PDP kicks as INEC asks APC to replace Audu

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62635

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

Treasury looters now returning stolen funds 9 — Buhari

New CBN policy releases N771.4bn into the economy 9

IGP Arase moves to demilitarise the security space The nature of the service now is that when some of the criminals see a policeman working in his beat, they will want to attack him and take his weapon. So, they have militarized the security space.... See details on pages 34 and 35 of today’s edition of your refreshingly different Vanguard

PDP kicks as INEC asks APC to replace Audu

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor, Henry Umoru, Ikechukwu Nnochiri, Kingsley Fanwo, Levinus Nwabughiogu & Omeiza Ajayi

•PDP demands resignation of INEC chairman, Justice Minister •APC contemplates primary to choose Audu's replacement •Supplementary polls to hold on December 5

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BUJA—THE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday, invited the All Progressives Congress, APC, to forward a replacement for Prince Abubakar Audu, its dead

Continues on Page 5

CBN to withdraw bailout funds of states politicking with the money 8 ACCIDENT: An accident scene involving a container-laden truck and a Pick-up van with number plate LAGOS FKJ 50XB, at

Mr & Mrs

Ilasamaja, along Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos, yesterday, due to the bad state of the road. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Biafra: We won't succumb to intimidation, says MASSOB

•P.15

COLUMNISTS: Biafra agitation reveals state of S/ East neglect, marginalization —Igbo leaders See Inside

He had a child The banality of with his oneevil Nigeria night stand •P.17

•P.32

Which way Nigeria?

•P.19

Arms and President Jonathan's National Security Adviser •P.19 C M Y K

2—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2015—3

4—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

BUHARI IN IRAN—President Buhari being received by the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Hassan Rouhani ahead of the bilateral meeting at his office after the 3rd Summit of Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Tehran Iran, yesterday.

PDP kicks as INEC asks APC to replace Audu Continues from Page 1 candidate in the inconclusive Kogi State governorship election, thereby throwing up fresh legal and political firestorm in the state.

The INEC decision followed a pronouncement to that effect by the Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami. While the APC welcomed the decision, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP demanded Malami’s resignation as it described the decision as an affront to democracy laced with

mines to torpedo the democratic choice of the people in Kogi State.

Meanwhile, APC, ahead of the December 5 supplementary polls to conclude the governorship election, has proposed fresh primaries to throw up a replacement for late Audu. At press time, yesterday, the APC hierarchy in Abuja and Lokoja were still undecided on the mode of the potential primary contest.

There was also a cloud on whether it would be restricted to only those

IT'S UP TO YOU

W

BY AYO ADIO

E are, most times, not held back by our inabilities in the pursuit of our dreams but by the negative opinions of those we seek counsel from.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Happiness is largely a matter of choice — Marlena Bielecka

W

HAT makes you happy? If you’ve asked yourself how to become a happier person, this is already a good sign. Happiness is not something that happens to us by chance? Being happy is an achievable and learnable skill,which requires constant work on your attitude and it depends on how you interpret your life situation.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE The stubborn grasshopper rests in the belly of the weaver bird.

who bought the initial forms or opened up to new entrants, a possibility that could draw in Audu’s running mate, Rep. James Faleke and Alhaji Isah Jibrin Echocho who recently defected from the PDP after a stormy political battle with the incumbent governor, Captain Idris Wada.

The seeming constitutional crisis in Kogi State was opened after last Saturday ’s governorship election was declared inconclusive upon the fact that the difference in votes between the late Audu and Wada was smaller than the number of registered voters in the 91 polling units where the votes were cancelled.

Audu died Sunday before the election could be concluded, throwing up a legal storm on the fate of the election.

Justice Minister on Kogi election

Malami, speaking at a seminar organised by the Nigerian Law Reform Commission on the reform of the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (Establishment) Act , said the Kogi gubernatorial election must be concluded within the next 14 days.

Specifically, the AGF said his position on the matter was fortified by a combined reading and application of Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 33 of the Electoral Act. However, he failed to state whether or not the deputy governorship candidate of the APC, Mr. Abiodun Faleke, should be the proper person to replace Audu for the purpose of the run-off poll.

He said: “The issue is very straightforward.

Fundamentally, Section 33 of the Electoral Act is very clear that in case of death, the right for substitution by a political party is sustained by the provisions of Section 33 of the Electoral Act. “And if you have a community reading of that section with Section 221 of the constitution it clearly indicates that the right to vote is the right of a political party and the party, in this case, the APC has participated in the conduct of the election.

It is, therefore, apparent that the combined community reading of the two provisions does not leave any room for conjecture.

“APC as a party is entitled to substitution by the clear provisions of Section 33 of the Electoral Act. Also, Section 221 of the Constitution is clear that the votes cast were cast in favour of the APC. “Arising from that deduction, it does not require any legal interpretation. The interpretation is clear, APC will substitute, which right has been sustained by Section 33 of the Electoral Act. So be it.

“The supplementary election has to be conducted along the line”, the AGF added.

Weighing in on the way forward following its acknowledgment of a notice from the APC on the death of Audu, INEC in a statement issued by the secretary of the commission, Augusta Ogakwu, put all the political parties on notice that the supplementary polls would hold on December 5.

She added that the APC has also been offered a window of opportunity to pick a new candidate for the exercise.

The statement reads: “The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, conducted governorship election in Kogi State on 21st November 2015, which was declared inconclusive.

“On November 23, 2015, the All Progressives Congress, APC, notified the commission of the death of its governorship candidate in the election, Prince Abubakar Audu.

“The commission has after due consideration of the circumstances, decided as follows: To conclude the process by conducting election in the 91 affected polling units as announced by the Returning Officer; “To allow the All Progressives Congress to fill the vacancy created by the death of its candidate; “To conduct the supplementary election on December 5, 2015.

“Accordingly, notice is hereby given to all the 22 political parties participating in the Kogi Governorship Election that supplementary election in the 91 affected Polling Units shall hold on December 5, 2015”.

PDP slams INEC, AGF

The INEC statement was immediately strongly condemned by the PDP. Immediately INEC issued the statement senior officials of the party in Lokoja huddled into a meeting to review the situation. At the end of their meeting, yesterday evening, party leaders refused to comment, saying the party in Abuja would speak for them.

The party, reacting through its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement issued in Abuja demanded the resignation of Malami as

Minister of Justice and Prof. Mahmud Yakubu as INEC chairman as the party alleged a conspiracy between the two to derail the democratic enterprise.

“The party is shocked that INEC, a supposedly independent electoral umpire could allow itself to succumb to the antics of the APC by following the unlawful directive of an obviously partisan AGF to substitute a candidate in the middle of the ballot process.

We are all aware that the two legal documents guiding INEC in the conduct of elections; the Constitution and the Electoral Act, have provisions for electoral exigencies as well as empower the electoral body to fully take responsibility for any of its actions or inaction without undue interference from any quarters whatsoever.

“We are, therefore, at a loss as to which sections of these two relevant laws, INEC and the AGF relied on in arriving at their bizarre decision to substitute a dead candidate in an on-going election even after the timelines for such has elapsed under all the rules.

INEC as a statutory body has the full complements of technical hands in its legal department to advise it appropriately and we wonder why it had to wait for directives from the AGF, an external party, if not for partisan and subjective interest.

Consequently, the PDP rejects in its entirety, this brazen move by the APC and INEC to circumvent the laws and ambush the yet-to-be concluded election by introducing a practice that is completely alien to the constitution and the electoral act.

“The clear implication of this action of the AGF

Continues on Page 6

6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

DOCUMENTARY—From Left: Pastor Tunde Bakare, Chairman Board of Trustees, Centre for Change; Mrs Funmi Falana, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise for Change Initiative; Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assmbly; Mr Fatai Owoseni, Lagos State Commissioner of Police; Mrs Dehab Ghebreab, Public Affairs Officer/ United States Consul-General, during the documentary premiere on Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria, organised by United States Consulate and Women Arise on Monday in Lagos. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

PDP kicks as INEC asks APC to replace Audu Continues from Page 5 and INEC is that the APC would be fielding two different governorship candidates in the ongoing Kogi election, meaning that INEC would be transferring votes cast for late Prince Abubakar Audu to another candidate, scenarios that have no place in the constitution of the land.

“Whereas the PDP, in honour of the sanctity of human life and respect for the dead, had since Sunday refrained from making comments on the conduct of the election, we can no longer maintain such in the face of the bare-faced attack on our democracy.

“This INEC under the leadership of Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu has shown itself as partisan, morally bankrupt and obviously incapable of conducting a credible election within our laws.

“In view of the foregoing, therefore, the PDP demands an immediate resignation of the INEC chairman, as the nation’s democracy cannot afford to be left in the hands of an electoral umpire that cannot exert its independence and the sanctity of the electoral process.

“In view of the developments regarding Kogi Governorship election, the National Working Committee of the PDP has summoned an emergency National Caucus meeting of the party on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 (today), to take a decision on this obvious threat to our democracy.

APC welcomes development

The APC on its part, however, welcomed the development even as it proposed a primary among interested contestants as a replacement for Audu.

It was learned, last night, that the APC National Chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun, met behind closed doors with some of the aspirants who participated in the previous primaries yesterday.

Audu’s running mate in the election was also invited to the meeting.

Speaking to newsmen yesterday, OdigieOyegun said: “We lost our candidate for the election in Kogi State on Sunday and since then, we have concentrated as a party on paying him the right respect that is

due to a man of his calibre. Let me take this opportunity to express the very sincere condolence of the entire party nationwide to the family of Prince Abubakar Audu and to the people of Kogi State who have just gone through the rigours of an election, indicated their preference for Prince Abubakar Audu, only to lose him at the very moment of victory. We were represented at the funeral by almost the entire executive and that is now behind us. Now, matters of state must now come back to the fore.

“I want to underscore the fact that INEC is also apparently in agreement with the views of the Attorney-General because we have already received a letter from them formally asking us to find a replacement for the vacancy that has been created by the passing on of Prince Abubakar Audu, and that is what will now engage the APC from this moment on.”

Asked when the primary election was expected to hold, the chairman said all that was a matter of discussion with the party stakeholders

“We just got notification from INEC today. So, we will go into an emergency session to work out the modalities and nature of the

primary. We are told that the supplementary election will be on December 5. When that will be or who will be is a matter of details. But it is going to be the preference of the electors and we will respect that.

We are a democratic, law abiding party, and we are going to proceed accordingly.”

On the fate of Audu’s running mate, Faleke, Odigie-Oyegun decided that it was incumbent on the people to decide whether he would join in the primaries.

“I said it will be the preference of the electors on who the candidate that will replace Prince Abubakar Audu will be”, he said.

On a similar stance, the national chairman also refused to give details on whether it would sell fresh expression of interest forms or work with the former aspirants of the ticket.

Meanwhile, it emerged, yesterday, that Alhaji Echocho, who crossed over to the APC from the PDP after a futile bid to take the governorship ticket from Wada, was inclining into the contest.

Echocho had reportedly been backed

by Senator Smart Adeyemi in the PDP primary and failing

which, his supporters and those of Senator Adeyemi collaborated in the election to fight Wada.

On whether such new entrants would be allowed into the APC contest, Odigie-Oyegun was yet undecided saying: “So, we are going to do everything as straightforward and simple, but clearly above board in maintaining due process as much as possible. I cannot give you that answer now because we just got indication of the clear direction from INEC within the last few hours.”

The INEC stance on a fresh election was also flayed by the Progressive Peoples Congress.

Speaking to Vanguard, the Kogi State Chairman of the party, Mr. Simeon Ojonuba said the electoral body erred by arrogating importance to illegality. He said the party was prepared to contest the position of INEC in a competent court of jurisprudence if the commission fails to retrace its steps on the matter.

Ojonuba accused the electoral body of acting the script of a political party, saying the party would only favour an outright cancellation and rerun.

Fuel scarcity persists, as NNPC increases supply to 35m litres

By Michael Eboh & Grace Udofia

A

BUJA—RESPITE seems not to be in sight for motorists, as the fuel queues worsened, yesterday. Motorists faced untold hardship in their quest to purchase Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol.

This was even as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, increased its fuel supply to petrol stations across the country to 34.844 million litres.

The NNPC, in its ‘Daily Dispatch Report to Filling Stations for November 23, 2015’ released, yesterday, revealed that the amount of petrol lifted across the country on Monday, increased by 13.44 million litres or 62.82 per cent from the 21.4 million litres lifted Saturday and Sunday, November 21 and 22, 2015 respectively.

Giving a breakdown of

the fuel lifted by petrol stations on Monday, the NNPC stated that Suleja, Kaduna, Kano, Minna and Gusau Area depots dispatched 6.55 million litres, 2.563 million litres, 6.269 million, 0.406 million litres and 2.779 million litres respectively.

In addition, oil marketers lifted from Mosimi, Satelite, Ore, Ibadan, Gombe, Benin and Warri depots, 2.16 million litres, 3.411 million litres, 0.513 million litres, 0.672 million litres, 0.909 million litres, 0.930 million litres and 0.930 million litres respectively.

Others are Port Harcourt depot — 2.339 million litres; Aba depot — 0.749 million litres; Makurdi — 1.622 million litres, while Enugu depot dispatched 2.034 million litres to petrol stations in Enugu and environs.

Despite the increase in fuel supply, most of the petrol stations along the Abuja – Keffi Expressway

were shut due to unavailability of the petrol, while the only filling station selling the product, as at the time vanguard visited Nyanya, AA Rano, was besieged by a large crowd of motorists.

Mobil and Forte filling stations at Jikwoyi in Abuja were not selling as at 1pm, while the NNPC mega station at Nyanya remained shut for the umpteenth time.

At the NNPC Mega station along the Kubwa Expressway, the queues which have remained a permanent feature worsened as the scarcity bit harder.

The situation was no different at the Conoil and Total filling stations directly opposite the headquarters of the NNPC, as the queues leading to the stations stretched for miles across four streets, and almost going round the stations twice.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2015—7

Girl, 15, flogs 7-year-old boy to death in Bayelsa Y

By Emem Idio

ENAGOA—THE sleepy community of Otuagbagi in Ogbia Local Government Area, of Bayelsa State, was thrown into

mourning, yesterday, following the alleged whipping to death of a seven-year old boy by her sister during a domestic quarrel.

The deceased, identified as Harry, was reportedly whipped to

death by his 15 years elder sister, Faith Festus, over alleged refusal to go for an errand.

The incident, it was gathered, occurred after school hours in the absence of the parents.

The spokesman of the State Police Command, Asimin Butswat, who confirmed the development, said the corpse of the deceased boy had been deposited at the Kolo General Hospital.

Factory worker rapes 4-year-old girl L

By Esther Onyegbula

AGOS—THE Police at Amukoko Divisional headquarters, Lagos, have arrested one Emmanuel Umanah, 21, for allegedly raping a four-old-girl (names withheld).

The suspect allegedly committed the crime in his one-room apartment on Opeoluwa Street, MosafejoAmukoko area of Ajegunle.

It was learned that the police arrested Umanah following a report from the girl’s grandmother that the factory worker who was her neighbour, allegedly lured

and raped her granddaughter in his apartment.

According to her: “After preparing food, I did not see my grandchild who I was calling to come and eat. I was still searching for her when a little girl about her age told me she was in Umanah’s apartment watching a film. I knocked but nobody answered.

So, I pushed the door open and behold my grandchild was naked and her body covered up with semen. I raised an alarm immediately and with the help of other neighbours, my daughter was taken to the hospital.”

Vanguard learned that medical

test conducted in a nearby hospital (names withheld) confirmed that the victim was raped as she had bruises and semen in her private part.

Suspect's account

The suspect, a native of AkwaIbom State, told Vanguard; “I live at No 6, Opeoluwa Street, Mosafejo -Amukoko area of Ajegunle. I am 21-years old. I work at a factory located around Mile 2. I live alone because I am not married. I was inside my room watching a film when two little girls came into my apartment.

Later, one of them left. I did not know she had gone to tell the

victim’s grandmother that I was touching her. It was the grandmother of the victim that caught me while calling her to come and eat when they found her inside my room. That was the first time I was doing such and I was caught. I only released on her laps but the test carried out by the hospital said the victim had bruises and semen in her virginal.”

Police sources said the case was presently being investigated by Amukoko Divisional headquarters as the parents of the victim wanted the case to be properly investigated and charged to court.

Police arrest 18 robbery suspects, cultists, vandals •Recover three AK-47 rifles, others

A

By Peter Okutu

BAKALIKI—EBONYI State Police Command, yesterday said it arrested 18 suspected armed robbers, cultists and vandals. The command also said it recovered three AK-47 rifles, four locally-made pistols and live ammunition, among others from the suspects.

Briefing newsmen at the command headquarters in Abakaliki, Commissioner of Police, CP, Peace Abdallah, who explained that the suspects were arrested at different points in the state, noted that hoodlums inflicted bullet wounds and machete cuts on a police patrol team before snatching three AK 47 rifles from the team.

According to him: “While the police officers are hospitalized, the command through intelligence-led policing, smashed an intended robbery attack by the same gang and arrested three members. The three police AK47 rifles were recovered with 13 live ammunition. The suspects confessed that they had planned to block Lokoja/Abuja highway to rob innocent citizens before the command aborted their planned operations.”

Some of the suspected armed robbers, cultists and those arrested for unlawful possession of arms included: Ndubuisi Iseh, 23, Uchenna Nweke, 24, Sunday Elom, Samuel Agha, 28, Francis Okoro Inya, 23, Chukwu Ogbonnaya Inya, 27, Onyema Nwali, 32, John Nwopokwu, 22,

Friday Nwakpa, 26, Nnanna Igwe, 22, Ugbu John, 30.

According to the CP, Ndubuisi Ogbonnia, 18, Chinedu Gabriel, 21, of Amasiri community in

Afikpo North Local Government Area, LGA, and Odinaka Nwafor, 21 of Ezza Effium and Sunday Akpu of Igbudu Ekka village in Ezza South LGA, who were

arrested over vandalism of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, transformer had already been arraigned in court and were facing trial.

3-year-old boy goes missing in Lagos

By Esther Onyebula

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AGOS—A 3-year-old boy identified as Olarewanju Babalola Obazua, has been abducted by unknown persons. The boy was reportedly abducted while he was playing with other children in front of their house on Ladipo Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos.

It was learned that the toddler who is a kindergarten two pupil of Flosilla Nursery and Primary School, was abducted Sunday, November 22, 2015.

Vanguard gathered that the victim’s father, Dayo Obazua, was not at home when the little boy was abducted.

But his mother, Mrs Maria Obazua, noticed the boy had gone missing at about 6pm when she came out to invite him to have his bath.

A member of the family told Vanguard: “The last time we saw Olarewanju, was while he was playing outside with other children.

His mother was washing plates while he was playing outside with other children.

By the time she was through with her house chores, the boy was nowhere to be found. We are pleadingwithanyonewithuseful information to contact us or the nearest police station.”

Vanguardlearnedthatthecase was reported at both Tolu and TrinityPolicedivisionsonSunday and later at Area B, Command, Apapa, on Monday.

An accident scene at Ofoke off Ajaokuta-Idah Highway in Kogi State, yesterday. Photo NAN.

NNPC pensioner abducted in Delta after previous kidnap The victim according to the

By Perez Brisibe

U

GHELLI—A four man kidnap gang has abducted a pensioner of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, at Ekuigbo, Ughelli.

Confirming the abduction of

the pensioner, yesterday, one of his younger sisters who spoke on condition of anonymity, said her elder brother, identified as Chief Edore Agba, was abducted with another victim along the Ekuigbo-Warri road.

sister had retired four years ago from NNPC and had earlier suffered the same fate in the hands of kidnappers.

Appealing for the release of the victims, she said the abductors were yet to contact the family.

3-year-old Olarewanju Babalola Obazua

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2015

as we continue to ease, going forward, we will ensure that funds that are going to be injected into the system are directed at real sectors, infrastructure, power, agriculture and solid minerals by the banks where we think we have a lot of potential to spur exports so that we can generate revenue.”

Workability

COLLOQUIUM: From left, Dr. Christopher Kolade; Prof. Pat Utomi, chief host; Prof.

Adeyemo Elebute, Founder, Hygeia Nigeria Ltd, one of the honourees, his wife Prof Wuraola; Professor Emeritus Oladipo Akinkugbe, one of the Honourees and Chief Ajibola Ogunsola, former Chairman, The Punch newspaper, during the 29th Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) Leadership Tribute Colloquium in honour of Prof. Akinkugbe's 82nd birthday and Prof. Elebute's 83rd birthday, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

States politicking with bailout funds'll have them withdrawn —CBN •Reduces CRR to 20%, MPR to 11% •Says no bank with capital adequacy problem

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

A

BUJA — THE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, said it will withdraw bailout funds from states whose governments are politicking with the funds allocated to them.

The Governor of the CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

According the governor, the CBN will not be dragged into politics as to whether or not the bailout funds were being used as political tools but that it would withdraw any money that is unutilised by states that got the bailout fund.

He said: “I must say here that we do not know anything about political tool. We are not involved in politics. We are professional bankers who do our work. The truth is that there were some revelations that some of the funds were not being used but held in banks. Once we know that the monies are not being used for the purposes for which they were meant, we will reverse those entries from the banks.”

He also announced a reduction in the Cash Reserve Requirements from 25 per cent 20 per cent in order to increase liquidity in the banking system and a reduction of the Monetary Policy Rate from 13 per cent to 11 per cent.

Emefiele, however, put a proviso, namely, that the extra funds would be released only to

banks that would give loans to the real sectors of the economy with the aim of generating employment and stimulating growth.

According to him, the liquidity arising from the reduction of the CRR to 20 per cent will only be released to banks that are willing to channel the funds to employment generating activities in the economy such as the real sector, infrastructure, agriculture and the solid minerals sectors of the economy.

His words: “Basically, you would remember at the last Bankers Committee meeting, we said we have attained the end of tightening and that there was need for the CBN to put in place policies and regulations that would stimulate growth, create employment and see how those policies would help to moderate prices and control inflation in the economy. This is the essence of the reduction in key monetary indices.

“At the last MPC we took the decision to ease. That was why we reduced the CRR from 30 per cent to 25 per cent.

Unfortunately, we thought that by allowing banks to have increased liquidity, they would channel such excess liquidity to the sectors that we think would be employment generating sectors that would support growth, stimulate development and reduce the level of unemployment.

“Unfortunately that has not happened. So, what we decided to do at this meeting is to say, yes, we must stimulate growth.

We do not have a choice in the

face of challenges facing the global economy and Nigeria is not insulated from this. That we must contribute to growth.

"And to do so, we decided that

On its workability, the CBN boss said the bank would release the regulations in a circular to the banks about the modalities of its operations and identify the businesses that fall within the real sectors and insist that the banks comply.

“The banks will receive and appraise credit proposals, just like they do currently for all other intervention programmes that we have at the CBN. They will send the proposals to us and if we are satisfied that the proposals meet our minimum requirements that they fall into the categories that will stimulate growth we will release the Naira amount that is equivalent of the cost of that project and they disburse directly to those projects, that is one way we ensure that the liquidity goes to the target sectors,” he said.

No banks with capital adequacy problem

On the issue of the capital adequacy problem said to be facing three of the nation’s banks, the governor said that

the story was false.

According to him, “let me use this opportunity to confirm that there is no bank that has capital adequacy problem today. All the news around are all false. Let me explain it this way. CBN has its own internal mechanism with which it conducts what we call daily strength testing of the operations and activities of banks.

"We strength-test their balance sheet and their non-performing loans using different scenarios to determine that if say we tighten liquidity or loosen liquidity, what will be the result on the bank’s capital adequacy ratio or its NPL, as the case may be.

"For instance, there are banks that are expected to have capital adequacy ratio of 10 per cent. By the time we carry out this strength-testing, to determine the strategic health of the banks, if it turns out that the bank, instead of 10 has 10.5 or 10.6 per cent, what we do in that case is to hold informal discussion with the bank to say, look are you aware that by strength-testing your numbers under these various scenarios, will come to 10.5, 10.6 or 10.7 per cent? So, that you begin to do something in order not to fall to the minimum 10 per cent."

Mr. Emefiele also explained that the disbursement of the Power Fund had to be suspended to enable the Nigeria Electricity Regulation Commission, NERC, and the Bulk Trader agree on the tariff structure before the programme would continue.

Oil and gas operators get 4 weeks to submit project costs •DPR begins cost evaluation to check escalation •Puts Nigeria’s production at 2.1mbpd

By Clara Nwachukwu

L

AGOS — INDUSTRY regulator, the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, has issued a four-week deadline for oil and gas operators to furnish it with the cost components of projects currently under execution in the country.

This follows DPR’s establishment of “a mechanism to monitor and benchmark Nigerian oil and gas industry costs of projects and operations across the terrains and business arrangements.”

This comes as Nigeria’s daily crude oil production is down to 2.1 million barrels, as DPR initiates a National Production Monitoring System, NPMS, to monitor the country’s actual production volumes.

The development may not be unconnected with growing global fears on costs escalation in project execution, with Nigeria cited as having one of the highest project costs in the world, which analysts blamed on improper oversight by regulators to monitor and evaluate costs.

To forestall companies falling foul, DPR, yesterday in Lagos, held a one-day strategic

stakeholders interactive session on value monitoring and benchmarking of oil and gas projects and operations in Nigeria, to intimate them on the importance of compliance with the new directive.

Policy implementation

For effective and comprehensive implementation of the task, the Director, DPR, Mr. Modecai Ladan, told stakeholders that the regulator had already “circulated costs data gathering, CDG, templates to all operating companies in the industry after discussions with key stakeholders (FIRS and NAPIMS) on the subject.”

Ladan, who was represented by the Head, Planning, DPR, Mr. Alfred Ohiani, the CDG is meant “to close some gaps necessary to make the industry more transparent, efficient and accountable consistent with the agenda of the present administration.”

Expatiating further on the issue, Ohiani told Vanguard on the sidelines of the interactive session that the move became necessary because of the

apparent lacuna witnessed in costs monitoring by the National Petroleum Investments Management Services, NAPIMS. NAPIMS, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, monitors project costs among joint venture, JV, production sharing contract, PSC, and service contract, SC, leaving out the sole risks and marginal fields operations.

However, with the DPR proposal, the sole risks and marginal fields operations will also be captured as well as the JVs, PSCs and SCs. According to Ohiani, “being a government agency, we appreciate all they (NAPIMS) are doing; it’s just for us to leverage with them and from their experience begin to apply that for the sole risks and marginal fields on one hand, and also have an overview of what the costs are for the JV and PSCs. “Therefore, when an investor asks, we can readily tell him the cost of a particular project in a particular area and why. This will help them to plan and determine what strategy to adopt to invest in a particular area.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2015—9

LECTURE: From left, Representative of Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Farai; former Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ayo Falase; his wife Adeola; former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ayo Banjo, and pioneer Director, Africa Regional Centre for Information Science (ARCIS), University of Ibadan, Prof. Olabode Aiyepeku, at the 25th anniversary lecture of ARCIS at the University of Ibadan, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Treasury looters now returning stolen funds they'll still be prosecuted —Buhari •Says •Warns saboteurs in power sector

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA — PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, in Tehran, Iran, yesterday, disclosed that many of those who looted the public treasuries in the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan had started returning the stolen funds to the government.

He said that though the government appreciated the development, it was still not enough to condone corruption, stressing that his government would still prosecute them in due course.

He stated that the prosecution of suspects is taking time because the government is painstakingly gathering hard evidence against them.

The President, who spoke at an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Tehran, Iran, yesterday, decried the constraints inherent in democracy, recalling that it was easier for him as a military Head of State in 1985 to arrest corrupt individuals and put them in protective custody for them to prove their innocence than in the present democratic practice.

He acknowledged that under the rule of law, the suspects are presumed innocent until convicted by the law.

According to him, “on corruption; yes, they are still innocent. But, we are collecting documents and some of them have started voluntarily returning something. But we want all. When we get those documents, we will formally charge them to court and then we will ask Nigerians to know those who abused their trust when they are entrusted with public funds. So, the day of reckoning is gradually approaching.”

On power generation

•Work to begin on Lagos-Ibadan expressway next week Speaking on power generation and distribution, President Buhari stated that though his government was yet to give a comprehensive policy direction in the sector, there was still an improvement.

He, however, condemned those who sabotaged the efforts of the government in the sector.

He said: “I believe if you are in touch back at home, you would have been told that already there is some improvement in power.

We haven’t said anything to them yet. I think they only find it sensible or appropriate for them

to try and improve the power.

“I’m sure you know about the privatization of the power sector; your old friends NEPA or Power Holding Company of Nigeria have been sold to a number of interest groups. But, the fundamental thing about us is that we remain potential in everything except performance.

“We have a lot of gas, we have a lot of qualified people but again we have a lot of saboteurs who go and blow installations. Those who normally steal Nigerian crude and those who blow up installations,

whether they called themselves militants or whatever, they are still there.”

On insecurity, the President assured that peace would soon return to the troubled NorthEast even as he stated that his administration would also revive the educational system from primary to tertiary levels.

Work to begin on Lagos-Ibadan expressway next week

The President also disclosed that work would commence on the dilapidated Lagos-Ibadan expressway next week.

The President assured that the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, would address the issue of the collapsed road.

Also to checkmate and end the ugly trend of gas theft, President Buhari announced that the existing Military Task Forces will be reorganized to ensure a successful protection of the network of gas pipelines.

He noted that “although some improvement in power had been recorded in the recent period,” sabotage of pipeline installations had continued to be a problem.

He said: “Power is a running battle because the saboteurs are still there. We have the potential.

We have gas, we have qualified people but we are contending with a lot of saboteurs who go and blow up installations. When gas is pumped to Egbin and such other power stations, thieves and saboteurs such as the militants cut those supplies.”

Another factor, according to the President, is the reduced role of the government in the sector due to the privatization of the institutions under the Power Handling Company of Nigeria, PHCN in the process of which, the facilities “have been sold to a number of interest groups.”

He, however, assured that the military task-forces with representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, the Police and the secret services will be reconstituted to secure the pipelines.

“Supplies will become steady; there will be less sabotage as we secure the pipelines,” he said.

New CBN policy releases N771.4bn into the economy

By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor

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AGOS — BASED on October 2015 data of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, sighted by Vanguard, the yesterday ’s decision of the apex bank to effect a 5.0 per cent cut in Cash Reserve Ratio, CRR, a total of N771.4 billion would be released to the banking system for commercial lending to the real sector. The CRR was reduced to 20 per cent from 25 per cent.

This along with the other complementary rate cuts have been considered by financial analysts as the most significant amongst the several decisions of the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committtee, MPC since this year.

The policy complements include the reduction in Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, to 11 per cent from 13 per cent while asymmetric corridor around the MPR at plus 200 bases points and minus 700 bases points was also introduced bringing the Standing Lending Facility, SLF, and Standing Deposit Facility,SDF, rates to 13.0 per cent and 4.0 per cent from 15.0 per cent and 11.0

per cent respectively.

However, the positive outlook of the new policy decisions was received with mixed feelings amongst many financial sector analysts.

Analysts at Afrinvest Group, a Lagos-based investment house, “the lower SDF rate and increase in liquidity level would lower competition for deposits amongst banks and we expect to see a decline in savings and interbank rates.

“The more accommodative stance is also expected to drive yields downwards in the secondary Bonds market as dealers are likely to bid-down on current rates in anticipation of lower yields at the primary market auction.

“We expect NIBOR rates currently at 10.1 per cent on average to adjust to the new SLF rate to an average of 7.1 per cent (if the same spread is maintained) whilst average yields on Treasury Bills and Bonds market (currently at 4.7 per cent and 10.5 per cent) are likely to also correct to 3.7per cent and 9.5 per cent respectively.

“Given the lower financial market rates anticipated, we expect slight reduction in prime lending rate.”

On the expected impact on credit to the real sector, Afrinvest analysts had this to say: “In the short term, we do not expect the ease in monetary policy to immediately translate to increase lending to the real sector, especially given the high risk retail/SME loans segment.

“Structural bottlenecks, weak quality of infrastructure and the current slowdown in economic activities constitute high risk to real sector lending, which would require more adjustments by the fiscal authorities to de-risk the sector.

"However, with the restriction on all cheap income lines, we expect a significant medium term expansion in Credit to the private sector (currently at N19.1tn in October 2015 and up 6.8%) by banks. This will necessitate banks to improve on their risk management framework to identify opportunities and earn a relatively higher margin compared to the cheap rates in the fixed income market and buoy assets turnover and

shareholders’ return”.

Commenting on the MPC decisions yesterday Greenwich Trust Limited, another Lagos based investment house, said ‘’We expect increased demand for short tenor instruments (Tbills, Commercial papers & 3-5 year Bonds) over the next week and a short-term rally on select counters at the equity market” adding that the new policy moves will pave the path for Government’s borrowing needs in 2016 to drive its spending plan and repay its existing debt.

The company also stated the policy would have far reaching implication for the inflation and exchange rate. According to them ‘’These two indicators will likely deteriorate in the medium-long term as long as the accommodative policy persists”.

Economics at FSDH Merchant Bank Limited have aggressively rejected rate cuts saying that the fundamentals of the economy do not support such policy direction and the policy would not achieve its intended outcome of increased banks lending to the real sector..

10—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2015

FG to review aviation policy —Minister

By Lawani Mukairu & Daniel Eteghe

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AGOS—THE Federal Government is set to review the extant Civil Aviation Policy in order to accommodate the planned policies of the government which would include a Master Plan to reform institutions, airports, both domestic and international hubs, and national airlines, to provide efficient domestic and international services.

According to Mr Yakubu Dati , General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN ,the Minister of State, Aviation, Sen Hadi Sirika revealed this during the ICAO 2015 World Aviation Forum holding in Montreal, Canada.

According to the Minister, “Nigeria, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, will continue to upgrade and develop aviation infrastructure to improve aviation safety and security, thus creating an enabling environment for growth of airlines and other service providers, as well as protecting the interest of aviation end-users.”

Marine survey institute boss to visit Nigeria

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HIEF Executive Officer of International Institute of Marine Surveying, IIMS, based in the United Kingdom, Mike Schwarz is set to visit Nigeria later this month Schwarz’s visit is part of activities marking the First Annual Lecture and General Meeting of the Centre for Marine Survey, Nigeria.

He will feature as Guest Speaker at a lecture centered on the integrity and objectivity required for marine survey reports in Lagos.

Schwarz’s lecture will focus on what the Nigerian energy and maritime sectors should do to harness their full human potentials in the area of marine surveying.

Emphasis will also be on the importance of marine surveyors in the oil and gas sectors as Nigeria is having excess underutilised human capacity.

NIMASA shuts Obat oil facility over non-compliance with ISPS L

By Godwin Oritse

AGOS—THE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, yesterday shut down Obat oil and gas facility at Ibafon area of Apapa for non-compliance of the International Ship and Port Facility Security, ISPS, Code.

Confirming the development, Head, NIMASA’s Public Relations department, Hajia Lami Tumaka said that the facility was shut down for failing to comply with the Code, adding that any facility that falls short of the agency’s expectation with regards to the Code will also be sanctioned henceforth.

Tumaka told Vanguard that Obat will remain shut until every requirement for compliance of the Code is met.

When Vanguard visited the premises of the firm yesterday, the gates of t he company were firmly shut with the seal of NIMASA on the sealed iron gates.

NIMASA, it was gathered had given several warnings to some terminals and facilities perceived to have fallen short of the compliance requirement long

before now.

It also gathered that apart from the closure of the firm, it will also pay a prescribed fine after every security deficiency would have been corrected.

Speaking on the development, Chairman of the Lagos Maritime Security zone of the Port Facility

Security Officers Forum, Mr. Suberu Anataku said that the issue of Obat shut down was discussed at the forum’s meeting yesterday.

Anataku however declined to discuss the matter any further until he makes contacts with certain persons.

