same flood that made us lose everything we had in the farm will still come this year.

This year, I did not do much farm work because last time I lost all my effort to the flood.

“There is nothing we can do on our own to avert it. It is a natural phenomenon; we are afraid.”

We'll handle it— Rivers govt

Rivers State Government, however, said it was putting things in place to ensure flood catches nobody unaware this year.

Speaking on phone to Niger Delta Voice, Rivers State Director of National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Oliver Wolugbom, said the agency and state government were working out modalities on how to save the situation of the flood-prone communities.

Wolugbom said: “On Friday, we held a meeting of stakeholders in the state as regards the news of the flood.

We have sat and discussed.

“The fact is that we do not want what happened to the state last time to repeat. We have asked our agencies in all the local governments to continue with the enlightenment.

“Last year was like the first experience. So now it is not new to us. All we are doing now is preparation. It will be properly handled with the plans we are putting in place.”

DELTA... FINGER OF GOD

Protect us from erosion, Bomadi residents cry out •Catholic Church, over 100 buildings at the brink of collapse

By PEREZ BRISIBE

B

OMADI—RESIDENTS of Bomadi, Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State, have their hearts in their mouths, following crushing erosion that had submerged scores of houses and threatening to sink more.

They pleaded with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to intervene before the worse happens to them.

A surveyor in the area, Mr. Dennis Mututu, disclosed that a large portion of land measuring about 15 metres wide and about 40 metres stretch on the coastline, had been washed into the river in a space of two weeks, affecting the base of a landing jetty by the river bank.

A resident, Mr. Olotu Preye, whose building is currently at the mercy of rampaging erosion, said the villagers had used sand bags to prevent the scourging erosion, but the measures could not match the intensity of the erosion.

When Niger Delta Voice visited the community, Our Lady of the Waters Cathedral Catholic Church, was among the hundreds of buildings that are at the verge of being submerged.

to tackle the menace.

He said the cathedral, an adjoining two-storey building and others stood the risk of been washed away at any time.

Calling on the state government and interventionist agencies to build shore wall by the riverbanks, he said: “We are

very worried about the fate of the church and other buildings around, as one of them has already gone down as a result of the erosion.

Efforts to reach Bomadi LG chair, Mr. Oluwole Karetimi, proved abortive, as calls and SMS to him were unanswered.

It’s just a matter of time —Bishop Egbebo

Catholic Bishop of Bomadi Vicariate, His Lordship, Dr. Hyacinth Egbebo, who conducted our reporter round the house of worship, lamented the helpless state of the church

•Effect of erosion at the popular Bishop’s front, Bomadi

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 5 Warri fiesta

Alien forces hijacked Warri —Kes Agbosa, Chair, Warri Rebirth Initiative •How Warri Boys’re mending broken ethnic ties

By EMMA AMAIZE

W

ARRI — A group, Warri Rebirth Initiative, WRI, made up of original Warri Boys from Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Isoko, Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Edo and other ethnic groups, have taken it upon themselves in the last few years to reconstruct the peace and unity that existed in the oil city in the 50s and 60s.

Chair of the body, Mr. Kes Agbosa, spoke to Niger Delta Voice on who is the Warri Boy, why things went off beam, the strange forces that took over Warri and how the group is turning things around.

How Warri spirit resurrected The principal objective of Warri Rebirth Initiative, WRI, is to break down the huddles put up by ethnic sentiments and live the same way we lived in the 50s and 60s in Warri where tribe was not a dividing factor.

Indeed, it was a unifying factor. Nobody cares whether you are Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo, Igbo, Yoruba or whatever then.

It was like one family. But when the ethnic problems came in the 80s and so on, we lost all of that, everything.

However, some of us came together again and said there was a need to go back to unity, which is the ancient path.

Actually, a friend lost his wife and we called a meeting. He is Urhobo and his wife, Itsekiri.

The clarion call was responded to by all the ethnic groups in Warri and we said to ourselves, after the successful burial that if this love is still within us, we must build on it to go back to the old Warri of one family.

That is how we came back together. The journey so far has been good in the sense that whenever we hold our meetings, all of these groups come together like one family.

Hindrance That is to the extent I will say that we have succeeded. But, unfortunately, after the meetings we have not been able to see this same spirit carried on by members from different ethnic nationalities coming together again.

That is not the vision we have Our vision is for everybody to be his brother’s keeper just as we used to be. Because of this, we have decided that in the next few months, we are going to ask all our members to start coming to general meetings with their children so that the children will know that my parents lived with so and so persons from different ethnic

groups; they enjoyed themselves, so why can we not follow their example.

Unfamiliar powers We discovered that some alien forces, call them strange people, have sown the seed of discord already in the children and we must break it if we are to move forward. It is the idea that we have and will start implementing from January 2016.

From observation, the attitude of the average Ijaw and Itsekiri man to each other is that of hostility. How is your group breaking this yoke?

It is not correct to say that the relationship between Ijaw and Itsekiri has been hostile. It had never been so and it was not so in our time. It was ethnic fight that brought that it into our midst.

However, as I said before, the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo are saying that they did not create this problem. This discord was brought by people who never grew up in Warri. They came and sowed it. An original Warri boy, whether Urhobo, Itsekiri or Ijaw never cared about where you came from. But people came from outside and overwhelmed us.

They brought disunity. That disunity is what we are trying to remove from our midst by our coming together. When we meet, we evoke the one- family phenomenon and we are hoping that it will grow more than that to the extent that we will expunge the alien forces that put disunity among us.

Who are these alien forces?

The alien forces, as far as I am concerned, are the Itsekiri, Urhobo and Ijaw, who did not grow up in Warri, who do not see the unity we are talking

•Warri

about. They only came for parochial and economic reasons and in order to get whatever they think they wanted, they needed to kill their brother.

If they grew up in Warri, they will not see their brother as enemy. They are alien forces; they came from outside and were not born in Warri.

However, I can tell you that the walls of enmity, which they built, are being shattered with what Warri Rebirth Initiative is doing.

The Warri that I know

The Warri that I know is the

An original Warri boy, whether Urhobo, Itsekiri or Ijaw never cared about where you came from. But people came from outside and overwhelmed us

Warri where I go out and come back, sleep until anytime in the night without molestation.

Sometimes, even at midnight, one could go out to a club (there were very many clubs then), without a car; trek a distance of even up to five kilometres, have a good time, come back home with or without a taxi and fear no harassment on the road.

However, somewhere along the line, that peace and security was broken. But I can tell you that things are gradually coming back. A few years ago, you cannot even leave your house at 8p.m. But now, you see life is bouncing all Warri, Effurun, Udu. If you drive out at 11p.m., you wil see that relaxation spots are back, people are there and are happy.

It is obvious, however, that there is so much unemployment in Warri.

People are not gainfully employed and that is the reason for these vices, which is not peculiar to Warri alone It has to be tackled and there will not be violence and theft anymore in Warri.

•Kes Agbosa (left) and ex-gov, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan

We are now organising joint fiesta in Warri. The Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Yoruba, Hausa, Edo, Igbo, Isoko, all of us are now coming together as one.

There was a time in the last few years when you cannot see the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo man coming together to do anything. But that is in the past now.

However, there are influences from outside that are still trying to dampen the spirit of the people; but they have refused the negative advances. We held the first fiesta two years ago, which we tagged Unity and Faith and the response was so much that it re-emphasised our belief that Warri can be one again.

This year, the theme of this year’s fiesta is Dare to Love Again.

This is because we have discovered that in spite of what we are doing, this thing has not gone deep enough and we are asking our brothers and sisters to dare to love again the way they loved their neighbours from whatever ethnic group in the 50s and 60s.

Surely, we will regain the same benefit we gained when that love was in place. We know that with focus, without distraction, the day will come, very soon, especially when our children take over, that we would say that we never should have divided ourselves and we must be together.

‘Chemistry togetherness’

of

On December 23, we are kicking off with a symposium involving all the ethnic nationalities in Warri: all are the same families that make up the geographical expression we call Warri today.

We are going to explore the chemistry of togetherness, unity and peace as a panacea for development and entrepreneurial revolution to open people up to the opportunities in Warri.

We do not all have to depend on government; it cannot provide everything for us. So we have to build entrepreneurs from among us to make Warri great again.

December 26 will be Warri Day, which is going to be wonderful. Part of the package is football matches, which finals will come up that day.

We are going to have traditional dances from all the ethnic nationalities in Warri.

Those days at Christmas, I used to dance Atilogwu, an Igbo hop. But I never knew the difference. The Igbo among us dance the Urhobo ballet and the Itsekiri among us participate; we never knew tribes.

Later that evening, we be gala night where Warri musicians and comedians will come together. On the 28th, will round up with a solemn assembly, a thanksgiving to God for all He has done and plan to do for us.

6 — Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

•Another part of Sakpoba abandoned road

•Sakpoba abandoned road

DELTA... FINGER OF GOD

Flood ravages Edo-Delta link road, cuts off Alihame community

By THERESA UGBOBU

A

LIHAME—FLOOD has devastated the link road between Edo and Delta states traversing Alihame community in Ika South Local Government Area, Delta, and separated the people from other sections of Delta State.

In the defunct Midwestern region, the neglected road served as a connecting route to Sapele through which farmers take their palm kernels to the seaport for sale.

A prominent indigene, Mr. Isaac Ofume, told Niger Delta Voice that the road has been in a deplorable condition for

T EDO… HEART BEA BEAT

OF THE NA TION NATION

By GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—ANXIETY has mounted at several riverine communities of Edo State with many residents voting with their feet, following the recent alert by the Nigerian Metrological Agency, NIMET, warning residents of such areas of imminent flood.

Community leaders and residents have been apprehensive of what would follow as the 2012 flood disaster rendered hundreds homeless besides destruction of properties worth millions of Naira.

Disquiet has enveloped Illushi community, Esan SouthEast Local Government Area; Anegbette, Udochi, Usumengbe and others in Etsako Central Local Government; and Opeko,

a very long time.

He disclosed that 10 years ago, one of their sons, who represented Ika Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Cairo Ojuogboh, influenced the tarring of the road. But there was no drainage, hence it

deteriorated so soon.

He said: “We are appealing to Federal Government to rehabilitate the road with proper drainage for easy accessibility. No amount of tarring will make the road durable without drainage.”

Ofume said the villagers had

Ofume said the villagers had tried to channel the flood for easy movement of vehicles and people on the road, but that with the rains, it was uncontrollable

tried to channel the flood for easy movement of vehicles and people on the road, but that with the rains, it was uncontrollable.

Community leader, Pius Ojeme, who also spoke in a similar vein, said the town had written several letters to Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, complaining about the dilapidated condition of the road and damage caused by flood because of lack of drainage, but received no response.

He said: “We call on the Federal Government to come to our aid by rehabilitating the road for better accessibility. We

need proper drainage so that water can flow to make the road last for long. This route is a link road from Delta to Edo state.

“The bad road has affected us; we cannot convey our farm produce to the market where they ought to be sold and we have been totally cut from socio-economic life completely. That is why we are calling for urgent help.

“People in this community have been suffering from epidemic because of the accumulated flood, which is breeding mosquitoes and causing malaria.”

Retired civil servant, Michael Omodia and a villager, Jacob Nwadozie, also lamented the damage flood had caused to the link road, also known as Sakpoba Road.

They said it had destroyed several buildings and people residing in the area can neither leave nor return to their homes whenever it rains.

Panic, as riverside residents relocate in Edo Uzanu, Egori Waterside, Udochi, Agiere and Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area, which are situated along the bank of the River Niger.

Apart from the annihilation of rice farms, their major means of livelihood, the 2012 flood affected their fishing occupation following the destruction of their fishing nets and ponds.

Although schools are on vacation in the state, there are fears that students may not resume if flood overtake them, as it did three years ago.

During the 2012 natural flood disaster in the country, thousands of displaced people from communities along the bank of the River Niger found themselves at several Internal Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps in the different local governments, where they faced

vagaries of the weather, health hazards and even hunger.

Residents speak

A rice farmer at Illushi in Esan South-East, Mr. Goodluck Aghemen, who was affected by the 2012 flood, prayed that the saga would not repeat itself this year.

His words: “All that we laboured for were gone with the flood: my rice farm was washed away, our houses were destroyed and we could not salvage anything.

“Now that we have been warned that it may happen this year again, we have been sensitised by the local government to move away from any area that would likely be flooded; we have been advised to keep enough food in places where they would not be destroyed.”

A journalist from Anegbette

community, Mr. Thomas Sado, told Niger Delta Voice: “Although we have not started to experience flooding this year, my community has taken some remedial measures to ensure that when it starts, we will not be caught unawares.

“Our people are relocating from the lowland to higher grounds so that when it finally comes, we will not experience disasters that could affect lives and property.”

Raising foundations

Mr. Peter Omoaka, from Udakpa-Ekperi, another riverine community, said: “As a measure towards averting disasters occasioned by the flooding of 2012, new building owners are now raising the foundation of their houses higher than it used to be.

“The government has also embarked on the sensitisation

of the people and on what they should do in case of flooding.”

Govt counsels dwellers

Meanwhile, the state government has advised residents living in low lands, riverbanks and other floodprone areas in the state to take proactive action and relocate to safer parts of the state to avoid flood tragedy, which may occur because of the opening of a dam in the Republic of Cameroon.

The statement by Austin Akhuamhenkhun, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities on behalf of the Commissioner, said: “The Federal Ministry of Environment has alerted on the opening of a dam in the Republic of Cameroon, which may lead to flooding in parts of the country.”

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 7

FLOOD ALERT:

FG dam project collapses; overruns C-River towns Continues from page 1 the agency (Cross River) and the contractor, Oweni Engineering Construction Company, to explain to the people what happened.”

‘My cocoa farm gone’ A farmer, M r. Barnabas Obi, said: “When my wife and I woke up and discovered the compound has been submerged by water, we decided to move out from the place with our seven children to a nearby police station. We have lost almost all our property. I just thank God that no life was lost; my houses are gone.

“We now live like destitutes.

As a matter of fact, we have been displaced from our home; look at where I am now living at the mercy of people.

Myself, my wife and seven children now survive only on goodwill.

“My cocoa and yam farms are also gone; I just do not know what to do next. I am using this medium to appeal to our President, Muhammadu Buhari and His Excellency, Professor Ayade to please come to my aid. I am living like a stranger in my own land.”

Another farmer, who also lost his cocoa farm, Elder Abraham Ewa, told Niger Delta Voice: “How and where will I start from? My investments over the years are gone; this is the only thing we do. Within few weeks schools will reopen. How do I pay my children school fees? Feeding them now is almost impossible. Where do we go from here?”

He added: “My life has been shattered by this disaster. I am also angry because it was man-made. If it were a natural thing, it would have been a different ball game.”

A cocoa dealer in the area, Pastor Joshua Abua, who spoke with Niger Delta Voice, said the flood had affected production of cocoa because before now, the farmers produce up to 50,000 metric tons of cocoa. Since the advent of the flood caused by the overflow from the dam, production has reduced by half.

He said: “It is affecting our business seriously. I used to have about 200 bags in two days but now to get 100 bags in a week is almost impossible and apart from that, I have to let some of my employees go

because I cannot afford to keep them anymore, as I cannot pay them salaries due to low production.

“I used to have about 10 to 15 workers but as you can see, they are not up to five anymore. It is really bad for our economy, especially now that there are no jobs.”

soon as the water level reduces, so that the right thing can be done.

“They should, please, be patient with us because everything will be properly handled as soon as possible.”

•Another victim, Barnabas Obi.

Mr.

•Clan Head of Irruan, HRH Otu James Abua Abang

CRBDA drafts team to assess damage

At the CRBDA office in Calabar, the Managing Director, Mrs Eyo Oyo Ita, said that the agency was aware of the plight of the people and deeply sympathised with them over the situation.

Mrs. Ita, who was not in charge in Calabar when the dam project was executed, however, said the authority was doing everything humanly and technically possible to curtail the challenge they were passing through.

Her words: ”We have already sent in a technical team to look at the extent of the damage, but the assessment will be done as

•House abandoned by Mr. Tony Ejah.

BUTCHER OF AKWA-IBOM:

How I drugged, decapitated my girlfriend’s brother over N750,000—SUSPECT AKWA IBOM… LAND OF PROMISE

By TOM MOSES

U

YO—THIRTY-FIVE years old Steven Anowa, from Njikoka Local Government Area in Anambra State, presently cooling his heels with the police in Akwa Ibom State, has related how he butchered 31-year-old Daniel Bassey Solomon, the brother of his girlfriend at his one-room apartment in Itu Street, Uyo, the state capital.

Solomon hailed from Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. His killer, who is in the habit of changing residences, had just packed from Uruan where he met and started dating Solomon's sister, about two years ago.

Anowa, who has no perceptible means of livelihood, but lives a showy lifestyle, confessed that he invited the deceased to his home after he refused to repay the N750,000 he allegedly used to set up a barbing saloon for him (Solomon).

The deceased came to know him through his sister, which was why he funded his barbing saloon. In fact, the suspect had just relocated to Itu Street with just a bed and mattress when the wacky incident occurred.

Drink of death

•The suspect, Steven Anowa

Retiring Akwa Ibom State Police Commissioner, Mr. Gabriel Achong, who was conceivably performing his last official job, said the culprit confessed to have committed the act after inviting his friend, Solomon, to his house.

Unknown to Solomon, who dozed off after gulping the

bottle of beer, the suspect had spiked the drink. Anowa admitted that he called his victim on phone for an urgent meeting in his house.

‘Why I cut him to pieces’

He said: “At about 3a.m, I decided to kill him. I gave him the first cut and the guy got up.

I gave him a second one and then he died and I butchered him to parts.”

He said he was riled because the deceased dared to raise his voice at him when he demanded payment of the N750,000 he purportedly loaned him over two years ago.

“We reported the matter to SARS about two years ago and he agreed on a time frame to pay up the N750,000, but till today, he has refused to pay the money.

“So when I invited him to my house that day, he started shouting and getting angry with me, so I killed him. I am not dealing on body parts, I only cut him to pieces to be able to carry him.”

The suspect said convinced that he had overpowered his victim, he brought out a rope and tied his neck to a bed in

the one-room apartment so that even if he suddenly regained consciousness, he would not be able to escape.

Subsequently, he stabbed him on the chest with a knife sharpened and kept for the purpose. He said Solomon died without much resistance.

He said he used the machete to cut off the head and dismembered each of the body parts of his friend.

…abandons body

Achong confirmed the suspect’s claim that he entertained Solomon with a drugged beer, adding that it was not long before the deceased dozed, giving him the opportunity to tie him to a bed and stabbing him to death.

He said police were able to track down the suspect because of the support of an informant, who kept contacting him on phone, just as the police kept tracking the calls.

He packed the parts in a sack and dragged it to Itu Road. He removed some body parts, dumped them in a place along School Road and hid the head in an abandoned dump site on the same Itu Road.”

8 — Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

AGENDA

FLOOD ALERT: I see Delta making blunders like 2012, says Oghenejabor Ikimi

By EMMA AMAIZE

W

ARRI — EXECUTIVE Director, Centre for the Vulnerable and Underprivileged, CENTREP, Warri, Delta State, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, is a member of the Flood Committee set up

by Delta State Government in 2012 to manage the flood disaster that year in the state.

He spoke to Niger Delta Voice on the impending flood and how the committee handled the flood disaster of that year vis a vis the complaints of nonperformance by the people.

Excerpt.

There is threat of another flood again in Delta and other parts of the country. What happened to the Flood Committee set up by Delta State Government over the 2012 flood, which you were a member?

I was a member of the Flood Committee inaugurated by the erstwhile governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan on October 29, 2012 to manage the N500 million Federal Government intervention fund for flood victims in the state.

I represented the civil community in the state in that committee and we did our job in accordance with the terms of reference handed over to us by the then governor without any interference from the government or anybody.

After completely disbursing the funds, the committee wrote a final report wherein it proferrred far-reaching recommendations and solutions to the state government as far back as August 2014.

Unfortunately, the committee did not get audience to formally present the said report to the state government between August 2014 when it concluded its activities to May 29, 2015 when the ex-governor left office.

It was early this month, when the Chairman of the said committee, Mr. Justice Tabai, after several representations to the incumbent governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, that the committee was finally given the nod to present their final report.

This is no doubt a regrettable development.

The victims are unhappy that the state government did little or nothing to alleviate their plight. Are they correct in their thinking? What was your committee’s handicap?

I think it would be most unfair for the victims or anybody for that matter to say that the state government did nothing to alleviate their plight as we all witnessed the little the state government did then in terms of providing accommodation for the Internally Displaced Persons kept in various camps.

The state government solely operated these camps with limited funds at its disposal.

The biggest obstacle to alleviating the plight of the victims by both the state government and the committee was simply the paucity of funds.

There was a technical committee set up before the state government then inaugurated our committee. The technical committee, after traversing the flood-impacted 14 local government areas in the state, recommended that government would require N10 billion to

alleviate the plight of the flood victims in the state, but unfortunately the flood committee was only given N500 million to manage.

Victims wanted cash

The internally displaced persons wanted cash distributed to them by the committee, while the committee had no such powers to do so under their terms of reference.

