You're a career liar, Soyinka writes Obasanjo

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62306

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

CHRISTMAS: Jonathan, Mark, Tambuwal preach peace 5

REACTION TO MY WATCH:

IN the spirit of the season, your favourite companion, Vanguard will be off the newsstands tomorrow, but back Saturday to keep serving you, in pursuit of a better life.

Season's Greetings!

You're a career liar, Soyinka writes Obasanjo zSays Obasanjo watches and preys on facts, achievements zAdds that he always crookedly projects himself above others zReserves dissection of My Watch till after court proceedings

LAST MINUTE SHOPPING

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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AGOS — Nobel prize laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, yesterday, gave a rebuttal to former President Olusegun

Continues on Page 5

COLUMNISTS:

Travel in Borno: The pains of the insurgency •P.17

The leadership •P.19 we want

Mr & Mrs

Last minute shopping for Christmas at Balogun Market, Idumota, Lagos yesterday. PHOTO: AKEEM SALAU. SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 49.

How my father conscripted me as 4 policemen die in suicide bomber —13-yr-old suspect Kogi bank robbery 8

6

2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 — 3

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4 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 —5

POCKET CARTOON

CONVENTION: From left: Enugu State Deputy Governor, Rev. Ralph Nwoye; Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State; Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Enugu State chairman, Chief Ikeji Asogwa at a recent PDP national special convention, in Abuja.

CHRISTMAS: Jonathan, Mark, Tambuwal preach peace •Jonathan urges prayer for successful polls next year •Eschew hatred, make Nigeria land of justice —Buhari Ben Agande, Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Joseph Erunke, Emman Ovuakporie, & Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA — President Goodluck Jonathan; Senate President, Mr David Mark and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, have enjoined Nigerians to give peace a chance and pray for an end to the current security challenges confronting the nation.

In their separate messages to mark this year ’s Christmas celebration, they also urged Christians to pray for a successful general election next year.

Former Head of State and Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in his message urged Nigerians

to eschew hatred and make our nation the land of justice, peace and progress.

President Jonathan, in his message, enjoined Nigerians to offer special prayers for a greater manifestation of divine peace in the country and “the vanquishing of all demons of hatred, divisiveness and disunity in our midst.”

Jonathan also called on Nigerians to pray for the nation’s armed forces as they confront Boko Haram terrorists in the north eastern part of the country.

According to the President, the Christmas celebration calls for a deep reflection on the "virtues and ideals which the Messiah espoused during his earthly mission."

On the forth coming polls

On the forth coming elections, Jonathan called

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

It’s simple really for there can no assumption of the feeling of the wish fulfilled— Wayne Dyer.

Your thoughts are without form. If we could find a location in space for these thoughts, they would be in your head—but your head has boundaries, and your thoughts do not have boundaries, so they could reside anywhere or nowhere.

You choose the thought that you prefer, from the trillions of thoughts that continuously flow through your mind on that never-ending conveyer belt. You can pick one that suits you, put it back, and take another at any time.

Your imagination is the repository of thoughts that you opt to keep. Your feelings, on the other hand, are experienced in your body — the place where you do all of your living at any given moment.

Your feelings play more of a role in your life to manifest your dreams. In other words, it is absolutely imperative to learn how to assume, in your imagination, the feeling of already having and being what you desire.

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on politicians to eschew divisive politics as well as violent tendencies, adding that his administration will support the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct free and fair elections.

The President added that the national security agencies would be supported to ensure that there is no violence during the forth coming elections.

Part of the statement reads: “I join all of our Christian compatriots in giving thanks to God Almighty for the divine gift of Jesus Christ, the Messiah whose earthly incarnation we commemorate today.

“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ who the Prophet Isaiah heralded as the Prince of Peace and Wonderful Counsellor, I believe it is very appropriate that we all, Christians and non-Christians alike, reflect more deeply on the virtues and ideals which the Messiah espoused during his earthly mission.

“To my mind, there can be

no doubt that the greater internalisation of the virtues of love for our fellowmen, tolerance, godliness, honesty, fairness to others, selflessness, and peaceful co-existence with others, by all adult Nigerians, and the inculcation of the same in our youths, will definitely help our dear nation to overcome most of its present challenges.

“Peace and love for others, especially, were a constant refrain in the Messiah’s teachings and admonitions to mankind.

“Therefore, as we celebrate his birth, I urge all Nigerians to offer special prayers for a greater manifestation of divine peace in our country and the vanquishing of all demons of hatred, divisiveness and disunity in our midst.

“As we celebrate Christmas, let us also remember and offer special prayers for all of our countrymen, women and children who have suffered and continue to suffer untold hardship, deprivation and death at the hands of terrorists and

You're a career liar, Soyinka writes Obasanjo Continues from Page 1

Obasanjo’s latest book, “My Watch,” describing it as a narrative by a career liar always determined to crookedly project himself above his true standing among men.

Affirming his general detestation of such men,

Soyinka said the Obasanjo brand was compounded by the inclination of even foisting the lies on members of the younger generation.

READ FULL TEXT OF S O Y I N K A ' S REACTION ON PAGES 56 & 57.

insurgents.

“Let us also continue to pray for our gallant soldiers and security agents who remain at the forefront of the national effort to overcome terrorism and violent extremism, even as the rest of the nation celebrates Christmas and the coming New Year.

Nigerians and Nigerians alone can collectively address our problems. We should be able to restore the time tested belief in African brotherhood of being our brothers’ keeper.

On 2015 polls

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tambuwal, in his message urged Nigerians to use the occasion of this year ’s Christmas to pray for the successful conduct of the 2015 general election.

In his message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal equally enjoined Nigerians to seek God’s intervention for the end of the current security challenges confronting the nation.

He said: “We should all pray for the successful conduct of the 2015 general election because candidates who emerged through free, fair and credible exercise are more likely to serve the interest of the nation. The coming elections provide an opportunity for our country to start afresh. I am confident we will get it right”.

"I seize this opportunity to reassure the nation that my administration will give the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, all necessary support to ensure that it delivers very free, fair, credible and acceptable elections in 2015.

“National security agencies will also be given all necessary support to enhance their ability to ensure that the elections which should strengthen democracy in our country are peaceful and violence free.

Mark, Ekweremadu too

Senate President, David Mark, in his message called for peace and religious tolerance between and among different faiths in the country.

Also, in his Christmas goodwill message, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, called for peace, love, and an immediate end to insurgency and bloodshed in the country.

Mark tasked Nigerians to act like one people under one God where peace and love for one another reigns.

He noted that only peace, respect for one another and harmonious co-existence would guarantee the needed development.

The Senate President bemoaned the unabated insecurity, terrorism and insurgency ravaging Nigeria and pleaded with religious leaders and traditional rulers to collaborate with government at all levels in order to end the menace.

He said: “We have come to an inescapable conclusion that only

Pray for successful 2015 polls —Tambuwal

Eschew hatred this season —Buhari

Former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, in his message issued by the Director, Communications, Buhari Campaign Organisation, Mr Dele Alake, said: “The right to life, guaranteed by our constitution, is under savage assault.

“I pledge that the Christmas of year 2015 will meet us all in greater joy and happiness. It is indeed significant, the February 14, 2015, the date of the presidential election, falls on the Valentine’s Day, a day to celebrate love among mankind. I urge you all to keep sharing the love that binds us together. Let us eschew hatred and make our nation the land of justice, peace and progress.”

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Delta police rescue kidnap victim, recover arms, others

DEATH SENTENCE ON 54 SOLDIERS:

Presidency accuses Amaechi of treason

By Egufe Yafugborhi & Akpokona Omafuaire

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ARRI—THE Delta State Police Command, have rescued a kidnap victim, recovered fire arms and one vehicle and tricycle in Delta State, days after foiling a bank robbery attempt in Agbor.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Celestina Kalu, who made the disclosure, said: “While on patrol on Udu Road, Warri, QRS Team 3 received distress call about a robbery incident in the area.

“The team rushed to the scene where the bandits on sighting the Policemen abandoned their operational vehicle, a Nissan Premiera car with number plate AH 122 GRA, Delta, and escaped.”

Kalu said that when the said vehicle was searched, one locally-made cut-tosize double-barrelled gun, one live and one expended cartridges were recovered.

“Also recovered was a driving licence bearing one Innocent, ‘m’ of Army Barracks, Effurun,” Kalu added.

She said that investigation was in progress at Area Commander’s office, Warri, while efforts were on to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Kalu added that “one Mrs. Eyanasah Rebecca was kidnapped in front of her estate in Warri by three armed men.

“However, on the same date, the hoodlums were intercepted by Police patrol team from Ugborikoko Division on patrol on Airport Road, by West End Junction, Ugborikoko, while they were taking the victim away in her Toyota Corolla car with number plate FST 840 AL. “The hoodlums, in attempt to escape, lost control of the vehicle, had accident with it and immediately disembarked and escaped.

“Meanwhile, the victim was rescued unhurt while one locally-made cut-tosize gun with one live cartridge and the said Toyota Corolla have been recovered. Efforts are on to track down the fleeing hoodlums.”

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By Henry Umoru

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Internally-displaced persons sharing food item in Yola, Adamawa State. NAN PHOTO.

Four policemen die in Kogi bank robbery

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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OKOJA—KOGI State Police Command said it lost four of its officers on Tuesday in Okene, Okene Local Government Area of the state during a bank robbery operation.

The command, in a statement by its Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Elvis Aguebor, said: “On Tuesday, over 20 armed robbers attacked a new generation bank in Okene town, killing

four mobile policemen on the spot.

“The gunmen had, on emerging from four vehicles in the bank premises, fired sporadically killing our men on duty.

“Their aim was to cart away money from the bank, but the remaining policemen in the two adjoining banks assisted in gunning down two of the robbers in an exchange of fire.

“The superior power force of the policemen at the premises of the banks prompted the

remaining robbers to abandon their devilish and unholy quest. They fled with bullet wounds as two of their members were killed.”

The command appealed to members of the public to report anybody seen with bullet wound to the nearest police station or other security agents in the state.

It also reassured the people of the state that the command will not relent in its effort to make the Christmas and New Year celebration hitch free.

Three soldiers, boat driver killed in fresh pirates attack in Bayelsa

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—ARMED men, suspected to be pirates, have reportedly struck again on the waterways of Bayelsa State, killing soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force, JTF, in the Niger Delta, code-named Operation Pulo Shield.

Also, the driver of the civilian boat conveying the soldiers was not spared by the hoodlums.

The soldiers, it was learned, were killed Tuesday, few days after three others lost their lives in similar attack along Santa Barbara, a notorious river in Nembe, Nembe Local Government Area of the state.

In the previous attack, along Santa Barbara on Sunday evening, the hoodlums were said to have hijacked a military gunboat used by the victims to escort items from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Brass terminal owned by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC. It was learned that before the

JTF’s search-and-rescue team could recover the bodies of the Brass-bound soldiers, gunmen launched a fresh attack on soldiers, this time at Azagbene in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state.

Sources told Vanguard that a

boat conveying the soldiers to their routine duties in the area came under attack at 11.30a.m., on Tuesday.

According to a source, who did not want to be named, the hoodlums carted away the soldiers' rifles and ammunition.

Governor Orji pardons 14 prisoners

By Anayo Okoli

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M UA H I A — I N commemoration of this year’s Christmas and New Year, Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State has ordered the discharge and release of 14 prisoners convicted in Abia State, who are serving in Aba and Umuahia prisons.

The governor’s action, it was gathered, was based on the recommendations of the state Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy under the chairmanship of the state Attorney-General and

Commissioner for Justice, Chief Umeh Kalu and in exercise of the powers conferred on the governor by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

A statement by Kalu stated that the prisoners are Uchechi Egwu, Kennedy Ikpeazu, Nnanna Kalu, Udoh Ufomba, Chibuzor Ezenwoko, Ejike Kelechi, Okezie Nwokoma and Chiemela Nwagbara.

Others are Chinaza Onyenweaku, Isaac Macaulay and Oko Ogburu Urum. The rest are Kingsley Onuigbo, Ndubuishi Anyanwu and Chima Uzoigwe.

HE Presidency, last night, accused Governor Rotimi Amaechi Rivers State of treason for speaking against the death sentence passed on 54 soldiers for mutiny.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, in a statement in Abuja, yesterday, said: “The statement by the DirectorGeneral of the Buhari Campaign Organization, Rotimi Amaechi, asking some soldiers in the Nigerian to mutiny against the military authorities is a treasonable pronouncement.

“No responsible Nigerian, or political organization for that matter, should ever contemplate encouraging or supporting mutiny in the Nigerian Army under any circumstances whatsoever.

“It is a pity that because of Amaechi’s huge financial commitment to the General Buhari campaign, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has compromised his personal integrity and enviable military antecedents to endorse such reckless statement issued on his behalf.

“Rotimi Amaechi is no doubt an unrepentant sociopath whose main preoccupation is to desecrate constituted authority and create chaos and anarchy in the country.

“Very recently, for an election that is yet to be conducted, he announced shamelessly that his party will form a parallel government if it loses in 2015.

“Nigerians must clearly see the unsuitability of the major personalities that hold sway in APC for leadership in the country.

“We enjoin all Nigerians to roundly condemn this act of treason against the state in a naked and reckless pursuit of power.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 — 7

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8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

XMAS: Oritsejafor, Adeniran urge Nigerians to reflect on teachings of Christ

By Sam Eyoboka, Abdulwahab Abdulah & Olayinka Latona

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AT I O N A L President of Christian Association of Niger, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has urged Christians and all Nigerians to reflect on the happenings of the year, especially those moments that threatened the foundation and existence of the nation and work towards inspiring a positive change.

In his own message, the District Superintendent of Apostolic Faith Church, West and Central Africa (WECA), Rev. Emmanuel Adeniran, called on Nigerians to pray without ceasing for peace to reign in the country, especially as the nation is preparing for the 2015 general election.

Similarly, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), urged Nigerian Christians to use the occasion of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ to pray for the restoration of peace and tranquility in the country.

In his Christmas message, Pastor Oritsejafor urged all Christians to use this auspicious occasion of Christmas to re-establish their relationship with God and mend broken ties with their fellow human beings, because Christmas cannot be said to be truly celebrated if this commitment is not kept.

Speaking during the church’s annual Christmas Concert held at the church Campground in Anthony Village, Lagos, Rev. Adeniran explained that the price of peace could not be compared with the cost of trouble, maintaining that as Nigerians believe and trust in God, all shall be well for the nation.

Also speaking, former Deputy Governor (Operations) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Rev. Tunde Lemo, urged Nigerians to embrace God and put their trust in Him for ultimate peace.

NSCIA, in a statement signed by its SecretaryGeneral Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede, said it felicitated with Christian across the world and in Nigeria in particular.

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APC to Nigerians: This is your last Christmas in bondage ...As Sambo accuses Fashola of taking credit for FG projects

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor and Dapo Akinrefon

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday assured Nigerians that today’s Christmas would be their last under the bondage of insecurity, corruption, unemployment, widespread hopelessness and poor leadership.

In a Christmas message to Nigerians, the party, however, such a desire would only be achieved if voters use the opportunity offered by the coming presidential election to choose competent leadership.

The charge by the APC came as Vice-President Namadi Sambo flayed the APC in Lagos and other states of claiming credit for the

achievements of the Federal Government in their states.

In the Christmas message contained in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the APC sympathised with Nigerians who it claimed could not celebrate Christmas this year on account of the difficulties in the land.

In the message, the APC also listed out programmes it said would help to redress the gloomy situation in the country. Among the programmes were a monthly welfare scheme to cover 25 million poor Nigerians, the employment of at least 100,000 more policemen and the establishment of a properly-trained and equipped Federal Anti-Terrorism Multi- Agency Task Force to

destroy Boko Haram.

Noting the fate of Nigerians under the present leadership, the APC said: “Many cannot travel home due to fears of kidnapping, ethno-religious crisis and insurgency, depending on which part of the country they are from.

Many cannot celebrate due to the effects of the economic downturn, as manifested in weakening Naira and falling oil prices, both exacerbated by widespread corruption. ‘’Many will mark the holidays in darkness as the country’s public power supply seems to have fallen in a direct proportion to the huge funds ostensibly pumped into the sector in the past few years. Many will be stuck on the roads that have become clogged due to their poor state.''

Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left) and Project Manager, Engineer Oladini Awoyemi (right) at the recent Inspection Tour to the Kajola Water Dam in the State

How my father made me a suicide bomber — 13-yr old suspect

By Kingsley Omonobi & AbdulSalam Muhammad

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ANO—THE ancient city of Kano was thrown into shock yesterday following the confession of a 13 years old suicide bomber arrested by the police at the wake of twin bombblast that rocked the city textile market over how she was conscripted as suicide bomber by his biological father.

The suicide bomber who identified herself as Zaharau Babangida told a bewildered city dwellers that ‘it began one day when my father took my mum and I to a forest in Bauchi where we met people claiming to be working for God”.

In her confession, the frail looking Zaharau said “in the Bauchi forest I met some other girls who I guessed were my age mate and their leader told us to give our lives to God and

enjoy the bounties of heaven’.

I was not moved by the soul searching preaching of bounties in the heaven and it was at this point, their leader resorted to threat and intimidation to obtain my consent. We were shown a deep hole where the leader of the group threatened to bury us alive at a point if any of us refused to play along, and at another time he picked a big gun and threatened to shoot anyone who failed to obey his command.”

Zaharau who told reporters that she hailed from Damaturu, the capital city of Yobe state explained that “it was at this point my father stepped forward to persuade me to play along, and told me to prepare to die as martyr and clear the way for him to join me soon”.

The 13 years old girl who spoke fluent Hausa dialect further said “when I was confronted with

option of death, I chose to play along hoping to find an escape route one day”.

Speaking on the Kano bomb blast, Zaharau Babangida said “I and two other girls were conveyed to Kano and quartered at the outskirt of the city by a man I could hardly remember his name, and this same man conveyed all of us to the market square and deployed us at strategic positions at Kwari market on the day we struck.

“I was taken aback when my partners were shattered to pieces barely a second after they detonated. I then rushed out of the scene to pick a commercial rickshaw to a hospital in Dawanau area of the city for medical treatment, and doctors were already attending to me when the driver of the Keke NAPEP resurfaced and showed me a metal object and requested to know whether it was mine of which I answered in affirmative.

‘’While there is no magic wand to solve the myriad of problems facing our country in one fell swoop, an APC government will begin to positively impact on the citizenry within its first few months at the helm, to such an extent that Nigerians will have a better Christmas celebration in 2015,’’ it said. ‘’We have, through our manifesto, entered into a honest social contract with Nigerians. But we are aware that we cannot do it alone, hence we need the consent and participation of the people. ‘’Our eight pledges for a better Nigeria, which are highlights of our manifesto, form the core of our social contract with Nigeria.

During our first term in office, we pledge to create 3 million new jobs a year through public works programmes and by shifting the economy towards value-added production will be our primary economic target; we will strengthen security by employing at least an extra 100,000 police officers and establishing a properly-trained and equipped Federal Anti-Terrorism MultiAgency Task Force to destroy Boko Haram and any form of insurgency. We will also introduce an immediate pay rise and improved conditions for all five security services. ‘’To fight corruption, the cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of our society, we will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to the vice - rooting out dishonest public servants and imposing tough sanctions including jail sentences. ‘’To position our youth for better job opportunities, we will provide interest-free loans for university/ technical school students who meet the required entry qualifications, and this will be funded by providing guarantees to the banking sector and by absorbing the interest. Also, we will introduce a free daily school meal for all children attending primary school. ‘’As a first phase to battling poverty, we will introduce direct conditional monthly social security payment for 25 million of the poorest Nigerians. To ensure a more healthy society, we will create a network of local health centres providing free services and drugs, such that no one lives more than 5km from help. And will will create a more equitable distribution of national revenue to the states and local governments because this is where grassroots democracy and economic development must be established. ‘’We know that for our long suffering people, hope springs eternal. We urge them to continue to keep that hope alive, because help is on the way,’’ APC said.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 — 9

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10— Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

YULETIDE:

Fashola, Ashafa preach peace

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS—AS Christians in the country join the rest of the world today to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, at Christmas, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and Senator Gbenga Ashafa have enjoined Nigerians to embrace the virtues of peaceful coexistence and refrain from fanning the embers of disunity.

Fashola, in his Christmas goodwill message to residents, maintained that as the 2015 general elections approached, it was only through peaceful co-existence that Nigeria could make the desired progress.

He said: “I urge you to continue in this vein, for it is only by living in peaceful and harmonious co-existence, by respecting each other ’s right to live freely and peacefully and by being our brothers’ keepers that we are truly celebrating the essence of Christmas.”

While appealing for vigilance from the people during the 2015 elections, Fashola said the people must be assertive in ensuring that irrespective of the frustrations that they might be going through, they must exercise their civic rights and vote rightly.

He said the security challenges which the country was facing now should not be used as an avenue to create division along ethnic and religious lines.

Senator Ashafa

Also, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, enjoined all Christians and Nigerians in general to emulate the life of Christ.

In his goodwill message, Ashafa said, “In this Christmas season which draws 2014 to an end, it is important to keep in mind that so long as the gifts and parties are going on to celebrate this season, the central theme of the season should not be watered down.

"The birth of Christ, which the story of Christmas revolves around, epitomizes love, kindness, sacrifice, forbearance and humanity.

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REMEMBRANCE: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, (middle), widow of late Mr. Sesan Ogunro, former MD/CEO, Eminent Communications, Mrs. Modupe Ogunro (2nd right), his children - Mr. Sesan Ogunro Jnr (right), Timayo Ogunro (2nd left) and Fade Ogunro, during the one year remembrance service of the deceased at Protea Hotel, Maryland, Lagos.

2015: Obanikoro, Agbaje, others sheath

swords L

zAs Vice President Sambo brokers peace

By Dapo Akinrefon

AGOS—AGGRIEVED aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos State, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Deji Doherty, Ambassador Tokunbo Kamson and Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi, yesterday in Lagos, at a meeting, resolved to close ranks and work with winner of the primaries, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, in the 2015 governorship election in Lagos State.

The parley was chaired by Vice-President Namadi Sambo.

Recall that Senator Obanikoro had gone to court to compel the PDP leadership to cancel the primaries.

Obanikoro’s insistence was based on a discrepancy between the delegates and number of votes cast at the primaries that saw Mr. Agbaje emerging as the party’s candidate.

PDP’ ‘ll defeat APC in Lagos —Sambo

The vice-president expressed confidence that the PDP would defeat the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos State in the 2015 general elections.

Sambo said: “President Goodluck Jonathan has sent me specially to thank you people in Lagos for the continuous effort in keeping the PDP as one in Lagos. I am delighted to know that we are more than ever before united to form a

common front in realising our objective of not only capturing Lagos, but winning all seats at all levels in the forthcoming 2015 elections. The Lagos State PDP and indeed Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Engineer Deji Doherty, Ambassador Tokunbo Kamson and Mr Babatunde Gbadamosi who were our governorship aspirants have agreed to team up together and work to win Lagos this time around in 2015.”

Speaking further, the VicePresident said “Mr Jimi Agbaje, our governorship candidate has signified interest all along to work with our party members to deliver Lagos State. He is indeed humble to know the enormity of the task in delivering Lagos State and therefore appeals for total support by putting all hands on deck to realise the challenge that lies ahead of us. I will continue to pray that our party succeeds in this endeavour.

“Lagos has for years been yearning for change from the

burden of excessive taxation and squander, you all know about.

The huge resources accruing to the state are used to the detriment of the good people of Lagos state. We are posed more than ever before to rescue Lagosians from the bondage and sufferings of taking back with the left hand and then, taking it away by the right hand.

"This cannot continue, the time for PDP to take over Lagos State has come. The PDP is confident that it will win Lagos State, its presidential and governorship elections and all other elections across Lagos State. The party has ensured the strict observance of democratic principles as all our candidates have emerged through a fair and democratic process."

I’ll back Agbaje —Obanikoro

In his remarks, Obanikoro said he decided to throw his weight behind Agbaje’s candidacy following the intervention from the Presidency.

According to him, “despite the inadequacies experienced in our governorship primary, a lot

has been said, we have disagreed but we have agreed that Jimi Agbaje is our candidate.

I want to express my appreciation to my supporters that stood by us. There is time for everything and that is why I want to implore all of you that yesterday belonged to yesterday.

My passion for Lagos State is known to all of you and that passion will trigger a level of sacrifice that will ensure victory.

We shall deliver Lagos State to the PDP—Agbaje

On his part, Agbaje commended the other aspirants for supporting him just as he expressed optimism that the PDP would deliver Lagos State, saying “during the meeting that ended, we agreed that we would all sleep better and by us sleeping better, it means that some people will not sleep well.”

He however, said the peace parley initiated by the president had made the party in state stronger, stressing “through the intervention of the President and the Vice president, our party, the PDP in Lagos State is made strong.”

....Lagos APC appoints Odunmbaku as campaign chairman

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS—ALL Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos State, has appointed one of the party ’s chieftains, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, as its campaign chairman for the forthcoming 2015 general elections in the state.

According to the state party

chairman, Ajomale while making the announcement at the party secretariat, Ikeja, described Odunmbaku as a trusted hand.

He enjoined Odunmbaku to immediately swing into action and carry out his duties diligently as expected of him, adding that since the

committee had been inaugurated, the party expected him to commence work immediately.

In a statement by the Publicity Secretary, Mr. Seyi Bamigbade, Odunmbaku was appointed by the leadership of APC in the state after wild consultations.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 —11

YULETIDE: Mimiko asks Nigerians to work

for peace A

By Dayo Johnson

KURE—GOVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has asked Nigerians to work ceaselessly for the peace of the land with the purpose of Christ’s birth as an inspiration.

In his Christmas message signed by Eni Akinsola, his Chief Press Secretary, Mimiko said it is now more than ever before that Nigerians have to work together as citizens for peace in the land.

The governor said the country ’s march towards greatness, though slowed down by its security challenges, is steady, adding that Nigeria’s movement to greatness will be faster if Nigerians show greater commitments to its peace.

Mimiko said: “We are moving forward as a country in spite of our challenges, yet our movements could be faster and our pace steadier if we champion the cause of peace and reconciliation as exemplified by the birth of

Christ now being globally celebrated in Christmas day.”, He noted that either as Christians, Moslems or men and women of other faiths, the

pursuit of peace is and should be a common goal.

Dr. Mimiko said celebrations should therefore

be sober and be an opportunity for introspective reflections on the future of the country.”

VISIT: From left: Chairman, Skye Bank, Chief Tunde Ayeni, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation, Ms. Josephine Dooshima, at the State House during the governor's visit to Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

....As Fayemi congratulates Christians for witnessing another Xmas A

DO EKITI—FORMER Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated Christians in the country for witnessing yet another Christmas, urging them to continue to live peacefully in love and harmony with one another and with adherents of other religions.

According to him: “Christmas is a season to give and expect little in return. A time to preach peace and love. A time to forgive, be more united and forge ahead in the crucial task of building a very strong and vibrant nation.

Fayemi in a Christmas message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said that God used the birth of Jesus Christ to pass the message of peace and love to the world.

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The former Ekiti Governor, noted that being alive to witness another Christmas is a privilege, judging by the prevailing circumstances in the nation in particular and the world at large. This, he said, calls for celebration.

Fayemi, however advised Christians to celebrate in moderation and to devote

much time to appreciate God for His mercies and to reflect on the developmental challenges in the country, with a view to seeking God’s intervention.

While noting that Jesus Christ lived up to his appellation as the “Prince of Peace”, Fayemi called on Nigerians irrespective of their

religious affiliations to tow the line of peace which the country needs presently.

He urged Christians to emulate Jesus Christ in words and indeed, adding: “God has used Christmas to teach us the lessons of humility and that He has the power to do all things”.

Former Ekiti speaker dumps PDP for APC

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By Dayo Johnson

KURE—FORMER Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Ayo Agbonmuserin has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC. This is coming as the candidates of the APC in the House of Assembly and National Assembly resolved to work with those who contested with them and lost the primary elections.

Agbonmuserin who was the speaker of the state Assembly during the late Adebayo Adefarati’s regime before he joined the PDP said his coming back to the APC was like coming back home.

Agbonmuserin said he jumped ship because of lack of internal democracy and denial of justice in the ruling Party.

Agbonmuserin noted that but for an idea formulated

by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there will be no democracy in the country by now explaining that the idea of the former Lagos state governor made it possible to have an opposition Party- APC which will surely form the next government at the national level.

The chairman of the party in the state, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke while welcoming him assured the former lawmaker and his supporters of level playing ground.

Oyo SDP gov candidate tasks citizens on personal sacrifices

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YO—AS Nigerians in Oyo State join the rest of the country in celebrating Christmas today, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in the state, Oluseyi Makinde, has enjoined the people of the state to continue to make personal sacrifices for the good of others.

In a statement signed by his

personal assistant, Akeem Azeez, Makinde said, “as we commemorate the birth of the Prince of Peace, let us all strive to honour Him more by living our lives as He taught; by making personal sacrifices for the good of others, by showing greater love for others, by being fairer and more honest in our dealings with others, by being everwilling to forgive those who offend us and by always extending goodwill towards others.”

Makinde described the yearly commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ as a most auspicious time for the citizens as individuals and Nigeria as a nation, to rededicate themselves to the virtues and ideals which the Messiah preached and

exemplified during his earthly ministry.

He said: “Let us all therefore resolve this Christmas to make the ideals of peace, harmony, tolerance, love and goodwill to all even more manifest in our interactions with others. It remains my sincere belief that no height of human accomplishment is beyond us as a nation, if we can overcome our differences, such as they are, and forge a binding national consensus to put the progress and wellbeing of the country above all other considerations.”

“By the grace of God as your trusted servant if elected as governor of the state on the platform of SDP, my administration will do all within its powers and abilities to transform Oyo state and

make it one of the best state in Nigeria and ensure better life for the people.

“Everybody will have every opportunity and encouragement to make very significant contributions towards forging the required consensus for sustained peace, unity and progress of Oyo State.

“It is also my pledge to urgently resolve contentious issues which under the present administration promote poverty and hinder our progress as a state.

“With God Almighty as our guide, strength and enabler, my administration will implement its agenda for State Transformation in furtherance of my avowed commitment to improving the living conditions of the people.”

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Why PDP must go in 2015, by Oshiomhole

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, said that Nigerians must reject the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP at all levels in next year ’s general elections, noting also that as long as the PDP remains in power, Nigerians will remain in darkness.

Speaking when he received about 2,000 defectors from Oredo and Egor Local Government Areas of the state led by Mr. Festus Oviawe and Igbe Kingsley respectively, Oshiomhole said that the choice before the people in the next elections was very clear, a choice between darkness and change.

He said: “In the last 16 years, Edo State gained nothing from the PDP besides the resurfacing of the OfosuBenin Road and the attempt at the dualisation of the Okene-Benin Road, with all its imperfections, which they were forced to embark on after we cried out that how could they dualise the road from Abuja and stop abruptly in Okene without extending it to Edo. “In 16 the last years, after spending over $25 billion, we have no light. Now they have

shared the electricity companies to their friends and associates. For as long as they remain in power, Nigerians will remain in darkness. Our companies will remain shut and the economy will be subjected to the vagaries of instability of the international oil market.”

Accusing President Goodluck Jonathan of abandoning Edo,

Oshiomhole, said: “He got 95 percent vote from Edo State.

What has he done in Edo, what has he done in Benin City?

The Queen Edo erosion was caused by the Federal Government and I had written several letters to them to fix their mess, yet they ignored us and gave money to Delta and Kogi states.

“See the newly refurbished

airport in Benin. I was there and the roof was leaking during the rain. Is that the kind of government we still want in Nigeria? No way. For too long, across Nigeria, PDP has buffeted us with, lies, empty promises, both at the political level and economic front and every day they have run short of lies and they have run short of excuses.”

CAROL NIGHT: From left: Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase of Benin; Justice Uwaifo and General Godwin Abbey, one-time Defence Minister, during the Nine Lessons and Carols held by the former Managing Director, NNPC, Dr. Gaius Obaseki, in Benin City. Photo: Barnabas Uzosike.

RUNNING MATE: Don't succumb to Ijaw antics, Isoko leader urges Okowa

By Emma Amaize

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ARRI—A GROUP, Peoples Democratic Party Grassroots Vanguard, Delta State, yesterday, called on the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, not to buckle under the pressure of the Ijaw ethnic nationality by appointing an Ijaw person as his running mate.

The group, in a statement by its coordinator, Mr. Hope Agadaigho, said that the first real test for Okowa as a true statesman with a pan-Delta agenda since his emergence as the governoeship candidate of the PDP would be his decision on his running mate.

He said: “We have no doubt that the Okowa we all admire and have supported will rise to the occasion and do the right thing despite pressure from many quarters. The Okowa we have all known and believed in is a firm believer of PDP zoning arrangement and in the even spread of elective and appointive offices at the federal and state levels. We see him rising to the occasion by not buckling under pressure to rob Peter to pay Paul.”

The group urged him to ensure that equity and fairness, which his emergence represents, “is the name of the game by offering the deputy governorship slot to the C M Y K

Isoko nation or in the alternative, substituting the senate candidate to Isoko and giving the deputy governorship slot to the Ijaw, if they find that more lucrative.

“In the spirit of equity which

Okowa’s candidacy represents, the deputy governorship slot should be given to the Isoko South since Isoko North has been occupying the only elective office for a record of four terms and the

current Secretary to State Government, SSG, is from there.”

It recommended that a young, vibrant and tested technocrat, Mr. Joel Onowakpo be appointed as Okowa’s running mate.

Dickson tasks financial institutions on liberal policies

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

E N A G O A — GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has challenged financial institutions operating in the state to make their services more liberal for the people of the state to benefit from.

Dickson, while commissioning a new branch office of Sterling Bank Plc in Yenagoa, decried a situation where some banks only show interest in the collection of deposits from their customers without doing anything to better their financial standing.

Describing Bayelsa as Nigeria’s best kept secret, he reiterated his administration’s determination to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

Thanking the management of Sterling Bank for heeding his earlier call, Dickson urged other

financial and private institutions to emulate the bank by building befitting corporate offices to enhance the development of the state.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Managing Director of

Sterling Bank, represented by its Executive Director, Mr. Olanrewaju Adesanya, lauded the deliberate steps taken by the Dickson-led administration in providing a congenial environment for private business operations.