Speaking in a similar vein, a maritime security expert, Mr. Lucky Aghomi told Vanguard that Obat along with other facilities found it difficult to comply.

Aghomi added that if NIMASA does not take action on noncomplying facilities and terminals, this could compromise the security of the port.

SYMPOSIUM: From left: Dr. Henk Hendriks, Project Leader, Top Institute for Food & Nutrition, Netherlands, Prof. Emevwo Biakolo, Dean, School of Media and Communication, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, and Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, MD/CEO, Nigerian Breweries Plc, at the 2015 Nigerian Beer and Health Symposium in Lagos, yesterday.

Ailing June 12 hero hails Ambode for saving his life

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni

AGOS—Renowned activist and Chairman of the June 12 Coalition of Democratic Formations, Mr Alfred Ilenre on Tuesday lauded the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for his timely intervention to save his life.

Ilenre who was at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa Secretariat, said he deemed it fit to come and pay gratitude to the Governor for extending a helping hand to him, which has helped him recover and get back on his feet.

He said the Governor had taken notice of his health condition during the commemoration of this year’s June 12 1993 Presidential Election at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television, when he had to be helped up the stage while his goodwill message was read by someone else.

“When it was time to read my goodwill message, as I stood up, my legs started wobbling and I just blacked out. It was noticed, but we quickly beckoned on one of our very resourceful activists, a lady called Titilope Akosa, who is a member of the June 12 Coalition. She read my statement eloquently and then we outlined our tablet of issues that the government should look into”, he said.

He said three days after the event he received a call from a doctor informing him that the Governor had directed that his health condition be monitored,

followed up and the appropriate steps taken.

“I marvelled. For an Executive Governor of a very busy state like this to have time to look into such issues that certain people will look upon as minor. The following day,

I was given a letter to go to Diagnostic Centre and they did about 12 investigations on my body including the kidney, heart and then sent the result to the doctor”, he recounted.

The diagnosis according to

him, revealed a disorder in his left lung, which he said was as a result of a serious accident he sustained in Ghana in 1998 during the NADECO crisis, which was life threatening.

Counsel's absence stalls Oduah's fundamental right suit

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By Onozure Dania

AGOS— A fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by a former Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Oduah, was yesterday stalled due to the absence of her counsel, Mr. Ajibola Oluyede, in court.

Oduah sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission; the Attorney General of the Federation; and the Inspector General of Police.

She is praying for an order restraining the defendants from probing her over the purchase of the two armoured BMWs by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority under her watch in 2013.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday before Justice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, Oluyede’s junior, Mobolaji Akintunde, told the Judge that his lead counsel was not in court because he had gone for another matter before the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal.

Akintunde, asked the court for an adjournment to enable

Oluyede appear in person, on the next adjourned date.

However, Justice Abang adjourned the matter to December 1, 2015, for hearing after listening to the other parties.

Oduah had on August 26, 2015 gotten an order of interim injunction from Justice Mohammed Yunusa of the same court barring the

defendants from taking any action against her pending the final determination of the suit.

Oduah, who is now a serving senator representing Anambra North, alleged in her suit that the Federal Government planned to use the defendants to unleash repression against her and other prominent members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

Buhari to launch Lagos police patrol choppersEngr. Ayo Shodeinde disclosed

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS—PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari is billed to commission three helicopters purchased by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration as part of efforts to beef up security in the state.

Meantime, the state government has disclosed plans to rehabilitate 189 identified deplorable roads, including the Ilasa-Ijesha bus stop, along Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

General Manager, Lagos State Public Works Corporation,

this yesterday, at Aluasa, Ikeja, while giving highlights of the state government's efforts in the area of road infrastructural upgrade in the last six months.

Buhari, who will be visiting Lagos officially for the first time since his inauguration, will be handing over the helicopters to the police authorities for immediate operation.

Shodeinde, while giving the update on the total number of roads rehabilitated so far, explained that Ambode has approved rehabilitation of 189 new roads across the state.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015—11

Amosun presents N200bn 2016 appropriation bill to Ogun Assembly As Education gets N40 billion A

By Daud Olatunji

B E O K U T A — GOVERNOR Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has presented over N200 billion as the state's 2016 appropriation bill entitled “budget of optimization“ before the state house of Assembly.

The governor, while presenting a total budget of N200,274,453,352 which is about 4.9% lower than that of last year, disclosed that the budget was targeted at optimising the opportunities and maximising the resources.

Like the previous year's budget, the Education Sector has the largest share with N40.1 billion, which is about 20.06% of the total budget, followed by Health which garnered a total of N14.3 billion, at 17.3%.

The Agriculture sector, having N10.2 billion, represents 5.08% of the total budget while others are Urban Renewal and Housing sector which has the sum of N26.56 billion.

In the bill, Rural Infrastructure takes N31.04 billion which represents about 15.5%.

In all, the total recurrent expenditure stands at N100, 962,975,109 which represents 50.4% of the budget while the Capital expenditure stands at N99,291,477,943, representing

49.6%.

The governor disclosed that the budget is a balanced one looking at the difference between the capital and recurrent expenditure.

He, however, claimed that his five cardinal programmes take 38.9%, which he said, is about N76,973,540,409 while other sectors account for 61.1%, amounting to N122,300,912,943.

Earlier in his address, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Suraj Ishola Adekunbi, thanked the people of the state for giving them the opportunity to serve again and promised not to let them down.

He disclosed that despite the heterogeneous nature of political party representation in the House, they have been able to maintain cordial and peaceful relationship with the executive

arm of the government.

Adekunbi posited that this has reflected in the level of achievements recorded so far by the present administration in the state.

Dignitaries at the presentation include the past administrators and Heads of Service in the state, Justice Damola Bakre, Chief Doja Adewolu, top government functionaries and groups across the state.

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BADAN—THE appeal filed by Senator Buruji Kashamu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, challenging the judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal that sat in Abeokuta, could not continue yesterday due to the dissolution of panel of judges.

The tribunal, chaired by Justice Ebiowei Tobi, had ordered a rerun in 110 polling units in Ogun East senatorial district.

Mr Dapo Abiodun of All Progressives Congress, APC, had challenged the declaration of Kashamu as winner of the March 28 senatorial election.

The registrar of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan, where Kashamu filed his appeal informed parties that President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa had dissolved the panel.

The court registrar said that a new panel of judges has been constituted, but the date the case would come up was yet to be fixed.

While reacting to the dissolution of the panel, Mr Adebayo Dayo, Chairman Ogun PDP, said that the judiciary was trying to be fair to all the parties.

Dayo said that the PDP

By Daud Olatunji

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ANNIVERSSARY LECTURE: From left: Member, Trinity Foundation Board, Dr (Mrs) Ranti Adedayo; Chairman, Editorial Board of Thisday Newspaper/Guest Lecturer, Mr Olusegun Adeniyi, and Chairman Board of Governors, Trinity International College, Pastor Olatunji Samuel, during the inauguration and 20th Year Anniverssary Lecture by Trinity International College, at Ofada, Ogun State. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Panel of judges' dissolution stalls Kashamu’s appeal

By Ola Ajayi

I've no doubt HID is in heaven, says Pastor Adeboye

discovered sevaral discrepeances with the litigation, which made the party to raise an alarm

against the disbanded panel.

In his contribution, APC candidate, Abiodun, said he was surprised that the panel

was dissolved, saying that time was running out on the appeal to complete the matter.

Appeal Court reverses tribunal verdict on Ondo Rep

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By Dayo Johnson

KURE—THE Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State, yesterday reversed the decision of the Election Petitions Tribunal, which nullified the election of a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Kolade Akinjo, who is representing Ilaje/Ese Odo federal constituency in Ondo State.

The appellate court, led by Justice Abiriyu Shehu, upheld Akinjo's election and faulted the tribunal’s decision that he was not eligible to contest the March 28 polls.

The tribunal had ruled that the lawmaker was not a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the time of the election because his membership card was not signed by the chairman and secretary in his ward.

The Appeal Court submitted that Akinjo’s challenger, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, would have had a good case if he had presented another card to show that Akinjo's card was fake and not credible enough to

attest to his membership of the PDP before the March 28 National Assembly election.

Justice Shehu however did not award any cost against the respondents.

Meanwhile, counsel to the APC, Titiloye Charles said his party had accepted the verdict in good faith and would soon make its position known.

Ekiti First Lady charges mothers to monitor their children

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ORRIED by the increasing number of teenage pregnancies in Ekiti State, wife of the state governor,Mrs Feyisetan Fayose, has charged parents and guardians to monitor their wards.

She also charged pregnant women to always register in hospitals for their ante-natal care, saying that they should stop relying solely on the traditional birth attendants and mission homes Mrs Fayose, who was speaking at Efon Alaaye yesterday, in continuation of her tour to the 16 local government areas of the state, said the trend must stop in the state She said: “Parents and

guardians must monitor their girl child over the rate young girls are becoming pregnant on a daily basis. This trend must stop in our locality.

“The young girls must be discouraged from running after men. It is not good for their future. ‘’In the process of engaging in unguarded sexual acts, you may be infected with dangerous diseases.

The first lady of the state had, since the commencement of the tour, distributed Mama kits and specialized milk to pregnant women in the state.

She has equally distributed school bags, uniforms and sandals to some indigent students in the state.

BEOKUTA—THE General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, yesterday declared that he is confident that the matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, is resting with the Lord.

Adeboye, who spoke while holding a private prayer session with the family inside their Ikenne country home, said: “By the special grace of God and because of my interaction with Mama, I have no doubt at all that she is in heaven now.”

The prayer session which held at the Efunyela Hall and had in attendance family members, relations, friends and other well wishers.

Pastor Adeboye, who shared his experience with the audience on how he was privileged to confirm that Mama was resting in heaven, explained that he had a personal encounter with her two weeks before her death.

He said: “Before Mama passed on, she was making a request and I was contacted. I won’t go into details about the request but I was abroad and when I came back I saw her and we had a little discussion before she passed away. As a result of that I have no doubt that Mama is resting with the Lord.”

Meanwhile, the Ogun State governorship candidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria, in the last general elections, Prince Rotimi Paseda, has described the late matriarch of the Awolowo family, Hannah Idowu Dideolu and her late husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as exceptional leaders who stood for the cause of the masses.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

Bayelsa poll: Police, govt caution political parties against violence

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—THE Bayelsa State Police Command and the state government have cautioned political parties in the state to conduct themselves in a manner that will not cause crisis in the state during and after the December 5 governorship election.

The state Police Commissioner, Nasiru Oki, said though the Police in concert with other security agencies were playing their roles in preparation for a peaceful election in the state, all the political parties should avoid utterances and claims that could promote violent conduct among their supporters.

Also, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Esueme DanKikile, yesterday, said though peace was the panacea for free, fair and credible election, the recent inflammatory statements and hate campaigns by some political parties could trigger violence.

Speaking in Yenagoa, he urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies and stakeholders to be impartial during the poll to give all political parties a level playing field.

He said: “We condemn the acts of violence allegedly perpetrated against the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by the opposition party members. As the ruling party in the state, we will continue to ask our members and supporters not

to react or retaliate to attacks and provocation by the opposition party supporters.

“We will continue to be law abiding and peaceful in our campaigns. Our party believes in issue-based campaign aimed at improving the lives of the populace. We have gone to many communities in the course of our campaigns and seen the challenges facing our people.

We have agreed as a party to develop framework to affect

local communities in every facet of life.”

He commiserated with the injured PDP supporters, saying the party had lodged official complaints with the police as part of the measures to fish out the culprits for prosecution.

The commissioner called on other political parties to join hands with the PDP-led government to ensure that the December 5, poll was conducted in a peaceful and orderly

manner.

On his part, Commissioner of Police, Nasiru Oki, said the Police in concert with other security agencies were prepared for a peaceful election in the state.

He said, “The police have been giving all the political parties adequate protection during their campaigns,” adding that the development had resulted in violence-free electioneering in the state.

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ORT HARCOURT— T W E N T Y- E I G H T political parties in Rivers State have commended Governor Nyesom Wike for living up to his campaign promises.

Speaking, yesterday, under the aegis of Inter-party Advisory Council, IPAC, Secretary of the body, Mr Reuben Favour, said the parties were impressed with Governor Wike's performance so far.

Commending the governor for appointing members of other political parties into the newly constituted caretaker committees in the various local government areas, Favour said the governor has given room to every Rivers indigene to contribute meaningfully to the government of the state.

The political parties further commended the governor for encouraging the judiciary to thrive as an independent arm of government.

They said: “The judiciary which was in comatose for over a year under the immediate past administration is now free

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By Festus Ahon

SABA—GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has decried the dwindling economy of the country, which he blamed on poor receipts from oil proceeds.

Okowa stated this during the opening ceremony of the 30th annual conference of Fisheries Society of Nigeria, FISON, held at the Asaba campus of Delta State University.

The governor, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Chief Festus Agas, stressed the need for the diversification of the nation’s economy to agriculture.

He expressed the readiness of his administration to partner FISON and other private sector organisations in its efforts to improve the economy of the state through agriculture.

2016: Edo Central must negotiate with other zones to produce gov —Omon-Irabor

By Gabriel Enogholase

CONFERENCE: From left: Chairman ICPC, Mr Ekpo Nta; Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalong, and member, African Union Advisory Board on Corruption, Alhaji Isa Salami, during the National Conference on Youth Against Corruption in Abuja, yesterday.

28 political parties hail governor Wike’s performance

By Jimitota Onoyume

Okowa decries Nigeria’s dwindling economy

from executive emasculation as lawyers and judges are serving the course of justice.

In addition, Governor Wike has removed the legislature from executive encumbrances, interference and intimidation. All the three arms of government are working with absolute

autonomy and in synergy, too. This, by our reckoning, is the governor ’s idea of democracy and good governance.

“It is important to state that Governor Wike makes the security of lives and property of all Rivers people and residents a topmost priority,

hence, the acquisition of 64 Toyota Hilux Security Patrol Vans fitted with modern security gadgets for law enforcement agencies.”

All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state is not part of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC.

Otorogun gas plant workers protest 7-months unpaid salary

By Perez Brisibe

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G H E L L I — HUNDREDS of workers at the OML 34 Otorogun gas plant in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have protested the non-payment of theie salaries in the last seven months.

The workers are also demanding the sack of the company’s superintendent, Mr. Yomi Ogunola for his alleged neglect of their welfare leading to the backlog of unpaid salaries.

The protesters with placards some of which read, “Mr. Yomi Ogunola must go,” “Pay us our

7-months salary arrears,” “Staff us under operational and maintenance,” among others, accused the company of enslaving them despite the efforts they have put into the company.

Speaking on behalf of the workers, Coordinator of the Otorogun Gas Plant workers union, Gabriel Mukoro, while accusing the company of insensitivity, appealed to the state and federal governments to intervene in their plight by urging the management of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, to do the needful.

Addressing the protesters, the

company’s superintendent, Ogunola, lamented the protest by the workers and assured them that he will forward their grievances to the appropriate authorities saying, “I can assure you that in the n e x t couple of weeks everything will be okay.”

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ENIN—AHEAD of the Edo State governorship election slated for 2016, a governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Party, APC, Mr. Calsey Omon-Irabor, has warned that the quest by the people of Edo Central senatorial zone to produce the next governor of the state would be a mirage without the support of leaders from the other two zones.

Omon-Irabor who expressed his support for the Esan agenda to produce the next governor in 2016, told journalists in Benin, that he had expected traditional rulers from the area and other leaders to hold meetings with leaders from Edo South and Edo North on why power should be transferred to the zone.

He insisted that the best way to go about the Esan agenda was to negotiate and lobby the two other zones as politics was a game of numbers.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015—13

Bayelsa: Dickson to end campaign with Mother of all Rallies Nov 28

By Samuel Oyadongha

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E N AG OA — B AY E L S A State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday said its candidate, Mr. Seriake Dickson, will hold the grand finale of his campaign tagged Mother of all Rallies on November 28, in Yenagoa.

According to the party, the event, which will have former President Goodluck Jonathan in attendance, will also bring together all critical elements in all the Ijaw speaking states in the country, as Dickson’s aspiration is not just a Bayelsa affair but incorporates the strategic interest of all the Ijaws.

Director of Publicity of the Restoration Campaign Organisation, Jonathan Obuebite, in a statement, said that the megarally was a culmination of Governor Dickson’s communityto-community tours, a grassroots campaign which took him to all parts of the state in the last one month, spreading his message of restoration and consolidation of peace, security and development.

Obuebite said the grand finale, would also witness the presentation of PDP flag to Dickson and his running mate, Rear Admiral John GboribioghaJonah (retd), by the national leadership of the party.

He said that besides members of the PDP National Working

Committee and all the party’s sitting governors as well as past governors who will attend, PDP senators and members of the House of Assembly, past and present, Bayelsa PDP leaders and members across the state, stakeholders and supporters both at home and in the diaspora, routing for Dickson’s

re-election, people from diverse and strategic institutions will be on ground to rally support for the governor.

“Bayelsa State is the Jerusalem of all Ijaws and the Mother of all Rallies will showcase the unity of purpose of the Ijaw people coming together as one and affirming the collective

VISIT: From left: Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments; Chief Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State and his wife, Ebelechukwu, during a courtesy call on the governor by Cardinal Arinze at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia, yesterday.

....As Sylva unveils development plan

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for the December 5 governorship election in Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, says his administration will diversify the state economy and focus on the Brass Liquified Natural Gas project, as well as the industrialization of the state.

Speaking at a rally in Okpo Square on the Brass Island, Sylva promised to turn around the fortunes of the people for the better if elected into office.

He assured the people that the Brass LNG would be accorded top priority when it comes on stream to boost the local economy.

Sylva expressed confidence that the LNG when fully operational will provide job opportunities for the youths of the area and Bayelsa at large.

The APC candidate, who hails from Okpoama community in Brass LGA, said he did not come to campaign but that his visit to Brass was to see his kinsmen and also merry with them because of his assurance that they would deliver 100 percent votes to him in the December 5 election.

Sylva said the power to

interest and aspirations of the Ijaw race,” he said.

He also quoted the state PDP chairman, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff, as saying, “PDP is not just a party of Bayelsa State but PDP is an Ijaw party,” which will make the presence of all Ijaws at the event decisive for the outcome of the election.

liberate Brass from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led administration which inflicted poverty and hunger on the people lies in their hands and

urged them to vote for the APC. Director of the Sylva/Igiri campaign organisation and Minister of State, Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri,

expressed confidence that the party would win the governorship election in the state.

Lokpobiri stated that the Nembe-Brass road would be reawarded to connect the people of Brass by road.

Insurgency: Army to deploy more troops in N-East acquired while in training, as

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By Emma Una

GOJA—THE Nigerian Army is doing all it can to meet President Muhammadu Buhari’s deadline to defeat Boko Haram insurgency, as more soldiers are to be deployed in the zone to ensure that the operation succeeds.

The Chief of Army Staff Lt-General T. Y. Buratai, who stated this in Ogoja, Cross River State, yesterday, while addressing officers and men of the 130 Batallion Ogoja, called on the soldiers to be dedicated, loyal and exhibit all the professional skills

soldiers from the Battalion would be posted to the North East to combat the insurgents.

“Our operations in the North East code named Operation Lafia Dole, is gaining momentum and is making the Nigerian Army proud. Some of you have served there while more of you will still be sent there in keeping with our mandate to meet the President’s directive to stop insurgency in December, and we can do it," he said.

A-Ibom vows to convert disputed lands to agric projects

By Tom Moses

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YO—THE Akwa Ibom State Government, yesterday, expressed dismay over the spate of communal crises in the state over land matters and reiterated its resolve to seize any land from communities that are embroiled in crises for agricultural purposes.

Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Moses Ekpo, conveyed the government’s resolve in his address at the Akwa Ibom and Abia inter-state boundary meeting held at Army Base, Nto Ndang, Obot Akara Local Government Area, noting that new farming seasons usually heralded skirmishes among border communities which often resulted in wanton loss of lives and property.

According to him, the cause of advancing peace in border communities has, therefore, become sacrosanct and irrevocable.

“It is important to stress that today’s event will remain the single most needed ritual to seal our common fate of a lasting peace in our borders.

We must, therefore, make tolerance our watchword,” Ekpo stressed.

Also speaking, Abia State Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Chukwu, commended his Akwa Ibom counterpart for the initiative explaining that his boss, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu was passionate about ensuring peaceful coexistence of inhabitants in border communities.

14—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2015

LYING-IN-STATE FOR LATE CHIEF TORCH TAIRE IN LAGOS PHOTO: AKEEM SALAU

From Left; Mr. Frank Goke, Eric Goke, Mrs Grace Krobo-Edusei, and Christian Goke.

From left: Mrs Adefemi Taire, wife of Deceased; His Highness, Ephraim Faloughi Spitt, and Mr Jolomi Taire, son, at the lying-in-state for the late Chief Torch Oritseweyinmi Taire, at his residence, Anthony Village, Lagos, yesterday.

NEPC TO EXPORTERS:

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ENIN CITY—THE Nigeria Export Promotion Council, NEPC, has tasked exporters of non-oil products in the country to assist the Federal Government in the ongoing plans to diversify the economy of the country so as to help the country come out from the current economic crisis.

Assist FG to diversify economy

The Chief Executive of the NEPC, Mr Olusegun Awolowo, regretted that the nation can no longer be sustained only through oil, therefore the need to diversify the economy for the interest of Nigerians.

Mr. Awolowo, stated this in Benin City at a forum for bankers and exporters with a view to

interface on ways of accessing fund by the exporters.

Mr. Awolowo who was represented by thedirectorofdutiesofthecouncil,Olajide Mohammed, attributed the challenge of funding to poor business understanding between the banks and exporters, noting that the federal government was willing to bridge the gap through relevant agencies.

From right: Mrs Eyitemi Taire, daughter, Eyimofe Taire and Eyitokpe Taire, at the event.

LAFFTA FEST: Bayelsans

thank Glo

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ENAGOA— RESIDENTS of Yenagoa in Bayelsa State, South South Nigeria have praised the next generation network, Globacom, for its people-oriented and free entertainment shows, which have been touring the country since August.

Last Sunday, November 22, the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, in the oil-rich city of Yenagoa, rolled out the green carpet to welcome the comedy version of the twin shows tagged Glo Laffta Fest from Enugu.

For the comedians who performed at last Sunday ’s event, the Yenagoa edition of the show was a great home-coming and an avenue to re-unite with their home fans.

The comedians who entertained the crowd in Yenagoa included Glo ambassador, Bovi, who anchored the show, Okey Bakassi, Gandoki, Gordons, Arinze Baba, Odogwu and Selebo. Glo ambassadors, Sammie C M Y K

Okposo and M.I, thrilled the audience with their hit tracks, while DJ Neptune manned the turntable.

Others who also performed, include Weleke Akpors Stanley, also known as ‘SimCard’; Iniedogi Pekene, popularly called ‘Barrack Pikin’, and Gift Loveday, otherwise known as Aproko, are comedians who grew up in Yenogoa before setting out to Lagos and other parts of the country to pursue a career in stand-up comedy.

C o i n c i d e n t a l l y, Simcard had lived part of his life in Yenagoa where he bagged a law degree from the Niger Delta University, Amassoma.

Reliving his days in Yenagoa, Sim Card said he felt really good coming home to perform and thanked Globacom for the opportunity.

“I feel good coming to my base, Yenagoa, to perform. It has been a while. Shows of this magnitude rarely happen here.

It’s very commendable for Globacom to remember my people,” he said.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015—15

BIAFRA: We won't succumb to intimidation —MASSOB •Group slams FG over Kanu's detention •Traders woo Buhari •Uwazuruike to host Bianca, others abueze Okonkwo & Chimaobi Nwaiwu

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NEWI—THE Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has said that no amount of intimidation, harassment and blackmail will ever deter its leader Chief Ralph Uwazurike from dropping the agitation for the actualization of Biafran Republic.

This was disclosed by the Regional administrator for MASSOB, in Isu, Imo State, Prince Ogaraku Venatus in a statement made available to Vanguard.

“We have absolute confidence, trust, respect, and faith in our leader and father of the agitation for Biafra actualization Chief Ralph Uwazuruike’s leadership traits and strong conviction to actualize Biafra.

“We have also uncovered a planned move by some disgruntled Igbo politicians to stage anti-Biafra rally in Abuja.

That move will fail and our leader Chief Uwazurike is not worried about such silly and selfish move by the people we understand have been paid heavily to do the protest.

“Chief Uwazurike has succeeded in telling the Federal Government of Nigeria that he does not mince words in his determination to achieve the Biafran state and equally expose the injustice done to Ndigbo. So, the politician whose interest is nothing more than money in their pockets cannot stop MASSOB or any other pro-Biafra group,”he said.

Prince Ogaraku also prayed that no evil plan intended to scuttle the Biafra struggle will succeed.

Restoration of Biafra Similarly, another Igbo political group, Ndigbo United Assembly, NUA, yesterday, added its own voice in the on-going agitation for the restoration of Biafran state, saying that Biafra is on course.

Speaking to newsmen during a peaceful demonstration embarked upon by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, President-General of NUA, Comrade Peter Okala declared: “My take on the Biafran agitation is positive in the sense that our colonial masters knew our differences before making a contract of amalgamation to try if we could understand ourselves, but the fact

remains that till date, the centre could not hold and the South East is still hated with passion by our Northern and South West brothers.”

Okala who is also a one-time governorship candidate of the National Conscience Party, NCP, in Anambra State asked: “Could you imagine Wole Soyinka using Igbo people to popularize his seminar topic in far away United States of America, where he was quoted as saying that Igbo people can only vote at the direction of their stomach? So, what kind of a hopeless statement from a socalled prominent citizen is that?

“In Nigeria today, if one is asked to name 100 most corrupt people in Nigeria who have emptied our treasury , hardly will an Igbo man be among them. But we are abused in every part of Nigeria as people, who could do anything to get money simply because the West is in control of the media and the North has partnered with them to marginalize the South-East.”

Okala also observed that the inabilty of political office holders in the South -East to join the proBiafra movement is not a crime because it may be a treason in Nigerian laws, but it’s the right of every person to choose an association or a country he or she

should belong to and there is no law that will empower anyone or institution to stop it.”

Quenching agitations Meantime, a coalition of civil society organizations based in the South-East geo-political zone has advised the Federal Government to stop chasing shadows by deploying huge state resources that should be put for good public use, into influencing and compromising some individuals and groups, in an attempt to quench the ongoing agitations.

The group advised the federal government to rather look inwards critically so as to study and identify those issues that have remained unaddressed till date that resulted to the earthshaking agitations in the SouthEast and the South-South zones.

The group said that trying to influence or compromise some individuals or groups would rather end up escalating the issue and possibly blowing same out of proportion and push agitators to a radical and uncontrollable end, which may lead to another round of insurgency.

In a press statement, yesterday in Onitsha, Anambra State, the groups stated that the Federal

Government must be told in a clear terms that those being compromised and influenced to recant are not in control of the movement and millions of its supporters and sympathizers.

It added: “These sets of conformist individuals and groups have long disgraced themselves and lost touch with the mainstream grassroots of the South-East zone, which is why in a bid to justify crumbs federally received, they end up on the pages of newspapers with their faceless and mushroom groups.”

In the statement jointly signed on their behalf by Comrade Aloysius Attah, for CLO; Comrade Peter Onyegiri for Centre for Human Rights & Peace Advocacy; Comrade Samuel Njoku for Human Rights Club (a project of LRRDC); Comrade Justus Uche Ijeoma for Forum for Justice, Equity & Defence of Human Rights; Comrade Chike Umeh for Society Advocacy Watch Project; Obianuju Joy Igboeli, Esq. for Anambra Human Rights Forum; Comrade Emeka Umeagbalasi for Intersociety; Comrade Alex Olisa for Southeast Good Governance Forum and Eze Eluchie for:

Continues on page 16

16—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

BIAFRA: We won't succumb to intimidation

—MASSOB •Group slams FG over Kanu's detention •Traders support Buhari •Uwazuruike to host Bianca, others Continued from page 15 PADDI Foundation, the coalition said the first critical step is to withdraw all trumped up charges leveled against Radio Biafra boss, Nnamdi Kanu and to release him unconditionally with immediate effect from the DSS captivity.

According to the coalition, 'A Nigeria of pluralism and democratic constitutionalism, equality and fairness with no distinction in theory and practice as to ethnicity, place of birth, education, sex, class, oligarchic or aristocratic background and religion is always a preferred option and can be safely described as a united Nigeria.

But a Nigeria of the opposite remains the worst option, while assertion of right to independent statehood is its best alternative.

"This is because, it is better to live free in a land flowing with poverty than to live buoyantly in a land shackled and manacled by chains of slavery.”

It further added: “To assuage the earth-shaking agitations and placate the people of the SouthEast zone, all the age-long structural imbalances must be redressed, especially the country ’s geo-political imbalances, including lopsidedness in the number of states, LGAs, senatorial districts, federal constituencies, federal roads, fiscal allocations and geopolitical compositions of the field formations and headships of the Army, Police, Air Force, Navy, DSS, NIA, FRSC, Prisons and Customs.

“In the area of federal public office holders in Nigeria drawn from the six geopolitical zones, the South-East zone is abysmally represented. For instance, no senior police officer from the zone is among the current heads of the country ’s 12 Police Zonal Commands and the few serving AIGs from the zone have since gone on statutory retirement, leaving the zone with no known serving AIGs out of the country’s current Police AIGs of at least 22."

Drumming support for Buhari But in a strange twist, a group of traders under the aegis of South East Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, SEAMATA, had disowned the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and their agitation for the actualization of sovereign state of Biafra.

Addressing newsmen yesterday in Onitsha, the traders through a statement by Chief Okwudili Ezenwanko and Honourable Temple Udeh, President General and Secretary General respectively, of SEAMATA, said they are constrained to react to the continuous calls for the closure

Buhari'll decide on MTN’s N1.04trn fine, says Minister

By Adekunle Aliu

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AWARDS: From left, representative of Global Quality Excellence Awards, presenting the Most Reliable IT Products Company of the Year 2015 award to Mrs. Josephine Ofuafor, Chief Operating Officer, and Mr. Lucky Ofuafor, Chief Executive Officer, both of Rolof Computers, at this year’s World Quality Day celebration, in Abuja. of businesses in the South-East in protest and solidarity for actualization of Biafran state.

The news conference by the traders was attended by Chief Christian Nwabuani, Vice President, Abia State; Peter Obah, Financial Secretary, Ebonyi State; Elder Martin Inuozor, Treasurer, Imo State; Austin Onyia, Assistant Public Relations Officer, from Enugu State amongst other officials from the five South East states of the zone.

SEAMATA said “the difficulties and hardship which the traders in particular and residents in general suffer during these protests have made the traders to react to the situation and development which are adversely affecting them.

“The traders in the zone are therefore, dissociating themselves jointly and individually from the activities of these agitators.

masters, South East governors and Anambra State governor, who appointed them to collect revenues from traders for the government of the respective states, with their own share included in the levies.

“Those people, who call themselves SEAMATA are South East governors stooges, used in siphoning the traders; they are used to milk the traders dry in the name of revenue collection, most of them do not have shops in the markets.

Also reacting, one of IPOB’s spokesmen, Mr. Emma Powerful, dismissed SEAMATA's claim of destruction, saying that they are not recognized in Igbo land, adding that “we have been doing this protest in different parts of the world and the international community knows that we have been peaceful and civil in all we are doing.”

MASSOB reacts But reacting to the allegation of destruction of properties, shops and personal belongings of fellow Igbo, MASSOB factional National Director of Information, Comrade Uchenna challenged SEAMATA and their leadership to name and show evidence of anybody whose property had been destroyed since the protest started.

“Even the Police Divisions in Onitsha and Onitsha Area Command and their boss have confirmed that all the protests by Biafran agitators have been peaceful and it was reported by different media organizations in and outside South East states including the ones at Abuja.

“Chief Ezenwankwo is not SEAMATA President General, because at no time was he elected

by South East traders, neither is he elected by Anambra traders as AMATAS President General; he and his groups, he claims to head, both in South East and Anambra State, do not represent the Igbo or Anambra traders, but their pay

Uwazuruike to host Bianca, other dignitaries In another development, the

leader of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, yesterday, revealed that the movement had concluded arrangements to host important dignitaries at this year’s fourth annual ceremony marking the memorial anniversary of the late Biafra’s Head of State and Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

In a press statement issued to newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra state on behalf of Uwazuruike, MASSOB’s Deputy National Director of Information, Chris Mocha, confirmed that already, the wife of the late Ojukwu, Bianca; former Chief Security Adviser to former military Head of State, late General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza AlMustapha and keader of Movement for the Emancipation of Niger-Delta, MEND, Alhaji Mujaheed Asari Dokubo have indicated their interest to attend the occasion.

Ezi-nne Nwogoh passes on

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ZI-NNE ROSELINE Nwogoh (nee Igbokwe) is dead, aged 80.

A wake-keep at her residence, Late Pa Martin Nwogoh’s Compound, Amukwa, will hold tomorrow, followed by funeral mass the next day at St. John’s Catholic Church, Ihe/Owerri, Nsukka.

Interment will take place on November 26, at her compound, while Outing /Thanksgiving will be on Sunday, November 27.

She is survived by many children, grand children, including CSP Martins Nwogoh of the Late Nwogoh Special Fraud Unit, SFU, Lagos.

Urhobo College old boys to hold dinner/lecture

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RHOBO COLLEGE Old Boys Association, UCOSA, Lagos branch, will hold its annual dinner night at the Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi on November 29, 2015.

There will also be a dinner lecture by the National Vice President of UCOSA and

Professor of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Joe Abugu, entitled, 'State of Primary and Secondary Education in Delta State.”

The chairman, organising committee of the event, Kingsley Abekware, disclosed that there will also be a fund rising for provision of desks for the school.

HE MINISTER of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, has said that the issue of N1.4 trillion fine imposed on MTN Nigeria by the Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, is now before President Muhammadu Buhari, who will take the necessary decision at the appropriate time in the best interest of the country.

The Minister, disclosed this, yesterday, at the Alliance 4 Affordable Internet Nigeria Coalition conference in Lagos.

He said that the government decision to impose fine on MTN was not borne out of hatred but ”in the interest of the public.”

He stressed that MTN admitted that it erred and apologised and that the matter was before the President, who will take the final decision, which he vowed, will be in the interest of Nigeria.

“I don’t think there is any conflicting position on where government stands on the MTN issue. Recall that there were violations which were established against MTN. "The violations were to the tune of five million subscribers. There are many countries where subscribers, in the entire country, are not up to half of the five million. In the case of Nigeria, we had more than five million violations.

"However, both the government and MTN are on the same page that rules have been broken in this instance.

“The issue is now before Mr President. He will take the necessary decision at the appropriate time. And the President would do what is best for the public interest,“ the Minister said.

“The good thing is that MTN did not contest the fact that they had violated the regulations and guidelines. They never contested it. They admitted they were at fault. They apologized for their role in the saga and they made a commitment that what happened will never happen again. And of course, they made a plea for review of the payment terms,” he said.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015 — 17

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HE “banality of evil” is a concept created by Hannah Arendt, a Jewish political theorist who escaped Nazi Germany during the Holocaust. The idea refers to the ease with which ordinary people can be culpable of the most evil, horrendous things if they believe, or are persuaded by a higher authority that their actions are either justified or a part of their duty.

She created this concept while covering the trial of Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi war criminal whom she found to be a small, sad little man whose complete submission to the system or what we would call “ogas at the top” (who supposedly know better) made him perform atrocities unthinkingly.

Every Nigerian has a little bit of Eichmann in them, the ability, if given the chance, to perform horrors by rationalising ones actions as survival or simply put, as following the orders or example of those before them. Goodluck Jonathan said he did not invent any of the mechanisms that enable “leakages”: there have always been yams and there will always be goats to seek out said yams, he told us.