Furthermore, even if we were to share the money amongst the victims, the entire sum the committee had would not have gone round the victims. And even if it would have gone round, victims would have ended up getting peanuts owing to the population of the victims concerned and this could have been more chaotic in the sense that rather than alleviating the plight of the flood victims, we would have ended up elevating their plight.

Therefore, the committee in its own wisdom resorted to citing projects per local government areas depending on their level of impact.

The committee engaged in projects like borehole, distribution of school benches and medical drugs, local government by local

We recommended to the state government not to allow persons living along the coastlines to return to their homes from their various camps by building houses on high lands within their location and, thereafter, to relocate them there

•Oghenejabor Ikimi government. It also distributed cassava stems and various crops to farmers. It gave cash to churches and commercial farmers.

Anyone in doubt of how the committee expended the intervention fund can apply for a copy of the report, as it is a public document.

Needless to remind Deltans that our committee was a flood committee and not a fraud committee. Each meetings of the committee then were explosive and robust and all decisions reached were in the best interest of the flood victims.

The state government posted an accountant to the committee and a civil servant of the status of a director was a member of the committee, hence it awarded contracts in accordance with the extant procurement law in the state.

We did our best in the light of the above, as our committee was seriously handicapped with funds.

What should be done now that there is a flood alert again and people in the riverine areas have been asked to vacate their homes?

I was surprised when I read in the newspaper about the warning by the Deputy Governor of the state, advising people living along the coastline to vacate their homes.

This is because in our interim report, submitted to the state government in November 2012 after members had traversed the flood-impacted areas, this was before the flood receded, we recommended to the state government not to allow persons living along the coastlines to return to their homes from their various camps by building houses on high lands within their location and, thereafter, to relocate them there.

I am sure the state government did nothing about that recommendation, so in the absence of alternative accommodations, where would these people go now?

I think we are about to make some of the same mistakes we made as a state in 2012. The state government by now ought to have built camps or hostels on high lands for persons in the riverine areas within their locations to reside in the event of flooding.

THREATENING FLOOD: Apprehension grips Delta riverine residents

By CHANCEL SUNDAY

B

O M A D I — PA L PA B L E fear has gripped residents of riverside communities in Delta State, following the warning by meteorologists of a flood disaster similar to the 2012 overflow, which submerged towns and villages along riverbanks in the country.

Dwellers along seashores of the Niger in Delta State has embarked on protective measures, including erection of high wooden platforms, wooden storey buildings, clearing of drainage.

Bomadi villagers cry out

At Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area and other coastal communities visited, community leaders told Niger Delta Voice that what transpired during the 2012 flood may repeat itself if proper measures were not put in place by government.

A villager said: “We underwent untold hardship ranging from hunger to outbreak of water-borne epidemic, as well as total destruction of crops and

fishponds. We do not want such nasty experience.”

The traditional ruler of Bomadi, Chief Godspower Oporomo, said that the community had already taken some preventive steps as it did in 2012.

He said: “I am calling on the local and state governments to come and identify with us for proper planning since this is the headquarters and it is where victims will be resettled.”

At Kpakiama community, also in Bomadi Local Government Area, situated along River Niger, our investigation showed that the people were indifferent to the flood alert.

Chair of the community, Mr. Obasanjo Edonkumoh, disclosed that he had begun an effort to send town criers to go into the community to sensitise the people about the coming flood, which many were unaware of.

He also appealed to the local government chair to hold consultation with community leaders in the area on the way forward, stressing that nobody would want a repeat of the traumatic effect of the 2012 flood.

Hubbub in Gbekebor In Gbekebor community, Burutu Local Government Area, the situation was similar. The panic arising from the warning of a great flood was overwhelming in the coastal community.

Chair of Gbekebor Federated Communities, Mr. Alakpalakpa E. Anthony, said: “We are currently carrying out sensitisation exercise and we are equally calling on both state and local governments to build resettlement centres at designated areas to give relief to the people if it eventually occurs.

“On our own, we cannot do much about the coming flood; we are only doing what is necessary right now, informing the people of the warning.”

Apathy in Tuomo Chair, Tuomo Federated Communities, Tuomo clan, Burutu LGA, Mr. Akpukpu Felix, said: “There is no formal preparation for now, but we plan to move to the Agip site here in our community, same place we fled to during the 2012 flood if it becomes apparent that the

community will be affected, though it cannot accommodate all Tuomo people.

Burutua, Bomadi LGs clear drains, channels Contacted, Chair, Bomadi LGA, Chief Oluwole Karetimi, stated: “We are going to designate resettlement centres. There are structures yet to be completed, which government must complete as resettlement centres.

“Our duties as a government are to open up drainage and blocked water channels and we will try our best.

“We will have our special environmental sanitation to clear blocked waterways. Taking people from various affected communities to far distant rehabilitation centres also caused serious casualties in the camps in 2012.”

His Burutu counterpart, Ebikeme Clark, said: “We are mainly sensitising the people to be prepared for the impending flood and also opening up blocked drains. The state government should assist us to evacuate people to safe areas.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015—33

Experts worry over use of ‘wrong’ water for lab tests

By Chioma Obinna

S

TAKEHOLDERS in the Nigerian laboratory industry have identified wrong use of water as a major factor militating against the quality and reliable laboratory analysis in the country.

Speaking in Lagos at a workshop on Laboratory Water Purification Technologies by Merck Group and Katchey Company Ltd, they said use of the wrong type of water contaminates results of lab analyses.

The Chief Executive Officer, Katchey Company Ltd., Mrs. Kate Isa who said the impact of wrong water was significant in the laboratory, argued that as much as water is a widely used reagent in the laboratory, its purification processes for different applications must be in line with regulatory policies.

Water purification

Isa explained that even water that is good enough to drink is not good enough for the laboratory because of the bacteria and viruses in it.

"There is a broad range of pure and ultra pure water purification systems designed for scientists working in pharmaceutical, clinical, food

SEMINAR: L-R; General Manager and CEO, Operations, Katchey Company Ltd, respectively, Mrs. Kate lsa and Samuel Nwosu; Market Director, Merck Millipore Lab, Dr.Maurice Memmi; Director of Lab Services, SON, Mr. Louis Njoku and Country Rep, Merck Pharma, Mr. Kingsley Udoakpan during a workshop on Lab Water Purification Technologies held recently in Lagos. and beverage, academic, industry, research and governmental laboratories, hence, the need to identify the appropriate water purification system for any given application in line with international water quality standards and classification. For

instance, using water from the air conditioner to run analyses will not give you the right result,” she added.

Standards: Calling on Nigeria manufacturers and laboratory operators in the food and beverage industry to adopt international standards, she

said it was the only way manufacturers would satisfy exportation standards.

Isa said the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, had mobilised stakeholders to participate in the workshop in the area of water for purification and water for analysis to ensure

LASG trains 89 executives in fish farming

By Chioma Obinna

I

N a bid to boost fish farming, the Lagos State Government has trained 89 executives in fish farm production techniques.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 11th Annual Executive Training on Investment Opportunities in Fish Farming weekend, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos

State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olajide Basorun who lamented the decline in supply of captured fish over the years, restated the State Government's commitment to facilitate capacity building for fish farmers and create ground for easy access to credit facilities.

"Government will continue to create enabling and conducive environment, facilitate capacity

building and create ground for easy access to credit facility for fish farmers so as to reduce cost of production and enhance their profitability".

Basorun said the reduction in fish supply is due to a number of factors which includes pollution, high cost of fishing input and use of obnoxious fishing methods, rural urban drift and over fishing among others.

Traditional fishermen

EXECUTIVES of the Nigerian Association of Orthodontists .From left: President, Dr. Ifeoma Utomi; Immediate Past President; Dr. Oluranti Olatokunbo Da'Costa; Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ikenna Isickwe and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abosede Yemitan, during a media chat in Lagos last week.

C M Y K

He noted that traditionally Lagosians have always been fishermen but over the years the catches has been dwindling; thus prompting government to introduce fish farming about twenty years ago to address the dwindling supply of fishes in the State.

Basorun said the Executive training on farming was conceived 11 years ago to expose participants to the new investment opportunities in the fisheries value chain and build capacities of practicing fish farmers for enhanced productivity.

"One of the major principles of attaining food security is to look at those areas where we have comparative and competitive advantage and focus on them, one of those

areas is aquaculture because over 22 percent of the entire land mass of Lagos is cover by water and we have a 180 kilometre coastline".

Special guest of honour and a former Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service, Mrs. Adedoyin Olusoga said the downward trend in the fish supply over the years has necessitated the massive importation of fish adding that, it is a big drain on the scarce foreign exchange.

Olusoga said the state requires about 330,000 metric tonnes annually to satisfy the dietary needs of its citizen and the total aggregate domestic fish supply from all sources is about 176,850 tonnes per annum.

Olusoga called for enabling environment for private sector to invest in fish feed production, saying this will ultimately lower the cost of fish production as feed constitutes 70 percent of the recurrent cost in fish farming.

"Establishment of a fish market for cultured fishes will create appropriate pricing mechanism and bring more profit to the producers", she opined.

The three weeks executive programme trained 89 participants from different walk of life, including retired individuals.

they begin to play by the rules.

“Very few labs care about the type of water they use for their analysis. Even those who try to purify their water use distillation system which does not remove all the impurities.”

Already, Katchey is setting up a training lab, to run training for graduate analysts who did not have access to laboratories or enough equipment in school.

Stages: Further, Isa explained that there are stages in which water is used in the lab.

"If it is to wash your tools you can use type three water; for analyses, tests, etc., you will need type two water and when you get to the sophisticated equipment like HPLC and when you cannot afford any kind of impurity, you need type one water.”

The Market Director, Merck, France, Dr. Maurice Memmi said distillation is not enough to purify water.

Running costs: “The running cost of distillation is higher than the running cost of other modern water purification systems. To produce one litre of distilled water, you need 20 litres of water. It is capital intensive also and laboratories should consider other modern systems of water purification.

“We cannot grow anything without water. If you use analytical techniques, if you do bio-experiment you have to make sure you do not contaminate it with the wrong water, “he stressed.

In a corroboration, the Director, SON Laboratory Services, Mr. Louis Njoku, said a heavy metal analysis on a product will be contaminated by water that is loaded with metals.

“If you are carrying out microbacteria analysis, do not contaminate the water you use for the dissolution of your sample. It will affect the result of your test and the general outcome of the process.

“Laboratory analysts should ensure their facilities meet the requirements of ISO 17025, which is the standard for laboratory accreditation. It is achievable.”

We cannot grow anything without water. If you use analytical techniques, if you do bio-experiment you have to make sure you do not contaminate it with the wrong water

34—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 35

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36 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 37

•Project site at the Onitsha end.

Why FG must complete 2nd Niger Bridge, Ndigbo, others tell Buhari

By Jude Njoku, Nwabueze Okonkwo & Favour Nnabugwu

A

MIDST growing fears that the Federal Government has dumped the construction of the Second Niger Bridge project, prominent Igbo leaders and built environment experts have appealed to President Muhammed Buhari, PMB to ensure that the allimportant bridge that would complement the aging River

Niger Bridge, is completed on schedule as stipulated in the contract agreement The bridge which was flagged off on March 10, 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to be completed in 48 months (March 2018).

Measuring about 1,590 metres long the bridge whose construction cost was put at N117,860,700,741.82, VAT inclusive, forms part of the 11.90 kilometer length project.

Although officials of both the

•Flashback: Former President Jonathan flagging off the project.

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So far, N10 billion has been spent and, out of it, N1.5 billion was used for paying for damages and others

Federal Ministry of Works and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, denied reports that work on the project has been discontinued, Vanguard Homes & Property which went to the Asaba and Onitsha ends of the project site last week, observed that only skeletal works are ongoing as most of the workers have allegedly been retrenched by the contractors. It was not certain whether the retrenchment was necessitated by the rains which usually affect construction works during rainy

•Project site at the Asaba end

seasons or because the Federal Government has not yet released any fund for continuation of the project.

Apparently reading danger signals from the ongoing scenario, Igbo leaders and built environment experts who spoke to Vanguard Homes & Property insisted that since government is a continuity, the incumbent Buhari administration should go ahead to complete the project because of its strategic importance to the economic development of the entire country.

In the beginning Former President Jonathan had during his presidential campaign rally in Onitsha, Anambra state in January, this year, given the assurance that the project would be completed on schedule and delivered.

Jonathan said the project which is being executed through the Public Private Partnership, PPP arrangement, would also be managed by the Sovereign Wealth Fund, SWF. According to him, “So far, N10 billion has been spent and, out of it, N1.5 billion was used for paying for damages and others.

In fact, the link road that is about three kilometres from the main road to the bridge which is almost 80 percent of the road has been fixed,” he said.

He noted that about 260 Nigerians and 50 expatriates were working there.”But when the work will be in full swing, we expect that it will give work to about 2,000 young men and women and about 60 expatriates.

Commercial activities So, it is one of the major projects that will engage a number of people. We asked Julius Berger and the federal Ministry of Works about their commitments to the project and they said the project will be completed within the time frame. And I am optimistic they will surely do it,” the former president was quoted as saying.

He noted that when completed, the bridge would improve commercial activities in the SouthEast and South West, adding that government had made a proper arrangement for the financing of the major unity infrastructure, hence government would provide about 25 percent funding for the project.

Views of built environment experts The Registrar of the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, QSRBN, Mr. Godson Moneke described the award of the contract for the construction of a second bridge across the River Niger at Onitsha as a deceit by Igbo elites and the former President to get the votes of the Igbos. He premised this

Continues on page 39

38 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

Real estate sector hugely untapped — Ajayi

achievements indicative of the organization’s resilience and continued growth.

Buyers’ attitude towards demand for houses The industry experienced a slowdown towards the end of 2014 through to the recently concluded elections due to the impact of the macroeconomic environment and uncertainty arising from the elections.

However, we are beginning to see improvements in market demand, partly due to the stability of the nation after the elections and the smooth transition to a new government. In addition to this, we are seeing a rise in property value, which is indicative of an increased demand for housing.

Capacity building and quality of products in the industry We are all aware of the issues we face as a nation arising from scarcity of quality human resources. This challenge afflicts all economic sectors, undermining productivity in quantitative and qualitative terms. Our sector is not insulated.

Mr. Adetokunbo Ajayi, a lawyer, is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Propertygate Development & Investment Plc, a firm of real estate development and investment. Ajayi at an interview session with some property reporters in his office in Lekki, Lagos spoke on various issues relating to housing, the property market and investment in real estate sub-sector Excerpts:

F

By Kingsley Adegboye

ORECAST for the industry in the wake of inclement operating environment The well -being of the general economic environment will obviously impact the real estate sector. A troubled macro-economic environment is a threat to the subsector. We are however optimistic that there will be an improvement in the general economic environment if we are guided by vibes from the new government.

Besides, we believe that the huge need for real estate products and services will be an edge for the sub-sector.

We expect to see heightened competition, innovation and rigour among players in a bid to woo consumers with purchasing capacity. Unfortunately, we may also see untoward practices from some operators who are bent on staying afloat if the inclement environment lingers.

Potential in the real estate industry The real estate industry in the country is still hugely untapped, and as such affords opportunity for exponential growth. Though currently hindered by a number of factors, we believe they will be

resolved with commitment from government and all stakeholders.

Growth enhancing factors Some of the factors are a functional mortgage finance for buyers; a friendly interest rate regime on development and investment debt capital; provision of public infrastructure, particularly roads, functional urban planning and regulations, robust enforcement, access to quality and affordable land for development, sound government policies and administration for conducive operating environment as well as capacity building for players in the development chain leading to higher efficiency.

Possibility of housing for all There is a need to clarify what we mean by housing for all. If we mean everyone or every family in the country should own a house, then the government has obviously failed woefully. Nigeria will however be in the company of many nations in this respect, as there is hardly any country that has achieved this.

Housing for all should be seen in the context of access to decent housing for all. This in my view, is a realistic goal, which some advanced nations have already achieved. Nigeria is still far from attaining this goal. But with renewed commitment on the part

Diverse players •Adetokunbo Ajayi

of the state and all stakeholders, we will get there.

Real estate industry and position of Propertygate There were difficulties faced in both the industry and the general

Currently, the industry remains largely as it has been in the past with noted challenges

economic environment in the nation in 2014. The trickle down effects of these challenges translated to a slowdown in demand for real estate products and services which was felt by our organization and other industry players.

In addition, the run in from the last quarter of 2014 through to the recent elections and handover of government threw sizeable uncertainty into the general environment. However, our organization has continued to make progress in spite of these challenges. Our targets during the said period were not fully met, but we still had notable

Firm offers potential Nigerian investors opportunity to invest in Arabella project in USA

By Kingsley Adegboye

S

TILL basking in the euphoria of the success recorded at the just concluded capitalraising partnership between Houston EB-5 and 3Invest, a Lagos-based real estate advocacy firm, for the Marlowe residential project in Houston Texas, the Houston-based property firm has again partnered with 3Invest for the capital raising drive in the Africa region for another real estate investment opportunity known as Arabella, a residential project.

Speaking on the partnership, the chief executive officer of 3Invest, Ms. Ruth Obih disclosed how excited her team was to be part of yet another project from Houston EB-5, pointing out that “This is the second project this year and the 3rd project we have been privileged to be working on as exclusive regional industry partner”.

According to Obih, “Houston EB-5 is a Houston, Texas based Real Estate Investment Company offering potential investors, the opportunity of investing in real estate development in Houston Texas, United States. In addition to the prospect of

a good return on investment (ROI), investing in Arabella will make investors eligible for permanent residency in the United States through the EB-5 programme”.

She said Arabella is a 33-storey, 99 residential contemporary tower with two, three and four bedroom floor plans, positioned next to the highly anticipated River Oaks District, and three short blocks from the Galleria. She said every architectural detail of Arabella is a reflection of the belief that a high rise home begins with the art of superior exterior modeling, and concludes with customized interior finishes similar to the great new genre of high rises ascending skyward in New York City, adding that from the stunning entrance facade, to the spectacular lobby, the edifice aspires to “move the design needle” forward for Houston.

“High rise living at Arabella offers a short stroll to River Oaks District or the iPic movie theaters.

You will soon have the chance to enter the jewel box lobby, finding a world of design created by 212box from New York, the award winning architectural team that is responsible for over 100 Christian Louboutin stores worldwide.

•Arabella Tower, Houston USA

The long chain leading to eventual delivery of our products and services means there are several and diverse players along the way. There is therefore the need for capacity building for competence and innovation among consultants, contractors, construction material producers and vendors, lenders and developers to enable them make more qualitative contributions leading to improvement in products’ quality and ultimately value to consumers.

Enabling environment for real estate operators Currently, the industry remains largely as it has been in the past with noted challenges. We are however hopeful that the new government at various levels will take a closer look at the issues with a view to improving the operating environment..

Government as a major competitor with the real estate operators We will not describe government as a major competitor in the real estate sector, as this may imply that government has assumed business of property development as part of its main essence. The government however, remains a formidable element in the chain, and at times, substantial impediment to the smooth flow of the development process by way of existence of unhelpful policy requirements and processes.

We must however admit the direct involvement of some state governments in the business of property development. This situation we consider a setback to the progressive idea that government should be a provider of an enabling environment for commerce and governance, instead of being a participant in the market place.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 39

Quantity surveyors seek role in costing of engineering projects

By Jude Njoku

A

GAINST the backdrop of the critical nature of engineering infrastructure projects to the nation’s economic development, the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS, has called for the involvement of its members in the costing of such projects in order to stem corrupt tendencies usually associated with the procurement of such capitalintensive projects.

The construction cost experts who rose from a two-day workshop on “Measurement and cost management of engineering infrastructure projects” in Enugu, explained that it has become imperative for the three tiers of government to tap the specialised knowledge of measurement and management of quantity surveyors to check ongoing sharp practices in the procurement of engineering projects. In a communique issued by the Institute at the end of the

workshop, the quantity surveyors posited that utilising their professional roles in the delivery of such projects would ensure “financial probity, accountability, value for money and minimization of mass wastages of economic resources by persons lacking in requisite skills”.

The 16-point communique which was signed by the NIQS President, Alhaji Murtala Aliyu, the Secretary, Professional Development, Library & Technical Committee, Dr Ejike Anunike and the Secretary, Marketing/Corporate Affairs, Mr. Jide Oke, debunked the widely held view that quantity surveyors have no role to play in the procurement of engineering projects because they specialise mainly on building projects.

According to them, “the current dynamic economic setting coupled with the rapid changes in management policies towards infrastructure provision make the exercise of cost management difficult as project life-cycles are

•Ongoing civil engineering project in Lagos ...Quantity surveyors seek a role in the procurement of such projects.

Prominence should be given to project scope definition, and utilization of project planning, scheduling, estimating, budgeting and management tools

often disrupted thus, making their costing difficult”.

“The nation’s macro and microeconomic impacts render initial project cost estimates ineffective and this is a major source of project failure. Government policy intervention is needed to address the challenges of defective budgeting and planning processes. Furthermore, a collaborative action is required from all sectors to curtail the current high import dependence

Why FG must complete 2nd Niger Bridge Continues from page 37 on the fact that the immediate past government did not have the will to build the bridge. Moneke wondered why the Public Private partnership, PPP model was adopted for the construction of such an important bridge that would impact upon the lives of millions of Nigerians. According to him, the PPP model is an attempt to short change would-be users of the bridge.