Rivers 2015: Rights group urges support for Peterside

By Gbenga Oke

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XECUTIVE Director of Youth and Women Advancement Initiative, YAWAI, Miss Pretty Karibo, has called on women in Rivers State to support the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, in next year’s governorship election in the state.

Karibo, during a courtesy call at Peterside's campaign office in Port Harcourt,

described him as a gender friendly personality and a bridge builder.

She said: “It is in our interest to support a candidate who already has an agenda for women. I have always argued that women should not wait until elections are won before they start negotiating.

Peterside is a fine gentleman who has assisted women across the length and breadth of our state. This is, therefore, our chance, and we must take it."

Urhobo Historical Society honours Ovedje

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SABA—THE Urhobo Historical Society, UHS, has given a posthumous award to HRM Ovedje Osadjere, first Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.

Speaking during the ceremony at Ovwor country home of the late Ovedje, President of UHS, Prof.

Peter Akeh, described the late monarch as a great defender of the Urhobo, adding that he contributed greatly to the economic, social and political development of his people as a great merchant in the then Niger-coast protectorate at OkpareOlomu.

Laying a wreath at Ovedje's grave side, President General of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Chief Joe Omene, said the Urhobo were proud of the enormous contribution of the late Ovedje.

Earlier in his address, one of the great grandchildren of the late Ovedje, Mr Steve Ovedje, said: “Ovedje Osadjere had a very prosperous youth life in Ovwor and EffururnOtor in the present Ughelli South Local Government Area.”

Ofi hails Okowa’s victory

By Festus Ahon

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S A B A — FOUNDER of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Patriots in Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Sunny Ofi, has described the victory of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa in the recent state primaries of the party as a victory for the grassroots.

Ofi, in Asaba, yesterday, said that the outcome of the PDP governorship primaries was a testimony of Okowa's touch with the grassroots.

He noted that Okowa’s victory was a victory for all members of the PDP in the state.

He said: “Okowa is a political juggernaut. He is a detribalized Deltan and we are confident that he will perform if elected governor in 2015.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014—13

A-IBOM PDP CRISIS: Cracks hit G-22 over defection to APC D

ISAGREEMENT has hit would protest half nude should should injustice be meted to Mr. Congress, APC, and its presidential flag bearer, General the group of aggrieved the leadership of the PDP annul Emmanuel.

The group promised to make Mohammadu Buhari, had made aspirants in Akwa Ibom State, the mandate given to Emmanuel who lost the last Peoples as the 2015 governorship sure that the ruling party was promises to the embittered rejected if Mr. Emmanuel’s aspirants but that it was in the Democratic Party, PDP, candidate of the party.

The leader of the group, mandate was not upheld. The interest of the party to pacify all governorship primaries in the Obongawan Arit Inyang, made women described the recent the contestants, who are members state.

The group, which is known as the disclosure when she moves by the aggrieved aspirants of one family.

Vanguard learned that all, G-22, is said to have witnessed a addressed members at their as misguided and appealled to them to join hands with except one from Eket federal major crack in its ranks because meeting in Uyo. The group with membership Emmanuel to move the party constituency, had agreed to of mutual suspicion over the approach the winner of the agenda of some vocal members strength of over 310,000, forward in the state.

The source said that PDP was primaries, Mr. Emmanuel, for threatened to go half nude to of the group.

The Presidency had stepped in protest against the ruling PDP aware that the All Progressives discussion. to assuage the discontent created by the outcome of the PDP primaries, the result of which was rejected by 22 aspirants.

Sources told Vanguard that a leading member of the group, said to be close to President Goodluck Jonathan, was spearheading a peace move which has seen 17 of the aggrieved members ready to accept the result of the primary election and work with the declared winner, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, rather than decamp to the opposition party.

This is coming as women groups have declared their intention to parade the streets of Uyo naked while 22 youth groups have threatened to dump PDP if the national leadership of the party bows to pressures and annul the election result that gave victory to Emmanuel.

The women group known as MOU SIGNING: From left: Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc., Mr. Obinnia Abujue; NkaUfonIban, said its members Country Head, Commercial Clients, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, Mrs. Yetunde Oni; Managing Director /CEO, Bank of Industry, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa and the Deputy Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc., Mrs. Caroline Anyanwu, at the Bank of Industry MOU signing ceremony with friendly commercial banks, in Lagos, yesterday.

Mutu preaches love at Christmas

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OMADI—THE m e m b e r representing Bomadi/ Patani federal constituency and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, flag-bearer, Mr. Nicholas Mutu, has urged Christians to embrace the deeper meaning of Christmas, as a season of goodwill and neighbourly love.

In a goodwill message to his people, the lawmaker, at Akugbene town, admonished Christians to use the season to reflect on the gains of the festive season, adding that Christmas was a fitting anniversary of thanksgiving to God for the individual and collective success and His banner of love over His people.

Mutu said: “As we celebrate Christmas and prepare for the New Year with hope and optimism, I urge you to rededicate yourselves to the cause of love and tolerance, which is the foundation of human progress.”

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YULETIDE: Dickson, Amaechi, Wike charge Christians on peace, love people, to be peaceful and show

By Jimitota Onoyume & Samuel Oyadongha

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S Christians the world over celebrate Christmas, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayesla State, has enjoined Nigerians to show solidarity and love for one another regardless of their ethnic and religious differences.

Similarly, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, has called on Christians in the state to use the occasion of the birth of Christ to renew their prayers for peace in the country.

The governor, who spoke through his media aide, Mr. Dave Iyofor, said that they should also promote the values of unity and political tolerance.

On his part, governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike, urged Christians to share love and cultivate friendship in the spirit of Christmas.

He said: “The birth of Christ

signifies the beginning of new things in every community. It signifies love, friendship, peace and development. I urge the people of Rivers State in particular and the rest of Nigeria to celebrate Christmas bearing in mind that they have to extend love, peace and friendship to their neighbours.

“In Rivers State, this Christmas season is a prelude to the enthronement of New Rivers Vision 2015, for the purpose of galvanizing development all over the state. The New Rivers Vision will usher in bridges of friendship, peace, love and development all over Rivers State to the joy of the people,” Wike said.

Amaechi, meanwhile, urged Christians across the country to emulate the virtues of Christ, noting that in peace, strength and unity, Nigeria would be the envy of other African nations.

He said: “As we celebrate the birth of Christ, I want to call on all Nigerians, particularly my fellow Christians and Rivers

love to everyone irrespective of their religious or political background. The reason for this season is none other than to show love to our neighbours and live in unity.

“We must also as a nation go to God in prayers for our political progress, to give us good leaders that will pilot the affairs of this country to greater heights.”

Dickson, in his Christmas message, also called for concerted prayers for national peace, stability and unity in view of the trying times facing the country.

He noted that the current economic and security challenges facing the country were not peculiar to the nation, stressing that, what was required of every Nigerian was a high sense of patriotism to move the country forward.

Delivering the message at a Christmas Carol service at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, in Yenagoa, the governor reminded Nigerians that they do not have any other country besides Nigeria.

Dafinone foundation graduates 2014 set

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HE Dafinone Foundation, a micro-credit and skill acquisition institute in Sapele, Delta State, has graduated 156 men and women for its 2014 training session.

Chairman of the Institute, foremost Chartered Accountant, Chief David Dafinone, represented by his son, Chief Ede Dafinone, who presented various starter packs to the graduands, urged them to make judicious use of the items, as they move to their next level in an economically competitive world.

Items presented to graduands include sewing machines, refrigerators, electric ovens, hair dryers, gas cookers and text books worth over N10 million.

Chief Dafinone, who traced the origin of the institute to a woman, Miss Victoria Obakpolor, described her as, “An amazon and a born leader, who worked all her life for politicians but got nothing in return.”

ExPENGASSAN boss bags American varsity degree

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N recognition of his achievements as a labour union leader, former zonal chairman of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, Warri zone, Dr. Nicholas Nkwocha, has been conferred with the Pacific Western University, Denver State of Colorado, USA, honorary doctorates degree.

Nkwocha, who was among the 10 eminent Nigerians so honoured, was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in Business Administration PhD. At the ceremony in the University of Lagos, Nwocha, who was also a vice chairman of TUC, Delta State branch, dedicated the honour to mankind, the nation and to God.

14 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014—15

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16—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

‘Why Anambra North people endorsed Stella Oduah'

Imo wages war on criminals ...Launches Pilot Security Data Capturing

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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O

NITSHA— F O R M E R chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP in Anambra State, Chief Frank Oramulu, has said the stakeholders and people of Anambra North Senatorial zone endorsed Princess Stella Oduah, immediate past Minister of Aviation, to represent the zone in the Senate because of her outstanding qualities.

Oramulu spoke yesterday at Akili Ozizor, Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state when Princess Oduah hosted the traditional rulers, chiefs and others in the senatorial zone to a Christmas party at her country home, Akili Ozizor.

Oramulu who was labour leader in the country in the 80’s, said it was only Princess Oduah, who could go to Abuja and represent the zone well.

Eagles Assembly holds Harvest of ingathering service Sunday

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AGLES Assembly Precious Cornerstone Ministries INC, Ute-Okpu, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, will Sunday, December 28, 2014, hold its annual harvest of ingathering service.

Taking place at Eagles’ Assembly, Ute-Okpu, with the theme, Amazing Grace, the Chairman of the occasion is Mr. Hillary Ibegbgulem While the special guests of honour are Chairman Contemporary Group, Lagos, Architect Kester Ifeadi and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Computer Warehouse Group, Lagos,Mr. Austin Okere, Dr. Charles Mekwunye is the host and Bishop Jocahim Oloye, the General Overseer, is the Chief host.

The royal fathers of the day are Obi Solomon 1, the Obi of Ute-Okpu, Obi E.O Ifeizomor, the Obi of Owa and Obi Collins Ezenweali, the Obi of Otolokpo.

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OPENING: From right; Mr. John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria presenting DStv Explora decoder to Lagos State Governor ,His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), with him is Managing Director, LASAA, Mr George Kayode Noah during the opening ceremony of 2014 Lagos State Countdown held, at Bar Beach, Lagos.

Labour seeks upward review of minimum wage ....Says Naira devaluation has reduced NMW

By Victor Ahiumayoung

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RGANISED labour yesterday said the devaluation of the Nigerian currency by the Federal Government had reduced the current National Minimum Wage, NMW, to 90 dollars as against 120 dollar per month.

Speaking through the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, labour argued that it was time for upward review of the minimum wage, warning against any attempt to further impoverish the workers of this country with reduction in pay or loss of jobs on account of the recently announced austerity measure by the Federal Government.

In a statement by the President of NUTGTWN, Mr. Oladele Hunsu and its General Secretary, who is also a Vice President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Issa Aremu, organized labour said “We call on the government to emulate the system of robust collective bargaining as obtainable in the private sector. We cannot drive the country to the path of sustainable recovery without adequate pay for the workers. At N18,000.00 national minimum wage and exchange rate of N150 to one $1, Nigerian workers were earning approximately $120 per month in 2010. However with the devaluation of the currency and current exchange rate of almost N200 to $1, minimum wage has dropped to as low as $90 dollars per month, a shortfall of $30.

When we take into consideration the rising inflation it is clear the real income of the working people has declined by over 50% within the last four years.

Nigeria now has working poor whose monthly pay can hardly take them home because of government unstable policies.

Nigeria certainly cannot be developed with working poor or working beggars.

“It is time the Federal Government reviews upward the minimum wage. We warn against any attempt to further impoverish the working men and women of this country with reduction in pay or loss of jobs on account of the recently announced austerity measure by the Federal government. Austerity measure must first reflect through reduction in costs of governance. We will join the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to reject any further attempt to impoverish the Nigerian workers. ''We also condemn in strong terms the nonpayment of salaries in some states by some state governors especially Benue State. Delayed payment of salaries is wage theft. It is an economic crime. These are the same politicians who duly paid all their delegates for their political parties conventions, yet find it difficult to pay the legitimate earnings of workers as and when due.”

They disclosed that NUTGTWN and employers in the textile sector, recently reached an agreement for upward review of workers’ wages, saying “one major achievement of the union during the year is the just concluded national negotiation between the Union and the Nigeria Textile Garment and Tailoring Employers Association which has improved basic earning in the industry by 15%. This year’s agreement is the 44th national collective agreement since 1979. With the new national

agreement workers in the textile industry has improved wage with effect from 1st October 2014.

Yearly review of collective agreement in the industry shows the vibrancy of collective bargaining in our sector.

Through the instrument of collective bargaining we have increased minimum basic wage cumulatively in our sector by over 50% within the past four years.

“The increase is well over 75% if we calculate from the period 2004 to 2014.''

N an effort to further beefup security and improve the well being of Imo citizens, the state government has launched Pilot Security Data Capturing to enable law enforcement agents’ track and flush out criminals in the state.

Specifically, the scheme is aimed at flushing out criminals who disguise as Keke (tricycle) operators in the state.

Addressing the Keke operators at the Heroes Square, Owerri, ,Governor Rochas Okorocha said the issue of security of lives and property was at the front burner of the Rescue Mission administration to ensure meaningful development.

The governor, who commended the group for the maximum cooperation he enjoyed since the inception of the present administration, pointed out that he justified their mandate through numerous transformation projects established in the state just within three and half years of Rescue Mission.

He assured the group that keke would be replaced with taxi in the state capital before it would be eradicate in the city.

Okorocha revealed that all the candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, were painstakingly chosen for effective representation of the people and called on the group to give the party (APC0 their full support for consolidation of the progress made so far in the state.

Southeast APC lauds Ndigbo for being highest donor for Buhari

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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HE Southeast zone of the All Progressives Congress, APC has lauded the people of the Southeast for coming first among other geopolitical zones in their contributions to the Muhammadu Buhari campaign fund.

A statement by the spokesperson of the party in the region, Osita Okechukwu described the outing of the zone as an indication of the readiness of Ndigbo to take a front position in the quest to elect Buhari as president in February.

He said: “We are happy to announce that when the managers of the First Bank of Nigeria warehoused fund unveiled N54 million so far realized, Ndigbo topped the list of the

highest donors; a unique account that has GMB as the only signatory.”

“By topping the donor list, Ndigbo has graciously demonstrated that the celestial bond between GMB and the Nigerian masses and the middle class is PanNigeria and not sectional as insinuated.”

“The Buhari Campaign Support Fund has GMB as the sole signatory for transparency purposes and meant to assist GMB who refused to enrich himself while in office to prosecute his presidential campaign.”

“The South East APC salutes our people who embrace the Buhari-Bandwagon-Vehicle for Salvation; for it is our candid opinion that it is less than wise for the hard working and enterprising Ndigbo to election after election put all our eggs in one basket.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 — 17

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N the end, the return journey by road from Maiduguri to Abuja, took fifteen hours! It was certainly one of the scariest trips I have done in recent times. By Sunday night, I learnt that I would have to return by road not by air as we had arrived on Saturday. I feel happy in the long run, that I travelled by road, because I got a clearer picture of what Borno people in particular and the Northeast in general, have undergone in the past couple of years: towns and villages raided many times; economic activities and social life suffered severe restrictions and there is a mix of stoicism and fatalism underlining existence for majority of people in these communities. One of my friends, who I had not seen since 2007, told me that people still living in Borno are there because they have nowhere else to relocate to!

The poignancy of the situation was brought home by a combination of events. A new video was issued by Boko Haram, which showed the execution of people in a school dormitory in Bama. Months after it was captured, no effort to re-take it has come to the fore. And there were also the bombings in Gombe and Bauchi on Monday, with very gory pictures of death and injuries being posted on various websites.

And as we drove past the countless military and police checkpoints, towns that used to have those fascinating names, like Beni Sheikh, Damagum, Damaturu and Potiskum, have suffered the wrath of the killing machine that Boko Haram is: burnt police stations, residences

Travel in Borno: The pains of the insurgency and shops are everywhere. Yet, people maintain a troubling dignity as they try to earn a livelihood. It is very clear to see the disadvantages faced by young people without the education and skills to become relevant in the world of the 21Century.

They sell pure water and soft drinks; kolanuts; sugarcane; cigarettes, and other stuff, that taken together, cannot be worth more than one thousand naira. I wondered how livelihood can be constructed around these items.

The Bama episode was brought into bold relief when I met dozens of the refugees, under shades of a mosque on Damboa Road, close to the residence of Senator Ahmed Zanna.

There is no hope of return to their homes soon. And do we expect these individuals to

appreciate being Nigerians, when their country’s leadership

This is the season of goodwill, but how much of it has been extended to the suffering people of Borno, Yobe and the Northeast as well as the poor who make up the majority of our citizenry?

obviously does not care about them?

We arrived on Saturday morning, and drove in a convoy to the Gamboru Primary School inside Maiduguri. The occasion was to distribute food items and some funds to six hundred indigent families in the area. The programme has been going on in the various wards of the Metropolitan LGA and the neighbouring Jere LG. The truth is that many families have become poorer in Borno as a result of the insurgency. So the assistance was really wellreceived by the community. In all, Maiduguri now hosts one million refugees from the various places sacked or occupied by Boko Haram. Two hundred thousand others are in camps. The logistics of feeding and keeping them reasonably comfortable is back breaking for the Borno State

Bukola Saraki: Always clever by a half

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O commemorate his 52nd birthday recently, the tin-god of Kwara politics, Bukola Saraki, announced to the flotsam and jetsam that follows him, that he would use some of his pension to start a scholarship programme for brilliant students. His hangers-on probably applauded him for his “generosity”. But the facts are very messy. Towards the end of his tenure in 2010, Bukola Saraki got a supine Kwara House of Assembly to pass for him a Pension Bill, which for all intents and purposes, means that for as long as he is alive, he will LEGALLY be entitled to cream off a huge sum of Kwara state’s money. That is coming after all he made as governor; and what he continues to make as Governor-General of Kwara since 2011! So the propaganda about a scholarships scheme is set out to hide the obscenity associated with the IMMORAL Pension scheme he has worked out for himself!

If the money had remained in the coffers of government, would better use not have been made of the funds? What altruism is in immorally taking money from a state that he has systematically underdeveloped since 2003, and then turning around to now issue some ridiculous scholarships? It is still Kwara’s money, not his!

This is a SCAM and it is one that has been perfected in the

governance structure in Kwara since 2003! Another example will underline the scam. Honourable Aliyu Ahman-Pategi is the Chair of the House Committee on Water Resources. Not long ago, he was able to get the Federal Government to approve boreholes for Kwara. To propitiate the tin god, Bukola, Ahman-Pategi gave him about 50 of these boreholes.

With fanfare, Bukola Saraki began “donating” boreholes to

communities in the state. It was Federal Government intervention; it underlines the SCAM about water supply in the state since 2003 under Bukola!

Billions of Naira has gone down the drain, yet we cannot see the water Bukola Saraki and his cronies have spent money on.

Similarly, after expending billions on road construction, he returned to Kwara over a year ago, with an earth moving equipment,

allegedly to launch a roads construction intervention. In a most humiliating spectacle, he drove the vehicle while our amiable governor, AbdulFateh Ahmed, posed as the “karenmota”, to the chagrin of onlookers!

Being clever by a half is a classic approach to governance and exploitation of Kwara under Bukola Saraki’s suzerainty. But we see through the charade! It will certainly end one day!

Even Jerry Gana donated!

T

HESE certainly the WORST of times in our country! Last weekend at a fund raising dinner party, which lasted not more than three hours, Nigeria’s ruling party, openly displayed the incestuous relationship between the party and government and the Nigerian super-rich, what Andre Gunder Frank would have described as our lumpenbourgeoisie!

Well in those few hours the party became N21billion richer to fight what must be the most bruising election it would ever face since the 1999 transition to civil rule. At the occasion, President Goodluck Jonathan, with utmost pride, announced that in the past 15 years in power, PDP has “created many millionaires and billionaires”, because it is a “business-friendly

party”. In his incredible tunnel vision, Jonathan did not see the obverse of the scenario: the millions of Nigerians that his party has condemned to poverty, squalor and hopelessness.

The truth is that those who donated the billions of naira and those receiving them live in mortal fear of the Nigerian people! They are in cahoots in the systematic underdevelopment of Nigeria and they need each other, to keep the criminal enterprise going: the incestuous relationship between the Nigerian business elite and the party and government it runs.

But nothing lasts forever! The Nigerian people will eventually see through the criminal alliance of big business and the political apparatus of party and state, under the PDP. If anyone

surprised me about his donation, it was Nigeria’s AGIP-IN-CHIEF, Jerry Gana. Where on earth did Jerry Gana get five billion Naira from? Who are his faceless friends that donated the money with him? Jerry Gana, as I have written here in the past holds the ONLY PERMANENT C-of-O, to the corridors of power in Nigeria!

Could have been that he mortgaged his certificate? Isn’t the proper thing to do the FULL DISCLOSURE of the faceless “friends” and their source of money? What is INEC saying about that obscenity? We are waiting for an eventual day of reckoning. Remember what Fela Anikulapo Kuti sang? “One day go be one day, those wey dey steal money from government; one day go be one day”! That day is not far off in Nigeria!

Government. Zanna Umar Mustapha, the Deputy Governor supervises the project, which is coordinated by the Borno SEMA. Over five hundred million naira is expended every month to keep the people going, with the hope that someday soon, the insurgents will be routed from the various communities, so they can return to pick up the pieces of their lives. That scenario fills me with trepidation, because in real terms these are people that even in the best of times are severely disadvantaged! It was clearer to me that, that over abused word, synergy, is clearly not existent between the Federal Government and the Borno and Yobe states, who suffer most from the insurgency. And the truth is that the Federal Government has to do more; if what Obasanjo revealed in his new book about what President Jonathan told him about the insurgency in the North, then we are in much deeper trouble than we thought.

Jonathan allegedly told Obasanjo that it was his enemies that are killing themselves in the North!

It is a most scandalous statement from the president of our country if it is true he said so!

Seriousness of the situation On Sunday evening, I accompanied Kashim Shettima, the Borno governor, to visit the famous Nursing Home Hospital.

I did an interview there in 1994 for the BBC, with its then director, Dr. Hamakim. Today, it has been refurbished and named after thelate General Muhammed Shuwa. Kashim Shettima met EVERY single patient in all the wards.

There was a pattern of illnesses that we found, which again underlined the seriousness of the situation and how hard the battle is against underdevelopment. It is very appropriate that Borno has in Kashim Shettima, a governor who genuinely has a desire to work for the upliftment of his people. As we left the hospital late in the evening, and in the next two days, I couldn’t help but think of the revelry that will accompany Christmas in the houses of the filthy rich in our society.

This is the season of goodwill, but how much of it has been extended to the suffering people of Borno, Yobe and the Northeast as well as the poor who make up the majority of our citizenry?

Nigeria has managed to create one of the most unjust and unequal societies on earth today; yet we have enough to banish underdevelopment in our country and to even extend brotherhood in Africa.

But the greed of our ruling elite is destroying this beautiful country. It is NOT sustainable! So when you tear the thigh of a chicken and wash down with champagne, please give a thought to the people under the yoke of the Boko Haram insurgency! Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace and goodwill to man! That is one of my favourite quotations from the Holy Bible. Merry Christmas!

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 TODAY is Christmas. It may just happen on millions of Nigerians who have survived one of the worst years of their lives. From security challenges to the pangs of the retracting economy, there are hardly resources to make Christmas mer ry.

While Christmas used to be awaited with anticipations of the joys of the season, 2014 has been a year of unequalled challenges in the race for survival. Survivors still bear the marks of a year of excruciating moments of doubts about governments or their purpose.

Christmas is special. Even non-Christians celebrate it. They are forced into the encumbrances of the season by the encompassing engagements of Christmas.

At Christmas, the world halts, momentarily, to acknowledge the birth of Jesus Christ who died to redeem and reconcile people to God. Acceptance of the lordship of Jesus is central to the promised redemption.

The disorder of Christmas casts slurs on Jesus Christ. Can one associate Christ with the greed, crime and the impulsive acquisitions that mark the season? These traits are unlike the central figure in Christmas.

More motor accidents, caused mostly by

Make Christmas Merrier reckless driving and excessive consumption of alcohol, mark this season of celebrations.

Excesses are glorified. Christmas enhances the most devastating moments of impassioned selfishness. Prices of goods and services have jumped. Everyone exploits a season that papers over poverty, creates a picture of affluence and regenerates poverty.

With our high doses of religiosity, Christmas has provided the perfect platform for commercialisation of faith, hope and expectations. Poverty is raging - the authorities post statistics that suggest poverty is bearable. Our people pin their expectations on extraordinary promises

sold at church services. How would Jesus Christ have lived today? What would He have said about a changing world that diminishes values of humanity and with its cell phones, internet, new media, new marriages and atrocities committed in God’s name? What would Jesus have said about the poor and oppressive governments?

The reason for this season is that God cares. God has concerns about people. He cared enough to send His son to die for them. The authorities claim God put them in office. Why, then, are they so unfeeling towards the people? Why do they remember the people only at elections, solely for the votes?

Christmas is a time of celebration. The affluent celebrate elaborately. It is easy to forget that millions of Nigerians cannot afford a meal, even on Christmas Day. Christmas at the expense of others becomes merely Christmas and contradicts the spirit of the season and the reason for the season.

You can make this Christmas merrier by celebrating with others, especially the poor.

We wish our readers Merry Christmas.

OPINION

By Kingsley Emereuwa

A

T last the first round of delegate elections in the build-up for the 2015 general elections has ended in Abia state.

Candidates have emerged under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party to fly the party's flag in the main election. It has been a very tensed and uncalm period with tensions and anxiety building up. A lot of horse-trading and intrigues pervaded the polity within the period. Reason for this is due to the undisputed fact that a PDP ticket in Abia is almost a forty-nine percent success record even before the election proper.

Although in politics, anything can happen within a given period that even that one percent needed to attain the pass mark may be akin to searching for a needle in a hay sack. It is on the strength of the above assumption that I may not wish to waste time discussing other political parties that exist only in the INEC register as far as Abia State is concerned.

Before the primaries, there were doomsday prophesies by those who hate to love the governor. Many paid commentators and a section of the media for some parochial interests were busy insulting their readers' reasoning by tales of impending implosion in the state chapter of the party. They had predicted that the state would boil if things were not done in the way of their paymasters which to them was the only right way. Some even became President Goodluck Jonathan's apologists by showing more concern to the presidential project of Jonathan more than even the president. A case of a mere roman parishioner being more Roman catholic than

Doomsday prophets and Abia PDP primaries the Pope. They asked the president to call the governor to order or else he should forget Abia, as if they cared whether the president succeeded or not. Yet, these threat-mongers neither belonged to the party of the president nor do they have current voter's card.

But sentiments apart, can it be said that the PDP has faired badly under the leadership of the incumbent governor Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji who returned to the fold of the party in August 2010? This is assuming that we give any serious thought to the false alarm by the detractors. In arriving at the answer, it is only helpful we look at the fortunes of the party under the incumbent governor, in comparison to what it was and what it is likely to be from all indications.

Under his shepherd, PDP would for the first time since its formation in 1998 be hundred percent in control of all the elective offices in the state. The feat started in the 2011 general elections.

In the last four years that the governor has watched over PDP in Abia, there has not been any form of unnecessary bickering that may lead to division or factionalism within its fold. Party EXCO members elected in 2010 have served out their full term without any in-fighting for party structure. Nobody has pocketed the party officials or subsumed its roles and functions into that of any parallel campaign organization or group. No officer has been forced to resign. Look beyond your shoulders and see events and hyped political tension in other neighboring south-east states of Ebonyi and Enugu states. Simply

put, PDP IN THE SOUTH-EAST STANDS strongest in Abia today and this is an incontrovertible fact. That did not come by happenstance. It is a leadership virtue which every good leader must aspire to possess. To leave the scene better than you met it.

The last litmus test is the just concluded party primaries upon which the doomsday prophets have hinged their clairvoyant skills of foreseeing doom. The exercise has come and gone with the climax being the election of party's governorship candidate Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu on Monday 8th December 2014.

He slugged it out against seven other eminently qualified contestants and eventually emerged victorious. His entrance into the game had altered the political permutation. What many of his cocontestants did not know was that they were actually the ones that made Ikpeazu to tower high above them. No sooner had he indicated interest to run than others brand him "the chosen" one. They were the ones who took him to the media and in the attempt to demonise him gradually brought him into the forefront. Before you knew it, the race was certain to be between Ikpeazu and the others.

While trying to drag him down, the commoners stretched their necks to catch a glimpse of this man who had become the centre of the talk-show. They wanted to know who was this man that did not wait for election to show his wealth and capacity to help their state. When they inquired, they were told that the man was only known to be

carting away the refuse generated by the same wealthy chests. Rather than dampen their spirit, they saw the hand of God and the coming to fruition of that biblical prayer of Hannah, "ana esi ebe ana ebufu ahihia bulie nwa ogbenye elu" , meaning "He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifted up the beggar from the dung hill, to set them among the Princes and make them inherit the throne of glory" (1Sam 2:8). They remembered he was once incharge of refuse disposal in Aba and Abia South have never tasted the pie.

He did not receive any subsidy money for election, neither did he sit on the board of any bank with access to depositors fund as remuneration. Ikpeazu did not mann any federal ministry and felt the world revolved around him. Gradually everything fell into place and the man who had equal stakes with the others in the "Project Abia" was undoubtedly emerging a front liner courtesy of those who thought they were dragging him down.

In all fairness to Governor Orji, there was nothing to show that he had a preference for any candidate. He maintained his mien and stoic character in the face of all the horsetrading. Not even from his body language did he let out any whiff of suspicion as to his choice. If he had any preference for any of the contestants, he kept same to his chest so as to create a level playing ground for all.

Little wonder the exercise in Abia was as peaceful as it was interesting.

So what do we make of those who predicted that Abia will boil as a result of the alleged attempted manipulation of the process.? *Mr. Emereuwa, a political analyst, wrote

from Aba, Abia State.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014—19

By Babatunde Oyewole

I

N 2001 at an Islamic seminar in Kaduna, Buhari was given an opportunity to choose between Nigeria’s secularism and fundamentalist Islam, this is what he said; “I will continue to show openly and inside me the total commitment to the Sharia movement that is sweeping all over Nigeria”, he then added that; “God willing, we will not stop the agitation for the total implementation of the Sharia in the country ”.Buhari an advocate of sharia was chosen to address that seminar in Kaduna because of his advocacy and he did not disappoint because he is one of the boardroom voices of Sharia.

The boardroom advocates emboldened the weak minded and impressionable youths and female suicide bombers.

Those who prepare such extremist point to such “moral exemplars” that dying for Sharia is a worthy cause. It does not matter if one is campaigning by selling democracy to unsuspecting non-Muslims like a salesman selling snake-oil, they all have a common goal but different modus operandi.

The boardroom voices, the elite prepare breeding ground for the field-soldiers, they prepare the ideological diet upon which the adherents feed.

Insurgency and Buhari’s call for full Sharia Today many Nigerians are concerned that our society has degenerated to a point where people wake up on a particular day and go to public places like a market to kill their neighbours with bombs. But these bombers did not just wake up one day to take such a fatalistic decision. The suicide bomber dies for a cause after a lengthy ideological and psychological diet . A cause he or she has been made to believe to be a worthy cause, It is immaterial that the suicide bomber has chosen a course of action different from the other advocates of the cause, but they have similar objectives, to spread Sharia to every corner of Nigeria, and in that goal, Boko Haram and other fundamentalists have many elite who have created a breeding ground for their actions in Nigeria Other elite voice who have helped to ensure the social and political mobilization against Nigeria’s secular status, and who create a breeding ground for groups like Boko Haram include, former governor Kure of Kaduna state who was also in the same Kaduna seminar with Buhari. At the aforementioned seminar, the then Governor Kure urged all council members to ensure that the Nigerian constitution was “upgraded” in all states to

Buhari has made his advocacy for sharia clear, those who wish to vote him to power can either accept it or pretend that it does not matter ensure that the basic objectives of the Sharia legal code was achieved all over Nigeria. He gained the support of other elite such as former minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Sani Zango Daura, as well as emir of Suleja, Alhaji Awwal Ibrahim, who refused to pay a condolence visit to the Suleja church that was bombed

by Boko Haram on a Christmas day until political pressure was put on him.

These boardroom voices of sharia have not concealed their position. It is only other Nigerians who have tried to polish their position to make it an acceptable perception for political convenience, but the

The leadership we want

A

T yuletide, it is not uncommon to hear people proclaim that Christ is the reason for the season. This expression presupposes that our leaders must strive to be Christ-like in their leadership styles. They must emulate Christ in their actions and utterances.

This is, however, far removed from the type of faux pas and the obvious delusion of grandeur in which Dr. Doyin Okupe, the infantile Public Affairs Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, found himself this past week, when he compared his principal to Jesus Christ.

After failed attempts by his backers to compare Jonathan to the likes of Martin Luther King Jnr, Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Lee Kwan Yew, Okupe finally upped his ignorance by likening his boss to Jesus Christ. This is an arrogant height of blasphemy.

As it is in warfare, so it is in governance.

The brilliance in each case is that no amount of eloquence or talk can explain away failure. In a war situation, a general has led his troops to defeat; lives have been wasted; and that’s how history will remember him.

In government, too, leaders must be judged by the results of their actions; the deeds that can be seen and measured!

What people say about themselves is immaterial because people will say anything, anyway. Look at what they have done because deeds do not lie. In looking at defeats and failures, you must first identify the things that could have been done differently. This is where we are not in shortsupply of where the leadership went awry in the out-going year, particularly as we approach another election year.

In good and bad times, good leadership must be by example. Leadership must not be insensitive to the plight of the citizenry.

This presupposes that every life must be regarded as sacrosanct and irreducibly

C M Y K

important. Elsewhere, nations are known to have gone to war because of the killing of a single citizen. But what do we find in Nigeria? To some leaders, some human lives are not worth a kobo!

For example, On Monday, 14 April 2014, a generation of human souls was destroyed at the Abuja multiple bomb blast. Around midnight of Tuesday, 15 April 2014, heartless criminal elements broke into Government Girls’ College, Chibok, Borno State and carted away another generation of innocent female students. As we speak, the where about of those innocent girls remains a mirage.

At dawn on the same 15 April 2014, our President proceeded to Kano where he was later shown on national television dancing “political azonto”, apparently unperturbed by the loads of mishap bedeviling his country.