In fact, now that the cat may be out of the bag if recent enquiries are to be believed, he says he knows nothing of said cats alleged activities. Dasuki and Diezani, if guilty, acted alone.

Corruption is so banal in Nigeria, so predictable and expected, so ordinary really that even the language used to describe it trivialises the evil it does: to “chop” is like a goat or a yam, or even like the numerous “leakages” at all levels of government, a fact of life, a commonly observed event or reality, so frequent and generalised that it no longer shocks or disturbs.

Ominous issues The clichés behind the language of corruption and public service (e.g. “enjoyment minister”) make certain acts or behaviours seem less grave and diminish our consciousness or understanding of the ominous issues they mask (in other climes, the stress of public office gives politicians grey hair, it makes them lose weight rather than appear to enjoy “Jollof” or “party time”).

These expressions diminish our ability to be insulted or offended by the disrespectful actions they mask: such blatant contempt for the Nigerian people and their lives becomes amusing rather than disgusting.

We are no longer affected by what we see or hear of Nigerian politicians actions, we no longer think of their deeds as evil, even when detailed reports show the unabashed link between graft and the wasted lives of the citizenry: that is the banality of evil, the malicious seed that can take root in any individual given the right conditions and Nigeria has become its playground.

It is within each and every one of us to be inhumane. Everyone dreams of public office. Many of the same people crying today are simply waiting fortheir turn, or in the case of some “wailing wailers”, sad it is over.

How is it possible for anyone to C M Y K

tprincewill@yahoo.co.uk

The banality of evil in Nigeria

Dr Goodluck Jonathan sit by and watch or accept so much human suffering? This is a question I ask myself whenever I see pictures of smiling governors when the masses who voted them in are constantly degraded by harsh living conditions.

We laughed at Obanikoro and his crass campaign against open defecation but the question is, why is the quality of life in Nigeria still so humiliatingly poor? We drive past deprived and broken spirits, reduced to an almost animal state of mind, ignoring the fact that only fate, not opportunity or talent or a lack thereof, made some rich and others poor in Nigeria.

This is the banality of evil in our country: there are so many excuses Nigerians give to explain away corruption, we all pretend to hate it even as we celebrate the godlike power, status and impunity it provides.

If the accusations levelled against SamboDasuki or Diezani Allison-Madueke are proven to be true by the courts and prosecutors, the national conversation must begin to divorce ethnicity and religion, from the genocidal,

political tendency to destroy innocent lives, only to satisfy the greed of a few. How many soldiers were court-marshalled by the same Sambo Dasuki?

He called them cowards for daring to refuse to fight without the adequate arms and equipment and now he is accused of assigning contracts for arms but without

delivering them!

The irony is too disgusting, the accusation itself is so revolting that one can barely believe it is true: who would do this? Those who speak of witch-hunts have disrespected the lives of the dead soldiers and civilians: such a grave accusation cannot but be investigated and then tried, in the interest of all Nigerians.

Could the war against Boko Haram have been won sooner?

Could the Chibok girls have been found? It is in no one’s interest to play politics with such vile crimes or allegations: Nigerians must get answers. How easy it clearly is to take money meant for the betterment of all.

History will judge Nigerian leaders harshly: they capitalise on our ignorance and differences, dehumanising and humiliating us through graft, drawing us in to support the same system and actions keeping us down. We are at a turning point

in our quest for justice and equality: it is not just those accused of corruption who are on trial, it is the Nigerian mind-set, our readiness for change.

We go into politics because it is an opportunity to fleece the state and our fellow man but we rationalise this by saying the state does nothing for us. Evil is banal in Nigeria, it means nothing, it is the difference between success and failure.

But when we seek to justify it, in the eyes of the world, we paint ourselves as grotesque and terrifying. It is quite easy to render a people apathetic and unknowing of their rights and duties: Nigeria is a prime example of this.

Egotistical mercenaries Our politics denotes personal gain by all means: even the most terrible suffering inflicted on others means nothing. How did we allow such individuals, the people who make evil seem banal, pedestrian even, control the public sphere?

Why aren’t there more academics or technocrats in politics? Why is it the hallmark of egotistical mercenaries? The slogan associated with the Holocaust is “Never Again”. But mankind being what it is, many other genocides and wars followed, based solely on humanity’s ability to deny itself kindness or interestingly, human qualities. Will we say “never again” to corruption in Nigeria, after the Buhari era? Are we ready to support the prosecution of the despoilers of our commonwealth, no matter who they are?

Nothing is less sure.

Female marketers in banks

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HE house of representatives criticised the often ridiculous and unrealistic targets banks set for female marketers which amounts to prostitution.

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila once proposed a Corporate Prostitution Bill, which was shot down by bankers, he recalled. The “unethical and unwholesome practices” of banks are nothing more than what is allowed or encouraged by a society where men and women would not ask certain things of their loved ones but deny others their humanity by asking them to debase themselves for profit.

It’s the banality of evil, once again.

Governor Mimiko

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OME senators allege that Ondo State is currently borrowing from Nigerian banks (for unspecified projects and at ridiculous rates), reportedly only

Our politics denotes personal gain by all means: even the most terrible suffering inflicted on others means nothing Olusegun Mimiko

Femi Gbajabiamila because Lagos and Edo got World Bank loans. We must learn financial prudence and management lessons in this country. I hope the new finance m i n i s t e r, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun will watch states carefully and that we will end the era of frivolity whereby states borrowed but have little to show for it.

M a n y

governors ironically claim states cannot afford to pay minimum wage. Personally, I feel the discretionary use of security votes for example, should be examined. It is too easy to do as one pleases in Nigeria and to incur public debt while giving irrational, offensive reasons for doing so! *Tabia Princewill is a strategic communications consultant and public policy analyst. She is also the cohost and executive producer of a talk show, WALK THE TALK which airs on Channels TV.

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015 THE Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) started courting trouble with organised Labour last week when they met at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and announced they can no longer pay the N18,000 national minimum wage. According to them, it was introduced when the price of crude oil was $126 per barrel, arguing that now that it had plunged to about $41 per barrel the states could no longer afford to pay.

In a sharp retort, the two factions of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) led by Comrade Ayuba Wabba and Comrade Joe Ajaero respectively, struck a united chord and warned the governors to “prepare for war” if they went ahead to implement their resolution. Labour even signified its intention to demand for the increment of the minimum wage, thus heightening the sense of an impending Labour showdown.

But Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, a former president of

Governors and the minimum wage the NLC, quickly sided with organised Labour, warning his colleagues that democracy “does not run at the convenience and comfort of governors, ministers and presidents”. He reminded them that the national minimum wage was elaborately negotiated before former President Goodluck Jonathan signed it into law We can understand the discomfort the federal and state governments are going through in the face of a severe economic slump arising from the world oil glut. We, however,

believe it is imprudent to consider a downward review of the minimum wage as an option in coping with the economic situation. The minimum wage, which comes to about $3 a day, is already too low for such contemplation. Nigeria’s lowest paid workers already live below the poverty line by universal standards.

It is a sad irony that even with such a poor minimum wage profile, the payment of salaries, perks and overheads of both civil servants and political appointees of government gulps over 70 per cent of the annual

OPINION Ekweremadu’s assassination drama statement of Ohanaeze Ndigbo youths.

By Dan Owegie

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AST week, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu set out to act what typifies a Nollywood film by causing the publication of a so-called “attempt to assassinate him.” Ekweremadu in a statement by his media aide, Uche Anichukwu said the attempt occurred at about 10:00am between Apo Flyover and Dantata Construction Company’s yard, close to the Old Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Headquarters junction on his way to the National Assembly.

He claimed the suspected assassins operated in an unmarked, tinted, brand new, white-coloured Mercedez Benz AMG E63 and were chauffeured by a man who looked like someone from the Middle-belt.

He said the development had already been reported to the security agencies. What has been the outcome of the investigations?

Nigerians would want to know because this is a country where people would arrange for their kidnap to give certain impressions to certain people.

The story appears well scripted but has some loopholes. For instance, the Senate President has a police escort with guns attached to him for his protection. Were they not in the convoy where a car made several efforts to ram into his car? What were the policemen with guns doing? Were they also watching the movie or were they under instruction not to apprehend the intruders?

Without being a policeman you do not need C M Y K

any formal training to be able to apprehend the intruders referred to as “assassins” in the Ekweremadu story line.

What is needed is to fire at the tires of the intruders car to demobilise it and then easily arrest the intruders and make them confess who sent them to assassinate the Deputy Senate President. Did the policemen attached to Ekweremadu claim that anybody prevented them from apprehending the suspected assassins? This gives away the alarm as a cock and bull story that has no merit whatsoever except the commencement of a cheap blackmail against the ruling party.

Again, to say that the suspected assassins driver was dressed in clothes like persons from the Middle belt presupposes that Northerners want to eliminate an Igbo man who is the nation’s number five citizen.

Again, this fabrication does not hold water because it only seems to whip up ethnic sentiments that some Nigerians would gullibly fall for. Interestingly, this could be read in between the lines of the press

A member from minority party anywhere in the world cannot assume one of the highest positions in the house

To lend credence to this line of reasoning, 24 hours after Ekweremadu flew the kite, his kinsmen, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, to ensure a thorough investigation into the alleged attack on the Deputy Senate President. The President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, raised an alarm that “the highest Igbo political office holder is being hunted for elimination, warning that killing of the Deputy Senate President portends danger for the country.

According to them, any harm on Ekweremadu amounted to a declaration of war against Ndigbo which must be resisted at all costs. They also said they were prepared to provide security for their son to ensure his safety. Haba Ekweremadu! He has positioned the youths of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to pick up the false alarm from where he let it off. This kind of mess happens only in a country like Nigeria. Ekweremadu is positioning as the mouth piece and leader of Ndigbo and possibly positioning for Igbo presidency. Otherwise why would he embark on this intellectual voyage of scripting this movie?

Who wants the life of Ekweremadu? Why would anybody want to kill him? Since the APC government took over from the clueless PDP administration, how many people have been assassinated in Nigeria? Ekweremadu is only making mountains out of mole hill.

He is just on an expedition of cheap blackmail against a party he is reaping from

budgets of governments at all levels. This leaves very little for capital development and nothing to cater for the needs of people surviving outside government's monthly payroll.

The federal and state governments are obligated to pay the minimum wage. We are convinced that with the trimming of excesses in overall cost of governance and boosting of alternative sources of internal revenue, it can be done.

There is no more escaping the need to totally restructure the fiscal regime which the military left behind, whereby the entire nation leaves the management of the national economy in the hands of the Federal Government to spoon-feed the lower tiers.

The time has come for full fiscal federalism. It is only when the federating units are given the powers to harness their resources that the economy can be effectively diversified.

without sowing.

Ekweremadu needs to be thoroughly investigated by the Inspector General of Police. Why the sudden escalation of the agitation for Biafra few weeks into the coming on board of the APC Federal Government? Nigerians must keep a watch on Ekweremadu. He certainly have something up his sleeves.

What he seems not to be taking into account is the fact that his emergence as Deputy Senate President is an aberration. More so, when in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and politically budding society like Nigeria where power sharing among members of a wining party remains one way of assuaging all segments of the society. What happened with the emergence of Ekweremadu has never happened before in our political history, but Ekweremadu is carrying on as if he does not know that he is dressed in borrowed robes.

Granted that the election of principal officers of the Senate is a function of members, you just cannot rule out or undermine the party in power in determining what happens in the Senate or House of Representatives. A member from minority party anywhere in the world cannot assume one of the highest positions in the house from the blast of the whistle.

He has proved himself a desperate man.

Who knows which trick he would pull next in what may come as Act 1 scene 2?

Mr. Owegie, a chieftain of the APC, wrote from Benin, Edo State

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015—19 —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Which way Nigeria?

ODAY I go down T memory lane to borrow the title of the musical album

released over 30 years ago by Sonny Okosun. The first two verses of the title song of that album capture, for me, the state of our country today.

Every thing seems to be at a standstill as we grapple with ancient problems we ought by now to be done with. ‘Many years after independence we still find it hard to start/How long shall we be patient before we reach the promised land?’.

The singer goes on to urge Nigerians to save the country before it dies. That song reflects the present state of our country where we continue to move as if in a circle- just ‘dey perambulate’ as Fela would put it. What further proof do we need to show that we are in a state of inertia at the moment than the series of problems we’ve been grappling with without any solution in sight. At least the solutions so far provided have proven totally worthless. They tell us we’ve been here before as the following instances show.

For nearly a month now, long queues of vehicles waiting to buy fuel have taken over our

country. Petroleum that Nigeria produces in crude form has been elusive. Businesses have been halted and life as we know it in modern terms has come to a virtual halt. People continue to struggle to buy petrol at cut throat prices even as the money with which to buy is nowhere to be found.

Hoarding has become the order of the day and government continues to issue threats that seem to strengthen the resolve of these fuel hoarders to continue in their illicit business. Marketers complain of lack of foreign exchange with which to do business. They are telling us that unless government pays them nearly N500 billion they are being owed they would not be able to do anything to ease the pains we are in.

Muhammadu Buhari is asking the National Assembly for authorisation to pay the money.

Nigerians were here just about six months ago.

Goodluck Jonathan left Nigeria comatose with a huge energy crisis that appeared unsolvable. But after Buhari came in things took a radical change. After many weeks of relatively steady supply of petrol we are back again to

where we were. And the solution to the incessant shortage of fuel, we are being told, is the same old solution we’ve heard all these years: removal of subsidy. Buhari, we hear, is resisting pressure to do that just yet. But it seems it’s just a matter of time before the ‘come comes to become’. Ultimately, we will have to do without our beloved subsidy that seems more of an albatross on our necks now. Even when we can hardly point to the benefits of the so-called subsidy, we may have no better choice than to accept it is time we gave up on it. Perhaps that way we can have some respite.

Going apace with fuel scarcity is the even more intractable problem of power cut. The coming of the DISCOs does not seem to have taken us beyond the point NEPA and the Power Holding Company left us. We only appear to have changed names: the character remains the same. Power supply is still a very scarce and unstable commodity. One wouldn’t know what connection that has with the recently announced ban on

The common people, ordinary Nigerians, are the ones being invited to get hit in order for us all to save our country

importation of small duty generators- the ‘I-better-passmy-neighbour’ type. We do know that companies importing generators have been fingered as having bad influence on power supply companies. Rumour has it that they are not averse to greasing the palms of NEPA/PHCN and now DISCOs officials who cut power in order to encourage Nigerians to buy more generators that are leaving our environments more polluted than ever.

But the issue is that power supply or the lack of it has been a problem since God-knowswhen. In my part of our country, we have been without public power supply for the second week running. Nobody is saying anything about this even when the so-called marketers of the DISCOs go about distributing bills for power they didn’t supply. The only solution long-suffering Nigerians thought they had to combat the regime of darkness imposed on them by the power providers is the recourse to the purchase of ‘I-better-pass-myneighbour’ generators. Why did Buhari choose to place his ban on this very type of generators? Is this an attack on the common people, or a way to say that the fumes from this type of generators are more noxious than the bigger types to be found in the homes of wealthy Nigerians? Can this ban be the solution to our power problem?

When we leave that to look in another direction, we see that we are still a long way from home. With all these problems from scarcity of fuel and near permanent power outage, there is no room for the average Nigerian to manoeuvre their way out of crisis. We are not yet talking of those in the private sector.

But those in the public sector have to pay more to get to work. And because they have no power to do basic things at home they will probably go to work not well rested having spent the whole night fanning themselves in this hot weather.

Even though many of them have been working now for nearly a year without salary in spite of the so-called bail-out that the beneficiary state governments have refused to pay- in spite of being owed backlog of nearly a year ’s salaries, the latest talk from our governors is that the workers must be ready to take a cut in pay. The minimum wage bill of N18,000 is now too much for the states to carry and they are threatening to sack wherever they can’t cut wages.

The common people, ordinary Nigerians, are the ones being invited to get hit in order for us all to save our countr y. The ver y people who brought us to this state of regression where we take one step forward and several backwards are everywhere living happily. They go on as if they know nothing about the foul smell of corruption that is now choking us all. Those of them who have been accused of corruption and have been found guilty have not been brought to justice. They are still at their familiar game of looking for escape routes rather than returning what they have taken illegally. The National Assembly is about investigating Justice Danladi Umar in a case of corruption even as Senate President, Bukola Saraki, continues his defence over a case of false declaration of assets before the same Umar. A dejavu affair: If you Tarka me I will Daboh you!

Arms and President Jonathan’s National Security Adviser Y every standard, even in Nigeria B where new standards are set every day in our never ending quest

to shock and awe the world with impunity, the figures reeled out against former National Security Adviser Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) would boggle any mind.

According to Femi Adesina, special adviser to President Buhari on media and publicity, citing the interim report of the Air Vice Marshall Ode panel on arms procurements since 2007, no less than N643 billion and $2.2 billion was spent through—to use either the panel’s or Adesina’s quaint phrase— ”interventions from some organisations that provided funds” for what turned out to be “illicit and fraudulent financial transactions” under the guise of arming the military to put down the Boko Haram Islamic fundamentalist insurgency.

But these figures were conjured out of the witch-hunting hat of Buhari’s investigative panel, say Jonathan and Dasuki in effect. Speaking from Washington, D.C., in the United States where he gave a speech on “elections and democratic consolidation in Africa,” Jonathan denied awarding any billion-dollar arms contract. “I did not award any $2 billion contract for procurement of weapons,” he said, adding for emphasis: “Where did the money come from?”

The figures truly beggar belief, especially in a country borrowing money to pay salaries, and make Jonathan sad.

“Sometimes, I feel sad when people mention these figures,” he said—shaking his head and a step from weeping for his country of liars and witch-hunters, I imagine.

C M Y K

Yet, Dasuki, his NSA, may implicate him in any scandal that may yet be proved, even if in the end the figures are not exact to the last fraction of a billion. “Nigerians should note,” said Dasuki in his reaction to Adesina’s statement and the report that President Buhari had ordered the arrest of all persons indicted in the report,”that all the services generated the types of equipment needed, sourced suppliers most times and after consideration by the Office of the NSA, the President will [sic] approve application for payment.”

He who asserts must prove, so Dasuki must now tender evidence to show that he was not usurping the powers of the military command by turning himself into the “clearing house” in the procurement of weapons for the armed forces. Not a small thing, I think, when an individual becomes a house. Jonathan: “I did not award any $2 billion contract for procurement of weapons.” Dasuki: “There was no contract awarded or equipment bought without approval from the then President and Commander-in-Chief.” Apparently, arms were bought. Dasuki even names the types and the quantities, including Alpha jets,

We have been content to allow public servants become our lords and masters under any guise

helicopters and other military hardware that we do not have to search for with a magnifying glass.

The more the billions that were spent to equip our army for the fight against Boko Haram, however, the more the lives wasted (soldiers’ as civilians’).

The former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice Marshall Badeh, very loudly indicted himself by confessing that he sent soldiers to battle literally bare-handed, leading to my column “Arms and the Nigerian Army” (Vanguard, 5 August 2015).

Yet,Dasuki cites grateful acknowledgements of delivery of the very weapons that the service chiefs had requested and were bought by him (Dasuki, as it is safe to assume). Why then our soldiers were driven to mutiny and Brigadier Enitan RansomeKuti was sacrificed in a face-saving measure is what will prove who the liars are in this matter of arms and the man who advised former President Jonathan on security.

Which brings me to the point I mentioned earlier: how Dasuki as an ordinary NSA usurped the powers of the CDS and Minister of Defence combined. And, if Jonathan is to be believed, even the powers of the president as well. One of the most devastating results of the long and brutal military misadventure in our politics is the incalculable harm it did to our psyche as it relates to power and authority. Within the military itself, the harm was total: professionalism and discipline were destroyed.

Thus, General Abacha’s chief security officer, a mere major, became so powerful that Generals fell at his feet to beg for their lives after being framed in a coup plot.

Just as a colonel, and a retired one at that, became the “clearing house” for arms procurement for the military.

Where was the Chief of Defence Staff in all of this? And the Minister of Defence to whom the CDS and the service chiefs ought to report, the minister in turn reporting to the president? How did it become possible for the NSA whose role ends with advising the president on security matters, and so with policy issues, end up as the “clearing house” of the armed forces?

If it is true that Dasuki was never invited to state his case before the interim report damning him was compiled, then that is a lapse that President Buhari must not accept. Yet even after Dasuki shall have been heard, by the panel or the courts, this question will remain his strongest indictment in the court of public opinion.

By the same token, it shall also be our collective indictment: that we have been content to allow public servants become our lords and masters under any guise.

Our military-wounded psyche needs to be healed fast else we shall remain slaves to power.

20 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

— 21

UNCTAD urges oil, gas, mining sectors to create more jobs

T

TRAINING: From left, Deputy Director, Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Department, Na-

tional Youth Service Corps, Mr. Lanre Ologunro; Chief Executive Officer, F.A.T.E. Foundation, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi; Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa and Programme Manager, LEAP AFRICA, Mrs Ndifreke Ekwuegbunam during the flag off of NYSC-BoI Graduate Entrepreneurship FUND training programme at NYSC Camp, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.

‘Bad roads cost Nigeria N296trn annually’

By Franklin Alli

T

HE Regional Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Cement Plc, Arvin Pathak has disclosed that Nigeria is losing$1.5 billion (about N296 trillion) annually, due to poor condition of roads.

Pathak, an engineer, presented his paper during a session on ‘Transport System as a Backbone for the actualization of National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP): Strategies for Implementation,’ held in Akure. He gave a vivid picture of the state of Nigerian

$120. 15

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$3,332. 00

28. 00

$15.40

-0.01

45. 79

42.69 CURRENCY BUYING DOLLAR 196

0. 96

inconvenience to users.

According to him, government would find out that concrete roads are the way to go because of easy availability of indigenously produced cement, uncertainty about bitumen availability in future.

He added: “Present cement capacity in Nigeria is around 41 million ton per annum while the expected demand of cement is 20 million in 2015. The capacity of cement plants under construction is 8.5 million tons per annum. Also there is adequate quantity of cement of international quality now available within the country.

“This is against the fact that bitumen is derived from petroleum crude and the world supply of crude is not inexhaustible.

It may last for another 25 years or so, but prices will continue to increase beyond expectation. It is in the country’s interest to conserve petroleum products and to adopt more eco-friendly and cost effective technologies.”

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CENTRAL

196.5 298.8608 299.6232

197

POUNDS 300.3856 EURO 209.328 209.862 210.396 FRANC 192.7995 193.2914 193.7832 YEN 1.5945 1.5986 1. 6027 CFA 0.3001 0.3101 0.3201 WAUA 269.9635 270. 6522 271.

3409 RENMINBI 30.6888 30.7676 30. 8463 RIYAL 52.2583 52.3916 52.5249 SDR 270. 4408 271.1307 271.

8206 KRONA 28.0533 28.1249 28.1964

CBN Exchange Rate as at 24/11 /15 C M Y K

bituminous roads constructed few years ago as opposed to concrete roads in the USA and India which were constructed over 80 years ago and still smooth. He said roads play a very important part in nation’s infrastructure development and well-designed concrete roads require little maintenance over 40 year design lives.

“Using concrete roads will result in less fuel consumption and less emissions.

Small percentage reduction of life time energy use associated with roads will have significantly positive implications on sustainable development. Concrete roads are durable and safe. Less prone to wear and tear and low maintenance requirements is one of the principal advantages of concrete roads.”

Urging for a new policy that will accommodate the use of concrete for roads in the light of the defects of bituminous road and its attendant strain on the nation’s lean economy, the Dangote Cement boss, said the country will free itself of frequent maintenance and overlay repeatedly increased costs and cause

HE UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) yesterday urged Africa’s oil, gas and mining sectors to leverage the sector by creating more direct and indirect jobs.

An UNCTAD statement said in Lagos that the oil, gas and mining industries, currently employing one per cent of Africa’s workforce, could create more stable, direct and indirect wagepaying jobs.

It said that jobs would not only promote economic growth but also protect the environment and foster social inclusion. The statement said the UNCTAD 17th African OILGASMINE meeting, started in Khartoum, Sudan, Monday and end tomorrow. It focuses on redefining the extractive industry for greater productivity.

It added that participants would analyse the potential for exploration and production of oil and gas and investment opportunities in Sudan and other African countries.

“In Africa, only around five million new jobs are created for more than 12 million young women and men joining the labour force every year. But an International Finance Corporation study in Ghana found, for example, that the creation of one direct job in the mining sector could generate 27 additional jobs in the wider economy.

Africa holds eight per cent of world oil and gas reserves. The U.S. Geological Society ranks the continent first or second in its share of world reserves of a long list of metals and minerals such as bauxite and chromite.

“Others are cobalt, ilmenite, industrial diamond, manganese, phosphate rock, platinum-group metals, rutile, soda ash, vermiculite and zirconium,” the statement said.

It explained that the extractive industries could bring to developing countries revenues, royalties and income taxes. More than this, it said that the development of the extractive industries could generate wider economic benefits and promote inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The statement said the industries, given their capital intensive nature, might not create many direct jobs but their linkages with the broader economy might help to generate additional jobs.

Government would find out that Concrete road is the way to go because of easy availability of indigenously produced cement, uncertainty about bitumen availability in future.

5 ships laden with petroleum products, foods arrive Lagos

F

IVE ships laden with petroleum products and food have arrived Lagos ports, waiting to berth, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said yesterday in Lagos. NPA stated this in a document, a copy of which was made available to newsmen. The document stated that the cargo on the ships were petrol, diesel, crude palm oil and rice.

NPA noted that 36 other ships would sail into the ports with various con-

signments from yesterday to Dec. 18.

The consignments are petrol, diesel, crude palm oil, rice, bulk gypsum, general cargo, containers, bulk salt, bulk sugar, steel products and buck wheat.

14 other ships are at the ports, discharging buck wheat, bulk fertilizer, general cargo, soda ash, containers, bulk gypsum, bulk sugar, petrol and bulk gas.

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

As the original founder, you have to embrace adequate grooming of successor(s) in the business line, through proper vocational or professional education

,

,

‘Skills development critical in effective retirement planning’

By Nkiruka Nnorom

I

F you want to have a good retirement after the many years you put in as a worker, you have to identify and develop requisite skills around your innate ability.

This is one of the critical ways of effectively planning for life in retirement.

Former Deputy Governor, Financial Surveillance Sector of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Tunde Lemo made the assertion at a seminar organised by Meristem Wealth Management Limited with the theme, “Retirement Planning: Planning ahead, Reaping after the Toil” in Lagos.

Lemo emphasised the need for financial planning, saying that it would help a retiree to meet unforeseen and identified needs as well as ensure that money made during active years are well utilised during retirement.

He, however, said that despite the many benefits of financial planning, depending on it alone as a buffer might not be enough due to changes in global economy and longer life expectancy that puts strain on pension funds pools.

Pension fund pools “You need to develop skills that will be very useful when your normal nine to five job is no longer there. Everyone has innate personal capability that is superior to someone else’s.

Just as we have unique biometric features, there is something God has deposited in you that is better than others, including your bosses.

So, you need to ask yourself, what is it that I am capable of doing and doing better than others and begin to build skills around it. That is your major retirement benefit that will pay you much better than any other investment option,” he said.

He also advocated a change in lifestyle, saying that there is need to shrink ones expenses to be able to save the surplus to fall back on post-retirement.

He further advocated investing in money and capital market instruments as well as real estate, but stressed that experts advice must be sought while doing that.

Lemo listed some of the C M Y K

pitfalls in retirement planning to include starting too late, putting away too little and investing conservatively, while saying that investments that give real returns should be focused on.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Sulaimon Adedokun, CEO, Meristem Wealth Management Limited, said that what is of utmost importance is to ensure that available resources are well allocated in the face of rising inflation. “How you save and invest towards your retirement is just as important as how much you save. Inflation is one of the key factors to consider while adopting a diversified income generating strategy for investing. The type of investment you make determines how much you will have saved at retirement. By diversifying, you reduce risk and more likely improve return,” he said.

“For us, it is about managing the entire asset allocation; the transition from what you do from asset allocation to income allocation becomes something very important.

At retirement, you are no more focusing on asset allocation; you are focusing on income allocation.

How do I manage my income and how do I allocate assets according to the needs I will face during retirement. Again, the concept of retirement has to be risk-based. Check the risk, quarantine the risk and manage the risk. So when you are allocating assets, you have to do it in such a manner that gives you peace of mind,” he added.

You need to develop skills that will be very useful when your normal nine to five job is no longer there

INSURAN Make systemic plan for business sustainability before your death Stories By Rosemary Onuoha

M

OST businesses have not been able to outlive their founders, due to their failure to make deliberate and systematic plan before their death. In other words, most businesses have failed after the original founder due to lack of deliberate and systematic plan in the transfer of the ownership of the business from one family to the next.

As an entrepreneur running whether a small or big business, your desire is to see your business flourish and outlive you.

If you want to realise this, as the original founder, you have to embrace adequate grooming of successor(s) in the business line, through proper vocational or professional education.

You should know that succession issues are not limited to the Nigeria’s family businesses alone, but is of universal appeal.

Interestingly, family businesses, which may either, be sole trading or vocational businesses, including professional practices which are of relatively recent origin, constitute an important group of enterprises within the small to medium scale sector.

Experts are of the opinion that when most business founders become successful in the businesses, out of the fear of their own backgrounds, they often educate their children in exotic disciplines unrelated to their line of business, thereby lending credence to the ‘qualified but not suitable’ syndrome, a veritable panacea for succession failure.

According to experts, this kind of education fails to inculcate into the would-be successor, the dream, passion,

Business owners should also see insurance as the best investment vehicle and approach genuine insurance companies for sound investment advice for sustainability of businesses

discipline and sometimes the integrity of the founder, which are his/her personal attributes, and which are non-transferable.

Hence, as an entrepreneur, you should establish a clear and meaningful strategic development process for easy succession with a view to sustaining the business because succession plan is required and should be carried out at the right time.

Governance structure However, such succession plan must be crafted early enough and proper values must also be instilled in the successor because this knowledge is essential to project the ethos of sustainability of businesses with good corporate governance structure entrenched in any business.

Group Managing Director of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Mr. Akin Ogunbiyi, said that business owners should also see insurance as the best investment vehicle and approach genuine insurance companies for sound investment advice for sustainability of businesses.

Consolidated Hallmark records 120% growth in PAT C ONSOLIDATED Hallmark Insurance (CHI) Plc has recorded profit after tax of N389,749,44 for the third quarter ended 30th September 2015.

The figure represents a 120 per cent growth from N176,781,230 recorded in the corresponding nine months period ended September 2014.

The unaudited results which

have been presented to shareholders of the company by the Nigerian Stock Exchange show that gross premium income during the period under review, increased from N3,872,133,111 to N4,939,411,645 despite the increasing competition in the

AGM: From left, Mr Martin Wayer, Director; Senator Usman Umar, Director; Mr. Glory Etaduovie, Acting Managing Director; Senator Jonathan Zwingina, Chairman; and Mr. Peter Iren, all of IEI Anchor Pensions during its Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Lagos.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

,

CE & YOU

— 23

When most business founders become successful in the businesses, out of the fear of their own backgrounds, they often educate their children in exotic disciplines unrelated to their line of business

,

Microinsurance, way forward for insurance sector — Wiggle

C

TRAINING: From left, Dr. Femi Oyediran, 1st Vice President, Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN); Mr. Duro Abdusalam, Acting Registrar; Mrs. M. S. Waziri, member; Dr. Dahiru Adamu, President; and Prof Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, 2nd Vice President during the 22nd IPAN training workshop, in Lagos.

“With a little premium, insurance gives confidence that guarantees personal well-being and comfort as well as investments that engender the much desired development and growth,” Ogunbiyi said.

Ogunbiyi said, “For instance, several years ago, the textile industry in the United States of America suffered a severe setback because of frequent fire outbreaks in textile mills.

The insurance industry in the US with its ingenuity intervened with tailor-made risk management services and insurance policies and a

dramatic growth ensued.

“We in Mutual Benefits have demystified the myth that this potentially huge business of spreading risks in order to promote substantial investments in the productive sector, cannot thrive in the informal sector even better than it is doing in the formal sector.

industry and difficult operating terrain.

Further details of the result reveal a 64 per cent growth in underwriting profit as Consolidated Hallmark posted N1,258,313,645 when compared with N768,309,168 for the 3rd quarter ended 30th September, 2014.

through the deployment of epayment channels, whilst also engaging more with her

Modest results Managing Director of the company, Mr Eddie Efekoha, attributed the modest results to the high premium CHI has continued to place on customer service and the attention given to prompt claims settlement.

The amount expended on claims by the company during the period rose to N902,208,592 from N826,149, 943 spent during the corresponding period in 2014.

CHI is desirous of maintaining her excellent customer service reputation and is currently leveraging on technology to ensure seamless transactions

Formal sector Being an entrepreneur, you should also be cautious of putting your money into

alluring investment structures because a lot of fraudulent investment vehicles are in existence. In essence, you should be careful about jumping into any investment vehicle without carrying out due diligence about such investment.

Group Managing Director of Custodian & Allied Insurance Plc, Mr. Wole Oshin said that people should not get into any structure that promises 50 per cent return on investment in the immediate term when you don’t know how the 50 per cent could come about.

numerous customers through the social media platforms.

Pool Re to boost terrorism retentions

P

OOL Reinsurance Co. Ltd. announced it will increase its retention loss for a terrorism event by £35 million ($53.3 million), taking effect at the start of next year.

Since 2006, the Pool Re members’ retention loss had remained at £100 million ($152.4 million) for any one event. Jan. 1, 2016, the retention will increase to £135 million ($205.7 million) for any one event and will be capped at an annual aggregate of £270 million ($411.4 million) any year, a company statement said. The change is to assist in the return of a normalized U.K. terrorism insurance market, after recent events, Pool Re said in a statement.

“Our continued goal is to re-engage global capacity in the provision of terrorism cover in Great Britain, said Steve Coates, chief underwriting officer for London-based Pool Re, in the statement.

“This process started with the purchase of retrocession cover from global re-insurers in March this year, which saw significant aggregated cover provided in Great Britain for the first time since 1992. Given the industry retention had been unaltered since 2006, there seemed to be scope to return more of the risk to the local market. We will continue to examine ways to secure more capacity from insurers and re-insurers, so as to increase scheme resilience and ensure that Pool Re only provides capacity that the market is unable to.”

Send comments & enquiries to insuranceandyou@yahoo.com

HAIRMAN of Nigerian Insurers Association, NIA, Mr. Godwin Wiggle has said that the way forward for the insurance industry is to have closer interaction with the microinsurance sector.

Wiggle who stated this at the first microinsurance fair in Lagos last week, said that the insurance industry also needs intensive capacity building and greater expertise in microinsurance, providing unique microinsurance services, development of people friendly products, and improved innovative distributive system.

Wiggle said the fair was the first ever on microinsurance subsector and also first deliberate effort as NIA to reach out to the informal sector of our economy.

Informal sector Wiggle said, “The insurance industry regulator, NAICOM, has sets out the framework, road map, market and regulatory strategic directions for the operation of microinsurance in Nigeria.

Our aim is to bring together all stakeholders concerned with micro insurance in Nigeria with the overall objective of ensuring that both the demand side and the supply side of micro insurance are in sync together. This conference is also meant to create awareness for our member’s micro insurance products for informal sector of the economy.

“It is common knowledge that insurance culture is very low among the informal sector and it would take deliberate effort like this to win the confidence of this sector.

The country diagnostic study says less than 1% of the adult population in Nigeria have access to a (voluntary) insurance policy. Nigeria is among the least countries in terms of insurance contribution to GDP which is around 0.72%. The Nigerian insurance sector is regarded as “a grossly untapped opportunity ” because we have not yet appealed to the informal sector which constitute over 80% of our population.