Moneke who eulogised the anti-corruption crusade of the Buhari administration, enjoined the President to silence his critics who claim that he is anti-Ndigbo, by jettisoning the PPP model and constructing the bridge which is of immense economic importance to the country.

Ohaneneze, NBA react The Chairman of Anambra State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Elder Chris Eluemuno warned against any move to discontinue the construction of the bridge. According to him, there is nothing whatsoever to warrant the abandonment of the project.

“Why should he (Buhari) abandon the project? Is it because it is located in Igbo land or what? What we should even be talking about is to review some areas that is hindering the smooth execution of the project, so as to quicken the pace of work on it,” he said.

The Ohaneze chieftain noted that although all the actions and utterances of President Buhari point to the fact that he did not like Ndigbo, he (the President) should know that when completed, Ndigbo would not be the only beneficiaries of the second

Niger bridge project.

The Chairman of Anaocha branch of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Chris Adimora spoke in the same vein.

“The Bridge is the connection link between the South East and the rest of the country. If the existing bridge should collapse today as a result of old age and over- use, it will mean total calamity and complete cut off from the old Eastern Nigeria and the rest of the country.

Our appeal is that the Federal Government should fund the bridge 100 percent like it funded Lokoja and other bridges in the country,” Adimora canvassed.

He enjoined the Federal Government to take a look at the contract documents and remove any concessioner attached to the project. “The Federal Government should also review the contract documents and remove the PPP arrangement. PPP is even a Greek gift to Ndigbo. The Federal Government should not contemplate termination of the contract. If

Federal government completes the project, Ndigbo will now know that Buhari is not partial,” the NBA boss said.

In his own reaction, the Chairman of Idemili branch of NBA, Mr Ben Okoko described the Second Niger bridge as a project that is long overdue. He noted that discontinuing with the project, will be a big blow to the SouthEast and South-South geo-political zones..

According to Okoko, “Buhari, as at now, cannot yet be said to be anti-Igbo, having agreed to complete Zik’s Mausoleum project.

We expect him to do the jobs as he promised because the names, Okechukwu and Ogbuagu which Ndigbo gave to him is not going to be in vain. Let the project continue at whatever agreement, even if it is PPP.

Free flow of traffic

If any traffic congestion occurs in the existing Niger bridge, motorists will be stranded”.

“Government should also complete all the adjoining roads connecting the second Niger bridge like the road linking Atani in Ogbaru Local Government Area and Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area to ensure a free flow of traffic.

All the roads that will take their routes from the second Niger bridge should be rehabilitated, “ he suggested.

Okoko called on the Federal Government to also place the rehabilitation of Enugu/Onitsha, Enugu/ Umuahia/Aba/ Port Harcourt dual carriage ways and the •Julius Berger equipment at the site.

Okigwe/Arondizuaogu/ Akokwa/Uga/Nnewi

of industrial and manufacturing projects hence their relatively high cost of execution.The current cost monitoring and reporting methods must shift from monthly financial statements and final account to a weekly, daily, hourly and even real-time cost monitoring, reporting and control for better positive impacts on engineering project performance,”the cost experts advocated.

Engineering contracts They called for the award of engineering contracts to only competent firms that have the capacity to implement financial planning and cash budgeting regimes.

“Prominence should be given to project scope definition, and utilization of project planning, scheduling, estimating, budgeting and management tools in the effective cost management of engineering projects,”the further canvassed.

The workshop which was declared open by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Elder Aja on behalf of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuaja, described the low utilisation of of quantity surveyors as experts trained in the measurement for the procurement of engineering infrastructures as a core factor responsible for the exorbitant cost of their execution.

“Infrastructure project measurement, cost forecasting, cost computation, cost control, and cost management skills are traditional competences for which the quantity surveyor is most suited to assume.

These skills are transferred beyond the boundaries of the building industry to other areas of infrastructure provision; like roads, bridges, railways, airports, dams, jetties, seawalls, wharves, steel construction works, mechanical and electrical engineering projects, thermal stations, power plants, manufacturing processes, petrochemical projects, fabrication and other general engineering infrastructures.

40 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

the residents who wrote several petitions against the contractor, demanding that it be replaced.

But the previous administration did not yield to their demands.

Realizing the intention of the previous administration, sources said that the residents waited for the conclusion of the 2015 governorship election, to demand for the replacement of the contractor.

Mr. Bisi Yusuf, the lawmaker representing Alimosho, during an inspection tour of construction work last week by the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, disclosed steps taken by the residents.

He said “I remember that I wrote a letter on May 29th, 2015 on the state of this road. The letter was delivered on June 1st, 2015 to your office. The second day, we saw the manifestation of the letter in the community.

Before, we cannot stand here (Gate Bus Stop). The residents of Ayobo have suffered a lot.”

The governor affirmed that the job will be completed in three months ( by November), saying; “The road is key to the economy of the state. So, we have to expedite action on it.” According to him

Fire station and mini water works

*Section of the Ayobo-Ipaja road

Ipaja-Ayobo road: Why contractor was sacked •As govt orders new firm to deliver in 3 months

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

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AGOS state government has terminated the contract awarded to Plycon Nigeria Limited, to construct the 7.5 kilometer Ipaja-Ayobo road in Alimosho Local Government.

Vanguard gathered that the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode terminated the contract awarded to Plycon Nigeria Limited, following series of complaints from residents over the slow pace of work done by the contractor.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr Bade Ajibade, an engineer, said that the state government terminated the construction work and reawarded it to Laralek Ultimate Limited.

His words “The previous contractor was too slow and that was why we have decided that the work be re-awarded to another contractor that can speed C M Y K

up the completion of the project.

The state government under ex-governor, Babatunde Fashola’s administration had on March 18th, 2011 awarded the contract to rehabilitate and upgrade Ipaja-Ayobo road; with work commencing in October, same year.

The construction work,

But four years after, the contractor was still battling with the construction work; forcing many residents to abandon their vehicles whenever it rains

according to the State Tender’s Board, STB was expected to elapse 18 months after commencement date.

The previous administration awarded the construction work in fulfillment of promise made to the residents prior to the 2011 Governorship election in the state, that if re-elected, the road will be upgraded.

But four years after, the contractor was still battling with the construction work; forcing many residents to abandon their vehicles whenever it rains in the community.

The slow pace of work compelled the state government to regularly shift dates of handling over the project. In 2013, the state government announced that the project will be completed in November 2013, appealing to residents to excise patience.

Barely few days to the end of the year, the government

announced that it could no longer deliver the project as earlier promised, noting that it was concentrating on Inner roads to complement the construction work.

In February last year, the state government announced that the road will be delivered in May, 2014, stating that it would be introducing new strategy to ensure prompt completion of the project.

Completion of the project Prior to the date, the previous administration again attributed the delay in completion of the road that serves as access route for over 10 communities on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC pipelines laid across the road specifically at Gate bus stop.

Vanguard learned that the continuous shift in date angered

“We will speed up the commencement of construction work on the fire station and miniwater works and completion of the mini-stadium. I want to assured you that this road will be done immediately. The contractor handling the IpajaAyobo road has commenced work on the road.

“We will send our engineer to look at the road. We will work on the abandoned jetty at the end of the road to provide another means of transportation to the residents of Ipaja-Ayobo,” Ambode added. The governor however appealed to residents to bear with the government while the work lasted. ‘’ The residents of Alimosho deserve more than the road,” he said.

Speaking on the completion date, the Managing Director of Laratek, Mr. Lekan Adebiyi assured that the work will be done day and night in order to complete the project before the end of the year.

Plycon Limited established in 2003, is an indigenous company offering construction and civil engineering services.

Laralek on the other hand is unique in offering fully integrated service for all project needs from inception to completion. Their profile includes providing high quality, cost effective and sustainable solutions, tailored to the needs of their customers.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 —41

Lagos eyes IDPs on World Habitat Day

By Dotun Ibiwoye

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AGOS State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, is to address the issue of Internally Displaced People, IDPs, in the metropolis during the World Habitat Day scheduled for October 5.

The agency classifies the numerous homeless people who had issues in their places of origin and residing in Lagos as IDPs. Also to be captured are victims of fire incidences and others who flee from insurgency attacks in the northern part of the country.

The World Habitat Day is the day set aside annually to recognize the basic right of all humanity to adequate shelter, and to encourage grassroots action toward ending poverty level of housing.

The United Nations General Assembly declared in 1985 that the first Monday in October every year would be World Habitat Day. Speaking at the Civic Centre in Lagos, the General Manager, LASEPA , Mr Adebola Shabi, an engineer said that the initiatives of its collaborators are actionable.

Represented by LASEPA’s Head, Projects and Special Duties, Mr. Falase Kolawole, the agency affirmed that environmental misuse should be stopeed and this year’s theme: “Our Cities and the IDPs: Checking Nigeria’s Urban Vulnerability through Actionable Habitat Initiatives for the Nigerian IDP” will be for the benefit of all.

needed.

Abolo noted that the challenges of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, must be seen from the broad transition lens of the

The agency classifies the numerous homeless people who had issues in their places of origin and residing in Lagos as IDPs

threat of the developing habitation, vulnerability; eminent environmental and health challenges; and grave social catastrophe, rather than a mere humanitarian issue.

“Ecologistics Integrated Services Ltd., has adopted a multi-stakeholder approach to mark the 2015 World habitat Day celebration. In collaboration with LASEP A and NGOs - Sesor, PF ANN and the International Christian Centre, Ecologistics is addressing the Nigerian habitat challenges from an appreciative intelligence perspective, he said “This is because, as government cannot do it alone, we cannot do it alone. We need the support and collaboration of experts in their various fields who would adequately address the challenges in their specific

areas of expertise.

“We rededicate ourselves to a world where everyone has a decent place to live. It is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns. The IDPs can pose a challenge to our collective wellbeing if not properly managed.

“This focused event will provide an excellent opportunity to highlight key human settlement issues within the context of the ID Ps to ensure that these camps don’t translate to slums thereby compounding on population problems posed by movement of these displaced Nigerians from their homelands. “ For a non governmental organisation, Sesor Africa, which

is also collaborator, between 1.5 million to 3.3 million people are displaced in Nigeria.

Ier Jonathan Ichaver, Sesor’s executive director said: “The international IDP figures has been flactuating in Nigeria. For every person in a displaced camp, there are people living with host communities. The impact of this is is that there is a lot of deforestation, depletion of the environment.

“Refugees and IDP have been differentiated by the United Nations. Refugees are the ones crossing the border , while the IDPs are the ones within the country.

The Kampala Convention 2001 requires that countries should meet up with the needs of the IDPs. Nigeria is a part of the Kampala Convention. ‘’

Initiatives and opportunities “The World Habitat Day 2015 hosted in Lagos will be a great platform to discuss initiatives and opportunities to contribute to the solutions that will help address our cities and the IDPs. We are hoping that With the support of corporate organisations, the event will be made very successful.

“Through sponsorship and inkind supports, we are working with habitat-friendly, environmental oriented companies who see the opportunity to make a difference.”

Ecologistics Integrated Services, the main organiser of the 2015 World Habitat Day, noted that the opportunities for sustainable development are mainly resident in job creation, poverty, alleviation, promotion, protection and restoration of green urban spaces.

According to the Ecologistic’s President, Dr. Paul Abolo, the focus on the habitat and environmental challenges that is ethnic to everyone as a nation is not giving the adequate attention

*Displaced persons at Makoko area

••Trains 89 executives in fish farming

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS State Government at the weekend concluded training for 89 beneficiaries in fish farm production techniques as part of measures to address the decline in supply of captured fish over the years in the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olajide Basorun at the occasion identified the rate of pollution, high cost of fishing inputs, as part of factors responsible for the decline in production and supply of fish in the state.

He added that participants were from different walks of life, including retired individuals.

Basorun restated the state government’s commitment to facilitate capacity building for fish farmers and create ground for easy access to credit facilities.

According to him, “Government will continue to create enabling

and conducive environment, facilitate capacity building and create ground for easy access to credit facility for fish farmers so as to reduce cost of production and enhance their profitability.

“The reduction in fish supply is due to a number of factors which includes; pollution, high cost of fishing inputs, use of obnoxious fishing methods, rural urban drift and over fishing, among others.”

He noted that traditionally residents have always been fishermen but over the years the catches had been dwindling; thus prompting government to introduce fish farming about 20 years ago to address the dwindling supply of fishes in the state.

Basorun noted that the Executive training on farming was conceived 11 years ago to expose participants to the new

investment opportunities in the fisheries value chain and build capacities of practicing fish farmers for enhanced productivity.

Enhanced productivity He said food security is one of the cardinal programmes of the present administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, adding that strategies are in place that would engender sustainable food production and ensure that the citizens are well fed. According to him, “One of the major principles of attaining food security is to look at those areas where we have comparative and competitive advantage and focus on them, one of those areas is aquaculture because over 22 percent of the entire land mass of Lagos is cover

by water and we have a 180 kilometer coastline”.

Speaking earlier at the event, the special guest of honour, who is a veteran fish farmer and a former Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service, Mrs. Adedoyin Olusoga said the downward trend in the fish supply over the years has necessitated the massive importation of fish adding that “this is a big drain on the scarce foreign exchange, hence aquaculture or fish farming has been identified as the next viable option for increasing domestic fish production”.

She said Lagos State requires about 330,000 metric tonnes annually to satisfy the dietary needs of its citizen and the total aggregate domestic fish supply from all sources is about 176,850 tonnes per annum.

C M Y K

42—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

No crisis in Delta APC —CHAIRMAN

By Perez Brisibe

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GHELLI—DELTA State chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Jones Erue, yesterday, dismissed reports of a crisis in the state chapter of the party.

Erue who addressing newsmen in Ughelli, Delta State at the end of a closed door meeting of the party at the residence of an APC chieftain in the state, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, stressed that the party was strong and more strengthened with the caliber and character of persons defecting to the party in recent times.

He said: “We do not have any crisis in the party here in Delta State. If someone is creating one, we will meet at the fact finding panel visiting the state soon. We are waiting for them as the facts on ground would speak for themselves at the end of the panel’s sitting.

“I think the problem we have in the party is that people want the party to be a portfolio party. They are scared of the caliber and character of people defecting to the party. As it stands today, the party is strong,” he added.

I remain in PDP —SEN PAULKER

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By Samuel Oyadongha

ENAGOA—THE S e n a t o r representing Bayelsa Central at the National Assembly, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, has said that despite the mass defection of prominent members of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in the state to the All Progressive Congress, APC, he remains committed to the party.

He said though the same scenario of mass defection played out at the national level which led to the defeat of the party at the centre, “consultations are ongoing to lure back those that left the party.”

Senator Paulker in an interview in Yenagoa, said: “As a politician, definitely I am not comfortable especially as regard the kind of people that left my party, the PDP."

Itsekiri people protest, vow to have new DESOPADEC law repealed

By Onozure Dania

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ARRI—THE people of Itsekiri ethnic nationality have vowed to fight with the last drop of their blood if the controversial Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC Act recently signed into law by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was not reversed or abolished.

Former commissioner in the former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration, Newuwumi Omolubi, who spoke on behalf of the Itsekiri during a protest in Warri,Delta State, described as obnoxious, wicked, null and void, the alleged plan by the state government to short-change the major oil producing areas in the state.

He flayed government plans to peg 50 per cent of the derivation fund across the three senatorial districts, adding that the fund was meant for the major oil producing areas of Itsekiri, Ijaws and Isoko, who he said were suffering the impact oil and gas exploration.

Omolubi, who is a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP chieftain, argued that the state government doesn’t have the right to set aside 50 per cent

derivation for the oil producing areas, explaining that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states clearly that the derivation fund was meant for the oil producing areas alone.

“The only way out of this nagging issue is for the state government to look into this constitutional matter and apply it strictly in order to avoid a

breakdown of the law. It is a pity that both the government and Delta State House of Assembly are insensitive to the plight of the major oil producing areas. Derivation, which is the basis of the law should be viewed seriously in order to avoid any unpleasant situation from the major oil producing areas.”

According to him, Ijaw,

Itsekiri and Isoko all in one senatorial district produces almost 91 per cent of oil and gas mineral resources, lamenting that any law, which tends to give the position of governing council to each of the three senatorial districts was unfair, wicked and the height of marginalisation.

He argued that the issue of derivation has nothing to do with population, regretting that the conditions of oil producing communities were getting worse on daily basis.

VISIT: Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel (5th left), with Directors of Bluemarine Assets Ltd., and some members of the State Executive Council, during a courtesy call on the Governor as part of activities heralding the ground breaking ceremony of the Lead Factory located at Ikot Ebom Itam, Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.

DEEP SEAPORT PROJECT: Oboko faults Ayomike on

land acquisition

By Emma Amaize

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ARRI—PRESIDENT of the Federated Niger Delta Ijaw Communities, FNDIC, Dr. Bello Oboko, yesterday, faulted the declaration by the chairman of Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILoT, Pa J.O. Ayomike, that government had not acquired land for the Gbaramatu Deep Sea Port project, a component of the $16 billion Export Processing Zone, EPZ, project in Delta State.

Oboko in a statement in Warri, said: “Land acquisition document duly signed by former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, on November 11, 2013, shows that not less than 335,554 hectares of Kpokpo/ Okpeleama land was acquired for the purpose of the Deep Sea Port of the EPZ project in Warri South-West Local Government Area in Delta State.

“With such facts available to various stakeholders, respected Itsekiri leader, Pa Ayomike, should not be saying in a recent newspaper report that land is yet to be acquired for the Deep Sea Port of the $16billion EPZ project.

“Former Governor Uduaghan should share the truth on land acquisitions for the EPZ project in Warri South-West council and hence advance peaceful co-

existence. Pa Ayomike and other respected Itsekiri leaders may not be aware that apart from land acquisitions in the Ugborodo area, there were other land acquisitions such as the

acquisition of Kpokpo/ Okpeleama land specifically for the proposed Deep Sea Port.

“I, therefore, appeal to the Delta State Government to

kindly ensure that dwellers of Okpeleama like dwellers of other lands acquired for the EPZ project are made to enjoy proceeds of the EPZ project,” he said.

APC urges EFCC, DSS to probe ex-Gov Akpabio's govt

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By Tom Moses

YO—THE All Progressives CongresAPC, Akwa Ibom State Chapter has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Department of State Service, DSS and other agencies to undertake a thorough forensic financial examination of the state’s resources from May 29, 2007 to May 28, 2015.

APC also urged the anti-

graft agencies and the DSS to compel Governor Emmanuel to be transparent and accountable by disclosing to Akwa Ibom people the debt profile of the state under the former governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio especially, the state’s indebtedness to some financial institutions.

The party in statement in Uyo, also urged the governor to disclose to the

Akwa-Ibom people how much the government of Akpabio left in the treasury as at May 28, 2015.

The statement by Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Ita Awak, said that the call on the anti-graft agencies to conduct a forensic financial examination of the state’s resources, was necessitated by the suspicion that the state must have been mortgaged to some financial institutions to the detriment of its people.

Idisi offers employment to 44 constituents

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By Festus Ahon

SABA—A House of Representatives member, Lovett Idisi has issued 44 constituents with employment letters as part of his efforts to make life more meaningful for the people.

Idisi, who represents Ethiope federal constituency, while

presenting the employment letters to the beneficiaries drawn from all the electoral wards in Ethiope East and Ethiope West Local Government Areas, promised to continue to engage his constituents gainfully to move the constituency forward.

He said that the presentation of the

employment letters to the 44 constituents, made up of 22 elderly and 22 youths, was another phase of his empowerment programme.

Idisi noted that the exercise was in fulfilment of his electioneering campaign promises to the people of Ethiope East and Ethiope West councils, assuring them of more empowerment in the near future.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015— 43

I desire to unite S-East govs —OKOROCHA

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI—GOVERNOR of Imo State and the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governors’ Forum, Chief Rochas Okorocha, says his ultimate desire is to unite the governors and leaders of the South East to work with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.

Chief Okorocha made his feelings known, yesterday, while addressing newsmen at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, SMICA, Owerri, on his arrival from Abuja.

“As the only APC governor in the South East, I cannot do it alone and I cannot also play the attendant politics of establishing a very strong relationship between the South East governors and the APC-led Federal Government alone.

Hence, every governor and leader in the South East must be carried along in the whole thing,” Okorocha said.

Answering a question, the governor also explained that while in Abuja, the South East governors were able to meet with Mr. President, adding that it was more than even reassuring that the South East people would work totally with the present administration at the federal level.

“We, the governors of the South East and indeed, the leaders from the area, are all determined to work with the President and the President himself is also more determined to work with the South East,” Okorocha said.

It was his considered opinion that all the imaginary

worries about what comes to the South East is not absolutely necessary now, adding that the governors had

been able to establish a very cordial relationship with Mr. President.

“We have been assured that

the South East would not be left out of the whole political and economic equations of Nigeria,” Okorocha said.