Elsewhere, we have shown how at the peak of President Barack Obama’s campaigns for the 2012 presidential election, there was the incident of shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, Connecticut, which resulted in the death of 27 people, including 18 children. Obama quickly

We want a leadership that will not be allergic to opposition and criticism. After all, nothing can be more helpful to an administration than constructive criticism

advocates for the spread of sharia to every facet of Nigerian life have never disguise their goal. For instance, a very notable advocate of Sharia, Senator Sani Yerima, former governor of Zamfara state, robustly defended his advocacy and had the support of several other elite with similar conviction in the Senate when the status of women was being debated. To make his sharia values clear, Yerima who had earlier defended his marriage to a 13 year old in contradiction of Section 21 of the Child Welfare Act told the Senate that, when a woman is married at whatever age even at 11years, she instantaneously reaches the full age of adulthood. This is not very different from recent laws purveyed by ISIL which justified enslavement of girls, including their defilement if they are non-Muslim captives.

This is the type of ideological commitment that Buhari will bring to the presidency if voted in. It is quite easy to state on television and radio interviews that he is bound by Nigerian laws as if its only when he occupies the office of the presidency that he will be bound by the law of the land.

When he becomes head of state who will be there at those quite moments when this values influence his decisions on official matters? He has

cancelled all his p o l i t i c a l engagements for the day and proceeded to make a nationwide broadcast to Americans.

T h a t ’ s leadership!

A leader must banish the spirit of fear from his mind. Listen to Carl Von Clausewitz (1780-1831): “Given the same amount of intelligence, timidity will do a thousand times more damage than audacity”. Every day, Nigerians in the Northeastern part of this country are being massacred by members of the Boko Haram.

Apparently, President Jonathan cares less.

Good leadership demands that Jonathan should have set foot, at least on those State Capitals, even if it means mobilizing the entire Nigerian army around himself on the days of such visits.

This column has reported how our President was scared off by Tompolo, an Ijaw ex-militant, when he wanted to perform the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed EPZ project in the Niger Delta sub-region.

We hear that Tompolo has gone further nuclear! He is reported to have acquired several sophisticated gunboats. Our President is not moving a finger to nip the gunboats episode in the bud. A bold President would have stopped the acquisition in the first place.

Apparently, this President is fighting a sophisticated war with an unmotivated army.

That’s where corruption has led us. We are told of situations where the military leadership would capture the entire military budget to themselves and push the soldiers to the war-front with toy guns, evidently to go and die. In just the same way that you can’t have your cake and eat it, no Commander ever goes to war with an unmotivated army and expect to win. Yet, we wonder why Boko Haram is having an upper hand.

What will this administration be

made his ideological position quite clear when he stated in the Kaduna seminar that the spread of Sharia is ‘’a legal responsibility which God has given us, within the context of one Nigeria to continue to uphold the practice of Sharia wholeheartedly and to educate non-Muslims, what remains for muslims in Nigeria is for them to redouble their efforts,educate muslims on the need to promote the full implementation of sharia law ”Buhari has made his advocacy for sharia clear, those who wish to vote him to power can either accept it or pretend that it does not matter, just as those who said naively that Yerima was harmless later expresed shock when he eventually stopped the Senate from reviewing our laws on the legal age of a woman and we are today stuck with his sharia version. As Boko Haram has demonstrated viciousness, so shall we will come to find that Buhari, a promoter and advocate of Sharia as president of the federal government of Nigeria would direct the thinking of his adherents and their attitude to governance.

This would spell doom for all non muslims in Nigeria that Gen.Buhari said should be educated to accept and embrace sharia now being enforced by Boko Haram through violence and killings.

•Mr. Oyewole, a political analyst, wrote from Abuja.

remembered for? Surely it has excelled in corruption where it has apparently given up the fight. The so-called transformation agenda transforms nothing. The fight is too scattered to make any impact. The administration is dissipating energy, battling on too many fronts at the same time instead of concentrating on a few items and accomplishing them well. We remember Mao Tsetung (1893-1976): “Injuring all of a man’s ten fingers is not as effective as chopping off one”.

We want a leadership that will not be allergic to opposition and criticism. After all, nothing can be more helpful to an administration than constructive criticism. George Hegel (1770-1831) was essentially right when he said, “Man exists only in so far as he is opposed”.

We want a leadership that believes in God but which would not necessarily translate this to mean that pastors’ hands must be constantly glued to the leader ’s head; a leadership that believes that, the only antidote to success is genuine hard work; a leadership that would pull our teaming youth population off the streets and put them in gainful employment; a leadership that would re-enact those good old days when every part of this country was safe for everybody; and above all, a leadership that would judiciously apply our resources, without removing stealing of public money from the corruption bracket, realizing that, after all, government is about human needs, the satisfaction of which is the sole justification for government!

20—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Vanguard, THURSDAY DECEMBER 25, 2014 — 21

First quarter of 2015 ’ll be rough for businesses, economy — NACCIMA will grapple with next year is the ECOWAS Common External Tariff CET. “While we appreciate the need for the ECOWAS CET, we are also concerned about the fact that our borders will be thrown open to influx of goods from within the West African region come January 2015 when the ECOWAS CET becomes operational.

“This is another challenge to our growing industries that are currently battling with the devaluation of the naira amongst other challenges.

“The need to ensure compliance with all protocol signed

by ECOWAS to eliminate dumping of goods in the region becomes of great importance if our growing industries are to survive with the implementation of ECOWAS CET and for the realization of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan.

“It is also important to note that the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) requires government’s serious commitment in its implementation, as a lot of our private sector exporters complain of frustrations encountered with the implementing agencies at the borders,” he said.

On how to surmount these challenges, the NACCIMA boss said, “We counsel that the Federal Government should initiate policies that will create enabling environment for investors to look inward for investment opportunities, while working towards reducing the MPR to a single digit.

By Franklin Alli

T

HE Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has said that that the first quarter of 2015 will be rough for businesses and the entire economy due to the prevailing macro-economic indicators.

Briefing the press on Tuesday in Lagos on socioeconomic issues affecting the nation, Chief Bassey Edem, 1st Deputy National President of NACCIMA, called on business operators to buckle down. According to him, “ If we are concluding 2014 on a faltering note because of falling crude oil prices and devalued naira, we should all be ready for a challenging 2015.“ He disclosed that as a result of the high interbank exchange rate of N185/dollar as at 22nd December 2014, and the 13 percent Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) as against 12 percent at the beginning of the year, businesses have reported increased production cost because they are spending more money to bring in

From left: Director General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs. Chinelo AnohuAmazu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; Gombe Sate Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo and Council Co-ordinator, Honorary International Investor Council (HIIC), Baroness Lynda Chalker at the 17th Meeting of the HIIC in London. their raw materials.

“As can be seen, the macroeconomic fundamentals are less stable than they were

in the 1st half of this year and this has serious implications on the progress of the real sector of the Nigerian

economy,” he said.

The NACCIMA chief also warned that other challenges local businesses

Boat operators call for relocation of NIWA headquarters to Lagos

By Godwin Oritse

T

HE Nigerian Merchant Navy Water Transport Senior Staff Association and the Association of Tourists Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) have called on the Federal Government to relocate the Corporate office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) from Lokoja in Kogi state to Lagos.

Both groups said that relocating the authority to Lagos will bring about efficiency and effective performance of its mandate.

Besides, the associations also alleged that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is already encroaching on the functions of NIWA who is meant to regulate the activities on the coaster waters in Nigeria.

President of the Merchant Navy group, Engr. Mathew Alalade said the absence of the regulator in Lagos

has not made NIWA to live up to its responsibility.

Alalade urged the Federal Government to redefine the role of NIWA and its operations for it to be more effective.

Sighting instances, Engr Alalade faulted the recent distribution of live jackets by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to boat operators in Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states noting that this was supposed to be NIWA’s function. He advised the safety department of NIWA to wake up to its responsibility and meet up with the dynamism of water transportation.

He explained that the relocation of NIWA to Lagos will also bring about a speedy reaction to issues affecting waterways transport.

Similarly, President of the Association of Tourists Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria, Mr. Sekoni Ganiu Balogun said that there was need for NIWA to live up to its

responsibility adding that whether the agency relocate to Lagos or not, the bottom line is for it to be effective in the management of waterways transport.

In his reaction, Mr Tayo Fadile, General Manager, Public affairs of NIWA said that the operators are free to express their opinion on matters that affect their operations.

Fadile told Vanguard that the investment of NIWA in Lokoja will be a waste if the relocation is to be considered adding that the government does not have such money to fund relocation of its Headquarters to Lagos.

“To relocate NIWA will cost billions of naira and besides technology has made it easy for the agency to operate and meet its mandate.

“NIWA’s presence in Lokoja is symbolic because of the confluence connecting rivers Benue and Niger.

“Moving NIWA from Lokoja to Lagos will not solve the problems affecting water transportation in Nigeria,” he added.

$175.0 $0.65

-

$14.94

-

$2,975.00 $10.00

$62.15 $56.91 CURRENCY BUYING US DOLLAR EURO POUNDS FRANC YEN CFA WAUA

167

CENTRAL 167.5

168

204.1909 204.8023 205.4136 259.8353260.6133261.3912 169.6982 170.2062170.7144 1.3899 1.3941 1.3983 0.2937 0.3037 0.3137 242.5432 243.2694 243.9956

RIYAL

44.4942

44.6274

44.7606

KRONA

27.4373

27.5195

27.6016

SDR

242.6343

243.3608

244.0872

CBN Exchange Rate as 23/12/2014

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Looking at the profit or business side of livestock farming, for as long as humans exist, there will always be need for food and the two major sources of food for mankind are crops and animals

BUSINESS

Livestock farming business ideas and opportunities L

IVESTOCK farming or animal husbandry is simply the process of breeding animals for consumption purpose. Looking at the profit or business side of livestock farming, for as long as humans exist, there will always be need for food and the two major sources of food for mankind are crops and animals.

Livestock farming is one of the most profitable businesses in agriculture or agro-allied industry. But most people shy away from this business because it is capital and labour intensive. However, if you are interested in rearing animals for profits, following are some livestock you can breed and make money from.

understanding the cycles of the business.

Poultry farming Poultry farming is a viable business any time, any day and the good thing about it is that its demand is rising, since people are now reducing their intake of red meat due to health issues. There are several aspects of poultry you can venture into such as Chicken farming, Turkey, Guinea fowl, Quail, etc.

Pet birds farming Another livestock farming business you can consider is pet birds farming. This is about breeding birds for pet purposes and other domestic use, not for consumption.

Example of pet birds include Cattle farming As long as milk, meat, Parrot, Doves, Pigeons, leather products, etc., are in Peafowls (Peacocks and demand, cattle will remain a Peahens), etc. profitable business. There are Fish farming several avenues to make money Fish farming can be divided from this business. You can

Livestock farming is one of the most profitable businesses in agriculture or agro-allied industry either choose to breed bulls or cattle for their beef or go into full scale diary farming (milk products). In fact, you can also make money by selling their dungs to organic fertilizer production companies.

Goat farming Rearing goat is a very lucrative and profitable business because goats have a low mortality rate as they are resistant to diseases, weather, and they are omnivorous.

Sheep farming Sheep breeding business can be very lucrative and a profitable venture, more especially if you raise a good number of them. However, for an entrepreneur to succeed in such a venture, patience is required as well as

into two basic categories fresh water fish farming and salt water fish farming. The demand for fish can never be met and about 70 percent of fishes consumed in Nigeria are still being imported; thus making fish farming a profitable venture.

Snail farming Another lucrative livestock farming business you can venture into is snail farming.

As the migration from red meat consumption to white meat increases, the demand for snail will increase as well because snail is a good source of protein. With just a little capital and small garden space, you can kick-start this business.

Pig farming Running a piggery is another profitable venture with less competition.

However, most people shy away from rearing pigs because of religious beliefs and the capital and labour investment it requires.

Worm farming Worm farming is the easiest way of turning fruit and vegetable scraps into a great potting soil or soil amendment for your house plants or garden. In fact, this is a business that most people are not even aware of. Do you know that worms have an important role to play in maintaining soil fertility?

Worm farming is specifically vital and useful for people who will like to compost their food scraps but do not have space for backyard compost bin.

Guinea pig farming Breeding guinea pig is very lucrative and rewarding because they are very prolific. First of all, making them is very simple. Rearing them is as well easy and at the end of the day. Just ensure that you are capable of providing good homes for the babies.

Rabbit farming Rabbit rearing is a business that requires less space and the farming can be done anywhere; from a standard farm, backyard, on terrace or even at home. The capital investment for this venture is very small and the profit potential is huge.

Other types of livestock farming include: Grass cutter farming; Shrimp farming; Lobster farming and; Crab farming. *Culled from Mytopbusinessideas.com

AWARD: Prof. E.J. Etuk, Chairman, Advisory Board, Institute for Govern (left), presenting the award for the Best Storage Tank of the year 2014 Plastics, Mr. Sunday Adetunde at the 2014 African Product Forum in A

Things that limit potential

By John Maxwell

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ILMA Rudolph, the Olympic track and field champion of the 1960s, said, “Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit.

We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” We all have potential.

God has designed each of us to do something great.

But why do so few people actually realise all of their success potential? If success is a hot-air balloon, then what are the sandbags hanging off the basket, weighing us down and keeping us from rising to the height where we’re designed to fly?

There are many variables that affect our ability to succeed in life. The following four things can keep you from reaching your potential.

Choices can limit you

Decisions have consequences. And some decisions have more damaging consequences than others. If you’re not reaching your potential, the first thing you should do is examine your past choices. A poem says: “There is a choice you have to make, in everything you do.

So keep in mind, that in the end, the choice you make, makes you.”

Your choices do make you.

But if you’ve made bad choices in the past that have kept you from reaching your potential, the good news is that every day holds new opportunity.

You can make right choices today that move you in the right direction. Make the right decisions, no matter how hard.

Then manage those decisions daily.

Impatience with the process “Are we there yet?” If you’ve been on a road trip with a child, you’ve probably heard this question more than once.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014—23

In as much as it is true that no organisation has success as its birthright, at the same time, it is possible to plan one’s way to success

& YOU

nment Research Leadership Technology 4 to the Sales Manager, Rida National Abuja recently.

There is a choice you have to make, in everything you do. So keep in mind, that in the end, the choice you make, makes you

That’s because it’s normal for a kid to be impatient. The problem occurs when we become adults, and we’re still unwilling to wait.

Every good goal usually is more difficult, takes longer, and costs more than we anticipate. When we rush or abandon the process, we often keep ourselves from reaching our potential.

Teddy Roosevelt said: “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have

envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.” Expect the process of success to take time, and embrace it. You’ll free yourself to reach your potential.

Failure to pay the price For everything you gain, you give up something. In life you’re either paying or playing. If you play now, you’ll pay later. But if you choose to pay now, you’ll be able to play later. But no matter what, you always have to pay.

Have you counted the cost of achieving your goals?

Have you been paying the price, or did you hope you could avoid it? Charles Schwab said, “When a man has put a limit on what he will do, he has put a limit on what he can do.” We all need to be willing to do the work necessary to reach our potential.

Failure to think creatively when problems arise Problems will arise. It’s a “ when,” not an “if.” Like expecting a process to take time, anticipating problems allows you to prepare for them. Then you’re able to be proactive in your approach to them, instead of just reacting emotionally when they occur.

Value problem-solving more than problem-spotting. Go beyond just an awareness of a problem, seek at least three possible solutions. The discipline of looking for more than one solution to any problem makes you recognise options that you wouldn’t otherwise see.

If you anticipate problems, you can prepare a reaction ahead of time. And even when they catch you by surprise, searching for more than one solution means you’ll think more strategically and react in a way that takes you closer to, not farther from, your goals.

The “seed of greatness” exists in each of us. You are more likely to reach your potential if you keep your eyes on your goals and remember why you’re chasing them. The more valid reasons you can list for pursuing your dream, the greater the chance that you will achieve it. By keeping your eye on the prize, and eliminating the behaviours aforementioned, you improve your odds of rising to the height where you were designed to fly. *Maxwell is a renowned motivational speaker and author

Is success the birthright of any organisation?

By ‘Uju Onwuzulike

“Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go” — Arnold H Glasow

O

ne thing that is common with virtually all the companies in the world is the desire to be successful in one’s area of business operation. One thing I also know about success itself is that it does not have any specific best friend. In order words, no one can boldly say, “even if I did not do anything (or engage in any meaningful activity), success is already dwelling in my house or in my company”. The key message for us is that success respects only those who have worked for it, and not to those who assume they naturally deserve success.

It is not wrong for any organization to desire success in whatever they do. What is wrong is when they are merely dwelling on wishful thinking.

And the quickest way to know such an organization is when they announce their lofty visions, expectations and initiatives without having a step by step action plans on how to achieve them. This also explains why so many strategic plans and priorities

BY ‘UJU ONWUZULIKE lot of people have is that some big organizations or corporations literally have attained success such that success on itself has now become their birthright. One key fact such people have not realized is that success is only but a journey, it is something we need to intentionally seek for everyday and not occasionally. And when we do not seek it as we ought to, others will be glad doing it.

In my days as an employee, I also used to think that some organizations are invincible that nothing will ever make them to fall or probably lose their leadership position. Now that I am older (proverbially), I have realized that no organization owns the monopoly of success; no

Having the desire to be successful is not enough and unfortunately “Mr Success” will not grant success to such people or organizations with only desires fall by the way side. Because it is not enough to be successful by having a well laid down strategic plans without going the extra mile in executing them. This is why I always tell organizations in any of my strategic management workshops that the best plans on the planet earth that were not executed is as good as having no plan at all.

A misleading mindset that a

organisation has success as its birthright, and importantly no organization is too big to fall.

Whenever I discuss with CEOs and business owners on running successful companies, I always tell them two things. The first is that they should be careful when they are successful because the enemy of success itself is “success”. This comes with “I have arrived mentality”, and

meanwhile other competitors are still running the “Relay race”, and probably might get there before you. The second thing I always tell them is that what makes them successful yesterday or in the time past might not make them successful today. As a matter of fact, may be the cause of their downfall tomorrow or in the future. The key lesson for leaders and CEOs is to be more strategic in their thinking (which is why I always recommend that CEOs and senior management be trained in Strategic Thinking), and always keep an eye on the changing environment.

Final note: In as much as it is true that no organization has success as its birthright, at the same time, it is possible to plan one’s way to success. This requires commitment across the board, having the right attitude and going the extra mile for one’s organization come rain or shine. Having the desire to be successful is not enough and unfortunately “Mr Success” will not grant success to such people or organizations with only desires, but will grant success to those organizations that are committed in whatever they have set out to do.

Call or email us for your views or perspectives.

Email: uju@hainescentre.com Mobile: 09091142093 www.hainescentre.com C M Y K

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Banks’ total assets hit N26.3trn in October

By Babajide Komolafe

T

HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) said that the total assets of banks in the country rose by 1.5 percent to N26.3 trillion in October.

The apex bank disclosed this in its economic report for October, which also indicated slight decline in banks credit to the domestic economy.

The report stated, “Available data indicated that total assets and liabilities of the banks amounted to N26, 335.57 billion, showing a 1.5 per cent increase above the level at the end of the preceding month.

Funds were sourced, mainly, from increased mobilisation of central government deposit, increase in unclassified and foreign liabilities, and reduction in foreign assets. The funds were used, largely, to increase claims on central government, claims on central bank and reduce time, savings and foreign currency deposits, and demand deposits.

“At N13, 874.56 billion, banks’ credit to the domestic economy fell marginally by 0.7 per cent, compared with the level at the end of the preceding month. The development was attributed to the 3.9 and 0.5 per cent decline in credit to the Federal Government and credit to the private sector, during the review month.

Liquid assets “Total specified liquid assets of the banks stood at N6, 413.02 billion, representing 37.0 per cent of their current liabilities. At that level, the liquidity ratio declined by 0.8 percentage point below the level in the preceding month, and was 7 percentage points above the stipulated minimum ratio of 30.0 per cent. The loans-to-deposit ratio, at 62.8 per cent, was 2.9 percentage points above the level at the end of the preceding month, but was 17.2 percentage points below the prescribed maximum ratio of 80.0 per cent.

“At N16,408.5 billion, aggregate banking system credit (net) to the domestic economy grew by 0.9 per cent, on month-on-month basis, at end-October 2014, compared with the growth of 2.7 per cent at the end of the preceding month.

The development relative to the preceding month reflected the growth of 0.9 and 0.7 per cent in net claims on the Federal Government and claims on the private sector. Over the level at endDecember 2013, net domestic credit grew by 9.1 per cent.

Banking system’s credit (net) to the Federal Government, on month-on-month basis, rose by 0.9 per cent to negative N1,380.3 billion at end-October 2014, com-

C M Y K

pared with the growth of 10.4 per cent at the end of the preceding month. The development relative to the preceding month was attributed to the increase in banking system’s holdings of government securities. Over the level at

end-December 2013, claims on the Federal Government (net) rose by 6.0 per cent. However, the Federal Government, as in the preceding month, remained a net lender to the banking system at the end of the review month.

Banking system credit to the private sector, on month- onmonth basis, grew marginally by 0.7 per cent to N17,788.8 billion, compared with the growth of 1.5 per cent at the end of the preceding month. The development was attributed to the 5.2 and 0.5 per cent increase in claims on the state and local governments and core private sector, respectively. Over the level at end-December 2013, banking system’s credit to the private sector grew by 7.7 per cent”

AWARD: From left: Presenter and Producer, World News Media, Jenny Hammond; and Group Executive, Transaction and Private Banking, FirstBank, Bernadine Okeke receiving the Best Private Bank Award 2014 by World Finance Magazine at the Floor of the London Stock Exchange.

BoI, 1 0 banks collaborat e tto o 10 collaborate fund SMEs

By Franlin Alli

T

HE Bank of Industry and ten banks have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide loans to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at low interest rate.

The ten banks are Access Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Ecobank Limited, Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Limited, First City Monument Bank Limited, Skye Bank Plc, StanbicIBTC BankPlc, Standard Chartered Bank Limited, and United Bank for Africa Plc. According to the MoU signed on Monday, the ten banks would provide working capital loans to SMEs qualified by the BoI at interest rate of Monetary Policy Rate plus six percent, with tenor ranging from six months to 12 months.

The BoI on the other hand would provide Term Loans to the qualified SMEs at interest rate between nine and ten percent with tenor ranging from three to five years, and moratorium of six to 12 months.

Disclosing this at the MoU signing ceremony, Managing Director/Chief Executive, BoI, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa said, “Access to affordable finance has been identified as one of the major challenges inhibiting the growth and development of SMEs. However, BOI was able to identify the fact

that the main factor responsible for the current low level of financial support to SMEs by banks generally (BOI inclusive), is the fact that their loan requests are poorly packaged and their business plans are non-bankable.

BOI therefore decided on a multi-pronged approach to addressing the problem of poor loan packaging and access to finance. “The first approach was the recent accreditation of 122 Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) located all over the country. The BDSPs are to: Assist the SMEs in the development of bankable business plans and proposals, which will facilitate their access to finance; and pprovide post-finance services to the SMEs such as mentorship, handholding, financial advice and inculcation of best practices.

“Another strategy was to approach SMEFriendly Commercial Banks to partner with BOI in co-financing the SMEs. The activities in which BOI and the SME-Friendly Banks will collaborate include the following: Provision of the long-term loans to qualified SMEs by BOI based on its Risk Acceptance Criteria; Provision of working capital to the SMEs by the SME-Friendly Banks also based on their individual Risk Acceptance Criteria.

Forex rigging: RBS suspends bonuses of 18 traders

R

OYAL Bank of Scotland Group Plc suspended bonuses of 18 traders as part of a review of its foreign-exchange business in the wake of a $634 million fine.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the bank said it is reviewing the conduct of more than 50 current and former traders who worked at the investment bank.

Six employees face disciplinary action, with three of them suspended pending investigations.

A former RBS trader was arrested on Dec. 19 in relation to the U.K. Serious Fraud Office’s investigation into currency rigging, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, who asked not to be identified because the details are private.

Regulators in the U.S., Britain and Switzerland last month ordered six banks, including RBS and HSBC Holdings Plc (HSBA), to pay about $4.3 billion to settle a probe into the rigging of foreign-exchange rates.

“We are undertaking a robust and thorough review into the actions of the traders that caused this wrongdoing and the management that oversaw it,” Jon Pain, RBS’s head of conduct and regulatory affairs, said in the statement. “No further bonus payments will be made or unvested bonus awards released to those in scope of the review until it has concluded.”

The SFO confirmed it had last week arrested a man in Billericay, a town in Essex, east of London. The agency declined to comment on his identity or employment.

RBS was up 0.6 percent to 390.2 pence at 3:19 p.m. in London trading, valuing the bank at 44.7 billion pounds ($69 billion).

Chief Executive Officer Ross McEwan’s efforts to return the 80 percent government-owned bank to full private ownership have been overshadowed by a series of scandals. Edinburghbased RBS was also fined 56 million pounds in November by British regulators for the 2012 collapse of its computer system that left millions of customers without access to accounts.

The currency settlements last month were the first since authorities began investigating allegations last year that dealers at the biggest banks colluded with counterparts at other firms to rig foreign-exchange benchmarks. Banks could still face further penalties in the probe into misconduct in the $5.3 trillion-a-day currency market, the world’s largest.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 — 25

*From left: Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Mubi; Prof. Nduka Ethelbert; Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt; Mr. Aminu Ayodele, Deputy Rector (Academics) Kwara State Polytechnic; Mr. Ajiboye Ayodele; Deputy Rector (Administration) Kwara State Polytechnic; Prof. Evangellos Dedoussis, American University in Dubai; Dr. Jen Saidu Umaru, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Bali; Prof. Akpochafo Williams of Delta State University, Abraka; Mr. Aliezi Oghanwo, Bursar, University of Port Harcourt; Prof. Oghuvbu Patrick of Delta State University, Abraka; Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, Chairman, Executive Trainers Limited.

Education report: Could 2014 mark end of strikes?

•Insecurity, mass failures still recurring trends

By Amaka Abayomi & Ikenna Asomba

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ITH seven days to year 2015, and in line with our tradition, Vanguard Learning takes stock of events that shaped the nation’s education sector, especially as the year is not ending on a striking note.

Though this relative calm is a far cry from the sector ’s rocky start at the beginning of the year, Vanguard Learning explores the pains and gains

LASU withdrawal of 19 PhDs: 16 holders complied to corrections, 3 adamant — VC Pg. 28

Nigerian universities and the fate of the nation C M Y K

of the education sector in 2014.

No more strikes —Minister

Undoubtedly, stakeholders of the nation’s education sector, comprising of students, their parents, teachers and non-academic staff, as well as government at different tiers will be basking in the euphoria of witnessing the end of the year without an ongoing strike across the basic or tertiary levels of education in the country.

This is the first time in a long while that this relative peace would be

College of Technology, YABATECH. The minister, who met prolonged industrial actions by the Academic Staff of Polytechnics, ASUP and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, boasted that the suspension of the strike by the two aggrieved staff unions less than 24 hours after he resumed office was a clear pointer to his commitment to fulfil that mandate.

He added that part of the measures to nip strikes in the bud was his Continues on page 26

Maths ability not necessary in every course of study — WAEC boss

By Dayo Adesulu

H

Pg. 29

recorded in the education sector.

Perhaps, it was on this premise that the boisterous Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, on November 4, 2014, said that the era of industrial action in the education sector in Nigeria is over.

This assurance was given by the Minister when he was in Lagos for impact assessment tours of federal tertiary institutions in the state University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka; Federal College of Education, Technical, Akoka; and the Yaba

EAD of the Nigeria National Office of West African Examinations Council,WAEC, Mr. Charles Eguridu has stated that making Mathematics a compulsory subject for students seeking admission in tertiary institutions is unfair, when the candidate's course of study in the university has nothing to do with Mathematics.

Eguridu who made this statement against the backdrop of the 29.37 per cent WASSCE candidates who obtained five

credits and above in Mathematics and English Language said: “It will be unfair to judge or determine students’ performance in examination based on Mathematics and English Language.”

Answering questions from journalists at WAEC corporate office, Yaba, Lagos after the release of results last Thursday Eguridu explained that as a student of Theatre Arts, you have no business learning quadratic equation. According to him; “Somebody who wants to read Yoruba in the university,

Continues on page 26

26 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Education report: Could 2014 mark the end of strikes...

Continues from page 25 commitment to ensure the dignity of teaching service in Nigeria through adequate welfare packages, training and retraining of teachers at all levels, provision of conducive teaching and learning environment, among others.

He said these are targeted towards achieving the two fundamental objectives of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in the education sector, which he listed as increasing access and improving quality.

Grappling challenges

*A cross section of graduands of St. Patrick's Secondary School, Amakohia Ikeduru, in Ikeduru L.G.A of Imo State, at the SANTADEI PAULUS recently. Sitting in the middle, is the Director and Proprietor of the school, Chief Paul Iwuamadi.

Maths ability not necessary...

Continues from page 25 and the institution is demanding for Mathematics is an issue because he does not need Mathematics to perform well in Yoruba. I do not think Mathematical ability is necessary for success in every endeavour of live.”

In all his years, he reiterated that, he is yet to see where mathematical ability is necessary in all areas of endeavour. ‘’Those who play football and can score goals, or those who can sing very well, I am yet to see how passing Mathematics made them successful. For English Language, I agree because it is the means of communication, but for Maths, it should not compulsory for some studies,’’ he added.

The HNO who took a swipe at those condemning WAEC for mass failure based on Mathematics and English Language said: ‘’This is a private candidate exam.

Preharps a candidate registers for Biology, Maths and English, if he does not write Maths and English and you use the population of those who wrote Maths and English to ascertain the percentage of success, the statistics will be incorrect.

"In a situation where a candidate registers for eight or nine subjects and you isolate two subjects to ascertain his overall performance, is unfair. The purpose of education is not to pass examination but to equip children for life.’’

Double registrations Eguridu further maintained; "Nigerians need to go back and read the national policy on education. It is not envisaged that every child who entered primary school will end up a university professor. We expect that after the first six years of primary school, then the first three, senior high school. After this stage the results will determine the route such student will take, either to technical education, college of education, school of nursing, polytechnic or university.’’

On the drop of candidates that registered for the examination, Eguridu heaps the reasons on effiency of WAEC. He provided that WAEC has made it impossible for candidates to have double registrations. In the past, he pointed out, people asked candidates to register them in one centre and go to another centre to re-register. He insisted that with the introduction of biometric features, if you try to register twice, it will not be possible.

For those who criticized the walk in candidate initiative, Eguridu said: “Nigeria

is not an island, it is a country that is advancing like other countries. In Singapore for example, people will write their exams when they are ready. A situation where a candidate needs a credit to advance in his studies and he has to wait for another one year cannot be justified. We have no apology for this, we have done it and we will do it again.

"If a candidate wants to register on the day of examination, we register him and ensure that the registration properly done. We will capture biometric details, exam fees will be paid and the candidate will be allowed to write with those who registered before.”

On the issue of wrong pictures of some candidates, Eguridu heaped the blame on school owners,explaining that WAEC's registration portal has been designed in such a way that it works on information uploaded by schools into the server. That not withstanding, WAEC has to give them a second chance for the information to be uploaded correctly.

However, from the next examination, he stated that WAEC's upgraded systems will reject such flawed entries.

NGO honours Al-Qalam varsity

By Amaka Abayomi

T

HE Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has presented a National Certificate of Credence to Al-Qalam University, Katsina, State, for its efforts at being ethical in its dealings with humanity.

Presenting the certificate and gold medal to the institution, the Executive Director of the Group, Prince Salih Musa Yakubu, revealed that the varsity stands out in its resolve to produce not only students with academic excellence but also with moral values that make their products fit positively into the larger society.

While noting that Al-Qalam deserves the commendation for being among the 20 most ethically responsible varsities, Yakubu said the varsity scored 70 per cent cumulatively in the NGO’s ten areas of assessment focus.

Receiving the award on behalf of the VC, Prof.

Shehu Garki Ado, the Acting University Librarian, Malam Sulaiman Wada Rafindadi, blamed Nigeria's underdevelopment on corruption, adding that Al-Qalam University is an institution that respects the norms and values of Islam, and does not tolerate any form of corruption and corrupt practices.

Also, the University Registrar, Malam Sani Abashe Adamu, said there is need to re-orient Nigerians on the dangers of corruption which affects the socio-political and economic development of the nation.

Despite the relative peace in the education sector, stakeholders are worried that Nigeria is still grappling with challenges bordering on rot, incessant strikes by staff unions over welfare and the state of teaching and learning facilities, kidnapping and killing of innocent school children in their schools by Boko Haram insurgents, increase in the number of out-of-school children and the dying prospect of meeting the 2015 United Nations’ deadline for Education for All. There are also; mass failure in national examinations, inadequate access to tertiary education, steep hike in tuition fees in some tertiary institutions, the rising army of unemployed graduates roaming the streets, craze for foreign education, and brain-drain as a result of mass exodus of teachers to foreign institutions, among other worrisome issues.

A rejected budget

In what looked like an early punch to the Federal Government, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, in January, kicked against the N373.4 billion allocated to the education sector in the 2014 budget, claiming that it is way below the 26 per cent minimum budgetary allocation recommended by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO. The SSANU Chairman, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Abdussobur Salam, said though education got the second highest allocation in the budget, the fund was too paltry to have the desired impact on the sector.

Army of unemployed youths A recent survey which puts the figure of the nation’s unemployed youths at 54 per cent became glaring on March 15, when no fewer than 19 innocent job seekers, including pregnant mothers, lost their lives in stampedes that occurred during a nationwide recruitment exercise by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, in different stadia in the country.

For just 4,000 job spaces, over 70,000 job seekers stormed the venues of the recruitment test, a worrisome situation which stakeholders say is a direct opposite of government’s claim that over 1.6 million jobs were created in 2013, while the National Enterprise Development Programme, NEDEP, will create 3.5 million jobs for unemployed Nigerian youths this year.

Chibok girls/rising insecurity

Nigerians were yet to get over the news of the Immigration stampede when, on the night of April 14, over 260 female students who were writing their SSCE were whisked away from the Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, by members of the Boko Haram group.

As today makes it exactly 255 days since their disappearance, it is so sad that Nigerians are celebrating Christmas and would most likely cross over to 2015 with over 200 of the girls still missing.

Since the abduction of the Chibok girls, the insurgents have continued to abduct, maim and kill innocent school children across the North-Eastern states, while schools in Borno State just reopened in November following their closure in April.