“Microinsurance is targeted at the informal sector and the low income masses.

It is the most veritable tool for mitigating losses from unexpected accidents and disasters. Low income groups are invariably exposed to innumerable risks. Microinsurance works on the phenomenon of risk transfer mechanism characterised by low premiums and low coverage limits.

“As an industry, we will continually seek for opportunities to court the friendship of this sector. For us the future of our industry most probably lies in what we do with this sector and how they the sector accepts our products and services. We are optimistic that the relationship we are starting today will continue to blossom and get stronger,” Wiggle stated.

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

Consultations for new electricity tariffs (3)

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From left, Mrs Olufunke Fowler-Amba, Chairman Planning Committee, Mr Wole Oshin, guest speaker, Dr Mrs Femi Ogunsanya, Chairman, Association of Private Educators in Nigeria, APEN, and Mrs Lai Koliki, member, during the sixth Annual Conference of Association of APEN with the theme 'Beyond The Limit' that took place at the Eko Hotel in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

Guinness unveils strategic plans to drive growth

By Nkiruka Nnorom

G

UINNESS Nigeria Plc has outlined six priority areas it plans to focus on during the course of the year in order to drive performance in 2015/2016 financial year. According to the company, it intends to strengthen and accelerate the growth of its premium core brands like Guinness and Malta Guinness, as well as continue to innovate to meet consumers’ needs.

It also intends to build and extend the route to consumers by ensuring that its products get to the final consumers at the right price and right quality.

Additionally, the company said it plans to source more of its raw materials locally, increasing the local content from 27 per cent to 75 per cent in the next three years, while also ensuring that it has the right people and right capability, especially in the commercial side of its business.

Addressing journalists at the company’s pre-AGM press briefing in Lagos, the CEO, Mr. Peter Ndegwa, assured that the future holds great promise for all stakeholders as Guinness continues to grow the business on the back of quality, innovation and technology.

“Our long-term sustainability is dependent on the consistent provision of quality products that do not only meet customers’ expectations but also create impressive returns to all stakeholders, be they shareholders, employees, trade partners, and suppliers. We are resolutely committed to these goals,” Ndegwa assured.

Describing the operating environment as challenging due to declining oil prices, tighter monetary policy measures, infla-

tion, and pre-election slowdown in economic activities, Ndegwa said the company nonetheless posted an impressive performance in its full year results for the period ended 30th June, 2015.

Ndegwa stated, “We delivered a nine per cent increase in net sales during the year in a tough trading environment largely driven by the growth in our Ready-To-Drink category and value beer segment.

Our gross profit also grew by nine per cent. During the year, we continued to invest significantly behind our brands and our route to consumer expansion”.

The overall results reflect strong volume growth on the back of year-on-year impressive perform-

ance of its innovation and value brands.”

Speaking on the intended increase in the proportion of local raw material used in its production, Ndegwa said:”In service of our focus to drive out cost in order to invest in growth, we have increased the proportion of our locally sourced raw materials from 27 per cent to 43 per cent and our intent is to continue to increase our LRM by empowering local suppliers – including farmers, SMEs supplying other inputs that can be locally sourced and other manufacturers or suppliers of other items by giving them secure contracts that can help them attract funding.”

PZ Wilmar doles out N20m to Mamador promo winners

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By Franklin Alli

Z Cussons Plc and its joint venture partner Wilmar International Limited, have started giving out N20 million earmarked for consumers in the Mamador brands of vegetable oil ‘Cook and Cruise promotion.’

Speaking at the draw, Mrs. Bukola Bandele, General Manager Marketing, PZ Wilmar, disclosed that the promo which started last month and ends in December, is costing the company over N20 million.

“Right now, we have winners from Lagos, Abia, Rivers, Delta, and all over. I think that is wonderful; that is what every brand wants to see your consumers being happy with you.

It is our own way of saying thank you; we are not looking at recouping the money; what we

are doing is actually making sure we empower consumers. The consumer who won the N1 million today is a woman and you can imagine that the family members will benefit. That is our responsibility. That is what brands ought to do to make sure people that consume the product are rich,” she said.

According to her, the consumers are mostly women, and “so when you cook with Mamador you have a lot of opportunities to win fantastic prizes from the brand-top up cards, cash and even up to the cars.

It is our own way of saying thank you to Nigerians that love us from the beginning. People have actually loved the brand and we felt it is high time to reward them for their loyalty and to ask others to join us.”

HE revenues that an electricity distribution company, disco, should earn are made up of costs of power supplied from the generation companies to the DISCO, transmission charges, system operator charges, market operator charges, ancillary charges, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, charges, Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc charges, DISCO operating expense, DISCO return on investment, DISCO depreciation and disco debt repayment to the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The total of all of the above items must be recovered by the DISCO through tariffs.

There are losses in the electricity supply system and its financial impact for any period is the difference between the power supplied from the generation company multiplied by tariff rate and the actual amounts collected from consumers by the DISCO.

Distribution system There are energy losses in the transmission and distribution networks, power is also stolen from the distribution system and for which power no bills are issued and some consumers do not make payments for bills issued by the DISCO. The losses are described as aggregate technical, commercial and collection, ATCC, losses.

As at 1 January 2015, ATCC losses for the discos are as follows: Abuja 52.7 per cent, Benin 53.7 per cent, Eko 28.3 per cent, Enugu 49.0 per cent, Ibadan 42.5 percent, Ikeja 32.1 percent, Jos 58.0 percent and Kano 45.0 percent. Essentially, consumers do not get value for about half of the monies paid to a DISCO. Eko and Ikeja discos have the lowest level of ATCC losses largely due to their aggressive use of estimated billings for their revenues. The discos in their 10year tariff plans expect to reduce ATCC losses to a minimum within 5 years.

Benin disco, at page 6 of its 10 year tariff plan submissions, indicates that in Nigeria, power from diesel generators cost about N59.4 per KiloWatt hour, kWh. Benin disco’s tariff proposals, at page 27 of its submissions, are between N23 and N30 per kWh for all classes of its customers except the R1 low-consump-

tion category throughout the 10 year period. Abuja disco’s tariff proposals, at page 36 of its submissions, are between N22 and N48 per kWh for all classes of its customers except the R1 low-consumption category during 2016 and 2017.

Ikeja disco, at page 9 of its submissions, indicated that for 2016 it could provide power through embedded generation at N30 per kWh. The significance is that a neighbourhood with embedded generation would have 24-hour supply each day all year round. From the figures above, embedded generation would be a necessary supplement to the national grid to ensure power supply at prices that could be justified as economic and efficient.

NERC did not allow a projected increase in the tariff

Essentially, consumers do not get value for about half of the monies paid to a DISCO applicable to R2 category residential customers in the first quarter of 2015 because of the 2015 national elections.

The tariff freeze for this class remains in place and the discos expect to recover their revenue shortfalls for the period of the freeze with the shortfalls being built into the new tariffs.

Given that the average of about 3800MW available on the national grid in 2015 is grossly inadequate and the fact of another national election in 2019, I believe that the tariff under consideration should be for the period 2015 to 2018. NERC, National Integrated Power Projects, the generation companies, the transmission company and the discos would have 2016 and 2017 in which to get some projects completed for a more efficient national grid placed on the path of well-defined growth without any excuses for non-performance. A new round of tariff reviews can be carried out in 2018.

TO BE CONTINUED

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015—25

DIARY Regional Economic and Financial Forum for Arab States Bahrain, South East Asia November 29, 2015

Horizon 2020 coordinators day November 26, 2015-11-24 Brussels, Belgium

Preview Batteriser extends battery life

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he new batteriser claims to extend any given disposable battery life by up to 800%.

The gadget is essentially a sleeve for batteries, being 0.1mm thick and working by restoring the power of fading batteries back to their fully functioning 1.5v.

1.5v is the trigger point for batteries. Once a battery fails to maintain that level the battery will stop working, leaving you with a worthless battery despite having 80% of their power still in them.

Normally, when a battery drops below 1.5v, it stops working in most gadgets – so we throw away batteries with 80% of their power left unused.

C M Y K

IT stakeholders set agenda for Communications Minister •call for implementation of broadband plan

By Emeka Aginam

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ESPITE persistent calls by stakeholders for the creation of Information Technology, IT, Ministry, the Federal government of Nigeria recently renamed the Communications Technology Ministry as the Ministry of Communication with the appointment of Mr. Adebayo Shittu as the new Minister.

Although the IT professionals had earlier urged the government to appoint a seasoned IT professional to head the Ministry and other IT agencies so as to maximize and deepen the benefits of electronic governance and digital transformation in Nigeria, the appointment of Mr. Adebayo Shittu as the new Communication Minister has started attracting reactions from the industry with the stakeholders setting agenda.

Meanwhile, the new Minister has said that he is committed to make IT the next major source of revenue for the economy.

Digital agenda Setting the digital agenda for the new Minister, the stakeholders in the Nigerian IT ecosystem while pushing for for expedited implementation of broadband plan noted among other things that Shittu must leverage on the efforts of his predecessor, Dr Omobola Johnson to further transform the country to digital economy.

Although the appointment of the new Minister was a welcome development, the Nigerian Computer Society, NCS, earlier in their meeting with Secretary to the Federal Government , Babachir David Lawal had urged the government to appoint an IT professional to head the Ministry.

Use IT to build economy, tackle terrorism For the President of NCS, Prof.

Adesola Aderounmu, while speaking to Technology Journalists last week in Lagos to unfold activities for the 2015 National Information Technology Merit Award (NITMA) slated to hold tomorrow in Lagos noted that the new Minister should use IT to achieve digital economy.

“The name of the Ministry does not matter. What is important is

•Prof. Adesola Aderounmu

activities in the Ministry. What is more important is how to use IT to drive the economy.

Continuing, Aderounmu said: “We call for urgent deployment of IT to tackle Boko Haram and terrorism in Nigeria. NCS is ready to provide practical solutions using IT to solve the problem.”

Implement broadband plan For the President of Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, Engr. Lanre Ajayi, the new Minister must expedite action in the implementation of the Broadband plan. “ We would expect that the minister sustains existing policies and ensures rapid implementation”, he added.

Digitize broadcasting in Nigeria The statement by the new Minister of Communication to transform ICT as the key revenue earner for the nation, according

We would expect that the minister sustains existing policies and ensures rapid implementation

•Mr. Adebayo Shittu

•Mr. Adeolu Ogunbanjo Jimson Olufuye, the Chairman of Africa ICT Alliance, AfICTA, is highly welcome.

“The Minister therefore should make priority the digitization of broadcasting in Nigeria to free spectrum for increased broadband penetration. “ The issue of multiple taxation and right of way, quality of service, smart regulations and cybercrime should be of concern as well. Support for bottom-up multi-stakeholder approach to policy development and implementation is key along with full and constructive engagement at the African and International ICT ecosystem", he said.

Interface with Police on mobile phone crime / Cybercrime In order to reduce mobile phone crime / cyber-crime, the President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOMS), Mr. Adeolu Ogunbanjo, urged the new Minister to interface with the Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies in order to make mobile phone crime / cyber-crime a step-by-step reporting process that is less

•Jimson Olufuye

•Engr. Lanre Ajayi cumbersome and without any encumbrance. “ This will encourage the reporting of mobile phone/ cybercrime as well as make tracking of fraudsters easier. The current mobile phone crime / cyber-crime reporting process is very stressful, very cumbersome and excessively engaging”, he said.

Price cap reduction to N20 per minute While noting that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been operating N50 price cap regulation since 2001 to date, the NATCOMS President pointed out that the Minister should as a matter of urgency reduce the current price cap to N20 per minute.

It would be recalled that Shittu while addressing directors and staff of the Ministry of Communications on assumption of duty in Abuja recently had said that he would turn things around by exploring the untapped potentials of the ICT sector as an alternative source of revenue to the economy.Telecommunication, according to him will serve as the new cashcow for the country.

26—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

How safe is your data?

By Laju Iren

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OU might think that you have nothing to worry about when it comes to cyber security. But you are probably wrong. According to a recent survey, 95 percent of networks have been breached. 66 percent of those are not even aware of the network breach.

Studies have also found that the amount spent on cyber security by governments and corporate organizations is increasing by 10 percent every year.

It isn’t enough to gape in disbelief. Here are some measures you put in place to ensure a safer network for your organization or business.

Look to the cloud Clouds have privacy and security controls to ensure that only the people you want to access your data are able to.

Moving components onto third-party clouds could actually provide added resilience against events such as local power loss at sites.

Many clouds are backed up at multiple locations, meaning that if one of the provider’s servers goes down your data will still be available from somewhere else.

Be sure to use a reliable service provider with good history. also, let your provider know what data you would like deleted after a certain period of time.

Oracle makes case for ‘cloud’

By Laju Iren OR Oracle’s stand point, the future looks grim for the current On-Premise operating model which many companies adopt for their Information Technology needs.

Research shows that IT equipment is aging faster-up to 30 % in some industries. An average of 80 percent of companies’ IT budget is spent on maintenance and integration rather than innovation and progress. Yet system failures are increasing and despite cybersecurity spending growing at 10 percent per year, 95 percent of networks have been breached.

The solution to all these, Oracle says is to look up, literarily to the Cloud. This was the focus of the Oracle cloud day which held in Lagos recently. Managing Director for Oracle Nigeria said: “The world is moving from Onpremise to cloud. The train has left already; that is the future.

Cloud computing provides better, more reliable security at the lowest cost with the least complexity and more rapid innovation.”

The event sought to bring together private and public sector players, creating a platform for networking with experts and business peers, in the form of themed tracks/ sessions with unique agendas that focus on various aspects of cloud computing. “The biggest

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challenges that would have made companies reluctant to migrate to cloud have been solved by Oracle,” said the Oracle Nigeria Boss, “we have the capacity to take our customers to the cloud and we have the statistics to show. 19 of the 20 top cloud providers run on Oracle. 75 percent of the Fortune 100 companies run Oracle cloud. We have 19 data centres in 195 countries with about 70 million subscribers running over 33 billion transactions a day.”

Secure software During the event, the participants had the opportunity to learn how to reduce risk and complexity in their businesses by using the most comprehensive, secure Software as a Service ( SaaS ) , Platform as a Service ( PaaS ) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud offerings on the market.

The Enterprise Technology Challenge organised by the Co-Creation Hub, and sponsored by Oracle as a platinum sponsor, was designed to mobilize Nigerian software developers and designers to build innovative, locally appealing and relevant web and mobile apps that enable & support small & growing businesses in Nigeria.

Fortify hardware and software It pays to have reliable antivirus software on your organisation’s computers. Go a step further in updating your anti-virus and other software regularly.

You should also be careful about the kind of software you install on your computer so that you don’t open up the door for malware and other malicious activities. Also, work with your IT team to ensure that your hardware is secure as well.

Back up regularly Imagine what would happen if you lost all your data? Keep that imagination in mind until you have backed up your data in multiple secure locations.

Don’t procrastinate, do it now, and do it often.

Train your staff It won’t do you any good if you’re the only one who cares about securing your network.

Get experts to train your staff often on habits they need to imbibe to ensure cyber security.

Money, money, money Don’t always go for the cheap stuff. Speak with your CTO or head of IT on how to make reasonable investments to secure your network.

Sometimes a trusted third party company who has data security as its core might be a better option for you. Weigh all your options before making a decision.

MainOne upgrades submarine cable network to 100G with Xtera

By Richard Udofia

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NE of Africa’s leading communications services and data centre providers, Mainone Company recently announced the completion of the upgrade of its submarine cable network between Nigeria, Ghana and Portugal to a 100G wavelength system.

The new 100G wavelength upgrade, implemented using the Xtera Nu-wave Optima optical networking platform is expected to provide additional capacity support for the company’s delivery of high-bandwidth services, and a more resilient network for its customers.

This upgrade provides the company the capability to offer higher capacity bandwidth to its wholesale customers in West Africa who are increasingly demanding such services for Internet access via their 3G and 4G networks.

Chief executive officer of the company, Ms. Funke Opeke at the event in Lagos said ”we are starting to see an information explosion in West Africa that has brought about a dramatic increase in network traffic this year and this has highlighted the need to scale up our network for future demand.

As a leading provider of data capacity to 8 countries in West Africa, and

with the pending integration of our NigerCam system to Cameroun and Nigeria’s SouthSouth region, we needed to deploy more advanced technology to reliably meet our customer’s need for advanced and robust communications services.

This upgrade to 100G provides MainOne the platform to further deepen broadband penetration in West Africa and meet the demands of our growing wholesale data business”.

Meanwhile the chief executive officer of Xtera, Mr. Jon Hopper said that Xtera is extremely pleased to help MainOne upgrade its subsea cable infrastructure between Nigeria and Portugal. New capacity will be added during this upgrade by deploying our high-capacity, long-distance optical networking product, Nu-Wave Optima.

•Funke-Opeke

Dell unveils new servers to boost SME productivity

By Emeka Aginam

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ND-to-end IT solutions provider, Dell, has unveiled the newest additions to its highly successful Dell PowerEdge 13th generation servers , created to help small and midium size enterprises (SMEs) prepare for future growth.

The new Dell PowerEdge servers included the PowerEdge R330 and R230 rack servers and the PowerEdge T330 and T130 tower servers.

According to the Research Director, Enterprise Servers, IDC, Jed Scaramella, the latest Dell PowerEdge servers address specific pain points of SMEs, including performance and speed, thereby helping customers accelerate performance, adapt to changing application demands and attain greater operational efficiency.

Scarmella said that, “Dell has a long history addressing the unique needs of small and midsize customers. Dell’s mainstream server portfolio is growing, and their new entry-level PowerEdge servers will be appealing to additional SMEs around the world who are hoping to save time and money while reducing business risk.”

Offering large amounts of internal storage

capacity, extensive configuration flexibility, and an expandable memory footprint, the new entry-level PowerEdge servers feature up to four DDR4 memory slots and up to four or eight hard drives, enabling customers to accelerate compute performance across a wide range of applications.

They also guarantee faster response times, with DDR4 delivering 33 percent faster memory performance compared to DDR3 memory.

As the Vice President and General Manager of Dell Server Solutions, Ashley Gorakhpurwalla noted, SMEs can combine the new PowerEdge servers with Dell’s endto-end portfolio of hardware, software and services to enable operational efficiency and flexibility at any scale.

In his words, “There are over 125 million SOHO and SME customers around the globe, and these customers operate in challenging, fast-changing environments – with most not having the luxury of a dedicated IT department. These customers require IT solutions that help them prepare for future growth, drive application performance and improve operational efficiency and for decades, Dell has been helping customers achieve these goals.’’

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015—27

Rolof Computers bags 2015 IT products company award

By Richard Udofia

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NCC to tackle bad telecom services with 6-point agenda •As subscribers lose N30b monthly to unsolicited texts

By Prince Osuagwu

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HE industry consumer advisory forum, ICAF, set up by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, last week, drew 6-point agenda aimed at taming the unsolicited text message and other bad services which subscribers have consistently regarded as parasite to their meagre economies.

This follows the allegation by the National Association of Telecom Subscribers, NATCOMS, that its members lose in excess of N30 billion monthly due to poor telecommunications services.

The loss which amounts to about N360 billion yearly, according to the group, included those the subscribers incur from deductions the telecom operators make on their accounts through unsolicited text messages, automatic data credit removal, ‘ringtone services, jobs & other services messages, borrow me credit services and other credit depletion services.

Consumer rights President of the Association, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, at the fourth quarter meeting of the telecoms Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF) in Lagos yesterday, said the development was pure violation of consumer rights.

He described the situation as a rip-off and challenged the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC and other relevant authorities to come to the aid of the Nigerian subscribers by some enforcements that would put a stop to the menace.

Ogubanjo said that his association came to that statistics with calculations of several deductions ranging from N200 and above from these unwanted messages, adding that when multiplied among the over 150 million active subscribers, the amounts is even far from that estimation.

He described unsolicited SMS’s are a modern scourge, plaguing our mobile phones with unwanted adverts and offers, often from network operators and dodgy companies.

According to him, telecoms operators in Nigeria are regularly taking advantage of Subscribers on their network in many ways.

“These ‘a-little-at-a-time credit depletion syndrome’, ‘a little everyday credit depletion syndrome’, ‘automatic data credit removal syndrome’, ‘ringtone,

jobs & other services depletion syndrome’ as well as ‘borrowme credit overdeduction syndrome,’” he said.

NCC vice chairman, Prof Umar “Putting Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. together all the diagnostic credit Gbenga Adebayo, reacted that on the depletion syndromes employed by issue of unsolicited text messages, telecom operators and the value which is impinging on the quality of added service providers in service deliver, all hands must be on unsolicited SMS, automatic data deck. plan / service renewals and “We all must work together as unauthorized credit depletion and stakeholders. The regulators, the removals, the average Nigerian operators as well as the consumers subscribers loses a modest must take collective responsibility on minimum of N200 to telecoms the state of quality of service. he said. operators every month.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian “By multiplying N200 by the 150 Communications said it was going million subscribers in the country, to ensure that rip off of consumers this amounts to loss of N30 billion from these kinds of unwanted for subscribers monthly and in a services stops. year, the loss is estimated at N360 Director Consumer Affairs of the billion,” he said.

NCC, Alhaji Abdulahi Maikano, However, chairman of the said that the NCC was going to Association of Licensed Telecoms engage the operators to see a way

By multiplying N200 by 150 m subscribers, this amounts to loss of N30 billion for subscribers monthly

out for the health of the industry.

He however warned that these are not the kind of infractions that subscribers would expect the commission to impose fines on the operators. The event wound with a communique which resolved the following : * That service providers should progress from customer satisfaction to positive customer experience for all their subscribers.

ICT, imperative for sustainable development in Nigeria— Omowole

By Prince Osuagwu

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HILE there are improvements in ICT oriented services, Nigeria as a country, and Africa at large is still behind in terms of emerging technologies - genetics, nanotechnology, robotics, biotechnology and artificial intelligence.

This is the view of Chief Executive Officer, Mascot Information and Technology Solutions, Mr. Agbolade Omowole.

Omowole said that this, among other issues informed his company’s decision to embark on a two-day emerging and life extending technologies workshop themed: “The role of emerging technologies in sustainable economic development in Nigeria.”

The two day event is scheduled to hold on December 4 at Magrellos Eateries, Amuwo Odofin and on December 5, at the Radisson Blu Anchorage hotel, Ikoyi, both in Lagos state. Speakers at the event include; British philosopher, David Pearce,

Korea based artificial intelligence expert, Mira Kwak, U.S software developer, Micah Redding, and US space scientist, Christopher Jannette.

Kwak , one of the speakers at the event, believes that artificial intelligence can help in human creativity using artificial neural networks, decision support systems, and data mining to help industries, organization and tertiary institutions to boost and increase human creativity in Nigeria.

Pearce, on his part told Hi-Tech in an online interview: “If I lived in Africa, I would find it almost incomprehensible how people in the rich world moan and groan. But over the years, I’ve known a number of people take their own lives. The genetics and biology of suffering hits rich and poor alike.”

Dr. Ilia Stambler will speak remotely at Nigeria ICT Fest. He is an Israeli researcher on aging and believes that Nigerians have to understand the basics of healthy living if they want to live longer and better.

NE of the leading indigenous IT products reseller and owners of the Warri based Rolof Computer Academy, has been awarded the most reliable IT products company of the year 2015.

The award was given to Rolof Computers by Global Quality Excellence Awards as part of this year’s World Quality Day celebration held in Abuja.

According to Desmond Esorougwe, Secretary, African Regional Committee of the Global Quality Excellence Awards, Rolof Computers was selected for the award after a thorough and painstaking screening exercise by stakeholders picked from different sectors of the Nigerian economy. He said Rolof Computers has been able to distinguish itself by giving impactful IT services to Nigerians, especially in the South-South part of the country in the last two decades.

“As part of our effort at celebrating global best quality brands, we at Global Quality Excellence Awards are delighted to announce Rolof Computers as the winner of this year’s Global Most Reliable IT products Company 2015,” said Esorougwe.

Responding to the award, an elated Chief Executive Officer of Rolof Computers, Mr. Lucky Ofuafor said the award shows that the little the company has been doing to contribute to the success of IT services in Nigeria is being recognized.

“The award shows we are being appreciated for providing excellence IT services. This will tell our customers that we have given them value for their money for the past 20 years,” he said. Ofuafor dedicated the award to the company’s customers for their loyalty, saying they should expect better quality from Rolof Computers because to whom much is given, much is also expected. “We will continue to maintain the quality of our services and the same time improve on the standard.”

Smile rolls out 4G LTE mobile network in Benin

By Emeka Aginam

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HE wait for speedy internet connectivity in Benin City and its environs just might be over as broadband provider, Smile has rolled out its 4G Long-Term Evolution, LTE broadband services in the Edo State capital. This follows its earlier launch of services in other cities including Ibadan, Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

The systematic rollout of its network services, according to mobile broadband provider was in line with its strategic objective of making available to Nigerians superfast, mobile,reliable and affordable broadband internet access.

Speaking on the new development, the Chief Marketing Officer of Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, Alero Ladipo, assured residents of Benin City and environs of her company’s commitment to providing the best customer experience on the network.

“Our main objective in Smile is to ensure our customers have a memorable experience while on the internet. A customer must enjoy the simplicity of the service. We adapt quickly and innovate constantly, passing on the benefits to our customers through quality, simplicity and reliability”, she added.

Ladipo further noted that Smile is renowned for innovative practices and has on a consistent basis provided high quality 4G LTE broadband Internet accesses that is quite affordable.

According to her, the launch in Benin gives practical expression to Smile’s transformative objective of using the best and most innovative technologies to provide its customers with high quality, easy to use and affordable communication services as well as enabling its customers to fully benefit from the Internet world.

She explained that with this latest launch of Smile services, residents of Benin City would henceforth join other Nigerians in enjoying the most reliable and consistent online experience in Nigeria.

28 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

MEET THE MEN CARRYING NIGERIA’S OLYMPIC HOPES We profile the 21 players who will from Sunday in Mbour, Senegal, fight for Nigeria to qualify for next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

DEFENDERS

GOALKEEPERS Yusuf Mohammed (Kano Pillars)

Sincere Seth (Supreme Court FC)

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e has been the cover for Daniel after he toppled Abiodun Akande of Shooting Stars for the AAG. His new-found confidence has helped him play more regularly for hometown club Pillars this season.

A

n all-action right fullback who should catch the eye in Senegal because he is solid in defending as well as when he goes forward.

Emmanuel Daniel (Enugu Rangers)

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e is the team’s first-choice goalkeeper and so too for his club Rangers after his controversial transfer from Shooting Stars. The tall shot stopper is great at stopping penalties and was on the squad to the 2013 AYC in Algeria, but a knee injury prevented him from seeing action.

Emmanuel Iwu (Hear tland)

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oung goalkeeper who has established himself at Heartland in the past two seasons. His agility makes up for his lack of inches and he will most likely be third-choice in Senegal.

Segun Oduduwa

Zaharadeen Bello

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thletic central defender who has grown into becoming a pillar in the heart of the team’s back four. He is very adventurous and his confidence is admirable particularly as he is from non-league Nath Boys of Lagos, who produced Eagles ace Wilfred Ndidi.

(Kano Pillars)

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lever if not athletic central defender who has made his Nigeria league debut for hometown club Kano Pillars, who prefer to play him as a defensive midfielder.

GOALKEEPERS Ebuka Iroha

Kufre Ebong (Warri Wolves)

(Diamond Football Academy)

A

nother player who has made the most of his move from hometown club Akwa United to Wolves. He is the only out-and-out striker from the domestic league as the other strikers on the squad are based abroad.

Y

Seun Olubayo (Sunshine Stars)

T

Junior Ajayi (CS Sfaxien/Tunisia)

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alented centre-forward who scored three goals at the AAG in Congo Brazzaville. His goals for the Dream Team have earned him a lucrative deal at Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien from where he hopes to storm Europe.

Taiwo Awoniyi

he stocky but skillful player is comfortable as a leftback or on the left side of midfield. He trained briefly with the Nigeria U20s last year. He has been known to weigh in with his own fair share of goals for Sunshine.

This will be his first major international outing.

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Isaac Success (Granada CF/Spain)

B

ig, bullish striker Success was the star of the 2013 U17 CAF Championship in Morocco, but a hamstring denied him the chance to shine at the U17 World Cup months later. However, his class has shone through in the Spanish La Liga, where he has now scored three goals for his modest club Granada, who have extended his contract.

C M Y K

(Dolphins)

F

ormer Flying Eagles central defender Class of 2013. He has featured for Dolphins before a recent loan stint in Qatar. Calm under pressure with great professional attitude.

MIDFIELDERS

(FSV Frankfurt/Germany)

he gangling striker widely compared to the legendary Rashidi Yekini is a Liverpool loanee at German second division side FSV Frankfurt. He featured at the FIFA U20 World Cup earlier this year after he emerged as one of the stars when Nigeria won a record fourth U17 World Cup in Abu Dhabi two years ago. He is returning to Senegal, where he scored three goals as the Flying Eagles won the 2015 AYC in March.

Chizoba Amaefule

ounger brother of former Eagles star Ben Iroha. He has been on the wings of the U23s before he finally made the cut for this U23 AFCON.

Ndifreke Effiong (Abia Warriors)

V

ersatile player who could play in defence, midfield or attack. He is strong on the ball, packs a good shot and knows his way to goal. His enterprise and versatility very crucial for this team as the competition gets tougher.

Bature Yaro (Nasarawa United)

H

ard working midfielder who has shone with the CHAN Eagles, scoring one of the goals when Nigeria eliminated Burkina Faso to qualify for next year ’s CHAN in Rwanda. Such is his class that he is being considered for regular playing time with the Super Eagles.

Usman Mohammed

Stanle

(FC Taraba)

lyin esta runner transfer Over th a class a to show internat

(Warri

H

ighlyr a t e d midfielder who could play from defence or attack.

He missed the AAG because he was involved then with the Super Eagles. An exciting addition to the squad to Senegal.

F

Tiongoli Tobara (Bayelsa United)

T Azubuike Okechukwu

he Bayelsa ace has finally got his chance to prove himself after he was overlooked for the AAG. Will be now take it in Senegal?

(Yeni Matalatyaspor/Turkey)

T

eam skipper and defensive midfielder, who now plies his trade in Turkey alongside Sunday Mba. He has a big engine and he is very comfortable on the ball.

Godspower Aniefiok

A

nother defensive midfi move from hometown c past season. He may be a li and carries the ball to attac

Okija crowns Mbaeyi as Igwe Duruawai ‘Royal throne is my inheritance' VOL. 1 NO 49

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

Page 8

• Mother and sister of detained activist in the lead

Biafra agitation reveals state of S/East neglect, marginalization —Igbo leaders •How protests shut Aba, Umuahia

BY FRANCIS IGATA & ANAYO OKOLI

E

NUGU—THE undying resolve of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra,MASSOB, and the Indigenous People of Biafra,IPOB,who ab initio, were protesting the continued detention of Director,Radio Biafra,Nnamdi Kanu by the Department of State Services, DSS, have shifted attention to the gross neglect, marginalization, and the abandonment the people of South-East geopolitical zone have suffered C M Y K

under the present and past administrations.

It would be recalled that Nnamdi Kanu was arrested and arraigned secretly at the Magistrate Court, Wuse 11,Abuja by the DSS, but was later granted bail on October 19.

His lawyer, Vincent Obetta had told South-East Voice that”the stringent conditions for Nnamdi’s bail had been fulfilled since October 21, yet the DSS had refused to released him.

"I have secured four court orders and served the DSS, instructing them to release my client, who was granted bail since October 19.

I have not seen or heard any place where a court grants bail and the person is not released. ....We are sliding to days of decree 2 and 4 of 1984. This is pure dictatorship.

“DSS has not given any reason for his continued detention. We have fulfilled his bail conditions. To worsen the matter, he is being detained in DSS facility instead of prison custody, without access to his lawyer and personal physician. Nnamdi is being detained by an executive order.

It is a clash between judiciary and executive.

“I have not seen or heard any place where a court grants bail and the person is not released. Under UN and Africa charter, it is enshrined that once bail is granted, you release the person upon meeting the bail conditions.

We are sliding to days of

decree 2 and 4 of 1984. This is pure dictatorship.”

However, MASSOB in a statement had said that if former President Goodluck Jonathan who was the closest neighbour, in-law and friend of Ndigbo, whose administration for six years could not right the wrongs the previous administrations meted to Ndigbo with regard to federal roads, which had become death-traps in Igboland and also having failed to build critical development infrastructure, then Buhari’s administration cannot be expected to be fair to Ndigbo.

Continues on page 2

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

Continued from page 1 National Director of Information, MASSOB, Mr. Uchenna Madu directed Ndigbo residing outside Igboland to start returning to their home land, re-establish their businesses and make investments back in their homeland.

“We have decided and promised to provide adequate security of lives and properties in Igboland. MASSOB shall defend Igboland with our blood, valour and enthusiasm. It is our unflinching service to our father land.

"MASSOB had vowed to root away kidnapping, robbery and other criminal tendencies in Igboland because there is no place in Nigeria like Igboland.”

S/East govs corroboration Governors of the South-East geopolitical zone had while addressing newsmen in Enugu, last week, corroborated the stance of MASSOB, IPOB and other affiliate groups when, they in their communique, agreed that they, ”are concerned about the poor state of the Federal Government roads in the zone namely the Enugu – Onitsha, AbaIkot Ekpene, Owerri – Port Harcourt, Enugu – Port Harcourt, among others, which need urgent intervention by the Federal Government.

“The South East Governors met November 17, and deliberated on a number of issues and resolved as follows: “To appoint a high level Economic Advisory Committee to harness the economic potentials of the people of the South East working together.

“On security, the issue of MASSOB/IPOB, was discussed and they resolved to consult widely with Ohanaeze Ndigbo, traditional rulers, development unions, clergy, and other stakeholders on how to ensure lasting peace in the zone. In furtherance to this, the South East Governors scheduled an emergency meeting of stakeholders on Sunday, November 22, at Enugu.

“Expected to attend the emergency meeting were all National Assembly members, all ministers and other invited stakeholders from the zone.

“They meanwhile, advised MASSOB/IPOB to continue to toe the line of peace as this is the only way to ensure economic development of the zone.”

Count us out of agitation —S-South Meantime, MASSOB had claimed that the map of Biafra stretched to the South-South C M Y K

Pro-Biafra protesters

Biafra agitation reveals state of neglect, mar ginalization — Igbo leaders marginalization Governors of the South-East geopolitical zone had corroborated the stance of MASSOB, IPOB when they agreed that they, ”are concerned about the poor state of the Federal Government roads in the zone namely the Enugu – Onitsha, Aba- Ikot Ekpene, Owerri – Port Harcourt, Enugu – Port Harcourt, among others, which need urgent intervention by the Federal Government"

geopolitical zone as was evidenced in protests that took place in PortHarcourt,Rivers State and pockets of other cities in the region.

But rising from a meeting of the ethnic nationalities of the South-South geo-political zone, in Uyo, it denounced

demands for Biafra by the Igbo in the South-East zone and called for an immediate cessation of pro-Biafra protests on their soil.

In a 10-point communique issued at Uyo at the end of a meeting held under the auspices of the Conference of Ethnic Nationalities of the SouthSouth at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, chaired by HRM, Obong EU Ekidem, Ntisong Ibibio III, the Ntisong of Ibibio land, they dissociated the South-South zone from the “so-called Biafra.”

Representatives of Ibibio, Efik, Anang, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ikwerre, Oro, Isoko and several other nationalities attended the summit. Among them were the interim chair of the group, HRM Ekidem, convener of the meeting and Secretary of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILoT, Delta State, Mr. Edward Ekpoko, Albert Akpomudje, SAN (Urhobo) and president general of Ogbakor- Ikwerre in Rivers State, Prof A.M Onyeozu.