Lawyers Forum decry negative widowhood practices

By Francis Igata

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VISIT: Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, discussing with the Leader, Swiss Embassy Delegation, Dr. Daniel Caregn, during a courtesy visit to the governor, at Government House, Osogbo, Osun State.

OBI, OBIANO FEUD: Anambra monarch allays

fears

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—Perturbed over the feud between Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State and his predecessor, Peter Obi, traditional rulers in the state have expressed readiness to cement cracks on the walls of their relationship.

While addressing newsmen yesterday, spokes-person of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chris Onyekwuluje disclosed plans by the monarchs from Anambra North to jointly confer both governors with special chieftaincy titles.

Igwe Onyekwuluje dismissed insinuations that the face-off was getting out of hand, insisting that people were merely blowing the entire issue out of proportion.

He enjoined former Governor Peter Obi to see his successor as his friend and political son and overlook any misgivings or shortcomings that might bring disaffection between them.

Onyekwuluje, who is the Igwe of Umunya, praised governor Peter Obi for his unprecedented record of achievements during his tenure as governor.

He cited the area of infrastructure development in Anambra North as one which

the people would ever be grateful for, listing such projects as the construction of Nteje/Umunya Road, Omor/Umumbo Road, reconstruction of Abuba Square / Nando Afor /Igbariam Road, among others.

The traditional ruler also cited the massive employment of youths and school leavers, which helped tremendously to reduce crime, especially kidnapping and youth restiveness.

While enumerating Peter Obi’s achievements, Igwe Onyekwuluje noted that top among them was ensuring that the governorship position went to Anambra North zone, which had never produced a governor.

NUGU—A group, under the aegis of Aku Diewa Lawyers’ Forum, ADLAF, has condemned some widowhood practices in Nigeria, especially in the South Eastern states that deny widows of equitable share of their husband’s inheritance.

The association, comprising lawyers of Aku origin, in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, described such practices where a widow is forced to sleep with a fetish high priest to separate the spirit of the dead husband from the wife in this modern time as abominable.

The forum working in conjunction with Hon. Princess Stella Ngwu representing Igbo-Etiti/ Uzo-Uwani Federal constituency at the House of Representatives, made their views known in a paper entitled, ‘Widowhood Rights, Challenges and Remedies Under the Law.’ The group through Mrs. Carolyn Ugwu, in the paper, pointed out such negative widowhood practices to include “shaving of a widow’s head, eyebrow and pubic hair when her husband dies; forcing a widow to sit on a cold, bare floor during mourning period, forcing a widow to wear mourning clothes for specific periods up to a year in white or black apparels," among others.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On merging EFCC, ICPC & reduction of 42 ministries to 19

I

nstead of merging ministries, President Buhari should reduce the remunerations of political appointees in charge and other running costs, to ensure effective supervision and not to give the three people's work to one person. -Miss Lizzy Popson, Student

U

nder the past administration, there were a total of 26 federal ministries and 39 ministers, both senior and state. If Buhari would have 17 senior ministers and 19 ministers of state, that is a good reduction. -Mr. Jaiyeola Timmy, FreightForwarder

W

e tried to merge everything since 70's based on Northern ideology, but with no visible achievement. Look at aviation, agriculture, among others today, and see how well we have done in this sector for the last four years.

-Miss Chimezie Ezembu, Worker

M

any of our ministries today are places where many just show up without putting in a day’s job. Many employees run personal businesses within official hours and on the other hand is the problem of ghost workers. -Mr. Stanley Okafor, Businessman

I

t can no longer be the way you used to do it. Get ready for a change for good.

Some civil servants are idle because they have not got enough job in their departments to keep them busy.

This is what I can say on this subject. -Mr. Peter Ekpo, Worker

I

f over-bloated salaries and the number of those manning these ministries are not reviewed downward in accordance with reality facing us as country, does it matter how many ministries? I think we need to call a spade a spade here. -Miss Kubura Aremu, Model

44 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

FERMA urges patience as road rehabilitation begins in Plateau

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

J

OS — P L AT E AU State Controller, Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, Engr.

Aderemi Sallam, has said the agency had the mandate to rehabilitate 22 000 kilometres of road in the state as well as patch potholes on streets in Jos, the state capital., According to him, the agency is embarking on massive road rehabilitation across the country to curb unnecessary accidents due to deplorable conditions of roads nationwide., Engr. Sallam noted that the high rate of auto accident recorded during “Ember” months nationwide would be reduced as the agency embarked on massive intervention on critical roads across the federation.

He appealed to road users to bear the inconvenience since “heavy downpour has created erosions on roads, causing potholes on most roads; causing frequent road clashes, particularly at night, the Agency has to carry out these works on the roads., “

Don, MedEnhanz set to reduce diabetes-related deaths

By Chioma Obinna

A

specialist in diabetes and other hormonal disorders, Prof.

Babatope Kolawole of the Department of Medicine Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, is collaborating with MedEnhanz Resources to reduce the incidence and deaths from diabetic-related emergencies in Nigeria.

MedEnhanz is an online medical information company based in Nigeria, providing a web-based medical information and clinical reference tool for Nigerian medical professionals.

The don has specifically teamed up with the health development firm, as an author on the online platform for continuing professional development (CPD) to raise the awareness of every medical practitioner in Nigeria on the causes, early recognition and treatment of diabetes emergencies.

KOGI: I0 APC gov aspirants accuse Audu of cloning PVCs

By Kingsley Fanwo

N

O fewer than 10 aspirants for Kogi State governorship election, on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, are accusing Prince Abubakar Audu of cloning permanent voters cards.

But a close aide of Audu, who spoke to Vanguard on condition

of anonymity, said allegations of cards cloning against the former governor were the handiwork of aspirants jittery of his political status.

One of the leading aspirants in the election, Barrister James Ocholi, told Vanguard that he had petitioned the national leadership of the party over what he called the antics of Prince Abubakar

Audu at ensuring the APC primary in the state was not credible.

He said: “I have it on good authority that the former governor has been inviting some delegates to his house in Lokoja and cajoling them to submit their membership registration slip and permanent voters cards for a ransom. ‘’As one of the people who toiled so hard to build this party, I won’t

PARLEY: From left, Governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State and Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State, and Tony Elumelu Foundation Chief Operating Officer, Abimbola Adebakin, with the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs based in Kaduna at a meet-up session hosted by Governor El-Rufai at the weekend in Kaduna.

Good governance, my priority—BADARU

By Aliyu Dangida

D

UTSE—GOVERNOR Muhammad Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State has listed good governance and sustainable service delivery at both the state and local government levels as cardinal priorities of his administration.

Speaking at a one-day induction training course organized by the Ministry for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development for the newly-appointed local government secretaries and education secretaries of the 27 councils in the state,the governor noted that local government was the closest administrative structure to the people.

He said his administration intended to set the stage for the tortuous journey to the socioeconomic development and empowerment of people, especially at the grassroot.

The governor,, who was represented on the occasion by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir Fanini, charged the participants on the need to exhibit the fear of Allah and sincerity in discharging their responsibilities, being among the cardinal principal of the present administration.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu said there was no time more auspicious than now to undertake

Plateau plans partnership with credible groups to curb violence

By Marie-Therese Nanlong the economy of the state.

J

OS—ANY individual, group or organization ready to assist Plateau State government to achieve the desired peace in the state will get effective partnership of government, Governor Simon Lalong has said.

The governor reiterated that his administration would effectively partner with organizations ready to work to achieve the needed peace in the state as well as empower women and youths so they could positively contribute to

Governor Lalong stated this at the weekend in Jos during the graduation ceremony of 221 persons trained by Apurimac Onlus, a Non-Governmental Organization.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy chief of staff, Silas Vem, commended the organisation for its initiative and charged other public-spirited individuals and organizations to emulate Apurimac Onlus in turning round the fortunes of the victims of Jos crises and others.

the exercise for the new appointees, in view of the need to secure increased understanding and commitments of all public servants to the new administration in the state in its drive to entrench positive change through respect for the rule of law and accountability.

allow anti-democratic forces to subvert the change that has come to stay in our dear state.

“The intention of the former governor was to clone the cards and hand them over to his loyalists for proxy vote which is alien to the constitution of our great party. ‘’ I have always been saying it that Prince Abubakar Audu is not a democrat. Our party would have dominated the Kogi State House of Assembly if not for the imposition of candidates by the former governor. He has never faced a primary election as he always emerged through ‘consensus arrangement. ‘’ I can understand why he is fidgeting now that primary election has become inevitable.

He needs to become a democrat if he wants to continue to be in our great party. I have already petitioned the national leadership of our party to urgently take some drastic steps to save our party from ruins.’’

Another aspirant, Alhaji Yahaya Bello also said he was monitoring the situation, appealing to all the aspirants to play by the rule of the game.

Bello, who made this known in a press statement, said the party could not toy with the window of opportunity to capture the state in the November 21, 2015, governorship election.

“The constitution of the All Progressives Congress is democratic enough to recognize the need to organize primaries to decide party candidates. ‘’A situation where some aspirants are trying to rape the system will be resisted peacefully but firmly by all democrats in the race. My team has gone round the state to campaign for votes.

Lagos blames decline in fish production on pollution, others

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

L

AGOS State government has identified the rate of pollution, high cost of fishing inputs and others as factors responsible for the decline in production and supply of fish in the state.

This came as the government last weekend, concluded training for 89 beneficiaries in fish farm production techniques as part of measures to address the decline in supply of fish in the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olajide Basorun, who made the observation at the closing ceremony of the 11th annual executive training on investment opportunities in fish farming for 89 beneficiaries, said participants from different walks of life were issued certificates.

Basorun restated the state government’s commitment to facilitate capacity building for fish farmers and create grounds for easy access to credit facilities.

“Government will continue to create enabling and conducive environment, facilitate capacity building and create ground for easy access to credit facility for fish farmers so as to reduce cost of production and enhance their profitability.

“The reduction in fish supply is due to a number of factors, which include pollution, high cost of fishing inputs, use of obnoxious fishing methods, rural-urban drift and over fishing, among others,” he said.

He said traditionally, residents had always been fishermen but lamented that over the years, the catches had been dwindling.

According to him, this prompted government to introduce fish farming about 20 years ago to address the dwindling supply of fishes in the state.

Basorun noted that the executive training on farming was conceived 11 years ago to expose participants to new investment opportunities in the fisheries value chain.

45—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

From left (front row)—Dr. Kabir Danladi, Head, Department of Law, Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria; Senator Shehu Sani, Senator representing Kaduna Central, and Mr. Dalhat Idris, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Law, ABU, at a one-day advocacy lecture in Zaria, Kaduna. NAN PHOTO.

BOA MEETS ORTOM: From left—Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State (middle) welcoming Professor Danbaba Danjuma, Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture, BOA (right) and Mr. Babatunde Igun, BOA Executive Director, Wholesale Finance, during a meeting with BOA executives in Abuja. NAN PHOTO.

FORUM ON CYBERCRIMES: From left—Alex Muoka, former Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Lagos Branch; Basil Udotai, Managing Partner, Technology Advisors and ICT Lawyer; Emmanuel Edet, Legal & Board Matter Unit, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Ministry of Communication Technology; Sola Salako, President, Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, CAFON; and Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services Officer, SMILE Communications Nigeria Limited, during the 2015 Technology Times Outlook forum on cybercrimes laws review in Lagos. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamos.

CIBN INDUCTION/AWARD: From left—Mr. Seye Awojobi, Registrar/CE; Deacon Segun Ajibola, 1st Vice President; Otunba Debola Osibogun, President/Chairman of Council; Dr. Uche Olowu, 2nd Vice President, all of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, and Mr. Valentine Whensu, President, National Association of Microfinance Banks, NAMB, during the 2015 CIBN graduates induction and prize award day in Lagos.

WORKSHOP ON ENVIRONMENT: From left— Mallam Saminu Ado, Co-Ordinator, Afforestation Programme Co-Ordinating Unit; Hajia Bintu Kolo, Head of Community Mobilisation; Mr. Goni Ahmed, Director General, all of of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, NAGGW; and Mr. Abubakar Yaqub, Zonal Head of Operations, North-West, First City Monument Bank, FCMB, during a capacity-building workshop on environmental sustainability, organised by NAGGW and supported by FCMB, in Kano, yesterday.

DELOITTE FOOTBALL: From left— Abraham Udenani, partner, Deloitte Nigeria; Femi Aribaloye, Group Head, Enterprise Risk Management, Skye Bank; Marie-Therese Phido, Director, West Africa, Clients & Industries Leader, Deloitte Nigeria, and Tawanda Gumbo, Transitional Leader, Deloitte Nigeria, at the 2nd edition of Deloitte football tournament in Lagos.

ABU LECTURE:

STAR TREK IBADAN: From left— Obabiyi Fagade, Brand Manager,

Star; Gbenga Adeyinka, comedian and host, and Efe Omorogbe, Talent Manager, at the Ibadan leg of Star Trek, held at Trans-Amusement Park, Ibadan.

LIVING FAITH: From left— Pastor Elevated Olusanya, Resident Pastor; his wife, Praise; Pastor Oluwole Wise, Pastor, and Pastor Victor Olubode, Associate Pastor, all of Living Faith Church, Elebu, Ibadan, Oyo State, at the ground-breaking service of the church at Elebu. NAN PHOTO.

46—VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

definitely do well.

Former Governor Isa Yuguda who was equally so impressed with what he saw of Amaechi’s efforts during a visit in 2011 had called on his fellow colleagues to imitate what he saw in Rivers State.

Even though a number of the governors heeded Yuguda’s call, Amaechi’s political inclinations, however, seemed not to have helped him especially with the authorities that presided over the country at that time.

The former governor ’s credentials in other sectors were also praised by Governor Ajimobi in other sectors such as health, agriculture among others.

“I think he is an icon from what I have seen. I have gone round to see your farming, the agriculture, a lot has been achieved and it has a multiplier effect on the economy of the area in terms of employment, income generation and reducing poverty, reducing thuggery, vandalism and all the associated nuances of low economy.”

While Amaechi may have acquitted himself in education, health and agriculture, his record on roads is in the view of some still mixed especially given the spate with which his successor has sought to renovate some roads in Port-Harcourt.

•One of the primary schools built by the Amaechi administration

AMAECHI: Then and now GOVERNOR Rotimi Amaechi stirred a frenzy among his colleagues involved in the peer review mechanism of the Nigerian Governors Forum. The strides in education, health, agriculture among others that were at one time praised are now beclouded by the political intrigues following the succession

By Gbenga Oke

I

T was undoubtedly a hostile takeover facilitated by the highest authorities in the country during the recent general elections. The determination of the erstwhile political leadership to stop the emergence of a successor supported by former Governor Rotimi Amaechi was understandable. If for anything, Amaechi was the main facilitator of the pendulum that swung against a second term for President Goodluck Jonathan. It was as such not surprising when every form of force allegedly including dire instructions to an Assistant Inspector General of Police were made to ensure that the All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside did not have a chance in the governorship election that followed Jonathan’s well applauded concession.

from the Amaechi administration.

Whether for that or for other outstanding reasons flowing from the mutual distrust and hatred that has shadowed their relationship, the new Wike administration has in the eyes of some been on an offensive against the legacies erected by the preceding regime.

The legacy of developments in education, healthcare, agriculture that was erected during the Amaechi administration have remarkably become clouded by the political undercurrents of the moment.

Despite a mixed record in his tenure as minister of state for education, Wike is believed to be using his present brief as governor to impress and develop a pro people impression with all sorts of activities mostly aimed at wooing the people.

Well applauded concession Nyesom Wike who emerged as governor in the still disputed governorship election, remarkably, was a one time ally of Amaechi but has now turned into what is unarguably, the former governor’s most potent foe.

The bitterness between the two camps dragged on till the takeover with Amaechi refusing to appear at the handing over ceremony. Amaechi was reported to have handed over to the Permanent Secretary in the Government House, a development that was not well applauded among many stakeholders. Even more, the transition team of Wike reported not to have received much help C M Y K

Assertions of corruption •Amaechi

•Wike

The thinking among many is that the Wike administration is conscious of the fact that the governorship election may not stand upon widely reported allegations of malpractices and so, is determined to use the time he has before a possible annulment to woo the electorate that he can work and perform.

That inclination is bound to be troubling for the Peterside camp given the fleeting inclination of the average Nigerian voter.

The Peterside camp it is observed is bound to also stir the electorate to remember the spate of violence that helped Wike to victory.

A number of governors, who visited the schools were compelled to replicate what they saw in Rivers State in their own states, but none as at the time of the transition was able to exactly replicate in the same measure.

Speaking after a tour of some of the projects three years ago, Governor Abiola Ajimobi had said: “I came here (Rivers) to meet a brother and the chairman of our governors’ forum as a friend and a brother.

Public education

A number of governors, who visited the schools were compelled to replicate what they saw in Rivers State in their own states, but none as at the time of the transition was able to exactly replicate in the same measure

The Peterside camp is also bound to urge Rivers State voters to reflect on the testimonies of Amaechi’s strides in office as given by some of serving and former governors.

Amaechi it is remembered, initiated the revolution in public education with the construction of nearly 500 state of the art model primary schools comparable to the best in any part of the world. The education upliftment programme was capped with the construction of model secondary schools with state of the art facilities that could compare with some universities in the country.

Comparative analysis Secondly, I’m doing what you call peer review, comparative analysis, see what is happening in Port Harcourt and Rivers State vis-a-vis Oyo State. Having been here now, I have seen a lot and I think without sounding patronising, I think the governor here, Amaechi is a blessing to Port Harcourt, to Rivers State in terms of his achievements, in terms of his commitment, in terms of his patriotism.

“I saw the primary schools, the new model secondary schools would easily pass for a university.

I don’t know of any secondary school that looks like this in Nigeria. In terms of sciences, ICT and in terms of the ambience of the environment, the school is very conducive for learning and children produced here will

In doing that, the new governor has sought to give the idea that Amaechi did nothing while in office. That has been compounded by assertions of corruption against the Amaechi administration.

The new administration has constituted a panel of inquiry to probe the Amaechi administration. However, pronouncements of guilt made against the former governor even before the conclusion of the exercise, however, trouble some, including a legal practitioner, Worgu Boms who spoke with Vanguard.

According to him since Governor Wike has concluded that Amaechi is corrupt, there is no need for him to set up a panel of inquiry anymore to investigate his tenure in office.

He stated, ”It is clear that the objective of the new administration in Rivers State is to dissolve the person of Rotimi Amaechi, politically but having found him ‘guilty’ of illegal deduction of public funds and of running a corrupt government, there is no need to bother the Chairman of the panel of inquiry to investigate anything”.

He went further, “The desperate search for a Rotimi Amaechi political downfall should not be a Magna Carta, to ridicule Law, its Practice and the Legal Profession. Law should always win politics and politics should not always win Law”.

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015—47

that was needed have been provided. The company confirmed that everything was in order. My concern is, if everything that was needed has been provided, what then is the problem? At the last count, they said they were trying to restore old meters and that was going to take them about two weeks. As I said, this is the second month after the last meeting and nothing has happened. So much damage has been done to the socio-economic life of the people.

We also know that under darkness, so much satanic activities going on.

Our frustrations at home — Rep. Mrakpor Rep. Onyemaechi Mrakpor representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, of Delta State in the House of Representatives recently moved a motion in the House drawing attention to the five year electricity blackout of her constituency. In this interview she elaborates on the efforts she and other concerned stakeholders have made to redress the situation and gives notice of a legal action against the power distribution company. Excerpts:

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

H

ER motion It is true that I sponsored a motion on Wednesday, August 12 in the House of Representatives on the plight of the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, which comprises Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili North and Oshimili South. My people have been in total darkness for over five years. It has been a very terrible situation and I needed to let the whole world know what my people have been going through. Before 2011, we had the challenges of power fluctuation, electricity was coming once in a week. But from 2011, the communities have experienced total blackout. When we approached the company in charge of our area, the management said it needed a 133 KVA transformer which was provided by the federal government. They also requested that some electricity poles be changed, again, all the affected communities had their poles replaced.

As a member of Delta State House of Assembly then, I provided extra 133 KVA transformer. I took it as one of my constituency projects. As we speak, five years after, we still do not have light.

Power company We have done everything expected of us. My community heads have held several meetings with the power company, the most recent was two months ago at the palace of Obi of Ubulu-Uku where they promised to restore electricity within two weeks. It is now two months after and nothing has been done. I am getting very embarrassed and I just needed to cry out to the nation.

Reason for threatening legal action Yes, it appears that is the only remedy to the problem of electricity in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, which I represent in the House of Representatives. I understand that some people in Edo State hired the services of a lawyer against the same company Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) before they C M Y K

Satanic activities

could find solution to their own problem. So, I have resolved if between now and the time the House resumes in September, and nothing is done, I think we have to toe the same line as the people of Edo. Socio-economic impact of the situation The fact is that nothing is happening in these affected communities. Socio-economic lives of the people have been brought to a standstill. The worse affected were operators of small

As a member of Delta State House of Assembly then, I provided extra 133 KVA transformer. I took it as one of my constituency projects.