JAMB’s new directives

Worried that the nation’s higher institutions have only been able to accommodate about one third of the over 1.5 million candidates who write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, UTME, annually, the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Professor Dibu Ojerinde, earlier in the year, disclosed that beginning with the 2014 UTME, candidates will be given the choice to pick only one university, polytechnic and college of education of their choice, as against the traditional first and second choice options of universities and/or polytechnics.

Ojerinde further stated that as part of efforts to improve

Continues on page 27

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014—27

Ignorance of factors for success leads to exam failure — Educationist

By Dayo Adesulu

A

From left (seated): a teacher, a trustee, Mr. Eleanya Dike (representing the visioner, Rev. Isaiah Nduka Dike), chairman of the event and trustee, Elder Anya Kalu; the trustee Secretary, Elder Kalu Eleanya Ogba, another trustee, Mrs. Georgina Mbonu and another teacher of the participating schools with participating students (standing) after the quiz competition.

Education report: Could 2014 mark the end of strikes...

Continues from page 26 education in Nigeria in line with global best practices, the Board introduced Computer Based Test, CBT, for all its examinations.

To this end, he announced that beginning from 2015, any student or candidate who was not computer literate would have no business with JAMB conducted examinations.

WAEC/NECO shocker Just as Nigerians were getting over JAMB’s directive, the Head of National Office, West African Examinations Council, WAEC, Mr. Charles Eguridu, also dropped a shocker that signifies a decline in the performance of students in external examinations as 529,425,000 candidates, representing 31.2 per cent of the total 1,692,435,000 candidates who participated in the examination, recorded credit pass in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, as against 36.57 and 38.81 per cent in 2013 and 2012 editions, respectively.

Unaccessed N100 billon Against the backdrop of incessant strikes by staff unions of tertiary institutions, which have usually been blamed on

inadequate funding, stakeholders were inundated on July 17, when the Chairman, Board of Trustees, BOT, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, Dr. Musa Babayo, revealed that some N100 billion TETFUND was lying fallow in a CBN account because federal and state tertiary institutions were being passive to access it.

Represented by Dr. Hana Kolawole, at a two-day interactive workshop on TETFUND organised for Vice Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts of tertiary institutions in the six states of the SouthWest, held at the University of Lagos, Babayo urged institutions to come up with proper documentation to access the fallow funds.

NYSC imbroglio Towards the last quarter of this year, public outcr y greeted the new policy of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), for imposing N4,000 fee on prospective corps members for printing of callup letters on-line.

Despite explanations from the NYSC Director General, Brig-General Jonhson Olawumi, that the fees was neither for the scheme nor the corps producing institutions, but for services and infrastructure to be deployed by the collaborating firm,

Messrs.

SIDMACH Technologies Nigeria Limited, the controversy continued.

However, it took the intervention of the National Assembly to calm nerves as the implementation of the fees has kicked-off from the 2014 Batch ‘C’ corps members deployed in November. ...then Ebola came knocking Unfortunately, the nation was overwhelmed mid third quarter of the year when Patrick Sawyer, a LiberianAmerican diplomat, imported the deadly Ebola Virus Disease into the country on July 20.

This development led to the closure of schools across the country, which were billed to resume in September.

However, following concerted efforts by the Federal Government, as well as the 36 state governments, the EVD was successfully contained, as Nigeria was declared Ebola free on October 20, by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Schools were thus reopened across the states, even though a recent investigation by Vanguard Learning shows that schools have abandoned the precautionary measures of preventing the EVD.

N educationist and Chief Executive Officer of Rockcleft School, Surulere, Mrs. Titilayo Odutola, has stated that students in primary and post primary schools fail examination because they do not pay attention to factors that are necessary for high grades.

She said: “Students' mental approach towards study, attendance of lectures, method of preparing for examination, exam taking tactics and strategies are some factors for examinations success.

“Other reasons tied to success are taking good and helpful notes, method of learning, memorizing, concentration, confidence and study related extra-curricular activities.”

The Proprietor while speaking with journalists in her office averred that if a student fails an examination, it is a clear indication that such a student is weak in one or more of the aforementioned factors.

Odutola, who urged stakeholders in the sector to work in synergy to enhance students' academic performance, tasked parents to assist their wards in their home work.

She lamented a situation

where parents are too busy either to assist their children do home work or cross check it when it is done alone by the students.

Barr. Odutola who turned educationist also solicited for training and retraining of teachers, adding that teachers cannot give beyond what they have.

Stressing on the importance of training, she said: “Training and retraining will update their knowledge and acquaint them with best method of teaching.”

She advised government at all levels to adopt some of the methods used in schools in England.

She said; “as registered and unregistered schools are springing up in Nigeria, government should supervise them to ensure that standards are met and maintained.

“If school owners, teachers and students know that government's supervisory agency can come without notice, everybody will rise up to duties."

“I will also suggest that schools be graded and ranked based on government assessment and recommendation.

This will bring about healthy competition among schools.”

Indomie Children Fans Club celebrate Christmas in funfare at National Theatre Orile Iganmu, Lagos.

FUNNAB celebrates six professors

By Daud Olatunji

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HE Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has honoured six professors produced by the institution, who are equally members of the alumni. They are Prof. Olayide Lawal, Prof. Kolawole Adebayo, Prof. Jeremiah Atungwu, Prof. David Ajiboye, Prof. Bamidele Oduguwa and Prof.

Uweni Ekpo.

The president, Alumni Association, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Abdul Razaq Sanni, has said that it is time for the country to embrace agriculture.

Sanni, who said the institution had produced seven professors in its 26 years of existence advised the dons to be good ambassadors of the institution.

While acknowledging the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, for ensuring infrastructural development in the nation’s tertiary institutions, he said the institution had been rated second best in the latest universities’ rating.

Sanni said the leaders did not need any soothsayer to tell them that the next option for the country was for it to diversify into agriculture.

He said; “Agriculture is the best option for Nigeria at this present state of the country. The country has kept focus on oil to the detriment of agriculture. Now, we are faced with the reality of being over-dependent on oil.”

28 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

LASU withdrawal of 19 Ph.Ds:

16 holders complied to corrections, 3 adamant — VC IT is no longer new that the Lagos State University, LASU has been in the news on issues bothering on the withdrawal of 19 Ph.D certificates from lecturers. Its Vice Chancellor, Professor John Obafunwa, while speaking with journalists, bares his mind on sundry issues as they affect the institution and how they have been managed.

Excerpts:

By Dayo Adesulu

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HAT in your knowledge necessitates the perennial issues bedevilling LASU? When I assumed office as Vice Chancellor of LASU, I started by dealing with problems of backlog of certificates.

I even had to sign certificates for people that had graduated in 1994.

As at that time, we were not graduating students, there had not beenconvocation.Butnowwehave had three consecutive graduations.

There were no records, no database, so we had to ask students to register, that was how we established a database at the ICT center on campus.

When I came in, the University was spending over N13 million monthly and I felt something was wrong. So we had to look into it and we cut down the interest by 66.6%. We were able to cut down the interest from N13m to N5m.

We also had to deal with general issues of accountability in the system.

Mr Vice Chancellor sir, Can you justify the withdrawal of the 19 Ph.D certificates from lecturers of LASU and how true that your target was the ASUU Chairman?

Weneedtogetsomethingstraight, the VC cannot award a degree and he cannot withdraw a degree. Only the Senate has that power. It is not truethatfew Senate members took the decision. Unfortunately, I don’t have the details here with me.

Previous senate In fact, 93 senators were present and it is normal that if you start a session, everybody cannot be there when a particular issue comes up.

So it is not the question of not knowing what was discussed.

But how did it start? Somebody raised an issue in the previous senate meeting about irregularities in the award of Ph.D. An example was raised of someone that was awarded a Ph.D and would not receive it because it was different.

How can someone expect a Ph.D in International Business and you gave her Ph.D in Business Administration? We told the C M Y K

complied except for three. I can tell you 19 names were brought to senate. To say that one person was targeted is not true.

If you ask our students, they will tell you, they were the ones that fought for reduction in school fees.

It was not an ASUU thing. So don’t say that oh because we fought for reduction in school fees that is why they did this to us.

It is our responsibility if we find outsomeirregularitiesinourrecords to set it straight. Before this issue came to the senate, it passed through some procedures, after which the senate deliberated on it and the Vice Chancellor signs. But if we discover that something had gone wrong along the line, we should be courageous enough to go back to it. This issue is a general issue, we are not looking at it from one side alone.

Was there prior information before the withdrawal of the certificates We don’t go around informing people during procedures, however, we inform them when necessary. I have said I don’t want to say much on the issue of Idris.

We will meet at the courtroom.

On interference in the students unionism, what is your take ?

I’ve gotten used to people saying so many things to cause trouble.

On the 4th of November, I got a letter from Mr Idris requesting for theuseofourfacilitiesfortheASUU NEC meeting.

ASUU NEC meeting

*Obafunwa Dean, Management Sciences, go and put together the report, let us check. I recall at that meeting thattheDeanwantedtostarttalking, but we said No, let us have everything in facts. At the subsequent meeting, we were briefed.

When the list came, it came with 19 names of people with PhDs. Senate deliberated and we divided them into three. Those that had no problem, those with mild issues and thosewithseriousissues.Inthemild group, we had about seven while in the serious group, we had five.

Before I proceeded, the report that was presented showed us that in 2004, LASU had offered Ph.Ds in just three areas of its Postgraduate programme; in Business Administration,Management,and International business.

What does that means? It means that those are the only areas you could get a degree in. What you don’t have, you can’t give. It was noted that some people were given Ph.D in Business Administration Management. So when you were doing your citation, what was it on?

Letterswerewrittentotheaffected people. To the best of my knowledge, all but two returned theirPhDs.Wesatdownandlooked at it in details. If you apply for Ph.D Business Administration and your

conversion says Business administration, but your Ph.D reads marketing; to start with, marketing was never approved by LASU Senate, and for the issue of Mr. Idris, I won’t say much, I will just talk generally.

At this point in time, I know that a number of them have had their certificates corrected, and by the way the 19 people we are talking about are not all Academics in LASU, and I can tell you that they

When the list came, it came with 19 names of people with PhDs. Senate deliberated and we divided them into three

The letter arrived on the 5th. He asked for the use of the Hall and the smaller Hall, they asked for security. I signed everything for free. They said they wanted to use the place for two days, 6th and 7th.

ASUU never made a courtesy call to us, they never raised any issue.

In fact, Monday the 8th, when they continued their meeting and had the press conference, don’t forget, 8 was not even part of what they asked for. This administration did not interfere with it.

I have never interfered in Students Union elections. Some people even came to tell me that I should pay attention to whosoever emerges. And I tell them that I am not interested. When issues arrive, we put them on the table and everybody looks at it. I recall the 2012 students union elections. I have my reasons why I remember because I came in November 2011.

I think I was in Ikeja and I was told that so so and so was supposed to be my candidate and I was like, I am not interested. I don’t pay attention to certain things because when people want to seek relevance, they say a lot of things. I have never at any time been interested in who won any elections.

Some of the lecturers are accusing you on delay in promotion, what would you say is responsible for this.

To say that there was no promotion in 2013/2014, that is not true. For you to have any promotion exercise you must declare vacancy first. We told all the faculties to submitalltheinformation,butsome

came to request for funds. You know when you are going from associate professor to professor, you send out some papers and so on. So to say that we have not done anything about promotion, it is at the level of the various faculties. I agitated for this to be completed so that we can move into the 2014/2015 exercise.

Whenever we have issues, we should be able to look at it and draw thelinebetweenwhatisaffectedand what is top to be discarded. I recall my first encounter, there was no problem 2011 to 2012, are you saying that there was no ASUU in LASU then?

ASUU in LASU I could pick up the phone and call the Chairman and things work. Do we have a problem with NASU,no.

Do we have problem with SSANU no. I want us to draw a line between ASUU-LASU Executives and ASUU-LASU. There is a difference.

So when the minority decides to make so much noise that does not mean that the entire LASU is in mirage. I know that some ASUULASUmembersarenowsayingthat enough is enough. You cannot continuetorepresentusanddestroy us.Butmaybewithinthenextcouple of days, we will know exactly what is happening.

I have tried to avoid focusing on some certain things, to leave the distractions so that we can have all the achievements we are seeing in LASU. Have I assisted some members in one way or the other?

That is true. And when I say assist, I am not talking about conniving, no that is not what I am talking about. Have I come across some people with personal issues that I trytoassist?Definitely.Someofthem were grateful, some of them showed ingratitude, that is not what I look for, but it is not true, look at it, we had ASUU-LASU prior to Mr. Idris, the chairman then was Dr. Oluwatoki. He will come to me at times with issues, and I will tell him, this is what we can do and this is what we cannot do and he will understand.

I might encounter a particular situation that I want to deal with and I tell him and he advises me and I follow. Before then, we had a regime of Dr Akinyemi. Then I was contesting for a post in governing council and ASUU supported my candidature. I have not been against ASUU but we must learn to do things properly. Whatever we do, we must be able to accept correction.

As I speak there is no outstanding result with the Senate. If any one feels like he/ she has an outstanding result, let him go to the LASU site.

Check student result, check your profile there. I got there months ago to upload over 36,000 profiles.

Do you have personal issue with Mr Idris, the present ASUU chairman of LASU? Prior to this time, I had no relationship with Mr Idris. I can tell you that, the nearest thing was when he appeared for interview and got promoted. That is the nearest thing and he was not even ASUU chairman at that time.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014—29

Chairman, Executive Trainers Limited, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, (3rd left), Mrs Ajoke Ogunsan, Managing Director, Executive Trainers Limited and top executives in Nigeria tertiary institutions at an Executive training held in Harvard, United States of America.

USPF equips LUTH with state-of-the-art classroom

By Bartholomew Madukwe

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N line with its mandate to facilitate extension of telecommunication services to all communities, the Universal Service Provision Fund, USPF, in collaboration with the Nigerian Universities Commission, NUC has equipped the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital with a state-of-the-art classroom.

The classroom is furnished with various technological devices including an interactive smart board, overhead projector, audio visual support systems with lecture recording

and playback capabilities and 50 wireless enabled touch screen PCs. Speaking at the commissioning of the University InterCampus Connectivity (UnICC) project at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital, Chairman, Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) and Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, stated that in order to support the Nigerian Research Education Network , NgREN, there would be extension of 10GB Optic Fibre Cables (OFC) in all the 40 Federal Universities, 28 satellite campuses, 12 Medical Colleges as well as Poly-

technics and Colleges of Education.

She said: “The project is creating and equipping 17 Smart Classrooms at the medical colleges. What the USPF has set to do is to provide the underlining infrastructure for the adaptation of various technological devices including immerse video conferencing, VoIP telephony, to mention a few. The UnICC project will also ensure the extension of the 10GB OFC to support the NgREN in all the 40 Federal Universities, 28 satellite campuses and 12 Medical Colleges.”

USPF Chairman pointed out that the project would also enhance 34 data centres located in the universities, by providing 34 10kVA power inverters and associated batteries.

“This is in addition to providing biometric access controls and CCTVs at each location to enhance the physical security of the data centres. This is in addition to the MPLS switches, MPLS routers, IP Telephony systems, FM 200 fibre extinguishing systems and other enhancements in order to ensure that the OFC network is immediately put into use,” she added.

According to her, these facilities are expected to enhance teaching, research and daily workings of the universities and eventually facilitate the creation of the larger NgREN that will link all universities, polytechnice, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions.

Kareem conferred with Glima award MANAGING Director and CEO Rasmark Surveying Equipment Limited, Mr Abdulrasaq Abdul Kareem, has been conferred with the Global Leader of Integrity Merit Award (GLIMA) for Professional Excellence, and Infrastructural Development.

This was disclosed recently

by Proven Integrity Communication Network Limited, Publisher of Integrity International Magazine at Abuja.

According to Head, Nigeria Operations Dan Nzelogu, those present at the epochmaking event were top government functionaries, envoys, business personalities, educationist, eminent African statesmen, religious leaders and traditional leaders, among others.

The theme of this year's event was Democracy and Global Peace; a Leadership Challenge, delivered by Prof.

E.T. Eshett, former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO. The varsity which aims at sensitizing African Leader-

Mr. Dan Nzelogu, Head, Nigerian Operations integrity International Magazine, presenting the Global Leader of Integrity Award to Mr. AbdulRasaq AbdulKareem MD/CEO, Rasmark Surveying Equipment Limited recently in Abuja. ship, promoting sustainable economic and social-political development, enhancing global peace, advocating excellence through selfless service that will stimulate economic growth and development in Africa, also creates awareness on the essence of honesty, transparency and account-

ability as a basis for integrity in all human endeavour.

The president of the organization, Chris Onwordi stated that the award was conferred on the recipients for their exemplary leadership, contribution to humanity and as epitomes of integrity.

Nigerian universities and the fate of the nation “The economist like anyone else must concern himself with the fate of man.” Alfred Marshall, 1842-1924. (VANGUARD BOOK; p 45).

HE last time I checked, virtually all Nigerian universities, except those specializing in Agriculture or Technology advertise themselves as offering Economics among their numerous courses. That would presume that they have established Departments of Economics – complete with lecturers and even professors of economics. Granted, I do not expect every economist to have come across the statement by Marshall, the father of classical economics. But, it should not be beyond expectation that economists in Nigeria’s universities would have recognized that, more than any teachers in any other discipline, the sudden decline in the price of crude oil, on which the nation depends for much of its livelihood constitutes a challenge to every economist in the country today. The economic fate of our country is at stake and the people who should be leading the debate, who should be active in analysing the problems and offering solutions are seating idle on their campuses and doing nothing. To describe the situation as surprising is to be polite. It is actually disappointing. This is primarily a battle for the brightest and best to take the lead in fighting.

I have tried in vain to understand why our intellectuals, especially economists, have stood aloof when the most earthshaking economic event of our era, since the Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP, of the 1980s, is unfolding. The passing Age of Oil, in Nigeria, represents I have tried in something potentially more cataclysmic than the previous vain to shock which brought about SAP. understand why This is a total and fundamental our change calling virtually for new beginning. And who should be intellectuals, leading the national discussion especially about our future but economists, economists? Is it because they have stood aloof don’t understand the enormity of the challenges facing our when the most nation? Or they are unaware earthshaking that whatever choices we make economic event in 2015 – 2017 could have of our era, since repercussions down the generations? Or that the unity the Structural of the nation itself could be Adjustment threatened if credible solutions Programme, are not found?

Granted, it had been said SAP, of the that “war is too important to be 1980s, is left only to generals”; and unfolding economic reformation is also too important to be left exclusively

T

for economists to decide. But, just as generals lead the war effort, economists must take the lead in shaping the nation’s economic revival – for the simple reason that they are the people trained to provide the leadership at a time like this. Without the input of economists, government, and just the Federal Government alone, is left trying to find solutions to the complex problems besetting us.

While one does not doubt the competence of government officials if operating freely as economists, they are now handicapped by two facts.

First, politicians, in government, generally, offer short term solutions – believing like late British Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, that, “A week is a long time in politics.” Short-term solutions, frequently more harmful in the long run, might be permissible if the problem is temporary. But, what confronts us is a fundamental shift in the way we run our economy. Short-term solutions will not be good for us. Two, we face an election in 60 days. Even governments disposed to thinking long term will not adopt measures which might result in losing the election. The Austerity Measures, so far announced, demonstrate how difficult it is for a government facing an election to adopt the right measures, and, at the right time. The tendency is to delay until after the elections steps which should be taken now.

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30—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

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Forgiveness in advance

AWARD:From left: Registrar, Dr. Rotimi Daniel; VC, Prof. Joseph Afolayan; DVC, Prof. Enonch Oyawoye and DG, CDGA, Dr. Dafe Akpocha, at Landmark University.

Landmark varsity explores initiative for agric devt

By Ediri Ejoh & Faith Olatide

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ROWTH in the Nigerian agricultural sector will remain elusive over the next couple of years, unless issues of poor financial reporting, wrong perception and inadequate research mechanism are addressed.

This was disclosed by the management of the University, while receiving an award of excellence from The Center for Democratic Governance in Africa, CDGA, Director General, Dr. Dafe Akpocha, as the second best private university in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event which was held at Omu-aran in Kwara State, Director General of CDGA, Dr. Dafe Akpocha, said good governance is not limited only in the political strata but also reflects in the day to day running operation even in the schools and tertiary insitutions.

According to him; “This should not only be practiced as politics but in every facet of human life. When good governance is not in practice in institutions, we question the quality of graduates such produce.

“It is disheartening that Nigerians today are not lovers and appreciators of their own creations but rather enjoy being enslaved with absolute dependence on productions and innovations of other countries but Landmark University has seen a way out of the box,” Akpocha added.

The Vice Chancellor of the Landmark University, Prof.

Joseph Afolayan, appreciated the efforts of CDGA for organizing such an award, adding that Landmark University will continue to pursue the agrarian mandate to fruition in confirming the plans, inputs and projections in becoming a world class university in Nigeria and beyond, through breaking new

grounds based on its objectives for youths, which he said, represents the future generation.

In his remark, the VC said that there is vast opportunity and development for the practice of agriculture in the country, if the negative mindset about farming is muted out of our thoughts.

According to him; “The challenge we face in agricultural colleges is enrollment. Many people seem to view agricultural practice as backward and have brought a lot of hindrances to the growth of agriculture in the country.”

He further expressed the readiness of CDGA to partner with the institution in

agricultural development to ensure that the society goes back to its root where agriculture with the inclusion of mechanized farming is appreciated.

Also speaking, the Dean College of Sciences and engineering of the University, Professor Adeniyi Jones, stated that the University has successfully converted waste materials from its environs to an alternative fuel product that is currently used to power a generating set in the school.

According to him, “The chemical engineering department developed this new alternative type of fuel which is gotten from agricultural produce such as corn cobs and waste food.

Bob Manuel tasks students on values

By Kelechukwu Iruoma, UNN NOLLYWOOD actor and Senior Special Assistant Adviser on movies and entertainment to Anambra State Governor, Mr. Bob Manuel Udokwu, has charged students to be determined, hardworking and aim for success in the course of their studies.

He made this charge during the induction ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka fresh students organized by Anambra State Students Association held at Social Sciences Faculty, UNN. According to him; “As students, there are two important things you need to note and practise always: to study hard and pass exams.”

The actor, who studied Theatre Art at University of Port Harcourt and University of Lagos, encouraged the students on originality, which he referred to

as being able to think and do things independently, added that if they write exams themselves, it will build their morale and integrity.

He also charded the students to have absolute passion for the courses they are studying, stating that they should start practising what they are studying while in school, as it will help them build confidence and take them to a greater heights, as he did the same when he was an undergraduate.

“I started acting when I was an undergraduate, travelling from Port Harcourt to Lagos for Checkmate, that was why it was so easy for me to enter the movie industry.” He said.

Bob Manuel who was confered an award of recognition for distinguishing himself as an outstanding figure and a role model for the youths at the occasion enjoined the students to make success their priority, adding that studying hard is the only condition to achieve that.

ONCE upon a time, a pastor moved his family from Ukraine to Russia to start a church in an area plagued by violence. As word about the pastor’s plans spread around town, gangsters issued threats toward him and his five sons, so the pastor prayed. “God told me that I would pay a steep cost for planting my church there, but that something amazing would result too.” He said. The pastor established the church in spite of the threats. Then, just a week after the pastor opened the doors, one of his sons was murdered on the street. The grieving pastor prayed again asking for God’s direction. God told him to stay with his church.

Three months after his son’s death, the pastor himself was stopped on the street by a scary-looking guy who said; “Would you like to meet the person who killed your son?”

“No”, said the pastor. What if he asked your forgiveness” “I’ve already forgiven him,” the pastor replied. “I shot your son”, the man said, breaking down. “And I want to join your church”. In the weeks that followed, there were so many other members of the Russian mob who joined the pastor’s church that crime virtually disappeared in the area.

No one can ever forge ahead when un-forgivingness is fostered in the heart. Mahatma Gandhi revealed, “The weak can never forgive. Forgivingness is the attribute of the strong.” When you forgive you are not doing the person you’ve forgiven a favour but yourself. It maybe you’ve been through some abuses in your life; physical, verbal, sexual abuses. It could be that you were cheated out of a business deal, or someone betrayed you or mistreated you.

Forgiving the wrongs It may not always be easy but the wise choice to make is to forgive. It is worthy to note that offenses are bound to exist but we determine by choice either to let it penetrate into us and hurt us or hit us and fall off. For offenses to hit us and fall off means refusing to think about it and talk about it which deprives it of its power to keep us sour and miserable. I believe offenses are just one of those ways life test us to set us for a promotion if we respond with love and refuse to be offended.

The Chinese Proverb observes, “He who seeks revenge digs two graves”. Mahatma Gandhi affirms, “The adage an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.” Forgive the wrongs in order not to wrong the rights in your life.

When you live in anger you live out in a hang-up. If you want to lead an amazing life, you need to write-off the wrongs in your life and write-out the script you will live by. Let go of the excuses to hold onto anger, bitterness and resentment in order to escape the nightmare of life.

Several decades ago American companies with approval by the U.S government attempted to bury toxic waste products underground. They filled and sealed large metal containers with chemical and life-threatening products.

They buried them deep down below the earth. Within a short length of time the containers started leaking and seeping to the surface destroying the vegetation and caused the death of many people through cancer and other debilitating diseases. Just as the toxic waste products buried underground leaked and seeped to the surface causing havoc to plants and human life, the toxicity of anger, resentment, bitterness, hate and envy buried within our hearts gradually but surely leaks and seeps to the surface of our attitude and behavior destroying our personality, self esteem, relationships, health, mental and social well-being. Joyce Meyer buttresses, “Staying angry at someone who has hurt you is like taking poison and hoping that your enemy will die. Our unforgiveness hurts us more than it does anyone else”.

We can’t bottle-up anger, resentment and bitterness within us and expect to experience freedom at the same time.

When we live with grudges in our heart; we live with crutches in our lives.

When you forgive, you set a prisoner free. And that prisoner is YOU.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014—31

Make moral education vital part of school curriculum — Kanayo

By Achilike Anthony

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S part of steps towards nurturing the young minds and vision for onward transformation of moral education landscape of the nation and to prepare a generation that is morally sound, well armed to understand the culture and values of the Nigerian society and Africa in totality, Mr Onyekwere Kanayo an Author and project initiator has charged the government to make moral education a vital part of school curriculum.

He made this call through his books; Value Education Guide for Parents and Teachers, Greatness through service and My New Alphabet Words for Children, which harp on moral education of the child from a tender age, with a sense of growing to be a disciplined individuals in future.

Through his books, Kanayo reteriated the need for moral education to be given great priority from an elementry level when it is most appropriate to instill and nurture morals in the

child.

He further explained that these books are aimed at building children with the right set of values from infant stage, throughout their primary

education, as he adviced on the importance of government at all levels to see the need of encouraging and making moral education a vital part of our school curriculum as practiced by our fore-parents.

From left: Alhaji Najeem Ibrahim, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Lagos Chapter; Mrs Oluwatosin Adegun, Director, Local Government Staff Pensions Board; Mr Ashimi Jamiu, Perm Sec, L.G Staff PenCom; Mrs Adenike Falade, Director, Pensions Administration Teachers' Establishment & Pensions Office, Lagos State and Dr Kayode Owoyemi, during the official launch of the maiden issue of The Lagos State Teacher Pensioners 2015 Calendar, in Lagos.

Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

FG plans 50% reduction flight ticket for students

By Caleb Ayansina ABUJA – FEDERAL Government has disclosed that it was working on a plan to ensure 50 percent reduction in flight ticket for all Nigerian students, who desire to travel by air.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Student Matters, Comr. Jude Imagwe, who revealed this at inauguration of the Students’ Union Government, University of Abuja, held at Gwagwalada Mini-Campus, said the initiative was part of the

NGO launches empowerment programme

By Chris Onuoha

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NON-Governmental Organisation called The All Dreams Foundation, based in America in collaboration with Adoration Catholic Prayer Ministry in Ekpoma, Edo State has put plans together to launch a life changing economic empowerment and tourism initiative programme for the youths in Africa and citizens of all nations.

The coordinator of the programme, Rev. Fr. John Damian Adizie while briefing press on behalf of Sir Andrew Okokhere, President of The All Dream Foundation said, “Arrangements are on top gear to bring Professors and Students from United States down to Nigeria alongside with Nigerian counterparts in academic community in a partnership drive to meet and establish factories that will be managed by the Nigerians in

Nigeria.”

He noted that “It is saddening to know that most countries in Africa has only two distinct social classes, the rich and the poor and we are bridging that barrier by bringing this exchange programmes where ideas and experiences will meet to create a middle class sector that will balance this prejudice.”

He also said, “Through this sector, The U.S team will have the opportunity to exchange information with the Nigerian students in agriculture, medicine, and business sectors. On the tourism side, the organisation is setting up a tourist center in Lagos to facilitate and attract tourism business into the country.

And on the other hand, the organisation will work closely with entrepreneurs in Nigeria to make the dream a reality.”

government’s efforts to make live meaningful for students.

He explained that government would work with all air carriers in the country to consider any identified student, who chooses to board their plane by not collecting the same amount collected from the working class.

Speaking on the possibility of the idea tagged; ‘I Fly Student’ in the country, Imagwe expressed optimism that if the idea could work in Ghana, therefore, “it will also work in Nigeria.”

The SSA maintained that the on-going transformation in youth development sector of the present administration was more than a mere political rhetoric and superficial, calling on other tiers of government, as well as policy makers to ensure realization of all efforts geared towards youth and women empowerment.

“There should be genuine efforts on the part of policy makers to promote equitable growth, generate employment, raise incomes, improve agricultural production, promote and expand informal sector livelihood,” he charged.

The SUG President, Comr.

Olajengbesi Pelumi said it would be a great joy for all students in the country, if the government and the people of Nigeria could use all the zeal and courage demonstrated in tackling Ebola Virus Disease in the country to solve problem in the education sector.

UNIOSUN Parents’ Forum calls for Ikire campus reopening

By Gbenga Olarinoye, Osogbo

PARENTS’ Forum of the Osun State University, Osogbo, has appealed to the state governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, to immediately reopen the Ikire campus of the institution as ‘a second term gift’ for the affected students.

The Ikire campus of the university had remained closed since 15th of August, 2014 following violent demonstration on the campus by students of the institution which led to the looting and destruction of valuable property of the school.

Chairman of the forum, Justice Oyejide Falola, at a special meeting of the forum held at the University ’s main auditorium, Osogbo, appealed to Aregbesola to reopen the campus.

The meeting was convened to discuss momentary issues bothering on the campus’ reopening, the University students’ welfare as well as the development of the University.

Justice Falola, who

expressed deep regret over the protracted closure of the institution, called on parents to prevail on the governor to approve the proposed reopening of the campus without further delay.

Hundred of parents and students representatives across the six campuses of the institution including the president elect, Abubakar Abdul-Basit of Faculty of Arts and Humanities, attended the interactive meeting.

The meeting, which lasted for three hours, also called on the school’s management to, aside from accessing the damaged properties, probe the incident that led to the campus crisis so as to bring the mastermind of the crisis to book.

“The only issue now is the amount to be paid for damages as the management has sent another proposal to the governor but he insisted that some amendment must be made. This is the only issue and it would be resolved within the next few hours.”

Justice Falola added.

SAU holds 4th matriculation, inducts 219 students

By Williams Covenant & Antia Maurice

S

amuel Adegboyega University has held its 4th matriculation exercise on Thursday.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor,Professor Bernard E. Aigbokhan, highlighted the vision and mission of the university which is to provide “wholesome and comprehensive education for intellectual and spiritual development and to prepare her students for leadership roles in the society and also to nurture for discipline and excellence”.

Welcoming the new intakes, Prof. Bernard gave a brief history on how the institution came into place. He said “the university was commissioned in march 2011 and the university commenced with 62 undergraduate and 11 pre-degree students”.

He further welcomed the matriculants into the university and urged them to be good ambassadors of the school and the country at large and encouraged them to work hard to justify the huge amount of money paid by their parents and also to cultivate the habit of studying always. He urged students to comply to university rules and regulations and to portray a good behavior both in and out of the university premises.

The vice chancellor further expressed his gratitude to the chancellor, pastor (Dr.) Gabriel Olutola ,JP for his support towards the growth of the university and to monarchs present in the ceremony and thanked the parents for their trust and support towards the university and he assured them to make the university a world class one.

Gifts were also presented to students who represented the university at various debate and essay competitions which were held at Babcock university and the other organized by the Okpebho People’s Association held in Esan for universities in Esan land.

32—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 — 33

34—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

CONTRIBUTORY PENSION:

Ondo still indecisive 10 years after

By Dayo Johnson

T

EN years after inception of the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, following the enactment of Pension Reform Act, PRA, 2004, (now PRA 2014), workers in Ondo State, are yet to key into the scheme as the state government has continued to dilly-dally with the take-off of the scheme.

Though the state government recently approved 12 Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, and a Director-General for the State’s Pension Commission, Mr. Jaiyeola Olowosuko, announced after months of uncertainty, still government is not forthcoming on the exact commencement date of the scheme.

Recall that the government had said during the last year May Day celebration that the scheme would take off in March 2014, eight months after, that promise is still a mirage.

Before the government’s pronouncement, workers in the state had kicked against the take off of the scheme as a result of past experiences.

In a statement then , they said "the Ondo State government has come again with draconian and inhuman posture to effect the implementation of CPS by force on workers with effect from March, 2014. The CPS is a killing tablet to workers because a grade level 04 will pay average of N3, 000 monthly while grade level 08 will also pay N5, 000.00, equally grade level 14 will pay N10, 000 etc.

What now becomes the survival of workers with peanut take home that he/she will be left with, for their families? The position of the workers of Ondo State is that we say no to poisonous policy that will kill the entire workers of this state.’’

Government's response Concerned by the hard line posture of the workers, Governor Mimiko, assured that “the state government would fully implement the CPS as signed into Law on March 25, 2014, after the Bill passed into law by the House of Assembly.

Dr Mimiko noted that the scheme "was borne out of the desire for our workers to get their retirement benefits as and when due. The old pension scheme on the Pension Act 102 of 1979 has virtually collapsed at various levels of government in Nigeria.

I want to assure workers that the state government shall keep faith with its responsibilities under the Scheme.”

HoS, commissioner speak

Gov Olusegun Mimiko The HOS, Mr. Akinkuotu, who is also the Chairman of the State Implementation Committee, SIC, on the CPS, told Pension and You, that the appointed PFAs were expected to take off with the first phase of the scheme.