Pastor Nelson CocoBassey (Efik ethnic nationality), Ulap Bidiak Uloh (Oro ethnic nationality), Amechi Ogbonnia (Itsekiri), Obong Ukpong Umoh and Obong Aniedi Ndem, were all at the conference, and signed the communique.

The South South nationalities said: “We will not allow any inch of the land of the ethnic nationalities mentioned above and other lands of the South-South to be

part of the ill-thought-out enterprise.

“We call for a halt to demonstrations for Biafra on our land henceforth as it touches on the collective sensibilities of our people and could provoke ethnic crisis.

“We are not only surprised, but shocked that the Igbo, who returned to Nigeria after the fall of Biafra on January 15, 1970, with tales of woes and horrors, can talk about Biafra.”

They added: “It is in the interest of the Igbo that Nigeria is protected as they have more investments outside their homeland.”

The conference called on governors, political leaders and traditional rulers of the South-East geopolitical zone to “speak out now as their silence is becoming eloquent.”

Furthermore, the South-South ethnic nationalities urged “ well-meaning Igbo to call their children/wards to order to prevent an avoidable crisis.

“We call on the law enforcement agencies to be more vigilant.

“We believe in one Nigeria and will do all within our power to protect the unity of Nigeria,” they stated.

Buhari on Nigeria’s oneness Apparently worried by the spate of protests for Biafra in the South-East and SouthSouth geopolitical zones, President Muhammadu Buhari, disclosed that in spite of the challenges, Nigerians were determined to remain together as a united country just

as the Nigeria Army had vowed to crush any insurrection and restore law and order, if called upon.

How pro-Biafra protesters almost shut Aba, Umuahia For three days last week, business activities were paralyzed in Aba, the commercial capital of Abia State when members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and the faction of the Uchenna Madu-led MASSOB, stormed the city to protest the continued detention of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, the promoter of the London-based Radio Biafra, who was detained by the Department of State Services, DSS, about three weeks ago.

Umuahia, the political capital of the state, and home town of Nnamdi Kanu also witnessed protests by the group. And as the pro-Biafran leader continued to stay in DSS detention, more people, including his parents and traditional rulers from his Ibeku clan, added their voices to the call for his release.

The protests were in fulfilment of the pro-Biafra groups to carry out massive protests in parts of the old Eastern Nigeria to press home their demand for the release of Kanu.

Numbering over 5,000, the protesters marched through the major streets of the

Continues on Page 3

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015 — 3

'A git ation re veals ssttate of S/Eas 'Agit gitation reveals S/Eastt neglect, marginalization Continued from page 2 commercial city, chanting solidarity songs in support of their detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu and demanded for his release.

“We want to use this opportunity to tell the world about the level of marginalization and dehumanization the South East and South-South states have suffered even when they are the geese that lay the eggs that other parts of the country are enjoying today,” the protesters said.

They also said that the proposed one-million-man protest march was to draw the attention of the international community to what they described as “injustice being visited on our leader” in detention.

A member of the group said that they decided to take a non-violent approach to the issue because the “price has already been paid by our fathers and the price we are going to pay for the sake of Biafra in our time is exactly what our director (Nnamdi Kanu) is paying for at the moment.”

Though the protest was peaceful, there was panic in the city, prompting shop owners to close their busineses for fear of attack by the group, who would see them as saboteurs. For the days and hours the protests took place there was serious traffic gridlock on all the major streets they passed through.

In Umuahia, the home town of Nnamdi Kanu, the proBiafra protesters also staged their release - Nnamdi-Kanu protest, marching through the major streets of the city, but under the watch of security agencies.

Before the arrival of the protesters, a combined team of security agencies including police, army and civil defence had mounted surveillance at strategic locations in the capital city such as the Government House, which is not far from the Kanu family house just as heavily armed security personnel patrolled the city with armoured personnel carriers.

As a precaution, the Abia State government in a radio announcement aired intermittently, said that it received disturbing reports that some people under the aegis of MASSOB had planned to disrupt the peace of Umuahia, the capital of the state on Monday, alleging that it was being sponsored by an unnamed politician.

In the announcement signed by the new Commissioner for Information, Mr. Bonnie Iwuoha, the government further said, “while appreciating the rights of citizens C M Y K

From left, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State;Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State; deputy governor of Anambra State, Nkem Okeke during South-East Governors Forum in Government House, Enugu.

to air their views in a democracy, government will not condone lawless acts that could impede the progress of the state.

“More so, as it has been discovered that a disgruntled politician in the state is funding the said protest march, government therefore calls on parents to prevail on their children not to join misguided elements in acts that could destabilize the progress of our state,” noting that the police and other security agencies had been directed to take lawful steps to protect the peace of the state and secure lives and properties of law abiding citizens.

Before the protesters berthed at Umuahia, the parents of the detained pro-Biafra leader and the traditional ruler of Isiama Afaraukwu in Umuahia North Council Area, Eze Israel Kanu had appealed for the release of their son.

Flanked by his wife, Ugoeze Nnenne Kanu, the monarch told reporters at his ‘Ome Udo Palace’ that they were worried over the ordeal their first son had been passing through.

“I am pleading with the Federal Government to release my son. Let his freedom be restored. I am aware that in Nigeria the constitution guarantees freedom of speech and freedom of expression.

“I am surprised that my son is being detained. I have been asking why he is being held without getting an answer,” Eze Kanu lamented.

Speaking further, he lamented: “I was confused because my son was coming to see me when he was arrested, when I asked where he was arrested they said Abuja. I sent someone to confirm his state of health and the report I got is

that he is alive, that is why I was able to talk now.”

Born during the Nigeria-Biafra war, Eze Kanu said his detained son never discussed his pro-Biafran idealism and activism with him, even as he was quick to point out that “my son is not a trouble maker.”

Eze Kanu, however, noted that what his son was campaigning for reflected the minds of the majority of the people in the South East geopolitical zone, given the protests that had trailed his arrest and detention.

He also, said that he could not guarantee influencing him to drop the agitation, as ac-

Government observed that though the protest [on Monday] has been largely peaceful in Abia State without any incident of violence, it actually disturbed the socioeconomic life of the state, hence the need for the proBiafra groups to change their strategy from street marches to peaceful negotiation with the Federal Government

cording to him, "Nnamdi is a full fledged adult.

“My son is an adult and fully mature to be able to express his mind on any issue,” just as his wife, Ugoeze wondered why her son should be made to suffer for saying the truth.

“The Bible tells us that truth shall set us free. But in Nigeria we are being made to understand that truth is bitter and can even lead to death.”

According to her, she could not understand why a country that practises democracy should not tolerate people’s views and opinions expressed peacefully.

“As a mother, it is painful, I will not deny him, he is my son, but in a democracy I know there is freedom of speech,” she said and appealed to the Federal Government to “leave my son alone.”

Also worried by the continued incarceration of Kanu, traditional rulers from Ibeku ancient kingdom, his native clan, appealed to the Federal Government to release him.

Speaking through the Chairman of Ibeku Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Henry Ezekwe, the monarchs expressed worry that they might lose an illustrious son like Nnmadi Kanu if nothing was done urgently, saying that their son had not committed any heinous offence to warrant his long incarceration. They, however, warned that if any harm befell him, they would react appropriately.

According to them, the clan had lost prominent men in the past including Gen. Aguiyi ironsi and warned that they would not want to lose Prince Nnamdi Kanu.

Meanwhile, the Abia State

government had in a move to pacify the protesters urged them to discontinue their demonstrations, saying that their message had been communicated and their voices heard nationally and internationally.

The government also, advised the protesters to dialogue with the Federal Government rather than engaging in street protests, which it said, could be hijacked by trouble makers and detractors.

It then warned that the entire South East could not afford militancy at this period of time and urged the groups to change their strategy.

According to the government, the pro-Biafra groups had made their point on the release of Kanu, and believed that the message had reached the highest seat of power in the land and then appealed to the groups “to give peace a chance and wait for the reaction of government” on their demand.

A statement issued by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s spokesman, Godwin Adindu said that “government observed that though the protest [on Monday] has been largely peaceful in Abia State without any incident of violence, it actually disturbed the socio-economic life of the state, hence the need for the pro-Biafra groups to change their strategy from street marches to peaceful negotiations with the Federal Government.

“The government also noted that the entire South East cannot afford militancy and therefore urged the groups to discontinue their street marches before the situation is hijacked by troublemakers and detractors of the government.”

4 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,

NOVEMBER 25, 2015

GRAND RECEPTION:

Day Enugu-North senatorial district hosted Ugwuanyi

•Gov Ugwuanyi,middle with Catholic Bishop of Nsukka,Most Rev. Godfrey Onah

BY FRANCIS IGATA

E

NUGU—AFTER waiting with baited breath to occupy the governorship seat at the Lion Building,Enugu.

Government House, for 22 years,the people of Enugu-North senatorial district recently rolled out their drums to welcome Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State who was elected into the position.

The governor who hails from Udenu Local Government Area,one of the seven council areas that constitute EnuguNorth cultural zone was visibly elated at the massive turn out of people clad in their best attires to extend warm pleasantries and goodwill to him six months into the life of his administration.

The reception which started with an episcopal mass ,presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Dioceses,Most Rev. Godfrey Onah at the St. Theresa Cathedral Nsukka witnessed the presence of Ugwuanyi’s wife Monica,philanthropist/buiness mogul Chief Authur Eze who donated N50 million to the church to facilitate various construction jobs that were ongoing among other dignitaries.

There was, however, a deafening silence midway into the masses it was time for holy communion and one of the officiating priests announced that,”only Catholics who are in a state of grace can come out for communion” and Ugwuanyi, accompanied by his wife, Monica,were the first to stand up and lead other members of the congregation to receive holy communion.

South-East Voice observed that most members of the congregation who spoke to each other in hushed tones were pleasantly surprised to find their amiable governor in a state of grace to receive holy communion.

The event quickly shifted to the Government Field,GRA,Nsukka where political bigwigs,religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil societies and women groups, among others were waiting to receive the governor.

Chief host, Senator Chuka Utazi representing Enugu-North senatorial district in his welcome address went down memory lane as he traced the root cause of the people of the zone to Adada, saying that “all citizens of Nsukka Senatorial Zone of all persuasions, coming together in C M Y K

•Gov. Ugwuanyi flanked by Chief Host,Senator Utazi while acknowledging cheers from the people

We are confident that your pedigree and inscrutable focus shall move our people many years ahead. You are carrying the aggregate of the hopes of a people.

single-minded purpose to honour our illustrious son, is only a reflection of that characteristic of Ndi Adada.”

He commended the governor’s initiative to flag off the construction of eight major roads across the three senatorial districts of the state in spite of the negative development in the nation’s economy, adding that it was an indication that he was a worthy leader.

Senator Utazi told the governor that, “we are here gathered to say in one breath and in one voice, hearty congratulations to

you on your well-deserved victory in the 2015 gubernatorial elections in Enugu State.

“Your victory is a reflection of the appreciation of the people for your years of distinguished public service. Destiny has beckoned on you at this time to shoulder the heavy responsibilities of leadership in Enugu State.

“We are confident that your pedigree and inscrutable focus shall move our people many years ahead. You are carrying the aggregate of the hopes of a people. We know you will be a leading light of this generation in terms of the quality of leadership you would demonstrate.”

Senator Utazi noted with delight that within five months Ugwuanyi assumed office, he has calibrated the directional compass for sustainable development and enduring peace in the state.

“Your strategic policy initiative, driven by the visionary urban renewal programme, is already yielding concrete dividends. You have brought all hands on deck in your trans formative leadership with orientation for team work.

“Your style has brought leaders and followers together, irrespective of divergent persuasions, into the ship of stewardship headed towards a safe harbour. Also worthy of commendation is your avowed commitment to maintain a character of balance and even handedness in running the affairs of Enugu State.

“Your trademark of openness, all-inclusiveness, transparency and accountability as well as consistency in upholding democratic principles are, in like manner, commended and encouraged,” he said.

Dogara’s assurance Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara assured the people of Enugu State that Governor Ugwuanyi would deliver on his campaign promises to the people of the state even as he lamented that he joined the All Progressives Congress,APC,without dragging Governor Ugwuanyi along with him.

Abia 2015 NYSC cultural carnival NYSC members return to roots, hold cultural carnival in camp

By ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA—MEMBERS of National Youhs Service Corps, batch ‘B’ stream posted to Abia State recently lived up to one of the main objectives of settling up the scheme when they lit up their Umunna Orientatioin camp with a cultural carnival where they featured various cultures from across the country.

It was indeed a good sight to behold as the corps members dressed beautifully in the various cultural attires depicting major and minor ethnic groups in the country, an indication that the nation’s young men and women were still at home with their culture.

Sponsored by Chief Sam Onuigbo, the law maker representing Ikwuano/ Umuahia Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, the cultural carnival, attended by some traditional rulers in the state, exposed the corps members to the different cultures of some ethnic groups in the country.

For the corps members, it was also a day to deviate from the stressful camp activities, as hundreds of them trooped out to watch the delightful performance of the various troops from the ten platoons in the camp.

In his welcome address, the Abia

•Abia 2015 NYSC cultural carnival State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Adewoye Omotayo explained that although the interplatoon cultural carnival had been a common feature in the camp, the last outing was more elaborate because it was sponsored by Chief Onuigbo.

According to him, the aim of the cultural carnival was “to enhance cultural integration, physical and mental alertness of corps members” and to “add colour, glamour, fun and excitement to the service year as corps members were given the opportunity to compete with their colleagues as well as showcase their talents”.

Omotayo also commended Chief Onuigbo

for being a benefactor of NYSC for years now which he said always made the stay of corps members posted to his Ibere community “worthwhile and enjoyable”.

In his remarks, Onuigbo who was accompanied to the event by his wife and a large contingent of supporters, said that he was passionate about NYSC, which he noted unites Nigerians.

He urged the corps members to continue to take the scheme serious for it to achieve its cardinal objectives of promoting peace, unity and culture of the nation.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015 — 5

How Obiano quelled Nkpor New Auto Spare Parts Market leadership crisis ...sets up caretaker c’ttee to conduct election

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

O

NITSHA —THE prompt intervention of Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, weekend, saved what could have led to loss of lives and property following a bloody leadership crisis rocking the New Auto Spare Parts Market, Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The week- old crisis was sparked off when the state government, in conjunction with the executive of Anambra Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, AMATAS, an umbrella association of the traders in the state, announced their decision to set up a caretaker committee to run the affairs of the market, following the expiration of the Emmanuel Uko-led executive of the market, but the traders revolted vehemently on the grounds that they preferred a democratically elected leadership to a caretaker arrangement, insisting that an election must be conducted.

The fracas, which began at the New Auto Spare Parts Market, later spread to other markets in the vicinity until Obiano waded into the matter by convening an emergency meeting of the stakeholders in the markets which brought the situation under control at least for now.

THE TEAM Supervising Editor: Chioma Gabriel, Lagos (08052201257) Editor: Emeka Mamah - Enugu email: emekemamah@yahoo.com) Anayo Okoli, Umuahia Vincent Ujumadu, Awka Austin Ogwuda, Awka Chidi Nkwopara, Owerri Peter Okutu, Abakaliki Chimaobi Nwaiwu, Nnewi

Francis Igata, Enugu Nwabueze Okonkwo, Onitsha

Ugochukwu Alaribe, Aba Enyim Enyim, Onitsha Chinoso Alozie, Owerri Chinenye Ozor, Nsukka Eric Ugbor, Aba C M Y K

At the commencement of the crisis which paralyzed commercial activities in Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state, the traders protested against what they described as an alleged imposition of a caretaker committee leadership on them by the state government and AMATAS. Armed with their placards, with inscriptions such as, 'We do not need caretaker committee in the New Auto Spare Parts Market, AMATAS,' 'Leave our market to have peaceful election,' 'Only traders who own shops in this market are qualified to contest election,' 'Governor Obiano, caution your Commissioner for Trade and Commerce,' and 'Anambra Commissioner for Trade and Commerce wants to cause crisis in our peaceful market.' The traders maintained that the market had no crisis to warrant the planned installation of a caretaker committee by the state government and AMATAS to run the affairs of the market.

As they were insisting that they preferred elections to pick their leaders and not an

•Gov. Obiano (3rd from right) Mike Emerah (2nd from right) after the meeting

The fracas, which began at the New Auto Spare Parts Market, later spread to other markets until Obiano waded into the matter by convening an emergency meeting of the stakeholders which brought the situation under control at least for now

imposition of a caretaker committee, the Board of Trustees, BoT, of the market had to quickly seal the union’s secretariat to avoid an untoward action.

The union’s secretariat remained sealed until Governor Obiano convened the closedoor meeting held at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, presided over by Obiano himself.

In attendance at the meeting were the state Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Commerce, Ifeatu Onejeme and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Chief Chikodi Anaran from the side of the government, while the Chairman of the BoT, Chief Mike Emerah represented the traders.

At the end of the meeting, both parties resolved that following the expiration of the tenure of Mr. Emmanuel Ukoled executive, a care-taker

committee be put in place to run the affairs of the market for only one month, during which an election of new executive would be conducted to usher in a new democratically elected executive of the market.

Speaking shortly after the meeting, Emerah, commended Governor Obiano for the peace initiative and attributed the crisis in the market to the attitude of some market executives who always refused to vacate their seats at the expiration of their tenure.

He, therefore, urged future leaders in the market to imbibe democratic culture by leaving the stage when the ovation was loudest, meaning that they should conduct an election as soon as their tenure expires and handover leadership to their successors, for peaceful co-existence.

By CHINENYEH OZOR

N

SUKKA —THE people of Umuogbo Ulo Community in Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State are bemoaning over the collapse of their Community Primary School.

The people said that the school which was built in the 60’s collapsed due to a lack of maintenance by both the appropriate authorities had led to the mass withdrawal of pupils by their parents and guardians who fear that the walls of the school would collapse on their wards.

When South East Voice visited the school, it was observed that only a few teachers were available in empty classrooms as the pupils had been withdrawn by their parents due to the level of dilapidation.

A teacher who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that there were six class room blocks in the building with over 40 children in each class, pointing out that only about 20 of them were altogether

Dilapidated Umuogbo Ulo Community Primary School

Pupils abandon dilapidated community school still remaining.

It was said that some time ago, some elements in the area came to school and cut some Melina trees in the school preparatory to its renovation by the community but ended up sharing the proceeds within themselves without doing any work on the building.

“As you can see, several government officials have visited this place to take the pho-

tograph of the school, following complaints from wellmeaning individuals from this place. We thought you were one of such government officials,” he said.

The immediate past government of Governor Sullivan Chime awarded a N3.6 billion contract for the renovation of over 400 primary and secondary schools to an indigenous company which was allegedly not executed

after the whole contract sum was paid leading to a quarrel between the government and the state House of Assembly led by the then Speaker, Eugene Odo. The quarrel eventually led to the “impeachment” of the Speaker by a minority of the members of the assembly, shortly before the end of the House in June this year.

6 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

66 Years On: TUS commemorates massacre of Enugu coal miners •Laments abandoned coal industry

BY FRANCIS IGATA

E

NUGU — THE Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, JPSNC, Enugu State council has commemorated with nostalgia, the massacre of coal miners who were demonstrating for better working conditions in Enugu about 66 years ago on November 18,1949.

The coal miners were massacred at Iva-valley by the colonial masters, marking the first of its kind in the country then. The demonstrators including markets women, who were pushing for better working conditions under the British colonialists when hundreds of them were killed in cold blood by armed security men acting on the orders of the colonial masters.

The day, marked annually was to remember the sacrifices of past labour leaders and other nationalists who

sacrificed their lives to get independence for the country.

It also helps to remind present labour leaders on the need to

The demonstrators including markets women, who were pushing for better working conditions under the British colonialists when hundreds of them were killed in cold blood by armed security men acting on the orders of the colonial masters.

•Mr. Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe, Chairman, TUS Enugu State Chapter continue to agitate for imAccording to the labour lead- years ago have not abated as proved welfare and conditions ers, “the council calls on trade man’s inhumanity to man, of service for workers in the unions to close ranks and to injustice and exploitation are state. pursue the interest of workers still in practice and slave wagChairman of the JPSNC, with vigour without compro- es have not been abolished Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe mise and to emulate the he- even with the coal industry and Secretary, Theo Obasiani roes of the struggle. They abandoned. paid glowing tributes to the must also, defend Nigeria’s “Council calls for revitalizamartyrs who paid the democracy with all their might tion of the coal industry and supreme price for demanding as there is no alternative to opening of the mines to genfor living wage to ameliorate democracy. erate income and employtheir economic hardship “The council noted that the ment to the people of Enugu under slave labour in the conditions that gave rise to the State.” mines. agitation of coal miners 66

Imo pensioners wallow in abject poverty, neglect, disease

By Chidi Nkwopara

T

HE BELIEF worldwide is that “rest is sweet after labour” and this is what the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, NUP, use as their motto. But this cliche does not hold water in Imo State, as poverty, pain, neglect, disease and early death stare Imo pensioners in the face after labouring for government for 35 whole years!

What is most disturbing in this day and age is that these frail, hapless and helpless citizens, who more often than not support themselves with walking sticks, no longer have the capability to go on protest march.

It is no longer news that the state government is owing the pensioners varying number of unpaid pensions, depending on the ministry, department or agency involved. Nobody in Imo State is talking about pensioners’ gratuities, which the retiree ought to have been legitimately paid as he or she was leaving on retirement.

The luckiest pensioners are owed for about nine months! And that is how to be lucky to get one’s C M Y K

legitimate earning in an oil producing state! Don’t forget that they have dependents that draw from them. Those who are terminally ill don’t even have the financial muscle to seek adequate medicare from relevant hospitals. Some call this scenario “a death sentence”.

Faced with this grim scenario, the Comrade Austin Chilakpu-led Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, held a meeting penultimate week with Governor Rochas Okorocha, over this and other labour issues.

At the end of the discussion, which Chilakpu described as “very fruitful”, the Governor gave labour a firm promise that payment of the unpaid pensions would commence November 16, 2015. This gave Chilakpu and his team a ray of hope.

Armed with this agreement, government started rolling out press statements in the airwaves of Imo Broadcasting Corporation, IBC. Pensioners were directed to go to their various local government headquarters to ascertain if their names were on the nominal roll of pensioners. This was preparatory to payments. The South East Voice was also interested in the proposed

government largesse for these aged citizens.

The exercise turned out to be a tale of woes, indeed a farce, as the pensioners, who trooped out in their thousands, went home in tears. Most of them had arrived the venues before 7.30am and remained till 4pm without a single government official coming to address or pay them.

South East Voice noticed that the lawmakers, who were handed over the administration of the local councils and the management committees, as well as the Directors of Administration and General Services, DAGs, kept off from the scene!

South East Voice noticed that some pensioners, who were at Umuguma, Owerri West local government headquarters, Oguta, Umuneke, Ngor Okpala local council area, Nwaorieubi, Mbaitoli local government headquarters, and Umuelemai, Isiala Mbano council area, came on wheel chairs, while others were moved in chartered vehicles, sequel to their debilitating health challenges.

Many were clutching their walk-

ing sticks or leaning on somebody for the needed support.They were seen in small groups, looking de-

Many were clutching their walking sticks or leaning on somebody for the needed support.They were seen in small groups, looking dejected and completely abandoned, as they bemoaned their plight and told their sordid stories to whoever cared.

jected and completely abandoned, as they bemoaned their plight and told their sordid stories to whoever cared.

“Why did government blow this pension payment exercise out of proportion, when in actual fact the Governor knows that he had no money to pay anybody? When did the payment of pension and salaries become materials for radio announcements? What sort of wickedness is this? Why ask us to spend the little we could have used in sustaining ourselves for transport? This is not the change we bargained for in the last general election”, one of the old men lamented as he spoke to South East Voice.

When payment commenced on the fourth day in some places, government settled for the lowest earners, as well as paid for only three out of the several months of their unpaid stipends.

A dejected husband and wife from one of the communities in Ngor Okpala told South East Voice that “we have just been given our cheques but we are praying fervently that the cheques should sail through when we present them for payment on Monday, November 23, 2015.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015 — 7

OPINION

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI —TO say that Imo is unique in several ways, including bouts of protests, is stating the obvious, especially since Governor Rochas Okorocha came on board in 2011.

There is hardly any week that runs out without one group or the other taking to the streets of Owerri, to protest against one issue or the other.

Several communities, civil servants, frail and famished pensioners, students, commercial tricycle operators, had at various times staged protest marches in Owerri, for various reasons.

However, the one that was not only all-embracing but also shook the economic foundation of the state was the combined protest of loyalists of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB. Government and economic activities in Owerri, the Imo State capital, were grounded for two consecutive days, following the peaceful procession of thousands of pro-Biafra agitators in the municipality. The MASSOB, and IPOB, protesters started the four-kilometre

There is hardly any week that runs out without one group or the other taking to the streets of Owerri

Increasing number of protests in Imo peaceful march from Naze Roundabout in Owerri North Local Government Area and marched through major streets, grounding vehicular and economic activities.

South East Voice gathered that most of the protesters came in hired vehicles from the neighbouring states of Abia, Rivers, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Enugu. The crowd was unprecedented.

The long but slow march into Owerri municipality engineered traffic gridlock along the ever busy Owerri-Aba federal highway, even as security operatives kept close watch as the large crowd trooped into the town.

The protesters who carried the Biafran flag and other branded

insignia, chanted songs and danced to the rhythm of their music.

Expectedly, some traders who were not too sure of the intentions of the protesters, quickly closed shop and scampered into safety, while some others stood-by hoping that the protest would end peacefully.

A trader, who simply identified himself as Ikechukwu at his Douglas Road store, wondered why the group suddenly decided to disrupt the peaceful business climate in Owerri.

“Owerri has been very peaceful since the current protest started sweeping across the South East and South-South states. Although they have been very peaceful, my fear is that hoodlums

may buy into it and cause unimaginable harm to the society,” Ikechukwu and appealed to the government to find a way of assuaging the feelings of the demonstrators. Some other demonstrators told South East Voice that the protest was mainly to urge the Federal Government to release their colleague and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, unconditionally as well as force it to conduct a referendum on the independent Biafra.

They faulted the Federal Government and its security agencies for arresting, detaining and prosecuting Kanu for his belief and support for an independent Biafra.

The protesters were equally unhappy about the way Gover-

nor Rochas Okorocha had been castigating MASSOB/IPOB in the media, for agitating for selfdetermination.

“It is sad that Okorocha takes delight in giving us various derogatory names. He has deliberately decided to ignore the plight of Ndigbo in Nigeria. If Okorocha is anti- Biafra, he should peacefully leave this place for those of us that want Biafra,” Mazi Ekene Uko said.

While saying that they were not really shocked at Okorocha’s utterances, Uko also said that they did not expect anything less, but added that the groups decided to be peaceful to prove to Okorocha that “he can have his say but cannot sustain any fight against the wish of the majority of Ndigbo.”

Honour statesmen when they’re alive — Aguata NBA members

•Members of NBA Aguata branch, helping •Chairman of NBA Aguata Branch Mr Sabastine Anyia (3rd Chief Dr Alex Ekwueme in cutting the 83rd right), presenting another Plaque to Chief Dr Ekwueme, while the traditional ruler of Igbo Ukwu, watch birthday cake.

HERE is no N honour well deserving like the one you give to a man or a NEWI—T

woman when he or she is alive.

The beauty of such honour is that the receiver forms part of the celebration unlike when the honour is given post- humously.

This seemed to be the view of the entire members of the Nigerian Bar Association NBA, Aguata branch when they honoured the former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme at Ekwulobia, headquarters of Aguata Local Government Area.

The NBA, therefore, urged Nigerian leaders and the people to imbibe the habit of immortalising their statesmen when they were alive, instead of praising and pouring encomiums on them when they are dead and would not appreciate such recognitions.

In an address presented by the C M Y K

Chairman of NBA, Aguata branch, Mr. Sabastine Anyia, the lawyers described Dr Ekwueme as “a nation builder, and a mighty man of valour.”

According to them, they were not however, unaware that Ekwueme had his ups and downs as a child and politician as he had been confronted with deceit, lies, fake and difficult people with horrible characters, but kept his cool.

“Chief Ekwueme set out each day believing in his dreams; he knew without doubt that he was created by God Almighty for amazing things. He never prayed for easy life, he always prayed to be a stronger man. He is a shining example of this generation.

To him real integrity is doing the right thing…

“He is a perfect gentleman, words of mouth are grossly inadequate to address him, the ideal

democrat, the quintessential state man, the man of letters, great lover of education and founder of institutions, man of uncommon wisdom, integrity, probity and candour,” they said.

Members of the NBA took time one after the other to speak about Ekwueme. The first to speak was the National Executive Council, NEC, representative for Aguata branch of NBA, Mr Aniazoka M.C. Uzoka, who said “Chief Dr Ekwueme is one of the most spotless politician we have in Nigeria, who was found very clean by the tribunal set up to persecute him.

“We celebrate him today basically because Dr. Ekwueme has been a pride to all of us, he has been a man we want to associate with, he is a person whom Nigeria is proud of, the only spotless politician we have in this country who have been found very clean by a tribu-

nal set to persecute him, so he is a man that is full of integrity, he is a man full of wisdom, somebody who has contributed so much also to our Bar, Aguata Bar, and we have no option than to be very proud of him.

“His humility is second to none, his sense of responsibility and commitment to what the bar stands for is unparalleled; we appreciate him as a father and a role model. We ask the Federal Government to take more interest in his welfare, especially the erosion that is threatening his family house in Oko,” he said.

A former Chairman of all the chairmen of the NBA branches in the state, Mr. David Umeobika said, “today’s ceremony about His Excellency, Dr. Ekwueme is a thing of joy. Glory be to God

Ekwueme was himself a celebration, his life is a celebration, his person is a celebration, and everything about him is celebration

that an elder statesman, a strong contributor to the growth of Nigeria politics and democracy has attained the age of 83.

“Being a member of the Aguata branch of the bar makes us happy and we will continue to be proud of him and we will keep celebrating now he is a life,” he said.

Chairman and Secretary of NBA branch, Mr. Sabastin Anyia and S I Oluoba respectively said hosting and celebrating Chief Ekwueme is unique, in the sense that this is the first time we are having somebody in our branch attaining this height of getting to the age of 83.As an elder statesman, his wellbeing is very important because he severed Nigeria very well.

Anyia said "Ekwueme was himself a celebration, his life is a celebration, his person is a celebration, and everything about him is celebration, this is a man who rose from nothingness to become the Vice President of this country, his contributions are enormous, we can call him a nation builder.

"At 83 you see him looking very strong, he will live for more years, he is a man who, whenever you stay with him, you get wisdom, knowledge, you learn a lot of things from him, he is an embodiment of knowledge, so any time he is around we run round him just to learn, benefit and to gain from him."

8 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

Okija coronates Mbaeyi as Igwe Duruawai ‘Royal throne is my inheritance'

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

O

NITSHA—OKIJA, a sleeky community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State is in the news once again. The first time the community featured prominently in the news was a few years ago when some human skeletons and decomposing corpses were found inside Okija shrine. But this time around, it is the royal throne that is in the front burners.

This is because, two contenders were laying claim to the coveted throne.

While Chief Chukwujekwu Mbaeyi was recently crowned as the Eze Obodoekwerugo and Igwe Duruawai 11 of Okija, another contender to the throne, Benedict Okeke (Ezegedegwum IV) was claiming otherwise.

In fact, while the issue, still a subject of litigation in various courts of law because of the controversies surrounding Okeke’s emergence, with its attendant oppositions was still raging, Chief Mbaeyi emerged as the Igwe Duruawai II of Okija.

His emergence followed his coronation on August 10, this year, by Chief Uduogu Okenwa, Okpara Duruawai II, on behalf of all Duruawai Kingdom, Unuhu, Okija and his performance of Ofala cultural festival two days after.

After his coronation and Ofala festival, Igwe Mbaeyi took his royal dance to Ulasi River where he took his oath of office to lead the community. He also went round to Ubahu-abu-Ubahu, Uhuobo-na-Uhuowerre and Ihite-abu-Ihite and showed the people that he had taken his royal heritage, after which he went for Okija masquerade display and at the same time, conferred chieftaincy (Ezeahia) titles on 50 prominent indigenes of the area.

He also gave Onowuship title (traditional Prime Minister) to Chief Jideofor Azugbo of Umuhu Okija, while Chief Clifford Udenyi was given the title of

Chief Jideofor Azugbo -Onowu

Igwe Chukwujekwu Mbaeyi

Chief Edwin Azubuko Akaekpuchionwa

I am a descendant of Duruawai whose chieftaincy throne is their inheritance. It was my Duruawai ancestors that directed me to return from abroad to take over the vacant throne and...

Duruawai elders made consultations on our oracles and confirmed it

Igwe Mbaeyi being crowned Ikemba Duruawai, just as he gave the Obi of Umuhu Okija to Chief Joseph Chukwudile as Obi Adimbugha II of Okija.

Speaking shortly after his coronation, Mbaeyi noted that Okija had Igwe Robert Oraeresi

as its last elected royal father in the 60's, having contested the Igweship stool with Chief John Okezie and won with only one vote and was crowned by the Duruawai’s representative from Duruawai Kingdom in Okija.

Lawyers worry over condition of courts in Anambra

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—FOR years, practicing lawyers in Nnewi, one of the major towns in Anambra State, have been complaining in hushed voices over the deplorable condition of courts in the area, but this year’s Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, provided them the opportunity to speak out on the issue.

Though a modern court complex was constructed and commissioned many years ago at the outskirts of the town to accommodate judiciary officers in the area, it was later abandoned and the massive area currently proC M Y K

vides a grazing ground for herdsmen who sometimes convert the court as place of abode.

Many people who seized the opportunity of sitting the court in the area began to develop structures hoping that the area would develop fast once the court becomes operational. However, they were later to discover that they had to wait too long for life to come to the area.

An indigene of Nnewi who built a mansion almost opposite the court complex urged the state government to put the court complex into use so as to help decongest Nnewi town.

It was discovered that Judges and Magistrates in Nnewi lack

adequate accommodation to help them dispense justice and this is one of the reasons judiciary presiding officers have been adopting shift method in the area because they often have to share the same court hall. The resultant effect is that many pending cases are delayed, leading to congestion in prison and police cells.

Describing the situation as worrisome, the NBA said though there had been progress in some aspects of the dispensation of justice in the state, there were areas that needed immediate attention.

Chairman of Nnewi branch of NBA, Mr. P.O. Ebubedike listed the appointment of new Judges

and recruitment of Magistrates and other judicial staff as great achievements in the state, but insisted that there were still a lot to be done.

He said: “The Magistrate Court complex in Nnewi is in a terrible state. The roads are so bad that only SUVs can enter the premises. We have, by the Chief Judge’s grace, four hardworking Magistrates in this district, but we are unable to have full benefit of their industry because there are only three court halls.

“Even some of the existing court halls are in such state of decay that they are actually beyond repair. The walls are cracked."

Mbaeyi recalled that Igwe Robert Oraeresi was the Ezegedegwum III and he joined his ancestors in 1988, adding that one Godwin Okezie from Umuezedam attempted to take over the throne in the 2003, but he died in 2006, which left the royal throne vacant since then.

He noted that while Okezie and Nathan Oraeresi were in court dragging the throne, Oraeresi handed the throne over to Benedict Okeke on the ground that any time the Duruawai people needed it, he would surrender the throne to them as the custodian of the throne in Okija.

According to him: “Okeke has since then been parading himself as the royal father, but without government certificate.

Eventually, Nathan Oraeresi died between 2005 and 2006.

Godswin Okezie also died few years later while still in court with Okeke, who was the Obi of Ubahu Umonum Okija during Robert Oraeresi reign as the royal father and Okeke was still the Obi of Ubahu Umonum, one of the quarters in Okija.”