As we speak, five years after, we still do not have light

•Mrakpor: 5 years without electric power is no joke Before 6.30 pm, it looks as if scale businesses such as hair residents of the areas have dressers, cyber cafe operators, disappeared into the desert. It is welders and mechanics and barbers. The impact is a terrible situation. You know how unquantifiable. In order to you feel when light goes off for just one hour, then you can remain in business, these people have resorted to alternative power imagine how miserable life would have been for supply which is usually the communities that were cut off for smallest generator but at the end of day, they hardly make profit. over five years at a stretch.

The reason the Power Their profit is channelled company gave for the towards buying fuel to power generators. This has also affected blackout They personally told me that all the social life of the people.

I travelled home two weeks ago and it was reported that a kidnapped victim was found in my town. So many things are happening under the cover of darkness. The entire scenario is getting embarrassing.

It appeared that some of us in government are heartless. It is almost a crime for me to turn on my generator when I travel to my village because you do not do that in the midst of thick darkness. You will appear insensitive to the people. So, you will want to identify with them in their pains and frustration.

Some of us in government went out of our ways to support personally to ensure the light is restored, yet, it was the same old story. In all these efforts, they were unable to pinpoint exactly what the problem was. They just kept telling us to wait for another two weeks and at the end of that two weeks, they will promise us light in another two weeks and it continued like that.

Appointment: S-West is being shortchanged — Bankole-Hameed

permanentsecretariesanddirectors of parastatals in the civil service. It is thus logical to expect the fall out of such a house cleaning exercise to impact this group severely.

MR Shehu Bankole-Hameed is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State and also an author. In this interview, he reviews the nearly three month stewardship of President Muhammadu Buhari. Excerpts:

By Dapo Akinrefon

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has been dubbed ‘baba go-slow’ by his critics over perceived failure to hit the ground running? Do you agree with this notion?

I’m not sure that the slogan 'baba go slow ‘ is appropriate; in the context of what the winner of the last election and indeed the entire economy has endured, any attempt to ‘ hit the ground running ‘, by pronouncements of political appointees without due diligence will amount to political blunder. It is fair to be patient and persevere in order to gain eventually.

Do you think the president has been marginalising other zones of the country in terms of appointments?

If I’m to be fair to the President, he has been fair to the entire

Northern block; noting that a huge chunk of his votes came from that part of the country, now he seems to have bent backwards to accommodate the Igbos who not only did not vote for him, they openly castigated him during the electioneering campaign. The Southwest in my mind is being offered the short end of the stick.

Judging by the balance of appointments so far, I think the southwest has been shortchanged.

Part of the president’s campaign promises was to fight corruption, but many have the impression that the war is selective, do you agree with this?

This question is in itself hilarious; who is complaining about the fight against corruption if not those in PDP. The fight against corruption by this administration has not even started. All that is being done right now as I see it is investigation and

•Bankole-Hameed the perception that such actions are aimed at a reasonable number of people from the Igbo stock is understandable. They formed the bulk of political appointees of Jonathan and also formed the largest in number and also by percentage the top hierarchy of

You are a close ally of two former governors of Lagos State, (Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola), but there seems to be a cold war between them. What do you think is responsible?

Really many different versions of a supposed cold war are being touted in the press. However, I think Asiwaju recognizes the superlative qualities of Fashola and likewise, Fashola does accept like the rest of us in APC that Asiwaju is a national leader of great worth; none of them has ever admitted to me or anyone in private or public of a strained relationship.

But we know how even within family members and friends, there are differences; I think the elders in the party are up to the task of ironing out any misconception. As to what might be responsible for the perceived cold war, one has to look to the press and opposition in order to understand the whole story.

48—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

Bayelsa polls: Why Dickson, Alams can’t win on ethnic card

By Preye Alaowei

Which roads did Amaechi build?

By Victor Tambari Giadom

I

NFRASTRUCTURE refers to the basic facilities and systems that serve an area, a city, region or country. It includes the facilities necessary for the proper functioning of the economy. It may also refer to the physical components of interrelated systems providing services essential to enable, sustain or enhance societal living conditions. They include technical structures like roads, bridges, water supply, sewers, electrical grids, telecommunication etc.

Infrastructure is thus a key pillar of economic growth of any modern society and a catalyst for economic development.

It follows therefore that the economic growth and development of any modern society is tied to the level of its infrastructural development since infrastructure is the base for the development. And Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi appreciated this more than anybody and that was the basis of his stewardship in Rivers State. Even with sizable coastal areas and Islands, road transportation is the most common mode of transport in Rivers State. Therefore, from the inception of his tenure as the Governor of Rivers State in October 2007, Amaechi directed efforts and deployed significant resources of the state towards the development of infrastructure.

Quality roads Against the backdrop of this commitment, the administration articulated its vision with respect to the road sector as “A Rivers State where all communities are accessible by quality roads…”

This vision by emphasizing quality roads implicitly acknowledged the finding of a study that there is a strong positive correlation between the economic development and the quality of the road network of an area.

Road serves many socioeconomic functions. As a former United States Senator Christopher Dodd, an apostle of infrastructure development, noted highways, roads, bridges are an indispensable part of our lives.

They link one end of our nation (state) to the other. We use them each and every day, for every conceivable purpose. But quality also matters. Good and reliable road network helps to deal with problems of spatial difference – distance, thereby connecting people. Good roads reduce journey times and enhance road safety by increasing the reliability of road travel.

In acknowledgement of the socio-economic importance of good road networks, the administration of Amaechi made significant investment in the

Amaechi sector through the construction of new roads, the completion or continuation of ongoing road projects, the dualization and rehabilitation of old roads and the construction of bridges and flyovers. The objective was to connect communities both rural and urban as a means of reducing poverty and enhancing economic growth.

Between 2007 and 2014, over 300 contracts relating to roads and bridges, land reclamation and shore protection projects were awarded. As at August 2014, 165 of these contracts had been successfully completed with the remainder at various stages of completion, with the exception of two in which the contractors were not mobilized before the end of the tenure.

The administration also completed 23 major bridges in different parts of the State with six other bridges at various stages of completion. The completed bridges include nine bridges on the Unity Road (Ogoni-AndoniOpobo) Road; two Steel bridges at Eagle Island; Ndoni Steel Bridge; three bridges on the Okrika Ring Road; bridge at the Abuloma-Woji Road; MbiamaAkinima Bridge; Bolo Creek bridge. The on-going bridges include Woji-Akpajobridge (70% completion); Luwa-Bere bridge (50% completion); Orashi Steel bridge (60% completion); Tema Steel bridge (40% completion) and two bridges on the Unity Road.

The administration completed

Amaechi gave significant attention to the development of good roads in Rivers State on the understanding of its many benefits to the socio-economic wellbeing of the State

two major flyovers: Agip Roundabout on Ikwerre Road and Eliozu on the East-West Road. It reconstructed the collapsed flyover on Aba Road near the Nigeria Air force Base. Another flyover at Woji has reached 85% completion level.

Two interchanges were also completed at Rumuokwurusi (at the intersection between the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway and the East-West Road) the area erroneously called “Eleme Junction”; and at Obiri Ikwerre (at the intersection between Prof.

Tam David-West Boulevard and East-West Road).

Before he left office, Governor Amaechi ensured that the people of the Ancient Opobo Kingdom could get to Opobo by road.

Anxious to ensure that all parts of Rivers State were accessible by road, the Amaechi administration entered into advanced discussions with the Nigeria LNG Ltd with respect to the completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road, which had been abandoned by the Federal Government.

Relief for Rivers people The administration also completed the Rivers State end of the Port Harcourt Owerri Road, in order to create relief for Rivers people, in the same way it attempted to reconstruct the Rivers State end of the East West road, but was refused to do so by the then Federal Government. To improve movement of farm goods and encourage trade and commerce, the Amaechi administration constructed a major spine road between Isiokpo and Omerelu.

The Isiokpo/Omerelu road reaffirmed the high premium the Amaechi administration placed on transportation. The criticality of some roads made them a compelling proposition for the Amaechi Administration.

Within the capital city, the need to decongest the Aba Road led to the conception and construction of a Relief Road before the everbusy Rumuola Junction to link Aba Road to Rumuomasi/ Elekahia/Trans-Amadi. This Relief Road opened the area for residential development.

In summary, Amaechi gave significant attention to the development of good roads in Rivers State on the understanding of its many benefits to the socio-economic wellbeing of the State. The Amaechi administration left a number of nearly completed roads that now serve as low hanging fruits for the new administration. What is required is for the present government to build on the excellent foundation laid.

Giadom is the immediate past Commissioner of Works in Rivers State

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HE recent interviews granted by Governor Seriake Dickson and Diepreye Alamieyeseigha in two different newspapers, This Day and The Union, to say the least is very unfortunate and should be condemned by all Bayelsans in particular and Nigerians in general.

Indeed, all the Security agencies should take note and hold them responsible if the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa ends in violence. These two ethnic entrepreneurs should be told that playing ethnic cards will never give them victory at the governorship election.

The Nigerian electorate, especially the Bayelsans, are now wiser. They know those who are really committed to their welfare.

We would have applauded these two men if they had focused on issues that matter most rather than manipulating and mobilizing ethnicity to win election.

Under the caption, “Bayelsa will remain a PDP State”, in This Day Newspaper of July 30, 2015, Governor Dickson shamelessly and in desperation to win the governorship election wrongly attributed the defeat of the former President to the conspiracy between the north and the southwest when actually we know he was happy Jonathan lost the election.

While Seriake Dickson could be said to be diplomatic about playing ethnic card, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, in The Union Newspaper, (Thursday, July 30 2015) was crude and primitive in his allegation.

Primitive allegation One would have thought that, as a former Governor, though disgraced out of office, should be pragmatic in his use of language to air his views to the public.

Secondly, as an elder stateman, it should not be Alamieyeseigha that should be instigating one ethnic group against the others.

He should be consulted for pieces of advice on how to unite the country for development.

For those who might have not seen or read the two newspapers, it is very important to quote extensively from these papers and respond to the issues raised

We must practice true federalism, otherwise these people will continue to exploit us

by these two men. Dickson in his interview said, among other things, “ …This land of proud Ijaw people will not reward our adversary, our opponents will not be rewarded, the gang up that was formed against the Presidency in the previous election will not be rewarded…” “… This Jerusalem of the Ijaw nation will not be handed over on a platter of gold to those who ganged up to humiliate us in this country” While Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, a former Governor of the state, on the other hand, said the following among other things:“… This is a PDP State, we the elders will not allow foreign bedfellows take over this state.

An Ijaw man has never been conquered.

We would not allow it to happen. You can call it any name, whether they come from the Southwest, whether they come from the North to conquer us. If anybody tells you as an Ijaw man that these people love you, it is a lie…” “…The Southwest and the North, if they come together they will continue to produce the President for life. We have no hope, so we must consolidate on what we have here. We cannot afford to fall into that trap. We will perpetually be slaves to the bigger tribes…. This country must be restructured. We must practice true federalism, otherwise these people will continue to exploit us….”

Historical record We will like to address some issues raised in the interviews so as to educate our people who might be carried away with the ethnic outburst.

Firstly, both Dickson and Alameyeseigha attributed the defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan, an Ijaw to the conspiracy of the North and Southwest. While it is true that both geo-political zones voted massively against the PDP in the 2015 presidential election; this was more as a result of the failure of the PDP government under Dr Goodluck Jonathan rather than a grand conspiracy against the Ijaw nation as Dickson and Alameseigha are presenting it now when the gubernatorial election is close by. At this juncture, one would have liked to ask whether the votes from these regions in 2011 were as a result of ethnic conspiracy against the Ijaw too.

It is also right at this juncture to put the historical record straight. It was the people in the southwest that stood up to defend the constitution when Jonathan, as the vice President, was to be denied the leadership of this country when President Yar’Adua was on sick bed in Saudi Arabia.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 49

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50 — VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

North and South Korea reach agreement to end crisis S

OUTH and North Korea have come to an agreement in talks to ease tensions in the latest crisis on the peninsula.

The deal comes after North Korea expressed regret over a landmine incident that wounded two South Korean soldiers this month, the two sides said in a joint statement.

In return, South Korea will stop anti-North propaganda broadcasts at noon on Wednesday, the statement said.

The two countries also agreed to work towards a resumption next month of reunions for families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, National Security Adviser Kim Kwan-Jin, the South’s lead negotiator, told reporters.

The negotiations in the border truce village of

Panmunjom had played out against a dangerous military stand-off, which triggered a rare artillery exchange over the border last week.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un ordered his frontline troops onto a war-footing on Friday while Seoul warned that it would “ retaliate harshly” to any acts of aggression.

•Kim Jong-Un

KENYA: Supreme Court orders 50% pay rise for teachers

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ENYA’s Supreme Court has said that the government should abide by a lower court’s decision to give teachers a pay rise of at least 50%.

The teachers’ pay body had argued that it cannot afford the increase awarded by the industrial court.

The dispute over teachers’ pay goes back 18 years, with a pay deal struck in 1997 only partially fulfilled.

The government has not yet reacted and it is

still not clear where the new money will come from.

The BBC’s Abdinoor Maalim in Nairobi says the teachers were happy about the court’s decision, which means that the lowest paid teacher should now get $240 (£150) a month.

Teachers had threatened to strike if the pay rise is not included in their next salary payment.

UN says 4.5m Ethiopians will need aid after rains fail

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HE number of Ethiopians who will need food aid by the end of this year has surged by more than 1.5 million from earlier estimates due to failed rains, UN agencies have said.

Ethiopia needs an extra $230m from donors to secure aid for a total of 4.5 million people now projected to require assistance this year, the

Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

(UNOCHA), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN children’s agency UNICEF said in

a statement on Monday.

The country of 96 million people is one of Africa’s fastest-growing

economies, but failed rains have had devastating consequences for food supplies.

Refugees cross into Serbia after leaving Macedonia

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HOUSANDS of exhausted refugees from the Middle East, Asia and Africa have crossed on foot from Macedonia into Serbia on their way to the European

Union.

The rush over the border on Monday came after Macedonia effectively lifted the blockade of its border with Greece on

Sunday, after thousands of refugees stormed past Macedonian police who had been trying to stop their entry by force.

Continuing their journey,

about 7,000 refugees, including many women with babies and small children mostly from Syria, had crossed into Serbia over the weekend by Monday morning.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015—51

EFCC recovers N200m in 32 months •Secures 273 convictions

By Clifford Ndujihe

Why I’ll vote for Donald Trump

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R. You-are-fired Donald Trump is a man who has fired the imagination of the American public with his brand of unorthodox political campaigns. Initially written off as a nonentity, Trump has weathered all storms to remain fixed at the top of the Republican Party presidential race list.

When he curses and calls his opponents dirty names, his approval rating goes up.

When he characterizes women as scum, his excited population of misogynists hail the king. And when all he says is how he would accomplish things and urges people to trust him to do them, the less than critical army of mesmerized sympathizers say he is their man, the modern day redeemer.

Of all the reasons I’ll vote for this towering inferno of American politics, the most cogent is that he epitomizes how the US presidency appears to have been devalued. Gone are the days when, to aspire to run for the presidential office in America, you had to sound like John Fitzgerald Kennedy and make speeches that are of philosophical substance. Now, you can call your opponents “stupid” and receive encomiums for that verbal abuse.

But, who needs philosopher-kings at the White House these days? Things began to fall apart when George W. Bush “convinced” his compatriots that weapons of mass destruction sprouted like uncontrolled mushrooms in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq. And, after committing trillions of dollars and over four thousand, five hundred American lives chasing Osama bin Laden who was busy having babies and enjoying the comfort of his large harem in Pakistan, Bush declared victory in the fight against al-Qaeda and left Americans at the precipice of economic collapse.

Now, Trump has come to fulfill the messianic mission of fooling all who are willing to be taken in by his flamboyance and empty talk. Aren’t these good qualities for me to support him? Surely, a man who wakes up one morning to declare that he will build walls along the USMexican border and get the Mexican government pay for it, must have had a good dream the previous night.

And, he deserves our support; mine to say the least.

How about relations with China? Donald has my ears there too.

America needs a man who will teach the communists in Beijing not to taunt the great America.

Never mind that Who really when you go to a typical department cares about store in the US, a the battalion of goods from China will line authenticity up the aisle to of his claims welcome you. I agree with Trump. about oceanChina must be deep wealth?

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brought to its knees, and who else to do it but a businessman who understands the art of negotiating with the incorrigible Chinese? Never mind that some of the materials Trumps uses to build his “towers” might even have come from China!

As for Iran, our man Trump holds the magic wand to make the Ayatollahs and Mullahs who run the country melt away like ice cream in hot Arizona. What he needs to do is quite simple: warn the theocratic rulers in Tehran that good old Trump is running for office and they will assemble all Iranian paraphernalia for making nuclear bombs and peacefully, if not timorously, hand them over to Trump for safe-keeping. And once Trump calls them “stupid” they will understand the stupidity in not kowtowing to his whims, because no one fools around with toughtalking Trump.

What is rather amazing about the socalled analysts who criticize Trump about being short on policy articulation is their inability to understand how Trump adroitly articulates nothing and gets his admirers to see the virtue in nothingness. That is the genius in the man. American presidential election has always been about selling policy proposals to the electorate.

Policy proposals But, like an unanticipated hurricane, Trump zoomed in to reverse the ancient truism about empty vessels making the most noise. All this man of immense talent tells his captive audience is that because he made it rich, they should trust him to make America great again. And, why should they not believe him when they have no idea of the roller-coaster of bankruptcies some of their man’s businesses have had to undergo.

And, Trump’s real wealth? Who really cares about the authenticity of his claims about ocean-deep wealth? Hear him talk about “I’m rich” and you might think that he is the crème de la crème of billionaires in our universe. To his followers, Trump is the quintessential American billionaire.

Never mind that Bill Gates ($79.3 billion), or Warren Buffett ($72.3 billion) or Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg ($34.8 billion) can in reality buy up Trump and all his assets ($4 billion), give away those assets to charity, and still remain billionaires with capital letters. But again, who cares.

Forbes might write whatever it likes about Trump’s real worth; what really matters is Trump’s belief that he is in the league of billionaires, even if he is far down south of the perking order.

Last week, at a campaign rally in Mobile, Alabama, Trump startled everyone with a confession that his best book is the Holy Bible. Bible? I thought this Machiavelli incarnate is so busy making deals that God would not even find space at the back seat of his limousine. Nevertheless, it is in his devil-may-care way of talking about women and everyone else, that he really has enraptured people like me. If you wish to catch a glimpse of things Trump said in the past about everything under the sun, especially women, try his web site which has 199 quotes from the man.

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S a measure of its anti-graft crusade, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured 273 convictions in the last 32 months and recovered $925,000 about N200 million for the government, according to Vanguard investigations.

The commission secured 117 convictions in 2013 and 126 last year.

Since January this year, the figure so far is 30 and 12 of these were secured after the May 29 hand-over of power to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The N200 million is not part of the money recovered for private individuals.

However, most of the convictions were low profile cases or ‘petty thieves’ as those involving a host of former governors, ministers and lawmakers are still pending. The bulk of the recovered funds came from money laundering and false declaration of funds.

About half of the sum ($511,225) was recovered from one Kutumisana Mbuta Blaise, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who was convicted recently by Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos, for money laundering.

Blaise was arraigned by the EFCC, on one court charge of money

laundering sequel to his arrest at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos for being in possession of $511,225 cash that he failed to declare to officers and men of the Nigerian Customs Service as required by the provisions of Section 2(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012).

He had pleaded not guilty upon arraignment but after prosecution by the EFCC, Justice Buba found him guilty as charged and ruled that the convict should forfeit the entire sum to the Federal Government of Nigeria in line with provisions of the Money Laundering Act. Mr. Aminu Sule Lamido, son of immediate past governor of Jigawa State, Malam Sule Lamido, was on July 12, 2013 made by the court to forfeit 25 per cent of the E10,000 he did not declare during a trip out of the country.

Other recoveries include: Soufiyano Issa, June 5, 2014, forfeited 50 per cent of undeclared $132,000 to the Federal Government; Akinnoye Abiola Oluwafunke ($51,205, money laundering); Fatai Apampa Adesina ($140,000, money laundering) and Abdulrasheed Ibrahim (25 per cent of $188,858, undeclared funds among others.

Nigerian doctor shortlisted for space trip

By Chioma Obinna & Gabriel Olawale

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30- YEAR –old Nigerian doctor, Dr. Freeman Osonuga who was part of the African Union’s Ebola Response Team on a medical humanitarian mission to Sierra Leone has been shortlisted among 30 elite for Kruger Cowne’s Rising Star Space Programme.

The Rising Star Programme was launched a year ago at the One Young World Summit 2014 in Dublin, to catapult one undiscovered leader into space and into the global spotlight. The initiative was launched by leading London-based talent agency, Kruger Cowne, and their partners One Young World, the preeminent global forum for young leaders, and Spaceship Earth Grants.

According to the organisers, the 30 shortlisted represent the epitome of hope, leadership and talent. Narrating his experience in a chat when he visited Vanguard Media Limited's Corporate Head office in Lagos, the Ijebu Ode, Ogun State born doctor, said the space trip is valued at more than $100,000 and out of the 30 shortlisted, three impressive finalists would be chosen to attend the One Young World Summit 2015 holding in Bangkok in November.