Akinkuotu said they include ; Oak Pensions Ltd, Trust Fund Pensions, PAL Pensions Ltd, Arm Pensions, Premium Pension Ltd, Legacy Pensions Ltd in addition

Ondo NJC state Chairman Sunday Adeleye to other.

Speaking with Pension and You, the HOS pointed out that other PFAs were on the waiting list and would be engaged by the government as the implementation progressed.

According to him “the scheme will no doubt rejuvenate economic activities of the state and bring smiles to the faces of retiring workers captured by the

Scheme.”

He assured that everything was set for the take off of the scheme.

Akinkuotu said the government was serious about the take off of the scheme.

Also speaking with Pension and You, Commissioner for Finance, Chief Yele Ogundipe, described the pension scheme as a win-win programme for civil servants in the state.

According to him, "the CPS is the best thing to happen to serving public servants. The scheme would stop the stress and challenges that often characterize the payment of gratuities to retired public servants on part of the government and the pensioners.

What the scheme does is build up the savings of public servants gradually and every government employee in service saves a little of his salary on a monthly basis.

This little amount is deducted from source and saved somewhere beyond government's reach.

“By keeping it out of the government hands, there is no way the authorities can lay hands on it to use for training programmes, or road construction and as the Commissioner for Finance, I have no control over it. If I give any instruction, it would be disregarded because the fund man-

agers are not government employees. It is a win-win situation for the workers as their savings are now going to be managed by trained, tested and proven professional fund managers, who have been in the business for many years. Those professional fund managers are thoroughbred professionals whose only stock in trade is managing funds and investing such.

NJC reacts But, while speaking with Pension and You, Chairman of the Joint Negotiation Council, NJC, Mr. Sunday Adeleye, said the workers were on the same page with government on the scheme provided government first made its own payment.

Adeleye said they “will back out if government reneges on its promise to make a monthly contribution of N400million to the scheme. If the state government is not paying its own contribution the workers too will not contribute a dime.”

Adeleye who lauded the government for the appointment of PFAs, however, doubted the ability of government to contribute its share, lamenting that the government had not been able to meet its monthly obligation in the payment of workers’ salaries.

He however said the workers were still asking government to pay deductions from its October and yet to be paid November salaries to avoid an indefinite strike action.

Many ex-PHCN staff yet to get terminal, other benefits —Union

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

N

ATIONAL Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, has said a lot of disengaged defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, are yet to be paid their terminal and other benefits more than a year after they were disengaged and new owners took over the assets of PHCN. NUEE warned that government and its agency, the Bureau for Public Enterprises, BPE, were tempting the union and creating ground for industrial unrest in the power industry.

Speaking through its General Secretary, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the union reiterated its call for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to investigate where the money released for the payment of the disengaged workers benefits was kept.

He claimed some government officials had lodged the money in fixed deposit accounts for personal gains while those the money was meant for were suffering and finding it difficult to meet their obligations to their families.

According to him, “many of our members lost their jobs before and after the new owners took over. But given the environment then, we tried to get a minimum package for them. Some have moved on, some were retained and they are still working. But there are still some that the federal government has refused to pay their benefits up till this moment. We have continued to wonder whether their money will be there until after

EX-PHCN workers election. We wonder whether their money was fixed somewhere and it is yielding interest while the disengaged workers continue to suffer. We are suspecting another area where fraud is being perpetrated. People are being called every time to for biometric capturing and each time they organize biometric capturing in the power sector, millions of naira is spent in the name of engaging consultants to carry out biometric capturing on the people they have verified before. Some of them are going for the fourth biometric capturing, yet nothing has come out of it.”

Recall in September, defunct PHCN pensioners sent “Save Our Soul’’ message to President Goodluck Jonathan over unpaid pension and other benefits, seeking for his immediate intervention to save them from untold hardship and untimely death.

They held protests across the country especially in Abuja, Lagos, Kwara states among others over unpaid pension arrears and other entitlements.

In a recent protest in Lagos, they decried non-payment of their accumulated pension benefits and called on President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately intervene in their plight by directing relevant ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Finance, the Accountant General of the Federation, and National Electricity Liability Management Company, NELMCO, to pay up their entitlements.

They displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Finance Minister, where is our money?

“Agbogun and NELMCO pay PHCN pensioners our entitlements,’’ “who is holding our pension? NELMCO or ..? “President Jonathan, please order the release of our pensions, arrears, hamonisation, monetisation, and electricity rebate, pensioners are dying.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 —35

BITS Bits Housing scam: NLC dumps Kriston-Lally?

Nigeria Labour Congress and Kriston- Lally have failed to reconcile their differences.

Consequently , NLC has dumped Kriston- Lally and switched over to a new ' partnership' with Good Homes Development Company Limited.

Though, this time around, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, seems to be part of this new housing project, as its logo was contained in the advert for the flag off. However, it seems the new ' housing project' is part President Goodluck Jonathan's campaign programmes.

Part of the advertorial reads "As part of his commitment to provide affordable housing to Nigerian workers, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will flag of the nationwide workers' housing scheme in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria , developed by Good Homes Development Company Limited".

No announcement was made about workers contributions to the 'new project'

.... Workers get refund on failed project Meanwhile, dependable sources confirmed that some of the workers who contributed to the NLC/ KristonLally project have had their deposit refunded.

With the new development, Kriston- Lally and the NLC will soon head for the court as the company had threatened to drag the labour centre to court.

ASCSN laments unpaid salaries Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, has threatened to call out its members in the public service for strike over unpaid October to December 2014 salaries.

Secretary General of the body, Mr. Alade Bashir Lawal, in a statement, lamented that the Federal Government had not been able to pay thousands of public servants their October and November, let alone , December 2014 salary.

C M Y K

Nation’s leaders insensitive to problems in Nigeria —NLC scribe

Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson

ON December 18, the first part of the interactive session with Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC’s new General Secretary, Dr. Peter Ozo-Ezon, was published.

Today, Labour Vanguard brings to its readers, the concluding part of the interaction.

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

W

HAT will congress do if at the end of the day, as part of the austerity measures, workers are retrenched?

When it comes to retrenchment, we have taken the position all along that we will resist any retrenchment and if government were to try to put the burden of this adjustment on the workers, NLC in unity with its counterpart, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeri, TUC, will stand ready to whatever is required to prevent that from happening. Let me also tell you that in terms of the impact on the workers, the areas that worries us very seriously is that crude oil prices that are falling. In order countries, what that is immediately translating to, is that the price of petroleum products and pump head are coming down. In the United States, in the last one month, the price of a gallon of petrol, has come down from $3 to$2 in response to this price adjustment.

In our country, we are not allowed to enjoy that benefit.

What government is doing is that in order to shore up its naira revenue, it has gone to devalue excessively, the naira; $13 devaluation in one day, and then a continuous process of depreciation. What that does, is that, because we import petroleum products largely, the gains from the falling prices of crude which ought to translate to us consumers, is prevented by that devaluation; because, by devaluation, the cost of the head price might even

increase and we say that is wrong. The benefits of the falling price of crude must be translated to Nigerians. Therefore, going forward, we want a situation in which the pump of petrol and other petroleum products are actually adjusted downwards.

What is congress position on the socio-economic and political situations in the country?

The socio-economic and political problems in our country today frighten us. Maybe, I should say this because we have never given this to the press that it worried us so much recently that we decided that apart from the issues in the press, we needed to address a formal letter on the situations in the country to the president of the nation and we did. We have not released that letter to the press.

But there are now very weighty issues. First is the issue of security situation in our country in which we find a band of insurgence able to take territory

I am confident as Nigerian and the labour congress is confident as a per national organization that that prediction will fall flat on his face.

Nigeria will not disintegrate in 2015

and our military are unable to cope with the situation. For a military that we used to project as the pride of Africa in the various missions that they went to, we are at a loss as to what is the problem. We think that there is need for some of this matters to be addressed. In the same vein, we are worried that the country is at war, but the body language of our political leaders does not suggest it. We are going around as if we are not at war. The civil war, the Nigerian Biafran war, we knew what was the body language, we knew what the national position of that war was. Now, we have this war going on but we are going on as if nothing is happening. In the face of all these, we are finding wanton and arbitrary exercise of power. The invasion of the National Assembly for instance, we made our poison public on it. But all these events happening in our nation frighten us that we are getting into a situation that may actually undermine the survival of the our democracy that you and all of us, fought for decades to reclaim. Therefore, what we want, is that we need to change the way we are dealing with these issues very quickly to ensure that we do not endanger our nation. On our part, we are doing this in two ways. One, on specific issues, you hear us when we issue statements but on some, particularly on security issues because we have also been concerned that security issues are not things that should be politicized. So, when we see political parties trying to score political points on the security matter, we condemn them no matter which parties they are and so we think that there is need for some avenue

to deal with the security matter that will not be put in the political realm and that was why we wrote the letter I mentioned to Mr. president on his leadership in relation to this issue of security and some of the things happening in our country. We hope that Mr president will take that letter seriously and depending on the type of response we get, we will re-evaluate whether we will have to release and make public that letter.

Few years ago a study group in USA predicted that Nigeria would disintegrate in the 2015 and today indices of a failed state stare us in the face; collapsed infrastructure, inefficient health care system, insecurity, corruption and so on.

What is your take?

The prediction of a US Think tank study is what we are all quoting and continue to quote that Nigeria will disintegrate by the year 2015. I am confident as a Nigerian and the labour congress is confident as a pannational organization that the prediction will fall flat. Nigeria will not disintegrate in 2015. Yes we have challenges, we however are confident that Nigerians will rise to the challenge and deal with these challenges. Nigerians have faced challenges in the past probably more severe than that we did not disintegrate.

I believe that this country has so much uniting it. The youths of this country have created a magnitude of socio network and nexus that will not be so easily dissolvable. So, in a simple answer to your question believe that the prediction will not come true. We of course face this challenges we will overcome them.

36—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014—37

Compiled by Dayo Benson & Bartholomew Madukwe AS the year 2014 creeps to an end, there are many events that have shaped the polity in the last 12 months, and it is a combination of the good, the bad and the ugly. The nation’s judiciary, like other the arms of government, recorded its ups and downs in the fading year.

In our tradition, Vanguard Law & Human Rights, reviews these major events, some of which may still ripple in the coming year.

Excerpts:

Judiciary in 2014:

The ups and downs

A

S the year 2014 began, precisely on January 7, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan signed the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill into law. The law was passed by the national assembly earlier but the presidency had delayed signing it.

According to the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Law, homosexuals are prohibited from meeting in groups of two or more. It bans marriage or civil unions between people of the same sex, and criminalises gay clubs, events and shows of same-sex public affection.

Those convicted are liable be imprisoned for 14 years.

Despite its condemnation by the United States of America, an Islamic court in Bauchi State wasted no time to put on trial 11 Muslim men accused of being homosexuals in violation of their religion.

Violation of religion While Nigerians were still busy arguing over the said law, in the early hours of January 6, an explosion rocked the Rivers State High Court, Ahoda, premises, though no casualty was recorded in the blast. Also affected by the explosion was the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, building.

The court was to have heard the application by the factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Evans Bipi, for the vacation of an interim order granted by the court, restraining him from parading himself as Speaker.

Not left out in issues that rocked the Nigerian judiciary in 2014, the National Judicial Council, NJC, On February 26, found two high court justices (Justice G.K. Olotu of the Federal High Court and Justice U. A. Inyang of High Court of the Federal Capital Territory,

Justice Mahmud Mohammed judiciary has been enmeshed in crisis over appointment of the Chief Judge of the state. Just when most people in the state thought the problem had come to an end with the appointment of Justice Peter Nwoke Chukwuma Agumagu as the state Chief Judge by Governor Rotimi Amaechi, another chapter of the crisis opened this time with the suspension of Justice Agumagu by the NJC. The NJC also issued him a query to explain why he should not be sanctioned.

Abuja) guilty of judicial misconduct and asked them to vacate their various offices.

Consequently, NJC, in a letter it wrote to President Goodluck Jonathan, pleaded that the two justices should not be allowed to adjudicate in any court in the country, stressing that pursuant to its findings, they ought not to sit on the Bench.

Another issue that came up in 2014 was the case involving the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, on February 25, as he approached a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, to challenge the powers of President Jonathan over his suspension.

In the suit he filed through a consortium of lawyers led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Chief Kola Awodein, Sanusi told the high court that his purported suspension was as a result of some discrepancies he discovered in

respect of amounts repatriated to the federation account from the proceed of crude oil sales between the period of January, 2012 and July, 2013.

Since April, the Rivers state

Till date judicial activities in the state remain paralyzed, as courts are under lock and key, thereby denying litigants’ access to justice

Crash in crude oil price, a blessing in disguise —Agbakoba —PG.37

Judicial activities It would be recalled that Governor Amaechi appointed Justice Agumagu same day he secured a court judgement that gave him the right to do so. This was after some pro Amaechi lawmakers had held a sitting in Government House, Port Harcourt on the day the judgement was delivered by the court to screen and confirm Justice Agumagu as Chief Judge of the state.

Till date judicial activities in the state remain paralyzed, as courts are under lock and key, thereby denying litigants’ access to justice.

Earlier, the NJC had recommended Justice Daisy Okocha to the governor for appointment, as Chief Judge, arguing that she was the most senior High court judge in the state, an act the governor challenged in court.

Also, on July 9, the legal profession suffered a great loss with the sudden death of one of its rights activist, Bamidele Aturu. Aturu who was billed to attend the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, delegate conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, fell ill at the domestic wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport and died while he was being rushed to the hospital.

On July 15, the Nigerian Bar Association elected Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN), as its 27th President. Alegeh, who is of the Benin Branch of the NBA, polled 691 votes to defeat four other candidates in the election. His runner-up, Mr. Oladele Adeshina (SAN), polled 370 votes. Mrs. Olufunke Adekoya (SAN) polled 255 votes. Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), 126 votes and Mr. Osas Erhabor, 17 votes.

On August 27, barely a week after President Goodluck Jonathan received the final report of the Justice Idris Kutigi led 2014 National Conference and a minute silence was observed for delegates who died during the exercise, the fifth person, Alhaji Magaji Dambatta died.

And September 25 remains a date that the sanctity of the judicial arm of government was brazenly violated, as suspected political thugs invaded the Ekiti State High Court premises, and molested a judge.

Immediate closure Consequently, the state Chief Judge, Justice A.S. Daramola, ordered immediate closure of all courts in until adequate security were provided.

The assault took place at the hearing of an application filed

by Ekiti State wing of All Progressives Congress, APC, seeking nullification of the election that produced the governor-elect, Mr Ayo Fayose.

Another event was the ongoing coroner inquiry into the collapsed building of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) at Ikotun Egbe, Lagos. The State

Continues on page 38

The thrills and frills of Christmas (III) —PG.38

38—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Crash in crude oil price, a blessing in disguise —Agbakoba

By Innocent Anaba

F

ORMER President of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has said that drop in price of crude oil in the international market was a blessing in disguise for Nigeria, as it will enable the country tap into other sectors what will make her self sufficient and reliance.

He was categorical that Nigeria does not need crude oil to survive, citing countries like Japan and many others, which are great today, yet have no crude oil.

Agbakoba spoke at the relaunch of the policy dialogue series of his law firm, at even which also featured the announcement of the change of the name of the law firm to Olisa Agbakoba Legal, to provide comprehensive legal solutions.

Comprehensive legal solutions He noted that the policy dialogue was a platform to ventilate the views of the law firm on crucial national issues, adding that Nigeria can easily overcome its present economic challenges by putting appropriate legal frameworks in place to drive the relevant sectors for national growth.

Agbakoba said: “The solution to our current challenges has to do with policy issues and the understanding of what law can do to identify money. Remember that in my specialty, which is shipping, I’ve pushed for two major laws: the Cabotage Act, because shipping is one of eight critical sectors supporting any economy. And the purpose of the Cabotage Act was to put Nigeria, owners, actors and players in the shipping industry first, and not last in their own country. No Nigerian vessel carry crude. So, there are a lot of things: transportation, logistics, down streams, so many things.

“That time in 2004 we calculated under the chamber of shipping and the Nigeria Indigenous shippers Association that the resource available in that sector was at least N 7trillion with the potential to create 10million

EDITORIAL TEAM Innocent Anaba ( Head) Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri Dayo Benson (Supervising Editor) 08056180119 dayobenson@yahoo.com

jobs but as I speak, the law has not been implement. So today, that would be a massive industry.

“When I came to Apapa 30 years ago, it was booming but today it’s all dead, nothing is happening. Then you should go to crude oil itself. I was also instrumental in the Local Content Act, which in some ways has worked. But it’s still a long way to go. It is only laws that can identify the resources.

So, Shell was invited to explore for crude but the government does not understand that there is the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Authority , NIMASA Law that localizes 50 percent of the oil resources to Nigerians. There are at least 30 by- products from the production of one barrel of crude but Nigeria only takes four.

“On banking, no Nigerian bank plays any role in crude oil reserves. Shell will simply wire the money to their bank and they will later pay Nigeria whatever they think should come to Nigeria . So, it is like me keeping your money for you and wherever you want it, you tell me. “ Our insurance companies are dead. 30 years ago, Marine insurance was big, with UNIK Insurance and Royal, you know,

Agbakoba, SAN they are all dead now, because all insurance underwriting, are done abroad.

“Then you talk about legal services, no Nigerian law firms actively, to my knowledge, are involved in matters relating to the energy sector. I am very happy that the price of crude oil has slumped because it’s only when you have a challenge, that you think. So, I’d like oil to even go down to $20 a barrel, so that we can then say, you know, oil is no longer what keeps us.

“But if you don’t have an effective legal framework for land tenure, how can you do industrial farming? No governor, even the efficient Babatune Fashola of

Lagos, has an efficient land tenure system where land can be released for mechanized farming. So, without mechanized farming, you can’t grow. Some countries like Greece depend only on olives, pasticcio, tomato, pineapple, fruits for their economy. So, law can play a very strong role in identifying sources of revenue, gas, for instance. The Indonesian Minister of Oil was telling our Nigerian Petroleum Minister that the money is no longer in Petroleum, it’s in gas.

But we can’t even legally enforce the gas flaring laws. Why that is so, I don’t know?

“We have the Department of petroleum Resources, which is supposed to be the institution responsible for regulating the industry. It is not working. We have MTN, that one is unbelievable. They come here, suck our resources. “ MTN makes more money than all the Nigerian banks put together. And they cart away all the money without any problem.

Then they refuse to be listed on the stock exchange, and there is no legal framework that says ‘you can’t do business in Nigeria unless you are listed.’ All it needs is an amendment to the Investment and Securities Act, just one paragraph, so that MTN will be forced to declare its profit,

Judiciary in 2014 Continues from page 37 Government on September 26 constituted a Coroner Inquest to unravel the cause of the incident and the several deaths that followed.

Lagos State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, who constituted the Coroner court in line with the provisions of the Lagos State Coroner ’s System Law No. 7 of 2007, noted it will investigate the cause and circumstances of deaths and bring his findings and recommendations to the appropriate authorities.

On October 11, immediate past President of the NBA, Mr. Okey Wali, SAN, was kidnapped in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He was abducted around Rumuologu Road in his vehicle, which was later abandoned by the kidnappers at Ozuoba area of Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area.

However, he was released 13 days after. As a result of Wali’s kidnap the successor, Mr Alegeh could not attend the International Bar Association conference in Tokyo, Japan because of his involvement in efforts that culminated in Wali’s release.

In sports, Nigeria was in danger of another FIFA ban after a court ruled that elections that ushered in Delta FA chairman Amaju Pinnick as president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was illegal.

Indeed, one of the most significant events in the nation’s judiciary was the appointment of Justice Mahmud Mohammed, as the new Chief Justice of the Nigeria (CJN), following the mandatory statutory retirement of former CJN, Justice Mariam Aloma Muktar, who clocked 70 years on November 20. This was in line with the provision

rather than what it is doing in collaboration with and cohorts with a couple of Nigerians.

“Do you know how much MTN shares sell for, yes, you wouldn’t even know when it’s placed. It is sold under the table. So we are losing money from left, right and centre.

“So it’s a very good thing that we are losing this oil resources, so that we can beat ourselves on the head and say ‘come on, without oil, Japan is there.’ So my point is that the legal framework can identify resources that can make Nigeria have more than enough. So, you don’t actually need to have money to do something. If you have an asset, you can use the asset to raise funds.”

Agbakoba stated that the Department of the Debt Management Office should become the Debt Management and Guarantee Office, so that office can guarantee Nigeria’s borrowing requirements. “All we need to do is amend the law and say that the DMO can guarantee Nigeria’s master plan and infrastructure development which (Ngozi) Okonjo – Iweala says will cost about $41 trillion.

But we don’t have the money. “ But by selling these future oil, future gas and so on, we can raise the money, so that Nigeria does not have to wait to develop as it comes, as you have your budget every year. That is what Saudi Arabia did.

of the constitution for Supreme Court Justices. There is no doubt that her tenure recorded so many achievements, particularly her acknowledged efforts in sanitizing the judiciary, in her capacity as the head of the NJC. Following that, on December 17, a General Court Martial sitting at the Army Headquarters Garrison in Abuja sentenced 54 soldiers to death after finding them guilty of mutiny.

59 soldiers stood trial on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy to commit mutiny and mutiny. Four of them were however acquitted.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014—39

The thrills and frills of Christmas (3)

By Awa Kalu

I

n the previous installments of this piece we have seen that very often, a simple journey by bus or indeed any other means of transportation may lead to a result that carries varied legal consequences.

Again, great reliance will be placed on our imaginary journey in an akpuruka bus. The presumption is that that grade of bus is quite often, not in a road worthy condition and it would, in our hypothetical context, be fair to assume that putting such a bus on the highway in the busy season of Christmas will amount to negligence.

As Anderson B., noted in the leading case of Blyth v.

Birmingham Waterworks Co. (1843 60) All E.R. Rep. 478, “Negligence is the omission to do something which a reasonable man, guided upon those considerations which ordinarily regulate the conduct of human affairs, would do, or doing something which a prudent and reasonable man would not do”. Broken down in legal shorthand, a person will be held liable in an action founded in negligence if the act complained of results from a breach of duty owed by the defendant to the plaintiff. The presumption, in that connection, is that a duty of care was owed the plaintiff and a breach of that duty had occurred. A third element upon which liability is founded is that damage to the plaintiff had resulted from that breach. Lord Wright, in the well known case of Lochgelly Iron & Coal Co. v. McMullan put it beyond doubt that negligence is not created simply by absent mindedness or carelessness when he held that “in strict legal analysis, negligence means more than heedless or careless conduct, whether in omission or commission; it properly connotes the complex concept of duty, breach and damage suffered by the person to whom the duty was owing”. It is always a question of fact, in most cases, whether or not a duty of care is owed by one person to another. In some other cases, the duty of

care situation and its breach may be presumed from the circumstances surrounding the event which has happened.

However, where the accused and his accuser seem to be partaking in an event which ordinarily would not receive the blessings of the law, the courts would be most reluctant to infer a duty of care.

Accordingly, in the equally well known case of Ashton v. Turner (1980) 3 All E.R. 870 where a participant in a crime was injured through the careless driving of his friend with whom he was fleeing from a burglary scene in which both had participated, it was held that no duty of care existed. The trial Judge w a s emphatic on this matter when he enunciated t h e principle

course of the burglary and during the course of the subsequent flight in the get-away car.”

Having regard to the akpurukaness of some of the buses which ply our highways, it is quite a

matter of conjecture, what the courts would do should a passenger, seeing the rickety condition of such a bus, enter same in circumstances where such a passenger may be called an attachee. You need to recall, as had been previously explained, that attachment passengers do not normally have any contractual connection with the bus owner even though in normal cases, s u c h passengers

board at the instance of the driver. The peculiar question which inevitably will arise, is whether a bus driver owes any duty of care to the attachee.

However, what is not in doubt is that there are settled instances where a driver would undoubtedly be held to owe a duty of care to road users. By road users, we have in mind drivers and passengers in other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists of all kinds (including “Okada”), truck pushers, innocent by –standers, etc. Any person for instance, who drives under the influence of alcohol, or other intoxicant, will on the authority of Queens v.

Brimwell (1977) Q.B. 859 be held to have acted without due care if he brings harm unto others.

Thus, by virtue of the provisions of section 8(1) of the Federal Highways Act (Cap. 135 LFN 1990), “any person, who when driving or attempting to drive, or when in charge of, a motor vehicle on

him (the driver) on the left to the extent that the driver was hedged between the passengers. At a road block mounted by policemen, a policeman furious about the obvious danger to which the passengers were thus exposed slapped the passenger sitting to the left of the driver but later realized that he had punished the wrong person. Would that passenger be able to recover in trespass?

The above example may more interestingly, serve as a reminder that a lot more consideration has been given to what is commonly referred to as the “Nigerian factor” in our affairs.

The Nigerian factor refers simply to those indices of life which are by far, peculiar to the conduct of our affairs in our local environment. Thus in the case of Ekwo v.

Enechukwu (1954) 14 W.A.C.A. 512, the West African Court of Appeal did not find it strange that the plaintiff had gone to consult a native doctor notwithstanding the fact that the defendant, in whose lorry the injury had occurred, offered to take the plaintiff to hospital for proper medical treatment.

Medical treatment

i n rather lucid terms. He said that “The law … may in circumstances not recognize the existence of a duty of care by one participant in a crime to another participant in the same crime, in relation to acts done in connection with the commission of that crime.

That law is based on public policy, and the application of the law depends on a consideration of all the facts in the case. I have come to the conclusion that a duty of care did not exist between the defendant and the plaintiff during the

The peculiar question which inevitably will arise, is whether a bus driver owes any duty of care to the attachee. However, what is not in doubt is that there are settled instances where a driver would undoubtedly be held to owe a duty of care to road users

a Federal Highway is under the influence of drink or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of such a vehicle, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to fine … or to imprisonment …”

A not too infrequent act is that of overloading or driving a vehicle in unsafe condition or at an excessive speed. There is the story of a man who took four passengers in the front of his saloon car.

In order to create space for his fourth passenger, he had to allow the said passenger to sit beside

Foster-Sutton P., stated his views as follows: “I think it is important to remember that the accident occurred in Nigeria, where it is common knowledge that a considerable proportion of the population still hold a strong belief in their native doctors. In my view, this is not an occasion for considering the merits of such belief. It is the widespread existence of it which is relevant ….”

His Lordship concluded rather firmly that “In all circumstances, can it fairly be said that the plaintiff must be regarded as having acted unreasonably in making the choice he did, suffering from shock and in great pain as he undoubtedly was, and bearing in mind the belief in native doctors to which I have already referred? I think an injustice will be done by holding that he did, if, in a sudden emergency, he makes a choice which he might reasonably think proper; although those before whom the case

Continues on page 40

40—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Extent of application, realities of section 38 of 1999 constitution (2)

By Abiodun Owonikoko

B

Y way of analogy, however, the American Constitution, in its first amendment promulgated as far back as 1791 projected similar rights of man when it states-“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press ; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble , and to petition the Government for redress of grievances.

As far as religion is implicated, the Nigerian Constitution differs slightly from the American Constitution on which it was modelled when we adopted presidential system of government in 1979. Whereas in the United States, the same first amendment prohibits adoption of preference of a religion for the State, in Nigeria by contrast, the provision which forbids the Nigerian Government or State Government from adopting any religion as a state religion is not entrenched as a fundamental right; although it is a Constitutional provision.

Interestingly, the same Constitution recognizes and enjoins the state to facilitate propagation of diverse religious beliefs.

Protection of religious freedom In the Constitution, under its Social Objectives, the Constitution prescribes that “The State shall direct its policy towards ensuring that –(b) Conditions of work are just and humane,and that there are adequate facilities for leisure and for social, religious and cultural life.”

Needless to say that the first recorded and documented covenant for the protection of religious freedom is to be found in the Holy Quran8 wherein it was revealed to mankind as follows: Let there be no compulsion in religion — the right way is indeed clearly distinct from error. So whoever disbelieves in the devil and believes in God, he indeed lays hold on the firmest handle which shall never break. And God is Hearing, Knowing. And with regards to right of observance and worship according to one’s faith, a whole chapter of the Quran is devoted to right of each person to worship his or her religion without undue interference from persons of other faith. Quran Chapter 109 is reproduced hereunder in Arabic transliteration and English translation for ease of access and reference. Arabic Transliteration.

1. Bismillah Rahmaanir Raheem “Say : O ye that reject

•Owonikoko, SAN Faith 2. I worship not that which ye worship. Nor will ye worship that which I worship.4. Nor will I worship those whom you have worshiped;, . Nor will ye worship that which I worship.6. To you be your Way, and to me mine.

It is submitted that, save as qualified under section 45 (1) (a) (b) the right to freedom of religion, both as a matter of conviction and in its observance, is inviolate and cannot be derogated from by the state either in pursuance of its own objective or in aid of persons of other faith;and this restriction applies to exercise by other persons of their own right to religious freedom or observance.

This submission, clear at it seems,however has proven

problematic in Nigeria owing to a variety of unresolved or confused nationality questions.

At the root of the conundrum is the obfuscation of the true relationship between the state and religion under the Constitution. In other words :is Nigeria a secular state in which case, the state has no business with religion in terms of funding or promoting religious evangelism? It is not uncommon in Nigeria,whenever a debate on this question is activated, for different opinions, often expected at variance to be expressed from the point of view of respective holders. Some readily and selfassuredly assert that Nigeria is a secular state – while some others contend that Nigeria is a multireligious state – not a secular state.

Certainly, the resolution of that big question cannot reasonably proceed without there being an agreement first as to terms – particularly, the term- secular state.

Nowhere in the Constitution itself is there to be found the expression - secular state. But not infrequently, advocates of state

secularity are quick to cite section 10 of the Constitution to vindicate their proposition. But all that the section says in clear terms and unambiguous terms is that the state shall not adopt a specific religion as state religion. That is not all that secularism requires to be the manifest definition of the relationship between a state and religion. It entails beyond that- a complete detachment of the state from according to any recognition to religion generally as a matter on which the state should be involved in promoting.

A definition which I find very helpful of the term secular state is culled from online resource of Wikipedia; and credited to a respected thinker1.

Secular states become secular either upon creation of the state (e.g. United States of America or India) or upon secularization of the state (e.g. France or Nepal).

Movements for laïcité in France and for the separation of church and state in the United States defined modern concepts of secularism.

Concepts of secularism Historically, the process of secularizing states typically involves granting religious freedom, disestablishing state religions, stopping public funds to be used for a religion, freeing the legal system from religious control, freeing up the education system, tolerating citizens who change religion or abstain from religion, and allowing political leadership to come to power regardless of religious beliefs.”

You will find from the above definition that section 10 of the Constitution does not purport to imbue the Nigerian state with totality of all those attributes- but admittedly only addresses a single element that is disestablishing state religions.

But beyond that, we as lawyers, know that Constitutional interpretations are not governed by rules. Of all the rules, one

looms large. That is that in interpreting the Constitution, the specific section must be given its literal and ordinary meaning but in the context of the other relevant sections of the Constitution which feeds the intendment. Sections of the Constitution that are interrelated must be given holistic interpretation. See SHELIM V. GOBANG. As his lordship, FABIYI JSC didactically explained in the cited passage from SHELIM’s case,“Such approach leads to a harmonious interpretation which will tally with reasons. Related section of the Constitution ought to be interpreted together.”

It is my humble view that the structure of government provided by the Constitution inclines more in favour Nigeria being a multireligious society, rather than a being a secular state. See most remarkably in this respect, the provision of section 17 (3) (b) of the Constitution (supra) which enjoins the state to facilitate religious life of citizens. A secular state cannot justify having such a provisions embedded in its supreme law as part of the state’ social objectives. See further item 60 (a) of the Exclusive legislative list with regards to power to establish and regulate authorities of the federation “to promote and enforce the observance of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles contained in (this) Constitution.”

And note the relevant institutions and agencies including pilgrim board created by law and for which activates, public revenues are appropriated.

The recognition accorded to religious holidays under the Holidays Act; and the active promotion of religious observances at state functions and public events, where by prayers are offered to commence and close events either in the Islamic or Christian faiths or interchangeably.

To be continued

The thrills and frills of Christmas III

The structure of government provided by the Constitution inclines more in favour Nigeria being a multi-religious society, rather than a being a secular state

Continues from page 39 comes for trial are, with more time to consider the matter, and not sharing the belief in the native doctors, able to see that the course which he adopted was not in fact the best”.

It has to be borne in mind that that case was decided in 1954 i.e. fifty years ago. With the present state of affairs whereby there is a preponderance of doctors versed in western medicine and hospitals virtually a few kilometers apart, it may be difficult to pre-empt our Judges on how they will choose to balance the liability of the defendant with facts upon which

ordinarily the victim would be adjudged to be contributorily negligent in the light of the fact that the victim who meets with an accident ought to take reasonable steps in mitigation of the harm which comes upon him. The normal scene of an accident in this country (a very common occurrence during Christmas) is usually one of confusion rather than a controlled exercise for the rescue of victims and the minimization of damage or injury.

I recall with pain the fact that during the yuletide, I chanced upon the scene of an accident which at the time I met it was in

absolute chaos. The rescue effort saw individuals lacking the rudimentary skill for the handling of trauma. There was so much confusion and commotion that most of the rescuers spent more time answering questions about how the accident occurred, which of the drivers involved in the accident was the more likely to be at fault, about the identity of the victims and above all general speculation about everything else. Meanwhile, life was fast ebbing out of those who in more regulated environments would have their lives saved.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014—41

•Obanikoro

•George

•Agbaje

LAGOS: Obanikoro alters the game plan SENATOR Musiliu Obanikoro’s vehement opposition to the outcome of the governorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP had set the plain for the party to enter the contest as a divided house.

Yesterday the game was altered with a mending of fences that is bound to alarm the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor and Dapo Akinrefon

T

HE game plan for the Lagos State governorship election next February was reset yesterday after the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP settled its internal differences at the Eko Hotel Lagos.

Erstwhile minister of state for defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro had been at loggerheads with the mainstream of the party led by Chief Olabode George over the outcome of the governorship primaries that was decided in favour of Mr. Jimi Agbaje. Agbaje a new entrant into the party was the favoured aspirant of both George and another power broker in the party, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe.