He continued: “I am a descendant of Duruawai whose chieftaincy throne is their inheritance. It was my Duruawai ancestors that directed me to return from abroad to take over the vacant throne and when I came back in December, 2014 and narrated the directive to my Duruawai elders, they made consultations on our oracles and confirmed that I am the one to take the royal throne and they initiated the processes and crowned me as Igwe Duruawai II on August 10 and I performed my first Ofala festival om August 22.”

Although he acknowledged the fact that Okija has two parallel town unions with the Okija Development Union, ODU being led by Barrister Ihejiofor Ahize, while the Okija Town Union, OTU is led by Chief Matthias Anohu, adding that since both of them could not agree, they now relied on the approval of the Chief John Okam-led Umuhu Improvement Union, UIU, adding that with these development, everything concerning chieftaincy tussle in Okija has been laid to rest.

Also speaking, Chief Edwin Azubuko (Akaekpuchionwa) from Lagos branch and Malachy Nwanoro, Vice-Chairman of Umuhu Improvement Union, UIU, Lagos branch, said they had initiated the process of getting a staff of office from the state government.

The Onowu, Chief Jideofor Azugbo, in his reaction, said Okija town had, at long last, gotten a rightful Igwe, who will bring peace and development to the town. He called on the appropriate authorities to expedite action in handing over certificate of recognition to Igwe Mbaeyi to complete the process of reconciliation and usher a new era in the town.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015 — 29

Sevilla chase Gladbach win

Real Madrid touch down in Ukraine

R

eal Madrid have landed in Ukraine ahead of today’s Champions League Group A match against Shakhtar Donetsk.

It has been a difficult last couple of days for the Spanish outfit, who were thumped 4-0 by Barcelona in Saturday’s El Clasico at the Bernabeu. Los Blancos return to action today with a clash against the Ukrainian outfit, but their spot in the knockout stages of the Champions League has already been confirmed. Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo were among the players that stopped to sign autographs at the airport upon the squad’s arrival yesterday afternoon. Shakhtar need to beat Real Madrid to stand any chance of qualifying, with Paris Saint-Germain currently four points ahead in second position with two games remaining. Real Madrid will be without both Sergio Ramos and Marcelo for the clash at Arena Lviv.

S

evilla need a victory at winless Borussia Moenchengladbach today to keep alive their faint hopes of progress to the Champions League’s knockout stage in the Group D basement battle.

A win at bottom side Gladbach is the only way third-placed Sevilla will still have any hope of reaching the last 16, when they host Juventus on December 8.

Victory at Borussia Park would guarantee them at least a place in the Europa League, which they have won for the last two years running.

With Gladbach’s Champions League exit already confirmed, defeat would confirm the Germans will finish bottom of the group, but they want to knock Sevilla from third to advance to the Europa League.

“We need to be courageous and play our own game, like we did against Juventus,” said Gladbach’s Guinea winger Ibrahima Traore.

“Our confidence is high, we are in good shape and our goal is third place to qualify for the Europa League.”

Gladbach are buoyed by their German league form which has seen them climb from bottom to fourth with seven wins and a draw in their eight Bundesliga games since Andre Schubert took charge in September.

“We have to go to our absolute limit and give it everything we have,” said Schubert, whose side sealed a 2-1 win over Hanover on Saturday in his first game as head coach, with a contract until 2017, after two months as caretaker boss.

“We aren’t under any pressure, but we do have a duty to give it our all.”

Having drawn 1-1 last time out at home to Juventus, Gladbach want another strong performance.

Schubert has breathed life back into Gladbach with a consistent team selection

midfielder Yaya Toure says it’s important for them to put in a good display.

The Cote d’Ivoire skipper was speaking to Manchester Evening News saying they didn’t finish on a high in the past

Wolves)

ng winger who has ablished himself at league s-up Warri wolves after rring from Kwara United. e years he has proved he is act and he now has a chance w what he can do on the tional scene as well.

Oghenekaro Etebo (Warri Wolves)

T

he heartbeat of this team – when he plays, the team play. He creates and scores goals and has already been capped at full international level by Nigeria. His biggest undoing though remains his niggling battle with a knee complaint.

elder who has made a success of his club Akwa United to Kano Pillars this ittle slow on the ball, but he fetches ck for the team.

Marcelo

Ramos

Musa, Oguchi win Toure bullish ahead of Juventus clash big at Nigerian Sports Awards head of their clash against and are determined to change all Juventus in the UEFA Champions A of that. *As Dalung wants League tonight, Manchester City The Citizens are on the road visiting

ey Dimgba

k (Kano Pillars)

policy, bringing in talented teenagers Andreas Christensen and Mahmoud Dahoud and tightening the defence.

He has also given Swiss defensive midfielder Graint Xhaka the captaincy and the 23-yearold, who has been linked to a big-money move to Liverpool, has revelled in the role.

Toure

the Italian Serie A giants as they will aim at consolidating their pole position in group D. “It’s important for the confidence of our supporters and it’s important for us to also put in a strong performance,” said Toure.

“A couple of years ago, we were in this competition and we didn’t finish in the top two. I think the key is to finish first for the first time and if we could do it with one game to spare, so much the better.

“I don’t know what will happen in Turin. For us, the target is to finish first and get a kind draw in the Round of 16 and then continue onwards because it’s a target to get as far as we can in this competition.

“The target of this club this year is try to achieve any trophy possible and we are still going strong in all of them this season.

“We know it will be difficult to win everything, but we’ll be trying as hard as we can because we have the squad, we have the players and I think if everything is right at the right time, we can perform and beat anybody. ”

TODAY’S CHAMPS LEAGUE MATCHES Astana v Benfica CSKA Moscow v Wolfsburg A/ Madrid v Galatasaray M’gladbach v Sevilla Juventus v Man City Malmo FF v PSG Man Utd v PSV Eindhoven Shakhtar donets v R/ Madrid

4:00pm 6:00pm 8:45pm 8;45pm 8;45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm

entrepreneurs to sustain support for grassroots sports

By Solomon Nwoke

S

UPER Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa and D’Tigers’ star Chamberlain Oguchi were the big winners at the Nigerian Sports Awards held recently at the Marquee Oceanview, Eko Hotel Lagos The CSKA Moscow star Musa was named Footballer of the Year ahead of Watford striker Odion Ighalo and Sunshine Stars’ Tunde Adeniji.

He was not physically present as he has returned to Russia after the international break.

Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick was present to receive the award on his behalf.

The Ball Sports Personality of the Year award went to Chamberlain Oguchi of the Nigeria Senior Men’s Basketball team, D’tigers.

The Team of the Year award went to the senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, following their heroics in claiming the 2015 Afrobasket Championship trophy in Tunisia.

Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Youths and sports, Solomon Dalung decked out in his red beret upon green safari like the famous former Burkina Faso President, Thomas Sankara , appealed to entrepreneurs in the sports industry to continue to support sports development at the grassroots.

He said, the power of sport to unite a nation like Nigeria cannot be jettisoned.

He commended the organisers of the awards and described them as individuals playing a major role in encouraging champions for the country.

C M Y K

30 — VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

not be difficult to know that the north benefited more from him. He did that because he believed in the unity of this country.

And the new administration has also started treating the Niger Delta people wrongly. For instance the Urhobo nation which is a sophisticated ethnic group has not been given any appointment. We have not seen any solid appointment that befits the Urhobo nation and we are asking them to correct this type of insult.

But Jonathan was also believed to have insulted the Urhobo nation in that regard?

Well, you must have seen my publications. I Joseph Evah, I told Jonathan, ‘You are embarrassing the Urhobo people.’ I don’t do Ijaw struggle, what I do is Niger Delta struggle. That has been our major setback. To see yourself as Ogoni man, Itsekiri man or Ijaw man and so when we are divided the external oppressors will now deal with us.

A number of persons from the Niger Delta region felt that the Ijaw took over everything and looked down on the rest of the Niger Delta people when Jonathan was in power?

A lot of our people were actually misbehaving and we cautioned them. They were behaving as if this was the time for Ijaw people as if it was Christmas Day and the Christmas Day is forever and we

•Evah: Niger-Delta political leaders must unite

Ndigbo have forgiven Niger Delta for civil war betrayal — Evah COORDINATOR of Ijaw Monitoring Group, Comrade Joseph Evah in this interview calls for unity of purpose among political leaders of the Niger Delta extraction. He opines that with a common voice, the long expected development of the region may become realistic.

By Charles Kumolu

W

HAT is your perception of the state of the nation?

The way the Federal Government is handling the Biafra agitation in the East is very dangerous. They are taking the wrong steps by ignoring the agitations that are going on. For the first time since the end of the civil war, we are seeing an organised agitation. The Igbo man cannot ordinarily abandon his business for something else, but now we are seeing Igbo men leaving their businesses in order to agitate.

That tells you that they are serious.

Seeing them sacrificing their time, energy and money, should be enough to make the Federal Government interested in the matter. Threats by the army, are not acceptable. We expect the government to tell us why they are detaining Kanu.

Intimidation did not work when we had our Kaima Declaration during the military era. When they threatened us, we became resilient.

Do you think the Igbo man has a cause to protest?

Yes, the Igbo have something to protest against just as the Ijaw man has something to protest against. Why are they denying the Igbo the right of seeing their son, who was arrested? They can’t be denied that right. I went to court to stop the dredging of the River Niger during the military era because there was no

environmental assessment. The government under Abacha awarded the contract through the Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF. I went to my lawyer, Femi Falana and we stopped the dredging through legal process.

If the government had not obeyed the judiciary on the matter, we would have resorted to other alternatives which would not have been in the interest of the government. I questioned the justification for wanting to have a sea port in Baro in Niger State, while our ports in Warri, Koko and Akasa were moribund.

Justification for seaport in Baro They wanted to dredge the River Niger from Warri to Onitsha and to Lokoja before finally connecting it to Baro, which is close to Abuja. So the government should listen to the Igbo the way we were listened to during the military.

Do you think the Niger-Delta region is fairly represented in Buhari’s government?

Niger Deltans are not well represented in the government and we don’t know why they are doing that. Maybe it is being done because the region produced the immediate past president.

But those, who may be thinking in that direction, do not have conscience. If you look at the way Jonathan worked, it will

We will not allow Ojukwu’s burial without the Niger Delta people celebrating Ojukwu. That was why I organised that and thanked the Igbo for forgiving us because during the civil war

cautioned them.

We tried to caution them that Jonathan was representing all Niger Deltans.

In fact, not only the Niger Delta, when people tried to make Jonathan an Ijaw President or tried to do as if Jonathan ends with Ijaw we tried to warn them that it is very dangerous. For example, 100% of the Igbo committed themselves to Jonathan’s presidency. That was why when Ojukwu died, I organised farewell to Emeka Ojukwu. I mobilised over 5000 people to the National Theatre. I paid N1.5 million to mobilise over 5000 people to take over the National Theater for us to celebrate Ojukwu. The Eze Ndi Igbo were there. I took micro finance loan to organize it and I announced it.

Jonathan presidency The reason was that during the war, we did not follow the Igbos. We supported the northerners against our Igbo brothers.

Now, Jonathan is the President of Nigeria, Igbo had to forget about the way we maltreated them during the war, collectively decided to support Jonathan.

Now, the symbol of Igbo greatness, I call him the Ndi Igbo Black Moses, that is Ojukwu, I said there is need for us to celebrate Ojukwu. We will not allow Ojukwu’s burial without the Niger Delta people celebrating Ojukwu. That was why I organised that and thanked the Igbo for forgiving us because during the civil war, we joined outsiders to kill them. Today our son is the President, you Igbo decided to forgive us.

There are calls for the extension of the amnesty programme, which will end by December. Can you tell us the justification for such calls?

The training of the ex-agitators is still ongoing. Many of them still require to be trained. Even the trained ones are jobless.

If the APC government is talking about N5,000 Social Security for the jobless, they should consider extending the amnesty programme because the idle mind is the devil’s workshop. It is not that we are encouraging people to be lazy. We are only concerned about how to make our youths productive and self sufficient.

Akwa Ibom: Why some Akpabio’s proj be functional — Etido Inyang ENGINEER Etido Inyang was the Special Adviser on Bureau of Technical Matters during the immediate past administration. Currently he is the Commissioner for Special Duties Akwa Ibom State. In this interview with journalists in Uyo, he clarified issues surrounding some key projects embarked by the last administration such as the Tropicana, the 20th Anniversary Hospital; the 4-Star hotel at Ikot Ekpene among others.

By Chioma Onuegbu

T

HE 4-star hotel at Ikot Ekpene was among the projects commissioned towards the end of the last administration and it is yet to start. Why has it not started?

What we had before was a soft commissioning. In every hotel there is always a soft commissioning depending on the exit of that administration. When His Excellency Attah built the Le Meridien, and when we came in 2007 we found only 20 rooms that were done.

The lobby area was completed and then the workers were living in those rooms because they were international staff of the Le Meridien. So it was the last administration that came in and

then cleaned up all the other 170 rooms and the guest houses. The workers now moved into the guest houses and then we started to have this place (Le Meridien) commissioned.

Now for the 4-star, all the rooms have been furnished completely. The restaurant, the kitchen, everything is running. The only thing remaining is what we call the ‘Small Operating Equipment’ things like cutlery, bed sheets, pillow cases.

Now what we have done has been paid for, we have also paid the initial money for the training. You know there is what they call the ‘Start up running cost’, that has been done. We have registered the

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015 — 31

BIAFRA: Buhari must not ignore protests — Ogundokun CHIEF Abiola Ogundokun, the publisher of Conscience International Magazine was the national publicity secretary of the defunct National Party of Nigeria, NPN, in the Second Republic, in this interview, he spoke on many issues including why President Muhammadu Buhari should take ongoing protests and agitation for Republic of Biafra seriously.

By Gbenga Olarinoye

W

HAT is your take on comments that the President Muhammadu Buhari government is slow?

I have been in politics for over 56 years and I have witnessed so many governments in Nigeria, and all over the world. If anyone is saying that Buhari has not performed, I will say Buhari needs time to study the situation of things, he cannot just rush.

Most of the things happening today are not his making but he still has to work very hard with the opposition and people in government. Buhari must work with them and obtain ideas from the people.

But to say he is not doing very well, I don’t think it is anything but political.

Nigerians need some patience, one year is too short to adjudge a new president.

The type of military government he did is not like now, he is now in the democratic system and those military period, he was dictatorial, but now, he has to feel the pulse of every sector with a view to knowing what next to do.

We should all work together in Nigeria and embrace the opposition, get a little bit of their own ideas, whenever we want to condemn something, we must proffer solutions in order for the person you are condemning to make corrections.

One thing I will advise President Buhari as a politician is to thread slowly over Senate President Bukola Saraki, he should not allow Saraki to be swallowed or destroyed because it will portend a very serious danger to the All Progressives Congress (APC). They should call

themselves to a round table and resolve whatever is happening to the party and allow Saraki to rest.

What is your take on the ongoing protests and agitation for the actualisation of Biafra Republic?

It is a very serious matter that should be handled with care and maturity. They should not start talking about secession or creation of another state. The America you see today has so many states and no American will support the breakaway of any little arm of America. Britain fought when one of its states wanted to go away.

Nigeria must ensure that it doesn’t break. We should try to resolve our differences rather than allowing ourselves to break up. If Biafra breaks away Nigeria is losing out in the comity of Nations. Look at the Arab world now, America has succeeded in breaking them into pieces and you can see that they are not in peace, they are experiencing wars over and over

Nigeria must ensure that it doesn’t break. We should try to resolve our differences rather than allowing ourselves to break up

jects are yet to

•Inyang company but these things take time for you to customize them.

Remember it is run by Sheraton, so what the Sheraton Group is

doing is liaise with Le’ Meridien, Uyo. So, we are very sure that in April next year we will have the fourpoint Sheraton hotel running in full speed.

What about the 20th Anniversary Hospital also inaugurated by last administration, what is the situation now?

The situation now is very good. When people say there are no equipment in the 20th anniversary hospital I decided to ask the journalists, didn’t you see the equipment on the day of inauguration? We went round the wards, and the same equipment were there. As I speak to you the doctors are arriving. By the end of the

•Ogundokun Buhari must not allow Senate President Saraki to be destroyed again. The same thing is happening in Africa, it will be rewarding for us all if all African nations can be a country.

I don’t think Buhari should overlook their agitation but find a solution. Buhari should bring Biafrans nearer, and study the situation in Nigeria so that every segment of Nigeria will be part of the progress of the country and the sharing of whatever comes to us. We are talking about fair share, fair share is when you are able to give people their entitlement and they get what is due to them and everybody will be happy.

You know what affected PDP in the decision making, there was no Yoruba

month there will be an opening of the 20th Anniversary hospital. First batch of the Doctors have started coming in.

Is the Specialist hospital going to be managed by the state government?

No, it is a PPP thing. There are the Americans, Asians and the rest of Europe. It is a conglomerate.

The Tropicana project is one project started by the last administration that the people are having the impression that is giving the government serious challenge because it can no longer fund it, what is the true story?

The story about the Tropicana is very simple. With the current financial situation, we need to think and re-strategise. In the shopping Mall, Shoprite is coming in because they appreciate what we have on ground. We have had discussions. We discussed with the owner, the Managing Director of Shoprite.

man, the end result is the fall of the party.

We cried, we talked, we advised the then president and when the people told him what to do, the money mongers went after his money and destroyed him. I am happy that I told him in the presence of those who sneaked him out and today he must be thinking that Chief Abiola Ogundokun told him this thing in the presence of everybody inside the villa. So, I want to appeal to Buhari to look into the agitation of the MASSOB. Going by the recent tribunal judgements on Rivers and Taraba governorship petitions, PDP alleged that the judiciary is playing to the instruction of the presidency, do you believe in such thing?

They are working on the PDP in one of the papers made design now, and what they a very strong point about the promised us is that by first week Taraba case, making reference to of January there will be Benue situation, while the man foundation right there. Also left the PDP like yesterday and they are looking at working for was adopted today without going 8-9months to complete that through any primaries, and particular project. today he is the governor of that For the hotel, we have the state and no one has removed Hilton. What happened with him even at the tribunal, so I think the Hilton hotel is that initially PDP made a good point there, we went to Hilton and Hilton so the judiciary should be very gave us Hilton Garden. Hilton careful in reference to decisions Garden is a 3-Star hotel taken in some other courts, it whereas what we were should be uniform. PDP should building was a 5-Star. Now be careful of what is happening when the last governor because they are losing out in persuaded Hilton, we had a many places and Buhari is the meeting in the US, and they president of Nigeria and he is now accepted to come and take the president of the APC, and he a look again. is also the president of the PDP. When they came they brought As an elder statesman, I will in a consultant who now prefer that we find solution to our accepted to do the Hilton problems in Nigeria and work Garden 5-star. They have together to promote Nigeria. written to us that they have Buhari should not do anything accepted but they have a lot to that will provoke a section or amend, to have a flow that is group by doing anything that will why you have a seemingly not create progress for the country delayed project. because it could be very dangerous.

32—V ANGU ARD, WEDNESD A Y, NO VEMBER 25, 2015 32—VANGU ANGUARD, WEDNESDA NOVEMBER

Is there a room for improvement?

He had a child with his one-night stand Dear Bunmi, My fiance and I got engaged last year and we plan to get married in a few months’ time. A few days ago, a ‘friend’ let it slip that a woman in their street just had a baby for him. I couldn’t believe it but when I confronted him, he didn’t

deny it. He said it was a onenight stand and she refused to have an abortion. To make matters worse, I have fertility problems for which I’m being treated by my doctor. I’m terribly broken-hearted. I can’t stop him from being part of his baby’s life but I can’t stand the thought of him

Do girls prefer ‘bad’ men?

Dear Bunmi, I’m an old-fashioned man and like to treat a woman correctly. I have a good job and I recently re-located to the country. I open doors for my girlfriends and hate to see a woman carrying heavy bags.

But I find women don’t accept my chivalry and prefer men who treat them badly. Where am I going wrong? My friends say women prefer the ‘tough’ guys who slap them around. Is this true?

Harry, bye-mail.

Dear Harry, I think you’re trying a little

too hard! As a woman, it is wonderful to be treated with kindness and respect, but a little too much protection feels controlling and smothering.

Try to relax a little with your next girlfriend. Take the time to find out who she is, her likes, dislikes, her dreams and disappointments rather than carrying her bags. Be open and show your strength and weaknesses. People distrust a person who’s too good to be true. Women don’t like ‘roughnecks’ either. Be violent and they’re likely to walk!

being near this scheming woman. He swears it’s me he loves, but if that were the case, he wouldn’t have slept with her in the first place.

Mofolani, by e-mail.

Dear Mofolani, The love for your fiancee is being tested here and friends could call you a saint if you decide to stand by your man.

But if your love is stronger than this mistake he’s made, for which he’s obviously sorry, then you can get over this betrayal of his. Naturally, you would have wanted to be the first person to give him a child - not some woman he barely knew. You need time to think things through before you finally decide to trust him enough to still go ahead with the wedding because when you eventually get married, this child too becomes part of your family. I can’t tell you what is the right thing for you to do. Only you know that. All I can say is, if you love one another, you have a chance.

How do I get the dating right after 12yrs absence?

Dear Bunmi, I have just come out of a marriage that lasted almost 12 years. It was an amicable separation and I’m not interested in getting seriously involved with anyone, but I recently had some one-night stands which I’ve handled badly. I’m not sure what’s expected of me any more - the dating scene seems to have changed since I was last out there.

Women always want me to go to their place, which I find weird, but nice. Recently, when I asked for a girl’s number after she spent the night with me, she was really rude and said: “I think we both know that’s not necessary, don’t you?”

One thing hasn’t changed though, women still trot out the old, “I don’t usually do this,” line.

Can you give me some clues on what to expect next time around?

Julius, by e-mail.

Dear Julius, Some things have changed as you’ve discovered - others haven’t. The reason she always wants to go back to her place is that women are more aware of physical safety these days. Even if there’s no flat-mate at home, women usually know their neighbours. Not only does she feel safer, she feels more in control - her place means her

terms. Going back to yours, means facing the walk of shame.

She has to figure out how to get home and can’t turn up at work in the same clothes.

Having said that, women are still keen for you to think “she doesn’t usually do this sort of thing.” Even in these liberated days, it’s still drummed into our heads from when we are little girls that women don’t just have sex because they feel like it, there should be a higher, more moral purpose. Saying it out loud

justifies it both to you and her.

Or it could also be that she’s hoping to see you again. Just because you’re not looking for something long-term doesn’t mean she isn’t.

If you want to call her, get her number. But if you have no interest, just say, “that was a great night. I’ll see you around,” and hotfoot it out of the front door.

It might seem cruel but it’s way kinder than leaving her wondering if there was more to it.

Must I have a boyfriend?

Dear Bunmi, In my 26 years on this earth, I have only had a casual relationship with a man I met at the university but we were not intimate. I don’t really fancy the idea of having a boyfriend but my family and friends are at my back to have one and are always matchmaking. I have a good career and I don’t mind being single. Is this normal?

Nkechi, by e-mail.

Dear Nkechi, It doesn’t matter if your views are normal or not, they are yours, so stick to them. You don’t need to get irritated with your family and friends. They match-make

because they are concerned about you. In the meantime, take another look at your views on relationship. I bet that deep down, you must have a bit of anxiety about it all. Maybe you worry you would have to compromise too much. Or is it because you have seen a lot of relationships turn bad and want none of it?

You are right not to want to settle for an unhappy life, but you can choose a partner who respects your space and have a relationship that works for you.

A lot of women who were once in your shoes have eventually settled with partners they are now happy with. Just keep an open mind.

Dear Bunmi, A group of us friends are in our late 20s and my friends are always telling me how their girlfriends praise their prowess all of the time. I’ve had some hot affairs but not all these girls told me I drove them wild. How can I really tell if I drive them wild in bed and tell me I’m the best they’ve had?

Israel, by e-mail.

Dear Israel, It’s the average man’s fantasy he’s voted the best lover ever. Whilst all men can’t have that tag, a lot can improve on their techniques to give lovers lasting memories.

According to an expert, most of us aren’t that confident of our bodies in clothes, let alone out of them, especially in sexual positions that squash our bits up in the most unflattering ways! A lover who looks at his partner adoringly gives her the confidence to stop worrying about what she looks like and starts paying attention to the delicious sensation she’s feeling.

So perfect the art of flattery: absolutely nothing will score you more points as lover of her life than punctuating every kiss of every inch of her body

with ‘You are just so sexy/ beautiful! gobsmackingly gorgeous’ !

Do your homework.

Surprisingly, few people take time out to discover how the body’s sexual response system works but, in a sense, sex is an acquired skill and you need to do your home-work to become an expert. Get your hands on a good sex book and give yourself a biology lesson they didn’t give you in school.

Refuse to have sex in bed! It might not be the most original suggestion you’ve heard, but have you actually tried it?

Lovers who initiate sex in rooms other that the bedroom score points simply because most people are lazy and take the easy option every time (sex in bed just before you go to sleep).

Focus on your girl’s pleasure, not yours. The better lover you are and the more pleasure she gets from sex, the more likely she is to crave it and you.

Encourage her to open up and tell you what she needs. Does she need more foreplay? Are you picking the wrong time to initiate sex (like Sunday mornings, the only time she gets to go to church or sleep in)? Ask for feedback during sex, listen and then do exactly what she asks.

Did we infect each other?

Dear Bunmi, Some months back, I gave my boyfriend oral sex when I had a cold sore on my lip.

Later, he got a sore on his genitals. Now I think he may have passed the cold sore back to me as I’m itchy down below.

This has got me really worried.

What do you think I should do?

Iyesogie by e-mail.

Dear Iyesogie, From what you described, you both almost certainly have the herpes virus. It is very common,

and can cause sores on the face and genitals. If a person has a cold sore on their lips, oral sex is a way to pass it on to another person’s genitals.

On the other hand, if you already had the herpes virus, your boyfriend couldn’t have passed it back to you. Once it’s in your system, you have it for life. You can get medication for the symptoms from either your doctor or at any health centre near you. In the meantime, use condoms with a new partner to avoid passing on the virus.

You need time to think things through before you finally decide to trust him enough to still go ahead with the wedding because when you eventually get married, this child too becomes part of your family, I can’t tell you what is the right thing for you to do

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2015 — 33

C M Y K

34—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

We are trying to demilitarise the security space —Arase This is the concluding part of the interview which was first published yesterday. In the previous edition, IGP Arase assured that he intended to dedicate the rest of his life to helping humanity, starting from his immediate constituency, the Nigeria Police

By Evelyn Usman

K

IDNAPPING began in the Niger Delta, held sway in the South-East but was curbed only to shift to the SouthWest. What's on?

Crime to me, is an aberration.

In a society where things are done normally, they shouldn’t happen. But all the same, members of the public too have a responsibility to play in it. Look at the professor kidnapped at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

Who was involved? His brother in-law. These are things members of the public need to understand.

We are not security conscious; we are not conscious of our environment. Unfortunately, the police cannot be everywhere, that is just the truth.

Recently, the President gave a directive for recruitment of more policemen. Why the delay?

Well, these things have budgetary implications. If you are going to recruit policemen, they have to be trained. The facilities for training have to be such that it is conducive for training in the first instance. You have to budget for their salaries because once they've been recruited, even when they are in training, they are supposed to be pay-rolled.

Budgetary provisions They are supposed to have uniforms. We are supposed to feed them, provide teaching aids, we are supposed to invite guest lecturers that would teach them, apart from basic police duties, other relevant areas. So, it is something that has to be budgeted for and you know, the government just came in. We have been trying to see how we can make budgetary provisions for it in the next budget.

Is the Marine Police moribund?

It is true that over the years, we have not taken a critical look at how to really jazz our marine department up. Their capacity has dwindled over the years. We’ve not been able to replicate the good ones as they were leaving.

I have met with the Chief of Naval Staff and appealed to him that since they have comparative advantage in terms of training and capacity building in that area, we are trying to see how we will be able to get in some more men there and train them on how to handle those inland waterways.

Most of the boats we have are obsolete. Since there is no money and there are contending de-

mands on government funds, we will repair the ones we have. So, that area is one area we are taking a critical look at, to see how we can rejuvenate it and make it potent especially, for crimes coming from the sea.

Also recently, you ordered a clamp down on MASSOB. Why concentrate on MASSOB while there are other militia groups in other parts of the country ?

My answer is that I’m allergic to primordial sentiments. I am the Inspector-General of Police of the Federation of Nigeria.

Crime to me, wherever it occurs, does not have an ethnic coloration. Once you’re an illegal organization, whether you’re wearing the ethnic toga of OPC and others, it is not something that I’m interested in.

Breach of the law It was not directed strictly at MASSOB. But they are the ones who have been disturbing the South-East for some time now. If they do that, they are in breach of the law and they have to be clamped down on.

What role is expected of the Police over the raging issue of pipeline vandals?

Well, what we are trying to do is to ensure that we acquire specialized equipment to police those areas. You talked about the Marine police. So, all those are platforms that would be required to do that. We also require maybe, air surveillance to be able to do that.

A past president donated some helicopters to the Nigeria Police Force, what happened to them?

Do you still have the helicopters?

Helicopters? Yes, we have helicopters. We have six that were deployed to the six geopolitical zones, one for each zone. Don’t forget that those helicopters too require insurance to fly. Sometimes, once the insurance is not current, it’s a risk and we will be breaching the existing laws. We need fuel, spares and other things which are capital intensive.

Would it be right to say that there is a cold war between the Police and other security agen-

IGP Arase

cies particularly the DSS? Take for instance, the arrest of suspected kidnappers of Chief Falae. What is your relationship with other security agencies?

We have a healthy relationship.

We are supposed to be working for the same government. You know there is inter-service rivalry and professional envy is not something that is restricted to Nigeria alone. Take the 9/11 blast on the twin towers in New York.

Some of the security agencies got intelligence about the likelihood of an attack but because they could not synergize and piece it together, it happened and that led to the establishment of the homeland security office where they co-ordinate diverse communication coming in from everywhere. As a cop, my space is already defined both by the constitution and statutory acts.

I try to fit myself into my space

The nature of the service now is that when some of the criminals see a policeman working in his beat, they will want to attack him and take his weapon. So, they have militarized the security space

and ensure that I do my job professionally. I told you that I approached the Chief Naval of Staff when I had a problem with the waterways. For me, I’m not in competition with anybody; instead I’m in competition with myself. I wake up every morning and ask myself : "Where are those areas that you’re deficient, Solomon? How can you make up for those defects?”

President Muhammad Buhari, gave December as deadline to end the activities of Boko Haram but unfortunately, we are still witnessing bombings in the North-East which resulted in the loss of lives. How do you think the Police can make this deadline achievable?

We are working side by side with the military in the North East. I have about a thousand PMF officers who are fighting side by side with the military. We also have our role to play. Once the safe corridor has been created, we are trying to establish a semblance of civil authority.

Secured environment At the same time, there are some immediate impact activities that we intend to put in place and will continue to win the hearts and minds of people who are going to return from the IDP camps. We complement each other and the deadline is achievable. We are appealing to members of the public to ensure they partner with the security agencies so that we are able to have a safer and secured environment.

There is nowhere in the world where you can totally obliterate issues of these bombs here and there, even in countries that are developed . All we are saying is that they should not occupy our territory. It is assymmetrical warfare, and the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

What are you doing about police brutality and accidental discharges by policemen? Remember the recent case of Udoh in Lagos whose wife was killed by your men.....

I believe that nobody has the right to kill any human being.

Whether you are a policeman or not, you’re not immune to the criminal justice system. So, you can see that everywhere that thing has happened in this country, my directives is that within 48 hours, I dismiss the person and arraign him in court.

That is the best I can do. We're also retraining them and working on their psyche and telling them that these things are no longer acceptable. In other jurisdictions, when someone is involved in this case, you quarantine the person in a trauma centre to ensure that his mental health is checked to be sure that he doesn’t have some trace of madness in him.

Why would he shoot anybody anyway in the high street with a gun that was given to you to protect the people? To me it is just crazy and it is not something that I can stay with. So, anywhere it happens, my first move is to tell the Commissioner, let the person have his day in court. And that is what we have been doing. In most of our training programmes and promotional courses, we emphasise more on musketry, how to handle firearms. We will try and see if we can sufficiently train them.

Civil police The problem in this country is that we have inherited a lot of things that is not supposed to be used by civil police. I will want to see my policemen who are involved in internal security management use pistols instead of long arms,while those ones who are in charge of guarding key or strategic positions can carry long guns.

Why can’t they carry rifles, pistols, small arms, walkie-talkies, batons? Those are supposed to be from the civil authority. The nature of the service now is that when some of these criminals see a policeman working in his beat, they will want to attack him and take his weapon. So, they have militarized the security space. It is not the police that is doing that.

There are firearms all over the place. We are trying to mop up those arms from the society.

Would you say the Nigeria Police are adequately equipped to fight this war against criminals?

There is no Police Force in the world that is all round equipped.

Once they are passing out from the school, every policeman has a walkie talkie, baton and all the Continues on page 35

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015—35 35

We are trying to demilitarise the security space —Arase Continues from page 34

Policemen taking receipt of vehicles supplied by some governments

An institution and its challenges

By Kingsley Omonobi

I

N the recent past, despite the commendable efforts of IGP Solomon Arase at repositioning the Nigerian Police Force, criminals have been unrelenting in their escapades.

In this piece, Vanguard takes a look at certain reasons that have hampered Police performance over time.

First, is the issue of attaching a sizeable number of scarce police personnel needed to police a population of 170 million Nigerians, to a negligent minority of less than 250, 000 prominent and well-to-do individuals.

At the last count, over 130, 000 police personnel out of 400, 000 are attached to unauthorized persons and VIP’s in the country.

Following the complaints of Nigerians and directive of President Muhammadu Buhari however, the Inspector General Police, recently deployed high level monitoring teams to the nation’s airports, highways and other public places to enforce the presidential directive of immediate withdrawal of policemen from personalities who are not entitled to them.

efficiency and effectiveness”.

Second is the challenge of armed robbers now using uncharted creeks and waterways to escape after robbing banks or kidnapping people.

Arase aptly captured this challenge when in a meeting with Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas recently, he expressed readiness of the Police to partner the Navy in the area of rehabilitation of over 60 Police boats out of over 100 presently grounded to reinforce its maritime operations.

Arase’s words: “In the last two to three months, we have been so worried about our Maritime operations. We have written the Nigerian Navy to help us put our boats back into the waters.

We won’t mind even if some are cannibalized to repair others.

We just want them to work”.

Another area of challenge for the Police is lack of diligent prosecution of cases, which has led to several garnishee problems for not only the Nigerian Police, but has seen criminals using lawyers with ulterior motives escaping justice.

Furthermore, there is the chal-

Internal security “The monitoring team was given the powers to stop VIPs’ on the highways, airports etc, for confirmation of their status and that of the Policemen attached to them. Any erring VIP or Policeman caught in such unauthorized beat is to be prosecuted,” he said.

On the same issue, Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mike Okiro had this to say, “Henceforth only authorized government officials and VIPs’ will be entitled to police security.

Okiro said the Nigeria Police will now be “structured to do its primary duties of providing internal security and protecting lives and property” and that “the Commission will give the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force the required support and encouragement to enhance its

The Nigeria Police needs more men. It might interest Nigerians to know that since the past five years, the Nigeria Police has not carried out any recruitment exercise

lenge of poor or lack of adequate forensic equipment necessary for the Police to adequately carry out investigations at crime scenes.

A retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, David Omojola however told Vanguard that lack of forensic equipment is hampering successful investigation of such high profile murder cases.

“The Nigeria Police needs more men. It might interest Nigerians to know that since the past five years, the Nigeria Police has not carried out any recruitment exercise. The workforce has been depleted, owing to manpower leakages arising from retirement, litigations and death,” he said.

Manpower leakages On unresolved murder cases, Omojola said, “The investigation of such cases can only be facilitated with modern and well equipped forensic laboratories.