Osonuga said the three finalists will be delivering an inspirational 10-15 minutes keynote address on a topic of their choice before thousands of delegates and a panel of esteemed global business and social icons at the event, adding “The established panel, which includes influential figures from the world of entertainment, business and media such as Sir Bob Geldof, Gina Nelthorpe-Cowne, David Jones, Fatima Bhutto and acclaimed astronaut

Ron Garan, will deliberate before announcing on stage their chosen Rising Star.”

He also explained that the winners would be mentored by astronauts, global leaders and entrepreneurs from the Kruger Cowne and the chosen young leader will be managed and positioned to develop powerful connections and given a platform to engage with a global audience as well as develop solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.

Elated Osonuga who was full of gratitude said: “If a young person from a poor and disadvantaged background like me can be among the 30 shortlisted finalists and eventually go to space, truly, nothing is Impossible to those that believe. With faith, hope and perseverance, every Young person can fulfil their dreams irrespective of colour, tribe, nation, sex, background and ethnicity. “ He told Vanguard that he applied to the programme in order to raise awareness on the impact of climate change as well as initiates a Global Climate Care Advocacy Programme.

“If I eventually fly to space I will be the first Nigeria and first back African to do that.”

He appealed to the Federal Government and Nigerians to support his course to ensure that Nigeria makes history in the ongoing programme. “A simple official statement from the government supporting my project will go a long way. For private organisations and individuals they can support me by joining the campaign on social media, where I have my official profile.

“Nigerians can help me by going to the organisations’ website, www.krugercowne.com, and click my profile and share it via facebook, twitter, google plus and LinkedIn.

52—VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGSUT 25, 2015

All new Jaguar XE takes performance, luxury to next level T

IME was when Mer cedes-Benz was the lone player in the Nigerian luxury car market.

Then came BMW and later Audi.

Now the Jaguar brand has joined the league, leaving Nigerians with wider options in this car segment.

Jaguar is renowned for making luxury and powerful sedans, though it was not strong in the Nigerian market until Coscharis Motors added the brand to its portfolio and the brand became a household name with launch of the XJ, XF and recently the all new Jaguar XE. The XE as the latest addition to the Jaguar family in Nigeria is everything a car freak would desire in a compact luxury sedan.

Loaded with modern features and luxury amenities, the all new Jaguar XE is simply performance personified. It is positioned to give the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series a good run in the Nigerian market.

But Jaguar Land Rover believes the XE has more to offer in this segment.

Motoring journalists Yours sincerely was among selected motoring journalists from across Sub-Sahara Africa that took the all new XE to test in Cape Town, South Africa.

For two days the XE was put to litmus the test on the South African city that does not joke with traffic offences. Maybe you have not heard about traffic rule in Cape Town. It is one of the cities in the world where traffic offender risk jail term and all the journalists were cautioned to be extremely careful as they enjoy the drive.

The Jaguar XE never disappointed as it takes all the task in its stride, accelerating and negotiating all corners as a typical sport sedan.

The XE is available in a powerful 3.0 petrol engine and a 2.0 litre turbo charged engine, both delivering class leading performance.

The 2.0 litre engine varC M Y K

Jaguar XE

The side and rear views The Interior iant delivers 177kw @ 5500rpm and a torque of 340Nm @ 1750-4000rpm, hitting 0-100 in just 6.8 seconds. This four cylinder engine with single monoscroll turbo charger is fitted with 8-speed automatic transmission which delivers 250km/h.

The top of the range Jaguar XE is powered by the supercharged 3.0 litre V6

Loaded with modern features and luxury amenities, the all new Jaguar XE is simply performance personified

petrol engine from the acclaimed Jaguar F-Type and it is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 5.1 seconds. The sound of this engine is melodious to the ears as you step your feet down on the throttle of the XE. The Jaguar XE redefines the concept of the sports sedan and is the driver’s car in its class. Its lightweight construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior and out-

standing ride and handling are testament to the company founder, Sir William Lyons’ vision: ‘The car is the closest thing we will ever create to something that is alive.'

The rear-drive XE is the only vehicle in its class to use an aluminium-intensive monocoque. This extremely robust yet light structure, together with double wishbone front suspension and an Integral Link rear axle, is fun-

damental to the XE’s innovative benchmark vehicle dynamics.

“The Jaguar XE has performance and handling that match its sporty, yet elegant, design,” says Lisa Mallett, Marketing and Communications Director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and subSahara Africa.

“Its emotional appeal is further enhanced through superb levels of luxury and use of state-of-the-art materials and technology,” he added.

The aluminium-intensive Jaguar XE is the first model developed from Jaguar Land Rover’s new modular vehicle architecture. The long 2 835mm wheelbase and low seating position enable perfect proportions and a streamlined profile.

The cabin offers outstanding levels of comfort and spaciousness. Exquisite materials and finishes combined with Jaguar craftsmanship make this a class-beating interior that’s unlike anything else in the segment.

Centre stage is an eightinch touchscreen that offers drivers easy access to media and navigation features, as well information displays.

The XE has some of the most advanced driver assistance systems available.

All Surface Progress Control, ASPC, developed through decades of Jaguar Land Rover experience in off-road traction systems, can electronically gain traction in seconds

Continues on page 53

Izzy brings new dimension to auto parts sourcing

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O offer vehicle owners - who crave quality affordable auto spare parts, Izzy Parts has entered into the Nigerian market with the unveiling of its domain www.IzzyParts.com in Lagos on August 21.

Headquartered in the US, Izzy Parts is an online auto parts marketplace that allows African consumers to access high quality products from several original parts manufacturers around the globe.

With the launch of the online spare parts platform, it is expected that the challenges previously faced by

vehicle owners in procuring genuine spare parts in the country will be eliminated completely.

Speaking at the unveiling in Lagos recently, Head of Media & Communications of Izzy Parts, Collins Udeme said that the concept of creating an online auto marketplace was born out of the company’s desire to bridge the gap between manufacturers of genuine automobile spare parts and the end users in Nigeria.

Udeme explained that Izzy Parts entered Nigeria to improve the after-sales services in the country

through sales of genuine auto spare parts sourced from reputable auto firms in US, adding that Izzy Parts has already built a catalog of over 550,000 auto parts and accessory items from a variety of the industry’s top brands; offering highquality products at a favourably discounted rates with Warranty.

“Currently, the Izzy Parts retail platform is developed, tested, operational and available for market introduction.

Purchases can be made with any of the major payment-processors. Our delivery is top quality as we are in partnership with

Fedex and Bongo international,” Udeme hinted.

Frowning at the influx of substandard auto spare parts in the country, Udeme said “We have done our research and come to the conclusion that, ubiquity, affordability and a lack of alternatives, are what create a market for substandard spare parts. We therefore aim to fill this void as a way of discouraging the menace of fake spare parts in the country.

“Overall, it’s Izzy Parts’ goal to sustain growing sales yearly; becoming the leading auto parts

platform throughout Nigeria and neighbouring countries. To meet this goal, Izzy Parts seeks to build a successful auto parts pipeline by implementing logistics between two company warehouses (the US & Nigeria)." "These warehouses will be ready by December 2018.

According to Udeme, Izzy Parts will, during its operations, transact business ethically and professionally, holding its representatives to a high standard of operational excellence and unmatched customer service.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015—53

By Theodore Opara

Nissan honours Stallion for outstanding performance A

multinational conglomerate, Stallion Group, has won the 2015 Nissan Global National Sales Company Award for its outstanding performance in Nigeria.

The award recognises Nissan’s growth in the Nigerian market, while reinforcing its growing industrial footprint.

Stallion is Nissan’s exclusive manufacturer and distributor in Nigeria, which established Nigeria’s first automotive assembly facility in partnership with Nissan as a pioneering initiative in April 2014, pursuant to the Federal Government’s announcement of the nation’s new automotive policy late in 2013.

Since the launch of Nigeria assembled Nissan vehicles, four models are being assembled in the country, creating significant employment, with the local human resources undergoing extensive training from global automotive experts from Nissan’s international auto plants.

The thriving partnership with Stallion has resulted in Nissan meeting the

needs of Nigerian customers through expanding product range and country wide retail network.

The new Victoria Island showroom was the 11th Nissan outlet in the country – a demonstration of Nissan’s long term commitment to increase brand visibility in Africa’s most populous country.

Chairman of Stallion Group, Sunil Vaswani, said: “Together with Nissan we are seeking to complement Nigeria’s ambitions to become the region’s automotive hub.

the Stallion Group to achieve what is a very encouraging increase in our share of the key Nigerian market. Within Nissan, we have a strong desire to make a full and

lasting contribution to rebuilding automotive industrialisation in Nigeria and to play an important role in the growth of the manufacturing sector.

I would personally like

to congratulate the entire Stallion NMN team on a job well done. I am confident we will maintain this great momentum going forward.”

OXL, Mandilas offer free vehicle valuation and diagnostic services

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IGERIA’s online classifieds, OLX, has entered into partnership with Mandilas Motors, one of the leading players in the auto industry in a strategic relationship that will offer users on the OLX platform free vehicle valuation and diagnostic services.

Under this arrangement, Mandilas will list its vehi-

Jaguar XE takes performance, luxury to next level Continues from page 52 and is ideal for use on lowgrip surfaces, such as icy roads or wet grass.

Laser projection technology enables the XE’s head-up display (HUD) to generate sharp, highcontrast colour graphics from a module smaller and almost a third lighter than existing systems, retaining clarity even in direct sunlight. The HUD can display important information to drivers at eyelevel, allowing them to keep their focus on the road.

A stereo camera is mounted behind the front windscreen to give the XE a 3D view of the road ahead: this highly accurate data is used for functions including the lane departure warning system.

The XE is the stiffest, most aerodynamic Jaguar sedan car ever built. It is also the first Jaguar to be equipped with electric power steering, tuned to provide exceptional responsiveness and feel but

We are providing a comprehensive range of passenger, commercial, and recreational vehicles, and are currently engaged in a dynamic programme of new model introductions.

Stallion is investing into developing an integrated value chain for its brands in the country, thereby acting as a catalyst for Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem.”

The Managing Director and President of Nissan South Africa, Mike Whitfield, said, “We have worked side by side with

with lower energy consumption than hydraulic systems. The XE also boasts the lowest cost of ownership and most environmentally sustainable credentials of all Jaguar models.

Manufacturing of the aluminium-intensive Jaguar XE occurs at Jaguar Land Rover ’s Solihull plant in an all-new facility. The XE completes the Jaguar sedan range, sitting below the XF and XJ model lines.

cles on the OLX platform in an effort to attract buyers from across the country.

Explaining details of the deal at a press conference recently, the OLX Country Manager, Lola Masha, stated that “the partnership between the two brands is one of a kind as, it reinforces OLX’s commitment to enhancing its users experience on the platform and also provides a nationwide reach for Mandilas.

"This collaboration with Mandilas validates the effectiveness of OLX as a platform with a wide range of vehicles where buyers can find great car deals and trade with trusted sellers."

Masha further explained that the partnership will offer eligible users who post their cars for sale on the OLX site, an opportunity to have their cars screened and evaluated for free.

At the end of the screening, the user will get an evaluation certificate from Mandilas that will state the

From left David Edwards MD, Mandilas; Lola Masha Country Manager, OLX and Stephen Gladwin, GM Mandilas current market value of the car as well as the condition of each part of the car.

“This will benefit both the buyer who is worried about the worth and condition of the car , they want to buy and the seller who is not sure of the monetary value of the car.

Speaking at the occasion, the General Manager, Mandilas, Stephen Gladwin stated that “the partnership with OLX will help build trust amongst

Nigerians who are in the market to buy or sell their used cars because of the certificate they get at the end of the screening process."

Gladwin added, “Over the years, Mandilas has built a reputation of providing unrivalled service in the auto industry. We are excited about the partnership with OLX, the number one online classifieds site in Nigeria. OLX has provided a platform

where users can feel safe buying and selling used vehicles across the country.”

Masha noted that OLX is the world’s leading classifieds platform in growth markets and is available in more than 40 countries and over 50 languages.

OLX connects local people to buy, sell or exchange used goods and services by making it fast and easy for anyone to post adverts through the mobile app.

Automedics partners Lagos TV on auto exhibition

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new opportunity for a u t o m o b i l e manufacturers and franchise holders to display their strength and capabilities in the Nigeria automobile industry has resurfaced with the introduction of a new automotive exhibition platform tagged ‘Automedics Autofest’, initiated by Automedics Limited in partnership with Lagos Television,

Ikeja.

Automedics Autofest is an annual show which serves as a meeting platform for freaks, buyers and sellers to transact mutually beneficial business, interact and exchange ideas on their desired vehicle models, needed genuine parts, accessories and favourite lubricants.

According to the organisers, automobile

companies, especially the manufacturers and over 30 franchise holders of several brands in the country, have been yearning for a new auto show they can leverage on to promote their brand values, express their brand promise and generate new database of prospects, sales and ultimately profit for their organisation, which this fair promises to provide.

It is also an ample

opportunity for exhibitors to launch new models into the market, reinforce the existing ones in the minds of teeming auto users and positively project their brand image in the highly competitive market.

According to Kunle Shonaike, MD/CEO Automedics Limited, ‘this is the first time such an exhibition is happening on the mainland in Lagos State, and the uniqueness

lies in its proximity to the seat of power, the Central Business District, Alausa, which houses the Lagos State Government secretariat.

In addition, the show will be taking place close to the biggest shopping mall in Lagos, the Lagos City Mall, with major brands such as Shoprite, Mr. Price, Games and many other international luxury brands.

54—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

By Levinus Nwabughiogu & Victoria Ojeme

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BUJA—THE United Nation Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-Moon has attributed the growing global terrorism to bad governance, mismanagement and injustice by political leaders around the world.

He spoke at a dialogue on democracy, Human Right, Development, Climate Change and Countering Violence Extremism, in Abuja, yesterday.

The UN scribe pointed out that most terrorists resort to extremism out of a feeling of deep frustration and hopelessness.

His words: “Why this insecurity and extremism has been able to take root among the people? I think that comes from mismanagement, bad governance, injustice . When you are absolutely in despair, when you have absolutely no hope for your own future, when the leaders do not care about their own people on inclusive governance, the people find some other means.

“Leaders have not been paying attention, they are not speaking with the people. That makes extremism to take the root. We have to prevent this. That is why I highly commend President Buhari. In his inaugural speech he said he will get rid of inequality, and he will get rid of corruption and run an inclusive government.”

Mr Ban who said that no country can tackle terrorism alone, called for global cooperation to end the menace.

“No country can tackle this kind of threat alone; however powerful or resourceful, one country cannot, the Europeans or Americans cannot do it alone, all hands must be on deck. This is what I have to say. I hope that this meeting will be of great opportunity for respective ambassadors and all the representatives of the Nigeria society. we have a common fight, a sense of unity; purpose of unity that we are one, we are one human being.

“As Secretary-General of the United Nations, I am appealing to you to also work with your government, work with your people. Let us work together and make this world better for all."

On sustainable development, UN Secretary-General said the initiative is to take care of all spectrum of the society with the main purpose of eliminating poverty by 2030.

Apart from eliminating poverty, the UN scribe also declared that there should be gender parity by the same year 2030.

Speaking on climate change, he said that the world may be in danger as those who are supposed to take action have been abusing their prerogatives, warning that, “human race does not have any other planet apart from the earth, hence the need to protect it.”

He also noted that sustainable development goals will be seriously hampered and

BRIEFING: From left: Bishop Abiodun Adeniji, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, President, The Sword of the Spirit Ministries and Rev. Victoria Oke, during a briefing on the State of the Nation, at the Garden of Victory premises in Ibadan, yesterday.

Bad governance, injustice breed terrorism, says Ban Ki-moon Calls for unconditional release of Chibok girls destroyed unless the issue of climate change is addressed.

For Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, ethnicity and religion, poverty and illiteracy all contribute to the current situation of extremism in the country, His words, “In a democratic country like Nigeria, we have 110 million people extremely poor and illiterate and do not have voice.

“Government must look into providing jobs and security for its people.

Nigeria must eliminate radical terrorist groups so that they do not keep destroying innocent people.”

On climate change, he said Nigeria will join the rest of the world in tackling the menace.

Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubarkar III called on the United Nations to assist the Federal Government in recovering stolen funds back to the country.

He also blamed world leaders for not taking action to check the activities of the Boko Haram sect before it degenerated .

His words: “How can you use your office to bring back all the stolen money? Please help us to bring back our money so that Nigeria can utilize these monies.”

In a similar vein, John Cardinal Onaiyekan , Catholic Archbishop of Abuja who spoke on climate change said, “We must recognize the deep social consequences of climate change.

“As we look around us in Nigeria, we now know that when we experience unusual extremes of weather conditions, desertification, flood, and drought, the ‘Gods are not to blame’, but rather the reckless activities of our greedy fellow earth tenants far away from us,” he said.

UN Chief calls for release of Chibok schoolgirls Meanwhile, the UN Secretary

General has also called for the unconditional release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

It will be recalled that the girls were abducted from their school in Chibok community, Borno State on April 14, 2014.

Addressing State House Correspondents after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon stated that the world shared the fate of the abducted school children.

He described as intolerable the abduction of the school girls which he said has disrupted their eduction.

He said: “I expresse my solidarity again with the Nigerian people so that United Nations will work together to address the issues of extremism and terrorism. This week marks the 500 days of the kidnap of the Chibok girls. I want to reiterate my support for the Chibok girls and so many other innocent abducted girls and boys whose names and fate remain unknown.

“It is intolerable that their lives and schooling have been disrupted in this way. The whole world has been moved by their fate. I once again call with the strongest terms on those responsible to unconditionally release these girls and many other abducted children.”

The UN scribe hailed the administration of president Mohammadu Buhari for evolving a strategic plan at annihilating the insurgents in Nigeria also called for collaboration of forces amongst the countries of the world in fighting terrorism.

He pledged the support of the world body to stamp out the insurgents.

“Terrorism knows no boundary and no bounds. Today, I lay the wreath in memory of Nigerians and other victims. More than ever, collaboration is indispensable in addressing this message and

crimes. The President has made regional engagement efforts and I am hopeful for the rapid operational direction of the Multinational Joint Task Force.

Buhari's inaugural speech

“In his inaugural speech, President Buhari eloquently recognize that human rights are important parts of the counter insurgency response and operations should be conducted with the full respect for rights, humanitarian and refugee law. At the same time, we know that military operations alone will not be sufficient.

“President Buhari and I also discussed efforts at addressing the root causes by tackling socioeconomic grievances in the North-East, in particular through expansion of educational and employment opportunities for young people.

There is an agreement by UN member states on the sustainable development agenda and on the Addis Ababa action agenda will provide further financing increase to help Nigeria on its agenda for change.

“The humanitarian situation in the North is particularly worrisome; we are working with partners on ground to scale up humanitarian operations. I congratulate President Buhari on the efforts to protect and uphold the rights of displaced persons.

“I pledge the full support of the United Nations for advancing the shared and universal cause of peace, development and human rights”, he said.

According to him, the successful handover had restored a global message of respect for democracy and the rule of law.

He said: “I am honoured to

be in Nigeria for the second time as Secretary-General of huge United Nations. I am here to recognize some of huge great achievements and political stability and also unity and peace of this country under the leadership of Muhammadu Buhari. I also congratulate him on his election and more importantly the peaceful and credible elections which have been carried out in this country. I hope that, for example, will be emulated around the world and the message of hope that would be spread out around the world.

“Mr. President, I am here at the moment of complex challenges and all kinds of promise and hope. I want to commend the people of Nigeria on the peaceful and fair elections. I salute the statesmanship of both President Buhari and former President Goodluck Jonathan. For the first time in Nigeria, a sitting President peacefully ceded power to an opposition candidate in a democratic election. It has restored a global message of respect for democracy and the rule of law.

“President Buhari has embarked on an agenda for change and I commend him highly for prioritizing insecurity, anti-corruption and unemployment issues.

“I am convinced that when you change Nigeria, you have changed Africa. Nigeria has been a source of stability in West Africa and the wider continent. You have been a key contributor to UN peace keeping operations including its successful mission in Liberia and Sierra-Leone.

Nigeria is once again playing a crucial role in the UN Security Council over which Ambassador Joy Ogwu is now presiding in this month’s President of the Security Council.”

Buhari speaks

Also speaking, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed gratitude to the visiting UN Secretary-General for the solidarity visit.

He also thanked the United Nations for inviting him to its general assembly next month.

He said: “I want to thank the secretary-general for his depth of the appreciation of Nigeria’s problems. It shows genuine interest and the humanitarian approach to our problems which he correctly and eloquently described in terms of security, the economy and how the international community and the UN in particular, which here are present in time to help us to solve this problems “We have discussed with him the difficult time Nigeria finds itself; the destruction of infrastructure, especially in the north-east, the rehabilitation of infrastructure and the over 1.5 million internally displaced persons that have to be morally, physically and materially rehabilitated, and the efforts we think the UN secretary-general can convey to the UN so Nigeria can be helped in the identified problems that we have."