Obanikoro had scored 343 votes at the end of the primary to trail Agbaje who scored 432 votes out of the 806 delegates at the primary.

However, at the end of the polling the total number of votes scored ended at 867 votes forcing Obanikoro to allege a deliberate manipulation of the votes to ensure that George’s favoured candidate came top.

Following the outcome, Obanikoro who was the party’s 2007 governorship candidate on one part and George and Ogunlewe on the other publicly traded insults that inevitably delighted strategists of the ruling

party in the state, All Progressives Congress, APC. Speaking to newsmen few days after the polls, Obanikoro had said: “There is no election results and the elections should be cancelled. The process is completely tainted and going forward with that, will lead to an outcome that will not be beneficial to the party.”

“My immediate reaction is that

the election was a sham. I still cannot comprehend how accredited delegates of 806, will turn out to be 868.

“To be honest with you, you can tell that it was a predetermined exercise. People like us are not in this democracy for the sake of it, we are in it to ensure that the right things are done so that the country can be on the right path.

We intend to fight this, there is an opportunity for an appeal and we will appeal and we hope the party will do the right thing.”

“Bode George has been the problem as far as this party is concerned and there is no doubt in my mind that he supervised this electoral malpractice.

Electoral malpractice

Despite the inadequacies experienced in our governorship primary, a lot has been said, we have disagreed but we have agreed that Jimi Agbaje is our candidate

How do you expect the panel chairman arriving Lagos at 10 am on Monday and not starting the election until 5pm in the evening.”

George had responded last week and taken Obanikoro to the cleaners saying: ‘’What is the pedigree of this young man who has abandoned the typical African deference to Elders? We know who sprung from violence and banditry. We know whose antecedents reek in noisome, vagrant, untidy ruffians.

“Politics is not a do or die affair.

No civilized person with impeccable pedigree will seek a tacky refuge in destruction and

ruin simply because he has lost in a free and fair contest.

Obanikoro should go quietly into that good night if he means well for Lagos.”

In the heat of passion, Obanikoro went to court to stop the PDP from presenting Agbaje as the candidate of the party.

Indeed, while the PDP chieftains were trading insults, the APC was healing egos that had been injured during its own governorship primary.

With the prospect of the PDP entering the election as a divided house, there were clear indications that the PDP would lose the state to APC. It was against this background that the PDP top hierarchy led by VicePresident Namadi Sambo came to town yesterday for an unprecedented meeting with all the governorship aspirants.

At the end of the meeting that also had some of the major aspirants Senator Obanikoro, Engineer Deji Doherty, Ambassador Tokunbo Kamson and Mr Babatunde Gbadamosi, the party chieftains resolved to back Agbaje for the governorship.

Also present at the meeting were the immediate past governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, Mrs Aduke Maina member PDP BOT, Dr Abimbola Ogunkelu, Sen Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Mr Tunji Shelle, Mrs Modupe Shashore among others.

Giving his determination to put

the past behind him, Obanikoro said: “Despite the inadequacies experienced in our governorship primary, a lot has been said, we have disagreed but we have agreed that Jimi Agbaje is our candidate. I want to express my appreciation to my supporters that stood by us. There is time for everything and that is why I want to implore all of you that yesterday belong to yesterday.

My passion for Lagos State is known to all of you and that passion will trigger a level of sacrifice that will ensure victory.”

He added that “when you do that talk, you must do the walk because success and failure have a very thin line.

Controversial governorship A lot of us must be prepared to sacrifice and we should also bear in mind that there is no winner and there is no loser in this endeavour we have just ended.

We must be ready to dislodge the APC in Alausa. It is time to do that and when that is done, PDP will be the winner in Lagos State.

It is time for the APC to go.”

Commending the presidency for brokering the truce in the controversial governorship primaries of the party, he said “I want to thank the President and the Vice-President and the best way to repay them is by winning Lagos state for them. Winning on February 28, 2015 is a task that must be done.”

We'll deliver Lagos to PDP — Agbaje On his part, Agbaje commended the other aspirants for supporting him just as he expressed optimism that the PDP will deliver Lagos State.

He said “during the meeting that ended, we agreed that we would all sleep better and by us Continues on page 43

42—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

•Ugwuanyi support groups on the streets of Enugu

ENUGU:

Ugwuanyi goes to the streets

THE endorsement of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP by major political stakeholders in the state spilled over to the streets last weekend with the masses entering the fray

T

By Austin Ogwuda

HE Enugu Coal City came to a standstill last weekend when over 100 support groups took to the streets to demonstrate their support for the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

The unprecedented road show saw youths, men and women marching through major streets singing and dancing in solidarity with the PDP governorship candidate whose campaign posters and handbills were distributed to the residents.

The road show was organized by the Renaissance Group, one of the campaign groups canvassing support for the success of Ugwuanyi in the February 14, 2015 election.

Multitude of supporters It was a carnival of sort as the multitude of supporters dressed in different attire and accompanied by live bands, marched from Okpara Square through major streets like Bissala Road, Ogui Road, O’Connor Street and Presidential Road before returning to the Campaign Office along Abakaliki Road.

The supporters expressed the hope that despite “minor” opposition to Ugwuanyi’s candidature he remains the candidate to beat and would triumph in the end, urging the people of the state to throw their weight behind him.

It will be recalled that the Senate Committee Chairman on

Works, Senator Ayogu Eze and billionaire business man and chairman of Peace Mass Transit Limited, Evangelist Samuel Onyishi both of whom are laying claim to the same governorship ticket are in court challenging the election of Ugwuanyi during the December 8, primaries of the PDP in Enugu State.

However, the PDP national leadership submitted the name of Ugwuanyi and that of his running mate, Mrs. Cecilia Ezilo, to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, at Abuja last week confirming the member of the House of Representative as the PDP governorship candidate.

Addressing journalists after the rally, the state coordinator of Renaissance Group (RG), the coordinating body of other support groups, Mr. Obiora

Onyia, stated that the rally was to make a loud statement that Ugwuanyi was the candidate to beat in the election.

“We want to introduce Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the PDP candidate for 2015 governorship to the people of Enugu State and Nigeria. He is a consensus candidate, we want to show them that he is the right man for this position because we have known him generally, its not about the election or anything, we have known him one-on-one. All the people you see here came out voluntarily. So everybody is happy with him.

“He is a giver, he supports the poor, this place we are now, we call it Home-to-Home, he has been running this place to support the homeless, the displaced, the deaf and dumb.

He has been doing this all these

years for people and RG came in contact with him and discovered that he is the kind of that can actually turn Enugu state around and consolidate on existing foundations laid by Governor Sullivan Chime,” he said.

Also, a prominent female politician in the state and participant in the rally, Mrs.

The supporters expressed the hope that despite “minor” opposition to Ugwuanyi’s candidature he remains the candidate to beat

My plans for Oyo — Makinde ENGR. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, is the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the forthcoming election in Oyo State. In this interview, he reviews his chances and issues that will shape the election.Excerpts:

W

HY did you defect from the PDP to the SDP? Well, it is an open secret how the primaries in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), went.

The party would not obey its own guideline and it wouldn’t also honour a court order regarding the delegates to elect the party’s flag bearer. So, when they wouldn’t do that and our people

insisted that they were waiting for us, that they want us to have a platform for them where the hope of the generality of the people of Oyo would be realized, we then decided to move to the SDP to give that hope to our people.

What enticed you to the SDP? Well, there is concept of

Omoluabi in Yorubaland. And that is who we are and that is how we were brought up. We looked at the parties and all the available platforms and coming from this part of the country, and being Omoluabi ourselves, we looked at the promoters of the SDP in persons of Chief Olu Fale and Chief Segun Osoba. These are the men that have contributed

Chinwe Ugwu stated that in terms of popularity nothing would prevent Ugwuanyi from winning the election, stressing that the overwhelming support being given to the governorship candidate did not come as a surprise.

“Ugwuanyi rose up to MD of Premier Broker, he is an Insurer and he has his Masters Degree and he has been in the National Assembly for 12 years, ranking officer and then chairman Marine Transport. If there is any experience, I think what he gathered in those places, as far as I’m concerned the experience and exposure he has cannot be beaten by any other candidate, because he has been in government since 1999.”

Others who spoke about the gubernatorial ambition of Ugwuanyi said that his candidacy was divine explaining that the way and manner he was accepted by majority of the people and PDP stakeholders in the state gave the impression that God has really destined that the politician from Orba, in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu North Senatorial District should lead the state to another glorious level after the current regime of Governor Sullivan Chime.

They pledged to put in all their efforts to ensure the realization of the Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Gburugburu) 2015 project, which campaign they have voluntarily championed since Governor Chime and PDP Stakeholders from all the three senatorial districts of Enugu State unanimously endorsed him as the consensus governorship candidate of the state.

The PDP Stakeholders from Enugu North, East and West senatorial districts, the academia, professionals, teachers, students, workers, members of various trade unions including Taxi drivers, Okada riders and civil society groups among other groups, have variously endorsed Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s governorship bid and have at different times held rallies to mobilise support for his ambition.

immensely to the progress of Yoruba race. And they are Omoluabi personified. And we discussed with them. They have vision for Yoruba and we share in their vision.

How do you intend to cover ground within six weeks to face those with public office experience?

Well, democracy is not about the positions you have occupied in the past. It is about the people.

It is about the majority of the people and that is where we are going. We have listened to our people. We have heard them.

Continues on page 43

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014—43

Why NLC can't take over LP — Ogboru •Why

we moved into LP

LABOUR Party governorship candidate in Delta State, Chief Great Ogboru in this telephone interview with Vanguard debunks the insinuation of unfamiliarity put on him by the factional leadership of the party backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC asserting his rights and privileges in the party and why he moved into the opposition party.

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

W

HAT is your position on the current development in Labour Party?

Our democracy is not matured enough for a twoparty system. There is no ideological difference between the so called major parties. In fact, in some states the ruling party controls the two major parties. That is why we moved to a platform that would give people the avenue to ventilate their aspirations.

In my state we moved en mass from the Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, to the Labour Party, LP because we wanted to make a difference.

Moving into LP meant that LP would be strong in more than one state. Then LP was strong in Ondo and DPP was strong in Delta and the idea was to bring on strong leadership and large followership. We expected people from other states to make a similar move so that LP would be a strong force. We believe that it is going to take

several elections before we can genuinely become a two party state.

The society will be more democratic, the right of the people will be more protected, monetisation of the polity will be reduced, congresses and primaries need to be respected before we can genuinely become a two party state.

So, it means that there must be respect for that. Indeed, t is only when we have that that we can talk about a two party system and ideology is absent in these parties.

And that is not the basis for political evolution. If the right of the people are not respected in any political party, any development they claim to have brought is worthless. The best practice is to allow the people to have a say before talking about infrastructural development.

On new leadership of LP They don’t have a chance.

Everybody knows who Nwanyanwu was and we know who succeeded him and

how he was succeed. It is illegal for someone to come and claim to own a political party. There must be a process. Is the person recognised by INEC? How come all the parties documents are with the former chairman. What NLC should do is to direct all their members to go into the party, put in democratic structures and contest elections for the purpose of forming a people oriented government.

It is not a legal issue. It is a political issue. But the proper thing is not being done. What they are doing now is illegality. In a democracy

We have given to them our programmes and our manifestos.

I believe that politics of Oyo State will be turned around and all these so called heavyweights, I think they are going to be shocked at the end of the day.

This is because the decision of the people is going to be final.

Actually the vote is going to count.

How would you popularize the relatively unknown SDP? It is not all that easy. It is about educating our people. They know already what we stand for. I am not just coming into the political arena. I have contested in the past and we have been engaged with our people all these years. We are doing a lot to introduce the party. And of course the SDP was used as a political party in 1993.

So, it is not something totally new.

And people also recognize the fact that the freest and fairest election ever conducted in this

country was won by the SDP. I will probably say, we have turned a full circle. But Oyo being a Pace Setter State, I will not be surprised that we are the one projecting this.

The reality is that the youth at these days are not really concerned about the party but about the candidate. So, once we have a large following from Omititun as a structure and they follow Seyi Makinde as a person, then all is well.

That is what they care. And remember most of our youths are not illiterate. They are even better at identifying symbols. I thought where we need to do a lot of work is actually with the elderly people.

Do you have candidates across board?

We had hectic time sieving candidates. There is no constituency where SDP is not fielding candidate in the state for the election.

in more than one state

people should be allowed to vote for their leaders. It should not be by going to media to make allegations. This is not a media war. I don’t even know the people who are shouting my name. I don’t

know their identity. Part of what we are expected to do, is to provide direction for leadership by ensuring that due process is followed in all we do.

LAGOS: Obanikoro alters the game plan Continues from page 41 sleeping better, it means that some people will not sleep well.”

He, however said the peace parley initiated by the president has made the party in state stronger in the state.

He said “through the

My plans for Oyo — Makinde Continues from page 42

•Ogboru: Moving into LP meant that it would be strong

•Makinde What are your chances of winning as you are contesting with those who have done it before?

That is actually our strength because the people that have done it before, people have seen

intervention of the President and the Vice president, our party, the PDP in Lagos State is made strong.”

Other aggrieved governorship aspirants Messrs Kamson, Mr Gbadamosi and Mr Doherty pledged their loyalty and

commitment to work for the party’s victory in 2015.

The situation earlier painted of the PDP entering the election as a divided house has no doubt been recast and it the ruling party in the state is bound to return to the drawing board.

their limitation. And for us, we haven’t done it before, but we have done certain things that people have been able to see.

And you can fool our people some of the time, you cannot fool them all the time. They are convinced where we are coming from.

They know what we have done privately. They know precisely our engagement with them. They know precisely that over the years, we listened to some of the issues within our communities.

What would you do different as governor if you eventually win?

Well, we have our manifesto and our campaign theme which we term ‘Operation HEAP. We are talking about Health care delivery. We are talking of making agriculture positive business in Oyo State and also weaning the state from over dependence on oil by projecting agriculture.

We have education. We all see the level of decay the infrastructure in Oyo State. We see students and pupils learning

under a very difficult and unsafe condition. Dilapidated buildings here and there, non provision of material for the teachers.

And if you look at the WAEC result, Oyo State came last behind all the states in the SouthWest. If you go to Total Garden they made a fountain there which never works and to me, that is a half-hearted way of doing things.

We will get all we have into doing all those things.

What are the factors you think would shape Oyo election in 2015?

I think the major factor is the personalities that are involved. I can characterize it for you. You have three of the candidates who are over 65 years old. You have two who are around 50 years old.

I am 47 years old.

And one of those two has been tested as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and people have seen what he has done and what he didn’t do. And you have a personality that kind of stood out. I believe people would gravitate towards me.

44 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

CANCER; Lucky Jupiter makes an ingress into your positive angle today with good luck to you. Financial success is closer to you than you can imagine. Give big push.

LEO; Here is a good day when influential personalities around you will be willing to assist you but you will need to take the initiative. Take good advice.

VIRGO; This is your day. The more ambitious you are along your career line the better for you. And friends are willing to give the needed supports; you’ll be lucky.

LIBRA; Your mind is truly active and if you’re more practical about it success’ll crown your efforts. Reason with your tried and trusted friends.

SCORPIO ; Coming of Lucky Jupiter into a positive angle to your Star sign is a big plus. On a day like this the more ambitious you are the better. It’s good to be loving

By Richard Eromosele

Dressing For The Occasion

T

O dress for the occasion is simply to dress in a way that people don’t need to be told who you are anymore except by your dressing. For example, you can iden-

tify an intending couple through their dressing.

Let your dressing reveal who you are. Every occasion, every

TERROR MUDA

profession has a way of dressing that is generally acceptable. For instance, it is not good dressing to put on an agbada (a local gar-

in “Never say goodbye”

ment) as a motor mechanic and go under the car to carry out some repairs.

Dress to suit the occasion. Dress in accordance with your profession and or your office.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

SAGITTARIUS; The more willing you are to listen to your partners and/or spouse the better for you today.

Friends are trying to convince you that the are reliable.

CAPRICORN; Success is boldly printed on your cards today. The more push-full you are along your career/ business lines the better. Embrace new method at work.

AQUARIUS; Here is a day you are not meant to ignore new ideas that come suddenly. It’s good to take matters of the heart more seriously. Listen to your spouse please.

PISCES; Lucky Jupiter is joining mighty Sun and romantic Venus bringing you to the fore for collection of well deserved honour, glory and LOVE. Certainly you’re becoming more important in many ways. Be more ambitious.

ARIES; Another lucky day for you is here. Although your being co-operative can enhance your scope, your personal ideas and initiative are guarantee for bigger do.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

TAURUS; Those of you who are more consistent will have more to gain. Good ideas on monetary issues will enhance your finances. Be more family minded.

GEMINI; Entrance of lucky Jupiter into Sagittarius is meant to enhance your finances. The more willing you are to take good advice the better. Be loving.

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

What January 2015, has for me?

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Joshua, I am a business man dealing with both local and International clients. The month of January 2015 is very important to my business. Kindly tell me what does January 2015 have for me.

Alex, Abuja.

Dear Alex, The month of January 2015 does not mean anything negative but you will need to be wise and follow what your Star has for you as given here-under.

During this period, major emphasis will be on your personal enterprising endeavour particularly in the business world. Are we talking of stock speculative venture here?.

Although, you will have the needed opportunities to assert and express yourself, it’s important you know that you can not be an island on your own in the business world, thus you will need to give room for co-operation in all you do as there are indications of good people willing to come to your horizon provided you are willing to give them the chance.

Aggressive foreigners (especially males) will feature in many of your activities during the period, and if you are more co-operative(that is the way it’ll pay you I mean to your own advantage) the whole thing will work in your favour There are indications of successful movements probably inform of travelling that will put smile on your face.. Matters-of-the-heart having to do with emotional ROMANTIC/ SEXUAL LOVE will make you happy. Relationship with the minors (youngsters) and recreation activities are favoured..

Throughout the whole (four weeks) period you will need to take no friend for granted especially on money and movable possessions (being foreigner or local friend does not matter). Paying good attention to your health will do your world lots of good.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014—45

Excess crude account not shared in 18 months —OSHIOMHOLE

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, has said that the failure of the Federal Government to share the excess crude account in the last 18 months was responsible for the distortion in the developmental plans of the state governments.

Speaking during a visit of the Association of Enigies from Edo South to him yesterday, Oshiomhole, said: “In the past 18 months, we have not shared the excess crude account and yet, the account is empty.

Sometimes we were told they have taken money from it to fund subsidies, including subsidy on kerosene but your royal highnesses, there is nowhere in your various domains where kerosene is sold for N50. So, in the name of subsidy, large sums of money are being stolen.

“Things are tough now around the country because the Federal Government mismanaged our national resources and what is being stolen, nobody agrees it is being stolen. What is arguable is who is responsible for this stealing. When the Federal Government and the President

Edo Assembly warns BEDC against N750 monthly levy

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—EDO State House of Assembly, yesterday, warned the management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, to respect the call by the House for the abolition of the N750 collected monthly as levy from electricity consumers in the state.

The BEDC had explained that the levy was for the maintenance of its facilities. But when the House Committee on Energy and Water Resources, led by Michael Ohio-Ezomo, met with the company, civil society groups and other stakeholders, yesterday, following the epileptic power supply in the state, the lawmakers recalled that they had earlier abolished the levy and queried the BEDC for alleged refusal to obey the resolution of the House.

talk about oil theft and the amount that is allegedly stolen is huge such that whereas we have the capacity to produce about 2.4 million barrels a day, what accrues to the Federal Government account is less than 1.8 million barrel a day.

“From the last time we had a meeting, the handouts they distributed shows that sometimes for a period of two weeks, we were losing as much

as 700,000 barrels a day and that has been on in the past 12 years. I am not able to understand why. Suddenly, Nigeria cannot protect its territorial waters because the boundaries have not changed and the people are still the same and at the peak of the so-called militancy, we were still exporting about two million barrels a day.

“Then how can we explain

that after we have resolved the issue of militancy in the Niger Delta, we have rehabilitated the ex-militants and even awarded contracts to them, that we are still losing as much crude oil as that to oil thieves and to the best of my knowledge, there is no major known person who has been prosecuted and convicted for oil theft in a way that reflects the magnitude of what is allegedly stolen."

PREMIERE: From left: Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State; APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari; APC governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Nasir El Rufai; Senator Olorunimbe Mamora and other APC chieftains at the Musical Premiere of Saro, in Lagos.

Delta 2015: IDA drums support for Okowa, wants Itsekiri as dep gov

T

HE Iwere Development Association, IDA, an umbrella body of Itsekiri worldwide, has declare its support for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

It also said it was the turn of the Itsekiri to produce the state's deputy governor.

At the end of year congress of the association in Warri, the group noted that considering Okowa's experience, grassroots reach and enormous contribution to the growth and development of the PDP and the state in general, he remains the best material to take over as the governor of the state.

In a communiqué by its acting National President, Mr. Ogbe Eke, the group said Okowa has paid his dues and same was why the Itsekiris were amongst the very few ethnic nationalities in the state to support his candidacy from the very beginning.

IDA warned that in the spirit of zoning, which remains the only way the interests of every

segment of the state can fairly and adequately be accommodated, it would be fair that every senatorial district supports Okowa's aspiration and also support an Itsekiri as the deputy governor come 2015.

He said: “Since the office of the deputy governor had been

zoned to the Delta South senatorial district, our position through the letter of protest we addressed to the President and Commander in Chief, the governor of the state, the Olu of Warri, the PDP and the governorship candidate, it is very clear and has not changed, “ it said.

Group goes on house-to-house campaign for Okowa

A

By Festus Ahon

S A B A — N AT I O N A L Coordinator of Delta Mass Movement for Okowa, a political group, Mr. Louis Oho, has charged members of the group to embark on a house-tohouse campaign to canvass support for the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, in the February 2015 general elections.

Speaking during the inauguration of the group in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of the state, Oho noted that the group with

members cut across the various political parties in the state, was in tune with the Prosperity for all Deltans agenda of Senator Okowa.

He said that the group also subscribed to the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, adding that the movement was determined to reach out to all Deltans in a unit to unit campaign.

On his part, Secretary of the state chapter of the group, Mr Emmanuel Adhe, expressed the preparedness of members to galvanize Deltans to vote for Okowa and other candidates of the PDP for other positions in the state.

Odogwu rallies support for Jonathan to counter terrorism

A

MEMBER of the Board of Trustees, BOT, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Sonny Odogwu, has called on all national award honorees to join hands with President Goodluck Jonathan in his efforts to contain the scourge of terror in the North eastern part of the country.

He made the appeal in Asaba, Delta State, when he hosted all cleared gubernatorial aspirants of his party in the state.

Chief Odogwu, a founding member of the PDP, cautioned a section of Nigerian elite, who have continued to fuel the trauma of terror in the North by their incendiary and needlessly critical remarks, adding that what the President and the Federal Government need at this moment was support and assurance from the people, not condemnation.

“Let me seize this opportunity to thank our President and leader of our party for his positive leadership which has translated to good governance across the nation despite global disturbances of terrorism," he said.

2015: Group calls on UPU to sanction Onuesoke

U

R H O B O Professional Conglomerate, UPC, has called on the umbrella body of Urhobo people, Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, to sanction Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, for appealing to Urhobos to drum support for Delta State PDP governorship candidate in Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

The group, in a statement by its President, Mr. Benard Orhuerakpo, said: “For urging Urhobo to vote for Okowa, Onuesoke has gone against the principle of Uvwiamuge Declaration which says Urhobo sons and daughters must support the course of producing an Urhobo indigene as the governor of Delta State.”

46—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

OPERATION DECONGEST ENUGU: Transport Ministry bans indiscriminate trading, parking

Anglican holds anniversary

T

HE centenary anniversary of St. Andrew ’s Anglican Church, Owa-Oyibu, Diocese of Ika, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, in Ika North-East, Delta State, holds Sunday at the church premises.

This was said in a statement by the Vicar of the church, Ven. S. O. Ejedumu and the Publicity Secretary of the 100 years Anniversary Celebration and Award Ceremony Committee, Mr. Dan Buzugbe.

It said there would be thanksgiving, award presentation, seminar and crusade in the Church during the ceremony scheduled to start at 9a.m.

It added that seven persons, who played vital roles in bringing and helping to develop the church and first school, would be honoured.

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—ENUGU State Ministry of Transport has advised residents to respect existing ban on display of wares along major roads in the state capital to avoid severe sanctions.

This came as it commenced a week-long exercise termed Operation Decongest Enugu, which is aimed at making all the major link roads in the state easily accessible to commuters.

Speaking to journalists at the popular Holy Ghost Round About in Enugu on the essence of the exercise, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Chika Nebo, said it was in continuation of Governor Sullivan Chime-led government’s effort to make the state the pride of the South-East.

She lamented that traffic gridlock was usually experienced in some major roads in the state during the yuletide, stressing that “this is expected because Enugu is a gateway to the North and the South-South as well as the South-West.

“We are here to ensure freeflow of traffic. During yuletide, the road used to be congested; people become reckless and they refuse to obey traffic regulations; traders display wares on the roads, and government is saying no to that.

“So this time around, the Ministry of Transport kicked off this programme, which is aimed at making the roads free for users. We mobilized to ensure that people drive according to the rules; we insist that people must adhere

Online car platform repositions

A

S part of their effort to facilitate online car transaction, and to express their profound appreciation to customers, Cheki.com.ng, Nigeria’s premier car website, has presented free signage to car dealers in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The gesture, Assistant General Manager of cheki.com.ng, Mr Gabisiu Yusuf said, was to appreciate their dealers’ loyalty towards the brand.

strictly to roads signs so that people can get to their homes safely and on time too.

“We started this exercise last Friday and it is taking place

we are removing all rickety vehicles, impounding every vehicle parked wrongly, and enforcing the existing ban on display of wares on roadside.”

in Abakpa, Agbani Road, Damija, Holy Ghost and other major areas in the state.

“While controlling traffic,

Delta Speaker seeks prayers for 2015 elections, Xmas

T

HE Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Peter Onwusanya, has called on Christians to use the occasion of Christmas celebration to pray for a peaceful campaign and elections in 2015.

He made the appeal in his Christmas message as Nigerians join Christians all over the world to mark the

birth of Jesus Christ.

He pointed out that Jesus Christ preached peace and love as bedrock for a better society, stressing that as followers of Christ, “Christians must emulate the virtue of Christ and work for peace in all that they do.

“Nigeria is a nation in dire need of peace, especially with insurgency, struggle

for power and elections threatening peace and existence of the country.

Christians must use this occasion of celebration of the birth of Christ to pray for peace in our country.”

He advised politicians to put the country first in all that they do and co-operate with spiritual leaders that were offering prayers for peace.

NMA lauds Jonathan on Health Act

By Anayo Okoli

U

MUAHIA—UMUAHIA zone of Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for assenting to the National Health Bill, saying that proper implementation of the law will reposition the nation’s health sector for efficient health care delivery.

Chairman of the zone’s NMA, Dr. Ezikiel Ojimadu, however called for a pragmatic leadership in the health sector and support of all Nigerians to ensure that the law worked to enable Nigerians reap its full benefits.

He said: “We are excited about the Health Act because it will provide a frame work for the regulation of our health system; both the way it affects the providers and those who

access it and the development and management of our national health system.

“So it provides a framework

for the regulation, development and management of national health system. Another thing it does is set standards for rendering health services.”

Lagos traders hold fair

T

RADERS and occupiers of the new Tejuosho Market have organised a fair aimed at driving human traffic to the market to increase footfall and boost business activities, following the commencement of commercial activities at the complex.

The maiden fair, according to a statement by the organisers, became necessary, especially as Main Tejuoso Shopping Complex was now wearing a new look and featured stateof-the-art facilities, over 4000

well-appointed shops, unbeatable security, 24-hour power generation and a massive parking lot, among others.

The coordinators of the venue said the existing traders were not short-changed as mortgage facility had been provided to make the shops affordable.

Speaking on the fair, Victor Alonge, Senior Partner, Nelson Thorpe Alonge Estate Surveyors & Valuers, said the complex was a departure from the usual struggles hitherto associated with buying and selling, adding that the complex provided a comfortable environment.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

What is your yuletide message to Nigerians?

A

S we mark another Christmas, I urge Nigerians to spread the love which the yuletide epitomizes. I believe when there is love, peace comes naturally. Peace, we know, creates the atmosphere for development and Nigeria needs development.—Mr Stanley Olisa, Graduate.

N

IGERIANS should live in peace and express love to the lessprivileged on Christmas day. For me, I shall be going to different hospitals to spend time with those who cannot go out to celebrate Christmas. It is one of the ways to show love.— Miss Naomi Efe, Journalist.

T

HAT we celebrate Christmas with the understanding that Christ came for all. We should avoid shedding innocent blood. Love is the ultimate thing in the world, as taught in the Quran and Bible. Let us be our brother ’s keeper.— Miss Regina Osakwe, Worker.

M

Y Christmas message to Nigerians is that we, whether Christians or Muslims, should embrace peace, unity and love. I wish all Nigerian Christians a merry Christmas and happy New Year in advance.— Mrs Kate Nduba, Businesswoman.

W

ELL, my message to Nigerians is that I wish them all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance. May the birth of our saviour Jesus Christ bring joy to every home in Nigeria, our dear country.—Mrs Mabel Mbielu, Communicator.

I

wish Nigerians a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year ahead. No dream of theirs will follow the wind. And by the grcae of God, together we will celebrate a glorious end of 2015. God bless Nigeria.— Miss Blessing Uba, Student.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014— 47

Wamakko presents N112.5bn 2015 budget S

OKOTO—THE Sokoto State government has proposed a budget of over N 112.5 billion for the 2015 fiscal year as against the over N125.9 biliion budgeted for the outgoing 2014.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the budget proposal was presented to the state House of Assembly in Sokoto yesterday.

NAN also reports that the special session of the legislature to receive the proposal was presided by the Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Abubakar Tureta, onbehalf of the Speaker, Alhaji Lawallli Zayyana.

The state Governor, Aliyu Wamakko, said the decrease of about 10.59 per cent of the 2015 proposed budget when compared to that of the outgoing year was as a result of dwindling resources from the federation account.

He said that the proposed budget, tagged “Budget of Accomplishment”, would focus more on the completion of ongoing projects, as well as ensuring smooth transition to the next administration in the state.

The governor said N61.7 bilion and N50.5 billion were for capital and recurrent expenditures

respectively.

Wamakko restated the state government’s commitment to continue to provide the needed social infrastructure to the generality of the people of the state.

He extolled the existing

cordial relationship between the state government and the judicial, as well as the legislative arms of government.

The governor also acknowledged the sustained fatherly support and guidance of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji

Sa’ad Abubakar III and the generality of the people of the state to his administration.

Responding, Tureta promised a speedy passage of the budget proposal to sustain the laudable programmes and policies of the state government.

CELEBRATION: From left: Dean,St. Francis of Assisi Theological College, Wusasa, Zaria, Rt. Revd. Praises Omolekun, Chairman, Centenary Committee, Chief E.B. Alley, Diocesan Bishop, Kaduna Anglican Diocese, Most Revd. Josiah Idowu-Fearon, and Committee Secretary, Mr Eyitayo Ogbonyomi, at St. Michael's Church centenary celebration and ordination of Deacons/Priests in Kaduna. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

Adamawa bans tricycle in Yola during Xmas

Y

OLA—THE Adamawa government yesterday, banned the use of tricycles in Yola, the Adamawa capital during the Christmas period, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports.

A statement issued by Mr Phineas Elisha, the Director, Public Affairs to Gov. Bala Ngilari in Yola noted that the ban would be effective as from yesterday, December 24 to Friday, December 26.

The statement quoted Elisha as saying “his excellency, the Governor of Adamawa State, Mr Bala Ngilari, after due consultations with the state Commissioner of Police, has banned the use of tricycles popularly known as ‘Keke

NAPEP’ as from December 24 to December 26.

“Government regrets any inconvenience caused by the action and request the public to

SABA—THE leadership of Delta North for Good Governance, DNGG, has expressed concern over what it described as rumblings within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the senatorial aspirants in the yet to be concluded Delta North senatorial primaries in Delta State.

A party stalwart, Chief Edwin Anikangbolu who spoke on behalf of the group said there was need for the PDP hierarchy to listen to the views of the electorate on issues relating to choice of candidates.

Anikangbolu stated the DNGG, comprising people of all the communities in Delta North have

banned the use of motorcycles in major towns of the state in 2012 following series of attacks

by Boko Haram insurgents.

Benue PDP picks Ngbede as Tarzor's running mate

M

By Peter Duru

AKURDI—AFTER much horse-trading among leaders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State, the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr. John Ngbede has been selected as the running mate of the party’s governorship candidate, Mr. Terhemen Tarzoor.

Vanguard gathered

DNGG counsels Delta PDP, canvasses support for Adigwe

A

be calm and law abiding in the interest of state security.”

NAN reports that the state government had already

endorsed one of the senatorial aspirants, Hon. Pascal Adigwe, whom they described as the only credible candidate who will bring succour to the people of the senatorial district.

He said: “It would be better for the people of the senatorial district to elect a man with experience on representation and development. Hon. Adigwe as a one-time House of Representatives member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, performed creditably as can be seen with the numerous achievements he attracted to the senatorial district."

yesterday in Makurdi, the state capital, that Ngbede who is from Agatu Local Government Area of the state emerged the preferred candidate after an intense political horse trading between Governor Gabriel Suswam, his deputy, Chief Steven Lawani and the Senate President, David Mark.

His nomination has finally put to rest, several weeks of lobbying by top PDP leaders who had presented their individual candidates for consideration ahead of the 2015 elections.

Ngbede came to political limelight during the George Akume administration where he served as a Special Adviser on Assembly

Matters.

He was later appointed the Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment before serving in his present capacity in the Governor Gabriel Suswam’s administration.

He is expected to be presented to the PDP stakeholders in the state after his documentation at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, next week.

Reacting to the development, the Secretary to the Benue State Government, SSG, Dr. David Salifu said “it is a welcome development for the people of Apa/Agatu because he is a politician who possesses the political clout to mobilize support for the PDP in the state.”

APGA distributes food items to Christians in Gusau

By Salisu Maradun

G

USAU—FOOD items worth hundreds of thousands of Naira were yesterday distributed to the Christian community in Gusau, Zamfara State capital by the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Alhaji Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi.

The items included hundreds of sacks of rice, cartoons of Turkey oil, and other ingredients to be used during this year’s Christmas season.