The Nigeria Police needs funds to set up state-of-the-art forensic laboratories which provide a driving force for crime investigation. The force also needs modern equipment for the detection and safer detonation of bombs and other Improvised Explosive Devices.

Some of the unresolved political assassinations cases in Nigeria include those of renowned journalist, Dele Giwa on October 19, 1986 in Lagos through a parcel bomb; Babatunde Elegbede on May 5, 1994 also in Lagos; Lekan Owolabi (March 1995 Lagos); Captain Tunde Ashafa (June 11, 1995, Lagos) and Alfred Rewane on October 6, 1995 also in Lagos.

Others are Mr. Kayode Awosanya, January 1996 in Lagos; Mrs. Tajudeen Abiola, February 9, 1996 Lagos, Alhaji Sama Kano April 8, 1996 Lagos; Admiral Olu Omotehinwa, May 22, 1996 Lagos; Mrs. Irene Obodo, June 1996 Lagos; Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, June 4, 1996 Lagos; Chief Adejola Balogun, June 15, 1996, Lagos and Mrs. Esther A. Tejuoso, September 19, 1996, Lagos.

necessary accompaniment that makes him a police officer. They are part and parcel of the passing out parade.

But there are competing demands in Nigeria today. We want good schools for our children, we want motorable roads to drive on, we want stable electricity. We want water to flow in our systems, we want good health care. All these are competing demands. So, when you put these side by side with the police demand, you will discover that it is enormous.

But with time, what I will advocate as part of security sector reforms is that there will be devolution of functions to allow some well established private organizations do some of the jobs the police should do. Take the case of bullion van escorts of private security outfits.

Go to South Africa, they are well equipped. You can subscribe to a good private security agency although they carry arms anyway. They fix CCTVs in their houses. Why can’t we have legislation in this country that will say any public building or business outfit , as you are registering to build a house, the security for that place will also be part of the registration.

They fix CCTVs in our houses, supermarkets, public places. If they make a mandatory legislation, then you’ll discover that the security of a place is well policed. We focus too much on physical security in this country and I think that’s where the problem lies.

What is the strength of the Nigeria Police Force?

We are about 305,000 pay rolled. From that figure, you have to subtract traffic wardens, specialist branch like medical doctors, our engineers. So, the number of policemen we deploy should be about 250,000 or 260,000.

How many Policemen do you think the Force needs to police Nigeria?

I don’t want to put a number to that because as I’m telling

The public perception of the Nigerian Force has to change. A country gets the Police Force that they deserve. These guys are not just police officers, they are Nigerians

you, when you talk about all those UN figure, one policeman to 400 people, you’re talking about a society that has sufficient technical platform. Like in the United Kingdom, they are about three million cameras spread across the country.

How many eateries, shopping malls, hotels can boast of very robust CCTV system? This is the type of thing that is mandatory in other countries.

What would you like to be remembered for when you leave as the IGP? A cop who had an opportunity to change things. By his grace, I’m doing my little best.

I may not be able to solve all the problems that are there but I’ll be able to put the blocks in place. I want to be remembered as an IGP who was very very passionate about my workmen.

Whose heart goes to them everyday whenever I hear that something has happened to them. I put my family in their positions and say if anything happens to me, what is going to happen to my wife, children, friends and dependants who are looking up to me. And sometimes I have sleepless nights.

Sleepless nights Everything I want to do, as I have told you, I have been blessed beyond my expectations. I have viewed that the rest period I have in this career, I’ll put it as a service for Nigerians and the Police Force and give Nigerians a responsible and respected Police Force.

I want to always come out and when you say “Solomon Arase is a police officer, you should look at me and assess me and say “yes, this man did his best for the country. I don’t want you to stigmatize me and say I’m a bad person because I wear the uniform. I am not a bad person. Those are the things I think I want to leave behind.

What do you say to Nigerians about their perception of the Nigerian Police Force?

The public perception of the Nigerian Force has to change.

A country gets the Police Force that they deserve. These guys are not just police officers, they are Nigerians.

No matter the mannerisms or idiosyncrasies that they learnt, that is what they have brought to the system. So, they should learn to trust their police force, have respect for them, and my policemen should also know that one day they’ll also become civilians just like as they were before they became police officers.

36—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

By Josephine Agbonkhese

L

ET us more into your background...

I had my bee-keeping training at the Bee-craft Vocational Institute, Abeokuta, and my entrepreneurial training with the National Directorate of Employment. I was also on scholarship from the Goldman Sachs Corporations in the USA to study entrepreneurship at the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.

Along the line also, I was also discovered by the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy, KIND, which empowered I and other women entrepreneurs and handed us over to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI. I happened to be among the first set of mentees at the LCCI. But why bee-keeping of all businesses?

I have always loved nature. and agriculture was something I loved so much. Many a time when I was growing up, I had a little garden at the back of our house and every morning I will sit and imagine how the plants grow and I always appreciate God for His works. At a point, I learnt from a friend that there is a way one can keep bees to get honey, I was so fascinated and I desired that one day I will learn about it.

So, what was the defining moment?

My journey into bee-keeping really began when I got employed at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, as the marketing officer to market all their products including honey which they produced and processed.

Workshop on bee keeping It was the week I resumed that the staff in charge of the honey unit resigned. I had no option than to assist the boy who was assisting him then. It was also at that time that the consult organized a 3-day workshop on bee-keeping which I was opportuned to be part of, and that was where the passion for bee-keeping was unlocked and I longed to have a hive of my own.

Already, I had started my research on honey and bees and what I learnt about the curative and medicinal properties of honey really fascinated me, coupled with the demand for the product. My love for it increased.

I also discovered the various areas in the business, from which revenue could be generated, which could also create employment opportunities and above all add

•Folashade

•Folashade at the bee farm

From a hobby, bee-keeping has become a blessing to me —Folashade Ojebiyi An alumnus of the Pan-Atlantic University Enterprise Development Centre, Victoria Folasade Ojebiyi, is a beekeeper and honey manufacturer who wouldn’t give up her hobby-turned-business for anything in the world.

In this interview, the graduate of Marketing from the Polytechnic, Ibadan, who is now CEO of Abeokuta-based Alpha-Cedar Corporate Company, shares the inspiring story of how she ventured into bee-keeping and honey processing, challenges in the business and lots more. value to the lives of my consumers through the production of good, quality honey and its by-products.

I told the consultant about it and he told me that whenever I am ready, I should get in touch.

I started out with three hives and these have increased with time.

What would you highlight as your achievements so far?

Today, what started out as a hobby has been a blessing to me. I will share three of these achievements that I hold so dear to my heart. First and foremost, after I started out, I intended keeping bees as a

Finance to fund this business is a big challenge and I am using this medium to call on well-meaning Nigerians and investors to start looking towards this branch of agriculture to invest and for concerned government agencies to consider giving grants

hobby but as God would have it, it has become a big business today. I later discovered that this is the business I am cut out for and when I heard that the National Directorate of Employment was having a training for graduates that wanted to start their own business, I applied and was selected. After the training, I was empowered with some funds as loan which I paid back to start my business and that was when the confidence came.

I soon started planning my exit from the Federal University of Agriculture to go into my own business.

The second one was when I won the Goldman Sachs scholarship for Women Entrepreneurs in July 2011 to study at the Enterprise Development Centre of PanAtlantic University. The third was when I was given a space at the Technology Incubation Centre, TIC, Abeokuta where I am now.

So far, what’s your most memorable experience?

There have been so many but there is one I always thank God about. It happened that I was working with the bees one sunny day with my husband in the apiary. We were well kittedup but I was sweating inside the bee suit, so, I left the hive I was working on to get some fresh air and then I forgot that the bees were still around, so, I removed my veil. The next thing I saw

was bees bombarding me and I was having braids on then, it was not a funny sight, but thank God for my husband who came to my rescue, else, something terrible would have happened and this is one of the risks involved, though it was due to my carelessness.

Aside common drawbacks suffered by entrepreneurs in Nigeria, are there challenges peculiar to bee-keeping?

The major challenges that are peculiar to bee-keeping are bush burning and pilfering by honey robbers. This is common to bee-keepers and it has been a great pain. I have lost so much to bush burning and honey robbing and I know this is also the plight of most bee-keepers.

Policies and subsidies Another challenge is the policies and subsidies from government affecting inputs to honey production, which includes access to finance, infrastructure, farmland and technologies useful for beekeeping.

Who or what do you consider your greatest influence?

God has been my greatest influence; He gives the inspiration, courage and strength to continue despite all odds. My husband also has always been there, giving all the support that is humanly possible. Another influence over me is excitement.

I am excited doing what I love doing and I think this has helped me achieve the little successes I have recorded so far, even when I go to people seeking for their assistance and they turn me down, my excitement does not let me down. I remain happy while I

explore other means.

From experiences so far, what’s your take on life as an entrepreneur?

It takes rugged and determined individuals to weather the storms of entrepreneurship as the business for many years seems to be taking everything away from you without giving anything back in return and this could be frustrating. From statistics, it has been proven that just a third of new businesses survive till the tenth year and those that survive are fond of doing some things that others failed to do. This is a major challenge.

I would say being an entrepreneur is a great privilege especially when you are just coming up. One thing that keeps me going is the passion I have for what I do and with perseverance and hard work I know I will achieve my goal. ...and would you say women are harnessing the opportunities available in your sector?

I have met with a few women in my sector and they are really trying their best but as you would agree with me, finance to fund this business is a big challenge and I am using this medium to call on well-meaning Nigerians and investors to start looking towards this branch of agriculture to invest and for concerned government agencies to consider giving grants to boost this branch of agriculture in order to encourage more women to go into bee-keeping. Part of my future plans include going to the grassroots to encourage more women to come into the business.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2015 — 37

Senate summons Perm Sec over NIMASA’s employment c'ttee

By Godfrey Bivbere & Godwin Oritse

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HE Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions has summoned the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport to appear before it over the committee set up to review appointments, placements and promotions carried out in Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, between 2008 to 2015.

The summon, Vanguard learned, was as a result of a petition to the Senate Committee and copied to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Ministry of Transport, challenging the constitution of the committee by the ministry alleging that the exercise was meant to demote professionals who were engaged during the administration of Patrick Akpobolokemi.

The Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led committee was said to have invited the Permanent Secretary over the petition sent to the ministry with the name of Senator Sulaiman Nazif on it because the senator allegedly has a

younger brother in NIMASA who is likely to be affected by the outcome of the probe.

A source in the ministry accused the committee of working against the implementation of the recommendations of the committee.

Interestingly, with the wave of

petitions and counter petitions, the senator's brother, who is an Assistant Director in charge of Search and Rescue in NIMASA, also wrote a petition to the Ministry of Transport, challenging the authority of the ministry to set up a committee to review appointments in NIMASA amongst other issues.

It was gathered that the committee set up by the ministry has since concluded its assignment and submitted a report containing its recommendations to the ministry over four weeks ago but the report is yet to be implemented or even made public .

COMMISSIONING: From left: Professor Cordelia Agbebaku, Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University; Professor Greg Akenzua, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council and Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, at the commissioning of a 500-seater lecture theatre at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, yesterday.

Dickson campaign alleges attack on supporters by suspected APC thugs

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By Emem Idio

ENAGOA—THE Restoration Campaign Organisation of Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, has raised alarm over the alleged unleashing of terror on supporters of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by some thugs suspected to be supporters of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Agudama-Ekpetiama, Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

According to the Director of Publicity, Restoration Campaign Organisation, Jonathan Obuebite, two of those attacked were critically injured and are receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

Condemning the attack in a statement in Yenagoa, Obuebite described the attack as “unacceptable and one attack too many.”

Obuebite said the alleged APC thugs, led by a well-known thug in the area loyal to a former deputy governor, mobilized his thugs under cover of darkness, supported by three armed soldiers who acted as his bodyguards, as they pounced on the defenceless members of the PDP, shortly after the campaign team of the governor left the community at the weekend.

“The notorious APC thug, acting on the instruction of his god father, who was obviously C M Y K

irked by the defection of over 2,000 of its members to the PDP, swiftly moved in a commando like manner and descended on the PDP members who ran for their

dear lives in the swampy bushes.

Two of them were not as lucky as they were beaten to pulp.”

Reacting to the allegations, the Publicity Secretary of the state chapter of the APC, Fortune

Paniebi, who is also an indigene of the area, described the area as an APC stronghold and accused the PDP of “spreading deliberate falsehood to portray the APC in bad light.”

Review N-Delta ex-militants' training programme —Emmanuel

By Chioma Onuegbu

U

YO—GOVERNOR Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has said that a re-appraisal of the training programme for ex-militants in the Niger Delta region under the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, would enable them meet the

manpower needs of the country.

Emmanuel who stated this when the co-ordinator of the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo, added that a reappraisal will also help sustain the scheme and properly reintegrate the ex-militants to

improve their economic status.

He regretted that so far the training programme has not been able to address the local content demands of the oil-bearing communities of the Niger Delta because the beneficiaries of the training still find it hard to fit into the available opportunities in the

Oshiomhole commissions eight projects at AAU

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, commissioned a 500-capacity lecture theatre, a Moot-Court Building abandoned since 1991 and six other projects constructed by the government at the state-owned Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

The projects are Workshop Building for Building Department and Studio for

Fine and Applied Arts; a Moot Court Building in the Faculty of Law abandoned since 1991; Furnishing of the Moot Court in the Faculty of Law; 500 capacity lecture theatre at the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; 2-in-1 Laboratory Block for the Department of Medical Laboratory Science; Furnishing of the 2-in-1 Laboratory Block for the Department of Medical Laboratory Science; Library Building in the Faculty of Basic

Medical Science and Department Building for the Department of Agriculture Economics, Emaudo Annex.

Speaking on the occasion, Oshiomhole said: “I am happy to be here to commission a number of projects that this university has been able to put in place from the N500 million that we approved for the university to embark on a number of projects.”

Edo tipper drivers seek govt intervention in revenue collection

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—AS the crisis over who collects revenue from Edo State Tipper Drivers Association deepens, Governor Adams Oshiomhole has been urged to intervene in the matter before it degenerates into violence.

It was gathered that there was a violent clash last week between a group that called itself, “Edo Tipper Owners Association” and Destiny Ventures, led by one Shaba, appointed by the state government for the collection of revenue from tipper drivers at one of its locations.

No fewer than 10 vehicles were alleged to have been destroyed in the fracas.

The Edo State Tipper Drivers Association, in a petition to the governor through their counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, expressed surprise at the turn of events when some individuals under the aegis of Edo Tippers Owners Association mounted a road block and began to issue out tickets.

They alleged that the men when confronted alleged that it was the governor, himself who authorized them to collect revenue from the tipper drivers.

Odibo appeals Tribunal judgment

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LEGBETE Moses Odibo, the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, House of Assembly candidate for Udu Local Government Area, has gone to the Appeal Court in Benin, Edo State, challenging the Delta Assembly Petitions Tribunal which refused his petition seeking to void the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declaration of Labour Party’s Peter Uviejitobor as winner of the Udu seat during the Delta Assembly election.

A statement by Mr. Oyibo Yarhere, Chairman of Odibo Campaign Organization, said that appealing the tribunal judgment was in line with PDP’s position on the outcome of the election.

He said: “What we took to the tribunal cannot be faulted by any independent jury. We are hopeful of victory at the appellate court."

38—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

3,000 new members join APGA in Anambra

Senate to pass N466bn supplementary budget next week

By Henry Umoru & Joseph erunke

By Enyim Enyim

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NITSHA—ABOUT 3,000 persons from various political parties in Amawbia in Awka South Local Government Area have defected to the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, at the on going validation and registration of new members by the party.

Among the new members were 850 former members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who defected to APGA during the kick-off of the exercise by the state governor, Dr Willie Obiano and the national chairman of the party, Chief Victor Oye. Speaking at the occasion, the governor urged all APGA and intending members to avail themselves of the opportunity of the exercise because the party was undergoing a serious restructuring to enable it enhance its electoral fortunes in future elections in the country.

While welcoming the new members into the APGA family, the governor assured them that they would be given equal opportunity in the party.

The national chairman of the party in his speech said the exercise was aimed at energizing and repositioning the party.

“We have a new exco and we have to do that to make sure that those whose registration cards have expired will have them renewed and updated. It is an on going exercise and it is going on nationwide.”

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BUJA—STRONG indications emerged yesterday that the Senate will next week pass the 2015 supplementary appropriation bill of N465, 636,926,857 billion.

The 2015 Supplementary Appropriation Bill passed the second reading yesterday after it was presented for consideration

by Senate leader, Senator Ali Ndume, APC, Borno South.

In his lead debate, Senate leader, Senator Ali Ndume said that the bill seeks to authorize the issue out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N465,636,926,857, of which N460,636,926,857 is for additional recurrent (Non-Debt) and the balance of N5,000,000 is for contribution to the development fund for additional capital expenditure for the year ending on the 31st day of

December, 2015.

Ndume said that the president, through a communication to the president of the Senate forwarded the 2015 Supplementary Appropriation Bill to the Senate which was read on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday 18th November, 2015 by the President of the Senate.

Speaking yesterday, Senate President Bukola Saraki who referred the Bill to the Senator Danjuma Goje led appropriation committee, gave the committee

FG to adopt new job creation measure —Minister

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA—THE Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige has said the Federal Government would design a new approach to tackle the massive youth unemployment, saying that the new approach would help to move the economy forward for the benefit of the people.

Ngige, who spoke, yesterday, in Umuahia when he called on the Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, said that the government would depart from

old ways of tackling the perennial problem of youth unemployment.

According to Ngige, his ministry would give attention to skill acquisition to enable people to be self employed as against being job seekers.

The minister, who was in the state to commission an ICT skill acquisition centre completed by the National Directorate of Employment, NDE, at Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, explained that the directorate was committed to combating unemployment in addition to formulating policies on

employment.

He said that the NDE would keep a data base of employed, unemployed, employable, underemployed and gainfully employed youths of the country for easy accessment.

“Government cannot give employment to everybody, but we can teach people how to employ themselves.

The NDE established the skills acquisition centers where people are trained on how to do things with their hands and earn a living for themselves,” Ngige said.

Cardinal Arinze set to celebrate golden jubilee as bishop

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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NITSHA—ACTIVITIES marking a two-day Episcopal Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the ordination of His Eminence, Cardinal Francis Arinze, the President Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacrament in the Vatican City, is expected to commence on Friday,

November 27 at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Anambra State.

The Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr.Valerian Maduka Okeke, who disclosed this to newsmen, yesterday, at the Bishop’s Court in the Basilica, said all is now set for the ceremony which will be hosted by the Archdiocese, adding that Cardinal Arinze is expected back home today from the Vatican City.

Okeke noted that activities lined up for the event, which is expected to take place on Friday, included holy mass, novelty football match, visit to Onitsha prison, distribution of gift items to the poor and needy and a gala night.

He noted that the life of Cardinal Arinze has been remarkable because he was consecrated a bishop at the age of 32, adding that he was the youngest Bishop in the world at that time.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

G

od want us to learn a lesson from Audu’s death. We have limited time on earth and God expects us to live a righteous and obedient life.

He was planning for another four years in service but his book for human race was closed. -Mr. Ayodele Akintunde, Engineer

one week to submit its report.

It will be recalled that the Senate on Wednesday last week received a supplementary budget of N465,636,926,857 from President Muhammadu Buhari for consideration and approval.

President Buhari who also sought an upward review of the new borrowing plan from N882.1billon to N2.103trillion, had said, “The expected deficit arising from the above is projected at 2.103 trn or 2.19 per cent of GDP to be financed by additional borrowing of 1.601 trn through the debt management office."

In a letter to the Senate President, President Buhari had explained that the supplementary budget would be predicated on oil production of 2.2003 million barrels per day, with benchmark price of US$48 per barrel and an exchange Rate of N190 to US$1.

According to the president, of this amount, N413,363,134,505 would be for fuel subsidy payment( PMS), just as N10,618,837,435 has been proposed for the payment of outstanding severance gratuity and allowances of outgone and incoming legislators and legislative aides.

Buhari who also sought a review of the fiscal deficit from 1.09 percent of GDP to 2.19 percent, in the letter had said, “the Senate President, you may wish to recall that the 2015 budget was predicated on oil production of 2.2782million barrels per day, benchmark oil price of US$ 53 dollars per barrel and an exchange rate of 190 to US$1.00.

Based on these key assumptions, the following fiscal budget was projected: FGN budget revenue of N3.452 trillion made up of share of oil and minerals revenue1.645trillion; share of non oil revenue N1.215 trillion; FGN Independent revenue N489.3 billion."

On APC governorship candidate’s death in Kogi?

H

ad INEC declared him winner? If so, then his deputy ought to take his place. This is what the constitution says. If INEC was yet to conclude with the election, then there might have to be a new election with a new candidate. -Miss Tina Mba, Student

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ccording to the Supreme Court, in the case of Amaechi vs PDP/ INEC, political parties, and not individuals win elections. Thus, in the case of Kogi election, though inconclusive, APC was in unassailable lead. -Mr. Enyinna Okpani, Graduate

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PC will have to decide on a new governorship candidate which may or may not be the running mate. APC's choice should be a fellow cable of winning the election. May the soul of the deceased rest in peace.-Mr. Masha Houston, Businessman

O

ur inability to get a straight answer from our constitution regarding this situation is a clear indication that a lot need to be done at the National Assembly. But I think that upon the demise of one, the other candidate will keep the ticket alive. -Mr. Nonso Azudiefe, Graduate

T

he details of what caused his sudden demise should be made public immediately.

What an irony of life? I hope his autopsy will be carried out by experts and true results made known to the public. Miss Okoye Precious, Communicator

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2015—39

OLX wins Best Online Classified for the Year

Arrest incessant fuel shortages, NUPENG tells FEC

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By Victor AhiumaYoung

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IGERIA Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has urged the Federal Executive Council, FEC, headed by President Muhammadu Buhari, to immediately hit the ground running by arresting the worsening fuel scarcity across the country.

NUPENG in a statement, yesterday, by its President, Igwe Achese, contended that since President Buhari was in charge of the Petroleum Ministry, he and his team must put up short and long term measures to end the sufferings of the masses and get products available to Nigerians without wasting man– hours at the filling stations.

The union claimed a lot of time had been wasted to constitute the federal cabinet to implement the programmes of the government and called on FEC to proffer solutions to the needs of the teeming Nigerians as promised during electioneering campaigns.

According to the union, “the expectations are high and FEC should put up concrete policies to hit the ground running by arresting the incessant fuel shortages being experienced at present all over the country.

Since Mr. President is personally in charge of the Petroleum Ministry, he and his team must put up short and long term measures to end the sufferings of the masses to get petroleum products without wasting man- hours at the filling stations.

“Mr. President must address the issues of nonpayment of cash-calls on joint ventures and also represent the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, after a stakeholders' meeting to iron out the grey areas.

"The new FEC must address the divestment in the oil and gas industry and tackle head-on the turn around maintenance of the nation’s four refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri. The union will resist any further retrenchment and down-sizing in the oil and gas sector and therefore call for the right enabling environment that will create a level-playing field for investors to operate.”

SUMMIT: From left, Viken Najarian, Specialty Project Manager, Total Nigeria Plc; Mr Fagbola Ladipo, Managing Director, NNPC Retail Limited; Chief Phillip Asiodu, Chairman of the occasion/former Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources; Olumide Adeleke, Deputy Director, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, and Jani Ibrahim, Chairman, Lubcon Group at the 2nd Nigerian Lubricants Summit, in Lagos yesterday. PHOTO: AKEEM SALAU.

Fuel scarcity: APC senators frustrate move to summon Buhari •President can’t be summoned —Senate •We must reconsider PIB to stop scarcity —Saraki to summon President Buhari to explain why the Federal Government was yet to find BUJA—EFFORTS by solutions to the continued fuel senators of the opposition problem in spite of its claim that Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the refineries in the country were convince the Senate to summon working.

President Muhammadu Buhari He said the unnecessary to give reasons for the ongoing hardship occasioned by the fuel scarcity in the country, were scarcity could only be resolved if frustrated, yesterday, by their lawmakers were adequately counterparts in the ruling All briefed on the true state of affairs.

Progressives Congress, APC. Senator Abaribe‘s submission The PDP senators, who berated received wide support from other the President’s handling of PDP senators, as they all hailed current economic situation in the him. country, insisted that he be made Senator Abaribe supported his to a appear before the Senate to call with a prayer for adoption but give explanations on the cause of it was defeated when the Senate the fuel scarcity and how he President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, put intended to solve the issue as it up for a voice vote.

Minister of Petroleum.

At this point, the APC Senators, Their frustrated efforts came who were more in number, following a motion, tagged: “The defeated their PDP colleagues current fuel scarcity all around the with overwhelming shout of “yes” country and the need to urgently against the PDP’s “nay.” resolve the crisis,” sponsored by Senator Jibrin Barau, APC, Kano President cannot be North and 23 other senators, summoned —Senate which was debated upon.

Earlier, in his motion, Senator Speaking through Senator Barau regretted that Nigerians Enyinnaya Abaribe, PDP, Abia were going through untold South, the opposition senators hardship following the lingering accused the President of fuel problem. mismanaging the country’s oil “We are worried that the scarcity sector, causing untold hardship is creating an untold hardship to for Nigerians, barely six months our citizens who have to pay after being in the saddle as higher prices for these products president. especially petrol. We are But the Senate, in a reaction to convinced that the current the development, said the situation is not in tune with the President could not be summoned desire of the progressively even as Minister of Petroleum. inclined government to bring The red chamber, reacting succour to Nigerians in all through its chairman on Media spheres of their lives,” Senator and Publicity, Aliyu Sabi, insisted Jibrin noted. that the fact that the President was But at a briefing after the plenary overseeing the Petroleum ministry session, Chairman, Senate as a substantive minister, did not Committee on Media and make him to be easily summoned Publicity, Aliyu Sabi, explained like other ministers. why President Buhari could not Abaribe had, while contributing be summoned by the Senate. He to the motion, urged the Senate

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

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said as the Commander-inChief, it was wrong to invite him to appear before the Senate, despite the fact that he was the Minister of Petroleum.

Senator Sabi said in the place of President Buhari, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu would be summoned to brief the Senate on plans put in place by the Federal Government to end the fuel scarcity.

Senator Gbenga Ashafa, APC, Lagos East, while also contributing, called for the approval of the supplementary budget which he noted, contained the amount proposed for payment of subsidy to the marketers. He pleaded that the issue be treated with uttermost urgency.

We must reconsider PIB to stop scarcity —Saraki

Meanwhile, Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, said the Senate must take the issue of passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) seriously if scarcity of petroleum products would end in the country.

Saraki stated this while commenting on a motion seeking permanent solution to recurring scarcity of petroleum products in the country at Senate plenary.

He said with a law regulating the petroleum industry, relevant institutions would function effectively and urged senators not to politicize issues relating to petroleum products production and supply as they affected the live of every Nigerian.

“Scarcity has continued to plague this country and we must find a lasting solution to this problem,” he said.

LX, an online classified, has been awarded the best classified ads website of the year at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Technology Awards, N.I.T.A. The event took place in Lagos.

While receiving the award on behalf of the company, Lola Masha, Country Manager, OLX, thanked the organizers for the recognition.

Masha acknowledged that although it had been a challenging year, OLX nonetheless remained steadfast in providing a safe and secure platform for its users.

“We are truly honoured to have emerged winners in this category. I want to specially thank our OLX users who believe in us. I will like to dedicate this award to them and to the OLX team.” she said.

Nigeria Technology Awards (N.I.T.A) is organized to recognize and reward technology entrepreneurs, innovators, inventors, academicians, and policy makers (government) in Nigeria. The theme for this year’s award ceremony was “Rewarding Technology Excellence & Innovations.”

WIMBIZ conference charges women on leadership

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ARTICIPANTS at Women in Management, Business and Public Service, WIMBIZ, annual conference, have called on women to stand out for leadership positions in the country.

The conference which held in Lagos, has become a regular feature on the calendar of business events in Nigeria.

The 14th edition brought together over 1,000 women in what could be described as a knowledge-fest with a broad range of issues on women empowerment in management, business and public service being discussed.

The conference’s plenary session discussed key leadership issues, explored opportunities in Africa, such as taking political stance, making impact in businesses, etc.

The high point of the conference was the emergence of Mrs Aishah Ahmad, as the new Chairperson of WIMBIZ in Nigeria.

Mrs Ahmad in her speech highlighted the impact WIMBIZ had made over the years in inspiring and empowering women and the need for women to acquire the skills and experiences required for them to step up and stand out for greater leadership roles in management, business and public service.

40—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

FEDERATION CUP: Former governor of Akwa Ibom State and Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio (middle), Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State (right), and Obong Paul Ekpo, Akwa Ibom State PDP chairman at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, during the finals of the Federation Cup contest between Akwa United and Lobi Stars. The match ended 2-1 in favour of Akwa United.

WORKSHOP: From left—Mr Nicolaas Vervelde, MD, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr Philip Bankole, Director of Forestry Federal Ministry of Enviroment, Dr. Grace Oloukoli of Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State and guest speaker, Mr. David Tommy, Country Representative, United Nation Industrial Development Organization, UNIDO, and Mr Hank Wynenga, Techincal Director, NB Plc., during the stakeholders' workshop on water stewardship organised by NB Plc and UNIDO in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe.

MERIT AWARD: From left—Vice-Chancellor, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Professor Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, Deputy Director, Colleges of Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Ezekiel Funsho, Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Ibrahim Dikko, and Vice Chancellor, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, MAUTECH, Yola, Prof. Kyari Mohammed, at the 2015 Etisalat merit awards in Abuja.

LAUNCHING: From left—: Head, E-Business, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Oluwatobi Boshoro; Strategic Accounts Director, NCR, Umar El-Moataz, Country General Manager, NCR, Ahmed Aziz Hamada, Executive Director, Personal and Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Obinnia Abauje, and Head, Customer Channels, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Abiodun Gbadamosi, during the launching of Personal Teller Machine

by NCR and Stanbic IBTC Bank in Lagos.

SIGNING: From left— Chairman, Hygeia Community Health Insurance Scheme, Mrs. Fola Laoye, Chairman, Dutch Health Insurance Fund, Kees Storm, and Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed after the signing of an agreement between Dutch Health Insurance Fund and the state Community Health Insurance Scheme in Government House, Ilorin.

INSTALLATION: From left—Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA, Professor Adebiyi Daramola; Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Mohammed Shata; Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwan Adamu; Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Professor Julius Okojie, representing President Muhammadu Buhari, and FUTA's Registrar, Dr. Modupe Ajayi, at the installation of the Bauchi monarch as FUTA's new Pro-Chancellor during the 27th convocation of the institution in Akure.

COCKTAIL: From left: General Manager, Protea Hotel Select, Ikeja, Mr. Fraser Johnston; Mr Soji Kuforiji, Motunrayo Adeolusola, South Africa Airways and Asim Sheikh, Airport Manager, Qatar Airways, during Protea's cocktail event in Lagos.

WORLD TOILET DAY: From left—Head, Education Committee, Female Muslim Doctors, Dr. Halima Alimi, Marketing Manager, Home Care, Reckitt Benckiser West Africa, Bamigbaye-Elatuyi Omotola, Director, United Nations Information Centre, Ronald Kayanja, Marketing Director, Reckitt Benckiser, Oguzhan Silivrili, and Seriki Hausawa, Idi- Araba community, Alhaji Idris Lawal, at the 2015 World Toilet Day celebration where Harpic donated two mobile toilets to the community in Lagos.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2015—41

42—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2015

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C M Y K

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2015 —45

Burundi suspends 10 civil society groups as crisis deepens “Investigations have URUNDI’s interior Burundi could slide back revealed their B minister has into an ethnic conflict involvement in suspended the like its 12-year civil war disturbing security in the

Pictures of Salah Abdeslam, who is currently the subject of an international manhunt after the Paris attacks which killed 130 people.

Turkey downs Russian warplane *As Moscow denies airspace violation

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URKEY shot down a Russian warplane near the Syrian border on Tuesday, saying the jet had repeatedly violated its air space, in one of the most serious publicly acknowledged clashes between a NATO member country and Russia for half a century.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the plane had been attacked when it was 1 km (0.62 mile) inside Syria and warned of “serious consequences” for what he termed a stab in the back administered by “the accomplices of terrorists”.

“We will never tolerate such crimes like the one committed today,” Putin said, as Russian and Turkish shares fell on fears of an escalation between the former Cold War enemies.

Each country summoned a diplomatic representative of the other and NATO called a meeting of its ambassadors for Tuesday afternoon.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov canceled a visit to Turkey due on Wednesday and the defense ministry said it was preparing measures to respond to such incidents.

Footage from private

Turkish broadcaster Haberturk TV showed the warplane going down in flames, a long plume of smoke trailing behind it as it crashed in a wooded part of an area the TV said was known

by Turks as “Turkmen Mountain”.

Separate footage from Turkey ’s Anadolu Agency showed two pilots parachuting out of the jet before it crashed.

A deputy commander of rebel Turkmen forces in Syria said his men shot both pilots dead as they came down.

A video sent to Reuters earlier appeared to show one of the pilots immobile and badly wounded on the ground and an official from the rebel group said he was dead.

Five go on trial over Vatican leaks

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IVE people, including two investigative journalists and a Spanish priest, have gone on trial in the Vatican over the leaking and publication of secret documents.

The journalists, who recently published books

about financial waste and wrongdoing at the Vatican, accused the Holy See of attacking press freedom.

If convicted, all five could be jailed for up to eight years.

The Vatican says the

PARIS ATTACKS: Warrant issued for new suspect

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Belgian judge has issued a European and international arrest warrant for a man named as Mohamed Abrini, 30, in connection with the Paris attacks.

Prosecutors say two days before the attacks, Abrini was seen driving

a car with Salah Abdeslam at a petrol station in Ressons on the motorway to Paris.

Salah Abdeslam is currently the subject of an international manhunt after the attacks which killed 130 people.

writers tried to put pressure on its staff.

Spanish priest Msgr Angelo Lucio Vallejo Balda and public relations expert Francesca Chaouqui were part of a special reform commission set up by Pope Francis to tackle the Vatican’s financial holdings and propose reforms to improve cash flow to the poor.

The priest’s secretary Nicola Maio has also been accused.

The journalists, Emiliano Fittipaldi and Gianluigi Nuzzi, bitterly criticised the Vatican’s decision to put them on trial for publishing their books, Avarice and Merchants in the Temple.

Woman sues for JFK’s assassination film

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woman whose grandfather filmed the assassination of President John F Kennedy as a home movie is suing the US government for its return.

Gayle Nix Jackson is also seeking $10m (£6.6m) in compensation

over the film shot by Orville Nix in November 1963.

He sold the film to a news agency that year but it was later handed to the government for its inquiries.

Ms Nix Jackson says she was told this year the

government agency believed to be in possession did not have the film.

The 8mm Nix film was shot from the opposite side of the presidential limousine from where the famous Zapruder film was taken on 22 November 1963.

operations of 10 civil society groups, accusing them of fuelling widespread violence in recent months, a senior official said on Tuesday.

The United States criticised the move in the small central African nation, which slid into crisis after a decision by President Pierre Nkurunziza to seek a third term in a disputed July election.

World power and regional nations worry

that ended a decade ago.

Armed vigilantes now often patrol the capital at night, the latest sign of a collapse in security.

Terence Ntahiraja, the permanent secretary in the interior ministry, told Reuters by phone that the 10 groups, most of them led by prominent civil rights defenders who have fled into exile, were found to have been s u p p o r t i n g troublemakers.

country,” he said, adding the groups will be given a chance to defend themselves and those found to be innocent will be allowed to restart operations.

The groups include APRODH (Association for the Protection of Human Right and Detained Persons), led by Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, who survived an assassination attempt in August.