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015—55

Crisis looms at KWASU over lecturers' insistence to form union

By Demola Akinyemi

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MEETING: From left— Muhammed Nurul-Islam, MD/CEO Jaiz Bank Plc; Babatunde Ajiboye, Secretary, Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum, NeFF; and Dipo Fatokun, Director, Banking and Payments System, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and Chairman, NeFF, during the Forum's 3rd general meeting for 2015 in Abuja.

Another governorship aspirant picks PDP nomination forms in Kogi

By Kingsley Fanwo

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OKOJA—IN what is fast becoming an interesting scenario in Kogi State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of the November governorship poll in the state, another aspirant, Mr. Banjo Amoto, has visited the national headquarters to obtain expression of intent and nomination forms to contest the governorship primaries of the party.

Four aspirants have so far indicated interest in the governorship ticket of the party, including the incumbent governor, Idris Wada, former Afribank Chief and Alhaji Isah Echocho, former Dekina Local Government Chairman, Mohammed Ali. Amoto pledged to re-position the state and make it the economic nerve centre of the nation, if elected governor of the state on November 21.

According to him, the state needs fresh ideas to be able to move forward.

He said: “After a deep reflection of events in our dear state over the past few years, I have come to the conviction that our Kogi needs fresh ideas.

“I know what a purposeful leadership can deliver in Kogi State through tourism and agriculture. I am not comfortable with the state of our roads and the alarming rate of poverty in the state.

“It will be a sin against my generation to remain silent in the face of all these unrealised potential.”

The young entrepreneur

thanked the leadership of the party for their spirit of fairness in giving every aspirant the opportunity to market his programmes to the party delegates to decide the flagbearer of the party.

Amoto assured PDP faithful of his determination to do the party proud, if given the

mandate to lead the state.

‘My focus’

He said: “I am focusing on i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , industrialisation, education, healthcare, education and jobs. Today, these are the critical dynamics that shape development.

“This is the message I will be selling to the Kogi people if given the rare privilege to hold the umbrella of our great party in the next election.”

He promised to avoid campaign of calumny because, according to him, all the aspirants are members of the same party.

Switzerland donates $8m to support B-Haram victims

By Ndahi Marama

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AIDUGURI—THE government of Switzerland has donated $8 million to Nigeria and neighbouring countries in the Lake Chad region in support of all Boko Haram victims in the North-East of the country.

The financial donation was made, yesterday, when the charge’d’ affaires of Swiss Embassy, Daniel Cavegn, paid an official visit to Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State.

Cavegn said his visit to the state was to show solidarity with the people and government of Borno State, saying they were in a difficult situation caused by Boko Haram conflict.

Cavegn said: “My former ambassador was here in September 2013, so we took the next opportunity for us to come here to show the solidarity; that we follow this as closely as possible.”

He said the $8 million financial donation to Nigeria was specifically in support of the people affected by Boko Haram conflict in the NorthEast, including the countries around Lake Chad.

Responding, Governor Shettima, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Shuwa, said that in the last six years, Boko Haram insurgentshad captured 20 council areas,

with the displacement of two million people, mainly women and children.

He said: “Considering the situation in which we found ourselves and the meagre resources at our disposal, there is the need for foreign partners and international organisations to come to the aid of the state, especially in the reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement of the destroyed communities.”

LORIN—CRISIS looms at Kwara State University, KWASU, Malete, in Moro Local Government Area of the state over the decision of the institutions to frustrate the academic staff to have a union that would protect and canvass for their interests and welfare.

Against the backdrop of the election of KWASU’s branch of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, the university has described the action as illegal, occultic and combative.

Speaking after its inauguration last week, chairman of the caretaker committee, Dr Dauda Adeshola, urged members to be resolute in their determination to bargain for better conditions of service for members in the university.

He assured that the association would not contravene laid down rules and regulation of the institution.

In a letter dated August 17, and signed by Dr Adeshola, the union said “this is to officially inform the university management and the academic community that ASUU, KWASU chapter was officially inaugurated on Thursday, August 13.

The letter, entitled Inauguration of ASUU, KWASU Chapter, and addressed to the school Registrar, read in part: “The inauguration, which took place at E-place Plaza, Malete, had five protem officers after a keenly contested election.

They were elected to run the affairs of the union until a new exco is elected.”

Forget propaganda, Wada has done well—AIDE

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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OKOJA—SENIOR Special Adviser to Governor Idris Wada on Yagba East Local Government, Mr. Bola Fabola, has said the decision of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to endorse Governor Idris Wada as its consensus candidate was one borne out of good will.

He said the governor

remains the best candidate to fly the flag of the party at the November governorship poll.

Fabola, who stated this yesterday at his country home at Ponyan, Yagba East Local Government Area, said it would have been a misdemeanour for the incumbent governor, who had already mastered the act of governance, to be changed for a political neophyte who

will be coming to study the polity and administration of the state.

Fabola said the governor had done better, in view of the resources available to the state, and dispelled rumour about the non-performance toga that he said the opposition had continue to pelt the governor with.

He said: “We (PDP) are rooting for Wada because he has used the four years to understand the polity of the state.”

56—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

Group kicks against DESOPADEC Commissioner -nominnee

By Emma Amaize

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ARRI—OPUAMA Integrity Political Forum, a socio-political watchdog in Opuama community, Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State, has rejected the nominees by the Egbema Political Forum, EPF, to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, for the Executive Director/Commissioner on the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development C o m m i s s i o n , DESOPADEC. Chairman of the group, Mr. Abel Sule, in a statement, yesterday, faulted the selection process adopted by EPF in nominating a former vice chairman of the council, Mr. Dio Tangar and secretary of Egbema/ Gbaramatu Ethnic Development Council, Mr. Jude Okori.

He said Tangar, paternally from Ajakurama community, was an executive member of EPF and Okori, a native of Jamagie community in Edo State, and could not be Ijaw nation’s choice for the DESOPADEC job.

Mrs Regina Gbemudu dies aged 104 years

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RS. Regina Gbemudu of IIlah, in Oshimili North Local Government in Delta State is dead. She died on July 29, at the ripe age of 104 years.

She’s survived by Mrs Vero Amuka, only surviving child, grand children and great grand children.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Late Regina Gbemudu

PROBE: LG chairmen allegedly shared N3bn Agric loan in Rivers, by Perm Sec P

By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT— REVEL ATIONS emerged, yesterday at the Justice George Omereji-led Commission of Inquiry sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State of how Caretaker Committee Chairmen under former Governor Rotimi Amaechi allegedly shared about N3 billion of the N4 billion loan secured from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Commercial Credit Agricultural Scheme.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture Mrs Otonyetarie Otonye, who gave evidence before the commission, said N4bn loan was secured by the former government from the CBN for the development of agriculture and agro allied sector of the economy.

According to her, the former Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Emma Chinda set up a committee headed by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the Ministry, Mr Grant Amadi that disbursed the money.

She said the committee was directly answerable to the former commissioner and took directives from him, adding

that it finally disbursed a total of N2,932,411,679.30 Continuing, she said that the former governor gave approval that the money be disbursed as “grants” to farmers.

The Permanent Secretary, Mrs Otonye, said she does not know the farmers that benefitted from the grant since a committee set up by the commissioner dealt directly with them.

During cross examination by counsel to the Commission, Mr

Zacchaus Adangor, Mrs Otonye said she did not confirm if truly the ‘farmers ‘who benefited from the funds had existing farms.

According to her, she was only aware that a total of 380 mother cooperative bodies got the money.

However, it was discovered that the cooperative societies that benefited from the money were all registered last year with Chairmen of 21 caretaker

Committees as presidents.?

The chairman of Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government, Mr Augustine Ahiamadu also benefited from the grant as president of one of the cooperative societies.

Director Planning, Research and Statistics in the Ministry, Mr Chijioke Amadi who was chairman of the Agric Credit Committee set up by the former Commissioner for the Ministry, Mr Chinda, expressed surprise at the names of those behind the cooperative societies.

AWARD: Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo (middle), receiving the Roll of Honour Award and a portrait by the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, being presented by Prof. Alice Nte (right), and Chairman, NMA, Rivers State branch, Dr. Furo Green in Port Harcourt.

Ogoni youths protest location of UNEP report implementation office in Abuja

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By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT— HUNDREDS of Ogoni youths in Rivers State, yesterday, blocked the Akpajo end of East West Road, protesting the location of the office to drive implementation of United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP report on Ogoni in Abuja.

The protesters caused traffic gridlock in the area for several hours.

Former factional head of Movement for the Survival of Ogoni, MOSOP, Mr Goodluck Diigbo in a statement later accused President Muhammadu Buhari of allegedly relying on recommendations of non experts to approve measures to fast track the implementation of the UNEP report, adding that the President also allegedly lied about the identities of those who gave the recommendation to him.

“The recommendations were secret, received from non-experts and lied about the identity of those involved. Buhari administration should show proof by publishing the recommendations and names of the signatories, which never happened. President Buhari deceived the entire world,” he

said.

Meantime, the mainstream MOSOP led by Pyagbara Legborsi, has condemned the protest, describing those behind it as faceless.

A statement by Barisria Kpalep for MOSOP, said the body will work with the Federal Government to actualise the implementation of the report in Ogoni.

He said: “Reports available to MOSOP have revealed that the demonstrators mischievously claimed that they were protesting exclusion from the UNEP report

FG promises to improve lives of Nigerians with science, technology

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By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN CITY—THE Federal Government, yesterday, said that the President Muhammadu Buhari- led administration was determined to use science and technology to build strong, sustainable and competitive economy which will guarantee high standard of living and enhance the quality of the life of Nigerians.

It therefore, charged scientist and academia to embark on research that will be technologically driven to create jobs, improve the economy and generate power for industrial growth.

The Federal Government gave the charge yesterday through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs

Winifred Oyo-Ita, at the Academia-Industry Engagement programme organised by the University of Benin, UNIBEN, in collaboration with the Lancaster University, United Kingdom.

She lamented that “The problem facing us as a nation is power supply both in our industry and for domestic consumption. As a result, billions of naira is spent on importation of generating sets."

Bayelsa assure on probe of Agip pipeline government was committed to an Among those who lost their explosion exhaustive investigation into the lives in the tragic explosion

Y

Samuel Oyadongha

ENAGOA—BAYELSA State Government, yesterday, said that investigation into last month crude oil pipeline explosion that killed 14 persons at the Agip oil field in Azuzuama, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state was underway.

were 12 maintenance crew members, one official each from Bayelsa Ministry of Environment and National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA. The state Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Iniruo Wills, in Yenagoa, said that the

incident.

He said: “The Bayelsa Ministry of Environment, oil industry regulators and the police are working closely to unravel the cause of the explosion,” adding that the report of the investigation will be made public and provide a basis for actions to forestall its reoccurrence.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 57

FG, States, LGs share revenue tomorrow

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

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Accountant-General of the Federation.

Today’s Technical Meeting would be attended by officials of the affected MDAs, as well as, Accounts-General from state governments who would represent their various states and Local Government interests.

They are to scrutinize the revenue that accrued into the Federation Account and the proceeds from the Value Added Tax, VAT for the month of July.

They are also to take close looks at various deductions from the

gross revenue by the revenue agencies to cover the cost of collection, as well as, statutory transfers to bodies that enjoy receipts through the First Line Charge Policy.

With a successful Technical Meeting, Commissioners of Finance are expected to converge on Abuja, tomorrow to meet with the AccountantGeneral of the Federation, Alh. Ahmed Idris, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Anastasia DanielNwaobia and top executive

officials of the revenue agencies to conclude the revenue sharing exercise.

Poor oil income has been a challenge for budget implementation for more than two years running, forcing even the federal government to suspend capital votes since the beginning of the 2015 Fiscal Year.

While the federal government has managed to promptly pay salaries of its workers, consistently, many governors have failed to pay workers in their states, largely due to misplacement of priorities..

HE MONTHLY sharing of federation revenue will take place tomorrow as the Technical Committee of the Federation Accounts Committee Meeting begins today in Abuja, the nation’s Federal Capital city.

This development brings with it a relief for public sector workers that their August salaries would be paid in the next few days.

As learnt staff of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government at the various levels who were used to receiving their salaries before the last week of each month were becoming agitated as they have not heard anything about their salary for the month till date.

FAAC meetings usually hold immediately after the second week of each month when reconciliations of revenue receipts should have been completed on the previous month’s earnings.

It was learnt that the low oil income and the implementation of the Treasury Single Account, TSA, slowed down the processes of aggregating and determining receipts into the Federation Account which had to be reconciled between the major revenue generating agencies such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation , NNPC, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Nigeria Customs Service, with officials of the Central bank First batch of 2015 pilgrims from Ogun State, boarding Medview Airline Aircraft to Medina, of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, yesterday. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele Finance and Office of the

Moghalu disowns groups lobbying for his ministerial appointment N

ATIONAL AUDITOR of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief George N. Moghalu has dissociated self from media campaign by certain groups lobbying for his appointment into the Federal Executive Council.

In a statement signed by the

Special Assistant Media to Moghalu, the APC National Auditor urged the self-appointed lobbyists to disengage from their activities.

“Let it be on record that these persons are acting of their own accord. Chief Moghalu has not,

and will not intend to engage the services of any persons or groups to lobby on his behalf either covertly or overtly. It is believed that his antecedents over many years in politics are sufficient to speak for him if ever the need arose.

Guild of Editors' confab for Yenagoa

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HE NIGERIAN Guild of Editors, NGE, has concluded arrangements to hold its annual All Nigeria Editors Conference, ANEC, in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The opening ceremony of the conference with the theme, Nigeria: 'The Change We Need,' will take place on August 27, 2015, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.

The chairman of ANEC 2015 is veteran broadcaster and Chief Executive Officer of Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh, while the Special Guest of Honour is the Vice

More than 300 editors of President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo , with the Governor of various media houses from Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson across the country are expected to attend. as Chief Host.

Dr Grange is dead

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R. JERRY Grange, a former Chief Executive Officer of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, is dead.

He died early yesterday, in a hospital in Chicago, U.S.A. Late Dr. Grange retired in December 1995 after many years of distinguished service as an orthopaedic surgeon.

He attended St. Mary ’s Hospital, Paddington, London

for his medical training, graduating in 1964.

After working in Lagos for a couple of years he returned to the UK and trained to become an orthopaedic surgeon and qualified as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.

Dr. Grange is survived by his wife, Prof. Adenike Grange and their three daughters and six grandchildren.”

“Appointments into the executive arm of the Federal Government are the sole prerogative of the President. In due course, the President will nominate for appointment, those he believes are best qualified to execute the duties of the office they are assigned. If Moghalu is called to serve, he will do so to the best of his abilities.

“Till then, he will continue to serve his party and his country in his present capacity as National Auditor and member of the National Working Committee, NWC, of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. For over three decades in politics and public service, Chief Moghalu has never been associated with any acts that will suggest an unseemly clamour for political office. He does not desire to change that record now. It is advised that these self appointed lobbyists should disengage from their activities forthwith. The challenges of nation building at this critical time are too big for us to get distracted by the pursuit of individual ambitions.”

Nigerian union in Cameroun vows to protect compatriots

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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NITSHA—THE Nigerian Union in Northern Cameroun has vowed to give adequate protection and assistance to all Nigerians resident in the Republic of Cameroun, irrespective of their ethnic, religious and cultural differences.

The union however advised Nigerians residing in Cameroun to be good ambassadors of our country and to avoid any act capable of tarnishing the image of the Nigerian nation.

President of the union, Ichie Kenneth Chukwuma who disclosed this to newsmen yesterday at his Adazi-Nnukwu country home in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra state during a civic reception organized for him by his AdaziNnukwu kinsmen, said Nigerians resident in Cameroun should respect the country’s laws to avoid running into trouble.

Chukwuma who is also Eze Ndigbo in Northern Cameroun, commended Nigerians resident in the country for the confidence reposed in him by electing him the president of Nigerian union in far away Cameroun, adding: “ we will assist any Nigerian who runs into trouble in Cameroun.

“At least, we will ask questions and find out why such a person is in trouble and if we find out that his hands are clean, we shall rescue him at all cost, but if his hands are not, we will know that he is the architect of his own problem”, he stated.

He disclosed that the union had already made a request for a land for the erection of the Nigerian union hall in Northern Cameroun which had already been granted by the C a m e r o u n i a n authorities, adding that what is now left is for them to embark on the project with vigour, for the best interest of Nigerians in the country.

58 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 CANCER; You’ve had enough of fun in the recent times and it’s now time you settle down for hard work in order to prevent avoidable trouble. Be patient please.

LEO; Your concentration level and determination are the pillars of your success today. Yet you’ll need to respect your senior colleagues and protect your image VIRGO; It’s true you’re willing to work harder but you just have to drop both aggression and mental arrogance to allow things to roll accordingly. Then, you’re accident prone within your working arena. Respect the law and its agents today.

LIBRA; Serious thought may be giving to matters of the heart but it’s better you tarry a while. Joint ventures of short duration today may be an invitation to avoidable trouble SCORPIO; If you back your financial plans with concrete and positive actions things’ll go according to your desire. If you fail to realise importance of your spouse you would work your way into avoidable trouble; aren’t you tired of crisis?

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

Need a friend?

E R YO N E E Vneeds a

friend. However, not everyone wants to do what could bring about the much desired friendship.

Friendship is a

deliberate and curteous act aimed at making the other man or woman to like you. Do you want a friend? Then, be

TERROR MUDA

friendly disposed to other people.

Today, one of my closest friends is someone I met at the bible college.

I was sitting in

in “Scanvenger Elites”

one corner of the room when he accosted me, asking: Can I shine youir shoe? And I quickly answered: Yes, you can. Tell me, who wouldn’t reciprocate such a friendly gesture?

By Lanre Kehinde

SAGITTARIUS; Your intelligence, competence and level of concentration may today bring you envy, which you don’t deserve within your working arena in a negative form but.

CAPRICORN;. The Moon highlights your Solar second house of money which is good but, if you try to buy true love with money, you’ll be disappointed AQUARIUS; The. Moon in your Star sign’ll gives you new confidence and with new supports from the powers-that-be, it’s like you are now un-stop-able. But be cautious, especially with the veterans within your base of operation PISCES; Better days are ahead of you but, you will today need to do away with non-productive argument and/or agreement. Try to be more diplomatic now.

ARIES; If what you’re doing today’ll depend on tomorrow’s event it’s better you’re more careful now. Even things may not go according to your personal plans today. Yet it’s important you plan both your immediate and far future carefully now TAURUS; If you take to aggression, your ego would be deflated by your superior colleagues, but your being co-operative in a civilised way’ll prevent trouble

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Hey”

By Andy Akman

GEMINI; Those willing to put you to shame one way or the other’ll be disappointed with the turn of things today. It’s good to secure support of your spouse.

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

MY SUCCESS FOR ME? Dear Joshua, I am interested in your Astrological counselling. Kindly tell me everything about myself, especially my finance and career; would I be rich eventually, if yes what should I do to make it happen quickly.

Matthew, Ibadan.

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Matthew, There are indications of financial success for you but you can not change what Almighty God Has designed for you talking about the timing (the quickness you talked in your letter) Certainly however no failure for you.

Mercury –the planet of education and Accountancy, together with mighty Sun at positive angle to planets in Virgo (another Accounting Star sign) attracted you to both Accountancy profession and the academic world.

Truly you did not make wrong choice of career.

Money will eventually come along this line but it’ll not be as faster as if you take to OIL RELATED BUSINESS. Because Neptune (the planet of OIL) was very comfortable when you were born. It will not be out of place if you have filling stations as time goes by, because you are basically a GAS PERSON. Another money spinning vocation for you include writing either along your line or for film making industry; it is important you exhibit the higher quotient of creativity in your innerself. Yes your dream of becoming A Professor will come to reality. Politics is another area you are not looking at now but will surely come. Do you say why? Because Aquarius is equally political Venus that was powerfully placed when you were born is all about MONEY. Thus you have special ability to make money. And as it was at positive angle to disciplined Saturn, you are not giving to serious frivolity.

One major challenge here is envy by others but you will eventually overcome. Another source of challenges is your love life which looks not totally balanced.

Basically you are a family minded person. You are equally loving and caring. But sometimes your love of freedom get better off you to the resentment of your closer partner(s).Then some other times it is other party’s fault making love-business very interesting. And unless you are more careful and determined you may marry more than once.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 59

60 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

Yakmut briefs Buhari on All Africa Games N

ATIONAL Sports Commission director-general, Alhassan Yakmut yesterday made a presentation on Nigeria’s preparedness for the 11th All Africa Games to President Mu-

hammadu Buhari.

Nigeria’s delegation is expected to leave on August 31 for the Games scheduled to run from September 4-9 in Brazzaville, Congo.

Nigeria will take part

NPL: Lobi, Sharks players talk tough

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OBI Stars goalkeep er Terkaa Melai and Sharks striker Bode Daniel have engaged in a war of words ahead of Wednesday’s rescheduled Week 24 game of the Nigeria league.

The game could not hold as earlier scheduled due to Lobi Stars involvement in the Federation Cup. Melai said that his team is aware of the recent form of the hosts Sharks but said his team are in good shape too and ready to win in Port Harcourt.

“It’s going to be a tough game because both teams will be motivated by the recent

forms and results.