Shinkafi, who spoke shortly after handing over the items the officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, explained that the gesture was aimed at cushioning the hardship being experienced by Christians during the Yuletide, and also to give them a sense of belonging.

According to Shinkafi, Christians, like all other human beings, had the right to live and enjoy same.

DTHA PRIMARY:

‘Oharisi, Marierie's emergence, best choice'

A

SABA—THE emergence of Prince Eric Oharisi and Hon. Samuel Marierie at the recent House of Assemblies primary elections in Ughelli North constituency ll and l, has been described as the best decision ever taken by the people of the constituencies.

A PDP chieftain, Comrade Nelson Ejetavwo, who made this observation while speaking to newsmen, recalled that the advice given by the Minister for NigerDelta Affairs, Dr. Steve Oru prior to the House of Representatives primary election led to the peaceful conduct of all the primaries.

Ejetavwo explained that how those that lost out to Prince Oharisi, the winner of Ughelli North constituency ll, embraced him showed the beauty of democracy.

AUTO CRASHES: NEMA trains 200 volunteers

A

B U JA — I S H AYA Chonoko, the Zonal Co - ordinator, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Abuja Operations Office, yesterday said the agency had trained more than 200 volunteers in communities along the AbujaLokoja road.

Chonoko told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja that the volunteers were trained on emergency response because it had become imperative to do so.

He said it was upon the realisation that, when accidents occur on the expressway, villagers in the

communities were usually the first to come to the victims’ assistance.

“We decided to embark on the training of volunteers on the expressway under our coverage, because we realised that when accidents occur, the FRSC, Red Cross and other relevant organisations maynotreadilybeavailable” the NEMA official said.

48—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

CONFERENCE: From left, Deputy National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Remi Bello; 1st Deputy National President, NACCIMA, Chief Bassey Edem, and acting DirectorGeneral, Mrs. Janet Omisore, during a press conference on the ‘Review of the State of the Nation,’ in Lagos.

DONATION: From left, Public Relations Manager, Recare Limited, Mrs. Toyin Adepegba; Chief Executive Officer, Recare Limited, Mr. Ramesh Hullur; representative of Living Fountain Orphanage, Ms Tracy Kadiri, and Marketing Manager, Recare Limited, Mr. Austen Umeania, during a donation of gift items to Living Fountain Orphanage, Victoria Island.

CONCERT: Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji (middle), flanked on the left by Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Abia, Professor Mkpa Agu Mkpa, and on the right by his wife, Mercy, during the 2014 Abia State Christmas Concert, in Umuahia.

ANNUAL WEEK: Toyosi Adekunle and Stella Omuette, after they were declared Mr. Kuti Hall and Miss Queens’ Hall, at the Glosponsored Annual Week of the Kuti and Queens’ Halls of Residence of the University of Ibadan.

PARTY: From left, mother of the overall winner, Mrs. Omolayo Fajimi; Welfare Manager,Total Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Neolyn NwaokoloOba; overall winner, Oluwatoni Fajimi, and Manager, Employee Relations, Mr. Debo Atunwa, during the 2014 Total Christmas party, in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau

SHOPPING: Shoppers trooping into the new Tejuosho Shopping Complex, Yaba, Lagos for Christmas shopping, yesterday.

PRESENTATION: Mr. Emomotim Guwor on behalf of the DESOPADEC Commissioner, Kingsley Otuaro, presenting the Science Equipment to the General Secretary, Egbema & Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, EGCDF, Jude Ebitimi Ukori, while Mrs. Ayo Oshadia watches.

Photo: Akpokona Omafuaire

FORUM: From left, Mr. Uzoigwe Kenneth, MD, Kelins Court Hotel; Mr. Chris Ejima Johnson; Mr. Obuesi Phillips, and Mr. Uzoma Silas, Maritime Consultant, all conveners, at the unveiling of Fair Contest 2015 campaign by South Eastern Peoples Development Forum, in Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014—49

IT'S CHRISTMAS!

Osun State Govermment Secretariat, Osogbo, yesterday.

From left: Mr. Kunle Adekoya, General Editor; Mr. Innocent Anaba, Chapel Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ; Mr. Eze Anaba, Deputy Editor; Mr. Dada Adekola, Cartoon Editor; Mr. Onochie Anibeze, Saturday Editor; Mr. Kayode Matthew, News Editor; Mr. Tony Ubani, Sports Editor; Mr. Jimoh Babatunde, Lagos NUJ Vice Chairman; and Mr. Tommy Anaduaka, Editorial Production Coordinator, all of Vanguard Newspaper, at the end-of-year party held at the news room in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Akeem Salau.

Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Abuja-Zuba Expressway, Kubwa, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

Goat meat seller in Agege, Lagos. PHOTO: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

Te j u o s o Christmas Fair, Yaba, L a g o s , M o n d a y.

PHOTO: L a m i d i Bamidele.

Vendors hawking at the traffic along Abuja-Keffi Road, yesterday. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

K u t o Market, Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday.

PHOTO: W u m i Akinola.

Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday. PHOTO: Nwankpa Chijioke.

Last minute shopping at Oshodi Market, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

50—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

XMAS: Okorocha, Chime urge Nigerians to pray for peaceful, fair elections in 2015

By Francis Igata

G

OVERNORS ROCHAS Okorocha and Sullivan Chime of Imo and Enugu states, yesterday, urged Nigerians to use the Christmas season to pray for peaceful, free and fair elections in 2015.

In their separate Christmas messages, Governor Okorocha, and Chime, equally called on Nigerians to use the celebrations to renew their commitment to the promotion of tolerance, brotherhood and unity among all groups in the country.

The Imo State governor in his message, appealed to Nigerians to also pray for divine intervention over the issue of insurgency that had claimed many of innocent lives in Nigeria.

The governor said Jesus preached and ensured peace, urging Christians and nonChristians alike in the country to also preach and ensure peace.

He noted that “the emphasis on religion and ethnic divides is drawing the country backward, instead of pushing her forward.”

According to him, Nigeria would do better as a united nation, than as a polarised country, and pleaded with the elite to stop fanning the ember of discord, because the ordinary Nigerians had no problem with one another.

For the people of Imo State, the governor urged them to remain peaceful and loving as always and maintained that the stories about the state would continue to be that of success, development and progress.

He added by wishing all Nigerians, especially the people of Imo State, God’s divine visitation this Christmas.

On his part, Chime in a

message by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Achife, said: “The celebration offers Nigerians the opportunity to reflect on God’s love and compassion demonstrated by His gift of His begotten son for the salvation of the world.

"As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the joy it brings to the world, we must urge ourselves to use this season to re-

dedicate ourselves to values that promote peace, tolerance, brotherhood and unity among all Nigerians.”

He enjoined the citizens to eschew any act that would disturb the peace during the celebration, stressing that they should rather engage themselves in acts that would only reflect the joy and hilarity.

PARTY: From left, Mr. Kunle Adekoya, Mr. Innocent Anaba, Mr. Eze Anaba, Mr. Dada Adekola, Mr. Onochie Anibeze, Mr. Kayode Matthew, Mr. Tony Ubani, Jimoh Babatunde Tommy Anaduaka, all of Vanguard Newspapers, during the Vanguard's End of Year Party, at the Vanguard's Newsroom, in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau

Threat of robbery attacks paralyses banks in Okigwe

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI — COMMERCIAL banks in Okigwe, Imo State, have shut operations following threat by armed robbers to attack them.

Vanguard investigation revealed that the banks closed shop since the past two weeks as a result of an alleged threat

by dare- devil criminals to raid them.

A resident in the town lamented that “insecurity has become a serious issue since soldiers that were complementing the efforts of the police, were withdrawn by their superiors.”

The Anglican Bishop of Okigwe, Rt. Rev.Edward Osuegbu, equally confirmed the prevailing level of

insecurity in the town, in a chat with Vanguard.

“Right now in Okigwe, armed robbery has increased.

You can see that for the past two weeks, all the banks in Okigwe are no longer functioning,” Bishop Osuegbu said.

The cleric also disclosed that “some of the commercial banks in Okigwe can sparingly

receive funds but cannot pay because armed robbers are continuously threatening their operations.”

While affirming that soldiers had inexplicably been withdrawn from Okigwe, Bishop Osuegbu also recalled with grief “the last time, a number of policemen and bankers were killed when robbers operated in the town.”

Why I shelved my Abia gov ambition —Senate spokesman

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA — S E N A T E spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, yesterday, claimed he wanted to contest for the governorship election in Abia State in 2015, but changed his plan because President Goodluck Jonathan asked him to return to the Senate.

Addressing Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stakeholders from Abia South, Obingwa Local Government Area, he said he had already bought the nomination form for the governorship race before he got the directive.

According to him, of the 54 PDP senators, only 12 including himself eventually picked the ticket of the party.

He said: “If we traversed the state and local governments in order to become governor and the party drew the line of who should be where, we have to accept it; all the time we have done the primaries the same process has always been followed.

"We are PDP, PDP knows how to conduct its business, sometimes in the open, at other times in secret. But once the party takes a stand, the loyal party man will support the candidate.

Even T. A. Orji was somebody ’s candidate and nobody opposed it.”

PRIMARIES: Court to hear N500m Mbazulike's suit against APGA Jan 15

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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NITSHA — HEARING is expected to commence on January 15, 2015 in a N500 million suit against the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, by a lawyer and contestant in the just concluded APGA primaries for Anambra State House of Assembly in Nnewi South I Constituency, Mr. Emmanuel Chinwenche Mbazulike.

Also joined in the suit were Hon. Kingsley Iruba and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. In the suit filed at the Federal High Court Registry, Awka, C M Y K

Mbazuluike is claiming the amount as general and aggravated damages against the first defendant for alleged unlawful and wrongful removal of his name from ballot paper of Nnewi South Constituency 1 and subsequent disenfranchisement.

In Suit No: FHC/AWK/CS/ 262/2014, Mbazulike said he had suffered loss of fame, maltreatment, loss of money and inconveniences having duly purchased the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms from the first defendant for the House of Assembly primary at the cost of N1.2 million.

The plaintiff is asking the

court to determine whether the first defendant and its agents conducted proper and valid primary election to the state House of Assembly ticket in Nnewi South Constituency 1 on December 3, 2014 when the plaintiff’s name was wrongly or erroneously removed from the ballot paper of Nnewi South Constituency 1, leading to his non participation.

He, therefore, sought a declaration that APGA had no candidate to the state House of Assembly in the said constituency in 2015 general elections for not complying with the law.

Mbazulike also sought an order of perpetual injunction

restraining the third defendant from recognising Hon. Iruba (second defendant) or any other person as the candidate of the first defendant in respect of the office in question.

In an affidavit in support of the originating summons, the aggrieved lawyer said he fulfilled all the conditions for screening proper and qualified and his name came out as one of the successful aspirants to contest for the seat of the state House of Assembly in Nnewi South Constituency 1.

“On December 5, 2014, the election, which was full of irregularities and inconclusive, was cancelled by the Electoral Appeal Panel among eight other

House of Assembly primary elections and another election was fixed for December 8, 2014 at the same venue.

"On that rescheduled date, my supporters, all delegates, other aspirants, other members of the party and I gathered at the venue for the refixed primary election.”

“We waited from morning till around 6:00p.m. when about two electoral officers came into the venue with ballot box and not later than three minutes left, promising that they were coming back but never did.

The cancelled election, up till date, has not been held,” Mbazulike claimed.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 , 2014 — 51

Christmas pilgrims gather in Bethlehem after hard year

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ILGRIMS from across the world descended on Jesus’s birthplace in Bethlehem yesterday to begin the global celebration of Christmas after a violenceplagued year brought suffering to many Middle Eastern Christians.

The not-so-little West Bank town was bustling with activity ahead of the biggest night of the year which will culminate in midnight mass at the Church of the Nativity built over the spot where Christians believe the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus.

Scouts playing bagpipes and drums marched to the church in a procession led

by Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch Fuad Twal, the top Catholic cleric in the Holy Land.

Outside the church at Manger Square, a man dressed as Father Christmas handed out sweets next to a giant green Christmas tree decorated with red, black and silver baubles — the colours of the Palestinian flag.

But for many faithful across the region, the festivities will be tinged with

sadness following a year of bloodshed marked by a surge in the persecution of Christians that has drawn international condemnation.

“For many of you, the music of your Christmas hymns will also be accompanied by tears and sighs,” Pope Francis wrote in a long letter addressed to Christians in the Middle East.

Even in the Palestinian territories, Christmas will be a deliberately low-key affair after a July-August war with Israel which left nearly 2,200 Gazans dead and the tiny enclave in ruins in the third such conflict in six years.

In The Vatican, Francis will celebrate the Christmas Vigil mass in St Peter’s Basilica from 2030 GMT before delivering his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing. Ahead of the celebrations, the Argentine pontiff voiced concern about the growing persecution of Christians, some of whom he said had been “brutally driven out” of areas where they have lived since New Testament times.

Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch, Fouad Twal, had to pass through the West Bank barrier to get to Bethlehem

ISIL captures pilot of plane downed in Syria J ORDAN’s military has confirmed that one of its pilots was captured by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)

group after his plane went down in Syria, official news agency Petra said.

“During a mission yesterday morning conducted by several Jordanian

Air Force planes against hideouts of the Islamic State terrorist organisation in the Raqqa region, one of the planes went down and the pilot was taken hostage” by Islam-

Russia says NATO turning Ukraine into ‘frontline of confrontation’

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USSIA yesterday said that NATO was turning Ukraine into a “frontline of confrontation” and threatened to sever remaining ties with the Atlantic military alliance if Ukraine’s hopes of joining it were realized.

The Kiev parliament’s renunciation of Ukraine’s neutral status on Tuesday in pursuit of NATO membership has outraged Moscow and deepened the worst confrontation between Russia and the West since the end of the Cold War. “NATO countries pushed Kiev to this counterproductive decision, trying to turn Ukraine into a front line of confrontation with Russia,” Deputy Defence Minister Anatoly Antonov told the Russian news agency Interfax.

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“If this decision in the future takes on a military character (accession to NATO), then we will respond appropriately. Then there will be a complete severing of ties with NATO, which will be practically impossible to repair,” Antonov said.

It is likely to take years for Ukraine to meet the technical criteria for accession to NATO and, even then, there is no certainty that the alliance is ready to take on such a political hot potato.

Yet Russia has made clear it would see the NATO membership of such a strategic former Soviet republic with a long common border as a direct military threat. A NATO official, who asked not to be named, said it was solely up to Kiev to decide on its foreign policy.

Relatives of the Jordanian pilot who was captured by the forces of the Islamic State after his plane came down near Raqqa in Syria, congregate in front of his family’s home in the city of Karak yesterday

Suicide bomber kills 33 people south of Baghdad ly pro-government cials said.

A

suicide bomber killed 33 people and wounded 55 others in Madaen, about 25 km (15 miles) south of Baghdad, yesterday , Iraqi police and medical offi-

The bomber blew himself up near a line of Sunni pro-government fighters waiting for their salaries, the officials said, adding they expected the toll to rise.

The dead were most-

fighters, but included at least three soldiers.

“The attacker was wearing an Iraqi army uniform, and an explosive vest packed with ball bearings,” a police officer said.

ic State, Petra quoted a source from the military’s general staff as saying.

The official did not say why the plane went down, but both the ISIL and a monitoring group said it had been shot with an anti-aircraft missile.

Mamoun Abu Nowar, a retired Jordanian Air Force General and Military Analyst, told Al Jazeera that every Jordanian would be shocked by what had just happened.

Nowar said it was still not clear if the aircraft had a defect or if ISIL used one of its skilled Iraqi operators to shoot down the plane.

“I dont think it will change anything and the mission will carry on with the coalition, but I think the whole strategy will have to change if it is to make a bigger impact on the ground,” he said.

ISIL released photographs of the captured pilot and showed a military card identifying him as 26-year-old First Lieutenant Maaz al-Kassasbeh.

His father Youssef was quoted by Jordanian news website Saraya as saying the family had been informed by the air force of his capture.

52 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Akachi Ezeigbo...A million hurrays for a literary enigma

By Prisca Sam-Duru

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T was an interesting moment in the life of university lecturer and a writer per excellence, Professor Akachi Adimora Ezeigbo, as friends, family and academics gathered at the Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka, Yaba for the public presentation of “New Perspectives On A Literary Enigma (A Festschrift in Honour of Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo).

The book event which held last week was organised by the English Department, UNILAG, in recognition for her years of immense contributions to the academia as well as the literary industry in the entire African continent.

Literary imagination Edited by the duo of Dr Emmanuel Adedun, Head, Department of English, UNILAG and Dr Onuora Nweke, a Senior Lecturer and acting Head of Department of Languages/Linguistics/Literary Studies/Visual Arts of the Federal University, NdufeAlike, Ebonyi State, “New Perspectives On A Literary Enigma (A Festschrift in Honour of Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo), comes as “Tribute to Professor Theodora Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, a woman who has kept faith with her literary imagination and creativity.”

With contributions from over twenty literary critics, the book features critical readings of the literary representation of the three-time Head Of the English Department and writer described as a literary icon in the whole of Africa.

The Festschrift offers new insights of her fascinating creativity by reappraising, reexamining and re-critiquing a select fraction of the literary universe of Akachi Ezeigbo, a great narrator, poet, playwright, essayist, critic and social crusader.

The book Reviewer, Prof Vicky Sylvester of the University of Abuja described Akachi as a woman seen from many perspective hence, a literary enigma. The Festschrift she pointed out, celebrates her as

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one who has a wonderful career, loves and appreciates her husband and family.

Prof Sylvester further described the book as very intimidating.

According to her, “As a teacher, writer, Akachi •Prof Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo(Right) with other dignitaries during the presentation Ezeigbo has mastered her ways, contributed to their There was soul inspiring commended efforts of the audience and touches social successful careers as well as poetic gospel rendition by Dr editors for a job well done, also life. All the contributors in the the students endowment.

Adeshina which elicited so encouraged those present to book agreed that Ezeigbo’s Professor Duro Oni who get copies of the book. works have imparted much applause from the served as Chairman of the The Chief Host, Prof. Yomi individuals positively.” The audience. Another poetry launch described the book performance was done by Akinyeye, Dean, Faculty of Festschrift she declared, is presentation as very timely in Penny International College, Arts, on his part, described appealing and focuses on her the literary industry in Nigeria Ezeigbo as a big masquerade literary output adding that it Coker, Lagos. The students and Africa. He described the in the literary world. He said proved the point that women performed 2 poems written by celebrant as an Award Ezeigbo.

The students also that the celebrant is a great are vital part of development winning multi-talented writer, presented a cultural dance Alumni of UNILAG and Senior in the country. covering children’s stories, colleague in the Faculty of Arts.

The occasion featured songs which they said was a dance to poet, novelist etc. He noted He noted that it was only that extolled the virtues of the celebrate a high achiever like that the honour accorded her the celebrant. proper for such gathering in celebrant, performed by women was a timely ovation and Eminent Nigerians who were her honour to take place. He representing her community in would serve as an wished her more fruitful years Anambra State who came all present, took turns to shower encouragement to people to do of sound the way from their home state, encomiums on Ezeigbo whom well in their chosen they noted had in so many to felicitate with her. professions. Prof Oni who

Indome story book, Apheyso’s xmas gift for children

By Japhet Alakam

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frican Cultural Heritage is gradually being eroded away due to incursion with modernization and globalisation. Our Arts language, Food and the Cloth we wear are almost going into oblivion.

Worse still with the death of moonlight stories and the introduction of popular home videos by Nollywood, there is the need to bring up books that are Africans, that will teach the younger ones some of the stories that will inculcate good morals to them.

Worried by this anomaly, young and upcoming author, Nathaniel Apheyso came up with a plan to address this with his new book titled My Indome story book.

The 37 pages book published by Dreamland Communications is creative story anchored on the popular spice food Indome Noodles . Fused with good illustrations to drive home his point, the book is divided into seven chapters with seven different stories.

The book is a series of fictional stories with Indome as the hero. All through the seven stories, children are taught good moral lessons about humility, generosity, selfsacrifice, hard work and respect, as well as the consequences of greed.

In chapter one, entitled The Birth of a hero, the author tells the story of how the

kingdom of food lived in the stone age. They lived peacefully until strife came up as a result of greed, and with the arrival of human beings, the need to cook foods on fire arose. That was the situation until a wise man with the help of his friend Wheat provided the food that met their needs and it was named Noodles.

The second chapter titled The Spice Kingdom, tells the story of a king whose children hated each other and the king tried all he can to settle them but did not succeed until a stranger came and brought all of them together with a special meal and the king was happy.

Indomie Noodles Reversing the curse in chapter three narrates the story of how the atrocity of a young man brought curse to a community and they became barren, many bad things happened there, each king that takes over dies and no one was ready to take the throne until a hunter prepared a medicine, named Indome Noodles that saved the community.

Lost in Adventure, Who wears the Crown?, Enemies within and All Hail King Indome made up the last four chapters and each chapter has its own story that tells of the bravery of Indome Noodles.

As it is the nature of children, the desire

My Indome story book, Natheniel Apheyso, Dreamland Communications, Lagos, Nigeria, 2014; PP.37 to know and passion for discovery always propels them to try many things and it was on that basis that the author put the stories together for them.

The book is one of the most creative series ever published in the world of writing.

It is a book that will delight the young minds, guide their creative abilities with the aim of helping them become great minds of tomorrow. I recommend it to all.

—53 Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014—53

De Class preaches unity in troubled nation

Debo Omotunde’s book offers clues on how to achieve dreams

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By Chris Onuoha

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T was a show of creative ingenuity and a passionate drive to stand out as young artists who had gone beyond the normal use of art materials to a mastery exploitation of all sorts of mediums within reach to tell a story in a visual format. While art works are formally done with conventional materials, today’s contemporaries are harping into any reachable object to create images that depict the feelings and perception of the current day events as seen by them.

This was what eight former students of Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, Lagos that formed the nucleus of this vibrant art group called ‘De-class’ did when they exhibited at Reconnect Art Gallery in Lagos recently. In the exhibition tagged: ‘Esusu’ meaning Unity, the artists, made of up Agbabiaka Sherifdeen, Ogunkunle Niyi, Oduntan Gbemisola, Oluwatosin Omotoyi, Okuguni Charles, Odupitan Paul, Idowu Ibrahim and Abel Ayodele through the body of works displayed preached on the need for unity that signifies the strength in unity in the country.

Colours and vendation From the 31 works exhibited, the artists moved in the right direction as they showcase their individual talents and styles; exploring cultural, social and religious themes. Some of the works on display were, ‘Isokan’ and ‘Friendship’ a mixed media by Sherifdeen, ‘Esusu’ pencil on paper done

by Oluwatosin, ‘One Nation’

by Odupitan and ‘Unity’ by Ayodeji among others. Their styles, colours and vendation depict their message which ranges from realism to total abstraction.

The former Dean, Vocational Education, FCE (Technical) Akoka, Ademola Azeez, who was the chairman of the event could not hide his excitement seeing his former students perform wonderfully in an exhibition he termed masterpiece.

He said ‘Esusu’ a Yoruba word meaning ‘broom’, is something that has gathered and united together, symbolically signifying togetherness and this is the strength of the young artists, coming together to put a successful exhibition.

Azeez said “The artists, who are my former students, showcased what we have given them through serious learning and training and I am C M Y K

•Osusu, (Amuludu), by Idowu Ibrahim happy they are doing well.

What you are seeing today are some of the best among our trained professionals in art.

The works are attractive and beautiful, I encourage the

From the works exhibited, the artists moved in the right direction as they showcased their individual talents and styles exploring cultural, social and religious themes

public to collect these works.

Meanwhile, he advised them to put more effort in their works saying, “Aside being appealing, the works should send more messages to the public. It should portray the society we are living in.”

The highly inspired artists through their coordinator, Agbabiaka Sherifdeen said “Seeing what we have today is an improvement in our creative ingenuity and talent development compared to the recent ones we had with both Life In My City Festival, LIMCAF and Alliance Francaise Workshops. This is the second art exhibition I am having after LIMCAF in the year 2014. We are highly inspired by the people who see the bright future in us and encouraged us to move on with that unflinching spirit.” He added.

T has been revealed that what has made Nigeria’s model of c o r r u p t i o n uncontrollable is mediocrity in almost every sector of the nation’s society.

This was made known recently at the book launch written by Pastor Debo Omotunde titled: What’s Really Stopping You? While reviewing the book, Mr Idris DeleOsagie stated that while the book’s content has semblance with America’s, It is however conscious and took into cognisance the reality of the Nigerian environment.

He pointed out that the book took into consideration the struggle that many youths pass through in life and within the Nigerian context thus offering solution to breakthrough.

While relating the book with Christian theology, he posited that its content gives clues to the fact that instantaneous acquisition of wealth is not sustainable but that gradual process through capacity development would ensure that success becomes sustainable and generational.

While speaking on what motivated him to write the book, Mr Debo Omotunde stated that it was borne out of deep frustration that many Nigerians pass through to live up to their potentials. He added that the purpose of writing the book is to

motivate people to achieve their dreams.

He stated that one of the factors that hinders many peoples’ progress in career is lack of deliberate drive to acquire more knowledge, saying despite the myriads of problems being presently faced in the country, there is always a way out. “There is something that God has empowered you with, the best is to utilise it to the maximum,” he added.

While making reference to Joseph’s character in the bible by not yielding to temptation, Mr Alex Goma, a motivational speaker noted that the book also probes into the capacity of individuals to build their character as such would form the basis of trust hence life-changing opportunities to make it.

Life changing opportunities He explained that the hardship that people face in Nigeria has made them to be dogged hence living above their environment to achieve great success which the book also made contextual reference to.

For pastor Godman Akinlabi,lead pastor at elevation church who unveiled the book to the public, there is need for the generation to think differently in order to breakaway from the static past, saying most of the factors that contribute to lack of progress come from the mind.

He said the book challenges the prevailing mindset, saying it was when people started dealing with the way people think that things began to change.

Ilesha celebrates Iwude Ijesha festival

By Esther Onyegbula

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LL is set for the celebration of this year’s edition of Iwude Ijesha Festival. The festival which promises to be an unforgettable experience of cultural display and excitement which started on December 17 and end on December 27, would feature several cultural activities.

According to Chief Olu Falomo, chairman Iwude Ijesha planning committee, “This month-long festival which starts in the palace of Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland in ILesa, extends

to other parts of Ijesaland such as Ipole, Ibokun and Ijebu-Ijessa, before ending where it started in Ilesa, Osun state. It is therefore a festival that involves not only Ilesa metropolis but also other parts of Ijesa north and south as they are now called today”.

The purpose is to bring all Ijesha people of all religion together to celebrate and felicitate at this all important festival and to bring all Ijesha people in the six local government areas of Ijeshaland together. The Iwude festival was started by Owa Obokun Owari, who celebrates it every three months. It was Owa Obokun Atakumosa

who expanded it to the scope of Iwude a very elaborate festival” he added.

Mrs Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo, Chairman Publicity Iwude Ijesha planning committee noted that the festival affords Owa Obokun the opportunity to remember his ancestors, pay homeage to them, offer sacrifices and prayers to God for the good of his people, peace and prosperity in the land and abundant blessings for his subjects. It is also designed to ward off diseases, sickness and other problems from Ijeshaland through massive celebrations and joy and gladness.

54—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Group launches social media hub for 2015 election

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VISIT: From left; Director, Korea Energy Power Nigeria Limited (KEPNLC), Mr. Daewoon Hwang; Head of Mission, Korean Embassy-Lagos, Mr. Gyu Young Kim; Head of Fundraising & Communications, SOS Children’s Villages- Nigeria, Mrs Uche Odiase; Program Director, SOS Children’s Villages-Nigeria, Ogun Program, Mr. Anthony Amanze; and General Manager, Air Conditioning and Energy Solutions, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Junhwa Jeong , during Korean Embassy/ LG Electronics’ CSR visit/donation to SOS Children’s Village in Ijebu-Owu, Ogun State.

young engagement platform, ivotenaija in partnership with E-collect and Doctors without Borders has set up Digital Strategic Hub (DSH) in Nigeria towards the 2015 election.

The convener of the ivotenaija, Peter Ukhurebor, disclosed this in a release yesterday in Lagos.

According to him, The Digital Strategic Hub is a youth engagement platform, where young people can share ideas and discuss about their future; such as who is best to lead them.

He said that over the years young people have lost much interest in the political system of the country, as they have been disenfranchised by the system.

“The youths are not interested in voting, and have felt that their votes didn’t count.

The last General elections in the country were a testament that Every Vote Counts”, he said.

Ukhurebor noted that the President of United State of America, Barrack Obama came on board with new media in 2008 involving young people in his campaign, reaching them in a language they could understand.

He asserted that in today’s world, communication to a target audience is essential. Nigeria has youth strength of 53 million young people with about 40 million engaging on one social platform or the other.

He opined that the ivotenaija will be interactive and get young people to get on their toes to participate, volunteer and see history in the making in all the 36 states of the federation.

WASPAN calls for collaboration to develop VAS

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OMPANIES offering value-added services on mobile network have urged all stakeholders in the mobile telecommunications industry to join hands together in order to fully develop the wireless application sub-sector for the country’s social and economic growth.

The body, under its trade body, Wireless Applications Service Providers Ltd GTE (WASPAN) said in a statement on Monday that the current scenario whereby mobile networks, wireless application service providers hold divergent opinions on several critical industry issues would not augur well for the sector’s development and the country’s growth.

According to the National Coordinating Consultant of WASPAN, Mr. Simon Aderinola, wireless application sub-sector is one that has emerged globally in recent years and not part of the traditional telecommunications services. He noted that based on this reality, there is some degree of uncertainty about how to regulate the activities of wireless application providers and how to help develop the sub-sector.

Aderinola said the problem was not peculiar to Nigeria, noting that in many countries after initial problems, collaboration between network operators, application service providers, the industry regulator and other stakeholders had led to the development of the industry for greater economic benefits.

“We need to learn from the success of the models adopted in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Kenya and Ghana. These are countries where the wireless application services industry is C M Y K

doing well. These countries collaborated to develop a framework that is now successfully benefitting stakeholders,” he said.

It will be recalled that following unending controversies, especially between mobile networks and wireless application services providers, WASPAN in 2012 invited experts from South Africa to help in sharing their experiences on the matter.

Dr. Leon Pellman, the consultant that helped South Africa set up the country’s joint industry regulatory framework led a delegation to Nigeria and had useful discussions with several stakeholders in the country on how to develop application service subsector in the telecom industry.

CAROL SERVICE: From left; Peoples' warder, Mr. Olusola Odugbemi; The Curate, Rev. Bola Osinupebi; Vicar of the Church, Venerable Tunde Oduwole; The Curate, Rev. Goodluck Nwosu and Vicar's warder, Barrister George Etomi during the annual thanksgiving & rededication of the Nativity Young Wives's fellowship at the Church of The Nativity Christmas Carol Service of Nine Lessons in Park View Estate, lkoyi.

Senior Civil Servants lament non-payment of three months salaries

By Victor Ahiumayoung

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SSOCIATION of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, yesterday said over 100,000 employers of Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, would be celebrating a bleak Christmas as the government had not paid their October to December 2014 salaries.

The association lamented that some state governments had also now paid workers their salaries making the yuletide enjoyable for them and their loved ones.

Investigations revealed that among states that are owing workers either arrears of salaries and other benefits include Benue, Ondo, Ogun and Ekiti states.

Speaking yesterday, Secretary General of ASCSN, Mr. Alade Bashir Lawal, said immediately after Christmas, the body would declare industrial action to ensure that members got their salaries, saying similar things happened last year and that it took up to February before the affected workers were paid.

According to him, as at 2pm none of the employers of MDAs had received any alert that any amount had been paid into his or her account.

From our records, as at October, staff of five MDAs, did not receive their salaries, by November, the MDAs increased to 11 and as we speak, about 30 MDAs are affected. Over 100, 000 employees in the MDAs are affected. Some of the

MDAs are Ministry of Works with a staff strength of 26,000; Ministry of Education with a staff of 25,000;, Ministry of Labour and Productivity, is affected, Ministry of Agriculture and National Identity Card Management Commission, NICMC, are also affected. We are that the computation had been done and the file is at the Office of the Minister of Finance.

But the Minister has refused to approve money for the payment of these salaries.

By the close of work today (Yesterday), if the workers are not paid, immediately after the Christmas holiday, we will meet to take decisive action on it. I can tell you that the situation is very bad for the workers. Most of them have been borrowing to service

their obligations hoping that government will pay them. Today (yesterday) is December 24, and by 2 pm nothing has happened.

“We are also in the know that government wants to retrench as a result of falling crude oil prices in the international market. We are prepared for it. We have mobilizes our members and informed them that once government announces any retrenchment, they should seat at home. When the crude oil prices were high, when the going was good, we did not participate in the boom or enjoyment with them. We asked for salary increase, they refused, so, they cannot transfer the pains to us now” Recall that last week, ASCSN, had raised alarm over non-payment of October to December salaries to Federal Government MDAs, threatening industrial action.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 — 55

XMAS: Yero urges prayer against Boko Haram ...As Al-Makura, Ahmed preach peace, love

By Demola Akinyemi with agency report

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ADUNA State governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has urged Christians in the country to use the period of the Christmas season to pray for an end to Boko Haram insurgency in the north east as well as peaceful polls in 2015.

Yero spoke as his counterparts in Nasarawa and Kwara States, Alhaji Umaru Al-Makura and Abdulfatah Ahmed respectively also asked Christians to spread the virtues of peace, love and charity which underscored Christ’s mission on earth, as they celebrated Christmas.

They made these known in their separate Christmas messages to Nigerians yesterday.

Yero asked Christians to use the Christmas period to pray for peaceful conduct of next year’s general elections which, he said was critical to sustaining peace and harmony not only in the state but the country at large.

In his Christmas message signed by the Special Adviser, Media, Mallam Ahmed Maiyaki, the governor further called on the residents of the state, especially Christians to also use the opportunity of the Christmas to reflect on the essence of peace, love and salvation to mankind which were the reasons for the birth of Jesus Christ.

Yero said, “as a holy period when Christians all over the world mark the birth of Jesus Christ, it is imperative to reflect on the basic tenets of Christianity anchored on peace, love and unity of the whole of mankind.

“Let us use the opportunity provided by Christmas to pray for peaceful elections next year. Let us extend hands of fellowship to one another irrespective of difference in religion or ethnic groups.