Fire kills at least 18 African refugees in Algeria

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T least 18 people died and 37 others were injured when a fire broke out at a camp for African refugees in southern Algeria on Tuesday, Algerian official media reported, citing civil protection services.

Algeria’s south has become a traditional route for African migrants and refugees fleeing poverty and violence in neighboring

Mali and Niger. Many seek to cross into Libya to get to Europe while others end up staying in Libya and Algeria.

The victims of the fire were among 650 Africans being taken in at the camp in the Ourgla province, about 500 km (310 miles) from the capital Algiers, state radio said.

Algeria has started

repatriating hundreds of refugees from Niger under an agreement reached with their government.

State media said an investigation by security services was still underway to determine causes behind the incident. No details were immediately available about the nationalities of the victims.

Indian hospital performs first Asian combined heart, liver transplant

By Chioma Obinna

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HE world recently made history as one of Asia’s largest integrated healthcare groups, Apollo Hospitals successfully performed its first Complex Combined Heart and Liver Transplant, (CHLT) on a 30 year old man.

Known as an en-Bloc CHLT, this complex procedure had never been attempted anywhere in Asia and only a handful of CHLT procedures had been performed anywhere in the world.

Dubbed by Stanford University as a “technically demanding surgical technique,” such procedure is best left in the hands of experienced surgeons.

The patient simply identified as Mr. Ponnar, was an exceptional student who completed his Masters in Engineering and was a gold medallist.

At 22, in the prime of his life, with all his hopes and dreams ahead of him and the world at his feet, Ponnar started noticing swelling in his abdomen, shortness of breath and found that he was

The group of experts who performed the first combined heart and liver transpant in Apollo Hospital, India turning yellow.

Consequently, he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, leading to liver failure and he was

recommended for a liver transplant, which his family was ready to get done for the young man.

Deadly explosion hits presidential guard bus in Tunis

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deadly explosion has hit a bus carrying presidential guards in the centre of the Tunisian capital.

At least 11 people were killed, said Tunisia’s interior ministry.

The bus was struck on busy boulevard in Tunis on Tuesday evening.

Speaking to Al Jazeera from the site of the incident, local journalist

Aymen Abderrahman said that “hundreds of police and military have swarmed the area”.

“It’s in the heart of downtown - a residential area - and many people who live around here are gathering,” he told Al Jazeera by telephone.

“People are crying because it’s the first time it’s happened in downtown ever.

46—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2015

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48 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

‘Most sub-standard goods, not from China’

By Vera Samuel Anyagafu

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ONTRARY to the understanding of most Nigerian consumers, many of the substandard products in the country may not have been imported from China after all.

Vanguard Consular Advisory,VCA, has authoritatively gathered that the mess we are witnessing in respect of the influx of substandard products into the Nigerian market is wreaking havoc on the fortunes of Nigerian importers and consumers.

A few Nigerian importers, especially those who import products from China, are devastated by the deleterious effect on the reputation of genuine brands. They assert that the way out is for Nigerian authorities to make concerted efforts to restructure and or implement laws that will checkmate and fish out substandard brands in the Nigerian market.

Although, it is clear that not all the importers engage in the act, the devastating effect touches all, especially importers who would not compromise on the standard of goods

•Festus Uzoma Mbisiogu brought into the Nigerian market. As a result, they demand a quick intervention of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, to salvage the situation.

Proferring ways the Nigerian government can checkmate the influx of sub-standard and counterfeited brands into the country, China-based Nigerian business mogul and industrialist, Mr Festus Uzoma Mbisiogu, while commending the present leadership of SON, noted that when the director general of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu visited China, he stated that the purpose of his

visit was to ensure that quality products are being exported into the country from China.

Mbisiogu said, “When you want to make an order from China, they will ask you where you are from. If you say that you are from America, they will give you American standard, if you tell them that you come from Europe, they will give you European standard, but if you say you are African, they will lower the quality, believing that Africans are poor and do not have enough funds to match up good quality products.”

He told VCA that the visit of the director general of SON to China was h a v i n g beneficial effects as a good number of Chinese manufacturing companies are now mindful of the products sent to Nigeria, no matter the pressure from

some unscrupulous individuals who are bent on damaging the reputation of good quality products from China.

“In other words, the understanding that all African countries are poor and cannot afford quality brands no longer apply to Nigeria”, he said, stressing that “Apart from what SON is doing, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, is also making sure that Chinese manufacturing companies supply only standard products to Nigerians. Recently, some NAFDAC officials visited China to deliberate on ways to stop the iportation

of counterfeit and sub-standard brands which are often suspected to come from China.”

Continuing, the business mogul, who is also the CEO, Shanghai Construction and Engineering Company and Blue Diamond Logistics, pointed out that 99 per cent of what the world consumes today come from China.“In terms of quality, China is number one.

There is a speculation that most of the importers specifically demand that manufacturing companies abroad lower the quality of the products they are importing into the county so as to maximize profit and this is a huge challenge to a good number of us who will not compromise on the standard of products we import into our dear country, Nigeria.“

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015—49

How Nigeria can become a solar super power, by Patrick Owelle Dr. Patrick OWELLE is a Solar Energy Scholar/ Research Fellow. He is currently the Managing Director of PSC SOLAR UK Limited based in Lagos. He believes that “with the right policies in place, Nigeria can easily become a “Solar Super Power” Solar-enabled parking lot

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HERE is a “Green Energy Revolution” underway in Nigeria that can increase prosperity for millions of poor families by harnessing the abundant and clean energy of the sun.

With the right policies in place Nigeria can easily become a world leader in solar energy.

This solar endeavor could also help address acute power shortages, and make a real difference in slowing the pace of climate change.

Since being elected in May 2015, President Muhammadu BUHARI and Vice President , Prof. Yemi Osinbajo have outlined the government’s vision for increasing Nigeria’s renewable energy capacity, including a boost in solar power generation from virtually zero to 70 GW. The plan is to achieve these targets by 2020. But to do so, Nigeria needs a National Energy Policy, Regulatory Programs and innovative financing mechanisms that encourage the development of distributed energy, particularly, applications that combine solar generation with energy storage.

Financing mechanisms Nigeria has already taken positive steps by announcing very aggressive goals to meet 40 percent of its energy needs through renewables by 2020. I firmly believe that, with favorable policies and strategic economic investments, Nigeria could meet all of its energy needs through renewables by 2040.

At the recent signing of the Nigeria/UK Solar Energy Partnership held in London on October 22, 2015, the Nigeria Vice President stated - “Nigeria will be the place where all of the example will be set for the

Solar-powered vehicle rest of Africa. We are really looking forward to.”

Solar Power Potential in Nigeria Nigeria is endowed with abundant free solar energy.

Using the country’s deserts and farm land and taking advantage of 320 to 350 sunny days a year, Nigeria could easily generate 5,000 trillion KWh of solar energy.

In other words, Nigeria could easily install around 1,000 GW of solar generation — equivalent to 40 times the current peak power demand (about 25 GW) — using just 0.5 percent of its land. In addition, Nigeria can produce over 100 GW from wind power.

As economist and activist Jeremy Rifkin said, while speaking in Lagos in March 2012: “Nigeria is the Saudi Arabia of renewable energy sources and, if properly utilised, Nigeria can realise its place in the world as a great power — but political will is required for the eventual shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.”

Nigeria is both densely populated and has high solar insulation, providing ideal conditions for the exponential growth of solar power as a

future energy source. With GDP growing at about seven percent, solar PV is the only renewable energy resource that can bridge the ‘gap’ between supply and demand.

Solar energy can transform Nigeria and help to bring about decentralised distribution of energy, thereby empowering people at the grassroots level and eliminating the need for costly expansion of transmission and distribution systems.

How can Nigeria achieve its economic, environmental and energy goals?

For Nigeria, a combination of solar power and energy storage is the answer to true energy independence. For its part, the Nigerian government has taken several measurable steps toward improving infrastructure and power reliability but, more needs to be done — and fast. Along with expediting the adoption of solar and other renewable energy resources, to secure its energy future Nigeria urgently needs to implement innovative policies and financing mechanisms (such as capital and interest subsidies, viability gap funding, concessional finance, etc.) to promote

increased use of abundant, sustainable, solar energy.

Recent Solar Power projects agreement signed by VP Yemi Osinbajo with UK Government/ DFID and French Solar Powerhouse, Vergnet points to the seriousness of engagement in Solar Electricity by the Current Administration.

In addition, micro-grids have the potential to change the way communities generate and use energy, can reduce costs, increase reliability and improve environmental performance.

Micro-grids can be used to take substantial electrical load off the existing power grid and so reduce the need for building new or expanding existing transmission and distribution systems.

By implementing the following 10 strategies, Nigeria can begin to become a “Solar Super Power”: *Develop National Renewable Energy (RE) Policy - Enact and deploy a comprehensive new energy roadmap or innovative RE policies (e.g., PPAs, Net

Nigeria is both densely populated and has high solar insulation, providing ideal conditions for the exponential growth of solar power as a future energy source

Metering, FIT, etc.) without delay. In addition, set National Renewable Energy Standards/ Policy such as 20 percent by 2020, 40 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040 — to create demand, new industries and innovation, and a new wave of green jobs. *Invite international developers to meet the revised government targets of 70 GW of Solar and 75 MW of Wind by 2022 and beyond. *Electrifying transportation Expedite a move to electrify transportation by encouraging expanded use of Electric Vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrids, and deployment of solar-powered EV charging stations around the country.

Transportation system Develop and implement time-of-day pricing to encourage charging of vehicles at night and other times when peak demand is low. In addition, launch the public transportation system of the future with zero-emission battery-powered Electric Buses in all major cities to reduce air pollution and reverse climate change. *Energy efficiency - Make Energy Efficiency a high priority by expediting the development and implementation of costeffective energy efficiency standards. To reduce the long term demand for energy, engage states, industrial companies, utilities and other stakeholders to accelerate energy efficiency investments such as large scale nationwide use of LED lamps. *Utility-scale projects - Phase out conventional energy subsidies, and develop a long term plan to replace fossil and nuclear plants with utility-scale

Continues on page 50

50—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

When messengers of death invaded Yola: The inside story

By Umar Yusuf, Yola

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ESPITE the growing pov erty and long queues at petrol filling stations where the operators agreed to open their gates for motorists, relative peace pervaded Yola the capital of Adamawa State. This peace was however disrupted penultimate Tuesday evening when bomb explosions rocked the city.

Residents of Yola who had retired to their homes after another day of fruitless struggle to make ends meet, were at about 8 pm, jolted by a loud bang which shook the entire city and adjourning towns. The explosion left in its trail, the death of about 34 innocent people while 89 others sustained various degrees of injuries.

Vanguard Features, VF, learnt that since the Boko Haram insurgency started, the latest blast at the Tipper Garage along Bye Pass Road, is the fourth suicide bomb attack in the Adamawa State capital. Other explosions in the city occurred at different times at the Jimeta Modern Market, Malkohi IDPs Camp and Jambutu Juma’at Mosque.

A breakdown of the dead according to figures released by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, shows that eight were children, six women while the rest are male adults.

Divergent accounts Eyewitnesses who spoke to VF gave divergent accounts of how the blast was planned and executed. One account claimed that the detonator of the blast drove to the venue in an expensive jeep car. “He stopped at the Mini-Night Market and was distributing huge amounts of money. As he continued the distribution, more and more people gathered to have their share of the loot. As people were collecting the money and departing the venue, a loud bang suddenly occurred,” the source claimed.

Continuing, the source explained that those rushing to collect the money were warned by some unidentified persons to tread cautiously because a similar incident took place before the Jimeta Modern Market bomb blast in 2014.

Another account claimed that the unidentified bombers drove into the mini-market and pretended to be waiting to buy something before the explosion occurred. A man who identified himself as Hamid Dogo told VF that the suicide bomber detonated the bomb in front of a woman who sells food. According to

him: “The woman and her son, Chidinma, died on the spot. I was part of the people who helped to pick the dead bodies of the two victims. The man was sharing bean cakes to Almajiris and the next thing we heard was a blast,” Hamid said.

Mr. Samuel Nwachukwu who lost his wife and two children to the blast, told VF that the suicide bombers pretended to be distributing arms to the people before the explosion occurred.

“The man came here and was distributing money and other

The man was sharing bean cakes to Almajiris and the next thing we heard was a blast

valuables. As more and more people gathered to collect their shares, the explosion went off with a big bang,” he narrated.

Samuel who hawked sachet water with his late wife and two children, explained that the incident happened right before him.

“All of a sudden, I started seeing smoke. I didn’t know what actually went wrong. I started running, but thought about my wife and children. When I came back, my wife and children who were hit by the bomb, were lying critically on the floor,” Samuel who tried to fight back tears said.

VF learnt that Samuel’s wife and children could not pull through as they later gave up the ghost. The devastating effect of the blast also affected Samuel’s speech and hearing.

Meanwhile, the surviving victims of the blast who are receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre Yola, have commended the management of the hospital and Adamawa State Government for providing free medical services to them.

The victims who spoke to VF from their sick beds, said they were impressed by the gesture.”They have been nice to us and since we came, ev-

One of the blast victims erything is free,” said Alhassan Audu, a sugar cane seller recuperating at the old Orthopedic Ward. Another victim, 14-year-

old Isah Adamu also lauded the hospital management for providing them with free medical treatment.

How Nigeria can become a solar super power, by Patrick Owelle Continues from page 49 renewable generation. *Innovative financing solution - Provide innovative financing (including Tax-Free Solar Bonds or Green Infrastructure Bonds, accelerated depreciation mechanism, and access to credit at globally competitive rates, etc.) to instill more confidence from potential investors and decrease the cost of financing for renewable energy projects.

Energy projects

Commercial scale installation

Create and fund a national smart infrastructure bank for renewable energy. *Develop large-scale “Solar Manufacturing Hubs” in Nigeria to facilitate mass production of PV, CSP and CPV equipment. *Decentralised energy – Avoid future fossil fuel investments in Nigeria and, instead, emphasize nationwide deployment of community scale solar projects (installing 100 million solar roofs, solar cooperatives, and solar cities, etc.) and micro-grids with storage. Nigeria’s present virtually non-existent solar target should be extended to

include photovoltaic panels on the rooftop of every home in Nigeria, generating enough power to reduce the country’s massive dependence on fossil fuels. *Develop energy storage including thermal, grid battery storage (e.g., Tesla Powerwall home battery backup), compressed air/gas, vehiclesto-grid/home, pumped hydro, fuel cells or hydrogen (H2 produced from renewable energy only), flywheels, superconducting magnets and super capacitors. Develop a “hydrogen economy” plan. If

done successfully, hydrogen and electricity will eventually become society ’s primary st energy carriers for the 21 century. *Establish R&D facilities within academia, research institutions, industry, government and private entities to guide technology development in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s clean energy targets are realistic, desirable and fully achievable. All that is needed now to make this concept a reality is political commitment and appropriate investments and funding for building many more solar

power systems, solar farms, hybrid solar-natural gas plants, solar thermal storage and advanced battery-based grid energy storage systems.

Excess energy generated from solar could be stored in various forms and then used during times of peak demand.

Investment in those technologies would provide an economic stimulus of at least $1 trillion, and perhaps much more if all indirect effects are included. Given its abundant sunshine, Nigeria could even use solar power to produce “solar fuels” (e.g., using electrolysis to extract hydrogen from water), which could be exported to meet the voracious demand for clean energy from neighboring African economies.

Solar energy provides a golden opportunity for Nigeria to move toward a 100 percent clean energy future while reducing poverty, ensuring energy security and combating climate change. Solar energy has the potential to propel Nigeria forward as a “Solar Super Power.” However, for Nigeria to meet its future energy needs, it can no longer afford to delay deployment of solar energy.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015—51

•The Police boss parading the suspects and the recovered arms and ammunition

We have superior weapons than police — suspected arms dealer

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

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HE Police in Benue State, recently, got a shocking revelation from one of the arrested suspected criminals who deals in illegal arms in the state.

The occasion was during a parade by the new Commissioner of police in the state, Paul Yakadi, after his command recorded a breakthrough by arresting about 55 cult and armed robbery suspects in a major operation to clamp down on masterminds of crimes and criminality in the state.

Confession: The middle-aged suspect, Babiro Laruri, who was amongst six other suspects arrested in Oturkpo, Okpokwu and Adeke in Makurdi local government area of the state for alleged illegal possession of various types of fire arms was caught with a G-3 rifle and twenty rounds of live ammunition.

He told his interrogators after confessing to the crime that he would lead them to recover more of the deadly weapons in his village, adding, “People have the weapons. This is nothing compared to what we have. I am prepared to take the police to anywhere in their desire to recover more weapons.”

Other suspects arrested with him were Sule Yakubu, Musa Mohammed, Abah Jame, Peter Adaje, Samuel Mfahan and Desmond Mfahan.

More startling recoveries The operation which lasted several days, took operatives of the command to every nook and cranny of the state, leading to the combing of suspected hideouts of criminals in parts of the state.

Recovered in the special operation were over 44 assorted firearms, 97 different live

ammunition and two stolen cars said to have been used by the criminals in different operations.

Parading the suspects at the Command headquarters, the Commissioner of Police attributed the the arrest to the allout war declared on undesirable elements in the state in the last few weeks, after he assumed duties. According to Yakadi, among those arrested was a fourman notorious robbery gang that specialized in laying siege to the popular Otukpo-Enugu road, at Ugbokolo, where unsuspecting motorists were robbed almost every night. He said his men also nabbed one Babiri Laruri at Anyii in Logo local government area with one G-3 rifle numbered 69097266 with 10 rounds of live ammunition.

Arrest of fake police officer: According to him, “during the operation, we also received information about one John Orjime, who specialized in

stealing motorcycles under the guise that he was a police officer, ripping off unsuspecting victims while using the premises of the Command headquarters. He usually lures unsuspecting riders into the police headquarters

Among those arrested was a fourman notorious robbery gang that specialized in laying siege to the popular OtukpoEnugu road, at Ugbokolo, where unsuspecting motorists were robbed almost every night

premises, on the pretext of transferring their cases to the command headquarters from the various Police divisions.

He was apprehended when he attempted to steal a BM100 Boxer Bajaj motorcycle with registration number MKD 371 UT, from the owner who he lured to the Police CID. He confessed to series of theft of motorcycles.

“On a tip-off also, we arrested one Chuma Onuigbo who allegedly broke into the store of one Miss Ati Anita of Anyaka street, old GRA Makurdi, and stole clothing materials and shoes valued at over N3.5million.

During our investigations, all the stolen items were recovered from the suspect.”

Arrest of highway robbers Yakadi said further that in the course of the operation, “we also received information that a gang of robbers who had over time been terrorizing motorists on Gboko/ Ugbema road, were planning to launch attacks in Gboko. A joint operation of the Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS, operatives and ‘B’ Division patrol team, Gboko, and the vigilante group in the area intercepted and arrested Tirkuma Saater, Ordaduan Adura, Terseer Chigyo and Terkaa Dura. This was after one locally-made AK47 rifle, two

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52—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

I'm innocent, cries woman accused of pushing stepson down storey building •I didn't push him

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By Esther Onyegbula

HESE are, indeed, trying times for 34-year-old mother of four who was arrested for allegedly pushing her stepson from the third floor of their apartment at No. 40, Oluwole Estate, Ogba, Lagos. Her ordeal started Thursday, last week, after her 14-yearold stepson, Rahman, was found reeling in pains at the basement of their threestorey building. While the woman and her husband were shocked at the wound he sustained, relations of her husband rather thought otherwise.

They suspected foul play and wasted little time in inviting the police from the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, SCIIB, Panti, Yaba, to arrest their brother’s wife accusing her of masterminding the ugly incident.

My hands are clean: Denying the allegation, the full-time housewife who identified herself as Mariam Musa, told Crime Alert: “I was arrested because my stepson accused me of pushing him from the window of our apartment located on the third floor after he jumped out of the window himself. How could I possibly push the boy (Raman) from the window?

I am surprised that he said I pushed him from the window when he jumped off himself. He was five years old when he started living with us. God in heaven knows he jumped out of the window himself.”

She continued; “I was a caterer before I got married 11 years ago, but since then, I have been a full-time housewife. On Wednesday, at about 6am, I woke my stepson and my children up to get prepared for school. Later, my son Abudulakim, came to meet me in the kitchen and informed me that his stepbrother was not in the house.

How he jumped through window: “When my husband, Umaru, woke up, he found out that Raman, my stepson, had collected his N5,000. Throughout the day, we searched everywhere for Raman.

My husband even called his brother, Abubakar (Raman’s uncle) to know if Raman was at his place but he said no.

Luckily, Abubakar called back at about 5pm and said that they had seen Raman.

•Mariam Musa That night, at about 9:30, my husband and I went to my brother-in-law’s place to fetch him back home.

“That was not the first time he was running away from the house. Usually, he spends two to three days any time he runs away from home. Any time he steals at school, some times snacks from other children’s bags and he gets caught, he will not come back home; and most times when he runs away from home, he sleeps in the mosque. Because of what happened on Wednesday, my husband left an instruction before going out, on Thursday morning that Raman should not be allowed to leave the house. My husband left the instruction because each time Raman goes out, he gets into one trouble or another.

“Last week, he was almost lynched to death after he was caught stealing at a CD/DVD shop. So, I laid on one of the sofas keeping tabs on him. Unknown to me, while I was sleeping in the sitting room, Raman jumped out of the bedroom window. Luckily, it was only his legs that were broken.”

Some neighbours who spoke with Crime Alert said that they have seen Rahman attempting to jump through the window twice on October 29, 2015 before the latest incident.”

‘We have superior weapons than police' Continues from page 51 locally-made pistols, two magazines with 60 rounds of 7.62mm of live ammunition and 19 cartridges were recovered from the suspects, after a search on their vehicle, a Honda car with registration number MUS 78 BH. We are still on the trail of two of the robbery suspects who escaped arrest.”

More arrests of suspects and arms recovery: Also paraded was one Tergu Iorltyom, who allegedly conspired with his gang to rob one Terpine Aker of a Toyota Picnic van with registration number GKP 203 AA, belonging to one Augustina Ambrose after shooting Aker twice on the neck. He stated that during investigation, the stolen vehicle was traced and recovered from one Uba Mohammed in Abuja. Also arrested in Okpokwu local government area of the state, were three suspects, Inalegu Timothy, alias lover boy, Fidelis Udeh, Gabriel Ochinya from whom were recovered an expended AK ammunition,

one army camouflage jacket and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

On parade also were some suspected cultists, Yakadi disclosed that, “the Police acted on a tip-off that some cultists who had been terrorizing Guma and Makurdi axis of the state were regrouping to launch attacks on selected targets. Detectives mobilized to the scene where one Myom Akinde of Umenger village in Guma was arrested. Recovered from him was a locally-made pistol with live cartridge which is used for cult related activities.”

Police boss solicits for cooperation: Meanwhile, the Police Commissioner who assured that the renewed onslaught will be sustained also promised that the suspects would be arraigned at the end of investigation into their respective cases.

He also solicited the cooperation of the public urging them to avail his command valid information that would aid the work of his men.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2015—53

EFCC arrests 8 contractors over Presidential amnesty job

By Grace Udofia

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B U J A — ECONOMIC and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, arrested eight consultants/contractors, who were awarded major contracts by the Presidential Amnesty Office.

A source in the commission gave the names of the suspects, who were quizzed by its operatives as Kanmi Adediran, Tumo Yetunde, Collins Omokhojie, Oluboye Adedokun, Ugala Jaachinma, Olukoya Olusegun Godwin, Oyinmi-ebi Bribena and Olukayode Raimi.

The source said they had been taken into EFCC custody in its Wuse 2 office in Abuja but did not specify the projects for which they were arrested for.

The source said most of the contractors had collected more than 95 per cent of the contract sums but did not do any appreciable work to justify such huge sums of taxpayers’ money.

An EFCC official, who spoke in confidence, said two of the key projects for which money was paid to the contractors and nothing concrete done, were in respect of the construction of vocational training centres in Ondo and Bayelsa States.

The source disclosed that the arrest of the suspects was in connection with the continuation of the c o m m i s s i o n ’ s

investigation of the tenure of Kingsley Kuku as head of the Presidential Amnesty Office.

Kuku, it was learned, is undergoing medical treatment in the United States of America for a broken knee, based on a court order which authorised him to do so.

Although the operation has been successful, his

doctors have asked him to undergo physiotherapy until he is fit to fly back to Nigeria but no time frame was given.

It was learned that the eight men were being grilled over issues of contract scam running into billions of naira, as their companies were alleged to have underperformed after collecting huge mobilization fees from the Amnesty office.

OPC arrests 3 suspected thieves in Kirikiri

By Ufuoma Tiveruahor

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EMBERS of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, have arrested three suspected thieves at different locations in Kirikiri Town, Lagos.

One of the suspects, Chinedu Okoye, 38, from Anambra State, who claimed to be a professional driver, was caught siphoning diesel from a truck parked along Kirikiri Road.

The suspect, who told Vanguard he is homeless, confessed that he had been stealing diesel from parked trucks for over five months.

According to him, “I have been doing this business for about five months now. I supply diesel to different companies for N2000 per gallon.”

The second suspect, Tayo Iouka,20, from Rivers State said: “This is the first time I will be involved in stealing. I was coming from Comfort

Oboh Street around Kirikiri with my friend by 1.00 am when we saw a parked vehicle and decided to steal its shaft and sell it to get money to feed ourselves.

The third suspect, Promise Olawale, said he did it because of hunger.

“I know I am not supposed to do it but since my boss stopped me from working as a motor boy, I have been jobless and needed means of fending for myself. That’s why I started stealing.”

The leader of OPC, who gave his name as, Ayode Kakajisonu told Vanguard that they had been receiving reports from residents of the town about robbery and rape almost on a daily bases.

According to him, "we have been worried by these incessant criminal acts and that is why we started constant patrol of the area and it has been successful so far.

We will not relent in our efforts to rid the area of criminal activities.”

3 escaped robbery suspects re-arrested in Bayelsa

By Emem Idio

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ENAGOA—THERE was confusion, yesterday, at the office of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, of the Bayelsa State Police Command, following the escape from custody of three notorious robbery suspects.

The suspects, identified as Ramsey Moses, Obi Clifford and Sele Pamodie, were arrested months ago over alleged robbery, rape and cultism

in some parts of the state.

One of them was identified as the ring leader of a notorious gang of armed robbers terrorizing the Akenfa and Azikoro areas of the state capital.

Though details of the escape of the suspects are sketchy, their escape was said to have caused pandemonium at the special anti-robbery unit.

While some claimed the suspects escaped

when they were sent to clean up the surroundings SARS premises, others claimed they escaped mysteriously using voodoo.

Contacted on the development, spokesman of the Police Command, Asimin Butswat, confirmed the escape of the three suspects, but said they were rearrested few hours later at a hideout along the Azikoro area of the state capital.

54— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015 — 55

Mba thanks God, Nigerians for federation cup honour

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OSTHUMOUS honours were given out last Sunday, yet I found myself rewarded while still alive, that is why I give God Almighty all the glory for considering me worthy of being remembered while still alive” says Linus Okechukwu Mba, one of the twelve persons honoured last Sunday for their contribution to the success of the Federation Cup, over time.

Linus Mba, FIFA Referees Advisor was to say further that when he was contacted and told that he was to be among the “Year 2015 Legends of the Challenge Cup” he was delighted and gave thanks to God that this could happen in his life time. “ I am also aware that God used men to bestow this honour on me, that is why I quickly got in touch with the President of the

NFF, Pinnick Amaju, his first Vice Barrister Akinwunmi, my NFF Refereees Committee boss Yusuf Ahmed Fresh ,Referees President Abdulazeez Tade…..to express my gratitude.

This season has been particularly challenging and rewarding for me as Consultant to NFF on refereeing especially with the revolution that was inspired by the NFF Leadership and the new

Doping and Corruption: CAA protests Diack’s arrest athletics. Papa Massata

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ONFEDERATION of African Athletics has stated that Lamine Diack has been targeted negatively in the doping and corruption scandals rocking the world governing body IAAF. The CAA led by Cameroon born Kalkaba Malboum said Diack the former IAAF president has been condemned even without trial.

“For some days, the African athletics family is living some particularly

difficult moments due to allegations against some of its members, mainly President Lamine Diack, as part of an investigation led by the Independent Commission of World AntiDoping Agency,’ CAA President Kalkaba Malboum said in a statement yesterday.

French police are investigating son of Diack and the former head of its anti-doping department, amid the corruption crisis engulfing international

Diack, Valentin Balakhnichev, Alexei Melnikov, and Gabriel Dolle have been charged with various alleged breaches of the IAAF code of ethics.

“Without judging on the ongoing investigation — all people who are mentioned in this matter fully benefit from the presumption of innocence. It is our duty to talk to you and to all the family members whom I call to unity, peace and serenity especially in this difficult moment,” said Malboum.

LMC executive led by its chairman Shehu Dikko.

Together with my colleagues in the Referees Committee we took the challenge head on and we delight in the recognition that the standard of refereeing this season has been exemplary.

Badged by FIFA in 1985, Linus Mba was the favourite of the Nigeria Football Association when it came to handling explosive final matches and the two legged final between Abiola Babes and Ranchers Bees in 1987 comes readily to mind.

Mr Kunle Soname, Chairman Bet9ja giving out the Best Presenter 2015awards to Channels Austin Okon-Akpan at the 2015 Nigerian Sports Award in Lagos last weekend.

Platini faces life ban

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ICHEL Platini, who hopes to become head of world soccer’s governing body FIFA, could face a life ban from the sport over a payment he received from FIFA head Sepp Blatter, a spokesman for the Frenchman’s lawyer told Reuters on Tuesday.

Mikel Continues from BP his agent John Shittu revealed they will wait and see when it comes to his Chelsea future, with the transfer window set to open in just over a month.

“The player had offers to move at the beginning of the season, but Chelsea refused to sell because they probably have him in their plans.”

“Now we have to wait

and see what happens.”

The 28-year-old was the subject of a number of transfer offers in the summer but stayed at Stamford Bridge, his home since arriving back in 2006. But he has found his route to regular football blocked by the likes of Ramires and Nemanja Matic and his last appearance was a start against Liverpool in late October.

Rooney

Continues from BP follow suit.

Rooney’s former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is already working in China as boss of Shanghai.

There is no suggestion of an agreement being in place with Rooney but his advisors are considering all options ahead of his next move.

The Chinese government have been making serious efforts to raise the sport’s profile and attracted a host of South American players in the summer.

Awoniyi Continues from BP and it was a matter of working hard to achieve their set objectives.

“It is all about hard work and it is work time.

Qualifying for the Rio Olympics is nonnegotiable as we have no excuse to give Nigerians, that’s why we have to put in our best to get something out of Senegal,” said Awoniyi who stars for FSV Frankfurt.

Coach Samson Siasia

stated that he is banking on Awoniyi and Junior Ajayi to answer the team’s goal scoring problems.

“We are expecting the invited foreign based strikers like Awoniyi and Junior Ajayi who have been with the team for some time before they turned professionals to use their newly garnered experience to help the team score goals in the competition.

“We are targeting

winning the competition or better still pick one of the qualification tickets for the 2016 Olympic Games.”

The team is expected to leave for Dakar by 11.00pm this morning.

They will play their first match against Mali on Sunday. Egypt and Algeria are the other teams in group B of the tournament. The first three finishers automatically qualifies for the Olympics, while the fourth will go for a play off.

Siasia Continues from BP December.

Matches will be played in Dakar and M’bour, and the top three teams will also earn a spot at next year ’s Olympics.

Coach Samson Siasia has named three foreign-based players in his 21-man squad, including Taiwo Awoniyi, who is on loan from Liverpool to German side FSV Frankfurt.

Twelve players from the squad that won a bronze medal at this year’s All African Games in Congo-Brazzaville, including Erhun Obanor, Kingsley Sokari, Etor Daniel and Mustapha Abdullahi, have been omitted.

Nigeria boast a proud Olympics football record, having won gold medals at the Atlanta Games in 1996.

They also finished run-

ners-up at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where current under-23 coach Siasia also coached the ‘Dream Team’ in China.

However, the so-called ‘Dream Team V’ led by Austin Eguavoen failed to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics after crashing out in the group stages of the qualifying tournament in Morocco.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

Mikel mulls Blues exit

S

Rooney to quit Man Utd W

AYNE ROONEY is wanted as the face of China’s bid to become a football superpower.

The Manchester United and England skipper still has over three years left on his contract at Old Trafford.

But the Asian game has been flooded with cash after signing a huge TV deal worth more than £830million.

And the CSL want a world superstar to sign up, knowing that would tempt other top names to

Continues on Page 55

Today’s Champs League games Astana CSKA Moscow Athletico Madrid M’gladbach Juventus Malmo FF Man Utd Shakhtar Donetsk

v v v v v v v v

Benfica Wolfsburg Galatasaray Sevilla Mancester City Paris St. Germain PSV Eindhoven Real Madrid

4pm 6pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm

Continues on Page 55

It’s Olympic ticket or nothing – Awoniyi

F

ORMER Flying Eagles star, Taiwo Awoniyi has revealed his desire and those of his team-mates to earn the right to represent Africa in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games as they campaign for honours at the CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations beginning this weekend in Dakar, Senegal.

Awoniyi, scored twice

against Zambia to put Nigeria into the tournament during the qualifiers and as he joined the team from his base in Germany on Monday, he stated that Nigeria have the players to win the tournament Continues on Page 55

*Awoniyi

*Osimhen

*Mikel

Siasia drafts Osimhen to U-23 squad V

*Rooney

UPER Eagles midfielder, John Obi Mikel may be forced to leave Chelsea during the January window following lack of playing time under coach Jose Mourinho.

Mikel, has not featured for the Blues since his only Premier League start of the season and

ICTOR Osimhen, top scorer at the Under-17 World Cup, has been included in Nigeria’s squad for the Under-23 Africa Cup of

Nations in Senegal.

After scoring 10 goals to help Nigeria win the trophy last month he had been on standby for the tournament which is also

a qualifier for the Rio Olympics.

Osimhen was drafted in to replace Isaac Success who has not been released by his

Spanish club side Granada.

The finals take place from 28 November to 12

Continues on Page 55

QUICK CROSSWORD

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

FRI DAY'S ANS WERS FRID ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Current (6) 5 Deadened (4) 8 Premium (5) 9 Tank (3) 10 Feline (4) 11 Intend (4) 12 Wrath (5) 13 Talented (6) 16 Record (4) 18 So be it (4) 20 Girl’s (3) 22 Fixed (3) 23 Loiter (3) 24 Conceal (4) 25 Nobleman (4) 28 Disfigure (6) 30 Swoon (5) 32 Tarry (4) 33 Tevern (3) 34 Secure (4) 35 Bar (5) 36 Generated (4) 37 Flask (6)

DOWN 1 Brutal (6) 2 Confirmed (8) 3 Combined (6) 4 Joined (9) 5 Number (7) 6 Employer (4) 7 Curve (4) 8 Snake (3) 14 Administered (9) 15 Fix (3) 17 Observed (3) 19 Coping (8) 20 Strike (3) 21 Told (7) 26 Rescind (6) 27 Streamer (6) 29 Mop (4) 30 Rasp (4) 31 Sailor (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3, Unfit 9, Entire 10, Donate 11, Newer 12, Iron 15, Core 17, Delayed 20, Red 21, Dream 22, Item 25, Silo 26, Deign 28, Wet 30, Sighted 33, Edit 35, Tore 36, Reign 38, Gardner 39, Locale 40, Pored.

DOWN: 1, Fetid 2, Stool 3, Urn 4, Needed 5, Idea 6, Tor 7, Major 8, Sewed 13, Resided 14, Naked 16, Remover 18, Dregs 19, Has 22, Might 24, Met 27, Niegle 28, Wedge 29, Tiara 31, Total 32, Deter 34, Zero 36, Rep 37, Nodi.

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