Sharks is a good side but I am confident we will surely get the 3 points at stake in the game,” Melai told AfricanFootball.com Sharks striker Bode Daniel boasted that there won’t be hiding place for Lobi Stars on Wednesday as the three points is not negotiable by coach Festus Allenled team.

“We are preparing for a win against Lobi Stars.

That’s the points we needed for now to compliment our last victory against Bayelsa. Victory is not negotiable on Wednesday,” Daniel said.

in 21 sports at the quadrennial, multi-sport fiesta, with football featuring in both men’s and women’s tournaments.

The Dream Team and Super Falcons were missing at the last fiesta in Maputo, Mozambique.

However, this year, Samson Siasia’s U-23 side brushed aside Gabon and then shoved Zambia to be eligible for the Games, while the Super Falcons walloped Mali to make sure of a place.

Both teams have been camping in Abuja for the All-Africa Games, and will travel with the rest of the Nigerian contingent next week.

The Falcons won the gold medal at the 9th All-Africa Games in Algiers in 2007, while the Eagles won gold when Nigeria hosted the 2nd All-Africa Games in 1973.

Nigeria emerged overall winner of the All-Africa Games when hosting the eighth edition in 2003.

Pedro close to Maradona, says Mourinho United before the Blues “We have examples in

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OSE MOURINHO said his new Spanish import, Pedro has similar skills to Maradona after the £21million signing played a key role in Chelsea’s first Premier League win of the season at West Brom.

Pedro scored the opener and set up Diego Costa for Chelsea’s second in the Blues’ 3-2 win at the Hawthorns, after he was put straight in to the starting line-up following his move from Barcelona on Thursday.

The winger looked to be heading to Manchester

sneaked in to sign the Spanish international, and the Chelsea boss admitted he was delighted to see Pedro perform so well in his first game, comparing the 28-year-old to Argentinian legend Diego Maradona.

Speaking to Chelsea TV after the win Mourinho said: “He wasn’t quite Maradona but he was close.

“He’s a very good player. There is always a question mark because of how many top players come to England and don’t perform immediately.

our club and there are lots of examples at other clubs, so it’s very nice for him to come and straight away perform the way he did.''

“I expected him to perform like that because he had a good pre-season, and he played three competitive matches.

ALL FOR ONE... (from left) Alhassan Yakmut, President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick in Abuja yesterday.

Afro-Basket: D’Tigers brace up for Mozambique

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Michael Gbinigie...

Shooting for Nigeria

Sepp Blatter: My hands football’s governing are clean world body.

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UTGOING Fifa president Sepp Blatter insisted that he is “clean” and “there is no corruption in football” amid criminal investigations at

Wenger’s is holding Arsenal back— Neville knocked back today.

A

RSENE WENGER’S arrogance is holding Arsenal back, according to Gary Neville.

The former Manchester United man has slammed the Gunners boss for his failure to strengthen his team in the centre of midfield. Wenger has so far only signed Petr Cech this summer, and has seen interest in Karim Benzema

And Neville believes Wenger’s reluctance to sign a midfielder will cost Arsenal a title shot.

“It’s arrogance to think you can adapt your team to change to other team’s strengths,” he said on Monday Night Football.

“I believe it’s arrogance, why he [Wenger] won’t buy players of power to accompany his big players.

“Arrogance or naivety.”

I G E R I A’ S D’Tigers have dust themselves up from the 70-59 points defeat to Tunisia and are ready to face Mozambique in the round of 16 at the ongoing Afro-Basket championship in Tunisia.

D’Tigers are aiming to get the ticket to the 2016 Olympics in Rio, but despite the fall to Tunisia, they are hopeful of finishing well at the tournament. The winner will earn automatic qualification.

Nigeria finished group play with a 2-1 record after defeating Uganda and Central African Republic earlier in the tournament.

•Talking Tactics... Jose Mourinho and Pedro

Blatter, president since 1998, will step down in February amid an inquiry into allegations of systematic bribery.

The 79-year-old was elected for a fifth term in May but then stood down.

“I did it because I wanted to protect Fifa,” he said.

“I can protect myself. I am strong enough.”

He added: “I know what I have done, what I have not done.

“I have my conscience and I know I’m an honest man. I am clean. I am not a worried man.”

Two criminal investigations into alleged Fifa corruption are still ongoing.

So far, 14 people have been indicted by the United States justice department following claims that bribes and kickbacks of more than $150m (£97m) were handed out over a 24year period.

Tunisia, the tournament’s host, is 3-0.

Tunisia opened the contest with a 14-0 run, and led by as many as 22 points.

Star big man Salah Mejri led by example, with 22 points and 7 rebounds.

He blocked shots, dunked, made shots from three-point range (2 for 2), dished out an assist, did the job on the boards and, unsurprisingly, was the local fans’ favourite as they cheered with every right play he made. Ben Uzoh led Nigeria with 13 points and Michael Gbinije added 10 including two of which came off a tremendous dunk on Mejri in the third quarter.

It was the first time the teams faced each other since the 2012 Olympics in London where Nigeria topped Tunisia 60-56.

Pio Matos rescued Mozambique from a potential match-up against Tunisia in the Round of 16 as they held off Morocco 85-82 in Monday’s match up.

Matos, the MVP of the Mozambique League, hit a pull up three-pointer to give Mozambique an 8178 lead with 29 seconds remaining, and Morocco were unable to comeback in the contest.

Eventually, the 24-yearold guard led all scores with 23 points.

Morocco’s Soufiane Kourodu came up 21 points and eleven rebounds, but playing without Reda Harras and Abderrahim Najah who fouled out in the final quarter, proved costly for the North Africans.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 61

West Ham bank on Pedro to get Moses W

EST Ham United are in negotiations with Chelsea for Super Eagles midfielder Victor Moses and hope that Pedro’s outstanding debut will accelerate a potential £7 million deal.

Slaven Bilic is hoping to add at least two players before the transfer window shuts next week following consecutive home defeats against Leicester City and Bournemouth, with wide players a particular priority.

There remains some gap in the respective valuations of the two clubs, with Chelsea wanting around £10 million for Moses even though he again appears peripheral to Jose Mourinho’s first-team plans.

Moses has spent the past two seasons on loan, at Liverpool and then Stoke City.

Mark Hughes was also interested in bringing him to Stoke permanent-

ly and he is among Tottenham’s targets although not regarded as a priority.

Moses moved to Chelsea in 2012 after an impressive spell at Wigan Atheltic where he helped the club avoid relegation. Prior to that he spent three years at Crystal Palace.

Chelsea are also in talks to allow Juan Cuadrado on loan to Juventus, leaving open the possibility that Mourinho could yet add another forward or wide player this summer.

Enyimba top again

S

Moses

AFCON 2017: Tanzania train in Turkey for Eagles

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ANZANIA yesterday started a week-long training in Istanbul,Turkey ahead of the September 5 African Cup of Nations Qualifier against the Super Eagles in Dar es Salaam.

According to head coach Charles Boniface

Mkwasa, the training will afford his team the much needed concentration to prepare for the clash against the 2013 African champions.

“I believe this training tour will have massive impact in our preparation for the upcoming qualifying match against

Lawal disagrees with Oliseh on Ighalo Continued from back page But the former Roda JC star added that Oliseh should be given the benefit of the doubt regarding his selections ahead of the clash in Dar es Salaam.

“They are both good players that have what it takes to play for Eagles and I’m sure they would soon be partnering for the team upfront but for now it’s important that we allow the coach to implement his plans and ideas for the team without creating issues for him, Ighalo will be back in the team” Lawal told Fever Pitch.

Oliseh had while defending his decision to exclude Ighalo from the upcoming game, said “Emmanuel Emenike and Ujah are far better than Ighalo from Watford though we still have him in our plans.

IX-time Nigerian champions Enyimba edged struggling FC Taraba 1-0 in yesterday ’s Glo Premier League match at the Enyimba Stadium to go top of the table.

Enyimba had to wait till the last 15 minutes of the match before Musa Najare came off the bench to score the winner that sent them to the top of the pile after the game was postponed a day earlier owing to heavy rainfall.

Enyimba head coach Kadiri Ikhana, returning to the bench after missing out last Wednesday’s match owing to his appointment with a dentist, named a strong field of 11 players despite leaving out defensive midfielder Abdulrazak

“Emenike won the 2013 African Nations Cup winner with Eagles and has a physical presence in the team and we need to start giving respect to our players.

Ujah has 11 goals to his credit and he plays in

the German League where we have the World Champions so I think we just need two strikers for a role.

Emenike and Ujah are heavyweight in that role” he concluded.

Nigeria. It is an opportunity for our players to get to know each other and build a good chemistry,” he said.

“The players have just reported for the trip and I will be able to assess their form and fitness when we start our training tomorrow,”said the coach.

Meanwhile coach Sunday Oliseh who will be playing his first game in charge, noted that the match will be treated with all the seriousness it deserves. This is because Tanzania are no push overs just like any other African team figting for a place in the 2017 AFCON.

“Tanzania is a good team, and they are defending the name of their country, just like we are also defending that of our country.

“Most of the players we have called to camp, are those who are hungry and ready to make names for themselves."

Olympiakos for Champions League amid match-fixing allegations

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EFA says Olympi akos will enter the Champions League groups draw on Thursday despite match-fixing allegations after sport’s

Okagbare flops as Fraser-Pryce claims 100m ‘hat-trick’ Continued from back page Championships gold in the women 100m, ended on a heap of regrets yesterday at the Beijing National Stadium. She placed last in the final won by Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

The Jamaican clocked 10.79 seconds to win her third consecutive world title.

Dutch woman Dafne Schippers came a close second with 10.81 seconds, while Tori Bowie occupied the

bronze position with 10.86 seconds.

Like Bolt, FraserPryce came into the championships with two Olympic and two world titles in the 100m. And after Bolt ran to his third gold on Sunday, Fraser-Pryce did likewise on Monday.

Fraser-Pryce bolted from the blocks, powered through midway and was able to lift her right arm and index finger in victory as she crossed the line in 10.76 seconds.

Pe r h a p s N i g e r i a n

athletics buffs who advised OkagbareIghotegunor, to stick to her traditional event the long jump, have been justified. The Nigerian medal hopeful was clearly out her depth in the final.

She had indicated in the semi-final that she would be in the podium with her 10.89 seconds, but before the final her coach, was seen trying to psych her up. It was clear that the pep talk didn’t work; Okagbare-Ighotegunor had a bad start and that marked the beginning of her struggle to catch

Aliyu entirely while Daniel Etor, Najare and Nzube Anaezemba started from the bench.

In the other dugout, Ndubuisi Nduka showed no sign of fear by listing an attackminded side that included Bishop Onyeudo, Jonah Abutu, Stephen Adah, John Huan Aondongu and Chimaobi Nwaogu - a case of a fallen man not fearing the fall as FC Taraba still languish in bottom place in the standings.

As expected Enyimba fired the first salvo.

Winger Ezekiel Bassey threaded the ball through to Kingsley Sokari who broke free in a one-on-one with FC Taraba goalkeeper Ikechukwu Obilo, but instead shot straight at him.

The rest of the half just thinned out with little or no talking points as FC Taraba put in an effort to march their illustrious opponents - man for man and ball for ball.

Unimpressive by the outcome of the first 45 minutes, Ikhana sent on Najare and Etor for Mfon Udoh and Ifeanyi George.

up. She finished at 11.02 seconds a far cry from her 10.80 season’s best. She will now try to rescue her reputation in the 200m and long jump where she won bronze and silver medals at the 2013 edition.

In the women 400m.

Patience Okon-George will run in the semifinal by mid day. She is almost guaranteed a place in the final with the 50.87 seconds she did in the heats. Tosin Adeloye and Regina George could not go beyond the heats.

highest court rejected an appeal by Panathinaikos.

UEFA says the ‘provisional admission’ of Greek champion Olympiakos was confirmed on Monday by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Panathinaikos, league runner-up last season, challenged a UEFA appeals body decision in June to admit Olympiakos, whose president Vangelis Marinakis is implicated in an alleged criminal conspiracy to fix domestic matches.

UEFA rules bar clubs from its competitions and can disqualify them mid-season if any match-fixing allegation since 2007 is proven.

UEFA says neither the Greek football federation ‘nor the criminal courts in Athens have rendered any final decision against Mr. Marinakis or the club.’

62 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

Doping: Coe aims to restore athletics integrity S

Bolt It Up...Usain Bolt dominates USA athletes, Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin who have served doping bans. Will athletes rid itself of performance enhancing drugs usage?

Warri Wolves players boycott training

P

LAYERS of Nigeria Premier League club side Warri Wolves have refused to train as they protest five months of unpaid wages by the club’s management.

The players are also demanding for 15 percent of their signing-on fees and eight match winning bonuses, which are yet to be settled. Warri Wolves, are third on the league table

C M Y K

despite the unhealthy financial status of the players. They beat Wikki Tourists 1-0 on Sunday courtesy of a first-half goal from the spot by Nigerian international Gbolahan Salami, but on Monday the players agreed to stay away from their morning training.

“The only payment we got this season as salaries was in June when we were paid two months and after

that nobody has explained or told us when we will be paid the remainder of our five months salaries. Most of us are family men and soon out children will be returning to school,” one of the players lamented.

Warri Wolves spokesman Moses Etu confirmed the development, but stated that the management was meeting to iron out the issue.

EBASTIAN Coe wants the public to “fall in love again with athletics” and one of his priorities as the new IAAF president will be to restore the sport’s trust and integrity, he said on Monday.

The IAAF has been in crisis since data from thousands of blood samples was leaked to two media organisations earlier this month.

“All the things I want really to get stuck in to, in the first hundred days actually, all that can only be predicated on two immutable principles of trust and integrity,” Coe told the BBC while attending the world championships.

The double Olympic 1,500 metres champion added he must banish the notion all leading athletes are using performance-enhancing drugs.

“We’ve got to kill the perception that somehow the IAAF has been sitting on its hands, or is in some way complicit, in not doing enough,” said Coe of the

sport’s governing body.

“I’ve been on the [IAAF] Council since 2003...we have driven high-profile cheats out of the sport and we’ve paid a high price for doing that.

“In 2005 we were a sport that still had the prescience to start collecting samples

knowing one day the technology would emerge and we could go back 10 years, as we have done recently, and pull people out from world championship-winning positions.”

Coe denied he did not welcome media coverage alleging widespread drug use and official cover-ups.

US Open: Federer receives ranking boost

F

IVE-times winner Roger Federer will go into next week’s U.S. Open as the world number two after beating Novak Djokovic in the final of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati at the weekend.

Monday ’s new ATP rankings put the Swiss back in front of Britain’s Andy Murray, the player he defeated in the semi-finals in Cincinnati.

It means Federer, 34, who last won the U.S. Open in 2008, cannot meet world number one Djokovic until the final.

Richard Gasquet of France went up one place to number 12, replacing American John Isner, but the biggest mover was Feliciano Lopez of Spain, up five places to number 18.

•Federer

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 — 63

TRANSFER, TRANSFER, TRANSFER Newcastle make second bid for 32-goal Afobe

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EWCASTLE United will make a second bid of around £5 million for Benik Afobe after seeing a first offer rejected by the Championship side.

The Magpies’ need for a striker has heightened in the last few days as rumours of Papiss Cisse leaving for Galatasaray gather pace.

22-year-old Afobe, who scored a staggering 32 goals for both MK Dons

Benzema •Balotelli

•Gervinho C M Y K

and Wolverhampton Wanderers last season, has been earmarked as the Toon’s top target to replace the Senegalese forward

Benzema shoots down £50m Arsenal bid

Balotelli for Milan R medical M ARIO Balotelli will have his Milan medical today, according to the club’s in-house television channel.

The Liverpool striker is set to return to the Rossoneri after just one season at Anfield, with the Reds paying a portion of his wages.

Milan Channel is now reporting that the striker will take his Diavolo medical tomorrow, arriving on a free loan without any obligation to buy.

Balotelli spent a seasonand-a-half with Milan, scoring 30 goals in 54 appearances in all competitions.

However, following his move to Liverpool, the Italian international managed just four goals in 28 games, although many of those appearances came from the bench.

Afobe

EAL MADRID strik er Karim Benzema has hit back at reports claiming he’s closing in on a move to Arsenal.

Reports surfaced yesterday that the France international was set to join the Gunners for £50million before transfer deadline day.

However, the 27-yearold forward insists he won’t be leaving the Bernabeu anytime soon.

“For all those clowns who want to make believe things at my fans.

Here this is my home.

Real Madrid”, he wrote on his twitter handle

Man U to miss out on Neymar N

Roma to sell Gervinho Everton and West Ham United are reportedly interested in Juan Iturbe, but Roma would rather sell them Gervinho.

Gazzetta is reporting that Sabatini is offering Gervinho instead, who was again unimpressive in the weekend draw with Verona.

The winger arrived from Verona last summer to much fanfare, but has failed to hold down a place in Rudi Garcia’s team.

With the arrival of Iago Falque and Mohamed Salah, Iturbe is likely to see even less playing time, and sporting director Walter Sabatini is in London to negotiate with the two English clubs, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

However, the newspaper reports that there are a number of obstacles to any deal, the most significant being the player’s reluctance to move to England.

Neymar

Pedro ‘sad to leave Barca’ P

EDRO Rodriguez has admitted that it is a wrench to leave Barcelona but conceded last season left his Camp Nou career untenable.

“It’s been many years since I arrived at La Masia and came up through the ranks so I could reach the first team and realise my dream of playing for the team I’d always wanted to represent since childhood.

“At the end of the season, I realised I wanted to be ambitious and earn more minutes.

I saw that it was difficult to do so [at Barca] and knew it was possible to leave.

“I did think I could stay for a few more years because I knew I

Pedro wouldn’t experience the same realities at another club, but on the other hand [leaving] was an opportunity.

“It was weird because I never thought I’d leave Barca" “I’m sad to be leaving this club"

EYMAR will sign an improved deal with Barcelona, according to reports.

The Brazil international was linked with a sensational move to Manchester United yesterday.

The Guardian report that sources close to Neymar believe he would consider a move to Old Trafford.

However, La Liga expert Guillem Balague has poured cold water on the reports by claiming the 23-yearold will agree new terms with the Catalan side.

He tweeted: “Neymar will renew his contract with Barcelona.

But before he signs it, more stories will come out to put pressure to FCB. It is an old game.”

It’s understood the former Santos man wants a contract on a similar level to topearners Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

The pair earn £313,000 and £200,000 r e s p e c t i v e l y, w h i l e Neymar takes home a weekly wage of £150,000 per-week.

Cuadrado for Juve today

I

T has emerged that Juan Cuadrado will have his Juventus medical today.

The winger is set to join from Chelsea on a €1.5m loan deal, but it’s not yet clear whether

there will be an option or obligation to buy included in the deal.

Cuadrado only joined the Stamford Bridge side in January, moving from Fiorentina in a deal worth €33m

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015

Okagbare flops as FraserPryce claims 100m ‘hat-trick’

BY BEN EFE

B

L E S S I N G OkagbareIghotegunor ’s quest to land her first World Continues on Page 61

Afcon 2017:

INSIDE AFCON 2017:

Lawal disagrees with Oliseh on Ighalo

Tanzania train in Turkey for Eagles

F

ORMER Super Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal has disagreed with Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh for excluding Watford striker, Odion Ighalo from the 2017 AFCON qualifier with Tanzania on September 5.

Lawal argued that Oliseh should have invited Ighalo to play alongside Anthony Ujah and Emmanuel Emenike

•Ighalo

Enyimba top again

Continues on Page 61

West Ham bank on Pedro to get Moses

CHAMPION:ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce celebrates her victory yesterday in Beijing

1 P. 6

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Short (6) 5 Hymn-book (6) 8 Initiated (8) 9 Appear (4) 10 Donkey (3) 12 Coarse (5) 15 Droop (3) 17 Beverage (3) 18 Fish (3) 19 Spring (3) 20 Heathen (5) 21 Stretch (3) 22 Golf-peg (3) 23 Mouthful (3) 24 Fasten (3) 26 Dullard (5) 29 Brown (3) 33 Couple (4) 34 Undiplomatic (8) 35 Decay (6) 36 Badge (4)

DOWN 2 Grade (5) 3 Circle (4) 4 Anaesthetic (5) 5 Hell (5) 6 Masculine (4) 7 Fragrance (5) 10 Advantage (5) 11 Condition (5) 12 Yawned (5) 13 Harmonium (5) 14 Feeling (5) 15 Slumbered (5) 16 Verdant (5) 25 Angry (5) 27 Speak (5) 28 Store (5) 30 Passage (5) 31 Courage (4) 32 Block (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Hole 4, Don 6, Glee 8, Affect 9, Threat 10, Ale 12, Argue 14, Health 15, Trial 18, Repeal 20, Idiocy 24, Laden 26, Space 28, Night 30, Ado 32, Resign 33, Priest 34, Used 35, Wan 36, Lieu.

DOWN: 2, Offer 3, Execute 4, Data 5, Note 6, Gorse 7, Elastic 11, Lea 12, Air 13, Era 16, Ill 17, Lid 19, Express 21, Den 22, Initial 23, Yet 25, Add 27, Child 29, Haste 30, Anew 31, Open.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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C M Y K