“Young people should not allow themselves to be used negatively by selfish people. They should also desist from acts that could breach peace, such as indulging in the use of illicit drugs, street fighting, use of fire crackers and

other forms of social vices.”

He therefore urged the people of the state to use the period to forge greater unity, peace and love among the diverse people themselves.

Yero further called for prayers for immediate end to the current insurgency in some parts of the country just as he asked adherents of the two main religions including Muslims and Christians to continue to live in harmony.

He however, assured the people of adequate security to ensure a hitch free Yuletide.

Also, Governor Al-Makura of Nasarawa State called on Christians to use the opportunity to pray fervently for an end to the numerous challenges confronting the nation.

The statement was signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Yakubu Lamai.

He said there was no better time to preach and internalise Jesus Christ’s mission on earth than now, owing to increasing intolerance in the country.

He urged the faithful to continue to co-habit peacefully with nonChristians, to engender

sustainable peace needed for the growth and development of the nation.

Al-makura urged political leaders to remain committed to the promotion of citizens’ welfare under their watch, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations.

The governor wished Christians a joyful celebration and prayed for the warmth of God’s love to fill every home during the festive season.

He described the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ as the climax of God’s love for mankind.

He said also that God used the birth of Christ to ensure the salvation of man from sin and rescue of man from eternal perdition.

Al-makura urged the people of the state to emulate God’s love by showing love to fellow citizens regardless of their religious belief.

He advised the people, especially Christians, to spend the Christmas season in sober reflection and self examination of their relationship with their Creator.

While urging Christians to learn the lesson of humility as

demonstrated in the birth of Jesus, Gov. Al-Makura noted that the birth of Jesus in a manger demonstrated uncommon humility.

He admonished them to use the season to share love and lend a helping hand to others, most especially the less privileged.

The governor urged Christians to use the period to pray for a peaceful and successful conduct of the forthcoming general elections in the country.

He reiterated the readiness of his administration to continue to ensure peaceful coexistence of adherents of all religions in the state offer them atmosphere conducive to practise their faiths.

In his own message, the Kwara State governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed also advised Christians to use the period of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ to preach national unity, love and understanding as ways of healing the pains and anguish in the land.

Ahmed, in his message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, said that Nigerians must always projected the virtues of humility, self denial and brotherliness, which were the hallmarks of the teachings of Christianity and other religion.

RETREAT: From left: Emeka Asidanya, Executive Director, Business Development (SouthEast & South-South); Okechukwu Eze, Executive Director, Business Services and Operations, both of Tenece Professional Services; Martin Udogie, CEO BrainPower Limited and author of the book, 'How to Read More', and Kingsley Eze, MD/CEO, Tenece Professional Services Ltd, during Tenece's end of year retreat held in Lagos.

Lamido denied being appointed as Jonathan's campaign coordinator

By Aliyu Dangida

D

UTSE—GOVERNOR Sule Lamido of Jigawa State has denied stories making the rounds that he had been appointed as President Goodluck Jonathan North-West Campaign Coordinator for 2015 general election.

Lamido spoke yesterday in Dutse while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after the PDP state caucus meeting, saying that as I am talking to you right C M Y K

now there is no official letter from the presidency or president himself appointing me as his campaign coordinator or what so ever.

He further explained that, ‘’as you heard it, so I did but nobody has contact me. As far as I am concerned I am not appointed into the position of Jonathan Campaign Coordinator at any level either through the party or the president personally.

“I am not President Jonathan Campaign Coordinator. I saw it

on the pages of newspapers; this does not mean I was appointed since nobody contacted me personally or officially.”

However, speaking on why President Jonathan posters were not seen on the party’s campaign vehicles, the acting Chairman of the PDP in state, who is also the Vice Chairman, Jigawa Central, Alhaji Aminu Jahun said, every candidate had his campaign strategy and committee.

Also commenting on the essence of the party stakeholders

meeting the campaign director of the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the state, Alhaji Isa Duniya Bahutu said, it was to map out campaign strategies would ensure victory in the forthcoming general elections.

Said he: “You know there are some party stakeholders who were not entitled to participate in the election of the party’s candidates but they are entitled to know how we arrived at having them at all levels, so we used this meeting to inform them.”

2015: Nigeria Air Force overhauls logistics, manpower

By Demola Akinyemi

I

LORIN—AHEAD of 2015 general elections, the Nigeria Air Force has begun overhauling of it’s logistics and manpower resources for the distribution of election materials across the country.

Air Officer Commanding, AOC, (Mobility Command) of the Nigeria Air Force, NAF, Air Vice Marshal Umar Ahovi Umeiza spoke in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin while on an inspection visit, noting that the national assignment would complement efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the timely arrival of the election material at the designated centres across the country .

Umeiza said that the command was prepared to ensure hitch-free polls explaining that the inspection became necessary since the Air Force was an integral party of the system that should ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2015.

He also noted that the outcome of the exercise was expected to distribute election materials to every nook and crannies of Nigeria particularly the crisis ridden north eastern part of the country.

In view of this, Ahovi said he needed to inspect various units to ensure that the logistics were in good shape for the exercise.

His words,”The unit here in Ilorin is one of those under the mobility command and is responsible for the movement of men and equipment, particularly in the North East where we have insecurity problem.

“We have the next year general election coming.

We all know that most of the election materials in support of INEC functions are mostly lifted by this mobility command and as such every effort will be made to ensure that all these functions will be carried out.

“So, my effort, will be to adequately cover all the activities in the command.''

The AOC also inspected the hangar at the NAF Base, Ilorin, and visited the NAF base at Gbagba and Adewole areas of the state capital where he held a talks with the officers and men.

56 — Vanguard, THURSDAY,DECEMBER 25, 2014

You've made a career of lying, Soyinka replies Obasanjo

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

N

OBEL prize laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, yesterday, gave a rebuttal to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s latest book, My Watch describing it as a narrative by a career liar always determined to crookedly project himself above his true standing among men.

Affirming his general detestation of such men, Soyinka said the Obasanjo brand was compounded by the inclination of even foisting the lies on members of the younger generation.

Obasanjo had in his book flayed Soyinka as a self serving critic who he said always sought to shine out among men claiming that the Nobel Laureate is a “misfit as a political analyst, commentator or critic.”

He had written “For Wole, no one can be good, nor can anything be spot-on politically except that which emanates from him or is ordained by him.”

Continuing his assessment of Soyinka, Obasanjo had said: “He is surely a better wine connoisseur and a more successful “aparo” (guinea fowl) hunter than a political critic, not to talk of what he would do as a politician,” adding “I take him seriously on almost all issues except on the political particularly Nigerian politics.”

Soyinka's treatise Replying, yesterday, in a treatise, titled Watch and Pray, Watch and Prey, Soyinka said: "I had fully attuned myself to the fact that our Owu retiree soldier and prolific author is an infliction that those of us who share the same era and nation space must learn to endure. However, it does appear that there is no end to this individual’s capacity for infantile mischief, and for needless, mindboggling provocations, such as his recent ‘literary’ intrusion on my peace.

Perhaps I ought to interrupt myself here with an apology to some mutual acquaintances – ‘blessed peacemakers’ and all especially in this season of ‘peace and goodwill to all men’. Please C M Y K

know that your efforts have not been entirely in vain. I had a c o r d i a l exchange Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka w i t h Obasanjo over the phone recently – incorrigible but, more engineered by himself, his importantly, that some issues ground staff and/or a chance transcend one’s personal visitor – when I had cause to preferences for harmonious visit his Presidential Laundromat human relationships even in a for the first time ever. During that season of traditional good will. exchange, I complemented him The change in weather on making some quite positive conditions sits quite well with me, use of landed property that was however, since we are both acquired under morally dubious acquainted with the Yoruba circumstances, and blatantly proverb that goes: the child that developed through a process swears his mother will not sleep that I denounced as ‘executive must also prepare for a extortionism’. That obscene prolonged, sleepless infancy. So proceeding has certainly set a let it be with Okikiola, the competitive precedent for overgrown child of circumstance. impunity in President Jonathan’s One of the incessant ironies that recent fund-raising shindig, leapt up at me as I read editorialized in The Punch Obasanjo’s magnum opus was (December 23, 2014) as that we are both victims of a “Impunity Taken too Far”. So number of distasteful impositions much for the latest from that - such as being compelled again direction - we mustn’t allow and again to seek justice against Handing-Over notes between libel in the law courts. I felt presidents to distract us for too genuine empathy to read that he long. still has a pending thirty-year case instituted by him against his Creative alleged libelers! Judgment was conversion delivered in my favour regarding one of the most To return to our main man, and nauseating only this year, after friendly interventionists, you may surviving technical and other like to note that I went so far as procrastinations, defendant to engage him in light banter, evasions and other legalistic stating that some of his lesser impediments for nearly as long sins would be forgiven him for as his. that creative conversion of the landscape – a conversation that Resurrection he shortly afterwards delightedly ritual language shared with at least three mutual acquaintances. I promised a That leaves only a veritable follow-up visit to view some Methuselah on the court list still mysterious rock script whose awaiting re-listing under the existence, he informed me, was resurrection ritual language uncovered by workers during known as de novo. ground clearing. The exchange Unfortunately, not all acts of was, in short, as good as ‘malice defamation or willful towards none’ that any polemicist misrepresentation are actionable, could hope to contribute to the otherwise, my personal list ongoing season of peace and against this newly revealed goodwill. Obviously that visit will fellow-sufferer would have not now take place, any more counted for an independent than the pursuit of vague notions volume of the Nigerian Law of some creative collaboration Report since our paths first with his Centre that began to play crossed during the Civil War. My around my mind. commitment to the belief in the That much I do owe you from fundamental right of all human my report card. Perhaps you will beings not to be lied against now accept that there are remains a life obsession, and individuals who are born

President Olusegun Obasanjo’ thus demands, at the very least, an obligation of non-commission among fellow victims.

I must, therefore, reserve a full, frontal dissection of Obasanjo’s My Watch for later, most especially since the work itself is currently under legal restraint and is not readily accessible to a general readership. So, for now, let me single out just one of the most glaring instances of this man’s compulsive career of lying, one sample that the media can readily check upon and use as a touchstone – if they do need one - in assessing our author ’s multifaceted claims and commentaries on people and events. I refer here to the grotesque and personally insulting statement that he has attributed to me for some inscrutable but obviously diversionary reasons. In the process, this past Master of Mendacity brazenly implicates an innocent young man, Akin Osuntokun, who once served him as a Special Adviser. Instead

When an old man stuffs a lie into the throat of an age-mate of his own children omo inu e! - we can only pity an irredeemable egomaniac whose dotage is headed for twilight disgrace

of conferring dignity on a direct rebuttal of an ignoble fabrication, I shall simply make a personal, all-embracing attestation: I despise that species of humanity whose stock-in-trade is to concoct lies simply to score a point, win an argument, puff up his or her own ego, denigrate or attempt to destroy a fellow being.

However, even within such deplorable species, a special pit of universal opprobrium is surely reserved for those who even lack the courage of their own lies, but must foist them on others.

Twilight disgrace When an old man stuffs a lie into the throat of an age-mate of his own children - omo inu e! we can only pity an irredeemable egomaniac whose dotage is headed for twilight disgrace.

D.O. Fagunwa, the pioneer Yoruba novelist, was a compulsive moralist. I suspect that he may have exerted some influence on our garrulous general, resulting in his pupil’s tedious, misapplied and selfserving deluge of moralizing. It seems quite likely indeed that the ghostly, moralistic hand of Fagunwa reached out from the Great Beyond, sat his would-be competitor forcefully before a mirror and bade him write what he saw in that image. I invoke Fagunwa because, at his commemorative colloquium in Akure in August last year, I drew my audience’s attention to a remarkable passage in Fagunwa’s Igbo Olodumare.

The passage had struck me during translation and stuck to my mind. I found it uncanny that the original creative moralist, Fagunwa, had captured the psychological profile of a being whom I have been compelled by circumstances to study as an eerie creation, yet this was a character Fagunwa was unlikely to have encountered in real life at the Continues on page 57

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014—57

Removing body organs without consent permitted by the National Health Act, 2014 You have made a career of lying, Soyinka replies Obasanjo Continues from page 56 time that he produced that work.

The section comes from an account of a visit to the abode of Iku, Death, the terrifying host to Olowo-aiye, the narrative voice of the adventure. Iku, the host, had been admonishing his guests through the histories of seven creatures who were not permitted a straightforward passage to Heaven or Hell, but were subjected to admonitory punishment at the halfway house to the abode of the dead.

The most horrendous tortures were reserved, it would seem, for the last of the seven such ‘detainees’, and I invited my audience to ponder if they could identify any prominent individual, a public figure whose life conduct seamlessly fitted into Fagunwa’s portrayal, which went thus: “The seventh…. is not among those who set out to improve the world but rather to cause distress to its inhabitants. It was through manipulations that he attained a high position. Having achieved this however, he constantly blocked the progress of those behind him, this being a most deplorable act in the eyes of God, and rank behaviour in the judgment of the dwellers of heaven – that anyone who has enjoyed upliftment in life should seek to be an obstacle for those who follow him.

Creature that worked in darkness This man forgot the beings of earth, forgot the beings of heaven, in turn, he forgot the presence of God. The worst kind of behaviour agitated his hands – greed occupied the centre of his heart, and he was a creature that walked in darkness. This man wallowed in bribery, he was chairman of the circle of scheming, head of the gang of double-dealing, field-marshal of those who crept about in the dark of night.

With his mouth, he ruined the work of others, while he used a big potsherd to cover the good works of some, that others might not see their attainments.

He nosed around for secrets that would entrap his companions, and blew them up into monumental crimes in the eyes of the world. He who turns the world upside down, places the deceitful on the throne, casts the truthful down – because such is a being of base earth, he will never stand as equal among the uplifted.”

My co-occupants of the High Table, in side remarks, and C M Y K

those who came up from the audience afterwards to volunteer their answer to the riddle, without exception named one individual and one individual only, even as I remained non-committal.

Indeed, one or two tried to put up a defence of that nominee, and I had to remind them that I had named no one!

Fagunwa wrote largely of the world of mongrelized creatures but, as I remarked, his fiction remains a prescient and cautionary mirror of the society we inhabit, where beasts of the forest appear to have a greater moral integrity than those who claim to be leading lights of society.

Season of goodwill In this season of goodwill, we owe a duty to our immediate and distant neighbours: CAVEAT EMPTOR! Let all beware, who try to buy a Rolex from this indefatigable watch peddler.

His own hand-crafted, uniquely personalized timepiece has been temporarily confiscated by NDLEA and other guardians of public health but, there is no cause for despair. Such has been the fate of the misunderstood and the envied, avatars descended from the heavens before their time, the seers, and all who crave recognition. Our author invokes God tirelessly, without provocation, without necessity and without justification, perhaps preemptively, but does he really believe in such an entity? Does our homebred Double-O-Seven believe in anything outside his own Omnipotency? Could he possibly have mistaken the Christian exhortation – ‘Watch and Pray’ for his private inclination to “Watch and Prey?

This is a seasoned predator on others’ achievements – he preys on their names, their characters, their motivations, their true lives, preys on gossip and preys on facts, preys on contributions to c o l l e c t i v e undertakings…..even preys on their identities, substituting his own where possible. Well, hopefully he may actually believe in the inevitable End to all vanities? So, let our Great Immortal, the Unparalleled Achiever, Divinely appointed Watchman even on the world that is yet to come remember Fagunwa’s Iku, the ultimate predator whose visitation comes to us all, sooner or later.

Chei! There is Death o!

By Femi Falana

I

T was reported in the media last week that President Goodluck Jonathan had signed the National Health Bill into law.

As a legal framework for the management and regulation of the health sector the Act has addressed some of the challenges and concerns of the Nigerian people with respect to access to medical care. Unfortunately, some of the provisions of the Act have empowered doctors to violate the right of Nigerians to life by removing the organs of living persons without authorization.

Before examining the obnoxious provisions of the Act it is pertinent to note that it is the most comprehensive legislation on healthcare in Nigeria.

Section 46 of the Act which has barred public officers from travelling abroad for medical check-up, investigation and treatment at public expense should compel the Federal Government to fix and upgrade some hospitals to international standards. To ensure the provision of basic health services to Nigerians not less than one per cent of the consolidated revenue fund of the Federal Government shall be allocated to the National Provision Fund on an annual basis. But having regard to the enormous costs of medical services the one per cent allocation is like a drop in the ocean. It is, however, hoped that the National Health Insurance Scheme will be reorganized to partner with the National Health Council (created under the Act) to ensure the provision of efficient and affordable healthcare delivery system throughout the country.

It is, however, doubtful if both chambers of the National Assembly which had passed the Bill and the President who assented to it studied the provisions of the law. Otherwise how can the President and the federal legislators justify section 51 of the Act which provides as follows: “1. A person shall not remove

FEMI FALANA tissue from a living person for transplantation in another living person or carry out the transplantation of such tissue except: (a) In a hospital authorized for that purpose; and (b) On the written authority of; (i) The medical practitioner in charge of clinical services in that hospital or any other medical practitioner authorized by him or her; or (ii) In the case where there is no medical practitioner

in charge of the clinical services at that hospital a medical practitioner authorized thereto by the person in charge of the hospital.

2. The medical practitioner stated in subsection(1)(b) shall not be the lead participation in a transplant for which he has granted authorization under that subsection.

3 . For the purpose of transplantation, there shall be an independent tissue transplantation committee within any health establishment that engages in the act and practice of transplantation as prescribed.”

It is indubitably clear from the said section 51 of the Act that the National Assembly has infringed on the fundamental rights of every citizen of Nigeria to the dignity of their person and the right to privacy as well as freedom of thought, conscience and religion guaranteed by sections 34, 37 and 38 of the amended 1999 Constitution. As there can be no justification for reducing the body of a Nigerian

Medical and Dental Practitioner Disciplinary Tribunal v.

Okonkwo (2001) WRN 1 the Supreme Court held that a patient has the constitutional right to reject a life-serving treatment on religious n grounds. In the leading judgment of the apex court Justice Emmanuel Ayoola held inter alia: “The patient’s constitutional right to object to medical treatment or, particularly, as in this case, to blood transfusion on religious grounds is founded on fundamental rights protected by the 1979 Constitution…The right to privacy implies a right to protect one’s thought, conscience or religious belief and practice from coercive and unjustified intrusion; and, one’s body from unauthorized invasion. The right to freedom of thought, conscience or religion implies a right not to be prevented, without lawful justification, from choosing the course of one’s life, fashioned on what one believes in, and a right not to be coerced into acting contrary to religious belief. The limits of these

The National Assembly has, by the obnoxious provision of the National Health Act, 2014, abused its legislative powers citizen to spare parts of vehicles which can be removed and sold in the market the National Assembly has, by the obnoxious provision of the National Health Act, 2014, abused its legislative powers. Before the passage of the controversial bill into law the constitutional right of the Nigerian people to reject or refuse medication including a life saving treatment on religious grounds had long been recognized by the courts. The essence of the constitutional right is that an individual should be allowed to choose a course for his/her life subject to overriding public interests. Hence, the consent of patients or their family members is required whv bnere surgical operations are recommended. Where such consent is not freely given a doctor cannot perform an operation on any person without a court order. From the information at my disposal a powerful Foundation in the United States influenced the introduction of section 51 to the bill at the National Assembly. It is sad to note that none of the legislators could challenge the sponsors of the provision which cannot be found in any of the health legislations in western countries.

Since medical doctors have been empowered to decide when to remove organs from living persons Section 51 of the Act constitutes an infringement of the rights of citizens to life, dignity of their persons as well as the rights to privacy and freedom of thought, conscience and religion guaranteed by Section 33, 34, 37 and 38 of the Constitution. In

freedoms, as in all cases, are where they impinge on the rights of others or where they put the welfare of society or public health in jeopardy.”

It is pertinent to point out that it is the medical doctor or manager of a hospital and not the donor who has the power to authorize that an organ be removed from a living Nigerian citizen. The definition of “organ” in the law includes kidney, liver, heart, lens, ovarian eggs, sperm. The proponents of the law are likely to refer to section 48 thereof which provides for the “informed consent” of a donor.

But such consent “may be waived for medical investigations and treatment in emergency cases”.

As far as the fundamental right of a Nigerian to dignity is concerned there can be no waiver of consent under any medical condition.

Since the consent clause may be waived for “medical investigation and treatment in emergency cases” it does appear that medical practitioners and hospitals have been licensed to remove tissues and organs of living Nigerian citizens as any medical condition may be considered an emergency. By denying patients the right to give consent or authorize the removal of vital organs from their bodies the National Assembly has empowered doctors to subject Nigerians to degrading and inhuman treatment. In other words, Section 51 of the Act constitutes an egregious assault on the humanity of Nigerians.

The provision of the law cannot be allowed to be implemented in any civilized society. Therefore, the National Assembly should expunge it from the law without any delay.

58 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 — 59

No rest in England as hectic festive period looms W

HILE Europe’s other big leagues take a breather over the festive period, clubs in the English Premier League begin a traditionally frenzied spell of fixtures that excites fans, exhausts players, tests managers, and potentially defines campaigns.

A run of four games in nine or 10 days kicks off on Friday with a full program, with Chelsea looking to tame one of the surprise teams of the season to stay in first place and keep title rival Manchester City at arm’s length.

West Ham arrives at Stamford Bridge in fourth place and as London’s No. 2 team this season, a side reborn under Sam Allardyce following summer orders from the hierarchy to play a more attractive brand of football.

West Ham is certainly doing that and impressive wins over City and Liverpool so far suggest a trip to Chelsea will hold no fear.

“Playing against Big Sam (Allardyce) is a hard job for us, we have to cope with it,” said Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who thinks his team has the hardest festive fixtures of all of the top teams with games at Southampton and Tottenham to come.

By beating Stoke on Monday, Chelsea restored a three-point lead over City and ensured it would be top on Christmas Day a noteworthy milestone that has special significance for the Blues. The last three times Chelsea has led the league on Dec. 25, it has gone on to win the title.

“What we did in the past is not important,” Mourinho said. “What’s important is this season, and this season we are top of the league since day one and we are there because we are playing really well.

“In my opinion we are the best team.”

Here are some other things to look out for in the 18th round: Exciting West Ham:

C M Y K

•Pellegrini When West Ham last travelled to Chelsea, in January 2014, the visitors held on for 0-0 despite conceding 39

•Van Gaal shots on their goal, and were accused by Mourinho of playing “football from the 19th century” because of their

•Mourinho defensive tactics.

That is unlikely to be the case this time round, with Allardyce recently speaking of his “fantastic

options” up front with strikers Andy Carroll, Diafro Sakho, and Enner Valencia, and attacking midfielder Stewart Downing looking sharp.

“We’re playing great football, and any team that we play against is going to be worried about us,” said Carroll, who has rediscovered his best form after injury.

“We’ve got more than one attacking option - we play it on the floor, play it in the air, down the sides.”

West Ham hasn’t been in a higher position in the top flight of English football at Christmas Day since 1985

•Chelsea's Eden Hazard (l) shoots at goal during an EPL match against West Ham.

Nations Cup 2015: Alex Song misses out on Cameroon squad

•Song

A

LEXANDRE Song, Aurélien Chedjou and Benoît Assou-Ekotto have been dropped again from the Cameroon squad.

A 23-player list has been announced at the Fécafoot headquarters in Yaoundé this Wednesday, ahead of Cameroon’s continental campaign at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Assou-Ekotto, Chedjou and Song made their last international appearance at the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, missing out on the Lions’ entire qualifying campaign.

National coach Volker Finke put his faith in the group who sealed a first place finish in their Group D of the qualifiers, following a six-match unbeaten run.

However, the German decided to recall Erciyesspor ’s striker Jacques Zoua for the occasion.

The Indomitable Lions will kick off their AFCON campaign against Mali in Malabo on January 20, before tackling Guinea on January 24 and facing Côte d’Ivoire four days later at the same venue.

Who has the trickiest Christmas schedule?

Chelsea

December 26, West Ham (h): 4th December 28, Southampton (a): 5th January 1, Tottenham (a): 7th It looks like Mourinho was right about his own side’s fixtures – the league leaders have the toughest Christmas of all as they take on one of the surprise

occupants of a top-four spot when they host West Ham on Boxing Day, before facing a tricky trip to the south coast to play Southampton and then ringing in the New Year with a London derby at White Hart Lane.

Man City

December 26, West Brom (a): 15th

December 28, Burnley (h): 18th January 1, Sunderland (h): 14th It looks like Mourinho had a point, because Manchester City boast the easiest on-paper festive fixture list in the Premier League. A trip to struggling West Brom on Boxing Day is followed by two home games, first

against Burnley before they host Sunderland, who they beat 4-1 at the Stadium of Light at the beginning of the month.

West Ham

December 26, Chelsea (a): 1st December 28, Arsenal (h): 6th January 1, West Brom (h): 15th

The Hammers are enjoying a fantastic season and their Christmas schedule could give an indication of where they could find themselves come May. Sam Allardyce’s men start with a big clash at Chelsea on Boxing Day then host Arsenal before welcoming struggling West Brom to Upton Park.

60 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Mikel, Song to do battle

A

FRICAN stars Daifra Sakho and Alex Song will come face to face with Nigeria’s Mikel Obi when West Ham face Chelsea on Boxing Day. But, according to West Ham striker Andy Carroll, their manager Sam Allardyce knows how to beat top managers in the English Premier League.

Facing Jose Mourinho is a daunting task, but one that the West Ham players feel confident about considering their manager’s pedigree.

Mikel is expected to start in deep midfield and if he does will come face to face with Cameroon star Alex Song, which will be a battle to keep an eye on.

Allardyce is set to go head-to-head with master tactician Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, with West Ham 11 points behind the Premier League leaders.

Carroll, who earlier in December said West Ham were capable of winning the league, hailed Allardyce’s leadership of the Upton Park club ahead of their London derby with Mourinho’s men.

normal for the Big Boss to be relieved of his job after the AFCON miss.

“Everybody in Nigeria knows that when Siasia did not qualify everybody from the media, the fans insisted that they have to sack him, so it is normal that when a coach does not qualify for the Nations Cup or the World Cup he is not allowed to stay on. I am sorry to say that; they have to sack him (Keshi),” Taiwo said.

“Nigeria is not just for one person, if a coach does not qualify you for a competition why do you have to keep him?” he questioned.

While many will be quick to conclude that the hard stance of Taye Taiwo on Keshi may be linked to his exemption from national team duties, the former Olympique Marseille of France stalwart claimed he had no grouse with anyone over his national team snub, but insisted that if it pleases God for him to still represent Nigeria he would definitely do so.

C M Y K

T

HE First Lady Dame Patience Ebele Jonathan has accepted the proposal of the Nigeria Women Football League to confer her with the honour of the Grand Matron Of Women Football in the country.

Revealing this in Abuja Tuesday, the Chairman of the Nigeria Women Football League Chief (Mrs.) Dilichukwu

Onyedinma said the First Lady conveyed her acceptance through a letter dated 24th November, 2014 and signed by Rosana Oba in her office.

Onyedinma said “We are happy to inform Nigerians that the First Lady Dame (Mrs.) Patience Ebele Jonathan has accepted our proposal to her to be our Grand Matron.”

Ronaldo Continues from B/P

•Mikel “He knows how to beat managers, their tactics,” Carroll said.

“He knows what they are going to do against us. It’s just a game of chess, really, looking a move ahead.

“It is different tactics, different teams. He’s not the same every week.

Different things.

Taye Taiwo Continues from B/P

Patience Jonathan now Grand Patron of Women football in Nigeria

“Please don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with Keshi, Amokachi or even the NFF. The players that have been called are also doing fantastically well, everything is in the hands of Allah. If I get the chance to play for Nigeria I will, if not, life goes on,” Taiwo said.

Indeed the debate for Keshi to remain as the national team handler is one of the most controversial issues in the Nigerian sports circle in 2014.

It is not yet known how the situation will finally pan out as there have been conflicting signals coming from the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, which is evidently foot-dragging on whether to give Keshi a new contract or hire a new hand to steer the national team.

For now, Assistant Coach Daniel Amokachi is in the saddle having been given the mandate to lead the Super Eagles team in the two upcoming friendly matches against Ivory Coast and Mali in Abu Dhabi in a fortnight.

•Song Obviously he wants a win, but you’ve got to watch the teams, how they ’re playing, how we’re going to break them down and win the game.

“He’s got loads of

different ways of attacking, we’ve got loads of dimensions to go forward. We can do anything. That’s what our qualities are at the minute.”

No ACL worries for Enyimba — Ikhana

E

NYIMBA technical adviser, Kadiri Ikhana has said his side have nothing to worry their heads over the preliminary round Caf Champions League opponents, Buffles du Borgou of Benin Republic.

The two-time African champions will open their title account against the Beninese side on the home front in the weekend of February 13,14 and 15.

Ikhana said what his side need in the coming year campaign is adequate preparations in order to attempt recreating the glory days of 2003 and 2004.

“That’s fantastic pairing

Nwosu • Ikhana as I’ve always believe that there is no more small team in the round leather game as the side are certain to field 11 players same as ours when football hostilities commence.

Erico Continues from B/P Nigeria for the 2015 Afcon.

Yes, I only said so for him to save his face. He is an accomplished guy, who to me has done well in his chosen career. I think it’s time he left the Eagles and look ahead because the insult is getting too much.”

He said his advice to Keshi was based on the

of course a wellseasoned and largely irresolvable debate, with battle lines drawn along club lines, issues of style, and even a skewed and incoherent sub-debate about natural and “manufactured” high-grade creative footballers (which still isn’t clear to this observer).

What is certain is that taking the year as a whole Ronaldo has been the single dominant figure, a phenomenal influence in the world’s champion club team, with 56 goals in 51 matches overall, along with league title, Champions League and Club World Club medals for Real Madrid.

And here at least his supremacy is a clear consensus rather than

an argument to be made. As a reminder, the top 100 list is a product of 73 judges drawn from 28 countries, with Hernán Crespo, Didi Hamann, Slaven Bilic and Gilberto Silva among the expert panel.

At the end of which Ronaldo is now No1 in the world, as voted by 74% of those involved. It has been a steady reeling in of top spot. In 2012 Messi was the No1 pick by a 100% monopoly vote. Last year Messi was No1 by a 60% majority. This year Messi got just 12% of the vote, despite continuing to perform miracles of incision in La Liga and being enthroned (dubiously, and instantly disowned by Messi himself) as player of the 2014 World Cup finals.

fact that life is not stagnant. “If he based his sticking to the job on the President’s request that he continued, does he think the President will remain there forever?” Erico asked.

“The best thing to happen to him is that he should quit. The insult is getting too much,” Erico said repeatedly, adding, “if a white man can quit, why can’t he?”

Continues from B/P Niger, Guinea and Zambia in Group A of the cadet championship considered by bookmakers as relatively cheap.

Nwosu said it will amount to self deceit for anybody to expect cheap challenges as the eight qualifiers are already winners in their own right.

“Once you qualify for the final of a major championship it makes you a potential winner so I expect stiff challenges for Eaglets among the group opponents even beyond the group as well.

“However, I’m confident Eaglets will qualify from their group as they’re already used to the terrain.

“As much as I believe

that Eaglets have what it takes to emerge African cadet champions as well as head to the world stage to recreate what their immediate past predecessors did at the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) I don’t expect their opponents to just lay back without challenge.

“They must avoid complacency to realise their lofty dream at the African cadet championship in Niger,” said the former Nigerian international.

The championship which doubles as qualifiers for the 2015 Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Chile will see the semifinalists book their passage to the biennial global football showpiece.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 — 61

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62 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 — 63

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Ronaldo overtakes Messi T

HE top 100 footballer ’s in the world 2014 is now published in its entirety.

Once again the big story is the same old story. The two-man arm-

wrestle at the summit of international football’s individual awards has this year turned decisively Cristiano Ronaldo’s way. This is Continues on page 60

Sack Keshi now — Taye Taiwo S

UPER Eagles defender, Taye Taiwo, has made an unusual declaration saying Coach Stephen Keshi is not fit to continue as the national team coach especially after his failure to

•Ronaldo

qualify the country for the Africa Cup of Nations starting next month in Equatorial Guinea.

The Turkey-based defender said based on precedence, it was only

Nwosu predicts tough CAN for Eaglets

Continues on page 60

F

ORMER Golden Eaglets head coach, Henry Nwosu has said there will not be any easy opponents at the 2015 African Under-17 championship holding in Niger Republic from February 15-March 01.

The reigning world champions were pitched together with the hosts,

Erico justifies calls for Keshi to quit

BY JACOB AJOM

A

FTER joining the call for Keshi’s departure as Super Eagles Head Coach, former assistant Coach

TODAY'S

of the Super Eagles, Joe Erico has said it was only natural that Keshi called it quits after the failure to qualify

Continues on page 60

PUZZLE

•Keshi

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

•Taiwo

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Material (6) 5 Gap (6) 8 Enquiry (8) 9 Certain (4) 10 Ocean (3) 12 Thick (5) 15 Fixed (3) 17 Enemy (3) 18 Sleep (3) 19 Decay (3) 20 Skinflint (5) 21 Tavern (3) 22 Bird (3) 23 Abroad (3) 24 Stray (3) 26 Regal (5) 29 Sheep (3) 33 Tart (4) 34 Deputy (8) 35 Avaricious (6) 36 Supposition (6)

Continues on page 60

DOWN 2 Entertain (5) 3 Hurry (4) 4 Felony (5) 5 Premium (5) 6 Simple (4) 7 Oath (5) 10 Billow (5) 11 Following (5) 12 Object (5) 13 Offensive (5) 14 Enlist (5) 15 Malice (5) 16 Taut (5) 25 Reappear (5) 27 Strangely (5) 28 Apportion (5) 30 Irrigate (5) 31 Inactive (4) 32 Monster (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Fold 4, Cup 6, Luck 8, Eczema 9, Tenant 10, Way 12, Drama 14, Shoot 15, Epoch 18, Barrel 20, Agenda 24, Dated 26, Spend 28, Title 30, Tea 32, Cradle 33, Bridge 34, Flee 35, Tie 36, Girl.

DOWN: 2, Occur 3, Dreamer 4, Claw 5, Pity 6, Lunch 7, Concord 11, Arc 12, Dub 13, Ape 16, Old 17, Hat 19, Apparel 21, Get 22, Editing 23, Axe 25, Ace 27, Nudge 29, Lager 30, Tent 31, Able.

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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